She always dreamt of these flying beasts.

Each one named with a place on her bed.

They protected her as she slept.

As she grew older, her love and belief kept her friends near.

She refused to believe the lies adults told her;

Imaginary beings don’t exist.

She knew better.

Her belief in her friends earned her a unique gift.

She did not know what was coming; only her friends knew and could

make it come true.

Loyalty to dragons is cause for celebration so when her birthday

came, they gave her a key to their realm.

When she awoke that day, her leg ached a bit.

She looked down and saw a mark; a tattoo dark and covering most of the outer thigh;

it was a dragon.

She was now part of them; just as they had always been part of her.