They all say around the big fire, each with a glass of hot cider in one hand, faces alive with laughter. I had just thrown my coat onto the bed in the guest room off the hall, and stood shivering in the glow cast by the glisteing Christmas tree. All of the faces were familiar, everyone friendly, everyone happy.
     "Hey, how was the trip?" My best friend from highschool came walking up, smiling and hugging me. "Find the place okay?"
     "Oh you know, it was fine. I made it here eventually, didn't I?" I grinned, grasping her shoulders to look into her face. "God, it's been years!"
     "I know! How've you been?" She led me into the living room, gesturing for me to sit on a big fluffy couch on one wall opposite the fire.
     "Eh, I can remember better times," I replied, grimacing. "You?"
     She held up her hand smiling at the gold ring glistening on her finger. "Take a look for yourself."
     She went on to explain all about some guy who she was going to marry next Spring, and how he was the love of her life, and how she couldn't wait for the wedding. But I stared out the window, occasionally nodding and smiling as I let the warmth of the Christmas spirit envelope me.