A toast! A toast to 2013! Also, a toast to 2012 and two other years, because this is a four slice toaster.

"-and so, while I was looking at your face in the toast, you walked in!"

"Pattern recognition!" Rod laughed. "Ain't it great?"

Sylvia shook her head. "Pamela, I'm sorry, honestly. It's just convinced me that in 2013, I need to spend less time being nervous, and more time talking. Especially to you. Someone I've known almost all my adult life."

Pamela heard the snap of the toaster and the smell of warm toast. Sylvia took a puff and put out her cigarette.

"That's it! The last one! The last cigarette I'll ever have!"

Rod shook his head. "I hope you make it, Syl. I'm skeptical, but I hope you make it."

"Oh, I'll make it!" Sylvia sounded determined. "From now on, the only thing the only smoke I'll have is smoked salmon!"

"You don't like salmon, Syl."

"I know, Rod, it's all I could think to say."

"No more fighting, please!" Pamela brought the plateful of toast into the room. "This year, I plan to be more like the Cuisinart 4-Slice Toaster: bringing warmth!"

"And carbohydrates," Rod quipped.

"I'd throw my drink on you, Rod, if we hadn't agreed to stop that too."

"We'll make it," Pamela insisted. "To 2013! A year of no vices! The year when we finally get it right!"

And the three friends raised their crusty bread together, in toast.

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