This story is in response to the Sunday Photo Fiction challenge, hosted by Alistair Forbes, that asks that you write a story in 100-200 words. How could I resist writing a story about a dragon?
Photo prompt: pewter dragon ornament
The Gift
“What do you think? Isn’t he gorgeous?”
Georgia bit her lip as she lifted the gift from its box. “Um… he’s lovely. Thanks, Kayle.”
“I thought he’d look awesome on your mantelpiece.” Without waiting for agreement Kayleigh took the pewter dragon and positioned it on the ledge. “See? Perfect!”
Georgia nodded but, truthfully, she’d never liked dragons. They’d been the subject of numerous childhood nightmares. Kayleigh knew her fears but made no secret of the fact she thought them foolish.
Unfortunately, her oldest friend also knew she always kept gifts.
Hours later, sated with birthday cake and alcohol, Georgia stumbled back into her apartment and collapsed on the sofa. The room spun. The streetlight outside cast patterns on the ceiling. Her eyes followed the small black shape zipping through the shadows. How did a bird get in, she drunkenly wondered?
Realisation struck as the miniature dragon dived, claws extended and mouth agape. Georgia screeched, scrabbling off the sofa and into her bedroom, slamming the door against its attack. Was she dreaming? Ornaments didn’t come to life…
The next morning she found it in the middle of the room, inanimate once more.
Gift be damned – that dragon would not be staying.
Word Count: 200
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what a great story!! I love those things that come to life!!
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Thank you! I always wanted a dragon ornament that would come to life…
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I’m with Georgia…I’d get rid of it!
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Bad enough that the ornament is a dragon – that it comes to life just tips it over the edge! Thanks for reading. 🙂
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Dragons are so misunderstood. Good story, Louise. I think Dragons should always come to life. But I have to say, “Poor little dragon.” He just wanted to say hello. He was probably more scared of Georgia when she screeched like that 🙂
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Hopefully his next home will have people who are more understanding. 🙂 Thanks for visiting.
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Love it!
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Thank you. 🙂
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Maybe he just wanted to be friends? 🙂
Great magical story.
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Maybe he did. I don’t think he’ll be there long enough for her to find out! Thanks for visiting. 🙂
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Or maybe someone slipped her some funny mushrooms.
Psychotic Break?
Tacky Pewter Reaction?
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Could be! Maybe it was all just a nightmare brought on by narcotics. Thanks for reading. 🙂
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Nightmare brought on by Ren Fair Gifts…hee hee
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Magical dragon! What a stunning story, I loved it!
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Thank you! I’m glad you liked it. 🙂
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Wonderful story! I am with Georgia. That dragon’s got to go 😀
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Some gifts just can’t be kept! I’m glad you liked it. 🙂
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There are some gifts that are not meant to be kept, no matter who gave it.
Having said that …
I like it.
Phyllis
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Kayleigh will understand. They’ve been friends a long time. 🙂 Thanks for reading.
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Wow, that would be an amazing gift.
Great story!
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I’d definitely like to receive a gift like that! I’m glad you liked it. 🙂
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Dragons always conjure up destruction for me. Kayleigh was indeed a friend to keep it. But, yep; the next morning it would be on a fast rocket to the Sun. Nice story, though. lol
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Sending him to the sun, though, might cause him to grow into a full sized dragon and then you really would be in trouble! I’m glad you liked it. 🙂
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Drat! Didn’t think of that….
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Excellent! Tomorrow wouldn’t be soon enough!
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Thank you! There does seem to be quite a split between those who like the little dragon and those who’d want him gone straight away. 🙂
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Great story, Louise!
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Thank you, Sonya. 🙂
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