The Dragon After His Winter Sleep

A scholar was reading in an upstairs room when spring rain darkened the sky. He kept his books close while the clouds gathered beyond the window.

A tiny light appeared near his table. It moved like a living thing, so he leaned closer.

The little visitor crawled over the scholar’s table, leaving thin curved scorch marks behind. It was bright like a firefly, but its touch burned the wood.

The scholar stopped reading and watched its path. He wanted to know what it was.

Next the glowing creature wound itself around the scholar’s book. Black marks spread along the page.

Its shape and heat made him think of a dragon. He lifted the book carefully so he could carry the visitor without touching it.