Holiday Treats: A Few Short Stories

Some folks see the past as just that, the past. Some see it as the future; history repeats itself, that’s the saying. Then there are those who feel history is LIFE… the blood that made the past and flows through the present and will become the future.

Which of these you are, depends on what speaks to you, what speaks to your soul? Do you treasure the items of your ancestors? Do you just consider them junk? Or are you somewhere in the middle?

How we feel about the past is important to our future, but we can’t allow it to rule our future. We have to live and love, grow and evolve. Our existence is an ever changing process of surviving and moving forward into the next generation.

What are you looking for?

My underwear, have you seen them?

I saw them at one point last night but not since then. Stacy was just enjoying the view. Maura was on her knees, looking under the bed for the discarded item. Stacy couldn’t help herself. She knelt down behind Maura and started to caress the body before her.

What do you think you’re doing? I have to go to work.

I’m trying to help you, honestly Babe. Stacy’s hands were gliding over and around and in between.

Maura stopped looking and started to allow and enjoy the touch of her new lover. She sat back on her legs and brought her body into a sitting position. Leaning her head back against Stacy’s shoulder, she closed her eyes. Stacy’s hands stroked Maura’s thighs then made the way up to her breasts. She slid one back down between Maura’s legs and pushed slightly to open them for access.

You’re trying to get me fired. Maura moaned out.

No Baby, I just want you to have a good day at work. I want you to think of me touching you here giving you pleasure. You’re the one that wound me up, naked on the floor with your ass up in the air. I wanted to bite it, so bad. Now, I want to nibble something else. Stacy crawled around Maura’s body, laid her back on the floor. She started to nibble and taste.

Oh Stacy, you’re making me crazy.

Baby, I see your underwear. Do you want me to stop so you can get going?

NOO! Don’t you dare do that to me?

Stacy just laughed then brought Maura over the cliff.

**

Damn it! I have got to get a life, and a girlfriend. Zoe set her book aside, frustrated that fictional characters were getting laid more than she was. She pulled her current girlfriend, AKA her vibrator, from under the other pillow.

Another Saturday night in a threesome, me, myself, and I. Oh well, at least I know you’re good at pleasuring me.

**

It was winter and Zoe was bored. Her last relationship had ended in May and she had no ambition to try and start a new one with anyone. That one hadn’t lasted very long. Traci was a very social person and Zoe was more solitary. It was doomed from the start, but Zoe had been lonely for a long time.

Zoe, being a romantic, could be completely happy with one woman, staying at home and loving each other forever. She didn’t care about parties and get-togethers. She didn’t usually go to sporting events or concerts, Zoe was happy just sitting quietly, reading a book. When her friend Kera called her the week before Valentine’s Day she was happy for the distraction.

Hey Zoe, there’s a lecture at BU about the history of Valentine’s. I know how much of a romantic you are, so you want to go with me? Dan is going to some hockey game with a group of guys on Friday night, so please come with me Zoe? I know you love romance.

That sounds great. I’ve been completely bored. What time does it start?

It starts at six-thirty pm so I’ll pick you up at five and we’ll head into Boston. We can get pizza after. I know you’ve been quiet for a long time now.

I’ll see you at five and no depressing crap Kera, ok?

You got it. See you soon.

**

The two friends chatted away as they drove from Crescent Cove to Boston. There was a traffic tie-up and by the time they parked and got into the lecture hall it was six thirty-five. They were giggling and trying to be quiet. When they opened the doors to enter, it was dark.

Shit, it started already. Should we leave? Zoe didn’t want to get in trouble.

Excuse me. Do I need to turn the lights up so you can find a seat? The lecturer asked.

Oh, no sorry, my eyes are adjusting. We’re good, sorry. Zoe knee hit the arm of the seat as she tried to quietly get into the isle.

Shit.

Shhh.

Sorry.

Once they finally got seated they looked up at the screen. The professor that was doing the lecture stood waiting for them to settle. Ok let’s try again.

The first slide was a big red heart, next was a condom, then a bouquet of roses, and once again came another condom. When a big diamond ring came up, all the little college girls were oohing and aahing. The condom came back up. The next slide was the condom center screen with a big red circle around it and a line drawn through it, stating no condoms. The boys were hooting and hollering then. When the next slide came up the volume was increased on purpose. There was a screaming baby on the monitor. The professor left it up just long enough. She turned the lights back up a little so she could see all the faces starring back at her. She smiled, looking around the room. Her eyes stopped up at the top of the room where the two late comers sat. She smiled at them then turned down the volume.

So I’m guessing this is not the sound you want to hear nine months from Valentine’s Day?

Every head was shaking in the negative.

Good, nuff said about that. Now you all came here tonight to hear about the history of Valentine’s. Well there isn’t much. It’s a made up holiday. The chocolatiers and florists and jewelers all love the commercialism of it but in truth, Valentine’s has nothing to do with love. You’ve all heard of the priest that was beheaded, the St Valentine’s Day massacre, but what I’m going tell you about goes much deeper.

She put up a photo of a gorgeous woman. Now there is probably a lot you’d do to get between her legs, wouldn’t you boys?

Yeahs and whoops were heard all around.

Of course, but this… is what would be expected of you. ‘Kill a thousand men.’ She put up the next picture. Piles of dead bodies showed.

She would whisper to you. ‘Win a war for me; invade and takeover a country for me. When you do; I will bestow to you my love and passion, beyond your wildest dreams.’ How’s that chance with her sounding now? Not so sure you’re up for it, are you?

She flipped the picture. Men for these powerful women, were a dime a dozen. They would take pleasure from a simple servant boy if he had the right equipment, and they did check often. Oh and don’t think the male species was the only game in town. Why do think they had dozens of women surrounding them and bathing them and dressing them. None of them were above a tryst with a chamber maid. Gay or straight was not an issue back then. Pleasure was the privilege of the powerful.

This lecturer spoke of the priest that was supposed to have been killed named Valentine by the Romans. Also, she spoke about the fertility Pagan rituals that happen in that time period of February. She told of how the Christians mingled everything together and eventually St. Valentine’s Day was created, then of course, how finally the mega billion dollar holiday of today came about.

"So in conclusion, boys you would be expected to kill and fight wars for love and passion, girls you would be expected to be whipped with a goats hide covered in blood. Your name would go in the pot to be picked by a bachelor, you would be expected to preform, spending anywhere from a night to a year, or to marry this man for life if he so wanted. Love really didn’t have a whole lot to do with it at all. So buy the flowers and candy, pick the perfect card, and DON’T FORGET THE CONDOMS!" She laughed as she brought the lights back up in the hall.

There was quite a bit of stunned silence throughout the room. As people started to get up to leave, this lecturer was looking over the audience. She did this same spiel at six Universities in the Northeast. She would speak at one each night for the week before the holiday.

Zoe and Kera were still sitting in their seats. They were expecting some hot and steamy presentation but got a harsh reality. When most had stood to leave Kera asked her.

I can’t even imagine living in those times. I’m way to stubborn to just go with whoever picked my name.

Yeah, well how do you think I’d feel about the whole deal?

Oh God, I didn’t even think about that. Do you think they let the lesbians have a pass on this ritual?

I doubt it.

The two women stood up to leave. The speaker was still standing down at the front of the lecture hall putting her notes and discs away. She was purposefully not looking in their direction.

Zoe, it’s your mother. Are you still coming over for lunch today?

Yes Mom, I’ll be there. What else do I have to do today?

You know, you have to go out more. What did you do last night? Let me guess, you read a romance, again.

What’s your point Mom? Would you rather I go club hopping like you do? Who was your conquest last night? Was it someone new, of course it was?

Zoe, just because your father died two years ago does not mean that I did. I meet many wonderful men both at my shop and out and about and I don’t sleep around. Who do you meet at your shop?

Mom, I have a book store. I sell books. You pedal legal drugs. You own a bakery. Of course you meet great numbers of people, their all on a sugar high.

Many people come into the bakery and sit and read while enjoying my baked goods and coffee. You don’t have anything special at your book store Honey. You need to draw more people in.

It’s a bookstore Mom. I sell books to people who actually know what books are. I have to go. I’ll see you about noon.

Sometimes Zoe’s mother drove her nuts, as mothers do. Zoe knew business was slow and she needed to find a way to bring more people in but she liked it the way it was and she could make her payments every month, so why change it.

**

Lunch, was same-ole’ same-ole’ with her mother. After lunch she headed to ‘Zoe’s Books’ aka the bookstore. Her grandmother had left her the building when she died. There was an apartment upstairs, which is probably how she could afford to pay her bills, no rent. When her grandmother owned it, the store part of it was called ‘Zoe’s Antiques’.

She opened the door and flipped the sign. Maybe if she was open for a few hours on Sunday she would get some customers. The place needed a good dusting anyway. She grabbed the duster and began. After about two hours, Zoe was bored. Only two customers had come in so far. She walked over and flipped the sign. Zoe stood in the doorway and looked out toward the park by the market on the other side of the street. Soon it would be filled with local merchants and summer joy. She locked the door and turned the lights down.

Zoe could access her apartment from inside the bookstore or from the stairs out back where she parked. Once she was up in her living room she turned the television to the old movie channel and watched, of course it was an old romance.

**

Grace sat at a table in the park. She had been sitting in this spot for a few weeks now, watching. She needed to learn the comings and goings of the bookstore owner in case she wasn’t allowed access to what she needed. Grace knew the wanted items were in that building. She could sense them, it was a familial thing.

The problem was this bookstore owner didn’t have any set times when she left the building. This could make it more difficult. Grace almost tried today when the bookstore owner was out, but was glad she didn’t make the attempt since the owner returned after only a couple of hours. She could wait.

**

Hey Traci, what’s going on?

I’m looking for an art history book that I haven’t already been through a thousand times. Got any there?

Well since I don’t know which art history books you’ve been through a thousand times, might I suggest you bring your ass in here and look for yourself.

I’m looking for some old local artist work, do you have that?

Jesus Traci, I don’t know what you consider local or old, get your ass down here and look for yourself. I have a store to run.

Alright, I’ll be there in twenty. I have to stop and get a coffee. You want one?

No thank you Traci. I’ll look up in the balcony where Gran kept the stuff that remained from her antique shop. If there are books in it, I’ll pull them for you.

Thanks Zoe, you’re a good friend.

Yup.

Zoe had dated Traci for about five months when Traci first moved here for her research. It just didn’t work for them. They worked better as friends. Traci had been in three other relationships since then. Zoe had been in none. She was an introvert, which is probably why she didn’t care that her bookstore wasn’t very busy.

She went up into the balcony, going through the boxes her grandmother had left behind and pulled out any books that might have to do with local art or history. As she made her way back down with the books, she heard the bell from the door opening.

Hey Traci, I found a couple that might work for you. I’ll be right there.

When she got to the counter, she set the books down. Traci?

Sorry, I don’t know who Traci is, but I’m not her. A very smooth and calming voice replied.

Zoe spun around quickly at the unfamiliar voice. I’m sorry. I was expecting a friend who was coming in for a book.

Makes sense, since this is a bookstore. I’m looking for some local writers or history about the area. Do you have an area for local books?

Yes, No, but I guess I should. Can you be more specific? I have an area for local authors, but not really historical and I have a historical area but not from local writers. I have some books from when my grandmother owned this place as an antique shop. These are the ones I pulled for my friend. That’s who I thought you were. Sorry, I’m Zoe Adams. I own this bookstore. She shrugged; an unconscious habit.

Am I allowed to look at these before your friend comes in to take them?

Oh Traci won’t be taking them. She just wants to look at them. She has no money to buy books. Here help yourself. She won’t be here for probably another ten minutes.

Thanks, do you think I could schedule a time when I could come in and go through the boxes you spoke of before? You mentioned antiques.

You can do that today. Once I set Traci up here with these, I’ll have time to go up and bring the boxes down for you to go through.

I’m afraid I don’t have that kind of time available today. Is there a day that’s normally slow for you? I don’t want to put you out any.

It’s not a problem. What day works for you? I’ll make sure the boxes are brought down before you get here so as not to waste your time.

How about tomorrow, say around ten o’clock?

Sure, look through these while you’re here. Zoe stepped away and over to the counter. She was on the web site answering requests for specific books when Traci came sauntering in.

Hey Babe, sorry I’m running late. Did you find any?

Yes, they are over on that table, but now you have to share. Someone else wanted to look at those books as well.

Oh, alright I guess if I have to share.

The option would be to buy them Traci. This is a bookstore not a library. Share and be happy about it.

Wow, you’re in a mood. What the hell, are you still celibate? For Christ sake Zoe, get laid already.

"Get out of my site or out of my store, pick one!" Zoe was pissed off. Traci had gone too far.

**

Zoe sat and fumed. Traci went through the books quickly then came back to the counter.

Those aren’t what I’m looking for Zoe. I’m sorry about the celibate comment. I know you have a hard time meeting people. Are you still my friend?

I suppose so. See you around.

When it was just Zoe and new customer, Zoe climbed the stairs to the balcony and started to bring down the boxes. She stacked them against the wall so she could open them and set the contents down on the long reading table for the customer’s return the next day.

Excuse me?

Yes.

I would like to buy these three books please then I’ll get out of your way for the day.

I’m in no hurry but sure I can check you out. I mean cash you out. Zoe’s face flushed a deep red.

You don’t need to be embarrassed Zoe. I know what you meant. She smiled.

You’ve been watching this place for quite a while. It isn’t worth robbing. I don’t make enough to buy a pizza. You could have come in before, I don’t bite. I even sat out on the bench thinking you might come over and meet me but you never did that either. You just kept watching. For what?

I wasn’t going to rob you, I just, I don’t know. Sorry. Grace shrugged her shoulders as well.

Zoe stepped around the counter. I don’t even know what to charge for these books. They were part of her antiques.

Well let’s consider this for a minute. Your mother?

Grandmother

Ok, your grandmother had a price on this book as an antique of $100, and that was how long ago?

Six years ago. She died six years ago.

I’m so sorry for your loss. You’re named after her, correct?

Yes I was.

You have internet here right?

Yes.

Look it up. If the book is available somewhere else, same edition and same condition, then I’ll pay the price on her sticker. But if it isn’t available anywhere anymore, then I’ll triple the amount on the sticker.

Why would you do that?

Because I’ve asked you to do something you may not have been ready to do yet, and I didn’t even think about it. That was rude of me.

I don’t understand. She was doing an inquiry on the book and or author.

Zoe these items, all of them, were your grandmother’s property and I didn’t think about whether or not you were ready to unpack them never mind part with them. If you aren’t ready, we don’t need to do this.

No it’s ok, really. I just never knew what to do with them. They weren’t her items, just from her store. Ok, I’ve looked up all three books and none came up as available for any price, but I can’t let you pay that much for books.

I insist Zoe. Please I want these books so I can refurbish the property I bought and there are really good photos in these books. Now please run my credit card for three times the price of each book, I believe that to be nine hundred dollars. Then I’ll take my books and go home. I do hope you allow me to go through the other boxes still tomorrow.

I truly feel guilty taking this money for these old books. I don’t even know your name.

My name is on the card Zoe, in your hand. It’s Grace Southerland, but please call me Gra.

Like the color?

Yes.

Of course how silly of me. She blushed again. Zoe put through the card for the amount Grace told her.

Here you are Grace, sorry Gra. Thank you so very much for your business. I’ll have the boxes open and their contents out on the tables by ten am as we agreed. What exactly are you looking for?

Anything that may’ve come from the property that I purchased, or that belonged to the people who owned it.

Why?

Well that conversation is for another day Zoe. I have to take my leave now for today. You enjoy the rest of your day. I’ll see you tomorrow at ten am if you’re still sure.

Yes of course, I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow Gra.

After Grace had left, Zoe was over the moon. She hadn’t made nine hundred dollars in the last four months. She still felt guilty about taking the money. But who was she to argue with a customer. Zoe started to unpack the boxes she had brought down from the balcony setting the items on the long table so Grace could look at them. When she had the boxes empty, Zoe looked over the items. There were family photos and bits of people’s history. Zoe had never been a big fan of antiques. She never got the draw of them by some people but looking at them now she felt she understood that these were their memories. She thought about what she would not want to give up at the end of her life and what was most important.

Zoe realized that she had nothing of her own that meant that much to her. Her most prized possession was a gift from her grandmother. When she was a little girl, her grandmother had given her a small wooden box. It was lined with soft blue cloth and she had tucked a silver dollar inside for her to keep. Zoe still had both the box and coin. She wouldn’t part with it ever. With one last look at the table full of memories from other people, she went and locked the door then retired up to her apartment.

After she ate dinner, she sat and picked up her book, but her mind was wandering. Grace was a new woman in town. She knew nothing about her except that she was willing to pay an enormous amount of money for three books. That still shocked her. Grace seemed quite pleasant, she was pretty, and Zoe figured she was about twenty-eight to thirty-four years old. Zoe was twenty-eight so not far off. Grace was a brunette with short waves and soft brown eyes. She wasn’t loud or overbearing the way Traci was. What a mistake she had been. Zoe opened her book and started to read.

Zoe decided she wanted breakfast before her new client came in. She crossed the street to her mother’s place and went inside.

Hey Mom, can I get a coffee and cinnamon croissant please, to go.

Sure Sweetie. What’s going on today?

I have a new client that’s coming in to look at the antiques that I still had in boxes up in the balcony.

Wow, really, I didn’t even know you still had the antiques.

Yeah, I have them.

You must be Jane’s daughter, I’m Arthur Hanley.

Who?

He’s my new friend Zoe. He lives in Greenhaven.

Oh.

Zoe, I just want you to know that I really like your mother very much… He stopped talking when Zoe put up her hand.

I don’t care. You don’t have to explain why you’re bonking my mother. I don’t want to know. I really don’t.

Zoe, don’t be rude.

I’m out of here Mom, this week’s stepdad, have a good day. Zoe headed back across the street.

She sat at the counter enjoying her breakfast.

**

Main Street, The Town Square, City Center, Downtown, these nicknames are all equal in describing this area. There was a large parking lot at the end of the square and limited parking in front of each of the businesses. As with all town squares there’s a local bank, a hardware store, a diner, a bakery, a pizza pub, a book store, and a toy store. A small grocery with farmer’s market at the end was across from the parking lot, and during the summer this was the busy place. All the local farms brought their wares to sell. You could find many homemade jam and jellies, fresh veggies and fruits, even homemade blankets. It was now May, and the farmer’s market would be starting up soon.

**

Grace parked in the lot and made her way around the shops she had on her list. She walked up one side of the street then crossed the street and made her way back toward the lot. When she got to the bookstore, she went inside.

Good Morning Zoe. How are you today?

I’m well, and how are you today Grace?

Please call me Gra. It’s a beautiful day outside and I’m happy to be alive. So I guess I’m fine. What have you found for me Zoe? Can I set my bags here, would that be ok with you?

Of course, I can set them behind the counter if that would make you more comfortable.

Oh I’m sure they’ll be fine here.

Once the bags were set down, Grace made her way to the tables. Wow, you found quite a few items. May I spend a few moments with them?

Of course, take your time. Zoe was fascinated by Grace. There was just something about her that drew Zoe toward her. She smiled at Grace then went back to the counter to give Grace her privacy.

Grace was slowly looking over the items on the table. She would touch each one and either set it aside to buy or leave it where it was. When she came to a photo in an antique round frame she drew in a breath.

Is everything alright Gra?

Yes, everything is wonderful. I found a photo of my great-grandparents. I had heard that some of their belongings had gone to a shop. When their home burned seventy-five years ago, I was told that a few belonging had been salvaged. Then after my grandparents had passed away, some of them went to an antique shop. My parents never cared about history of family, but it’s what I love. I’m building my home on my great-grandparent’s land. We still own the land, my family. My parents don’t want it, they live in South Carolina. But I always liked the Northeast. Massachusetts is my home and I want to live here again. She had been cradling the photo in her arms like a priceless artifact.

Well if these items were your great-grandparents, then you should have them. You’re welcome to have them Gra, please, a gift from me to you. These are special to you. Zoe had stood and walked over to where Grace stood. Please accept them Grace.

Grace set the photo down and turned to Zoe. You’re a very generous woman Zoe Adams. I’ll accept the photo as a gift since it’s so special to me and will make you special as well. But the rest I’ll pay for since my parents were paid for the items when they were sold. I think your friend Traci made a very big mistake by ending your relationship. You’re truly the better of the two. She raised her hand and slid her fingers over Zoe’s cheek.

Zoe felt the electrical buzz sizzle through her body with even the slight touch of Grace’s fingers. I think you’re probably very special yourself Gra. Enjoy the photo.

Grace’s fingers remained and her other hand slid around Zoe’s waist, pulling her in. Her eyes never left Zoe’s. When she leaned in and placed her lips upon Zoe’s the sparks flew. Blood pulsed through Zoe with a rush to every cell of her being. When Grace released Zoe and stepped back, Zoe wobbled.

Wow; that was some kiss. I’ve never been kissed like that before. She was still trying to regain her composure.

I’ve wanted to do that since the first time I saw you come out of the bookstore and walk across the street to the bakery. It was very forward of me Zoe, I apologize.

Zoe was smiling; she touched her fingers to her lips. Don’t apologize Gra. The kiss was wonderful. Where are you living while your home is being built?

I’m staying in a little trailer on the property while the basic construction is happening.

How long will it take before you can live in your home?

A few months I would guess. But now with the photos in the books I got yesterday, things will progress much quicker. Why do you ask Zoe?

Well if you ever need a place to stay or want to hang out for a while, you’re welcome here. That’s all I wanted to say.

Thank you Zoe, I’d love to spend more time with you. Maybe we could have lunch or dinner some time. But right now, I need to continue with my process here, ok.

I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you Gra. She turned to head back to the counter.

Grace reached out and took her hand. You didn’t disturb me Zoe, but it’s hard to concentrate with you so close to me.

Oh. She didn’t know what else to say. When Grace let go of her hand, she went back to the counter and waited patiently. She fantasized about the kiss and where it might go from there.

Grace had looked over every item and touched each one looking for the connection. She brought the items she wanted to buy over to the counter.

Where are you going to store these items while they build your home? I don’t want to see them damaged. You can keep them here if you’d like. I promise not to sell them to anyone else. Zoe smiled at Grace again.

You have a beautiful smile Zoe. Your lips are so naturally full and pink and your eyes are the softest palest blue I’ve ever seen. Grace smiled at Zoe again. These items are important for me to have on the property to help in re-establishing the harmony of the property. So I’ll make sure to keep them safe, but thank you so much for your generous offer.

You’re welcome Gra. Do you need help bringing all these bags to your car?

No, I’m fine but thanks again. I don’t know what happened between you and the one that was here yesterday, but she was a fool to ever let you go. You have a good day Zoe and if you find any more boxes from the antique shop, please call me.

I certainly will. Have a nice day. After Grace left, Zoe looked over what was left. Zoe had made way more than she did selling books. There were some cute items so she decided to make a display of them inside the counter at the cash register.

**

Summer was in bloom everywhere. Zoe loved having the Farmer’s Market so close. She’d lock up and walk down the street to get her dinner. Anything she wanted was right there. Some people who live in big cities never leave their neighborhood, she knew what they meant. There was rarely a reason for her to go anywhere beyond The Square.

Business had been picking up a little, she had a couple local authors come in for book signings and that was successful. She even sold a few of the antique knickknacks from the collection.

Zoe loved June. She would walk down to the wharf and enjoy the ocean breeze or just sit in the sun and read a book. She hadn’t seen Grace again since the two days she spent in her store. Zoe figured she was busy building her home. I wonder what she does for a living. She thought of Grace often but was too shy to try and call her, so she just went about her life. She had heard the rumor that Traci was in another new relationship. Sometimes she envied her and sometimes she was just as happy being alone.

**

Morning Mom, what’s going on today?

I’m glad you stopped in Honey. Arthur and I are going away for the night. When I close at two today, we’re heading to New York for the night and day tomorrow. Chelsey will run the bakery tomorrow for me. I didn’t want you to worry.

Wow, good for you Mom. Are you doing anything special in New York?

We’re going to a show, I don’t know which one yet, he said it would be a surprise. Zoe, he’s a very nice man. We’ve been enjoying our time together.

I’m happy for you Mom. You know I want you to have whatever you want.

What about you Zoe, what do you want?

I have what I want. I do what I want. You don’t have to worry about me Mom, really. I’ll be just fine. I’m not looking for anything right now.

Ok, I know you like your alone time. I just want you happy as well. I love you Zoe.

Love you too Mom. Now can I get a coffee to go?

**

Zoe had been sitting on a bench looking out over the water. She’d take a deep breath and look over the view then go back to her book for a few minutes. She could easily get lost in the story so she forced herself to look up and away every few minutes. It was a perfect morning. She would sit and enjoy this picture perfect scene for another hour then head back and open the bookstore. If anyone needed a book they knew how to find her or would call her cell. Summers are short in the Northeast and everyone tries to enjoy them as much as possible.

Hearing the buzzing