Today.

I'm going to fly.

They told me I can't. I'm too fluffy. But the other ducklings aren't like me. I'm a dreamer.

That wants to fly.

Mother said I should wait till I grew my feathers. But I can't wait!

I want to fly now!

Some of the other ducklings from my waddling group told me I'm stupid, that I cannot be anything.

But they don't know me. I have dreamed every night about flying, I would spend my free time thinking about flying.

I will fly.

I must fly.

I must.

Because I'm a duck. I'm all grown up. Even though I'm fluffy doesn't mean I can't fly.

And today.

I will.

We were walking by the pier so I hollered out, "Guys follow me over here!" They gave me confused/angry looks. But they followed me anyway.

I could only think of how amazing the cool wind would feel beneath my wings. Oh how free I would feel.

Looking out over the view beyond the edge of the pier, I felt a small twinge of fear. It was a long distance down, and the water seemed endless. What would happen if I grew tired?

But I didn't get a chance to go back. Quackers, one of elder ducklings, hollered, "Let's see how well you can really fly, Feathers!

He pushed me!

I tried to flap my wings so I could gain air! But no matter how hard I tried. . .I couldn't!

The water rushed to meet me fast. There was no time for me to brace for impact!

The water felt like hard cement, and chilled me to the bone. I struggled to swim back up to the surface as the current dragged me down.

With all my time I used thinking about flying I never bothered to learn to swim!

Finally with great difficulty, I broke through and peeped, "Someone help me!" But the other ducklings had already left. Somehow I stayed afloat. "Hello!? Anybody!? Somebody!?" There was no response. . . "Body. . ?" I'm sure if ducks could cry, I would've. . .

I tried, and tried to climb that slippery wall. But I couldn't! I cried, and cried out for someone to help me. But no one did!

I was tired, my throat hurt. . . I was alone. . .

But a long while later the heavy footfall of a large creature came. . ! It was one of the featherless two-leggers! They had a long pole with an open-mouth contraption!

I don't want to die!

But. . . I didn't. . .

They reached down with their pole and scooped up, then they plopped me into their paws. Whatever it was, it was warm.

"Thanks." I peeped out. But the bring only flashed me their teeth. . .

They carried me to my family and let me go. . .

I was glad.

I guess I'll have to wait to fly. For a while.