Written 22 December 2018
“Yeah, I've got to work Christmas Eve.” Sam said for the 4th time that day “But I'm heading to Maisie's folk's afterward. Going to be a nightmare.”
“Nah, you'll be alright.” Eric countered. “Trains'll be dead. Most people are going home this weekend.”
“How come you’re still around?” Sam asked, taking a sip of his fresh pint.
“Heading back to my parents this weekend.” Eric said, not looking Sam in the eye. He didn't want Sam to know that he was spending Christmas alone. Eating beans from a can and watching Top Gear reruns on Dave.
“Fair enough. How are your parents?” they no longer talk to Eric.
“They're okay. You know, getting up there now. Mostly just sit around.” Eric had precisely zero idea how his parents were doing.
“And how's Emma and your boy?” Eric had left them four months ago.
“They're good. Going to her Mums. I'll come and join them on Boxing Day.”
“Sounds good.”
And for the rest of the evening Emma, and his son Rory, and his Mum, and his Dad, and his sister, who's funeral he had missed, and his uncle, who Eric had punched when he had attempted to reconcile son and parents, were not mentioned by Sam. They mostly talked about sport and work and stuff. Eric was thankful for that.