Charlye has a minion!

Poppy the Poppylion

The incessant beep of the alarm clock woke Charlye from his deep sleep. Mornings were never his favourite time of the day, but he was disciplined enough to start stretching his limbs, to try and regain some movement, almost as soon as the alarm had sounded. Of course nowadays, he took a little longer to get moving, but there was no way he would be found still lying in bed after 9am.

The bed creaked as he struggled to stand up, and moving across to the window, he pulled back the curtains. Instantly, it was as if the tired magnolia coloured walls of his bedroom had taken on the grey hue of the dull, misty November morning. There was some moisture in the air, but the weather forecasters had claimed it would be dry for the morning, and that's all that mattered to Charlye. Shuffling towards the kitchen, he made his usual cup of strong tea, no sugar, and prepared his breakfast.


Most mornings, Charlye would wander down to the local corner shop, just to buy a loaf of bread, or milk. It wasn't necessarily something he needed, but he enjoyed seeing the people as he made his way along the road, and the staff usually had the time for a brief chat. Even if he was heading to the shops, he would still wear his old suit, complete with tie. After all, there wasn't much else in his day to dress up for, now.

But today was a little different: he wanted to look extra smart, as this could be the last chance he had of being able to participate. Finishing his breakfast, he drank his cup of tea and stood up. His limbs had eased a little now, so he could walk back to the bedroom to get ready. It wouldn't do to be late, especially not today.


At 10am, Charlye was leaving his house. The sun hadn't quite managed to break through the mist yet, but Charlye seemed to emit a glow, from the tops of his freshly polished shoes, to the crisp creases of his suit. He liked to leave a little early, just in case the bus was late, but today it was ready and waiting at the stop.


~

Stepping down from the bus, Charlye made his way along the path, finally stopping at a point opposite the huge stone memorial. Adjusting the red poppy in his lapel, he stood proudly to attention as the clock struck 11am.


11am on the 11th day
of the 11th month
we will remember them




Poppy photo from deviantArt, edited slightly by Paddy. Fantastic profile by Ringo! Overlay by Paddy