I was teaching Starfire how to ride a skateboard.

Which, in hindsight, was a terrible idea.

"Remember," I said, holding the board steady. "Just keep your balance."

"I understand."

"You sure?"

"Entirely."

She stepped on.

For exactly two seconds.

Then immediately started rolling down the sidewalk.

"...STAR!"

"I AM DOING IT!"

"YOU'RE GOING DOWNHILL!"

"I HAVE NOTICED!"

She wasn't even scared.

She was laughing.

Actually laughing.

Meanwhile, I was sprinting after her.

"STARFIRE, USE YOUR FEET!"

"I AM USING THEM!"

"NOT LIKE THAT!"

People on the street were staring.

A little kid pointed.

His mom started recording.

Fantastic.

---

The skateboard hit a tiny pebble.

Starfire wobbled.

"Oh."

"Oh?!"

I finally caught up just as she tipped forward.

Without thinking, I grabbed her around the waist.

The skateboard shot out from under us.

And somehow...

We both ended up on the grass.

Completely fine.

She blinked.

I blinked.

Then we both started laughing.

Hard.

"You are a terrible teacher."

"I'M a terrible teacher?"

"You neglected to mention the pebbles."

"I DIDN'T THINK I'D HAVE TO!"

She smiled so brightly it almost hurt to look at.

"I enjoyed it."

"You nearly became roadkill."

"It was fun."

I shook my head.

"You're unbelievable."

She leaned over and gently bumped my shoulder with hers.

"And yet..."

She grinned.

"...you will teach me again tomorrow."

I sighed dramatically.

"...Yeah."

I would.

Probably.

Definitely.

"Next lesson," I said, standing up, "we're wearing helmets."

She tilted her head.