Autumn Leaves
by Gilda Lily

Benny looks up from his book, taking off his glasses and rubbing his eyes. He glances out the window and suddenly smiles. Down on the lawn, Ray is lecturing Diefenbaker. His expressive hands are flying in the air as the wolf blandly sits on his haunches and looks up at his packmate. A scattered pile of leaves is nearby, a rake lying on the ground next to the remnants. A stray leaf is entwined in Dief's silky coat.

Benny chuckles softly, returning to his book. He has studying to do, but perhaps helping Ray rake the leaves in their home's backyard would be appropriate. After all, it was healthy exercise, and Ray should not be expected to do the chore all by himself. Of course, the fact that Ray would have to bend down to gather the leaves into a bag had no bearing on his sudden desire for fresh air and exercise. Oh, no. Benny closes the book and rises from his chair, heading downstairs to join his husband.

End