Story 7 - dawn

Every morning, I get up before dawn to make coffee and saunter to either the bench under the apple tree or to the conservatory when it's either cold or when it rains. When I choose the conservatory, I usually open the doors to let the sound and smells of the garden into the house, unless it's really cold. That feels like a blessing, every time. No matter the weather, the next step is always watching my cat dart around the plants and crops, chasing mice, shadows and his own tail. It's not always fun. Yesterday he brought back a mouse and dropped it at my feet. He then jumped away when I shrieked, startled at the gift. The mouse scurried away and he caught it again, walking away mumbling about humans being weak. At least, that is what I imagined he said. But today it's perfect, bright orange sky bathing the garden in light, and a bright orange cat jumping around while I sip my coffee, gazing up into the tree and wondering how many apples I will get this year. It's a simple life, but a good one. My cat rushes by, jumps up into the tree, darting up faster than I can gasp. I shout, "Get out, you idiot!" He looks at me from his perch over my head as if to say, "Tough luck, lady." I sigh, and say, "Jasper, I'm not helping you out this time." I walk into the house and act like I don't hear his helpless mewling. More coffee. Then we'll see. He yowls louder and I can hear my neighbour talk to him. Good. He has a ladder. It's not like he hasn't done it before. Besides, half of the tree hangs over his garden, he gets free apples every year. Worth some scrathes, I say. I grin and head upstairs to get dressed. Time to start my day.