Sunday, November 1, 2009

NOVEMBER IN DOOLITTLE


The change of season was in full swing. The winds of November were upon the inhabitants of Doolittle, and although they felt no chill or briskness in the air, it was apparent to Emeline she was experiencing autumn in the Kingdom. She remembered back to when she was a child in the convent, where the Sisters of Mercy tended after her and held her close when she was lonely or afraid. She closed her eyes and memories of varied smells and aromas filled her nostrils, bringing to her mind the smoky remnants of burning leaves among the hay. It was a bittersweet memory.


Vespertine the Ladybug could see the change in the surroundings as well, but it did not affect her very much. Her underside was becoming soft and wooly, forming a winter coat she would need to protect her from the elements, should she travel over the footbridge with Emeline.

Shortly before Gasper the Great passed on, he appointed Vespertine as the aide and lookout for Emeline. A surprise to many in the Kingdom, she quickly proved her competence with her agility and flexibility when traveling. She could get into places where many of the other animals could not even think of going. She was very much an asset to the woman as they procured tears for the Tear Jar, standing atop her shoulder or whispering in her ear, or even sitting in her coat pocket as they filled the clay vessels. It was from such a journey they had just returned. She had proven herself beyond any question.

Most of the leaves from the oak trees had fallen to the ground, creating great carpets filled with red and yellow and brown flecks. She flitted from leaf to leaf, sipping the morning dew deposits with her tiny tongue. She looked up toward the horizon to see the flock of geese that had just flown overhead, honking their arrival and acknowledging her presence.

She thought of the Grey Goose, the Great Gaspar, who had instructed her in so many ways. She missed him dearly, and wondered how much longer they had to wait for his return. It was a secret she had been sworn to withhold from her beloved Emeline. She watched the woman who had ventured closer to the lake, and sighed inwardly while settling down amongst the grassy hill beneath a mighty sycamore tree.

"Soon, dear Emeline" she said dreamily as she dozed off to sleep. "You will see him again soon..."

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