After the Big Party

Every single day, having lived and learned and worked in this place a long time I see familiar faces, regular servants and customers and neighbors; we daily assure each other we’re doing fine. That’s why I was surprised when I went to the big town-wide party to find None of the hundreds of partiers’ paths had ever till that time crossed mine. Alone in the crowd, weaving through it with the dexterity of a star quarterback I looked desperately around, trying to look proud rather than lonely, hoping see at least one friend to be had. But everyone was stuck in their groups of friends, none of which included me They assumed I was a hired hand; for why else would I have no company? It felt so odd, being a stranger in my own hometown Completely alone in such a large, large crowd The noise of hundreds of people talking to each other, but none to me, became too much to stand So I figured I’d leave, pick up a twelve pack, and go home to relax. As I stood waiting unaware in the checkout line with my box of 3.2’s I looked behind me and encountered the glares of my boss, mom, former co-worker, and friend from high school! All buying health food! Geezus!! I smiled sheepishly and silently completed my purchase, then hurried away to avoid conversation and left for home. wondering to myself where they all were when I was looking for a familiar face or at least the mere semblance of a friend less than thirty minutes ago.