"Look, Mom! The backyard is glowing!" Jackson shouted, his eyes wide with excitement. It was a chilly evening in Denver, and the air felt electric. Mom, usually busy with her storybooks, peeked out the window. "You're right, Jackson! And look, there's a giant..."
Before Mom could finish, a magnificent dragon emerged from the shimmering light, its scales sparkling with every color of the rainbow. It had emerald green eyes that twinkled like stars, and smoke puffed from its nostrils, but it wasn't fire... it was glitter! Jackson, being a brave boy, wasn't scared one bit. He loved dragons!
"Hello!" Jackson called out, waving his robot arm. The dragon tilted its head and lowered itself gracefully. "Greetings, little one. I am Spark, guardian of gratitude. Do you know what gratitude is?"
Jackson thought for a moment. "It's like when I feel happy because I have my robot arms to help me climb!" Spark nodded, pleased. "Exactly! Gratitude is feeling thankful for all the good things in our lives."
Suddenly, the backyard was filled with playful ghosts, their laughter like rustling leaves. They danced around Spark, who chuckled, a sound like rumbling thunder. "These are the Gratitude Sprites! They spread joy wherever they find thankfulness."
One little sprite, with a top hat and monocle, floated towards Jackson. "Your robot arms are amazing!" it squeaked. Jackson beamed. It felt good to be appreciated.
"Spark, why is our backyard glowing?" Mom asked, finally brave enough to approach. Spark smiled, its teeth shimmering like diamonds. "Your son's grateful heart called me here! He reminded me of the joy in appreciating even the smallest things."
For hours, Jackson played with the sprites and Spark, sharing stories and laughter. He learned that the more grateful he felt, the brighter Spark and the backyard glowed. He even got to climb on Spark's back, touching its smooth, cool scales.
As the moon climbed high, it was time for Spark and the sprites to go. With a final burst of glitter, they vanished, leaving the backyard bathed in soft moonlight.
"That was incredible!" Jackson exclaimed, his heart overflowing with joy.
Mom hugged him close. "It was magical, sweetie. Remember, even on the spookiest nights, gratitude can bring the most wonderful surprises."
Back in his room, Jackson snuggled under his covers, feeling incredibly grateful for his adventure, his robot arms, his mom, and even his slightly spooky backyard. As he drifted off to sleep, he could almost hear the faint echo of Spark's laughter and the gentle rustle of the Gratitude Sprites' wings. He knew, even though he couldn't see them, that gratitude, like magic, was always around, just waiting to be discovered.
