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2008
it was the moon family's first new year's celebrations in england, and they were massively grateful for the russell family, especially in new situations like these. they weren't used to big parties with fireworks on the day, usually only having a nice dinner and staying up till the clock struck twelve. they told the moons everything that would happen, from concerts in the town to the kind of celebrations that would take place, but they only stayed up to watch the fireworks.
the kids had spent the whole night running about in the front yard of the two houses, the fence between the houses removed some time ago to give them more space to play.
now, they lay on the grass, looking at the stars, taking in the last minutes before the new year. the silence was comfortable, nothing really needed to be said. it was felt by everyone in that moment - the gratitude they had for each other, and how much simple moments like these would mean. they knew 2008 was not an easy year, but 2009 would present its own challenges and learning opportunities.
rhea shivered in the wintry air, not being used to having winter in december instead of june. she'd barely gotten any sunlight that year, moving from the new zealand winter into the british autumn, and she was craving the spring.
"come here, ree, you're freezing," george touched her hand, being shocked by the chill it sent through his body. she moved closer to him, and he placed his spare jacket as a blanket over her body. they cuddled up against each other, the warmth returning to her body quite quickly.
the silence was interrupted by the shouts of the town, counting down to the new year, and the children joined in, excited for the fireworks (mostly).
"three!"
"two!"
"one!"
"HAPPY NEW YEAR!"
all was quiet besides the sound of fireworks crackling in the night skies, the children taking in the moment, watching the bursts of colours overtake the navy blue, watching the stars give way to the brighter colours.
the sound scared rhea a little - she'd never heard anything like it in her life, and it was even louder than the kart track when she went to see george. cuddling into his side to muffle the noise a little, she looked back up into the brightly lit tapestry of the night.
from the corner of her eye, she spotted a white streak of light - a shooting star? she looked again to make sure her eyes didn't decieve her, and it was no illusion. it felt special, being the first shooting star she'd seen in england - reminding her of all the times she and isla would just lay in the fields and look into the pitch dark night, counting stars, spotting constellations, making wishes.
"shooting star, make a wish!" she told her friends, squeezing her eyes shut to make a wish, her friends following suit.
i hope that this is the best year ever, that we will all be happy.
