The morning air felt heavier than usual, carrying the weight of goodbyes. At Harare International Airport, my family gathered around me like a protective circle. The check-in line stretched ahead, but for a moment, time slowed.
Mom clung to my hand as though letting go meant losing me forever. Dad stood tall but his eyes betrayed a soft glisten. My siblings… well, they couldn't stop with the jokes.
"Shelly," Clifton said, holding my passport dramatically, "remember—if you faint when you see Ohm Pawat, don't drop this. Immigration won't understand your love story!"
Everyone laughed, except me, who groaned for the hundredth time. "Why can't you guys just say you'll miss me?"
"We will," Caro teased, hugging me. "But we'll miss teasing you more."
Leratho hugged my waist tightly. "Bring me back Thai bubble tea!"
Collins squeezed my shoulder. "Study hard, sis. You've got this."
And then came the hardest part—Mom's final hug. She pressed her cheek against mine and whispered, "Go shine, Shelly. Remember, your dreams are ours too."
My throat tightened. I nodded quickly before tears could fall. "I'll make you proud."
---
Security checks, boarding calls, and the endless shuffle of travelers blurred together until I found myself in seat 34A, right next to the window. The plane loomed with possibility—24 hours between home and destiny.
As the engines roared to life, I pressed record on my camera.
"Hey guys, it's Shelly. This is it. I'm on my way to Thailand! My family just embarrassed me with more Ohm-Pond-Phuwin jokes, but… I'm so grateful. Next stop: Bangkok."
I gave the camera a shaky smile and ended the clip.
---
Hours stretched long in the air. After the meal trays cleared, I leaned back and scrolled through the entertainment screen.
"Hmm… should I watch a drama or something light?" I whispered.
The choice was obvious. I clicked on a Thai BL series starring Ohm and Nanon. My heart thudded as the familiar theme song began.
"I swear, even on a plane, I can't escape them," I muttered with a laugh, covering my face with the blanket.
A flight attendant passing by chuckled when she glanced at my screen. "You like Thai series?"
I blushed but nodded. "Very much. Maybe… too much."
She smiled kindly. "Then you'll love Bangkok."
---
Between naps, movies, and little journal notes, the hours crawled by. I filmed snippets for YouTube—me trying airplane food, a mini "what's in my travel bag" segment, and a quick confession:
"I can't believe I'm really doing this. Thailand feels like a dream, and yet in a few hours, it'll be real."
At one point, I messaged my siblings on Wi-Fi.
Caro: Did you faint yet when Ohm appeared on your screen?
Clifton: Careful not to scream in the cabin if Pond smiles.
Leratho: Send us snacks from the plane.
I laughed so hard the passenger beside me gave me a look.
---
Finally, after what felt like forever, the captain announced:
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are beginning our descent into Bangkok. Welcome to Thailand."
My heart skipped.
I pressed my forehead against the window, gasping at the sight below—Bangkok glowing like a galaxy, skyscrapers glittering, rivers snaking silver under the night sky.
Tears pricked my eyes. "This is it," I whispered. "This is really it."
---
The plane touched down, tires screeching against the runway. My hands trembled as I unbuckled my seatbelt.
Bangkok Airport was vast, alive, overwhelming. The voices, the signs in Thai and English, the sea of travelers—it was everything I had imagined and more.
I stopped for a moment, recording my very first words on Thai soil:
"Guys… I made it. From Chitungwiza to Bangkok. Dreams do come true."