Chương 76: Ch 42a – Memory: Ladybird

Pressing her thumb gently into Cara's palm, Mum holds her hand still against the brick. The ladybird barely falters along its crooked path as it steps from the wall onto Cara's hand. She holds her breath, not wanting the little bug to get scared and fly away.

"How many spots does it have?" Mum asks, releasing Cara's hand. Cara draws her hand closer. She counts off the black dots.

"Seven!" she marvels. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

"Seven!" Mum repeats, wide-eyed.

"That means seven months of good luck!" The ladybird runs in a circle around Cara's palm. It stops to consider its options, then chooses to climb to the top of her index finger. She twists her hand over as the ladybird crests her nail, winding a path back down the other side of her finger. Cara lets out a giggle. The ladybird stops. Cara covers her mouth to suppress more giggles. The ladybird's shell parts. Delicate wings flutter out from beneath the split red shell.

With a buzz and a tickle, the ladybird launches into the air.

"Bye-bye ladybird," Mum calls as she waves it goodbye. Cara giggles. Mum laughs.