Fluttershy smiles softly. “You know, I heard in some communities it’s tradition to take a shot of alcohol on the exact anniversary of your birth…”

I waggle a finger at her, “Oh no. Don’t you start with that; the last time you did that, look what happened!”

We laugh, and a moment later Mac returns with that same bottle. “Well, gang, let’s finish this off, for old time’s sake.” He empties the bottle into four glasses.

“Hear-hear!” I grab my glass and raise yet another toast that night.