Lara could see how hard her daughter was trying curb her impatience. But the tension in her little body was palpable. Today was a big day.
The puppy wagged his tail as Mena stepped forward. She laughed as her new best friend licked her hand, then jumped into her arms.
This is the second of the prompt stories from Fifties by the Fire that I promised you. The prompt was to write a fifty-word story (or poem, or work of creative nonfiction) that focuses on a parent/child relationship or a parent/child interaction. The story could focus on a single moment or span a lifetime.
One might argue that Mena’s really interacting with the puppy, but this is an important family moment for Lara and Mena. I picture it as the beginning of Lara nurturing a relationship between Mena and the dog, teaching her to respect and care for him, and ultimately helping to shape who she will become in life.
That’s a lot to ask of this single moment, yet don’t tiny acorns grow into mighty oak trees? And it’s a cliché to refer to a long journey beginning with a single step for a reason. This moment is the beginning of a journey for Lara, Mena, and the little dog for whom they are about to provide a loving home.
What about you? Can you look to seemingly small moments in your life that led to something much bigger, perhaps profound?
Absolutely I can look back and see the moments that created my journey! So many, too many to pick one. I am so often overwhelmed by the thought that, put all together, they led me to this moment, sitting and sharing a coffee with a dear friend who has shared a story with me. ❤️
Beautiful story, Dascha. It is without a doubt the beginning chapter of a new journey for her!