h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Let’s get back to the scene in a moment.

People - those you know, those you like, those you nod to, those you care for – can be like an information overload.

There can be too many of them.

Not that it means that you’re not having a good time, that you feel bad.
But it may leave you wanting.

There’s this one that you’d like to discuss something with.
One that you’d like to buy a beer for.
And her – she really did deserve a smile and a friendly hug, just to let her know she’s cared about.

Close friends you did spend some moments with – but easily could have spent the entire evening with.

Of course you see most of them one by one, pair by pair, over the summer. Or nod to them on Monday morning.

But right now, behind the smile, lurking in the corner of being so damn pleased with this place, this community – there’s a sense of “if only”.


The scene?

*The* summer evening that the better part of the town plots in the calendar and shows up for, whether they strictly speaking are invited or not.
Food served for about 1,000 people, beer from tap for quite a few more. Live music. Booths with entertainments for the kids – throw darts at balloons, try the wheel of fortune, buy candy or coffee and cake.

Lots of people.

Almost too many of them. Or maybe it’s just me being too able to choose, too unable to deprive myself of any of the choices.

So many people there that I care about. Care for.

In the end, it’s good to care. Good enough to lessen the worry of not caring well enough.

For all the many people.