the guy's visiting his old work place (where i work now).  his eyes glimmer with excitement and recollections of fond memories.  the Hi's to co-workers that he recognizes are endearing since they haven't seen each other for so long.  as he walks around, he observes what haven't changed and the longer list of changes in the staffing and appearance of the work place.  conversations get repeated of what he's been up to since they last saw him, but it becomes clear which people he was really friends with as some conversations dry up in a few minutes.  after a while, a melancholic tone creeps in as he realizes that he's no longer part of this and that he's not as able to chat with the people there like old times.  i empathize with him, and next month i'll probably go through the same series of emotions.

i clicked on a college friend's fb profile and noticed a wall post, "I miss you and wish i could see you again."  i read more testimonials and fond farewells.  my other friend verified that he passed away a few weeks ago.  he died playing football while on vacation of cardiac arrest, a heart condition he had had.

i think i saw him during that vacation.  i had bumped into him last month in a crowded restaurant in nyc.  despite not seeing him since college, i immediately recognized him.  we chatted for about five minutes of what he's up to, what i'm up to in nyc, and about our mutual friend that he was looking forward to this friend's wedding.  i didn't really know him well, but he always wore a huge smile with a bubbly personality.  i have a good feeling that he was happy and died with no regrets.  his smiling fb profile will be a reminder for me to live life and to be happy.