Shaded Crossbar

The noon heat radiated off the open flagstones. I called a tactical halt beneath the lower frame of a weathered cedar bench. Stepping into the striped shadow, I lifted the kid from his sling and set him onto the cool timber. His balance was unsteady on the rounded surface. I kept my right gauntlet hovering an inch behind his robes as he tested his footing. Instead of retreating, he widened his stance, gripping the rough wood grain with both hands until his posture leveled. He looked up toward my visor, his ears rising with steady composure. He is learning to hold his ground.#Real Mando/Grogu