Where the Purple Dragon Flew
Three bright papers sat on Juni's bedroom floor. Each one showed a creature with shiny gold scales and purple wings. Juni tucked them under her arm, ready for a grand adventure in the sunshine. Her favorite teal ribbon was tied in her hair. She was completely ready.
Beside the drawings stood Fish, swimming in gentle circles. Juni lifted the round glass bowl with steady fingers. "We are going on a journey," she whispered. Fish blew a tiny bubble of agreement. Together, they stepped out into the bright morning.
The wooden steps of the porch were warm under Juni's shoes. A soft summer air brushed her cheeks. She walked slowly, balancing the water-filled bowl. Every step was a careful dance. Fish watched the green trees slide past.
On the porch rug, Dog lay fast asleep. He was a very large, fluffy golden retriever with floppy ears. His tail gave one lazy thump as Juni passed, but his eyes stayed tightly shut. He was having a wonderful morning nap.
Juni reached the winding gravel path. The stones made a satisfying crunch beneath her feet. She held the three dragon drawings tightly against her side. The park was quiet, filled with the sweet smell of clover and warm dirt.
Without warning, a sudden breath of air slipped through the branches. It was a quick, invisible hand. It snatched the top drawing right from Juni's grip. "Oh!" Juni gasped, watching the purple dragon flutter upward.
The paper swirled like a falling leaf. It drifted backward, sailing over the bushes. It flew straight toward the porch where Dog was sleeping. Juni watched in horror as the paper landed right under Dog's heavy, furry paw.
Juni set the fishbowl safely on a flat stone. She scrambled back to the porch. "Dog, please don't squish my dragon," she whispered urgently. She did not want to wake him, but her drawing was trapped beneath his heavy leg.
Dog's nose twitched. He let out a giant sneeze that shook his whole fluffy body. The paper slid free, and Dog blinked his warm . He looked at Juni, then looked at the purple dragon on the paper.
Instead of going back to sleep, Dog stood up and stretched his long legs. He gently took the corner of the paper in his mouth. He looked at Juni and wagged his tail. He wanted to help.
Juni smiled and picked up the fishbowl again. With Dog trotting beside her, she walked to the sunny meadow. A large checkered teal blanket was waiting for them on the grass. It was the perfect spot for a feast.
Juni sat down on the cool teal fabric. Dog carefully dropped the rescued drawing onto the blanket. Juni laid the other two drawings beside it. The three purple dragons looked magnificent side by side in the bright sun.
She placed the fishbowl right in the center of the blanket. Fish swam happily, looking out at the wide green world. Dog curled up at the edge of the blanket, resting his chin on his paws, watching the clouds.
Juni unpacked her picnic treats. She shared a quiet moment with her friends, feeling proud of her rescue. Then, she noticed a tiny purple wildflower growing just beyond the blanket's edge, shaped exactly like a dragon's wing. She decided to leave it right there to grow.
