Fall and The Emissary

“He had never liked October. Ever since he had first lay in the autumn leaves before his grandmother’s house many years ago and heard the wind and saw the empty trees. It had made him cry, without a reason. And a little of that sadness returned each year to him. It always went away with spring.

But, it was a little different tonight. There was a feeling of autumn coming to last a million years.

There would be no spring. 

– Ray Bradbury, The October Game

Today is October 1 and even though it is 80 degrees here in NY, I’ve been looking forward to this month since July. Chilly mornings, hot beverages, crisp apples, colorful foliage, subway stations that don’t feel like the ninth circle of hell – what’s not to like about fall?

The Emissary, another short story by Ray Bradbury, embodies the season for me. Set in autumn, it describes Martin, a little boy who is ill and bed-bound. His beloved and faithful Dog serves as his emissary (hence, the title), bringing him the sights and smells of the outside world. One night Dog fails to return home. The Emissary is short, dark, and chilling, but also touching and beautifully written. You can easily read it on your lunch break. Treat yo self!

With a little internet sleuthing, I found the full text here.

Happy fall reading!