Twenty-five years had passed since five teenagers shared a day, where forced friendships were forged, and where the foundations for new paths were first laid.
The directions that they had taken since that time differed markedly. One was wealthy beyond understanding, whilst one was unsure where the next meal would be found. One was happy and in love, whilst another was alone and bitter. Some were successful, popular, loved, whilst others were unknown, deemed by society to be despised as failures.
Two met on the street.
One recognised the other instantly, the other showed no sign of familiarity.
One face adorned magazine covers, television screens and billboards. The other frequented hostels, benches, and soup-kitchens.
One walked on by, head bowed, as if distracted by the contents of their bag.
The other stopped, stared for a second, then called out a single name.
"Allison?"
The shambling figure stopped, and slowly turned around. Her once black hair now hung in dirty, greying strands over her face, still styled as it was when these two had first met. Her clothes hung on her slight frame, only hinting at the malnourishment underneath.
It took her a moment to respond, and when she did so, her voice cracked and broke, partly through poor health, partly through emotion.
"Claire….."
The people with Claire were professionals, and were used to people approaching their employer. They were a little surprised that she would approach a down-and-out, and by name as well. One reached a hand to stall her movement forwards.
"Ms Standish, do you really think…."
She shrugged his hand off her shoulder, and wrapped her arms around her almost-forgotten friend.
"My god….. what happened to you?" she stammered, completely oblivious to the spectacle of one of America's most recognised and respected actresses publicly hugging a drab, dirty bag-lady on the streets of Chicago. She turned her head, tears streaming down her face, and shouted at her secretary to go get a taxi.
Turning back, she cradled the now sobbing Allison.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm here now…"