The lively night sky is nearly overwhelmed by the sun's orange light when the young man exits the cottage in the chill of the morning. A cool breeze brushes against the man, goosebumps cover his skin. The sun rises into the sky further, waking the older man. Heading into the small kitchen, he sources a ceramic mug, placing the kettle over the lit stove. Finishing his cuppa, he walks over to the shed around the back of the home. Driving out on his John Deere mower he goes to cut the lawn, but not without a small visit to the orchard. Walking under a net, he plucks the ripest and reddest apple he finds. Taking a bite, the apple, a little sour, but mostly sweet, easily gives way to the pressure applied by his teeth. As he starts the mower, Sid exits his house to let his chooks out.
“Oi! Is that my bloody apple ya wombat?” Sid screams at his neighbour, marching over to the pipe.
“Oh shut it, you arsetalker. That's my apple tree and I'll eat a bloody apple whenever I want to,” he waves his hand in the air to shoo Sid off.
Storming back inside, Sid isn't seen for the rest of the boiling hot day. When the sun starts to set and the stars once again begin to dance, an engine is heard arriving at the house. The young man hops out and walks to the passenger side. Picking up a small little brindle Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy, she looks up at him, tail wagging, bright doe brown eyes looking up at him, smiling. Bringing her inside with him, they fall asleep in the single bed, her trying to snuggle up to the young man.
YOU ARE READING
The Orchard and The Chook
Cerita PendekThe Australian dream, a nice block of land, Australian bush surrounds, a mischievous puppy, an orchard, a chicken and a neighbour feud? Cute short story, based on a true story, welcome to living in Australia in the 80's/90's.
