Zephyr (noun): A soft, gentle breeze.

He stood on the rooftop, quietly staring into the sky.

Vibrant reds, glowing yellows, and fiery oranges were blooming and bursting like spring flowers in the dark heavens above.

How many times, has he stood on this rooftop, crying in silence?

Festive cheers of adults and children alike were erupting down below, all praising the fireworks with a pure, innocent wonder.

Alone in the midst of joy, he felt a strange yet welcoming peace.

The world was so big, and he was so small. The parties were so crowded, and his rooftop was so lonely. It seemed like the entire universe was enthusiastically celebrating the dawning of 2022, yet he was soundlessly keeping to himself.

A soft, gentle breeze brushed through his hair like the comforting hand of a mother.

Ah, he wasn't excluded from the new year. His sorrows, his worries, his endless nights of pain in solitude... This was a rebirth for him, a new beginning that was just as worthy of joy.

And so, he stayed on the rooftop but joined the celebration. As the wind drifted by again, he smiled softly.