Photo courtesy Annie Spratt via Unsplash
“What if I fall?” Dryaia snuck another peek over the edge of the cliff that fell into oblivion, butterflies swarming her belly.
“You won’t.” Her papa put an arm around her shoulders. “You’re one of us and you’ve come of age. It’s time for you to grow your wings.”
“But how do you know I’m one of you? You found me orphaned and under a tree. What if I’m not a true fairy? What if I’m… human?” Hot tears pulled at the corners of her plum colored eyes.
“Sweetie, you’re magical through and through.” Her mama patted her hand. “We’re your parents. Raised since you were a wee babe. We know. We may not share the same blood but we love you just as fiercely and steadfastly as any who have given birth.” She tucked a stray hair behind her daughter’s ear.
Dryaia’s throat closed tight. “Yeah, but–”
“No, buts.” Her papa stepped forward with her so her toes nudged the edge of the broken ground. “Every fairy is nervous when they first fly. You’ve got this, Dryaia.”
The fairy girl took a deep breath. “Okay.”
Lifting a single foot out in front of her, she leaned forward and fell.
And fell.
And fell.
Mama’s eyes shot wide. “Oh dear.”
“Hmmm, well it appears she’s not fairy after all.” Papa wrung his hands.
His wife took his arm in hers and leaned her head on his shoulder. “Look at the bright side. It could be worse. She could be human.”
Their beloved daughter flew before them in her brand new dragon form.
©Laura L. Zimmerman 2020