Writer’s Challenge, November 2007: Title from a Hat

This title came from Sheila in our writers' group and was called
MOMENT TO MOMENT
copyright NOV 2007


He was learning about dandelions. It was my first lesson. I knelt beside him, and plucked a big fuzzy one. The thick stem severed with a lovely snap. I picked another and held one up before his face and one before mine. He smiled at me, all brightness and light, and promptly wrapped his lips around the flower's fluffy crown. His eyes widened in confusion, and he tried to spit it back out, but the dandelion seeds kept sticking to his lips and tongue. Every earnest PFT! PFT! noise only made me laugh harder. He tried to wipe out his mouth with the heels of his wide-spread little hands. I took a corner of my shirt and brushed off his tongue.

"It's okay." I told him, smiling into those oh-so-serious eyes. "Try it like this."

I placed held up my own dandelion, closed my eyes and gently exhaled. The seeded tufts danced off of the stalk and scattered into the air. he watched them in wonder, eyes wide.

"You breathe and make a wish." I said. He nodded solemnly. "Want to try again?" I held up another flower. He nodded again and took the dandelion from my hand.

Carefully, he closed his eyes and brought the flower to his lips. He blew, sending several drops of saliva among the dancing seeds.

I smiled at him, and he looked up all grins and joy. He came into my arms, and very seriously cupped his hands around both my ears. He leaned in, watching me intently, tilting his nose up to mine, and rubbed it gently against me in an Eskimo Nose Kiss. His breath was on my lips.


Breathe and make a wish. I am.