"Hi, Boss, just checking to see if you are alright."

"Fine, Fine. Its strange - I thought I heard fireworks earlier." I grin I didn't think he would have missed that. "I was just remembering a childhood experience. Have I ever told you I was trapped down in the cave here as a child during the big air raid in 41?"

I remain silent. It's almost as if he is talking to himself. He passes me a glass of champagne, but his mind is still far away.

"While I was down there I thought I saw someone. She was dressed in white and I thought she looked like an Angel. My mother always said everyone had their own guardian Angel." I almost choke on the champagne and feel the bubbles go up my nose until I start sneezing uncontrollably. It takes me a few minutes to compose myself, and the moment is gone.

He shakes his head and seems to come back to the real world. He looks at me searchingly and then grins mischievously.

"I designed those costumes myself, you know." I nod, unable to speak. "And after careful consideration, I really think they look darn silly." There's silence for a moment and then we both burst into fits of laughter.

He looks at me speculatively, places my hand on his arm and leads me out to the party and the new millennium.

"Tell me, m'dear, have I ever introduced you to my grandson?"

I look at the clock. It's 11:59...