Rena had been working at the coffee shop for almost eight months. It was November, and Thanksgiving was just around the corner. She was in her apartment, trying to decide what she should bring to dinner. Lacy had invited her to Gramps’ center for kids, a place known for throwing big parties, with Thanksgiving being one of their best.
Although Lacy had assured her that she didn’t need to bring anything, Rena felt it would be awkward to show up empty-handed. She decided to bake a homemade pumpkin pie. As she gathered all the ingredients, her kitten, Neko, hopped up on the counter with a curious look in her eyes.
“I’m making a pie, Neko. It’s for my friends. They invited me to a Thanksgiving dinner,” Rena said with a smile.
Neko used her little nose to sniff the ingredients scattered across the counter. When she got to the flour, she dipped her nose a little too far. Her nose was dusted in white before she let out a tiny sneeze, knocking the cup over.
“Oh, Neko, see this is why you can’t be on the counter when I’m cooking,” Rena said, picking up the little kitten and placing her on the floor. “Off you go, I need to finish this pie.”
Once she finished baking her pie, she set it on the counter to cool. She grabbed a cup of cocoa, sat down in her small living room area, and watched Neko chase her toys. Her thoughts drifted back to the times she had Thanksgiving dinner at Clark’s. Before she knew it, she had drifted off, with Neko curling up in her lap.
Thanksgiving arrived and Rena stood outside the grand building known as the Fairy Hall. She clutched the small pumpkin pie she had brought as a contribution to the Thanksgiving feast, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.
As she stepped inside, the warmth of the hall enveloped her, and the sound of laughter and chatter filled the air. The hall was decorated with twinkling fairy lights and autumnal wreaths, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere. Lacy greeted her with a warm hug, her eyes sparkling with joy.
“Rena, I’m so glad you made it!” Lacy exclaimed. “Come on, let me introduce you to everyone.”
Rena followed Lacy through the bustling hall, where tables were laden with an array of delicious dishes. She spotted her other work friends, Nathan, Grayson, Mira, and Ezra, who waved at her with welcoming smiles. They were gathered around a short, elderly man with a kind face and a twinkle in his eye.
“Rena, this is Gramps,” Lacy said, introducing the elderly man. “He’s the heart and soul of this place. He’s helped all of us through tough times and got us back on our feet.”
Gramps extended a hand to Rena, his grip firm yet gentle. “Welcome, Rena. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Any friend of Lacy’s is family here.”
Rena felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. She had heard so much about Gramps from Lacy, about how he had been a guiding light for so many people. As she looked around the hall, she saw the faces of people who had found solace and support in this community. It was a place of belonging, and for the first time in a long while, Rena felt a sense of hope.
Nathan, with his easygoing smile, handed Rena a plate piled high with food. “You have to try Gramps’ famous stuffing,” he said. “It’s the best.”
Rena took a bite and her eyes widened in delight. “This is amazing!” she exclaimed. “I can see why everyone loves it here.”
Grayson chimed in. “Just wait until you try Mira’s pumpkin pie. It’s legendary.”
Mira blushed and waved off the compliment. “Oh, stop it, Grayson. You’re making me blush.”
Ezra smiled warmly at Rena. “We’re really glad you could join us, Rena. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”
Rena felt a lump in her throat as she looked around at her friends. She had been hesitant to come, still healing from her past, but now she was grateful she had accepted Lacy’s invitation. This was exactly what she needed—a sense of community and support.
As the evening went on, Rena found herself drawn to Gramps. She listened intently as he shared stories of the people he had helped over the years. His eyes sparkled with kindness and wisdom, and Rena felt a deep sense of admiration for him.
“Gramps, how did you come to create this wonderful community?” Rena asked, genuinely curious.
Gramps chuckled softly. “It all started many years ago. I was going through a tough time myself, and I realized that there were so many others who needed a helping hand. So, I decided to create a place where people could come together, support each other, and find a sense of belonging. And here we are today.”
Rena nodded, feeling inspired by his words. “Thank you for creating this place, Gramps. It means a lot to so many people.”
Gramps patted her hand gently. “And now you’re a part of it too, Rena. Remember, you’re never alone. We’re all family here.”
After dinner, the atmosphere in the Hall became even more lively. People began to gather in small groups, sharing stories, playing games, and enjoying each other’s company. Rena found herself drawn to a cozy corner where a group of her friends had gathered.
Nathan and Grayson were setting up a board game, while Mira and Ezra were engaged in a friendly debate about the best Thanksgiving desserts. Lacy joined them, carrying a tray of hot cocoa and marshmallows.
“Who wants some hot cocoa?” Lacy offered, her smile warm and inviting.
Rena gratefully accepted a mug, savoring the rich, chocolatey warmth. She felt a sense of contentment as she watched her friends interact, their laughter and camaraderie filling the room.
“Alright, everyone,” Nathan announced, “we’re playing a game of ‘Codenames.’ Rena, have you played before?”
Rena shook her head. “No, but I’m excited to learn!”
Grayson grinned. “Don’t worry, it’s easy to pick up. We’ll explain the rules as we go.”
As they played the game, Rena found herself laughing and strategizing with her friends. The game brought out everyone’s competitive spirit, but it was all in good fun. Rena felt a sense of belonging and joy that she hadn’t experienced in a long time.
After a few rounds of the game, Gramps approached their group with a twinkle in his eye. “How about a little music to end the night?” he suggested.
Everyone agreed enthusiastically, and Gramps led them to a small stage at the front of the hall. A few musicians from the community had brought their instruments, and they began to play a mix of folk songs and holiday tunes.
Rena watched in awe as Gramps picked up a guitar and joined in, his fingers deftly strumming the strings. His voice was rich and soothing, and it filled the hall with a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
Lacy nudged Rena gently. “Do you play any instruments, Rena?”
Rena hesitated, her heart pounding. “I used to play the piano, but it’s been a while.”
“There’s a piano right over there,” Lacy said, pointing to a beautiful grand piano in the corner of the hall. “Why don’t you play something for us?”
Rena’s mind raced as she remembered the last time she had played the piano.
“You look so beautiful when you play the piano, Ree. It’s magical.”
She remembered him saying with that gorgeous smile, just days before he left, days before she never saw him again.
The memory was bittersweet, and she felt a lump in her throat. But with a bit of encouragement from her friends, she found herself walking over to the piano and sitting down on the bench.
She took a deep breath and placed her fingers on the keys. The familiar feel of the ivory beneath her fingertips brought back a flood of memories. She began to play a soft, melancholic melody, her emotions pouring into the music.
As she played, tears welled up in her eyes. Memories of her childhood friend stirred within her mind. She tried to push through, but the emotions became overwhelming, and when her mother flashed in her memories she found herself unable to continue. Her fingers faltered, and she stopped the song early, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs.
Lacy was by her side in an instant, wrapping her arms around Rena in a comforting embrace. “Are you okay, Rena?” she whispered.
Rena nodded, “I’m sorry. I just.. I stopped playing the piano because it reminds me of my late mother.. and my childhood friend.”
“Oh Rena, I’m sorry. I wouldn’t have asked had-” Lacy started.
“No. No. It’s okay Lacy. You didn’t know. It’s all in the past, I just never thought it would hit me this hard.”
“You don’t have to push yourself. We’re here for you.” Lacy smiled.
Rena nodded, grateful for the support of her friends. She wiped her tears and took a deep breath, feeling a sense of release. She had faced her emotions, and though it was painful, she knew she was not alone.
As the night drew to a close, Rena looked around at the smiling faces of her friends and the other guests. She realized that she had finally found a family, a place where she could heal and grow. And as she left the hall that night, she felt a renewed sense of hope and happiness.
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