Old Times Since

"Sing with me if it's just for today. Maybe tomorrow the Good Lord will take you away."__ Arrowsmith, Dream On

The friends had a tradition to gather each December 31st in a little 24 hour restaurant far away from the crowded noisy affair in New York where thousands of people gathered to watch the ball plummet downward. No this was a much humbler and somber affair.

Job raised his water glass causing the ice cubes to slosh briefly. "Alright then, who wants to start?"

In February Jasmine had gone her first date in five years. As far as everyone could tell this guy was solid & would do right by her. Though Job had reservations but it was not his business and these reservations went unspoken, for he'd grown cynical. Hank had brought long his wife and newborn child. The infant female was a new addition that made this celebration joyus. "It was a rough pregnancy said Georgina, the wife. "But our angel pulled through and here she is."

Darnell was had a health scare back in March but had turned out OK. His brother had started rehab, and his mom had got a job promotion. These were positive developments that had made for a decent year!

Caroline had just graduated from her university in September with a Masters Degree.

For Josh the year had rough but he'd kept his chin up, remaining cautiously optimistic.

As for Job he had completed a collection of short fiction that was set hit bookstores in February.

For each of these friends the year had progressed at a different pace. For some it was a blur; for others it had drug on in an agonizingly, slow fashion. "May each of us gather here again next year!"

The proclamation came as always from Job who noted the two empty chairs. Peter was in jail for larceny. He'd turned to crime rather than his friends. Terry had passed away last year and the final toast of the night was made in his honor.

The friends filed out of the restaurant and into the freshly born January night.