Three Days - A Family Story.

                                              A story in three parts
                                     Yesterday -– Today -- Tomorrow

                                              Part One -- Yesterday

Looking back Tobias supposed it was it's unexpectedness that made it such a shock. It simply had never occurred to him that such a thing would happen. How could it at such a young age? But then, almost without him knowing, it did. It was as though he had been looking the other way, taking no notice. Or was it perhaps that he simply didn't want to know?
             "Come here darling." his mother said one day. Somehow he sensed that this was something different, something in her voice, her manner, told him that what she was about to say would be profound. Her tone made him uneasy, it was missing the usual gentleness and it was almost as if he knew what she was going to say;  even before he heard the words.                "Your father is going away for a while.” Looking back he felt he had known what was coming, just as he had known that 'a while' probably meant 'for good'.
             "Are you getting divorced?" he asked his mother. He was ten years old; what did he know about divorce?
            His mother was not inclined to discuss it too deeply, but quietly replied that because their careers made conflicting demands, she and daddy had grown apart. "We see so little of each other, and you only see him at the week-end." She smiled a heavy smile, "So we think it best that he should live closer to his work."
            It seemed so matter of fact, all decided, no need to ask any questions. Not that Tabby could think of any at the time.
              "I've told the other two, and they seem to be quite allright about it." she had assured him.
             The 'other two' were his sister Josephina, and brother Stefan. She was twelve, and his brother was seven, but he soon found out they were far from being 'allright', as his mother had suggested, and that they were equally shocked. When he saw Jo her red eyes were proof of that, and Stef normally a none-stop chatterbox, couldn't find a word to say.
             "What do you think Jo?" Tabby asked his sister. Being two years older than himself, he thought she would know. "What's happened?"
            "I don't know. They never said anything before."
             "When is he leaving?" he persisted but she didn't know that either. For an answer she hurriedly fished for her hanky from the cuff of her sleeve and turned her back on her brother. However his question was answered at breakfast the next morning. Everything seemed just the same and father’s briefcase was waiting for him by the door, just as it was on most Monday mornings.
            The family didn't usually see him during the week. Mum said he had a room near his laboratory, where, the children believed, he was doing something secret for the government, but he always came home for the weekends. He had been quite jolly over breakfast, telling them not to worry, that he would see them as often as possible, and that they would hardly notice the difference.
            He was right in one sense for it was a while before they started to notice anything different but over time it began to dawn on the three children that their father no longer lived with them. His weekend visits soon became every other week and then once a month. Not only did his visits become further apart, but all too soon they no longer included overnight stays or breakfasts.
             Conversation between him and his wife became polite, but rather formal, and jolliness with his children seemed somehow forced. Steadily the time between his visits continued to grow and by the time Tobias was fifteen he and his siblings seldom saw their father more than once a year.
             Marshall McAlister had left the family home with a heavy heart but he had thought it for the best. His job through the seventies and eighties as a scientist in a government establishment was very demanding and its long hours had placed a heavy toll on his marriage. But he was confident his wife would adequately fill the gap he had left, and so it proved. By and large they remained a happy household, mother managing to maintain her professional life as a solicitor and Josephina was now looking forward to university, aided by consistent high marks at school. Stephan had settled well into the same Grammar as Tobias, albeit three years behind, who had now gravitated to the senior section.
            They had all moved on, each in their own way looking to the future, but still blissfully unaware what fate had in store for them. Life had moved on in that curious way they were not yet able to understand, almost as though it had nothing to do with them.
             But Tobias, alone of the three children often found himself looking back. His sister and brother, each in their own way had embraced their new normality more easily than he, not clinging to the past. Tobias however, perhaps with a certainty that only hindsight can bring, held on to times past, clinging to times remembered. Paradoxically he clung on to the uncertainties of those earlier years that over time had become certainties. They were his yesterdays and they would not let him go, stubbornly refusing to be left behind.

                                                 Part Two -- Today

The train rumbled into the station as though it had all the time in the world. Not the usual steaming screeching hissing rush that regular travellers are used to, as the train hurtles by the platform seemingly unable to stop in time, and passengers waiting to board are forced to trot, or even run, fearful of being left behind.
            Not this time. It was like a glider coming in to land, almost silent as it shyly slipped into it's allotted space. Long before it stopped Tobias had thrown open the carriage door, and leaning out watched as the train eased its way by the platform, would-be passengers strolling comfortably by its side easily keeping pace, until, with a slight jolt, it came to a standstill.
            Stepping down, a rucksack over one shoulder, and a large old wheeled suitcase following bumpily behind, he looked beyond the waiting people, passengers and those waiting to greet passengers alike. There she was, waiting by the main exit; Jo, his big sister. It had been a while since he had seen her and he could not help smiling. Jo, petite, slight of build and of height, was way smaller than Tobias but being two years older than he, in his eyes she was - had always been - his big sister. Despite that, with her good job in the legal department of a finance company, her constant boast was that she would be a millionaire before either of her brothers.
            "Hello Tabby," she said, as she threw her arm around his neck and lifted herself to kiss his cheek. "had a good journey?"
             "Hi Jo," he responded, hanging on to the rucksack having released his hold on the case so that he could wrap his arm round her shoulders. "I didn't expect to see you here." he told her as he accepted her kiss.
            Tobias smiled, thinking of her greeting. He had lived with the moggy nick-name all his life within his family. Happily though, most other people - with his blessing - now call him Toby. But way back, when he was a baby, and Jo was a toddler, she could never manage to get her tongue round Tobias, and the nearest she ever got to it was Tabby. Somehow the amusement it caused his parents was enough to allow their first child's version to continue. Inevitably it stuck for good, and he was Tabby thereafter. Even his parents, and his younger sibling, who came along three years later, called him Tabby. Indeed, he often wondered if 'Stef' ever knew his real name.
            "Where is Stef?" he asked Jo, prompted by these fleeting thoughts. "I thought he would be here to meet me."
             "So am I not good enough then?" Jo asked, at the same time giving my arm a gentle but positive thump.
            Curiously Tabby’s parents forbade the use of shortened names for their other children. Whether it was a reaction to his name being accidentally reduced from rather smart intellectuality to that of a back-ally cat he didn't know. What he did know was that any attempt to shorten the names of his sister and brother was met with a severe rebuke. But not Tobias. Somehow the die was cast and he remained Tabby.
            Of course the ban, so steadfast in the home was generally ignored out of it. At school or at play the natural inclination of children to shorten names was unstoppable. Josephina became 'Jo' and Stefan became 'Stef'. And Tobias? Once outside the confines of the house, he was treated just the same. He was however spared the ignominy of a feline nick-name. No longer an ally cat, he was now eternally linked to a somewhat portly jug.
            The drive home gave Jo the opportunity to quiz her brother about his last term at university, and to update him on family matters.
            "Any recent romantic developments with my siblings?" he asked. "Any gossip or scandals to tell me?"
             ”Nothing as juicy as a scandal I’m afraid," Jo admitted, "but I’ve got a new boy friend. Does that count?”
            “Not unless you’ve been getting up to the kind of naughty mischief you can't tell mother.” he replied.
            “Never mind about that!" Jo responded in a sort of an odd way.
            Was that the faint beginning of a blush Tabby wondered before his sister once again took control.
            "Anyway, how about you, any sign a girl friend yet?” she teased.
            “Plenty of time for that.” Tabby answered. “I don’t want to get sidetracked. Getting my degree is the main thing for me at the moment.”
             “But you have to have some divergences now and again Tabby.”
            “Oh don't worry about that. I have my divergences - now and again.”
             “Ooh, tell me more.”
            “No way, it would be all round the town in twenty minutes.” he told her.
            The banter went on for the rest of the journey, and even though she was driving Jo managed to land one or two more blows on her brother’s arm.
             Home was the same as usual; comfortable; familiar; safe; and for Tabby, seeing his family if only for a few days, was like recharging a battery.
             “Hello dear; glad you could make it.” Mum said as she planted the motherly kiss on her son’s cheek. “Now I’m rather busy; Look after your brother Josephina.”            
            Josephina smiled and showed a fist to Tobias. “Of course mother dear.”            
            Mum was always busy; nothing new there. Efficiently preparing dinner and doing the multitude of tasks seemingly all at the same time for a special occasion, she was, like most mothers, perfectly happy. Once again they were a complete family; and soon Stefan would make up the quartet at this holiday time. Only Tabby did not quite see it that way. It was, he conceded, a kind of completeness, one that they had all come to accept, but seemingly alone, only he missed his father.
            Only he was missing, just as he had been these last ten years. Marshall McAlister was the father of the three children, and, since neither party had ever felt the wish or had the need to seek a divorce, he was still the husband. Despite the ten years that had elapsed since he left the family home, which both parents had hoped to be a trial, it had become permanent. Tabby had not seen his father for over a year since he last visited him at his flat, and of course after all those years Tobias had become used to life without him. But he still missed him; his smile, his shy aloofness, and his sharp wit.
            Bringing his thoughts back to his homecoming Tabby asked his mother, “Where is Stefan anyway? Doesn’t he know I’m coming?” as she swept through the room carrying a tray.
             “I expect he will be home soon dear. Oh yes, he knows you are coming down, but he told me that there are more important things in life than meeting up with big brothers.”
            “What?” Tabby shouted, “Of all the bloody.......”
            “Don’t swear dear. He was joking you know.”  The rebuke was delivered with a straight face despite struggling slightly to hide a grin.
             “I bl....jolly well hope so.”
            “You know he sees you as his roll model, and he wants to get good marks in his final exams so he can follow you into university - very soon now.” she said as she disappeared back into the kitchen. Unexpectedly she re-appeared; her head at least, “So don’t let him down.”
            As if on cue the front door burst open and in walked little brother. Except that he wasn’t little any more. Tabby had not seen all that much of him during the three years he had been at university, and suddenly; or so it seemed; the two brothers were matched, inch by inch. Little brother was eighteen years old now, grown up, grown out, a man. Without any hint of embarrassment they hugged. It was good to be home.
            The reason for this special November weekend was Thanksgiving. The McAlisters had met, married and indeed lived for a few years in America, and the ritual of thanksgiving, so much a part of the American way of life, had stayed with them when they came back to England. Even after they split up Judy McAlister continued to observe the day. That her children should not consider the event worth a long trip home from university or wherever they were, was, they all knew, not an option.
            Four of them round the table, happy in each others company and looking forward to dealing with the turkey which was set between them. The meal over, it was time for the toasts. Another family ritual when everyone had his or her turn to celebrate something, or someone, dear to them. When it was Tabby’s turn he stood up and after saying a few words raised his glass to ‘Absent Friends’, a traditional toast made at all gatherings, for all occasions, all over the world. Despite its common use he made the toast with great sincerely. He spoke the words quietly yet firmly, conscious that he had been allowed to assume the role of head of the household, if only in an honorary capacity. The others knew he was thinking about his dad, for they were all aware that it was he who maintained the strongest feelings for him.
            Today, as often before, Tabby was wishing he was with them to celebrate this special day.

                                                Part Three – Tomorrow

Who can say what twists and turns forms the character and leads to the way ahead.. Not Tobias McAlister. Who knows what might have been, had different choices been taken at any of the various 'crossroads' we all come to in life. Certainly not Tobias McAlister. But he was conscious that he had been fortunate to be born into an ordinary but fairly affluent family, and the good education which was part of that heritage. This in turn had led to considerable and satisfying success in his own business. And he would be the first to acknowledge some lucky breaks here and there, plus a determination to succeed by himself and with his business partner.
            He pressed the button and threw the remote control on the bed. “That's enough of you.” he said to the TV, bored with the endless soaps that masquerades as drama on US television, or the canned laughter of their ‘comedies’.
            He was glad his trip to New York was nearly over. Not that it hadn’t been worthwhile! He knew his partner would be pleased at the interest that had been expressed in their venture, and with the number of firm orders placed with their US agents. He had taken on this trip because his partner’s expertise was needed back home on a special project, but the truth was that he preferred the settled environment of the home office, quite happy to let someone else do the globe trotting.
            Earlier there had been a little party at the US office to send the reluctant traveller back home, and a curious thing had happened. A chance encounter which he could not remove from his mind.
            "You’re McAlister?” this man had said, in a manner that combined a statement and a question, while at the same time offering his hand.
             “Yes I am; Tobias McAlister; what can I do for you?” taking the hand and shaking it firmly.
            “Any relation to Marshall McAlister?” he asked.
            “Marshall McAlister is my father. Did you know him?”
            “You bet, we were good buddies years ago.”
            Tobias studied his new acquaintance with interest. He was about his father’s age, and though he knew that his parents had lived and studied in America, he had only sketchy knowledge of their lifestyle then, and knew virtually nothing about their friends.
            “Soon as I saw your face, and heard you name I felt sure. We were all in the gang, he and his girlfriend; no his wife; hey I was at their wedding; your mother I guess; Judy.” He paused, a little impatiently, a short respite from his tumbling flow of words, waiting for a gesture from Tobias to confirm that Judy was indeed his mother.

            “We met first at the university,” he continued, “and then again at a ‘Thanksgiving’ party somewhere; we stayed friends after that until they went back to the UK. Hey, I remember now, she was expecting and Marshall wanted his kid to be born in England; something to do with cricket I seem to remember; guess that little bump must have been you.”
            His new acquaintance was one who seemed to speak everything in a hurry and Tobias felt himself getting breathless for him, and was glad that it was now his turn.
            “My sister actually; I came a little later.”
            “Great; he got two kids then.”
            “Three. I have a younger brother.”
            “Great,” he said again, “How is he - is he still - you still in touch?”
            “I’m sorry to say that my parents split up twenty years ago.” It seemed such a simple statement to tell of such a complicated time. “But I see him from time to time and he seems to be well.”
            “Glad to know that; pity they split; happens all the time; when you see him say hello for me.” He pressed a card into Tobias’s hand as he shook it again. “Knew I was right about you;  great; got to go; another meeting.” And in a moment he was gone.
            Tobias sat on the bed and looked again at the card and thought of those far off days. They must have had so much to look forward to back then, so many dreams, so many twists and turns; and - he paused a moment as though reluctant to continue - so many disappointments. Yes, he was glad to be flying home in the morning.
                                                             * * *
“Hi Sis.” He said brightly to the phone.
            “Hello Tabby, but you know I don’t like being called ‘Sis’.”
            “Josephina then,” he said, slightly exaggerating the full name, “How’s things?”
            “‘Jo’ will do if you don’t mind, and since you ask I am rushed off my feet. Did you have a good trip?”
            “OK, just a quick call; yes, it was a good trip but I'm glad to be back." Not waiting for Jo to speak he quickly continued, "Make a note in your diary Jo, Nov 26th. I’m giving a party, a thanksgiving party, and I want you and Martin to be there. Get someone to look after the kids.”
            He put the phone down, but a little grin stayed on his face remembering again the difficulty she had trying to pronounce his name when she was a child. His affection for his 'big' sister remained strong and he thought about her for a while. Poor old Jo; no longer the career girl she once was, having thrown it all away - so she says, but he knew she didn’t mean it - for love. She married a legal eagle from a rival company, and before they could say ‘honi soit qui maly pence’, there was a baby on the way. Jo’s baby was duly delivered, but somewhat to her mother’s discomfiture, somewhat sooner than was appropriate. That feeling was very short lived however, for she could not resist the nature in her and quickly took all the delight she could in her first grandchild. When, some eighteen months later another child arrived - and because this time there was no reason to check the calendar - she was in heaven.
            Tobias picked up the phone again, this time to call his brother. Stefan had become interested in the RAF while at the university, and when he left with his science degree he enlisted for officer training. Following his ‘passing out’, and a few years training in engine technology, then a couple of years training to became a pilot, he had risen in rank to Flight Lieutenant. Moreover had let it be known that he anticipated imminent promotion to Squadron Leader.
            “Hello Stef, can you swing a day or two leave around Nov. 26th. He started to tell his brother of his plans for a party, and ...”
            “Hello; is that you Tabby, it’s not a good connection?”
            “Stef; it’s Tabby here; what’s all that noise?”
            “Hi Tabby, sorry about that; it’s a jet engine simulator.”
            “What!; are you flying? Have they put me through on air traffic control?”
            “Good Lord no. I'm in the workshop.”
            Long live those twists and turns. Stef assured his brother that he would be there if...
            "What's the if?" Tabby asked above the noise. "Is there a problem?"
            “Can I bring someone with me?” he asked.
            “Let me think, will it be a girl by any chance?”
            “Yes as a matter of fact. Why; would you rather I bring a fellah?”
            “You what? I’ll have a word with mum about the sleeping arrangements. I’ll see if I can book you a double; might just swing it with a girl, but a fellah; no chance.”
            They dissolved into laughter, but then Stef cut in. “Better stop now Tabby, the C.O. doesn’t like us chatting at five hundred knots; says it ruins our concentration. Bye.”
            There was a moment of silence before Tobias too put down his phone. Despite the jollity he was glad that their conversation had not been face to face. Glad that his brother had not seen the slightly pained expression on his face, for those uncertainties that had troubled him in the past, though now resolved, still concerned him. But the mood passed quickly and soon the grin on Tabby’s face was wider than ever. Now he had work to do, and he turned his swivel chair through half a circle until he faced his drawing board, and picked up a pencil.
            The trip to the states had been a big success, but now the real work would start. With a university friend he had set up his graphic design company. He spent most of his time in the office, overseeing an ever growing work force. But he liked the discipline of the drawing board, and liked to keep his hand in whenever time, and a spare easel permitted. His partner Gerald looked after the sales and product development while Tabby was more concerned with the computer aided design side of things with his team of artists and programmers. Between them and the growing power of the Internet, they had established a very lucrative business.
            He was in his thirties now but as he was still unmarried, he managed to create a feeling of both pride and concern, within his mother’s breast. “Can’t you find a nice girl and settle down?” she would often ask. Tabby's usual reply was that he was happy with his life, and at the moment didn’t want that kind of commitment. What he didn’t tell her was that he did not share his brother’s enthusiasm for girls.
            Thanksgiving day duly arrived, and one by one Tobias’s guests arrived at his flat. First to arrive; surprise surprise! was his mother.
            “I thought I’d come early dear in case you needed any help.” Tobias smiled, thanked her, and made her comfortable in his lounge. He hoped that the surprise he had planned wasn’t spoiled by her early arrival. Next on the scene was Josephina, without husband.
            “Sorry Tabby,“ she said, as she stretched up to give her brother a peck on the cheek. “Martin's been delayed. Something unexpected has come up, but he has promised to be here on time for the party.”
            “That’s fine Jo. Now go into the lounge and keep your mother entertained, and out of my way.”
            “She’s here already?”
            “Yes; you know her; wants to help.”
            “Oh dear.” Josephina looked a bit sheepish. “That’s why I have come early too.”
            “Everything is under control. Gerald is beavering away in the kitchen as if he owns the place, and I’ve hired some help, so thank you, but go away.” He finished his mock rebuke with a gentle slap on her bottom.            

            Another hour passed before Stefan and his girl friend arrived. Tobias was very fond of his brother, who seemed to have inherited all the good traits of his parents and none of the bad. He was good looking (mother) intelligent (both) sharp witted and humorous (father). Unlike them both however he was gregarious and open. He was one of those fortunate people who everyone seemed to like. Inevitably his ‘friend’ was like a model. Beautiful, slim, a gloriously face topped with long golden locks, and with a smile that would melt the hardest heart.

            “Hi Tabby,” he said a he gently drew his girl friend forward, “this is Louise.”
            Introductions complete Tabby whispered into his brother's ear. "You don't usually bring your girlfriends home; is this one special?"
            "Best so far." Stef whispered back, before they too were dispatched into the lounge.
            Success in business had allowed Tobias to afford a large luxury flat, so there was plenty of room for his guests, but there were only two bedrooms, the third having been converted into a study. He had, as promised, persuaded his mother, that in this day and age, it would not be improper for her to accommodate her youngest son and his girlfriend in one bedroom for their overnight stay. His own second bedroom, he told her, had been set aside for another purpose.
             Everything was ready, and with only five minutes left before the appointed time the doorbell rang, and when Tobias opened the door two men stood waiting. Both were greeted warmly, but only Martin, Jo’s husband, was ushered into the lounge to join the others.
            Adjoining the lounge, but slightly separate was the dining area, in which resided a very large oval table complete with eight matching chairs, and at their host’s invitation the guests took their places where name cards indicated. When all were seated three chairs remained unoccupied, but soon one was taken when Gerald, well known to family members as Tabby's long time friend and business partner, took his seat at the end. The one at the other end, place named ‘Tobias’, and the one to its left, place named ‘Guest’ were still empty.
            Tobias arrived, but remained standing behind his chair. He paused and looked at his visitors. “Welcome to my home and to my table.” he announced, rather formally. “We are here at ‘Thanksgiving’ to thank God for the good things in our lives, and I for one have much to be grateful for, not least my family.”
            Then he indicated the empty chair. “But you will all have noticed that there is one more space at the table, and I hope you will all welcome my final guest. He looked at his mother as he then said, “Please come in father.”
            Tobias was very relieved to see his mother joining in the applause which came spontaneously as the ‘special’ guest entered the room. Sixty plus now, tall and elegant, his neatly trimmed light grey beard perfectly matching a good head of wavy hair. He smiled at the assembled gathering as he took his seat, simply raising his hands a little in greeting. Judy McAlister also smiled, first at her son, then at her husband who had taken his place diagonally opposite her.
            At a signal a lady and a man appeared, hired for the evening to serve the meal, one of whom was carrying a tray on which sat, suitably roasted, a magnificent turkey. The dinner was a huge success, where conversations and wine flowed freely. After the meal and when the table had been cleared of all except the replenished wine glasses, Tabby stood up to remind everyone of the MacAllister custom where each person around the table was invited to say a few words.
            Jo, to the right of Tabby started off by thanking her brother for such a pleasant evening and for inviting the special guest. At this point she blew a kiss to her father.
            Her husband Martin was next to speak, first apologising to Jo for the subterfuge and the inevitable little white lies he had been forced to tell in order to bring her father to the dinner, “without risking the whole world finding out.” he concluded. Much laughter resulted from the suggestion that his wife could not keep a secret.
            Then it was ‘mum’s’ turn to speak, a moment of concern for Tobias. But he need not have worried, for she was charming and welcoming to the man who was still her husband, and the father of her children. She too expressed the pleasure at the inclusion of Marshall. “They would,” she indicated, “have plenty to talk about.”
            Gerald was next, from his place at one end of the table. His words were few, saying simply, but somewhat enigmatically, "How nice it was to be part of a family."
            Then it was the time for Louise to speak. Quietly she thanked Tobias for inviting her, and hoped that this would not be the last time she met Stef’s family.
            She was followed by Stef himself. Gregarious and as funny as ever, he had everyone laughing, and finished off by saying that now Louise had met the family, she might say ‘yes’ next time he asked. Someone called out ‘That depends on what you’re asking’ . Much laughter followed, another round of applause, and the slight pinking of two beautiful cheeks.
            Then it was Marshall McAlister’s’ turn. He stood up, the first one around the table to do so. He started by thanking Tobias for giving him the opportunity to be once more with his family, of whom he said, despite his absence in recent years, he was inordinately proud, and finished by thanking his wife for welcoming him so graciously. He sat down to more applause.
            The circle was almost complete, only Tobias not having spoken. He also stood up, but was rather slow to start. When he did however he had much to say. He repeated his welcome to his guests, and especially his father saying how pleased he was that, while he did not expect a reconciliation for his parents, it was rewarding to see the beginning of a renewed friendship. Then he looked to the far end of the table. “Now,” he said, and paused again, “it is time that I introduced you all to my partner Gerald.” Gerald bowed slightly.
             “But we all know Gerald, he’s been your business partner from the beginning.” Tobias heard his mother say those words, and also something similar from Jo, simply saying what everyone knew.
            “No.” Tobias said, “Gerald is my partner, and yes mother, from the beginning.” It took a moment for the significance of that statement to sink in, but when Gerald stood up it was clear.
            “Oh Tabby,” his mother was first to speak, “would you believe that I think I already knew.”
            There followed a period of slightly awkward confusion. A handshake from Stefan was achieved across both corners to Tobias and Gerald. There was some cross talk, some movement and pats on backs, which was ended when ‘mum’ left her chair to give her son a kiss on the cheek before going to the other end of the table, repeating the process with Gerald. After a little while a gentle ring of spoon against glass sent everyone back to their chairs.
            “Thank you all for your support,” said Tabby, who was now the only one standing, “but I haven’t quite finished.” He took up his glass but held it low.
            “This is what I want to say. We all know about our past; when it was good, and when it was bad," he paused a moment to glance at his parents, "and what we could learn from it." he continued. "And we all know about the present. The lives we lead, what’s right and what’s wrong. And about days like today; all together; what a blessing.”  There was another little pause, before he concluded. “But I think that we all have good reasons, many and varied, some different from each others and some shared; all good reasons to look forward to the future.”
            At this point Tobias raised his glass and slowly made a circular motion around the table. “So my toast is - Tomorrow! May you always be in my tomorrows; and may I always be in yours.”
             Eight glasses were now raised in thanksgiving as they all repeated Tabby's toast. "Tomorrow!"