Alex, Zach, & Obi-Wing Kenobi Take on France

The two playful, adventurous little boys, each bursting with energy and curiosity couldn’t believe it—they were really going to France! The brothers, seven-year-old Alex and ten-year-old Zach, with backpacks stuffed with cool stuff—both real and pretend—could not wait any longer. Just as they were about to board the plane, a majestic grey heron swooped down, landing gracefully in front of them. “Whoa! Look at that bird!” Zach said, his eyes wide. “Let’s call him Obi-Wing Kenobi!” Alex declared, smiling at his Star Wars-inspired name. The heron tilted its head as if acknowledging his new title, then spread his wings and soared into the sky, joining them on their epic adventure. When they arrived in Paris, Obi-Wing Kenobi was already there, gliding gracefully over the city. He perched proudly on top of the Eiffel Tower, watching over Alex and Zach as they explored the city streets. Soon, they were on a train heading to Chamonix, with Mont Blanc’s snowy peaks waiting to greet them. The boys were bundled up like walking marshmallows, ready to face the cold. Obi-Wing Kenobi, on the other hand, kept his distance from the chilly snow, watching from high above as his scarf blew in the wind, his sharp eyes ever-alert under his red beret. Next stop? Strasbourg, where they met Grandad and Mainie for an exciting barge adventure! As the boys stepped onto the boat, Obi-Wing Kenobi swooped down and perched on the roof, ready to lead them through the waterways. He was the captain of the skies, scouting ahead, flying low over the water as they passed through locks and marveled at the castles that rose on the horizon. First, they climbed the steps of the grand Notre Dame Cathedral, their jaws dropping in awe as they gazed at the stunning architecture. Each step felt like they were rising into a new world, and even Obi-Wing Kenobi perched on a nearby ledge, quietly observed the majesty of the place and making new feathered friends along the way. After a dinner of frogs’ legs, a French delicacy, and hot chocolate, the boys headed to bed, exhausted from the day’s adventures. Obi-Wing Kenobi, perched on the roof of the barge, tucked his head under his wing, and soon fell asleep, dreaming of all his journeys and flights through faraway lands. On rainy days, Zach and Alex splashed in puddles, and Obi-Wing Kenobi flapped his wings, shaking off the raindrops with style. They couldn’t help but laugh at their E = mc 2 heron friend, who always seemed to know when a new adventure was just around the corner. When the rain kept them indoors, the boys would sit down with their favorite books and read The Adventures of Tintin to Obi-Wing Kenobi. The graceful bird listened quietly, his head cocked to the side as if he were just as invested in the mysteries and adventures as they were. After their canal adventure, it was time to wave Grandad and Mainie goodbye as they ventured ahead on one final journey—Dubai! In the desert, Obi-Wing Kenobi flew above the golden dunes, his wings casting shadows across the sand. The boys zoomed over the dunes on buggies, and Obi-Wing Kenobi soared alongside them like an expert pilot. When they reached the towering Burj Khalifa, Alex and Zach marveled at its height. Zach exclaimed “It looks like a giant pencil!” while Alex said, “I bet we could fit a hundred frogs in there!” As their adventure drew to a close and they boarded the flight home to Cape Town, Obi-Wing Kenobi flew beside the plane, his wings cutting through the clouds as if guiding them back home. When they landed, he made one last swoop overhead, dipping his wings as a farewell before disappearing into the sky. Together, the boys are inseparable, darting around with wide-eyed wonder, the wind in their hair and mischief in their steps. Alex and Zach knew this wasn’t the last time they’d see their feathered friend. Obi-Wing Kenobi, their trusty sidekick, was out there always ready for the next grand adventure, real or pretend, and there’s no telling how far their imaginations will take them.