Backyard Shivers

Once Upon the Park

Come on, sit down. She's harmless--not a rabbit, are you?

Do you have kids? I have a daughter, son...several grandkids.
That's why she's here, keeps us all safe under the leaves.
My oldest granddaughter just went back home.
Pacer.
Pacer Bentley. Do you follow the soccer teams?
She's going to be on the track team one day.
Loves to run with that one
All through the streets near me.
Are you a runner?
Safer if you are...but I understand.
Don't run so much myself, these days.
Pacer has been learning how to run--
Not to be chased. She doesn't flee. Her mother...
She had to go home. I'm so glad to have met you, dear.
Mint?
Are you chilly? Lots of shade just right here.
She likes to sniff in around the toes of the trees.
Well, you came into the woods, didn't you?
Nice, safe trees. And they put those shavings on the paths.
Absorbs sound, everything.
Let her have a sniff of your palm, dear.
That's right.
Oh...wolves...family-centric. Loyal. Do you like the collar?
Red is easier to see than dark fur.
The buzzing? You've come on the best day. Wearing your ponytail, no less.
Well, you were worried about Daisy.
Named her for the first granddaughter she ever ate.
No, no, I'm only kidding.
It is. You know the red wasps?
The ones living on your porch? Nibbling on your fence?
Red as rubies...
Pacer had to leave, but I'm glad you're here.
I've never had a horse in this race before.
Well, the Wild Hunt. It's shifted.
Most of the old riders have come to the benches
To watch the steeds run under others.
All the jockeys with their prods, all the girls with their dreams
Of horses.
You'll learn to pace yourself
After the first sting.

Thanks to Carrie for the above image prompt and to Lizbeth for the name Pacer Bentley, which I want to use in everything now. :)