It was as if the earth was bleached each evening and spun dry. Each dawn found less richness and color in the world, the sun’s rays a little dimmer, less warming; the roiling clouds darker, more menacing. In the kennel, the dogs` growls had become whimpers, as if they knew what was to come, something greater than their ferocity. The barn cats seldom ventured from the back stalls; in fact the man realized that he hadn’t seen any cats outside in days. Until the darkness he was greeted at the kitchen door each morning by many of the cats who seemed to be hoping for an early start to breakfast.