The woman sat by the reeds in a gentle lotus position. A small pile of orange peel was her companion.
'Nice to see you again,’ she said.
'Do you remember me?' I replied.
'Near the apples wasn't it?'
I nodded.
'Ah hah. Got a bit dangerous. Better to sit by the water. Less fruit trees, but less open ground too.’
‘Can you-‘ I said.
‘I think it’s more that we are all here together. We all have shared ideas then. Think, if your whole world was meat, and flesh and bones, wouldn’t the antithesis of that be terrifying? I think you know the answer. We all do.’
I wish birds had interrupted the silence. A few weak chirps rattled out.
‘It is ok, you don't have to stay and chat.’ She said. ‘I know you have your project. Just stick to the path, OK? '
‘I…OK.’
She did not even have mud on her trousers. I squelched deeper into Dryman Copse without a goodbye.
Mushy stroll back. Something crunched in the corners. And in one marshy section were heaps of sliced watermelon. Fat black flies covered them, changing their shape to lumps of living coal. The moon already hung in the sky, glowing with a deep brightness impossible before twilight. So many craters were visible, but I had not even eaten dinner yet.
Why all this damn fruit everywhe
Dryman Copse is a chance to visit the past. Find the Britain of two thousand years ago. A steady, damp walk, but one to connect you with nature, and your country.
:::It was on the horizon Barbara. Prowling. No wonder the birds kept away. A few risked a flight across to the water. Perhaps the insects were too tempting. Every time they swooped into the reeds, the number would be less. Swoop, then less. The numbers dropping every time.
How long would this have carried on for if I had sat down and watched? Would all of the birds have disappeared eventually? And then what?
I am sure it chuckled.
Useful to speak to the lady about the issue. Although I thought of the phrase ‘near the apples first wasn’t it?’ myself, and then it emerged from her mouth.
Although it may have laughed, the creature kept at bay. Maybe it knows I am planning something.
I have to go on the attack. One more trip, to plan and experiment, and I will be sorted. We can have a nice calm end to the year, and I will call Archie on Christmas Day.
Photo included as usual. Not sure if this is a pile of bones maybe? Could be natural causes, but are those teeth marks?::
