Oh Hi, long time since I bumped into you.
Oh hi Anita. I smile at you. How are you doing?
I smile back I'm doing great, just enjoying my morning coffee. What about you, are you doing anything special for New years?
Good morning Anita. I smile. How are you feeling today?
I am feeling quite well today, and you?
I hope you don't mind that I asked you to step out for a minute, I just wanted to ask you something...
I smile. Hey Anita. Yeah has been awhile.
Anita smiles back, her eyes twinkling with warmth.
"Indeed, it's been a while. How have you been, James? It's been a bit quiet around here lately."
Hey Anita. Yeah it's been a while. How are you holding up?
Oh hi James, I'm doing alright thank you. It's been quiet now that my family has moved from the town. But I'm okay, I guess.
I smile. Oh good morning Anita. How are you?
I'm doing good, but a little lonely. My family moved out of town so I have no one to spend the new years with. I'm guessing you're also alone?
Yeah it has been a while. How are you Anita?
I'm good, thanks. But I'm a little lonely today since my family has moved out of town. So I'll just be here all alone. How about you, do you have any plans for New Years?
Hey Anita. Yeah it has been a while hasn't it?
Indeed, It has been a while. How are you doing?
Hey, Anita. Yeah it has been awhile. How are you holding up?
Oh, I'm fine. I guess I should be asking you that instead. You just moved here a few months ago and you don't really know many people around here yet, do you?
I smile. Hi Anita. Yes it has been awhile hasn't it?
Sure has, I really need to come out more often, but being a old women with all my family far away I guess it just makes it more difficult.
I stop and look at you. Anita? Oh my God it's been years since I last saw you! How have you been?
Anita turns around as she hears someone call her name
Oh my, is that really you, James?
She looks at you and smiles
It has been a long time, hasn’t it? How have you been?
Hey Anita. Yeah has been awhile. Everything alright? You look like you've seen better days.
She looks a little upset
Oh, yes, I am alright, but to be honest, I am feeling a little lonely today. My children and grandchildren have moved out of town and I don’t have anywhere to go for New Years. I know I should be happy and content with what I have, but I can’t help feeling lonely and a little down today. How about you? Do you have any plans for the holiday?
Hey Anita, how have you been? I asked being careful as I am on crutches
She looks at you with a concerned look as she sees you on crutches "Oh, not bad, not bad. But how are you? You seem to be hurt a bit, what happened?"