6:00PM
I arrived at the pre-prom,
The house shined with lights and glittering balloons.
A path shaped like a yellow brick road.
My life as a young adult was about to commence
When I entered the gates.
At least eighty people engulfed the area, conversing behind the gates.
My mind screamed anxiety.
Not because of the people.
But because of me.
I creaked open the gate,
“KYLE!!!”
8:00PM
The air streaked with race car smoke
Five buses lined up in front of the golden house,
Ready to take me on a new adventure.
I climbed into the bus, and I was immediately pushed to the back.
Whether this classified as a social status signal or not,
I was not sure.
Yet, my anxiety piled down with my shoulders.
The music blared through the speakers,
My head slowly bobbled in approval.
10:00PM
The room was packed like sardines.
I barely sat down at my assigned table like I planned.
I was on the dance floor.
I was becoming comfortable.
I was recognizing the person that I am.
To this end, I was not quite sure what made me so well-liked
Other than my goals of being a nice person every day.
Is that what popularity is?
11:59PM
The clock spun—a really high-powered fan.
I am still unsure how time ran that fast,
It jumped up on its feet and sprinted to midnight.
Nevertheless, the apartment was cozy and tight.
MTV splattered a music video on the flat screen,
Hypnotizing everyone.
All my friends, old and new, surrounded me on the couch
Not necessarily watching the video,
But reflecting about what has happened tonight.
Or more broadly,
What just happened to our lives.
We—supposedly—had just become adults.
7:51AM
My phone flashed with excitement.
I was awake from my unexpected stay.
Everyone was happy that I stayed in the apartment for the night.
Even myself at this point I was happy,
And no longer anxious about anything.
Backpacks and sweatshirts were scattered around.
I bundled up all my stuff and exited into the bitter cold.
I entered the car and breathed a sigh of relief
When my father asked how my night went,
“I’m feeling dizzy with happiness and courage.”
Kyle Banker 