by Diane Olivia Valentine

Created on: May 03, 2008

It was a beautiful summer evening. The sun was barely visible as it prepared for sleep and began to slip behind the hills. The sky was filled with bright golden and red tones. Twilight was approaching.
Olivia awakened. Preening before a tiny droplet left by the mist, she prepared to leave the safety of the small green bush that was her home. Olivia spread her wings and greeted the coming twilight with brightness and joy. Olivia loved being a firefly. She knew her glow and beauty brought happiness to people everywhere. Children loved her and she loved them. As she flitted about, she would tease them by flashing her shining tail. Their giggles were infectious! Olivia prided herself in her ability to escape the grasp of the tiny hands that attempted to capture her as she zig zagged through the meadow.

The other fireflies loved Olivia. Even on the rainiest of evenings, she never lost her glow. She would sit in a big oak tree, shielded by the leaves. There she would shine brightly like a beacon for all to see.
Olivia had a favorite child. His name was Owen. Owen was a special little boy. He was smarter than most. Owen was an observer. Sweet by nature, he was respectful of the world around him. Nightly, Olivia would visit Owen's yard. He lived in a happy house by the river. Flying to his window, flashing her tail and a smile, Olivia would hover outside and the dance would begin. Owen would watch Olivia as she darted and shined and performed for him. Never attempting to capture Olivia, Owen would watch her quietly and she felt forever safe around him. Sometimes when he was in the garden she would secretly land upon his head and hide within his curls as he went about the business of being a boy.
Tonight Olivia looked forward to her visit. Owen had been full of energy the last time she had seen him and the memories of his smile made her light up all the more. She would shine brightly tonight! Owen's loving energy would feed her once again.
She giggled as she flew past the small green frog that lived in Owen's brook. As always, his long thin tongue missed her as he tried to catch her for his evening meal!
Stopping at the river for a much needed drink, Olivia noticed strange lights and noise coming from the riverbank. Curious, she flew closer and realized that it was a party.
It was Owen's birthday. Olivia was so excited! There were children everywhere. As she came near, she noticed a boy sitting beneath the giant sycamore tree next to the river. Olivia was drawn to him. He

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• Next Page >>