[ MP ] The Parting Glass

Donald stood on the grass, shifting his weight uneasily from foot to foot. He didn ’ t like to be the center of attention, but there was little he could do. All of his friends and family were here, and they demanded to each have a chance to say a little bit about him. 
 
 It made him uneasy to have to stand here and listen to all of this talk, all of this unnecessary blabber. He would have been happy to just head down to the pub and share a few rounds with everyone, instead of listening to them each go on about what a great guy he was, what nice things he does, blah, blah, blah. He had specifically asked the kids to not do this, but alas, they felt it was important to recognize him, and he didn ’ t want to disappoint them. 
 
 His brother James was there, roughly aged and crooked-backed. He sat uneven in the wooden chair, and would not look at Donald. They hadn ’ t always been the closest of brothers, but they had been there for one another whenever the worst came calling. Beating back bullies in primary school, and fleeing together from their father ’ s belt. Adversaries they may have been when disagreements drove them to such, but brothers they were always. Donald tried to catch James ’ eye, but his brother simply stared ahead, listening to the ongoing praise. 
 
 His many friends were there. Hugh, his closest friend in childhood, though they had grown more distant as adults. They had reconnected in the last few years, and Donald had been very happy to rediscover the bond they had shared as boys. Allen, whom he hadn ’ t met until later in life, but who had been a faithful friend in old age. They shared a love of easy drinks, and a fear of the open sea. Renny, with whom he had shared his first kiss when they were just 8 years old, out behind her father ’ s house. She had become a teacher, and had taught all of his children. 
 
 Donald looked over to his children. Two boys, three girls. A truly fine family, and greater blessings than he had ever dreamed he deserved. He looked upon them each in turn, and saw they great people they had grown into, either because of or in spite of his influence. He choked back a small tear or love, and longed to hug them all. 
 
 His heart filling quickly with waves of happiness and embarrassment, Donald looked forward over the grassy hill, towards the nearby trees. And there he saw Sarah. His breath caught in his throat, and his eyes filled with tears. She was young again, seemingly brought here from the day of their wedding. Her skin glistened with the beauty of youth, and her eyes burned with the lifetime of love they had shared. He couldn ’ t understand, but there she was. Not so long ago she had been taken from him, but now she was here, to greet him and renew their union. Alongside here were his brothers from the Regiment; all of those that had died on the beach on that unending day, and later in the fields and hedgerows of the Mainland. His parents were there, standing tall and proud, beaming at what a fine man their son was, and revelling in the praise he now received from those that had known him best. 
 
 Donald looked down and saw the box he rested in. He had no more need for what was inside, and he stepped his bare feet along the grass towards his friends and family who awaited him. What was passed now was truly passed for good, and he stepped on to wait still awaited him. Is bare feet gave way to hard leather boots, and finally to soft shoes, fit for dancing. He could hear his children and friends behind them, but his eyes never left those of his beloved Sarah. As her reached her, her took her once more into his arms, and pressed his lips lovingly against hers. His long lost comrades clapped him on the back in welcome, and his mother and father greeted him once more. Soon his children and the rest would be raising a glass to him, and from the other side, he would raise one back to them as well. 

