Of Warmth and Delicate Thoughts
Sitting beside our slumbering hound, wrapped in a cocoon of peaceful warmth, we while away the hours as the sunny afternoon goes sliding by. He snores gently and I touch a deeper comfort. Over the years that Duke has been my constant companion he has been a supremely steady source of love and solid affection, at times placing himself right next to me as though he understood that merely with his presence he could bring solace.
In the world outside of my domestic oasis, whose garden is now blooming with fresh flowers after a father-daughter gardening session, the jacarandas have donned their purple glory early and the air fizzes with the effervescent joy of spring. It’s that beautiful moment here in Los Angeles where the breezes are bright and full of light and bristling mischief. The sun is friendly and hasn’t yet learnt to shine at the full power which he will later display.
My mind runs along the tracks of summer which lies up ahead with all of its wonderfully necessary experiences. In the winter months we believe that it will never arrive and suddenly we are racing towards it at breakneck speed once again. Not so long ago, we were unable to plan our summer in advance at all, hemmed in on all sides as we all were by restrictions. I shiver a little whenever I remember and never fail to feel an inward sigh of relief at the knowledge that I can board a plane, anytime I like.
Our travels will take us to Europe as usual this summer. Our first voyage will be to London, arriving almost sixteen years to the day of our departure for the shores of the New World. During our American sojourn we have returned home faithfully each year; this city which confidently holds a part of my heart. We slide into its life with the ease of an old friend; although each time that we return I notice something new and unfamiliar.
Night is well established by the time my husband and I snatch a brief moment together amidst the torrential motion which AI is bringing to certain sections of the Californian working landscape. While the hound sits and sniffs at the sky, down the street a Waymo rolls into motion, barely disturbing the silence at all. Driverless and people free, it whispers past us and disappears from view, taking our future experience with it in the passenger seat.
