Autumn Departures: Why the Best Spot Is Always Where You Were Yesterday

Autumn is a time of change. The leaves turn, the evenings draw in, and the sunbeam, which sat so reliably on the carpet in July, begins to drift. Travellers are often confused. They arrive at their favourite spot to find it empty, cold and strangely personal.

The sun moves

This is not an accident. The sun moves. It moves along the horizon every day, and every day the patch on the floor shifts a little to one side. By October, the patch has moved so far that it is no longer on the carpet. It is on the wall, and in the corner, and on the part of the sofa you have never liked.

The first reaction

The first reaction of the traveller is denial. She returns to the old spot. She sits. She waits. She looks up at the window, as though the sun might be embarrassed.

The second reaction

The second reaction is bargaining. She tries the neighbouring spot, which is almost right. She tries the one beside it, which is slightly better. She moves, moves again, and finally lands in a place that is warm, if unfamiliar.

The third reaction

The third reaction is acceptance. The traveller realises that the best spot has not vanished. It has merely left, and will return. She makes a note in her mind. She lies down.

How to find the new patch

• Check the window at 10 AM, 1 PM and 3 PM.
• Look for a rectangle of light on the floor.
• Test it with a paw. If it is warm, it is yours.
• If it is occupied, wait.

The wisdom of autumn

Autumn teaches us that nothing stays where we left it, not even the warmth. It teaches us to be adaptable, and to remain close to a window.

A message from the Chief Navigator

“I have been following the light for nine years. It has led me to many places. It has never once led me to the kitchen when the kettle is on, and I consider this a personal failure.”

Happy travels, and may your autumn be warm.