A Steady Situation, Part 5

Crimson apples and tomatoes, verdant leeks and courgettes, a vast array of a conflicting pallet exhibited under a greater still blue sky and glowing yellow rays. Holding hands through a veritable hubbub of hundreds of curious customers, they made their way to a not-entirely full gazebo of waiting smiles and waving hands.

A general fond and scattered greeting ensued, and they took their seats from scooched occupants. Crossed legs and folded arms and squinting eyes all dedicated their efforts to an earnestly enjoyable conversation. Certainly, few of them there were innate people persons, but they all got on well enough, and found common ground.

Soon, the discussion turned to when they were having another gathering, and at whose. Both of them very kindly said that they wouldn’t be involved, although they would be happy to receive visitors on an individual basis. They had settled into a quiet routine of late, and taken on new responsibilities. An initial bout of dismay became an eagerness to see them while they were available, and that attitude was met with reciprocity.

It was a sunset harmony when they all began to say their goodbyes. The two of them disengaged from the greater swarm, and set about returning home, lighting their lamp. The grass was quite parched, as there had been a warm spell of late, and they found firm footing.

Twisted giant oaks, empty ponds and no clouds in sight were their companions.

And then, suddenly, a great gust nearly overcame them. They grasped for each others’ hands again, clammy from summer sweat. Humungous clouds barrelled in from across the horizon, and their gait increased to a run. Oceans of rain pelted them as they attempted to traverse what was fast becoming a swamp. They hastily strode across their perhaps-ruined garden, and unlocked the door. Water dripped from their huddled arms, and fell from their faces. They were home.