by Amberlie Robinson

Created on: April 15, 2008

Three...two...one...HAPPY NEW YEAR!

As the celebrations for the oncoming year began to proceed, Emily tucked herself into the corner of the room. She didn't want to join in the jovial mood, she wanted to think. She wanted to pray.

Wedged between the bookcase and chest of drawers, she began to ponder on her depressive state. She had felt this way for a while now, and the dark cloud that weighed upon her shoulders had failed to lift. The glass of wine offered to her earlier was downed in three long gulps. That was a bit better.

Whilst watching the drunken dance that was taking place in the room, Emily wished that she could turn back the hands of time. She wished it could be last New Year. Back before the robbery, before all the trouble began. Just to hold her son in her arms, that would be enough, but of course she couldn't, because he was refusing to see her. Emily sighed wearily. Being in jail had really taken its toll on her Daniel.

The robbery had ripped their family apart. The police had been a nuisance too, kept on sticking their noses in at awkward times, asked inconvenient questions. And then on that fateful evening, when they had arrived to arrest her only child, her pride and joy. She could still hear the shouts now, picture Daniel struggling, when he was taken on the charge of robbing the bank. She shook her head. She had told him those boys were a bad influence.

Then of course, there was her and Steve. They had found it hard after the announcement. The press kept hounding them and Steve kept complaining that Daniel had tarnished their family name. Him and his stupid pride. That was what had wrecked their marriage in the end, not Daniel.

Fed up of going over the same old memories, Emily stood up. She was determined to put on a brave face, to make a new start. The sound of fireworks drew her to outside. The fresh air helped to clear her muddled head and the sight of such beautiful sparks drew her out of her misery.

Looking up at the sky, Emily promised herself that this year would be different.This was her New Year's Resolution. This was, after all a New Year.

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