“fall”

The bright orange sun filtered through haze

The scent of ash and smoke

The stores stocked then sold out of air filters and purifiers

The constant text alerts and emergency warnings

The seasonal traffic of evacuees

The bug-out bags and overnight duffels stacked by the door

The check-in's of "I'm okay"

The check-in's of "Anyone got a place to stay?"

The sad eyes of dogs stuck inside

The grey soot smudged all over your car

The masks worn way before viruses and pandemics

The sense of community solidarity

The sense of community exhaustion

The people trying to stay

The people leaving for good

The insurance rep's info alerts and policy updates

The fire department's notices and helicopters flying

The volunteers assembled at fairgrounds and parking lots

They say California doesn't really have seasons

Well, it has one now

*Sorry - I know this one's a downer but they evacuated my peeps again last night and this is kinda the autumn state of mind I'm stuck in now : )