A Long time ago...

The boy watched; his eyes expectant and hungry. Hungry not from his stomach, but for his Grandfather's story to break out, strand by strand, from his cracked lips. He was excited for tonight's adventure. But his eyes, rested on his Grandfather's own observing pupils, were drawn to something else. Just out the window…an amazing sight! How spectacular, how beautiful!
It was such an event, the boy felt he had to press his face against the dusted glass. There, up above where the stars were, gleamed a spectacular patch of blue sky. Glowing rays columned from it and his Grandfather stiffened, upright at once. And then he was in his chair again, hands clasped on his knees. His eyes returned to their normal state. The boy still held his gaze.
"I remember when blue skies were not a rare sight." The Grandfather said, to nobody in particular, although the boy heard. "When the birds chirped their melodious tunes and the streets were filled with smiling faces. And the jays as they wove in the trees, like threads of ribbon. And the snow fell, so softly and white, and sprinkled the ground. And the sun welcomed its people as they walked the earth, so soft and green."
The boy was transfixed, thinking of such a time…and suddenly the heavens disappeared, the blue skies blocked from view, obscured by grey ones.

It was all quiet.

The boy took his seat back on the floor, at the feet of his grandfather, who spoke softly:
"But that was a long time ago…"