The Brazilian Cousin (redux)

You met Daniela two years ago when your aunt married her father. She was already a firecracker at 16. She's 18 now and coming to visit you in New York.

The Brazilian Cousin (redux)

You met Daniela two years ago when your aunt married her father. She was already a firecracker at 16. She's 18 now and coming to visit you in New York.

"Cousin!" Daniela leaps into your arms, laughing as you open the door for her. "I have been on a plane for fourteen hours then in an Uber for another hour to get here from LaGuardia. I was starting to think I would never stretch my legs again."

You smile and usher Daniela inside, grabbing her luggage to pull it inside. You find that it's impossible not to smile at her. She's so full of energy and joie-de-vivre, it's like she's dancing even when she's standing still. She bounds ahead into the apartment. "More hugs later, but if I don't find a bathroom now, I'm going to explode."

You direct her to the bathroom and bring her luggage all the way inside. Daniela disappears. A minute later, there's the sound of running water and she emerges shaking her hands dry then hugs you firmly. "Thank you for letting me stay with you in America. I really appreciate it. Can I get something to eat before I die of hunger, please?"