From Wix free photos
“All right, all right everyone we’re about to do the countdown!” I heard the DJ amp up the attendees packed onto the dance floor.
I somehow slid amongst the crowd finding myself in the middle of the dance floor. I was surrounded by people filled with joy, alcohol and plenty of food. My coworkers were nowhere in sight. I assumed they were doing other things or maybe since I’m the shortest staff member, I just couldn’t see them. I dropped two kitchen towels on the floor, stepped on them and began to use my feet to wipe the liquid off the floor. The crowd began to count.
“10..9..8..7..”
In me, I must admit, I was glad I was somewhere other than my bed that night. I was manically wiping the floor while trying to grab napkins people had stuck under their shoes.
“6…5…4..3…2…1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!” The crowd rejoiced with cheers, hands in the air and noisemakers.
“Happy New Year!” Some kind people leaned in and said to me. That was sweet of them. I brought in the New Year with a bunch of strangers. Totally not what I expected.
I noticed a napkin was stuck under a man’s shoe. I looked up only to see he was busy giving a woman her New Year’s kiss. I thought people just did this in movies. I waited for them to finish and tapped his shoulder, but he didn’t notice me. So I slid out the crowd and went to find my coworkers.
I left the garden to walk a few steps across the walkway. It was pouring. I mean, it could’ve been snowing so I didn’t complain. I skipped over puddles to the other greenhouse.
This year was different. I couldn’t help but be grateful.
We probably finished close to 1 am. It was another beautiful wedding. However, I was still ready to head home, get into some dry clothes and rest.
I hopped in my car as the rain poured on it. I stared at the phone screen. It wasn’t like a ton of people were wishing me “Happy New Year” but it was alright with me. Seasonal sadness is the sneakiest thing I’ve ever encountered; however, I was grateful for a day to avoid its constant persistence. I clocked out for what I was told for the next few months. It’s okay, I wasn’t alone tonight.
Kou T. Nyan 