#foible

Sensing a good hiding if they lingered any longer, the trio scrambled but not before the biggest of the lot kicked sand all over the tiny redhead. Alysia sputtered and coughed, frantically trying to brush the grains from her face while their mocking laughter faded in her ears. A shadow fell over her when her eyes finally fluttered open, her father looking exceptionally stern with his knuckles anchored on his hips. She knew that he wasn’t mad at her per say, but it didn’t stop her from shrinking away a bit. “Bloody gnats. If they got nothing better to do, I’ve got a bunch of crayfish pots that need to be cleaned before the gulls get to them.” Even Alysia wrinkled her nose at the thought of scrubbing away dried chum. “Why didn’t you stand up for yourself?” He inquired, finally squatting down to meet her on her level. Gently taking the book, her father was careful not to lose her page as he tipped it to rid it of sand. Alysia could only shrug her shoulders.  Her father sighed before ruffling her hair. “It’s ok to not want to fight but you can’t let people just push you around.” His daughter’s lower lip pushed out in a pout, assuming she had somehow disappointed him.  “Fighting doesn’t have to be with fists, sweetheart. Sometimes, it’s just standing tall and smiling through their teasing. When they see it doesn’t bother you, they’ll get bored and stop.” Closing the tome, the child deeply inhaled and thought about the advice. Eventually, the corner of her mouth turned up in a small smile of understanding. Her father’s expression softened then, pulling the girl into a tight hug that made her giggle. “Sometimes, smiling will be the hardest thing you can possibly do but if you can keep it up and try and remember that you’re above pettiness and bullying, you’ll always be stronger than the lot of them.” And with that, he hoisted her up into his arms. Little hands coiled about his neck and pulled herself in against him for a hug. He smelled of salt, sweat and the sea. All things that made her feel safe. A meek little voice whispered in against his neck. “Thank you, papa. I’ll remember to keep smiling, no matter what.”