"We practiced this, Maple! Just go already! Jump!"
"Are you sure I won't get hurt?" Maple's veins were quivering.
"Look kid, you were supposed to go yesterday."
"I thought you wanted to fly?" His brother tried again.
"Maybe, I should stay just a bit longer? That way I can process a bit more chlorophyll?"
"Squirt, you aren't even taking in chlorophyll anymore. Have you looked in the mirror lately? Newsflash:you're YELLOW! Besides, you have a bigger job now."
Maple's margins tightened.
"I do?" He gulped.
"They need you down there for the soil.You're gonna be even more useful as many parts.You'll help plants grow, put nutrients in the soil, you might even be a house for a bug."
"Maple!"
He looked down to see his cousin.
"OMG! It's so soft down here!"
"It doesn't even hurt, and it feels like you're flying," she promised.
Maple liked the idea of helping out, but he'd always dreamt of flying. But it was probably the tiny tear in his petiole that sealed the deal. With a brightness and joy almost like no other leaf, Maple circled down, and made his way towards something more.
This is such a fun story and I love the idea of autumn leaves being nervous about falling. Well done!
ReplyDeleteCute and clever!
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