Cornwall

Walking by the sea, the insects lost on the wind, fly with the salt spray into my face, careering into my cheeks.

A break in the clouds reveals a cold sun that for all its power fails to penetrate the thick blasts that push struggling people into railings, fighting to keep their balance as they climb all shapes against bitter biting whirlpool swirls that leave the cheeks raw.

A cat cowers in a doorway unable to see a path to home, the fur rug, the crackling fire, the sound of the rattling box of dried morsels and the comforting caress of human fingers under the chin.

The rain slants like mathematical weapons analyzing the angles to find the vulnerable doorways into your coat – through the loose button holes, between the collar and neck and up the sleeves at the cuff.

Finally the glowing light of your window gives you hope as you drop your guard for just one moment in relief for the site of home, as you step into the largest puddle of your journey soaking your sock through your shoe, water pouring in through the eyeholes of your laces. You curse, remove a glove and plunge your hand into your pocket for your keys.

The relief as the flat metal turns in the lock, the door opens, the cat sees the opportunity and runs bedraggled through your legs into the hallway as you stumble over the mat into warm peace.