The Fireworks

Midnight January 01, 20XX

“Happy New Year”

Standing in the middle of the street, people all around me could be seen laughing, singing, dancing, and hugging one another. In an instant, all the worries of life seemed forgotten or perhaps locked up for a while to enjoy the moment. I lifted my eyes towards the sky which had become like a glittering sea filled with all kinds of colours. “Even the stars are having their own little party” I thought.

“Happy New Year, miss” said a man while handing me an envelope. “Thank you, Sir” I replied while waving him goodbye as he disappeared in the dark.

I opened the envelop and found a Happy New Year’s card. On the inside was written:

“Is a minute truly enough?”

How many hours are there in a year that joy, peace, and love seemed to be overflowing from all cardinal points only for a little moment? By the time I came back to my senses, the streets were empty.

“Happy New Year, Happy New Year”

Only the sound coming from a damaged portable radio laying down on the snowing street could be heard. I approached, knelt and replied, “Happy New Year to you too”.

Reflection:

How do you feel before and after hearing the countdown to midnight?