Part X: Ten Long Years

But all of that had happened so long ago. Ten long years. Gonzo stood outside, gazing up at the sky, just as he had that day several months ago when that interviewer had come to see him. Now, however, it was nighttime and bitterly cold. Gonzo hugged himself for warmth and zipped up his coat. The sky was cloudless, and the stars shone brightly in the frosty December air. It was worth the risk of frostbite to see the stars like this.

Gonzo couldn't remember what town they were in. Or even what state. Moreover, he couldn't bring himself to care. He looked back at his circus trailer, where he knew Camilla was sitting inside, keeping warm. She was all he had left. He sighed. As much as he loved her—and he loved her more than life itself—he still missed the life he'd had. He missed the Muppets. He missed his family.

He picked up the guitar lying next to him. Even though it was hard to play with numb fingers, Gonzo strummed anyways. The old guitar had always been his trusty friend in times of need.

Gonzo sang softly,

I feel so small and useless

Ambiguous and clueless

I just can't seem to get anything right

I feel so invisible tonight.

All the plastic Santas

Doing hula dances

Remind me that I don't belong

All the fake snow falling

And my friends not calling

Leave me nothing but this song.

On the most miserable Christmas

Of my life—

"Bawk, bawk?"

Gonzo jumped a little. "Oh, Camilla," he said, smiling when he turned to see his lady love. "I didn't hear you come out here."

"Bawk, bawk."

"Fozzie's on the telephone?"

"Bawk."

Gonzo hurriedly stood up. "Well, why didn't you say so?" He rushed back to the trailer, wondering why Fozzie was calling. Although they met up every now and then, Fozzie almost never called. He picked up the receiver, suddenly feeling a bit nervous. He hoped Fozzie wasn't calling because something was wrong.

"Hello? Fozzie?"

"Gonzo! Long time, no hear!" Fozzie sounded cheerful enough, so Gonzo relaxed a little. "How are you this fine winter evening?"

"I'm … good. How have you been?"

"I've been … good." Now Fozzie sounded less cheerful. "Actually, Gonzo, I've been thinking. Ever since I did this interview a while ago."

Could it be …

"Was this interview with Ivan Ivanovich of Obsessive Voyeur magazine, by any chance?" Gonzo asked.

"Yes!" gasped Fozzie. "How did you know that?"

"Weirdo's intuition. So, tell me what's been on your mind?"

Fozzie's voice grew cheerful again. "Well, talking with Mr. Ivanovich made me think about the old days, and … I miss the Muppets. Don't get me wrong, I love dear old Mom, but I miss you, Gonzo. I miss everybody."

"Aw. I miss you too, Fozzie."

"So I'm thinking, it's time for a reunion!"

Gonzo felt himself smile the largest smile he'd smiled in ten years.