Friends vanished from the group chat the moment I asked everyone to chip in for the New Years dinner.
Maybe you should give them a call? Simon said, watching me shuffle the Christmas ornaments in the box for the third time. Weve been mates for ages
Whats the point? I snapped, slamming the lid shut. Do you want me to keep hearing how selfish I am? Honestly, Im glad its over. Its high time we put the final nail in the coffin.
I lugged the box to the corner of the living room and lingered by the floortoceiling window. Outside, snow was swirling, blanketing the garden in a soft white coat. The view always calmed me, but tonight my heart felt heavy.
Remember how Grace and Paul were the first to leave last year? I wrapped my arms around myself. Sorry, weve got an early start tomorrow! and we were still cleaning up until three in the morning.
Simon walked over and put his arms around my shoulders.
And their kids went on and on with the crayondrawn wallpaper in the nursery.
What about Sarah? I turned to him. Ill bring the salads! She hauled over a couple of tins of Olivier from the shop, then walked off with half of my homemade pickles. Can I have a taste?
A sting rose in my eyes. I blinked a lot, trying not to let the tears spill. I grabbed my phone and opened the nowempty group chat New Year 2025.
You know what hurts the most? I said. They didnt even ask why. They just up and left, as if I wasnt worth a single word.
Simon snatched the phone from me and set it on the windowsill.
At least now we know whos a true friend and who was just taking advantage of our hospitality.
I nodded, replaying every holiday wed ever had. Id always tried to make everything perfect days of cooking, decorating the house, planning games. All I got back were the usual Your place is lovely and Lets do the next one at yours again.
Do you recall how Paul threw a fit last year because we didnt fire up the sauna? Simon chuckled. Whats a celebration without a sauna?
Yes, and he didnt even bring any wood, I laughed despite myself. Then a week later he whined that hed caught a cold at our house, as if we were to blame.
Outside it grew darker, the snowfall intensifying, turning the garden into a proper winter wonderland. I switched on the fairy lights draped around the room, and the space filled with a soft, cosy glow.
You know, I said, turning to Simon, this is the first time in five years well be ringing in the New Year just the two of us.
He pulled me close.
And thatll be the best New Year ever. No one to impress, just you and me.
Id rather not have any kids with permanentmarkersplattered walls, I laughed.
And no lets have another round when everyones already exhausted.
I slipped out of his hug and headed to the kitchen.
Speaking of food, what are we cooking? Just for us?
How about we order sushi? Simon suggested. Ive always wanted to ring in the year with salmon nigiri instead of another Olivier.
Sushi for New Years? Thats a brilliant idea! No endless cooking.
I pulled out my phone and opened the delivery app.
Look, they even have festive packs. And we can order a bottle of champagne.
Perfect, Simon peered over my shoulder. Shall we dress the tree?
Absolutely, I smiled. This time well hang the ornaments however we like, not by some tradition rule.
We spent the evening stringing the tree while our favourite songs played. No one was muttering about how their mums always did it a certain way or how the lights were too bright. We just did what felt right.
A week before New Years, my phone buzzed a few times. Sarah messaged, Maybe well still pop over? Grace asked, Did you get mad? and Paul, through his wife, wrote, We could chip in if you need us.
I ignored them. Simon and I were busy making a list of movies for a marathon, picking out board games, and planning a quiet holiday for just the two of us.
On the 31st of December, with the clock ticking eleven, we were curled up on the sofa. Sushi plates sat on the coffee table, glasses of champagne sparkling, and the telly was playing the classic Home Alone.
Honestly, I rested my head on Simons shoulder, Ive never felt this calm on New Years Eve.
Me neither, he kissed the top of my head. No hassle, no obligations. Just us.
When the chimes struck midnight we didnt bother with a long toast. We glanced at each other, smiled, and clinked glasses. In that moment I realised that losing old friends wasnt a loss at all it was a chance to find freedom, to be ourselves without anyones expectations.
Our phone, switched off earlier in the day, lay in the hallway. We stepped into the New Year light as if we were shedding a load of other peoples demands. It felt perfect.
The first morning of January was surprisingly bright. Sunlight slipped through the slightly drawn curtains, and for the first time in ages I woke up feeling truly rested. No one was shouting for a second breakfast, no one was demanding the party continue.
Morning, love, Simon appeared in the bedroom doorway with a tray. Thought Id treat you to breakfast in bed.
Youre my hero, I grinned, taking a mug of strong coffee. Its oddly quiet, isnt it?
Exactly, he winked. No empty wrappers, no halfempty bottles, no pile of dishes.
I sipped my coffee and reached for the phone just to see what the world was saying. Six missed calls from Grace, four from Sarah, even a personal message from Paul.
Emily, whats up? Weve been friends forever! Is it really about a few quid?
Maybe well still swing by? Weve pooled together the cash.
Emily, answer! Were worried!
Dont read them, Simon snatched the phone away. Remember what we decided? No toxic drama in the New Year.
I nodded, but the knot in my stomach stayed. All those years of friendship Could I really just brush it off?
Simon sensed my thoughts. You know, Ive been meaning to bring up something. Remember last year Paul started that renovation on his house?
Of course, he talked about it all summer.
I offered to help. I spent three weekends there wiring things because friends help friends.
I frowned. Whats that got to do with anything?
Its just that when we needed a fence put up, he suddenly became too busy. Same with Grace and her husband, same with Sarahs family. When we did it ourselves, they were the first to show up at the housewarming, just to admire the new fence.
Exactly, I said, setting my cup down. They only appear when everythings done and they can just enjoy the perks.
Simon sat beside me, pulling me close.
This isnt friendship. Its a oneway favour. Their whining about a small contribution for a party proves it.
A car idled outside. I peered out the window and saw Graces car pulling up at the gate.
No way theyre serious? Simon muttered. Do they think well just let them in?
The doorbell rang, then rang again.
Emily, Simon! We know youre home! Lets talk! Graces voice was insistent. Come in, please!
I exchanged a glance with Simon.
Maybe we should let them in, just to hear them out?
Its your call, Simon shrugged. But remember our pact this year is different.
I took a deep breath and headed down. I opened the door to find Grace, her husband, and Sarah, all holding bags of food and gifts.
Happy New Year! they said, trying to sound cheery.
Happy New Year, I replied, staying rooted. What brings you here?
What else? Its tradition for us to drop by on the first of January.
Tradition? I felt a flash of irritation. Did you ever think that traditions can change? Especially those that expect one person to do everything while the rest just take?
Emily, come on, Grace pleaded, edging past the door. We even bought champagne, just like you wanted!
No, I wanted something different, I said firmly. I wanted you to realise that friendship isnt just about taking. Its about giving, supporting, being there when we need a hand, not only when the jobs done.
What are you talking about? Graces husband snapped. Were friends!
Friends? I laughed bitterly. Where were you when we needed a fence? When I was ill last winter and asked for medicine? When Simons car broke down and we needed help?
The room fell silent. The guests looked at each other, clearly taken aback.
You know what, I straightened. Go home. I dont want to start the New Year with old grudges and pretence. If you ever understand that friendship is a twoway street, give me a ring. Until then lets keep our distance.
Sarah began, Emily
Goodbye, I said, closing the door.
I stood in the hallway, hearing the car start and the tires crunch over the snow. My eyes welled up, but I felt oddly light.
Simon came up behind me, wrapped his arms around me. Im proud of you. I know it wasnt easy.
You know whats weird? I turned to him. Im not sad at all. Its like Ive finally dropped a heavy backpack Ive been lugging around for years.
Because all that time it wasnt friendship, it was a strange dependency. You were scared to lose them and let them use you.
I nodded. Things will be different now.
Exactly, he smiled. Now lets have breakfast. Weve got a mountain of plans for the holidays, remember?
After the festive season, life slipped back into its rhythm. I deleted the old group chats, archived the photos of past gatherings, and threw myself into work. I felt I could breathe again no longer worrying about who would show up, what to cook, how to entertain.
Imagine, I told Simon over a midJanuary dinner, we saved almost fifty thousand pounds on food, drinks, cleaning from those pointless parties.
Only the money? he replied. Think of the time and energy! Youd spend a week prepping, then a week recuperating.
Ive signed up for a photography course. Ive wanted to do it forever but never found the time.
And I finally finished the workshop in the shed, Simon said, beaming. Two weeks and Ive built the thing Ive been putting off for ages.
The doorbell rang. Our neighbour, Mrs. Whitaker, stood there with a fresh apple crumble.
Evening, neighbours! Thought Id drop off a slice.
Oh, thank you! I chirped, inviting her in for tea.
She settled down, and we discovered she also loved photography, sometimes shooting childrens parties for extra cash.
How about we go on a photo walk together sometime? she suggested. There are some stunning spots around the countryside, especially now with the snow.
Wed love that! I replied, genuinely excited.
Simon mused, Weve lived next door for five years and barely spoken. All that time was filled with guests and prep
True, I agreed. Shes brilliant, and the crumble is amazing!
A week later the three of us set off for a winter photo trek. Mrs. Whitaker showed us hidden lanes in the woods, taught us a few pro tricks. We returned chilled but thrilled, our camera cards full of beautiful shots, and a promise to meet again next weekend.
In early February Grace called. I stared at the incoming number before answering.
Hi, her voice sounded tentative. How are you?
Fine, I said calmly. Whats up?
Nothing much, she hesitated. Ive been thinking about what you said on New Years Eve. You were right. We treated your hospitality as a given.
And I wanted to apologise, she continued. We were wrong. Could we start over?
Ive thought a lot too, I said slowly. But starting over means going back to the same old expectations. Ive changed, and I like my new life.
Weve been friends for years
Yes, we were. Im grateful for the good times, but sometimes relationships just run their course. Thats normal.
The call ended and I felt a final sense of release, like the last thread tying me to the past had snapped.
Later in February Mrs. Whitaker invited us to her birthday. A small, familystyle gathering with her husband, teenage daughter, soninlaw, and a few neighbours.
Can I bring my signature crumble? I asked.
Please do! Ill show you how to make mine.
The party was warm and cozy. Kids played board games, adults swapped recipes and talked about the upcoming gardening season Mrs. Whitaker bragged about her tomatoes and offered tips.
Simon whispered as we walked home, No one got drunk, no one fought, no one had to stay up till dawn on the couch.
And no mountain of dishes, I added, smiling. Thats what healthy relationships feel like everyone comfortable, no debts, just being ourselves.
Back inside, I opened the photo folder on my phone and stared at the old snapshots with Grace, Paul, and Sarah. After a moment I hit delete.
Are you sure? Simon asked, watching.
Absolutely, I replied. You cant build something new while clinging to the old.
He hugged me. Me too. It feels like we finally started living our own lives, not the ones others expected.
Outside, snow kept falling, covering everything in a soft white blanket. I watched the flakes drift down and thought about how sometimes you have to lose something familiar to find something real. True friendship isnt about obligations or scores; its about genuinely wanting to be there for each other.
A year later, December wrapped our little town in snow again, and the festive buzz was in the air. I was arranging new framed photos on the mantel images from my photography course: sunsets over the lake, misty forest dawns, first spring blossoms, autumn colours.
Stunning! Mrs. Whitaker exclaimed, admiring the prints. Were putting up a community tree in the square, a little mulled wine stand, everyone brings something. Will you join?
Would love to! I said. I can set up a photo booth with fairy lights.
Ill help with the tree, Simon offered.
That evening, while I was clearing out the attic, I found a dusty box labelled New Year 2024. Inside were old tinsel, homemade decorations wed made with Graces kids, and a photo album of past celebrations.
I opened it, smiled, and thought about how much had changed. Grace had three kids now, Sarah had moved to the seaside, Paul and his wife had a brandnew car.
What did you find? Simon asked, sitting beside me.
Im just thinking, I said, closing the album. We made the right choice. Look at all the good thats come into our lives this year.
He nodded. Weve finally finished the shed, Im taking on carpentry jobs, weve got real friends now.
We talked about the upcoming streetwide New Years event a communal tree, hot mulled wine, a potluck, kids building snowmen, adults catching up.
Itll be lovely, I said, already picturing the scene. I can organise a little photo corner, make it special.
The next day, while sorting through the old box, I found a few faded greetings from Grace, Paul, and Sarah. I let them stay, a reminder of the past, but I felt no bitterness.
Months later, the neighbourhood gathered at the square, the tree lit up, laughter echoing. No one kept count of who owed what. Everyone was just enjoying the moment.
Later, a message popped up in the community chat: Friends! Tomorrow at noon were putting up the tree. Bring your ornaments, good vibes, and a hot drink if youd like!
I showed it to SimonAs the first snowflakes fell, we all raised our cups together, feeling that this simple, shared moment was exactly the friendship wed both been waiting for.
