The long way around.

Haven't found myself in these parts for years, lot has changed on main street. Almost unrecognizable, not really my type of place anymore to be honest. If memory serves, there's a quiet alley off the main street, something a little more my speed.

As I wonder down the street, I almost miss the branching street. Taking the path less traveled, I spot a familiar glow in the distance. As I approach, a sign becomes clear; "The Midnight Pub".

I step inside.

A feeling of warmth as a familiar, welcoming atmosphere washes over me. It's more quiet then I remember, but I still recognize a few of the regulars. A place filled with real people, having friendly conversations. A rare sight.

I take a seat, greeting the bartender.

"A White Russian if you don't mind"

It's a night for reflection, the last of the year. Sipping my drink, I feel content having found my way off the main street.

I think I'll stay for awhile longer this time. Not like there's much to go back to.

Howdy ~alextheuxguy,

welcome back, and Happy New year (if you adhere to that calender system, that is)!

~bartender? A hot chocolate, please.

This place has become somewhat quiet, I think, after a rush of seemingly-strange-to-me episodes. But well. It's still a nice place to sit in the corner, reading a book. Yes, I know. How old fashioned. :-) I completed Mark-Uwe Kling's QualityLand (2 books) just yesterday. And without spoilers, what an absurd and funny and sad pile of things, some of them sounding so familiar. It reminds me a lot about "The hitchhikers guide to the universe", because, well, pile a few dozen completely ordinary things on top of each other, however, in completely new ways. It made me laugh!

Cheers!