Emily

Emily wistfully dawdled in the backyard. A gibbous moon draped clear summer night full of dazzling starlight.

Emily loved to play during the day in the sandbox her father'd dug for her, or on the playground he'd built last year. Night-time was her favourite, however, when the little winged faeries came out. She'd watch them delicately emerge from between the blades of grass, let them hop along her hand, up her arm, wishing to understand.

Emily's father closed the screendoor and sighed, eyes awash with tears, took another drink from his tumbler. Summer was when he missed Emily most.