Snoffee

Evening Shift

At 6:40 every evening, Snoffee takes the lake path before the leaves finish falling. The beret stays level. The scarf handles crosswinds. A pumpkin-marked cup rides in both paws, filled exactly high enough to steam but never spill. By the time the church clock reaches seven, one bench is warm, three ducks are disappointed, and the last bright leaf has been politely ignored. He considers this a complete public service.