My son gapes down at the 1000 year-old picture.
Despite being laminated, the image is barely there.
Faded like a ghost is a long-necked creature.
“What is it?”
“They called it a Giraffe. They say they lived in swamps. That’s why they have long necks.”
He exhales in wonder just like I did when my father showed me.
“Did Earth have other creatures… besides us, them, and bacteria?”
“No one knows,” I say, tucking him into bed.
I reach for the family heirloom but he holds it close.
“No dad. Tonight, I dream of Giraffes.”