AUTHOR'S NOTES: I did this as an in class writing assignment. Being in the Christmas spirit, my thoughts went to the "Carol of the Bells" which is my favorite, which reminded me of the episode "Noel" where Josh "faces the music" post-Rosslyn. The way that "Noel" ended was by far the most moving and hauntingly beautiful I've seen in the show's history. This short story takes place from the time Josh and Donna walk out the gates to where the end credits begin. Just one part, but I hope you enjoy.
What I Noticed…
What I noticed was the apprehension. The uneasy tense feeling of failure. The failure of losing face and relapsing into a state of mind in which release had just been won. The slightest sense of danger slowly melting away. Receding under a warm touch and stability. The music becomes louder, beating the senses in a full frontal assault, but there is no fear. No ghosts or demons of the past have come. Instead they flee in the face of defiance.
What I noticed was the joyous sound of song. Voices lifted high into the heavens celebrating tradition and lore. The voices begin to fade not in harsh reality, but into sweet serenity and closure. Being pulled away from the warmth and into the cold without fright, because there is yet the heat of love and caring always there. Comforts as sirens wail off in the distance. Sirens that are no longer a burden but fading noises in the night, never to resurface in anger again.