The world seemed more peaceful somehow, wrapped up in its deep blue blanket, whilst she poured another glass of wine. Today had been a tough day in bad week in a terrible year. Would it ever end ? That’s it, she thought, there should be an end, I’ll feel better when it’s over. The cold glare of Orion’s belt pierced the heavens above her, should she wish for the end ? Would ‘they’ at least give her that ?

Her hand was shaking, she took a slug of that wine. Pinot wasn’t meant to be flushed away so easily. She tasted salt and dried her eyes as she felt the comforting surprise of a soft brush of fur against her leg. “Hello Ethel” she said to her feline companion. “Don’t worry my darling” Ethel purred “save your wishes for better things”.

She looked up but a bank of thick cloud had hidden them from view. Orion had left to hunt other prey. The rain started in earnest, she held Ethel close and she smiled.