Feline
The path stretched out before her, twisting and turning as it neared the summit of the mountain. Snowflakes whirled all around, some finding rest in the drifts which filled the hollows between the steep banks and low dry-stone walls.
She gave a soft growl, sensuous packed with power.
With ease she lapped up the miles, her tread gripping the treacherous terrain and leaving their print for those who would dare, on such a foul night, to follow her tracks. With a swish she wiped away offending snow from her vision, locked her sights on the ascent and started to climb.
Sleek and graceful she moved from right to left then right again; until reaching the top of the mountain and with another soft growl, began the descent. Rounding a bend two glowing red orbs barred her path, bulky, clumsy and slow.
She swerved to avoid collision, tail flicking sideways as she momentarily lost her grip. With another growl, she leapt past the monster slid onto virgin snow and regained control. Relieved, she gave out a gentle purr, gripped the powder dry snow beneath her tread and continued down the mountain.
Behind, the snow plough driver sighed, grateful an accident had been avoided and stared in admiration as the tail lights of the XK 150 flickered slightly before steadying its course and disappearing down the mountain road.
(c) 2023 Pat Barnett
The Story
In “Feline,” Pat Barnett crafts an elegant tale of power and grace set against a snowy mountain backdrop. The story follows a mysterious feminine presence as she navigates treacherous winter roads with feline precision. Through masterful prose, we experience the journey of what’s revealed to be an XK 150 Jaguar, its tail lights flickering through the snowstorm like a cat’s eyes in the dark. The narrative beautifully blends the mechanical with the natural, transforming a luxury vehicle into a predatory creature stalking the mountain paths.
About the Book & Author
“Creatures” is a captivating collection of short stories from Yorkshire-based author Pat Barnett, who brings her rich life experience to every page. Born in post-war Manchester, Pat’s journey from punch-card computers to published author is as fascinating as her stories. Now settled in picturesque Pickering, she crafts tales that dance between reality and fantasy, drawing inspiration from local legends and everyday observations. If you enjoy stories that find magic in the mundane and transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, you’ll find yourself at home in Pat’s world.
Discover “Creatures” on Amazon
