Feeling Butterflies, by CP

I remember a couple of years ago, I received the best gift in the world, if it's even possible to put it into words. Like a little girl, I was taken to see a zoo, and to my surprise, along the way, some curtains appeared, behind which I discovered a paradise, a fantasy world, a magical land: it was BUTTERFLY LAND, or so my little girl called it.

Like subtle gusts, they passed before us, displaying their colors like real peacocks. Suddenly, a fine rain fell, moistening the area and refreshing its vegetation. Now, each droplet was visible, more still and hidden, as it landed on the green leaves.

I remember quickly approaching a bush where a blue-black was flapping its wings to scare its companions. I extended my hand and placed it in front of it. At that moment, it stopped, and I felt it freeze. Maybe I had upset it? Maybe I should leave? But the answer came in just a second, when the little one took a step forward and climbed onto my hand.

I noticed how my mouth relaxed and formed a curved line on my face, my eyes shone with happiness, excitement, joy…

The little girl walked timidly but determinedly along my hand, without flapping her wings, like a explorer in a new territory. I closed my eyes and slowed my breathing; it was so pleasurable that I just wanted to record it and replay it in my mind. In a few seconds, she opened her wings and, before I knew it, she left me with the greatest gift. The most special moment.

Now, when fear takes hold of me, I close my eyes, reach out my hand, and return to that moment when, for a moment, animal and human were one. To that instant where I FEEL BUTTERFLIES, I calm down, smile, and can continue.