Closing Chapters and Starting New Ones (IP)

Maisie Peterson was five years old.  She was the only child awake, amongst a houseful of adults who were having a party to celebrate Hogmanay.  She had been sat on the arm of a large sofa, watching YouTube videos when her attention was caught by something moving around in the room.  It wasn’t anything she had seen before and she was curious to know what it was.  The presence had bounded about the room; dancing among the adults and listening to their conversations.  “Who are you?” The little child asked curiously.

It stopped as she realised the little human could see her.  “I’m 2018,” it whispered.  She had been mingling around the room, enjoying the atmosphere. 

“What are you?” Maisie asked curiously.

“I’m 2018,” it replied again.  “I’m the year that’s about to end.  You’ve spent the last 365 days with me and I’m about to leave.”

“Where will you go?”

“I’ll become history.  Just a memory for people to have.”

“Oh,” Maisie said nodding.

“People have different experiences of me; for some it will have been a year to remember with exciting and special things happened but for others,  it might have been difficult or they might have gone through some challenges.”

“It might be sad too,” Maisie said understanding. “We had a sad year because Grandpa died.”

“Well soon I will be over and a new chapter will begin.  I will just be a year; a number and maybe even forgotten.”

“I won’t forget you,” Maisie said feeling a little sad that her new friend would need to leave.

2018 swirled around the room and danced to the music, waving to the little girl as she tried to keep up.   The girl danced with her excitedly while none of the other humans were aware of the presence amongst them.

“Maisie, what are you doing?” The child’s mother asked as she watched her daughter bound about the room with her hands up high as if she were trying to catch something.

“I’m dancing with 2018,” the five-year-old replied.  “It needs to leave soon.”

“Everyone grab a glass,” Uncle Billy shouted.  “It’s nearly time for the bells!”

2018 looked at Maisie and slowly made her way to the back door. “Don’t let them forget me,” she said to the child as the chimes began to play.  Midnight was calling and she was starting to fade.

“Let’s open the back door,” the people chorused.  Someone opened the back door and soon 2018 was making her way towards the coldness.

“No!” Maisie shouted sadly as he saw her new friend disappear slowly.

“Remember me,” 2018 said before she was gone.

The girl stood for a moment and waved sadly.

“Open the front door!”  Auntie Bea shouted.  “We need to welcome in 2019!”

Maisie looked out the back door but 2018 had gone.  She heard the adults shout and cheer from the living-room.  “Happy New Year!”   Maisie closed the door and sighed.  She went into the living-room and was picked up by the adults who kissed her cheek and gave her a cuddle.  She giggled as Dad tickled her and danced with her.  “Happy New Year Maisie,” he said giving her a big squeeze.

Maisie yawned as the commotion calmed down.  “I think it’s time for you to join your sister and get to your bed,” mum said taking her hand. 

As her mother walked her through the hallway to the stairs,  Maisie looked at the opened front door and smiled.  Just as 2018 had said goodbye; a new year was coming in.  Maisie waved to the new beginning;  she was excited that she would have a friend for 365 days.  She promised to make every day count and make happy memories.“Hi 2019,” Maisie said waving it in. 

“Come on Maisie,” Mum tugged her hand. “Let’s get to bed.”