A Walk

Corinne and I took a hike down a old overgrown road. She eagerly walked until there was a stick in the way causing mild protest but, she managed to get around it only to lose her footing on a small rock. "I'm coming Dad!"

We walked about a1/4mi over small hills and vales with her clutching my index finger finishing up near a rather large beaver dam seperating two lakes. At that point, she was tapping out. I carried her over one hill then let her down for a few dozen steps before I was sure that the unencombered part of the jaunt had come to an end. I lifted her up and began a slow walk and within parhaps 50 steps, she was dead weight with only the slightest whisper of air passing through her tiny nose. As soon as we came upon the car, arm aching, back tiring, I turned around and walked the other way sensing that this may be the last time I get to carry her to sleep.