The Kite in the Apple Tree

Lily and Dad took her kite into the orchard. The wind lifted the orange kite above the grass. “Look at it fly!” called Lily.

Then the wind changed. The kite dipped towards an apple tree. Its blue tail caught on a low branch. Lily stopped running.

Lily pulled the string. The branch shook, but the tail stayed caught. “If I pull harder, my kite might tear,” she said.

Dad came to look. “The branch is low,” he said. “I can reach it from the ground. Hold the string loosely while I help.”

Lily let the string go slack. Dad gently lifted the tail off the branch. The kite dropped into his hands. There was a small tear in the tail.

They sat on the grass. Lily held the tail flat while Dad put tape across the tear. They checked that the string was still tied firmly.

“Let’s find more space,” said Lily. They walked to the middle of the field, away from the trees. Dad held the kite while Lily faced the wind.

Dad let go. Lily walked forward, and the kite rose again. This time, there was room for it to turn. Its blue tail danced behind it.

Lily smiled up at the kite. “Now I know where to fly it,” she said. Dad smiled too. They stayed in the open field and took turns.