It was on the floor by the front door, a solitary cherry pip. Where had it come from? It made me smile as I picked it up and held it in my hand. A gift from the gods?
It was wild this morning. How I longed to yield and not go out. The rain lashed the window from all sides and the wind rattled the doors. I dressed for it with two coats, a hat, gloves, thick socks and waterproof gaiters. I could barely walk. The wind came at me from all angles, buffeting my coat and blowing my stick off the ground. But the air smelt glorious. Students were out, first years probably. They reminded me of our horses who’d suddenly race around the fields in the wind. Buoyed up and excited by the gusting breeze boys shouted and ran down streets. There was chaos. Nevertheless I did it, but shut the door behind me gladly.
