Over the next few months the atmosphere in the house lightened a little, even though circumstances militated against it somewhat. The weather also seemed loathe to acknowledge the change of the seasons. The winter, having arrived early, continued its guise as unwelcome visitor by staying late and weighing heavily on its host. Snow fell everywhere, and remained everywhere. Then more fell. Then the frost came and illuminated the country with its bitter gaze. Bright white sunny days and clear night skies such as none had seen for generations.
Those who could unclench themselves from their wintry stoops and gaze upwards saw the glory of the Milky Way poured across the sky and the countless eyes of the Universe gazing indifferently back, inviting a revised sense of perspective. Earthbound soul
