Chapter 61: Side Quest Part 3: A Life Anew

December 31st, 2023. Time 11:59 P.M.

"Michael, come out! It's starting!" Myra called with a loud voice, causing Michael to leave his bedroom and exited their house.

Outside, people were blowing their plastic trumpets, banging kitchen wares, and revving up their motorcycles, their open pipe exhausts adding to the cacophony of sounds heralding the New Year. The air was electric with anticipation, filled with the noise of celebration as the community came together to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new one.

Michael joined his mother on the front porch, where she stood watching the festivities with a broad smile on her face. He couldn't help but smile too, caught up in the excitement and the sense of unity. Around them, neighbors greeted each other, sharing well-wishes and laughter, their voices mingling with the sounds of fireworks that began to light up the night sky.