Having A Ball

"...96...97...98...99...100!"
Emi allowed the ball to bounce one more time on her head before letting it drop down to the ground. She stopped it with her foot and glanced up. Her adopted father, Merrick smiled and gave a thumbs up.
"Very good, Emi," he said. "I think hat's a new record for you."
The girl smiled, pleased with the praise.
"Thank you, Daddy, it is. The last time I only managed to bounce it 87 times."
Merrick chuckled and ruffled her hair gently.
"If you keep practicing," he said with a smile, "I bet you'll reach 500 headers in no time."
"Do you really think so?"
"I do. The sky's the limit, Emi."
Emi bent down and picked up her soccer ball, tossing it up into the air.
"Count for me, Daddy," she said happily as the ball landed on her head, the young fox balancing it perfectly.
"1...2...3..."
Merrick watched and counted as Emi bounced the ball. He was proud of her, and it was good to see her having such a good time. She truly was a talented little girl...



Merrick and Emi belong to