A Silent Christmas: An Old Man’s Reflections on Love, Loss, and Times Gone By

Old bar owner in a coat pets a cat under a snowy streetlight. Seaside bar with bottles and stools nearby. Moonlit ocean and sky create a calm scene. — *"But still… sometimes I miss her so much."*

[🎧 The audio version is available at the bottom of the page.] ⬇

(Scene: A Seaside Bar at midnight. The OLD BARTENDER is behind the counter, wiping down glasses and cleaning. TWO GIRLS are sitting at the bar.)

Girl 1: So, come on. You’ve seen us both—tell us, who’s prettier?

Girl 2: Yeah, give us the honest answer.

(The Old Man looks at them with a warm smile.)

Old Man: You’re both lovely, really. In your own way. Very attractive.

(They chuckle, nudging each other playfully.)

Girl 1: Okay, but if you were young again, who would you date?

Girl 2: Yeah, who?

Old Man: I’d probably be too shy to ask either of you.

(The two girls laugh again, sharing a knowing glance.)

Girl 2: That’s the sweetest answer ever.

Girl 1: Yeah, we love this place just because of you. You never judge anyone. It’s warm here—it feels like home.

Girl 2: It’s rare to find a place like this. People don’t always understand.

Old Man: It’s my pleasure. You two are always welcome.

(They finish their drinks and stand up, grabbing their coats.)

Girl 1: Thanks for everything.

Girl 2: And here’s a little something for Christmas—thanks for making this place feel so welcoming.

(They leave a generous tip on the bar. The Old Man watches them leave with a fond smile.)

(He finishes cleaning, turns off the lights, and locks up. As he walks toward the door, he notices a street cat sitting outside.)

Old Man: Well, look at you. Waiting for someone, huh?

(He kneels down, gently patting the cat. The cat purrs in contentment.)

Old Man: You know, back in my day, things were simpler. You met someone, you fell in love, and you lived together for the rest of your life. No complications, no second guessing…

(The cat looks up at him, and he continues, as if the cat could understand him.)

Old Man: You’re a boy, right? Well, then you should find yourself a girl, shouldn’t you? You wouldn’t call yourself a girl, right?

(He pauses, his smile fading slightly. Then he shakes his head.)

Old Man: No. I’m not in a position to judge. I’m just an old timer. The world belongs to them now...

(He pauses, and his mind drifts to memories of his wife.)

Old Man: But still… sometimes I miss her so much. You know, when you think of something, and you can’t share it with anyone? It gets lonely. You understand that, don’t you, cat?

(The cat purrs again, nuzzling against his hand. The Old Man’s face softens with a quiet, melancholy smile.)

Old Man: Merry Christmas, my friend.

(He stands up, looks at the moonlit street, then closes the door and walks into the quiet, winter night.)

(Posted on Threads on 6.12.2024)

#OldManChristmasReflections