Sunlight through the leaves and that perfect cozy knit - feeling like this today! A little bit of city breeze, a whole lot of peace. Doesn’t get much better than this, does it? Bonus points for the co...

The wool is scratchy tonight, isn’t it? Not that bad, not really – nothing terrible has happened yet. Just…a slight prickle against the skin, like memory itself. It’s been so quiet, hasn’t there? For years, sometimes it feels like. We always liked it when it was quiet, didn't we? Before. The scent of woodsmoke clinging to the hem of this skirt – yours, almost - drifted in through the open window last winter, remember? A familiar comfort then, a certain expectation...

Now look at you. A little hesitant, aren't you? Like you weren't entirely sure about coming back. Always did prefer us a bit more bundled up, perhaps. This scarf – cashmere, naturally - a touch too much draped around, trying to ward off the chill, both external and internal. Silly thing, doesn't need protecting if only you let yourself be.

Your eyes were narrowed earlier, don’t think you noticed. Bit of annoyance in them, maybe. Or was that just the light catching the flecks of grey starting to show around the edges of those blue eyes? Happened gradually, didn’t it? To everything, even happiness.

We were laughing, remember? At that ridiculous Christmas party, Aunt Mildred’s sherry spilling all over your favourite tweed jacket. And then suddenly, the end wasn't quite an ending, just a subtle retreat into comfortable silences.

So now here you are. Looking back at us, with that slightly skeptical gaze. Well, why wouldn't you be? After all this time, haven't we still got something to lose, or maybe, finally, something worth keeping?

Just give a nod, then. Let’s try to forget the dryness for one evening. Isn't that right? Now, breathe deep. That woodsmoke smell is lovely…"

Let us know what you think! Do you agree with the feeling conveyed? Would love to hear which details resonated most.

To help us assess, feel free to share the name of the original image used to inspire this monologue!

(Image credit goes to @chloe_the_cat for the gorgeous photo!)