flying squirrels: Flying in the Moonlight
The night was deep, and everything around had quieted down. Those who should be asleep were already sleeping. Those who were meant to be awake were also awake. A family of flying squirrels living in the tree had slept through the entire day and were now wide awake.
“Number Five, you have to start practicing today,” the mother said sternly.
The eldest nudged the second, the second winked at the third, the third stuck out their tongue, and the fourth looked sympathetically at Number Five. Number Five’s mouth twitched nervously.
“If you don’t practice, you’ll never learn to fly,” the father said gently.
“Flying from high to low doesn’t take much effort,” the eldest reassured Number Five.
The second quickly added, “If you’re scared, just close your eyes.”
“No, no, that’s wrong. You’ll crash into a tree if your eyes are closed,” the fourth interrupted. Number Five shuddered, as if already feeling the pain of hitting a tree.
“Just imagine you’re a leaf drifting through the air,” said the third, with a touch of poetry. “The moonlight shines on the leaf, casting a soft glow, as if it’s gently touching your fur, your skin…”
The seven of them had been standing on the same branch. At some point, the mother had left without anyone noticing, and the father hesitated, wondering whether to give the command to take off.
Suddenly, a cry for help came from below. “Oh no… hurry! I…!”
“Quick, go save your mother!” the father growled, already leaping into the air. The eldest and fourth immediately followed, with the second and third close behind.
Number Five hesitated for just a moment and fell behind. He had no time to be afraid. He stretched out his limbs and leaped into the air. The wind rushed past his ears, and all he could think about was rescuing his mother.
“Let me fly faster,” Number Five thought. “I don’t care if my form is right or graceful, I just need to protect my mother.”
He glided down to the spot where his mother had called for help, only to find his parents and siblings smiling at him. “You did it!” they exclaimed.
Number Five breathed a sigh of relief, but he also felt a bit sad. “Am I the slowest learner? Did Mom have to trick me like this to help me?”
“No, you’re much younger than your brothers and sisters. They weren’t any better when they first learned to fly,” his father said, smiling as he patted Number Five’s head.
Thank you for reading! ” Sitestorys “
