Silent Snow in Maine
by Anne
One year my best friend Henry and I decided to attend a work party of his because he still lives near the hometown. It had been at least a few years' time since we'd seen or even spoke to each other last, so we thought it'd be a good way to "catch up" to say the least. Henry picked me up in his truck and we headed to the hotel where the party was being held. Henry and I arrived early and mainly because we figured we should take advantage of the all the great food and drink before too many people arrived and had the best pickings. As we strolled through the glossy, wood-panel halls, inside the hotel, to the room where the party was being held, we were drawn toward a gleaming terrace that overlooks -- at first sight -- the nothing but snow. Exiting, we were surprised by total silence. It seemed that all of Maine was having a silent night, holy night! As far as the eye could see appeared to be basking in serenity. Henry and I said nothing. Eventually, I don't know how long it took, a single church bell tolled. For what seemed like a long, long, time, the echo continued to ring out to us and inside us. There were no other sounds. It was a magical moment that to this day feels beyond belief. As midnight approached, the party came to life. People began to show up a few at a time, then in droves, smiling, laughing, joking, having a good time. Probably summoned by free food and drink, as Henry and I were. Nobody seemed to know what they missed out on. |
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