Advent

The sky was as blue as could be; green branches swayed gently in the westerly winds; a bright sun illuminated the lands. A man emerged after what seemed to be years of being holed up inside a gray solitude, then one more, then another, until a crowd of people formed outside their apartments, homes, trailer parks, condos. They all looked up to embrace the morning heat on their faces, the soft caresses of the breeze, and the tickling grass beneath their feet. They stretched tired muscles, yawned deeply, but all in all, they were happy. Exceedingly happy. Neighbors looked at one another with smiles and grins; people who had once been the bitterest of foes now looked upon each other with silent understanding. No more animosity, no more strife or conflict. At least for now.

There were group hugs, hand holding, smooches on cheeks. A celebration was to be had; the whole world would surely celebrate. But underlining this happiness they knew not all would emerge with heads held high, for millions of others had lost their way, finding themselves in the pits of the darkest thoughts known to man: uncertainty and fear of the future. These men and women sought dangerous means to justify their fear, which ultimately consumed them. In due time, all would right itself in the forever balance, but now, there were tough things to deal with. One step at a time, that's all anyone could do.

Slowly the children joined together in playgrounds, in front and backyards, to play raucously again. There were phone calls to be made, jobs to do. Society would return to its feet again, but how long until the cogs and gears were back in order? No one knows. The moment now was bright and filled potential and possibility. It was positive, and despite the dark and dubious days of the past, they knew somehow, eventually, things would turn back. Slowly, if need be.

United. United we stand. The old American creed echoed across the blue coasts and the highest mountains, past the swaying flags of red, white, and blue. In what seemed forever, even longer than the Closure, was the fracture that had split them apart years ago for nearly a decade. Perhaps they have all learned a message, perhaps they will take this experience to heart and remember it for all time. But of course, like all things, only time will tell.