The evening was fantastic with a light cool breeze, even though December was just around the corner. We were all gathering in the Bairro Alto for Ana’s birthday dinner party. We were a large group, around thirty people, with a long friendship behind us. It was a typical get together.
An hour had passed since our arrival and there were still a few people left, the usual late-comers. The small square, which was our meeting point, was packed and noisy due to the ongoing conversations and laughter. We obviously enjoyed each others company.
At nine o’clock precisely, Ana decided it was time to leave the assembly point and to make our way on to the restaurant. We started walking slowly through the sinuous back streets and alleys inside the Bairro. Not long after, we arrived at Pedro’s where everything was already set to welcome us.
The dinner party took place with no major incidents. We were all happy to be there. The food was incredibly delicious and the wine was superb.
Around midnight the celebration was coming to an end, desserts and digestives had already been served and people were starting to leave. After all it was already past midnight and the next day was indeed a working day.
As we all left the restaurant I noticed that some of us were in no condition to drive, especially Sandra. We all took turns trying to convince her to leave the car and to take a taxi or even to let one of us take her home. Stubborn and slightly over the limit she got in the car and drove off. We all stood there for a moment maybe praying silently for her.
It was only the next morning that we learnt about the accident, if only she had listened…
An hour had passed since our arrival and there were still a few people left, the usual late-comers. The small square, which was our meeting point, was packed and noisy due to the ongoing conversations and laughter. We obviously enjoyed each others company.
At nine o’clock precisely, Ana decided it was time to leave the assembly point and to make our way on to the restaurant. We started walking slowly through the sinuous back streets and alleys inside the Bairro. Not long after, we arrived at Pedro’s where everything was already set to welcome us.
The dinner party took place with no major incidents. We were all happy to be there. The food was incredibly delicious and the wine was superb.
Around midnight the celebration was coming to an end, desserts and digestives had already been served and people were starting to leave. After all it was already past midnight and the next day was indeed a working day.
As we all left the restaurant I noticed that some of us were in no condition to drive, especially Sandra. We all took turns trying to convince her to leave the car and to take a taxi or even to let one of us take her home. Stubborn and slightly over the limit she got in the car and drove off. We all stood there for a moment maybe praying silently for her.
It was only the next morning that we learnt about the accident, if only she had listened…
This story is completely fictional. Nonetheless resemblance to a real life event is unfortunately too indisputable. Always remember if your driving, don’t drink! Check out the designated driver – prevent drunk driving program at “designated driver.com”.
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