“Remember, my boy, keep your head up and your arms balanced.” Daedalus smiled as he helped his young son strap the feathered wings to his shoulders.

Icarus’s brow furrowed as he twisted a pale feather between his fingers and pulled it off, letting it float to the ground. “What if they don’t work?” he asked, voice barely above a whisper. Daedalus simply shook his head, chuckling.

“Don’t worry,” he said. “I won’t let you fall.”

“Do you promise?”

“Yes, I promise.” Daedalus ruffled his Icarus’s hair, then paused, glancing up at the glaring horizon. “But how about we test them out first? To soften your worries.”

Icarus nodded vigorously. Hands trembling, he gripped the wings’ straps as he jumped into the air, somewhat reassured by Daedalus’s arms held out protectively underneath him. As he flapped his wings, the wind eased him into a steady glide, and soon enough, he was soaring in the sunlight.

“Father, I’m doing it! I’m flying!” The wind whipped through Icarus’s hair as he danced through the air, rosy lips forming a triumphant grin. Daedalus whooped and hollered, throwing his arms up with pride.

A smile crossed his face as he realized, this would soon be their new life together. This feeling of freedom would last forever, once they finally leapt from this prison.

His little boy would be free at last.

Daedalus shrugged on the other pair of wings before jumping up to join Icarus in the sky.