So, I'm on absolute phrases, and I have to combine a set of sentences so they have an absolute phrase. I get the concept, but these sentences are just odd to me, so if anyone has any guesses or explanations I'd really appreciate it.

Combine/rewrite the following sentences so they include an absolute phrase.

1.) Fallen leaves skidded along the wet sidewalk. A sharp nib of frost was in the air. A new autumn was upon us.

2.) The colt dropped his wet muzzle down into the little tyke's cupped hand. Was there an apple? It was a moment of bonding.

3.) Ah, a butterfly teetering momentarily in flight. Such an instant always brings a pivotal decision. Should I stay, or should I fly?

4.) I could feel the racing of a tiny heart. The colors were almost dazzling in the morning sun. It was a living miracle fallen from an overhead nest.

let's think

what are some attributes about yourself that has changed?

have you had goals that you've been trying to reach, goals you've thrown away?

how do you view your character; what or who has changed it?

what stories do you have about people or things that have changed you?

has religion changed you? an exciting event?

do you believe life has an adventure in store? do you believe it's meaningless?

try to answer questions about yourself.

it is partly in consequence of such facts, that slaves, when inquired of as to their condition and the character of their masters, almost universally say they are contented, and that their masters are kind. the slaveholders have been known to send in spies among their slaves, to ascertain their views and feelings in regard to their condition. the frequency of this has had the effect to establish among the slaves the maxim, that a still tongue makes a wise head. they suppress the truth rather than take the consequences of telling it, and in so doing prove themselves a part of the human family. if they have any thing to say of their masters, it is generally in their masters' favor, especially when speaking to an untried man. i have been frequently asked, when a slave, if i had a kind master, and do not remember ever to have given a negative answer; nor did i, in pursuing this course, consider myself as uttering what was absolutely false; for i always measured the kindness of my master by the standard of kindness set up among slaveholders around us. moreover, slaves are like other people, and imbibe prejudices quite common to others. they think their own better than that of others. many, under the influence of this prejudice, think their own masters are better than the masters of other slaves; and this, too, in some cases, when the very reverse is true. indeed, it is not uncommon for slaves even to fall out and quarrel among themselves about the relative goodness of their masters, each contending for the superior goodness of his own over that of the others."