Bey hops up onto the bed in our hotel room, and as he does, he releases a harumph. True asks to get onto the bed with him, so I stoop down to lift him up. True crawls over to Bey, gently but enthusiastically asking for his approval. With a bit of chagrin on his face, Bey releases one more aloof “harumph,” before laying onto his side and letting True sidle up next to him.

Crisp autumn air floats through the window as I get dressed. The mighty Sequoia tree looks slightly more out of place this time of year, as the maple, birch, and hemlock trees radiate brilliant reds and yellows and oranges. There’s some moisture in the air – maybe that rain will come after all – and it prompts me to throw on my hoody instead of a flannel.