Moon: Dear John! It’s so nice to see you again…and you’re right, it has been a while, but I’m really pleased to see you!
John: [blushes] Thank you, dear lady. I’m very pleased to see you too. How have things been here?
Moon: Oh, the usual…you know! As the old song goes, “This fine old world, it keeps spinning around.” We’ve been keeping up with you as much as we can, but we’ve missed working with you. Did you stop by for a little Auld Lang Syne?
John: I can’t hide anything from you, can I?
Moon: [beams] No, sir. Nostalgia is a real thing! Let me let…himself know you’re here. He told the other planets to knock off early today but since he stuck around, so did I. Old habits and all. [presses intercom] Sol, we have an unexpected visitor.
Sun: [through the intercom] Today? Now?
Moon: Yes, on both counts. And you told everyone to go home two hours ago so it’s time to finish up. [releases intercom and turns to John] You see? Some things never change!
[The Sun’s office door opens]
Sun: OK, Luna, I’m done. [sees John] Well, well, well…what a pleasant surprise. When Luna suggested you might come for a visit I must admit I wasn’t sure she was right this time! [comes over and embraces John] It’s good to see you, old friend! I was just putting 2024 to bed, so to speak.
John: Good afternoon, sir. I’m pleased to be in your warm presence again.
Sun: Your jokes are as terrible as ever but gods I’m pleased you decided to come visit. How are things? You went through a very challenging period and then you…went all over the place? Geographically I mean!
John: Yes, sir…that’s a fairly accurate representation of my life since we last talked. A lot has changed and some days I’m not sure who I am anymore, but I’m hanging in there to figure it out.
Sun: Every human goes through periods like that, and considering Pluto is making a nearly exact square to your sun at 1 Scorpio I’m not surprised. He’s a powerful little bastard, isn’t he?
John: Yes, that’s for certain. I did a presentation on him a few months back…he’s been on my mind for a while now. Slowly but surely the transformation he promises is happening, but it has not been, shall we say, easy.
Sun: [frowns] I understand completely. What can I do to help?
John: [smiles] You’re helping just by listening, and I’m grateful to have so many amazing people in my life who do the same, because I'm still learning how to ask for help without feeling guilty about it.
Moon: That’s very true, John. [pauses] So…are you planning to come back to us?
John: I go back and forth on that, Lady Moon. I don’t want to make promises, because it’s an awfully weird time in my life, but yes, I’d like to start making my way back. I feel like I finally can do that.
Sun: Good! Well, there are no expectations here…we’d just love to hear from you again from time to time, that’s all.
John: That’s fair and I hope to be able to manage that in 2025.
Moon: John, I know how you feel about being told what to do, but can I suggest an emotional course of action?
John: Sure, Lady Moon. What is it?
Moon: If you’re feeling it, I’d suggest talking to the Old Man. I know he’d love to hear from you…
John: I considered that, but I wasn’t sure if he’d want to see me after all this time. I feel like I’ve disappointed him.
Sun: Nonsense! If there’s anybody who’s got time, John, it’s…Father Time himself. You may have to endure some criticism…I mean, he is who he is…but I’m sure he’d be happy to hear from you again.
John: I never got the chance to interview him, and it seems like a good time for that.
Sun: I don’t see him saying no to that…Lady Moon, can we set up a meeting for the first full week in January for John, Saturn, and I?
John: That’s very kind of you, sir, but I’d like to speak with him privately first, if that’s OK.
Sun: Sure, of course!
Moon: Try not to worry, John. He’ll be happy to hear from you, I’m sure of it!
John: Thank you kindly, both of you. I’m very grateful. Now I should let you go enjoy your New Year’s Eve; I need to say goodbye to 2024 and prepare for the upcoming year. I suspect it’s going to be a doozy.
Sun: Yes, the first part of the year looks fairly turbulent by all accounts, but hopefully by the time I move into Gemini, things will smooth out. But enough shop talk! Tonight, we celebrate.
Moon: Good-bye, John. Don’t be a stranger this coming year.
John: I’ll do my best, Lady Moon.