I'm at the grocery store, and a little girl runs up to me with bouncing blonde curls tied into pigtails.
"Why are you walking on your tippy toes?"
I'm a cold person, I know that. However, I never scold or glare or swear at children. Unless of course, they get on my nerves, but I never swear at them.
I bend to her size, so my eyes level hers. A soft smile spreads on my face as she gives me a toothy grin and I notice her two front teeth missing. I don't know what to tell her. I don't want to tell her that I was born with that habit. Maybe I should just make something up.
"It helps me remember to keep my head up. With my heels in the air, my nose likes to copy. Plus with my head up my hat wouldn't fall. Maybe you wanna try?"
The little girl nods her head vigorously with such an excitement in her eyes. I stand up and grab her little fingers. I urge her to stand on her toes and lower her heels until she's the most comfortable. I let her go, and tap the bottom of her chin.
"Up and high, princess."
Immediately, she straightens her back and lifts her chin - which makes her look at me. She smiles up at me and then walks in a circle to try out her toes.
"What's your name?"
"The name's Tippy."
"Like tippy toes!" She beams in excitement as if she discovered the world's greatest puzzle.
"Just like tippy toes."
An unfamiliar voice rings in my ears.
"Jessica, come over here, right now."
"Oh Tippy, that's mommy. I'll see you soon!"
We exchange goodbye, and she swiftly hugs my legs and runs off to meet her mother again. On her toes.
Maybe I just created another Tippy.
But hopefully, her eagerness doesn't dim from her eyes.
