March 15, 2015 - 1:30pm — ApoideaBee
As if in a theater, the sky had darkened before the fall had begun. Rain played a symphony on the pond, drops differing in size differing in note when they hit the larger body of water. In contrast, the same rain fell in thick wet splats on the leaves of the trees and in areas where it already had collected on the ground. It drummed on the fallen logs and exposed trunks. Every face that left a den was soon drenched by the onslaught of spring.
The koi-stag had been among the Birch trees when the rains had come, and had enjoyed them for the past few days. He had spent enough time with the koi fish to realize that he wished to stay in the vicinity of their home for now. At first, a tiny tree had beckoned his attention. Today, however, he had discovered a perfectly-sized hollow at the base of a large willow that overlooked his brothers in the pond. After a little more digging to remove unwanted rocks, Moss had settled down in it to watch and listen to the rain.
The willow foliage hung limply, but provided much needed respite from the rain. Moss peered through it at the almost-melted pond. Occasionally, a deer would bravely venture there despite the floodwater that surrounded it from the melting of snow. He watched as they investigated the crocuses that had replaced trees, and frolicked in the mud that coated the banks and sucked at their hooves. The koi-stag smiled at all of this, happy to see others having fun. He rested his head on his forehooves, oblivious to anything but the play before him.