By Christina K Sangma
Blob!!
“Oh no, not again!”
“What happened?” said a calm voice.
“I can’t seem to blow out fire, Mom! I keep blowing up these bubbles. How am I supposed to compete with the other dragons?
It doesn’t make sense! I am a dragon, I should be able to blow fire, not bubbles!
Blaze was upset. He was born a dragon but had no ability to blow fire, only bubbles. That would upset Blaze very much.
He believed that when he turned 13, he would start igniting fire, but he only blew bubbles that would splash and water would fall off.
His mother said to him, “Sometimes I think it’s beautiful to be different, my darling. Maybe you have something much greater to give back. Just believe in yourself, don’t lose heart, dear. A dragon’s worth is not by his flames, but through his courage. Always remember that.”
With a sigh, Blaze flew outside to go to the mountain tops to meet up with his friends.
When he reached the mountains, he saw his friends practicing their fire art — blowing their flames in striking, artistic ways. Seeing them, with a heavy heart, he flew in the other direction.
As he flew away, Blaze could smell something, it was coming from the north side of the forest. He heard screams and noises, Fire! Fire! Somebody help!
Blaze flew down. It was the islanders, a part of their village was burning and the fire was spreading fast. The islanders were running. Blaze flew closer and tried to blow away the fire with his wings, but that only made the flames grow stronger.
Then, he immediately took a deep breath and blew, bubbles came out, and when they floated over the fire, the water droplets fell down and the flames went out.
The islanders cheered loudly!
That was awesome! said a voice from behind.
Stuart?
Yeah, it’s me, said Stuart, Blaze’s friend.
How are you here? asked Blaze.
I saw you come to the mountain but you didn’t join us, so I followed you. And I’m glad I did, because wow, you saved this part of the island!
I did?
Yes! If it wasn’t for your bubbles, this place would have burned down. You’re a hero, Blaze!
Since then, Blaze was no longer insecure about blowing bubbles. He had become a hero.
He showed true courage.
He showed what it really meant to be a dragon.
Sometimes the most beautiful thing is to be different.
Roar!
And there were bubbles…
Josh?? Are you playing with your dragons again?
Oh! Did you hear all that, Mom?
I did, and I must say, the concept of a bubble-blowing dragon… now that’s new and different. You should be a storyteller! That was a beautiful story.
You don’t think it’s weird that my dragon blows bubbles?
No, not at all, dear. I think you are as brave as Blaze the dragon, to have the courage to tell a different and unique story. Now get ready fast, we have to run some errands
