The sound of my alarm rudely awakened me. When I went to sleep, I was only 17 years old. But now I was officially an adult -- 18 years old. It didn't feel significantly different than the previous 6,574 days that I had existed on this planet, though I felt a tinge of nervousness. I was about to face what had become my usual routine since the beginning of September -- a 40-minute commute to community college, sit through class, then drive back home to read and study. Or would it be typical? I had thought about this, but would I really go through with it?
"Good morning, birthday boy." My mom greeted me as I sat down at the kitchen table to quickly eat a cup of yogurt and drink a glass of water. She had no idea what was racing through my mind.
"Good morning." I innocently replied.
"Just wanted to confirm that you will be here at 4:30 so we can all go to the restaurant together for your birthday tonight. Your grandparents will meet us there."
"Definitely." I said as I stood up from my now empty yogurt cup to head out for my commute.