Her HEART sank. She had retraced her steps, had even thought to SHINE a flashlight along the path. But no luck. Her necklace seemed truly and completely lost. And now, she could hear the CHIME of the village clock, signalling the need to head home. How would she explain to her family that the pearls were gone?

Georg’ann

Outside overlooking the city below, it was hard to believe we’d managed to get together, given the brief overlap in schedules, yet here we sat together in the same place after years of trying to come together.

The hostess, sounding authentically welcoming, came out to the patio and called, “Calabria, PARTY of 9.”
We rose to follow her, weaving in and around the crowded, bustling dining room to a semi secluded booth in the back- that place just between the busing station and the restroom hall. Clear advantages and disadvantages to this particular spot.

All proceeded as expected. Water glasses filled, conversational banter about the menu and whatnot continued as decisions were being made. Arrival of a crisp white wine came first, served with polenta toasts and Gorgonzola. As we reached a point of satisfaction, out came the main course, a huge MOUND of spaghetti served family style.

Watching everyone swirl and slurp the long pasta strands with gusto brought a SMILE to my lips. The scene was boisterous delight, so much more than I’d hoped for. In a spontaneous burst I clinked my glass as if it were a CHIME, ready to make a toast. Everyone paused mid motion, silence fell as all attention was turned to me. With tears in my eyes, there was nothing to say. Everyone understood. We held the moment suspended, a scene stop, and then continued the buoyant commotion.

Heather