#anywhere

Somewhere a possum is being stroked like it was a house cat "There there, Harvey. There there"

Unlike a cat, possums do not purr. But the petting is still appreciated.

"So you had a bad day, but at least they made a song about it?" the old woman guesses

A sigh and a headbutt, the universal sign for more pets.

More pets are given "I understand. Tough days at the office are the worst"

A resigned nod

"But you know what ? I talked to the sun, and while he's a weepy fellow at times, he promises to come out again sometime"

SIGH

"What, he owes you money?" Concerned look

and a little lick for Aunt Ambrose's fingertips.

A smile on the old woman's face.

"you know, I used to sit in your great great oh she was okay grandmother's lap like you're sitting in mine." Thoughtful "Those were the days."

A paw on the old woman's face as the possum stands to meet her eyes - tattered ears perked upright.

"oh yes, I used to stare at her like that, and she smiled like this...." the old womansmiles, then says "Well, maybe not. Old Folks ddidn't keep their teeth in as often back then. I know now that she felt pleased that i came to her when I was feeling blue ."

"Honestly, i was so blue I was taller...had little horn nubs"

"It's when the rains come that we find out who our umbrellas are. " A belly rub while the paw is against her face

She approves, and settles in for a nice quiet cuddle.

And the cuddling commences,sometimes with soft chatter about her own youth ...."And our noses bumped. That's when I realized my eskimo heritage"

And Em does what pooka do best - she listens.

First kisses, first adventures , holidays...the subject drifts pleasantly, and if a young pooka falls to sleep, no one could blame her. And if an old woman falls to sleep first? well, that's fine too.

(end scene)