Evidence of our Existence:
by Aliyah Rios
1. My birth announcement stuffed in my dresser drawer.
2. The Philadelphia row-home with painted walls that evolved to different shades over two decades.
3. Our old, olive corduroy couches with floral print in the basement.
4. The new, reclining leather couches taking their place.
5. The circulation of school photos hanging on the living room wall.
6. The various footstep patterns on green carpet- then hardwood- that belong to a mother, a father, and a brother.
7. The familiar Goya seasonings placed in the cupboard.
8. The scent of Yankee Candles from school fundraisers and sizzling chuletas that lingered in the air.
9. The one-story mountain house built by Abuelo Berto in Perchas I, San Sebastian.
10. The coquis and neighborhood dog that guarded us in our sleep.
11. The mascaras’ that float past us in late December Hatillo.
12. The leather ball given to the young athlete.
13. The peace that came after he bounced it.
14. The risk a cautious mother took on her dream business.
15. The mental notes from a wise father to not withhold so much.
16. The popcorn ceiling that once was my sky.
17. The pieces of the sky I reached for and crumbled with my fingertips.
18. The dust that followed immediately after.