Iris’s Home
I’ve lived in the same small town my entire life. I’ve been to plenty of my friends’ houses, like Keira or Sabrina (no longer a friend, but I’ve been to her house so many times). But I never felt a physical connection to any of their places. Of course, their house is not my house. I know that. But I felt so out of place in their house that I could not get comfortable, even for a bit.
I met Iris in the summer of 2023 through my (now former) good friend. I knew nothing about her except she liked a band I like and used the blue heart emoji on Instagram and that irritated me a bit. One day, I was with my friend Isabella (I’ve been to her house many times, and I love her too) and I randomly got the idea to invite her over. To my surprise, she said yes. And twenty minutes later, I opened my door to one of the prettiest girls I had ever seen in my life. She was much more bold in person than online. Her personality seemed to be easygoing, and she had a colorful aura around her. She felt very natural. Like, in the sense that she could call for birds and worms and such. We decided, all three of us, to go for a walk to the plaza nearest to us (shoutout Rancho). I’ll admit, I ignored Izzy a bit to learn about Iris. Sorry Izzy.
What I’ve learned about Iris over the years is this:
She is very loving person
She does not hesitate to share her opinions on something
She does not mind a disagreement every now and then
She’s very particular about food (in a GREAT way)
She loves an obscene amount of cream cheese on her bagels
She’s got great tolerance and great self-control
She loves her dog
We speak very different kinds of Japanese
I have seen her bedroom once in my life
The first time I went to Iris’s house was back in 8th grade. She invited me to stay for dinner with her family and we had tacos. I met her brother, her mom, and her dad. They spoke to me no differently than they did to her (of course, they didn’t grill me about doing track for the Spring season of sports), but they treated me with such hospitality that I immediately felt less awkward about suddenly joining them. Over the years, I have established a place in her house (and her in mine, of course). She is a household name now, with my mother always asking about her and never minding when she comes over. Iris’s mother and I are great friends. I very much enjoy spending time with all of them. Her brother and I also became friends, occasionally sending Reels to each other. Her home has never felt cold to me. Her dog never barked at me (after one point) and her family never looked at me funny for laying on the couch or laying on her lap. In fact, they appreciated what I had to say and even laughed at my jokes. I hope Iris can say she feels a similar comfort in my home, as we are all big fans of Iris.
It’s good to have friends that you never have to feel different about yourself around. Someone who doesn’t make you put on an act. Someone kind, someone loving, and someone who is somewhat like you. Opposites attract until you have nothing left to talk about.
Some great dishes I’ve eaten at Iris’s house…
Pasta she cooked for me
Toasted bagel with absurd amount of cream cheese
Eggplant parmesan? I’m not sure. It had eggplant. I told her I would hate it. I didn’t.
Something with tomato. I’m not good with names…
This list will grow over time. Iris, feel free to remind me what else I’ve eaten.
Her home has always felt more than just a building or a place to go hang out in. I’ve heard lovely stories, seen love, and experienced it in her place all in one day. I’ve also, again, eaten lots of great food. Shoutout Iris’s dad for his jokes, and extend my gratitude to her mom for always listening to me.
I guess I should give some recommendations for the area. She lives relatively close to Downtown, so I guess check out the Safeway there. Lots of great memories in that Safeway. Hana & Keira will know what I’m talking about.
