by Mira Khatib

Created on: October 10, 2010

New Beginnings

Tick tock, tick tock…eyes stared almost impatiently at the big wooden clock that hung on the wall. Life seemed to stand still as the last seconds of the year were passing away. Noise all around started to taper as everyone held their breath and then eagerly counted in one go – 3, 2, 1…midnight! A roar of cheers erupted, fireworks exploded to decorate the skies as family, friends and loved ones exchanged hugs, kisses while wishing one another the best of new beginnings.

In the midst of this ecstatic commotion stood Noora, all alone at the back of the room…unnoticed in the dim lights. Her brown eyes trying to take in all there is to see. She was consumed in her own thoughts that were whizzing in her head, helping her not to focus on her sorry lonely state.

As she watched the exaggerated happiness planted on so many faces around she wondered why they all seemed so thrilled. Was it such a great thing to lose yet another year? Were they honestly that happy to set new goals and see them fall through once again? Surely most of what they sought out to accomplish in the now past year was more than likely unconquered or merely achieved. So why the elusive excitement, and extra show of public emotion? It just didn’t make any sense to her.

Noora wasn’t in the mood for celebrating growing another year older while feeling not much wiser, or more beautiful or talented. She removed one of her unruly curls away from her eyes while mumbling to herself…"why does it have to be a "new year"? Why isn’t it more like a "year end"?"

She couldn't help over hearing the couple standing in the corner talking about new things they want to achieve this year, they seemed so confident and happy…the way their eyes sparkled with enthusiasm the way they seemed to glow. She couldn’t help but feel a little jealous for the special connection they shared. How much she longed for a similar passion – yet with every passing day that dream slowly faded. She no longer believed she would ever awaken to a satisfying reality.

So she hated her job, not to mention her evil boss whom took every chance to undermine all of her hard work. Sure she thought of quitting like a million times and go another place where she would be more appreciated, yet she never revved enough courage to actually do it. The final straw that depressed her more than anything else, was that she will be turning 27 next month and she was still alone and

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