Time for Pruning

It was raining. Pouring, really. Alto squinted up at the dark sky, glowering at the heavy clouds, thunder rumbling with the threat of incoming rain. Alto’s own clouds quaked, shivering with anticipation and camaraderie; Alto wish he had enough control of them to chide them for feeling such kinship towards what was effectively going to ruin his plans for today. Well, at least he’ll be able to get some of his work done. 

Tail twitching with unease, his gold eyes dropped down to the sprawling plants in front of him. He was finally going to leave the countryside and move to the inner city. And his pride and joy, his garden, was going to be left behind. This would be his last harvest. The thought alone made his nose twitch and his ears tuck closer to his head, the clouds floating around him trembling in reflection to his inner turmoil. Following Tumble to the city did not feel like such a great idea now. It did all the time they spent planning to do so and even when Tumble left a week ago. Hell, even while packing up his shit, the idea was exciting. 

But now, faced with his last harvest, he was faced with uncertainty, doubt, and regret.

The thunderclouds high up rumbled threatening, reminding Alto of his tasks. He swore under his breath and crouched down, clippers in his hands. No, he was following through with this plan. And the sooner he got it over with, the better. Pushing away thoughts of his heavy heart, he began clipping the dark berries off of the darker vines, pushing out the world around him. Diligently, he worked, pruning away excess leaves and pulling off the ripe berries. It was when the first droplets of rain started lightly spattering the dirt and along his hair and ears did he pause, leaning back on his haunches to breathe a sigh. He wasn’t even halfway done. But... he did have a few days. And surely, clear skies. 

Alto glowered up at the sky again before a heavy sigh escaped him. No, he should keep pruning and picking, just in case the weather doesn’t let up. It wasn’t like the weather channel was very predictable, after all. 

Stretching and pushing at his back to try and relieve the stiffness, he blinked away the raindrops and built up his resolve to keep going, despite his ears beginning to feel uncomfortable. His own miniature clouds raced to try and escape the raindrops pelting through them. 

Pulling the basket closer to him, he once again went to work at pruning and picking. It wasn’t like he’ll uproot his precious and beautiful plants. One of his family members can tend to it, though he balked at the idea that the plants won’t receive as much attention as they’re used to. Maybe he should uproot and pot the plants, after all... HE wouldn’t be able to take his whole garden but surely, the best of the best can go with him. Yea... maybe he’ll go scrounge up some pots and do that. He’ll figure out transportation later.