As the last few minutes of the year slipped away, Nora stood on the old stone bridge that spanned the river, gazing at the reflection of the stars in the dark water. The town of Bellwood was quiet, its houses dotted with lights like a scattering of jewels against the night. Everyone was gathered at the town hall for the New Year’s Eve party, but Nora wasn’t there. She had never felt less like celebrating.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket. It was a message from her best friend. In the message Sarah said, “Where are you? The countdown is starting!”

Nora sighed and typed back: “Im fine. I just needed some air.” The truth was, Nora wasn’t fine. The past year had been a series of heartaches. She had lost her job, had a falling out with her sister, and ended a relationship that had once felt like it could last forever. She had been holding onto the idea that New Year’s Eve would be her reset button, but the promise of a fresh start felt hollow in the face of all that had gone wrong.

“Feeling lost, are we?” a voice called softly behind her. Nora turned, startled. Standing at the edge of the bridge was an older man, his face hidden beneath a wide brimmed hat, his long coat blowing gently in the wind. He was someone she’d never seen before, but his presence felt oddly familiar.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt,” he said, his smile was warm and kind. “I just thought, from the way you were looking at the water, that you might be waiting for something.”

Nora blinked, unsure how to respond. “I… I guess I am.”

The man nodded thoughtfully. ” I’ve walked this bridge every New Year’s Eve for as long as I can remember. Always alone. but somehow, I think that’s the way its meant to be. people come, people go, but the river keeps moving. Always forward. Not a single moment ever stays.”

Nora glanced at the river, the soft ripple of the current flowing steadily beneath the bridge. She hadn’t thought of it that way. “You’re not alone,” the man continued, his voice gentle. “Not really. You’ve  got the past with you, the present as you stand here, and the future waiting ahead. Maybe you don’t have to figure it all out tonight.”

A quiet laugh escaped her. “Sounds like you’re saying I shouldn’t make any resolutions.”

“Maybe not,” the man said with a chuckle. “Maybe this year, just let things be. Give yourself a break.”

Nora looked at him, a little surprised by how at ease his words made her feel. “I think I needed to hear that.”

He smiled again, as if he had been waiting for her to say it. “Good. Now, I think its time for you to join the rest of the world. They’re waiting for you.” The sound of distant cheers and music carried over the wind. Nora glanced back toward the town hall, her heart feeling just a little lighter.

“Thanks,” she said, stepping away from the edge of the bridge. “Happy New Year.”

The man tipped his hat with a smile. “Happy New Year, Nora.”

She froze. ” How did you-” but when she turned back, he was gone, as if the wind had swept him away. Shaking her head, Nora smiled to herself and walked toward the celebration. For the first time in a long while, she felt ready to face whatever the new year might bring.