The Holidays

We have begun the slide into the holiday season, those four months (yes, four) when single people are left to feel more alone and single. The idea that you could honestly end up all alone takes solid root in the darkest corner of your soul.

The sound of ice gently hitting the bottom of glasses fills the air. The soft murmur of cocktail conversations and jazz bands mix in the air. The cool air, which seems to be reserved for those occasions when ladies in evening dresses sip wine, wraps around me. I sit with my nose pressed to the window. My back to the party, I stare out over a small Texas town, one much smaller than my own, and dream.

This memory comes flooding back to me. Slowly I slide my head below the warm bubbly water, trying to dislodge those memories. I have entered this season with a new determination to embrace all the wonderful things in my life. I reach over the edge of the tub, gathering up my empty wine glass, I emerge from the tub. Trailing bubbles, I wander to the kitchen to repair this problem. Following my wet soapy footprints, I return to the warmth and bubbles of my tub. The candlelight dances along with the music. I feel weightless and happy. I allow my mind to drift to memories of laughter and smiles. Hands clasped, while we dance, I think of love.