X. THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

The corridor was long and dark, and lined with glass windows and doors. Strobe neon lights lit up the arcade with bright, multi-colours, advertising shops’ names and goods. It was filled with people milling around and doing their Christmas shopping. On the ground-floor there stood a large Christmas Tree out on the open. It was hung with bright, flashing lights, and decorated all over with colourful ornaments.

Larger decorations were hung all over the complex and above the shops. Their was a steady hum of noise, as the crowds went about their shopping. The tavern was bustling with people having drinks and a meal. Waiters and waitresses weaved in and out among the tables and the clients, serving them, eagerly awaiting their after-meal tip. Glasses clanked and cutlery tinkled, as the people ate and drank and enjoyed the night out.

The shouts and screams of eager children seemed to emanate from all corners of the complex. They ran about on little feet, in search of parents and of presents. A Santa was giving out small presents to a row of kids that waited their turn to be seated on his lap. A band and a few dancing girls were doing a more mature act on the farther end of the arcade.

It was Christmas time, and the people were all out enjoying themselves for the evening. A steady hum of noise and pleasure. Another year gone, another Christmas, much like the one before. From outside on the street a lonely beggar looked at the glowing complex with crowds of happy people.

He smiled to himself as of some secret amusement, and shuffled down the side-walk in search of money for a drink and a meal. A scrap of paper was blown past him in the opposite direction by the light wind of the night.

Yes, it was indeed Christmas time again.