Leaving is always hard. But leaving this trip felt like tearing a page from a beautiful book before finishing it. Sarah’s hug and the cab ride with Paddy were the final chapter. We talked of emigration, history, and Dublin’s soul.

Back at the airport, there were delays, but I didn’t care much. I had stories, images, and memories stuffed in my backpack like smuggled treasure.

And then-Malta. My hairy and furry family is waiting. My own little chaos and comfort.

What do you think?: