"The thread of destiny weaves itself through time, binding those who are meant to meet."
~ Unknown
The phone buzzed against the stack of invoices on his desk. Michael glanced at the screen and set down his pen.
"Hello?"
"Michael, it's me, Asper."
A small smile touched his lips. Asper Samson had been one of the few constants from high school, the kind of friend who didn't need constant contact to remain close.
"Asper? How are you? It's been a while."
"I'm fine. I called to let you know I've arranged a Christmas party. I've invited our old classmates. Rory will be there too. You have to come, alright?"
"Yeah. I'll be there."
"Great! See you tomorrow."
He hung up and leaned back in his chair, letting his gaze drift to the window. Outside, the first snow of the season was beginning to fall, dusting the rooftops with white. It had been years since he'd seen most of his high school classmates, and he preferred it that way. But Asper was different. So was Rory, in his own chaotic way.
Asper was studying to be a gynaecologist, her father's footsteps guiding her. After losing her mother shortly after graduation, she had grown into someone responsible beyond her years, quietly caring for her younger siblings while still chasing her dreams.
Rory, by contrast, floated through life with an easy grin and a new girlfriend every month. Engineering student by name, professional partier by nature. His family kept a loose leash, watching just closely enough to ensure he didn't bring home any permanent surprises.
They were the only two people from that time Michael still considered friends.
The next evening, the city had transformed. Every street corner glittered with fairy lights; snowmen stood guard outside shops, their carrot noses crooked. Children hurled snowballs at one another, their laughter sharp and bright against the cold.
He didn't dress up often; it felt like armour he didn't need, but tonight he'd chosen a maroon suit and a white shirt underneath. His white hair fell loose to his neck, unstyled tonight. Without wax to hold it back, the soft strands drifted across his forehead, occasionally veiling his grey eyes.
Asper's house was warm, crowded with familiar faces he hadn't seen in years. He found Rory near the drinks table, already mid-story about something that made Asper roll her eyes. Michael handed over the gifts and let the familiar rhythm of their friendship settle around him.
Eventually, he excused himself to get a juice, weaving through clusters of former classmates whose names he'd mostly forgotten.
"Michael?"
He turned. Robert Bryan stood behind him, looking slightly more polished than the lanky teenager Michael remembered.
"Robert? Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas. I'm glad I ran into you." Robert gestured vaguely. "I was getting tired of just texting, you know? It's nice to actually talk."
Michael nodded, letting the small talk wash over him. Robert's voice faded into the background noise when a ripple passed through the crowd.
He looked toward the entrance.
Selina Joseph stood there, brushing snow from her coat. Her long black hair cascaded past her waist, still damp from the snowfall, and she was laughing at something one of her friends said. The sound seemed to fill the room, pulling eyes toward her like a magnet.
She had always been like that, the centre of gravity wherever she stood. But now there was something different about her. A quiet confidence had replaced the ignorance of youth. She was slightly taller, her features more defined, her smile no longer practised but genuine. It was like she finally found herself.
Behind her came Sandy Rosalind, her best friend since freshman year, followed by Sophia Peyton and Avery Harper, the quieter members of their group. Michael remembered the rumours: Sandy's family owned many businesses; Sophia's father was high up in the military; Avery came from a modest background but studied hard enough to earn her place among them.
Selina's eyes swept the room, casual and assessing, and for one suspended moment, they landed on him.
Michael looked away, lifting his glass to his lips.