Redtail Rise XLVI

Her gaze followed Father’s gesture. She spied bubbles on the water’s surface, green amphibians, and dark, beady eyes. Like a snake, her tongue out and licked her jowls – a sign of both anticipation and uncertainty.

Then, Father showed her the technique.

We hunt! the spirit sang with glee.

Saturday’s Sunset positioned herself methodically along the bank as her feet sank into the mire. She was quiet, calculating, and careful – a mature austerity for a girl so young. Then, she imitated Father with a quick hop in an attempt to catch a frog, but her unpracticed movements guaranteed a miss, and the critter submerged and swam away.

Her skinny tail curled over her back with a wag. Amused! She was ready to try again.