18 years. I keep repeating the nagging number in my head. 18 years. In just one week, I'll have been alive for a full 18 years. In just one week, I'll be an adult. In just one week, I'll be off to the beach with my best friend. I've always imagined turning 18 to be the most important day of my life but as it's nearing, it's quite scary. I graze the emblem on my neck. I trace over the lines, as I've done any other time I'm nervous. I have the pattern memorized in my head as any other person would.
I remember seeing emblems imprinted on other's necks; they were a variety of colors, shapes, and patterns. They always seemed to suit their owner's personality. The one I can never seem to forget though, is when I met a girl on the street, her emblem was a sunflower with a dark blue butterfly rested upon the petals. She had a sweet aroma and a kind smile. Her posture was welcoming and her eyes glistened. She helped me pick up the bag of food I had dropped on the ground. Sometimes I wonder if she has met a boy with the same glistening eyes, the same kind smile—the same emblem.
My emblem is a deep orange sunset with royal blue water droplets scattered across it and a white dove right in the middle. I haven't quite figured out what each of these symbols represent, but I know one day I will figure it out; it won't be in me though, I'll see it in someone else. He may have the same pale skin as me, or it may be as dark as night. His eyes may be the same leafy color as mine, or they may be as blue as the ocean. His hair may be the same light caramel color as mine, or it may be as red as a strawberry. But there is for sure one thing that we'll have in common—our same water covered, dove occupied sunset. And that's how I'll know he's my soulmate.