Rays of light shone through the gaps in the crisp leaves, covering the floor in dappled sunlight. Occasionally a gentle wind blew through the branches causing sycamore seeds to spiral down onto to the carpet of leaves below. A young grey squirrel observed this for a while before scampering down the gnarled trunk. Cautiously it looked round before scurrying up the path. Once it reached the top of the hill it watched curiously as a familiar woman unlocked the door of the cafe, preparing for her long day of customers bustling in and out of her small shop. Suddenly the squirrel heard a child’s squeal and it hurried away.
Two excited children ran out of the squeaky playground gate and down the other side of the hill. The lady they were following trudged down the muddy path slowly, leaning on her walking stick for support. They raced ahead of her and were soon waiting at the water’s edge. “Hurry up!” one yelled impatiently. Nervously she tried to walk faster before one of the clumsy young boys toppled into the water. Finally she reached the bottom and drew some slices of bread wrapped in cling film from her handbag. Ducks were already rushing towards them, obviously hungry so early in the morning. The women watched enviously as the boys dashed round the pond trying to throw crumbs to every duck. With a sigh she looked down at her own stiff, wrinkled hands. However she found it hard to feel sorry for herself for