Submission (#3935) Approved

Word Count: 544

A warm summer’s day, the smell of sanguined honey hanging low in the air. It was a calm and slow afternoon as the sun hung just above the skyline, coating the horizon in a rich and warm tone as the day began to close. Bee took a deep breath as they step into one of the few remaining beams of warmth the sun provided. The warm sun hits their soft and fluffed up yellow fur. Their antennae twitch momentarily as their small and translucent wings stretch to catch the sun like a sun catcher.
How long had it been since they arrived in the mellow valley they made their home in? Surely it must have been four years. It was a day not too far from this, the smell of honey and tea filling the air as Bee had finished unpacking. The cabin smelt like fresh fire wood and cedar, the lights just dim enough for the room to be warm and inviting. They had elected to move out into the woods, away from the harsh fluorescents of the city. Sure, the drum of a city in constant motion and constant activity was soothing in its own right, but Bee needed something softer. Somewhere to settle down, to relax. The city was a far contrast with everyone rushing about like busy bees.That sort of life had its own appeal but one Bee couldn't hold on to. It was still a tough move for Bee however, leaving their friends and small brick and mortar shop behind. They take a long sip from the sweet chamomile tea, rich with honey and sugar, before looking around at their hard work. They had spruced up the now inhabited cabin with plants, soft fairy lights, and objects of comfort, making the space quickly into a home despite having just finished moving.

Bee sighs softly, shaking themselves out of the memory for a moment before shuffling inside to the kitchen. They fill the small kettle full of water before placing it onto the stove and turning the knob. The soft clicking of the igniter fills the air around them before the stove springs to light, a spark finally catching the gas. They hum in satisfaction before shuffling back into the living room to wait for the water to boil. As they wait, they cast their gaze out the window as the sun begins to finally dip below the horizon. Their thoughts run back to the first night in the cabin once more, only to be pulled from them once more as the kettle whistles. They hurry back to the kitchen, pulling the kettle carefully from the stove as they grab a mug. They gently pour a generous dose of honey into the bottom of the cup, topping it with two cubes of sugar and a bee shaped tea bag full of chamomile before finally pouring in the water, waiting as the tea steeps. Once satisfied with the richness of the tea, they set aside the bag and take to their porch.
It was still warm outside as they sat down in the hanging chair on the porch, tea in hand as they take a long inhale of the fresh air around them. It was a perfect night to reminisce.