text: They had all come to the big party. Sorrow wore black, of course, with a sophisticated little lace veil. Luck could hardly be seen, her golden sequined dress sparkled and flashed in the spotlight so much that it hurt the eyes. Worries were serious again, typical, mouse-gray suits, even the ties weren't very creative, but of first, expensive quality. Joy was wrapped in yellow and had a huge sunflower pinned to her dress. Quite vulgar for Trouble’s taste, but Trouble was just a little pinched, you could tell just by looking at his dark green suit. "Green, please, only losers wear that," Malice whispered to her neighbor, Envy. Once again, the two couldn't separate. All evening, they huddled together in one corner, trashing the others. "Look at Love", Envy hissed to Malice. "Where the hell did she find that dress? Squeaky pink and these flounces. Sinfully expensive designer, of course, and she can't even afford it." "She looks like a cake”, Malice returned, "Fat buttercream." As Sex entered the brightly lit hall, a murmur went through the crowd. His skin-tight snakeskin suit exposed his beautifully sculpted body more than it concealed it. Eroticism took a large sip of champagne at the sight of him and drew attention with her throaty laugh. Her discreet evening dress shimmered in a velvety red. Illness had retreated to a quiet table in the corner. Her white dress competed with her noble pallor, and she toasted Death with a glass of chamomile tea. As usual, Death had settled stealthily behind a pillar and pulled his black hat down over his face that most didn't even recognize him. Honor, as pretty much at every party, was walking around smoking cigarettes. "Embarrassing," thought Pride, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "Come on", said Kindness, "Poor Honor can't afford cigarettes after all," and surreptitiously slipped her a packet. Fame was almost drunk. He stood in the corner and bawled, encouraged by big Money, who stood next to him and pretty much fogged him with his Havana. Power, of course, had shown up with his entire court. Fear was constantly scurrying around them, and Diligence was fetching drinks. Work was busy as always. She constantly had to add the cold plates on the buffet, and somehow the spoons seemed to have run out. Then the host stepped to the microphone. He was dressed very colorfully and looked a bit like a harlequin. "Oh God, now he's giving a speech too, and he can't even speak," Malice whispered to her best friend. "Dear friends, dear partners", Life began a little hesitantly, "I'm glad you all came to celebrate me today. I'm especially pleased to have my guests of honor with me. I warmly welcome her Excellency, Happiness and the ambassador of the heart, Love, the mysterious Eroticism, the wild Sex, the almighty Money and of course, my good friend, Joy. Let's have a nice party together, and please don't go home too early." Thunderous applause rushed through the hall. People toasted each other and when the music started, Sex and Eroticism danced a tango that even Malice was speechless. An old Lady plucked her lace handkerchief and dabbed her eyes, then resolutely closed her purse and hurried to the exit. Wisdom, also not quite dewy, saw it and hurried to the host. "Dear Life, you forgot to greet your most important guest," she muttered to Life. Life looked in the direction Wisdom was pointing. "Oh, I’m a douche," Life insulted himself, "I must've committed a great faux pas." Life rushed to the exit and held the old lady. "Please, I'd like to introduce you to the other guests", he tried to apologize. "My son, there's no need. I know them all, believe me, but I am usually not recognized. And the only ones who will miss me are Trouble, Sorrow, Illness, and Death. But they're pretty boring, young man," said the old lady. "I will miss you," said Life. The old Lady handed her business card to Life and disappeared. Life plunged back into the party scene. Money and Love flirted over the rim of the glass, and Life and Joy danced a waltz. Of course, Love left the party with her old habit.