The little girl was running ahead through the grass as it tickled around her calves, the evening sun painting the sky shades of orange, red and pink.
"Come on Papa! You're so slow, like a snail!", the little girl giggled as her father smiled at her, lifting her up into the air and onto his broad shoulders, holding on tightly to her legs. The little girl squealed in delight, her father picking up his speed. He ran carefully with her before coming into a little clearing, where the trees parted and you could see the sky through a frame of leaves and branches.
"Look Papa! I can fly!"
She spread her arms wide and flapped them around like a bird, closing her eyes to imagine soaring in the sky amongst the other birds. Her father chuckled before holding her up higher as she opened her eyes and he let her onto the floor, sitting down and bringing her onto his lap.
"In time my daughter, both you and your older brother will join myself and your mother flying through the midnight sky, once you are of age", he pats her on the shoulder before ruffling her hair as the sun starts to set.
The little girl yawned widely as she opened her arms to her father, as he picked her up and held her against his shoulder as her eyes drooped sleepily.
"Yes Papa, once I am old enough I will get my spirit animal and get to play with you and Mama in the...", her voice trailed off as she started breathing heavier, falling asleep unable to finish her sentence as her father walked back toward home to their tribe. When he got back he set her down gently in her bed and tucked her in.
"Sweet dreams my daughter, may the spirits keep your dreams sweet and the nightmares at bay", he kissed her forehead gently before standing outside looking out across the valley, watching the sun set as he looked out at the night sky.
