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Today we land in New York. I am Omar. Dad is a pilot. I wear my red plane backpack. My camera hangs on a yellow strap.
New York streets are busy today. Cabs honk, people hurry, lights blink. Glass buildings rise, shiny and tall. Dad smiles and shows a city map.
We walk down to the subway. We buy tickets at the station. A train arrives. It is loud and fast. We ride under the city.
We climb up and reach a big street. Skyscrapers shine like mirrors above us. The city hums. My sneakers tap. Dad checks the map and nods.
A crowd streams past my legs. I look around. Dad is not here. My heart thumps. I am lost now. I stand still and breathe slowly.
A girl in denim overalls waves. She wears a bright yellow cap. Hi, I am Mia, she says. Are you okay? Can I help?
I say, I am lost. Dad was here. He wears a navy pilot uniform. He has a black cap and badge. Mia nods. We can find him.
We look up between tall skyscrapers. Windows sparkle. Clouds touch the silver tips. The street feels small and windy. I smile. Big cities can feel friendly.
Mia points across the avenue. We can see the Empire State Building. It is tall, famous, and beautiful. We whisper, Hello, New York.
Mia spots Dad by the newsstand. He waves. His cap shines gold. We hurry. Dad smiles a big smile. I am safe. My hands stop shaking.
Thank you, Mia, Dad says warmly. I say thank you too. We grin. Dad tucks a tiny map in his cap. Mia laughs. New friends feel brave.
A street pretzel cart steams nearby. It smells warm, soft, and salty. Dad buys one. We share pieces. Crunch outside, fluffy inside, with mustard.
I lift my camera on its yellow strap. Click! I take a pretzel photo. Mia and Dad pose and laugh. Skyscrapers shine behind our happy faces.
Today New York feels bright and kind. Yesterday we were packing at home. My red backpack rests on my shoulders. I can travel again. Hello, Big City.
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