Kids can do a lot of things when they put their minds to it. Flying is not one of them.

“Stop being such a baby!”

It was early, so Ella was still in her pajamas. Dakody was trying to convince her that if she leapt from the top railing of the deck while wearing her Halo Disney SleepSack, she’d be able to glide safely down into the yard like a flying squirrel. 

“Don’t you want to fly? Come here, I’ll give you a boost.”

Ella shook her head as she yawned and wiped the sleep from her eyes. It was a little chilly outside, but she was nice and toasty inside the breathable, moisture-wicking fabric.

“All you have to do is jump! And if you’re dumb and do it wrong, you’ll just land on the trampoline anyway.”

Dakody saw a look cross Ella’s face that made him think she was going to agree. But as she reached down and tugged on the inverted zipper, he realized that she probably just had to go potty.

“Look, kid. I came here to see you fly, and you’re gonna fly whether you like it or not.”

Ella kicked and screamed as Dakody tried to tuck her feet back in the foot openings. Michelle walked past the sliding glass door just as he was lifting her up to the edge.

“DAKODY! PUT HER DOWN RIGHT NOW!”

Ella ran over and clung to her mother’s leg.

“What in the heck do you think you’re doing?” she yelled.

Dakody’s eyes got real big as he worked up an excuse. "Aunt Michelle, Ella thinks she was gonna fly! I told her no way, but she didn't listen. If you didn't get here, she was gonna jump, I bet."

Michelle bent over and put her face close to Dakody’s. Then she spoke as calmly and coolly as she could muster. “Let me tell you something, Dakody. You’re only here because you’re my brother’s son. Don’t make the mistake of thinking I’m buying one single word of your story. If I ever catch putting so much as one pinky on Ella ever again, I’m shipping you right back off to your mother. Have I made myself perfectly clear?”

Dakody just nodded and didn’t say a word. But when Ella turned to look at him before going back into the house, he stuck out his tongue and squinted at her.

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