Autumn Stroll

Anya was nearing the end of her life and had seen more hardship than everyone had the right to. Her daily walks still brought hope for the future and those who would be here after her.

This Autumn was particularly hard on her, having lost her partner recently to the Dark Sickness. Madge had been with her for many trials and always brightened her spirits.

Anya knew a cat does not live forever, but she missed the old puss podding beside her, even on the coldest days. The thought of getting a new kitten was beyond her, feeling that it would not be right to leave her alone after she passed over to the sunless lands.

After a hundred and ten years, the wise woman thought perhaps this year would be her last, so she enjoyed the colors of Fall and reminisced about the years when youth was on her side.

This day brought a shower of leaves, each a brilliant red, yellow, or orange that swirled around her in a choreograph of color.

“Time for tea and cakes,” said Anya to herself. Then, the matron returned to her cottage to set the kettle to boil and relax beside a warm fire. “Autumn is a fine time to sleep,” said Anya, drifting off to dream of Madge and walking through the woods.