Leaves

Orange, yellow, and red leaves ride the wind to the ground. They dance this way and that as the crisp cool air brushes through the little town’s streets. On either side of the road, shop keepers open their doors, waving their hellos, and disappear inside. Lights turn on here and there.

Coffee brews in one store, while jewelry is put out in another. One store gets ready for the mad dash of shoppers looking for new warmer clothes. Other shops prepare themselves as well. Employers welcome their employees and wish them a good morning.

The clocks tick along while the leaves outside continue to fall. Soon cars roll down through the center of town looking for coffee and breakfast. The townsfolk park and head to their favorite places to eat around the center of town or on the outskirts of town.

The rising sun cast shadows as the people walk along the sidewalks. Smells of coffee, mouthwatering, cooked food, and the autumn chill entices the crowds. Soon the streets are once again empty while the restaurant goers enjoy a hearty meal before school and work.

With stomachs full, men and women either go to work or go shopping while children hurry on school busses to get to school. Chatting and laughter fills the air during the day. People take their prizes home and have lunch before they start their chores around the house.

At school, children learn Math, English, Science, and enjoy play time, lunch, and other activities.

The day passes as the clock hands move around the face, tick, tick, ticking away. Busses roll through town, heading down different streets to take the children home. Shops close and employees say their goodnights, heading home for a cooked meal.

Night falls with stars twinkling in the sky.

Orange, yellow, and red leaves ride the wind to the ground. They dance this way and that as the crisp cool air brushes through the little town’s streets. On either side of the road, shop keepers open their doors, waving their hellos, and disappear inside. Lights turn on here and there.

Coffee brews in one store, while jewelry is put out in another. One store gets ready for the mad dash of shoppers looking for new warmer clothes. Other shops prepare themselves as well. Employers welcome their employees and wish them a good morning.

The clocks tick along while the leaves outside continue to fall. Soon cars roll down through the center of town looking for coffee and breakfast. The townsfolk park and head to their favorite places to eat around the center of town or on the outskirts of town.

I stand on the corner, watching as the ghost town continues to move through time, stuck. The people who are long gone continue to trek their same paths they had when alive.

I catch an orange leaf and just watch. As soon as the ghosts leave the town, the buildings show wear and tear, some even completely gone. Twirling the leaf, I wait until it completely dark before entering my tent to sleep.

The cameras I have set up to watch through the night to see the shift when daylight breaks stare at the broken town. I sleep, excited to watch the town once again rebuild itself and become full of people.

Outside in the night, orange, red, and yellow leaves dance down from the trees, raining down around my tent as I sleep. The leaves and nature the only things not stuck.