I was among the first groups of people cleared to visit Earth, I guess that’s what a dad with power can do. As we approached the planet and saw the beautiful blues and greens, I wondered why we left here at all.

I catch myself smelling the flowers in the lawn, I imagined families with kids running through the jungle, parents smiling on the cracked porch. This natural paradise seems different than the large, cold cities I’ve learned about. How could anyone move to such a harsh place after seeing this?

Maybe it was an upper class thing.

I imagine showing my father this place, the place his dad promised him. I wish I could see his face as he opened his eyes to the American dream, tangible and materialized.

This is America, I think to myself, this is the place my grandfather promised.

I can see why he loved it so.