“Drifting Into Sleep”

Author’s Note: This is a Take Ten to Write story and has not been proofread for errors. If I feel inspired or if there’s interest in the story, I’ll post a revised, edited, and extended version at a later date. Happy reading!

Prompt: “The photograph itself doesn’t interest me. I want only to capture a minute part of reality.” — Henri Cartier-Bresson

The wings of the butterfly beat fast, pumping up and down as it flutters through the night sky. It leaves behind a trail of dust, so faint that only the keenest of eyes can catch a glimpse of it. Some say that this dust comes from the butterfly. A select few know that the dust is from the fairy sitting on the butterfly’s back.

The fairy’s eyes flutter as she lies atop the flying beast. It was a long day, and she’s ready for a good night’s sleep. Her fingers curl into the fur on the back of the butterfly’s body, keeping her in place. Even though her feet are securely in the stirrups, she needs that extra bit of peace of mind to be able to drift off to sleep.

Slowly, her eyes close. Her cheek slowly lowers to rest against the butterfly’s warm body. She snuggles down into the soft fur, concentrating on her breathing.

In… Out… In… Out…

Slow, steady breaths. She counts the stars in her mind, connecting the constellations as she knows them.

Orchid’s Bloom… Trillenia… Creeping Vine…

And finally, she drifts off to sleep.

Final Comments: Now that I think about it, it should’ve been a moth instead of a butterfly…

Overall Rating: 🙂