#265 He Taught Her to Fly

by Teresa Stenson

And now it was time.

When her feet lifted she gasped. Still holding her hands, he said she’d be okay.

He had found the sky for her, tilted her head and showed her the stars.

Now, as he let her go she caught the breeze and billowed a little, afraid at first, then laughed.

He cheered, shouted encouraging words; she moved her arms like wings.

As he watched her go he imagined the tingle in her insides, thought of her heart filling, expanding, and leaving no room for him.

16 comments:

Rachael Dunlop said...

Lovely, sweet without being sappy. The last line is perfect. I like stories like this that tease the reader until the very end.

Teresa Stenson said...

Thanks, Rachel.

Jen Harvey said...

This is beautiful.

The last line is indeed perfect.

I loved that billowing made an appearance as well. It's a nice word :)

Well done!

Teresa Stenson said...

Thank you, Jen. Ha, yes, billowing, it's making a come-back - you heard it here first.

van demal said...

Nice. Speaks of the experience of young discovery

Shirley Golden said...

This piece could have easily been over sentimental. But you pitch it just right! The imagery works well and I love the touch of anxiety at the end.

Anonymous said...

Such a good last line.

Teresa Stenson said...

Thank you, Val, Shirley and Cath - very pleased you like it.

That last line is proving popular! Glad the imagery works.

Christopher James said...

Teresa, I liked your story plenty... but what I really loved was your comment here to Jen, that billowing was making a comeback. Absolutely fantastic! Good luck in the contest

Teresa Stenson said...

Ha, thanks Christopher. Maybe that comment could get a prize... I'll leave it with you.

Gavin said...

Subtle and poetic. Love it.

Karen Jones said...

I'm all for a good billowing. Love this one. Beautifully done.

Teresa Stenson said...

Thank you, Gavin and Karen.

Further support for 'billowing' noted.

Kitty said...

There is a lovely light feeling to this piece and then a great last line.

Beautiful writing.

Miss McFish said...

A lovely piece, Teresa.

Signed 'The Billowing (and all its variants) Appreciation Society'

PS I am stil waiting for my bingo pen ;-)

Teresa Stenson said...

Thank you, Kitty.

And you, McFish, and your offer to set up and maintain and see to all the admin of The Billowing (and all its variants) Appreciation Society has been accepted.