My first encounter with them started when my family went to visit some relatives up north. As was the usual family tradition, every Thursday and Sunday night my father would take my brother and me outside to gaze at some stars, if there were any. On a particular Thursday night, I think God might have felt especially generous in giving us such a pleasant surprise. Because there were stars, alright. More than expected, which would've normally sent us into fits of giggles and excitement. But there was also something else, which distracted us from that.

Three guesses as to what it was.

It was unlike anything I've ever seen before, those smooth waves of green and red emblazoned over the pitch-black sky. I was sure I held my breath all through that night from its sheer presence. Swirling, luminous, and just altogether breathtaking, I'm afraid it was the only aurora I've seen in my life thus far. I haven't had the luck to see another by chance or go aurora-hunting; however, the first encounter still remains vivid in my mind. To me, auroras are one of the greatest wonders Earth has to offer. Despite its unearthly appearance, it gives you a whole new appreciation for our home planet. I truly cherished the chance to observe one up close—I believe that memory'll stay fresh even when I grow wrinkles on my wrinkles.