Endless rows of cookie-cutter houses passed outside as she starred out of the cab. K put down the window to feel the warm air hit her skin, refreshed that it wasn’t the cold brisk air of New York City but shocked by the intense humidity. Florida seemed to be the other side of America she had been told about for this new chapter in her life but not exposed to yet. Houses with white fences and garage doors that looked like chocolate bars lined the block, each repeating as if she was driving through a movie set.
The cab dropped her off in downtown Palm Beach, and she took a stroll through the main street, passing by faces that looked like one another and lacked diversity. It was quiet and calm, but almost too quiet. A month ago, a walk like this in her last home would have involved loud noises of different languages and the smells of every delicious food you can imagine.
Hungry, K found a cafe called “The Flamingo Cup.” She glanced at the menu, which included a cold brew, sweetened iced tea, and peppermint mocha all cheaper than it would be in New York but this did not cross her mind for long. The food offered a classic breakfast sandwich of bacon, egg, and cheese on a croissant. She ordered a cold brew and took a seat outside, observing Palm Beach once more. Her coffee was bland, and she looked around at the fancy ladies lining the streets and then back down at her own bright and vibrant outfit. K sat there admiring her new surroundings. She didn’t hate it but she was underwhelmed. Unsure if she was ready to go from a fast-paced lifestyle that kept her on her toes she had begun to discover a new feeling about life in America.
K is…
- 59 years old
- Female
- Swedish and American
- Straight
- Upper Middle Class