Written for the Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields – stories in 100 words or less, with a photo prompt. This week’s photo and my offering:
“Sink or swim.”
He stared into the ravine again. “More like drop or fly.”
He sat perched, for what felt like a lifetime. If you only live a year, a day is a long time, to be fair. He’d spent that day working up courage to take the plunge. Something had been telling him it was time, but being alone, he was afraid.
What if he was wrong?
“I can do this, I can do this.”
Then suddenly he jumped, wings spread from his back, and he floated through the air, like the lanternfly he was born to be.
My Two Cents... 
Interesting speculation. I wonder to what extent insects experience emotions like fear?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I admit, I have no idea! Just had some fun anthropomorphizing the lanternfly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lovely story of hope and positivity. Shame the lanternfly is such a dangerous invasive little bug.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the compliment – and it really is a shame!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome.
LikeLike
Dear Patricia,
Do bugs think this way? Interesting and entertaining perspective.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Doubtful – but had some fun imagining what they would think if they did think! 😉
LikeLike
That was a beautiful story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, thanks very much!
LikeLike
A great metaphor of living life, rounded out by the beautiful poem. And insects do indeed have a sense of danger.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much – I was so inspired by the lone lanternfly (who apparently has caused much consternation here in the U.S. by emigrating!) perched on the cable, which is funny because I tend to be afraid of insects. But he/she just looked so ready to fly…
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you don’t try you’ll never know. A delightful take.
Here’s mine!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right? Sometimes we just have to take that leap of faith!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You told your story just right.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, thanks very much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re most welcome, Patricia.
LikeLike
Aw! What a lovely story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! 🙂
LikeLike
He was right to rely on his instincts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He was! Now if I could just do the same, more often! 😉
LikeLike