The wind whispered a secret: tonight, something magical would happen in Noah's backyard. Noah, a shy and clever 5-year-old, loved animals and birds, especially the ones in his picture books.
“Grandma, do dragons live in our backyard?” Noah asked, his eyes big with wonder.
Grandma, who at 59 still had the warmest smile, chuckled. “Dragons are just stories, sweetie. Now, go play! Dinner will be ready soon.”
But Noah felt a pull towards the backyard. It was his favorite place, filled with colorful flowers, buzzing bees, and a big oak tree perfect for climbing. As the sun dipped low, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple, Noah snuck out. He touched the rough bark of the oak tree and closed his eyes, picturing a dragon with shimmering scales and fiery breath.
Suddenly, the ground rumbled. Noah opened his eyes to see a baby dragon, no bigger than his puppy, peeking from behind the oak tree! It had emerald green scales, bright orange wings, and a long tail that swished back and forth.
The little dragon whimpered, smoke puffing from its nostrils. It looked scared.
“Hi,” Noah whispered, surprised by how brave he felt. A wave of courage washed over him, pushing away his shyness.
The dragon inched closer, letting out a tiny puff of fire. Noah didn’t flinch. He understood. This little dragon was just a baby, and it needed help.
“Are you lost?” Noah asked gently. The dragon lowered its head and nudged Noah’s hand with its snout.
Just then, Grandma called from the back porch. “Noah, dinner is ready!”
Noah knew he couldn’t hide the dragon forever. He had to be brave. Taking a deep breath, he scooped up the little dragon and carried it inside.
Grandma gasped when she saw the dragon curled up in Noah's arms. "Well now," she said, her eyes twinkling, "it seems the wind whispered the truth to you tonight."
Over a dinner of Grandma’s famous macaroni and cheese, Noah explained that the little dragon was lost. Grandma, ever the kind soul, warmed up some milk for the tired dragon.
As the night went on, Noah learned that the little dragon's name was Spark, and he had gotten separated from his family while flying over Indianapolis. Noah, with his love for all creatures, knew he had to help Spark find his way home.
Using his incredible speed, as fast as a cheetah, Noah gathered blankets and pillows from his room to make a cozy nest for Spark in the backyard. Spark, feeling safe and cared for, snuggled into his nest and closed his eyes.
That night, under the twinkling stars, Noah sat beside Spark, feeling a new kind of courage blooming in his heart. He knew that even though he was small, even though he was sometimes shy, he had the courage to face anything, especially if it meant helping a friend in need. He would help Spark find his family, even if it meant facing a whole sky full of dragons!
