The Adder In The Dandelions

Prologue
Once, my friend, I was young, like you. Free to live life without the burderns of old age. My bones did not always ache like they do now, and, even though I expect you find it hard to believe, my nickname was not always Crusty. Yes, I know about that. I would ask you to stop, but I think Dandelion started it, and I cling onto everything to do with him. Did I love him? Yes, yes I did. I loved the young, golden tom with the bright eyes that were always sparkling with humour. I guess I loved the old Dandelion too, but whenever I think about him, he’s always young. No, not as young as you, but still young.