Turning 23

Next month I’m turning 23 – so young but seemingly so much older than before. It’s an uneventful and unimportant year when counting birthdays.

When my mom and dad were this age they got married and had their first baby. Now I’m in a new city starting a new job and I’ll be 23. Old enough to live by myself, or to find a spouse, or to have a baby, but young enough to be too scared about all of it. Old enough to be done with undergrad, but young enough to constantly be asked when I’m going back to school. Old enough to completely separate from my hometown, but young enough to wish I could still fall asleep in my childhood bed.

My parents are coming into town for my birthday weekend, which is very sweet. Once they leave I’ll be 23 and alone. Each year comes with new responsibilities – this year is no exception – but I’m not sure I want any more of that. Can I stay 22 instead?