December 24th

Nighttime draped over the park like a thick blanket; the stars twinkling like rhinestone ornaments interwoven in its fabric.

The man stood alone in the park under the cover of the night. Christmas was almost upon the city and most everyone else was either at home with family or in late night church services. The man preferred to be alone right now. Besides, he had no family nearby and wasn't particularly religious. Well, he considered his best friend as family. But that was a different story, one best left in his heart and mind.

"Star light, star bright..." came the beginning of the age-old verse, the rest of the wish being lost on the gentle air of the crisp night.

The park was one of his friend's favorite places and the man always stopped here when he had a chance. Memories of good times together prevailed the atmosphere. Unlike other places, where memories were both happy and sad; hopeful and useless; good and bad.

The park was also where the tree was planted. The tree that one best friend had given another several years back. Long before the bad times came. That tree represented their friendship. Though still only a sapling, it stood strong and firmly planted. Neither wind or rain, nor movement of earth would remove it from its foundation.

A single tear, both happy and sad, fell down the pale face as he looked up at the endless sky- full of hope, representing eternity.

"Merry Christmas Starsk." The man whispered to the heavens as he turned away to begin the journey back to his empty home and hearth.