This morning I set out early thinking I could wander through the woods after I saw Barbie leave on her walk to try and find her house.
I saw the plume of smoke up over the trees and watched her leave along the fence.
I set off through the trees towards where I’d seen the plume.
I came to a clearing that had a small herb garden and an outdoor wood-fired kitchen… but, no house.
I caught sight of a twist of smoke up over the trees further to the west. I headed off in that general direction, but the woods became thick and wild – ravaged by piles of thorns and bramble.
I got to about the place I expected to find the house and there was a clearing, but nothing again.
I scrambled up a tree, poorly, I’m not much of a climber… and caught the scent of smoke – curling into the sky to the south.
I dismounted the tree and headed south.
I came out by the railroad tracks, but still no house.
The smoke now came from far to the north west.
I saw Paul sitting on the railroad bridge in the distance.
He looked so tiny, but I could see the wide grin splitting his face.
I’m pretty sure he’s laughing at me.
I gave up on the house-hunt, but I’ll try again another day.