Happiness, with a Daddy Chaser

His smile broadens with anticipation. I can see the pure unadulterated joy in his eyes as he turns his head towards me, even as his tiny feet edge slightly in the opposite direction beginning to carry his unbalanced weight away. He is preparing to launch himself, full bore, into his newly crafted skill. The timing, however, must be perfect. If he miscalculates and leaves too early, the desired outcome may not materialize. So he waits. And the anticipation builds.

First came the walking. And as that skill level increased and his confidence built there came a time when the second foot began leaving the surface mere fractions of a second before the first touched down. Now, he can cover ground much faster. Now, he can close the gap on furry four legged prey before they know what will have hit them. A fine skill indeed.

He can also, when the need presents itself, widen the gap between himself and a potential stalker by the use of these newly fashioned moves. That is where we find ourselves now, with anticipation reaching its tipping point. The smile having almost reached its full form, closing to within inches of each earlobe.

Then it happens. I flash a nefarious eye his way.

That is all it takes.

He is off, tiny feet leaving the wood floor in a flash. Shreiking in utter delight, arms waving at his sides like like the tiny wings of a fledgling duck, attempting that first glorious departure from the safety of his water nest. Laughter and happiness pour into every crevice of our modestly sized home as the chase mounts, the gap closes, and I reach for him. It all ends in a swooping scoop high into the air with a shower of kisses and hugs.

Then it is time to do it all over again, again, and again...until we are tired out and can't take any more.

This night may very well continue on until time itself ceases to be!