CHANGING PERSEPTIONS

     I always thought it curious how perception changes on what we see. Things are never that scary during the day because you are able to see things for what you think they really are. At night though, everything changes. That friendly old lady down the road suddenly becomes a scary old hag out looking for potions or children to kidnap. You cringe at the thought of her walking down the street during those twilight hours. The steady tap of her cane sends shivers down your back. The most curios part of this is that she enjoys every minute of your frighting misery. Why is this?
     The night is the perfect time to come out when you don't want others to see your imperfections. Even if your appearance is rather odd you can still find somewhere to fit in. Perhaps you may even find a friend. The strange hag clicking down the street did.
      It was a perfect night for a walk. There was a light haze forming around the dense tree cover giving a good indication that there could be fog in the morning hours if you decided to get up early enough to see it. Nothing could be heard but the steady tap of a stick clicking its way through the shadows. A large shadow with scraggly black hair scuttles down an empty road. Know one knew if this was a random event or the start of some sadistic routine so they kept quiet and watched. The figure left them alone to continue her journey. All around the trees stretched forth their fir-like limbs trying to engulf the barren road but she continued on.
Hardly anything could be seen in the baseball field except blackness and perhaps the tips of fence post. It wasn't until she reached a cement concession stand that something poked out of the shadows.
     She had seen it the previous night running across the field but could not give chase due to an injured leg. Now it was right in front of her and batting at it's tail. The clicking stopped and she spoke to it wondering if it would run off. The tail quit swishing and this white critter walked over and started rubbing up against her leg.
 It followed her across the field until she picked it up. Amused by the attention she ask it "are you here to change my mind about cats? You do realize that I'm not a cat person? My dog would eat you alive if I took you home and my son is most certainly allergic to you." It said nothing but was content to stay in her arms and look at the sparkling fireflies shimmering in the trees.

     Everything was fine as they walked to the small brook with a rickety bridge covering it. The little white cat seemed to be feeling fidgety by this time so after looking at the bubbly brook the hag like stranger set it on the ground. It continued to play at her feet for a few minuets before running off and she headed back home.