Thank goodness spring is here! It has been a long winter in Chicago. This is my first year to submit a story to the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest. The challenge is to write a spring inspired story in 150 words or less and include a GIF. My 147 word story is inspired by my husband’s excitement to get back on the golf course now that warmer days are near, and his dreams of sharing his love of the game with our two daughters.

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via GIPHY GIF by Nickelodean

DADDY-DAUGHTER DANCE ON THE GREEN

Last night our club held the spring daddy-daughter dance,
but today is what matters.
This is the annual parent-child tournament,
and we’re tied for first.

My arms swing.
Whoosh. Crack. Zing.

Silence.

Plop. Bounce.
On the green.

Gentle tap.
In the hole!

But, we haven’t won yet.

There’s pressure in my chest,
a knot in my stomach.
Everyone is watching.

I send an elegant drive dancing down the fairway anyway.
My ball hip hops near the hole,
but moonwalks away.

I hold back tears.

Then daddy shanks the ball, but cracks a joke
and I remember why we play this game.
We play for fun.

One last putt.
I loosen my hips, adjust my grip,
take a deep breath,
then tap.
The ball tip toes towards the hole…

Clunk!

I run and jump.
Daddy lifts, spins,
and swings me around and around.

This…

is our daddy-daughter dance.