His hands holding me still so I wouldn't fall, he whispers in my ear, "Are you ready?"

I'm terrified, but I won't let him know that. "As ready as I'll ever be," I answer.

I feel his hands leave my waist and suddenly, I'm flying, the wind blowing my hair.

I fly across the pavement and feel as free as a bird.

Until I hit the ground.

It took a minute before the realization set in.

In a heartbeat, I was in his arms, looking into the worried eyes of my angel.

"Are you okay?"

And I laughed. I laughed at the confusion etched on his face and what I had done.

He helped me up, still giggling, and held me close. "That hurt," I said.

He just smiled into my hair and stifled a laugh. "I bet it did."

I let go of him and half-limped, half-glided to the tree where my other roller-skate lay forgotten.

I looked into his topaz eyes hopefully. "Can I do it again?"

His musical laugh rang out, dazing me momentarily.

"Fine. But this time you're wearing a helmet and I'm going with you."

He picked my up and carried me back up the hill, only to come back down wrapped in the arms of my angel.