She was leaning back against the corner support beam and staring out into the garden. It was a beautiful sight and Rika was not ignorant of its glistening purity. Unfortunately, its undamaged surface only served to remind her how lonely her household was that day.
It was the eve of the New Year and her mother and grandmother were caught by a delayed flight on their recent visit to some distant relatives. Rika didn't blame them for it and assured them that it was fine if they didn't make it back in time. Still, the fact that they called to greet the New Year with her brought a smile to her mouth and pleasant warmth in the chilled home. The smile still graced her features as she waited for the sun to dip below the horizon.
As an afterthought, she flipped out her phone and sent her wishes out to her friends. She was disappointed to find she couldn't reach a couple of them, but at least Renamon was there with her. The silent company was appreciated as their exciting year finally came to a close.
The sun was an hour gone and the moon became more obvious in the sky. It was a waning, barely visible crescent and in another day would leave the sky to the stars for some nights.
Rika reflected on some of the events in the past year.
She was such a different person before the chaos that made up her career as a tamer. Alone and power hungry were two things she would never use to describe herself ever again; not since the first time Takato had told her she was his dream girl to when they all pooled their strengths together to defeat the D-Reaper.
A musical chuckle escaped past Rika's lips trailed by wisps of air. Renamon glanced down at her but only smiled, matching Rika's.
The moon was almost at its peak in the sky. Rika checked her phone and noticed it was only minutes to midnight. She stood up and stretched, a yawn accompanying the relaxing motions. Without anyone else to celebrate with they may as well do it in the warmth of her room. She started towards the sliding door when Renamon turned, sensing a presence at the entrance.
Knock, Knock, Knock
"Who could be at the door at this time?" Rika thought. Renamon smiled warmly as her partner went to answer it.
As she closed in on the door- Bang –a loud pop resounded behind her. Rika spun in place to find Renamon with a popped party popper in her hands and a knowing smile on her face.
Behind her, she could hear the door swing open wide then a chorus of the same noise Renamon's toy made. She turned again to see all of her friends at the door, tinsel floating to the ground like strips of moonlight. At the head of them was Takato, "Who else would come up with this" she thought, followed by Henry and Jeri to his sides and Kazu, Kenta, and all of their digimon behind him.
Rika's smile grew and suddenly the cold didn't seem so bothersome. The surprise group took one collective breath and yelled.
"Happy New Year!"
The cheer was followed with some clapping all around with a funny sounding whooping from the always over excited Kazu in the back.
"Yeah," Rika thought,"Every year should start with a smile." It was advice she soon took to heart as she invited her friends to stay for a while.
Sleep could wait.