Kite Competition

The sight of the waves as he clambered out of the car made up for the fact Jonathon was here with his parents, missing his friend’s much discussed birthday party. Family vacations didn’t always make his list of preferred ways to spend a weekend, but Jonathon did love the ocean. He’d brought his skimboard, with the thought that he’d snag some time to himself.

“Hey, Jonathon,” Dad motioned to him. “Here’s an announcement for the kite festival this weekend. They have a competition for the best handcrafted kite, with awards based on its flying ability.”

Jonathon reluctantly perused the poster tacked to a utility pole. “Honestly, Dad, I’d rather skimboard.”

“Okay,” Dad laid a hand on Jonathon’s shoulder. “I can’t force you to enter, but I can encourage you. You’ve often said you wish you could express your creativity. Well, here’s your opportunity.”

“Huh?” Puzzled, Jonathon considered his dad’s words. Maybe making a kite would be a creative way to express himself, but he had his doubts. Still, Jonathon agreed to give it a try to please him.

Carrying his kite, Jonathon advanced to the area where his fellow competitors had gathered. The wind tugged the frame, threatening to pull the canvas into the air. It felt like an extension of himself, soaring and showing everyone what he was made of, instead of feeling invisible as he so often did. Jonathon braced himself. His orange and green kite contrasted sharply to the dull brown of the sand and gray-blue of the ocean. With glee, he flung his kite skyward.