AN: A short companion piece to The Owl
The old red barn had seen a lot of happenings in its time.
There had been when it was first built, paint still gleaming.
When there were horses, and fresh bales of hay.
When the family of raccoons had stayed overnight.
When the hurricane had blown the roof away,
When a new roof sheltered a runaway child.
When the horses had left, been sold for money.
When the first boxes were placed into the corners.
When it had been passed down to the deceased owner's son.
When the mice began to inhabit the loft.
When it slowly became full of old boxes and furniture.
When the windows were replaced after years and years.
When the owner's sons played in it.
When they grew up, and stopped coming, and playing.
When the owl had stayed in it.
Yes, the old red barn had seen a lot of happenings in its time.
But now the time was up, and the flames rose into the clear air.