JANICE FIGHT HOLIDAY LONLINESS

JANICE BATTLES LONELINESS

It was the worst time of the year for Janice. The end of December. Christmas, her birthday, New Year’s Eve. Dates celebrated with Charlie for fifty two years. Until he died five years ago. Five years? Had it been five years? It seemed like yesterday in December. Other times it seemed a lifetime ago.

She wasn’t alone; she had friends. Friends who ill, friends who were facing death, friends who were just old. She was alone. Alone means what? No one in your life who shares all your good and bad. No one like Charlie or her sister-- both dead now. No one to share Christmas dinner with; no one to ring in the new year with a kiss. That was one of the worst. For more years than she could remember New Year’s Eve had been special. Proof was the celebratory tablecloth she treasured. Or was it her birthday? Every year since their marriage Charlie replaced the Christmas decorations with a birthday theme. Janice was heavy into her pity party.

The phone rang. “Janice. Clyde is bad, real bad.”
Mazie did not need to be alone. I’ll be right over.”