Sunday, November 01, 2009

Wrimo Excerpt day one.

I remember that first day, how quickly they curled up and fell asleep. How tiny they were. Alfie found something to tear to pieces within moments, tapping into his never-ending supply of energy. Michael left his shoes in with them and before long Colby was curled up in one of them. A bony, bright white ball of fluff 'hiding' in a jet black boot. Two blue eyes shutting rhythmically trying to say 'you can't see me.'

Michael and I left them to it. Collected a cup of hot strong coffee fresh from the pot, and wandered back down the stairs to the garden. That's going to be a job and a half before I'm done. It's manicured, in a fashion, and nothing like the way I would want it. Still, it's big enough for my chickens and ducks when I convince Michael to let me get them.
'I'm going to start taking up the lawn at the back there today, if the kittens settle down OK.'
'Good idea love, isn't it too late for planting now though?'
'Well yes, but it's a good idea to let the soil rest for a few months. The grass takes a lot out of it. Aisha has some manure for me from the horses, so I'll get that spread and then just leave it until the spring.'
He has that look on his face. 'Don't worry love, I'll spread it!' It's so easy to laugh with him there beside me. We walk to the spot I want to work on, and he produces string and a tape measure to help me lay it out.
'You're not going to let me just start digging then?' I try to pout and he laughs.

I can see that spot from here, if I care to look out of the window. We are in our bedroom talking. A large, plump ball of fur is curled up in the middle of the bed. Colby claimed that spot years ago. I wander over and fuss his back.
'mewe, mewe.'
'OK tiny man, I'll leave you to sleep.'
'So did we decide anything?' Michael is looking at me.
'I'm still thinking about it love, just give me some time to get there.'

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