The Dinner Party

The sky was brilliant through perfect, glass windows. White clouds danced and swayed, painted with perfection. A gentle breeze stirred the trees that bowed toward those watching, and birds sang the song of hearts and soul. Somewhere, a storm was brewing, a storm that promised to destroy the serenity, but time slipped over red wine glasses, melting into laughter. Now was not the time for worries.

She laid her straw hat beside her. Her husband was all decked out like she was, and she placed a hand over his. She shared his smile and laughed. All was good in the world, or so she wanted to believe. The beautiful scenery outside did ease her worries, but the storm clouds in the distance made her frown. There was no avoiding what was coming, but now was not the time for fear.

A tall, blonde girl arrived at the large table. A notepad was held lightly in one hand. She flashed a winning smile and announced the specials that the restaurant was having tonight. Her eyes roamed over the large party, waiting for the first order, and the first order was given. Her fingers flicked across paper, and soon she departed with their dinners to prepare.

The sip of red wine gave color to her cheeks. She did not feel beautiful. She never felt beautiful for the world was draining her life away, but tonight, she was beauty. She laughed and smiled, holding the hand of the man of her dreams. Yet, every now and then, her eyes returned to those storm clouds, and a knot promised to twist her stomach together. But now was not the time for stress.

The restaurant was packed. It was a Saturday night after all, and families crowded tables, laughing and smiling. Children raced around chairs or threw paper straws at the other, and they excitedly talked about absolutely nothing. Parents sat back and beamed, and their shoulders hung low, no longer carrying the weight of their world. But their eyes were dark storm clouds holding the tears at bay, but now was not the time to cry.

Dinner came soon enough, and forks launched into food. Mouths chewed and talked. Hands gestured and wiped. Smiles faded and returned. Eyes sparkled, and hearts breathed. But with every glance outside, those storm clouds grew closer, and a distant thunder threatened to disturb the peace. But now was not the time for war.

Evening came and went, dressed in infinity. The sun dipped and bowed, stealing the day away. Now, the moon hovered close, promising sweet dreams, but its soft, white light would soon be gone, whisked away by monstrous storm clouds. A gentle breeze no longer stirred but whipped the glass, making those enjoying their dessert pause for a moment. The serenity was gone, but now was not the time for darkness.

She wiped her mouth, gently placing the napkin on her lap. Her eyes cruised over a now empty plate, and her stomach thanked her for the brownie sundae. Her hand fell back against his, and she attempted to stretch her feet out before her, dropping one shoe across the floor. Embarrassed, she slid her foot back into the shoe and sat up straight, a hand tucked under chin, but now she saw the storm. But now was not the time for this moment to be gone.

Her family and friends laughed and smiled. They talked only of the good times, never mentioning the hard times to come. They slapped each other's backs, laughed hard, and wiped the tears away. The future shined in their children's eyes, and the misery of today faded from their sight. Their hearts finally breathed. Now was not the time for the weight of this world to come crushing down. Now was the time to live, to laugh, and to love. Now was the time to remember. Through the worst of storms, hope remains, and somehow, someway, we would survive.