Coconut Grove I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts

let's be honest--one man alone couldn't hold a territory by himself. even with the help of his newfound friends, there were things that slipped through the cracks. not that he minded much, for now. with no young children to defend, a more porous border was low on his list of concerns. still, it was different from his life at morningside, and the urge to confront intruders did not die easily. 

but he did his best to put a welcoming smile on his face and lower the instinctual rise of his hackles when he spotted the woman, sniffing at the coconut. ever seen one of those before? he asked, for so many here had not. probably northerners, he reckoned. it's a fruit, you know, he remarked, coming closer with a wry smile on his face, as if imparting a big secret. grows on the trees. . .well, in better weather, anyway.

the palms were going dormant quickly, preparing for the long winter. he often wished he could do the same, just sleep away the snow.