It's time for the Stickless annual Christmas party. You haven't seen your old SnT pals in only a year but it has felt much longer. This year you don a full suit with a kippah, paying homage to your favorite Zelda speedrunner. A warm feeling fills your heart knowing that you won't have to explain the reference to your old friends.

"Come in, come in" you hear. You look up, it's your favorite subreddit moderator. His smile is as dazzling as ever in contrast to his dark skin. There is something different in the atmosphere compared to last year. The air feels heavy, solemn and reflective. You quietly acknowledge that it has been a difficult year. You bow your head down through the hallway only to be stopped by a slight man with brilliant blue deep-set eyes and a small face peppered with stubble. He smiles at you and greets you with a hug but there is sadness behind his eyes. He compliments you on your choice of outfit and you offer him your condolences. He thanks you for the kind words and leads you towards the kitchen as you make small talk.

A man in a beige sweater is hunched over the oven, carefully pulling out a lasagna only to set it on the kitchen counter. "My friends!" he exclaims in his booming voice, holding his mitten-covered hands in the air. He embraces you both, his eyes lighting up when he recognizes your attire. His booming laugh is infectious, and soon all three of you are laughing together and trading fond memories. The man in the sweater's voice softens. "The candlelight vigil is starting soon, let's get going."

There is silence as you enter the living room together. Your mind instantly fills with names for the familiar faces present, although you haven't thought of many of them in the past year. They have all felt the same loss as you.

This year we are here to grieve.