The father and daughter didn’t have much. Some food in the fridge, a roof over their heads, for now. Both would be gone soon if things didn’t turn around. Thankfully, the blanket of stars above served as a nightly distraction – so long as the sky was clear.
The little girl sat on her father’s shoulders as he strolled through the shin-high grass behind their hovel of a home. He held her bare feet and ankles in his rough, sandpapery hands – completely engulfing them.
“I can’t reach them,” the girl said, arms stretching skyward.
“You won’t be able to, honey. They’re too far away.” The man glanced down at his worn-out shoes – not that he could see them. His stomach grumbled.
She leaned in, settled her chin atop his head in disappointment. He felt her belly rumble, too.
“No, don’t listen to me.” The man bit his lip and then took a deep breath. “Know what I’ve heard? If you get lucky, and you reach as high as you can, you might be able to touch a few.”
The girl sat up straighter. “Really?”
“Really. Here – why don’t you stand up? Maybe I can help you get closer.” With that, he hoisted her above his head to a standing position. Her feet were firmly planted on his shoulder blades and his hands were locked at her waist.
“Reach!” he yelled, propelling her up toward the black canvas. She shrieked at first and then giggled.
“I caught one!” she said, cupping it in her hands.
“You caught a star?” the man asked incredulously. He lowered her and then the two plopped onto the grass. “How do you think it tastes?”
“We can’t eat a star,” the child responded, laughing at her silly and oblivious father.
The father snatched it from her and nibbled off a point or two. This set his daughter into a laughing fit. Before long, she lunged for it and tore it away, biting off a hefty chunk in the process.
“What does it taste like?” he asked as he rolled onto his back, rubbing his full belly.
“Like French fries…and ketchup.” She licked her fingertips.
“That sounds delicious. My piece tasted like strawberry ice cream.”
“It did?” the girl asked, eyes wide with amazement. “Can we catch some more? Maybe they all taste a little bit different.”
The man felt a sudden lump in his throat. He tried to swallow, tried to speak, but for some reason couldn’t.
“Daddy?” The little girl placed her hand in her father’s. Somehow it broke the spell.
“Yeah, sweetie. Let’s catch some more.”
And that’s how the two passed the night. After tucking her in, he stepped back outside for a minute. He looked skyward and knew he’d never stop reaching for her.
Lovely.
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