Oh Gosh, Picture Day Again?

Well, the time had come for all the animals in the forest to come together for another Picture Day. This was traditionally the day set aside by some of the elder animals to gather everyone they could for a big group picture to commemorate the continued passage of time. It was nice, the elders thought, to set aside a day where everyone could get together and see each other since everyone’s lives are always so busy and hectic and it’s tough to see everyone. This way, everyone gets to see everyone at least once a year.

Some of the younger animals hated picture day. It was a chore. They had such busy lives and things needed to get done and here was this totally silly, pointless, and unnecessary activity that sidetracked everyone’s day. It was such a waste of time and all for what? A picture? Who cares?

But everyone gathered anyway as it was tradition. The elders excitedly and the youngers begrudgingly.

Still when everyone came together even the younger ones couldn’t deny that the atmosphere was festive and celebratory. A feeling of community was strongest during picture day. The elders got to see everyone they knew and exchanged updates and jokes and new restaurants to check out.

Even the youngers enjoyed catching up and seeing everyone. They talked about what they were doing, their careers, and what they were missing to be here, but ultimately it was never as annoying to participate in picture day as they had built it up to be.

Everyone started lining up and getting themselves situated for the picture. Friends stood next to friends and strangers stood next to strangers who would become friends and reunite next year.

“Hey!” Reggie, a young Snake shouted, “Where’s Darlene?”

Darlene was one of the long-time organizers of Picture Day. She was always the most enthusiastic participant and often got there early and stayed late and had a kind word and homemade cookie to give to everyone.

The other elders looked away. The mood turned somber very quickly.

“Oh...” Reggie said realizing what must have happened to Darlene, “I hadn’t heard.”

Everyone was frowning now. Which was not an ideal face to be making before taking a picture.

“She would have loved to see everyone here today,” Donald, an elder Goose said, “What a turnout out. She always looked forward to seeing everyone one last time.”

The memory of Darlene cheered everyone up. The photographer managed to get a picture of everyone happy and smiling. Thinking about Darlene. It was like she was there for one final Picture Day picture.