Nina Woldt

Little Owl scrambled out of her tiny bed made of twigs. The moon shone through her window, it was a full moon and there was a slight breeze that made her curtains flutter. It was a perfect night for her first flying lesson. When she stepped out her front door, she saw her grandmother waiting for her. “Ready for your first lesson?” her grandmother asked, hugging her. Little Owl responded by thrusting up her tiny wings and almost dancing right off her home tree.

“All right little owl, said her grandmother, “You must make sure you’re flying safely. So, I am going to have you put on this helmet and remember what I told you last night before bed.” Little Owl stuffed the hot pink, sparkly helmet on her head and gave her grandmother an enthusiastic thumbs up.

“Alright, now all you must do is jump off the tree and spread….” Before she could finish talking Little Owl had flung herself off the tree and was screaming with joy. “Oh Boy.” muttered Grandma, and gracefully leaped off her branch to follow her.

After a minute Little Owl’s shrieks of joy turned to fear, “How do I stop?” She hollered. “Spread out your wings,” replied Grandma. As they got closer and closer to the ground, Little Owl started to cry hysterically. “Now! Spread your wings out!” Grandma yelled urgently.

Screwing up her face with concentration Little Owl opened her wings with a dramatic flair, and whooped when she was lifted “Very good,” said Grandma, “Now just flap your wings very slowly.” Little Owl did what she said. “I’m flying!” She exclaimed.

“Alright,” said Grandma, “Now, who’s ready to fly to the coast?” Little Owl accidentally did a summersault in the air, but after she righted herself, she exclaimed. “Me!” They went slowly, letting Little Owl get accustomed to flying. They swooped over and under branches. And around midnight, Grandmother pointed her wing to a strip of blue in the horizon. “Oh wow,” breathed Little Owl, “The coast.”

Little Owl raced ahead flapping her wings hysterically, Grandmother chuckled and followed suit. When they got to the coastline, Little Owl landed on a big rock that was surrounded by water. The waves were huge and would crash against the rock creating a mist. Grandma flew over and spread out her wings. “How do you like the coast?” She asked Little Owl. Little Owl replied by giving her a thumbs up. Little Owl skipped over to the side of the rock and peered over the edge. There was a giant splash as Little Owl fell in the ocean.

Grandmother peered over the edge and spotted Little Owl paddling around in circles. “I guess I have to swim to shore now,” She said sighing, “And my legs are already sore.” Grandmother laughed, “You can fly now silly!” Oh yeah!”

Little Owl and Grandma played at the coast until the tips of the sun started to peek over the treetops. They flew home, much slower than the first time, and Little Owl yawned the entire way. When they got home Little owl stumbled into her bed. “How did you like flying Little Owl?” asked Grandma. But there was no answer, Little Owl was already fast asleep.