**The sun shines through my open curtains and I watch as it brightens up my room. I rub the sleep from my eyes and get ready for the day. I change into a knee-length white dress, a brown cardigan, and brown shoes, and run a brush through my hair before tying it back in a ribbon. I grab my book from my nightstand and shuffle into the kitchen where I put on a kettle. I sit and read until the whistle sounds from my boiled water and I pour the water into my favorite teacup, a light blue one with small flowers on it. I take a teabag from the cabinet and dip it in my cup. I add a splash of milk and spoon in some sugar, giving it a good stir before taking a sip.

Once I finish my tea, I grab my satchel from where I left it on a kitchen stool the day before. I slide my book into the satchel and add a few more things. I put the strap over my neck and let it sit on my shoulder. I grab my key from the small dish on the kitchen counter, a hand-painted one colored pink with small strawberries, and leave my cottage.

I pull the mahogany door closed behind me and turn my key in the lock. I take a walk down the wildflower covered path and feel as the wind brushes the flowers across my ankles. As I walk, I find my bike, a light blue color, near the large apple tree several yards from my house. I hop on my bike and begin to peddle.

As I peddle, the wind gently lifts my hair from my neck. I lift my head into the sun’s rays and soak up the last bit of summer. I decide to take a ride around town. I watch as summer turns to autumn as shopkeepers take down their summer decorations, all bright yellows and suns, and replace them with oranges and browns, leaves and acorns. Two men on ladders hang a banner with a hand painted sign advertising a fall fest in just another week.

I make my way to the other side of town and find myself at a small stream with a large oak tree. I hop off my bike and lay it against the tree. I walk down towards the stream and take out my picnic blanket and book from my satchel and make myself a small island on the ground. I lie on my back and a stray patch of sunlight makes it’s way between the trees above and into my eyes. I stay and read for over an hour before I pack up and make my way back home. I pull out my box of autumnal decor and start to place wreaths, leaf garland, and pumpkins throughout my cottage, welcoming in the fall like an old friend. I take a look around when I am done, deciding to place one last woven pumpkin on my shelves. Welcome back, Autumn.**

xoxo,

Just another reader