“Out of the Nest”

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: “You’re insane!”

“You’re actually insane.”

My brother peers off the cliff before hopping back. “No way. There’s no way you’re getting me off there.”

I chuckle. “Aw, come on, don’t be a baby. That right there? That’s nothing. You’re lucky Mom isn’t here. She’d make you go off the big cliff.”

He pouts at me. “You’re not really gonna make me just jump off without any practise, are you?”

“Yes,” I say firmly. “This is how you learn. You’re going to be just fine, trust me. I’ll be right beside you the whole time.”

He peeks over the edge of the cliff one more time. “You promise?”

“I promise,” I say.

He takes a deep breath. “Okay.”

He takes a tiny step toward the edge of the cliff before taking another tiny step. I roll my eyes.

“Come on, you’re taking forever.”

“Because it’s scary!” he shouts.

I let out a deep sigh. “Alright, that’s it. This is ridiculous.”

I step up beside him and give him a shove. He lets out a high-pitched scream as he topples of the edge of the cliff. I watch him freefall for a moment before deciding that I should probably keep my promise.

I jump after him, headfirst. I’m able to catch up to him in no time.

“Having fun?” I ask him.

“No!” he screams. “Help me!”

“Don’t be so dramatic,” I tell him. “Just spread your wings. You’ll be fine.”

“I-I can’t!” he cries. “I can’t move!”

I let out a loud groan. Why is it always so hard for them the first time?

“Just lift your wings,” I shout at him.

The ground is starting the close in. Maybe I should’ve used the bigger cliff like Mom usually uses. Then at least he would’ve had more time to get his wings open.

“Come on!” I scream at him. “Hurry up!”

He squeezes his eyes shut. Just before he hits the ground, he spreads his wings. Immediately, he begins to soar.

“I did it!” he shouts, looking back at me. “I’m flying!”

Final Comments: This one turned out so much different than I thought it would but it was pretty fun to imagine.

Overall Rating: 😋