Natures band

A soothing breeze had accompanied the night, gliding across the country side. Swiftly making its way through trees, rivers and grassy fields. Leaves igniting into action, gently rustling against one another in unison. Making its way across rivers, orchestrating the water to break into ever expanding ripples. Carrying themselves in the predetermined direction and towards the field. Partnering in rhythm with blades of grass, dancing to the pre planned direction the wind had set. All uniting to create a silent orchestra, only audible to those lonely enough to hear it. Performing all over the country side until the band’s tour inevitably made its way to Anna’s home.

Hands warm, clasping a recently crafted drink which served as Anna’s only company in her home. A small lifeless place. The room, filled with an old smokey scent from the long deceased fire place. Uniting with the intoxicating sweet chocolatey smell that was emanating from Anna’s companion. A small throw rug gently resting over the frail figures legs to aid in fighting against cold nights. Anna sat staring at that dusty coal filled fire place. The heat it used to project once eradicated cold air from the house, guaranteeing the elderly lady would stay warm through the night. Now it just served as a momento. While her age grew the logs seemed to grow with it, making the fire increasingly more difficult to ignite until effort seemed to outweigh reward. Now she opted to watch the fire place, sitting in peace rather than engage in the exhaustive task. It was easier that way.

Rest hadn’t come easily since being left alone in the house. Sleep had seemed to turn from friend to foreigner, becoming as distant from her as the ocean. Flowing towards her and away from her as often as the tide; both outcomes being reached as purposefully as the other. Leaving little energy for her to fill the days with.

It was lucky her late husband now found enough sleep for the two of them, she often found humour in that sorrowful thought.

Raising the mug from her lap, a steady shake increased while it rose, going ever so high. Pausing, the rich chocolate smell invaded her nose and with it memories of days once lived enriched her mind. A small smile stretched across Anna’s face as the mug reached its destination, the drink trembled in her hand. Embracing her companion, gently pressing it to her lips, grateful for its warmth, then lowering her glass back down to rest once more.

As the night lingered on, the orchestra’s performance became fiercer, turning from classical to a more aggressive style of music. Anna’s steady shakes grew more violent with the music, despite her companion becoming lighter each time they embraced. despite her external strain, she managed to maintain a mental peace. Ignoring the performance that had invited itself to her home. Instead, emersing herself in memory of what her life once was. Staring blankly into her memories, filling her mind with a company only life knew how to teach.

Submerged in her body of memories Anna began to immerse herself in a deeper state of mind, her eyes sinking closed, drowning in her sleep. Drifting off like the tide once again. The conductors brisk direction slowing down, bringing the other band members to a halt.

When rays of light burst into the home, they found themselves shimmering off the surface of a cold liquid spilled on the floor. The murky reflection staring at a hunched over figure of its friend. A lady who drifted away with the tide and didn’t come back to shore.

-Will Blunt