Two pigtails made from deadlocks popped into view. They were bouncing from the one tree to the next, carried by a small body. Of a little girl by the name of Noma. She wore stripped shorts and a red top. A ribbon was tied around her hand and she was running to her mother . She was dashing through the long strands of grass, sweeping her feet. Reaching her mother, she tugged onto the drapery hanging from her traditional dress. It’s vibrant colours swaying in the wind. ‘’I saw something Mama, ‘she said wide-eyed and attentive. Her mother gave her a permissive nod, a faint smile and a pat on the head. Before walking back into the lodge. The thatched roofs were accompanied by baboon droppings, the crisp wind was met with dampness. She twitched her nose and ran back to once she came. The wind became sweeter and her view brightened .
She passed a few tourists, gathering before gift shops and decorating themselves with souvenirs. She was walking down the rocky path, passing reception and tour guide areas. She spotted her father , leaning over a vehicle with a guide in the front seat. His hat tilted , smile curved and cheeks round, pecked with a dimple. She ran passed her father, not wanting to disturb him. She trotted down until she reached the fence. The far end of the barrier in which kept the people from the animals. She touched the icy metal , peering through the holes. The dense forestry appeared more sternly, it paraded it’s authority around the area. There were rays emitting from the cracks in the suppressed trees. One celestial ray haloed around a particular object. Something that was camouflaged among the trees.
It’s spots shone in the ray, the outline of it’s body appeared. The two horns carried a small bird pecking at floating insects. It’s neck stretched to the tree branches, causing Noma to look up. She tilted her head until she met it’s eyes, it was mellow, unconcerned and casual. It didn’t run from her, it rather looked straight at her. Noma wasn’t scared, she was curious. As she stood in astonishment, a little creature emerged from a nearby bush. A smaller version of what she had just seen. A baby giraffe, loose and without a care. Walking towards the bush right in front of Noma. Unruffled in it’s appearance, she was able to see it’s long lashes. How it’s black tongue twirled around the branches like a well equipped tool. She was mesmerized by the flying spit escaping from it’s mouth, a small strand of it landed on her forehead. She whipped it away before muttering in disgust. She looked up to greet the eyes of the baby giraffe.
It looked at her abnormally, mystified by this small human. She too was astounded, they shared a common trait. Noma’s fingers began to twitch, causing the giraffes eyes to flutter. It’s long lashes accentuating it’s big eyes. She wanted to reach out, it was close enough for her to do so. She looked behind her, scanning her environment to not be met with judgmental eyes.
Nobody told her about what to do if you encounter a giraffe, they weren’t dangers. Were they? Her thoughts were broken by the little animal tilting it’s head before her. She too did the same. A smile crept onto Noma’s cheek as she soon realized how silly she must of looked. A giggle escaped her mouth, and it didn’t frighten the giraffe instead it stood closer. She reached out, and touched it’s nose with the tip of her fingers. Brushing against the soft fur on a hard skull . It averted her intentions, turning back towards it’s mother that strode smoothly into the field. Noma watched as the baby giraffes tail swayed vigorously from side to side. It walked with a joyous step and it’s ears were twitching with excitement. She was left, on the other side of the fence, reaching out with only the air to touch.
