Memories of another night ...

As the horizon faded from golden yellow to deep purple, slipping through the hues of dusk, we roamed outside our tents, allowing energy to creep back into our tired bodies. It had been a tough day in the sweltering heat of Indian midsummer, starting a new construction project, with strangers from across the globe, who would be working together for the year to come.

Some people were busy unpacking while others were introducing themselves to each other. I unlaced my heavy boots and walked barefoot to the small gathering. Handshakes, smiles, nods, fist bumps followed. Names, nations, designations mumbled.

Someone brought out a large liquor bottle. Nothing like spirits to make new friends, someone laughed. Glasses appeared out of nowhere, cheers followed and whiskey flowed. Strangers became acquaintances. And warm smiles made them friends.

The hours slipped by. Some left, excusing themselves for the day ahead, the boisterous hollering of construction jokes and laughter had faded into mumbles of individual conversations. The light mast went dark and the soft glow from the tents went off one after the other.

I sat back in the sand, leaning on my elbows, looking up at the stars above. Like an army of twinkling fireflies floating across the midnight sky. Similar to the new friends I just made tonight - happy, smiling faces. Together for the year.

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For this week’s writing challenge…
https://similarworlds.com/literature/i-write/5621891-The-Weekly-Muse-a-Writing-Challenge

Words to use:
Dusk
Barefoot
Fireflies
Whiskey
Laughter
Heat
Midnight