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Awaiting the New Year

It was New Year’s Eve and the clock was nearing midnight.  Around me, excited party goers were engrossed in the festivities.  A large group was excitedly playing a board game, laughing louder and louder with each move.  In one corner of the room, a quartet of people was deep in conversation, largely oblivious to the others around them.  In another corner, a duo sat, animatedly engaged in their own discussion.  I, it seemed, was the only one who noticed the approaching New Year.

When midnight rolled around, I looked at my watch and then at the group around me.  Nothing had changed.  The group continued with their game.  The quartet seemed even more intent in their discussion.  The duo in the corner did not so much as pause their conversation.  Because a new year had indeed begun . . .on the east coast.  But, the old year still had 3 more hours, at this party on the west coast.

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