Orion, leaning in his spring attitude, has dipped behind the western woods, and Venus hangs from a ponderosa branch like a bright ornament. Here on earth, my younger cat, after being bold enough to enter my room despite the presence here of her nemesis, has gone outdoors. She prefers to be out on warm nights. It's probably a fascinating place for a cat, full of small creatures and interesting smells.
The older cat never stirred when the younger one came into the room. She has been sleeping fitfully, occasionally moving from one spot to another. It has not been a good day for her. She ate little, but couldn't keep it down. She tried to use the cat box, but failed. Then she took a nap in a dark doorway and got her paw stepped on. In fact, her health has deteriorated greatly in the last few days, and I'm thinking it might be time to let her go. She has often surprised me with her recuperative powers, but I don't know that she is capable of more such surprises.
Despite the fact that it is spring, the night has an autumnal feeling. There is decline, and I sense changes coming. This afternoon, I noticed that a few more boards have fallen from the fence, even though there has been no wind to bring them down. When things fall apart for no apparent reason, I grow uneasy. The deer haven't visited the street in weeks. I feel as though I ought to be holding my breath, but I don't know what for. Whatever it is, I hope it happens soon.