Through the second-floor window next to the smallest tree on the block peered a little girl and her dragon. The dragon was old and worn, and its right wing dangled awkwardly by its side, but the little girl loved it and cared for it as well as she could.

She cradled her companion in her arms and squinted at the sky from which she was separated by nothing but glass.

Someday, thought she, someday we’ll fly up there. When your wing gets better and I’m big enough to go outside alone.

She lifted the dragon’s head, and its beady eyes stared up at her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Through the second-floor window next to the growing tree looked a little lady and her dragon. The dragon had lost its injured wing and much of its weight, but the little lady loved it and cared for it as much as she ever had.

She cradled her companion in one arm, and with the other longingly touched the glass that separated her from the sky.

Soon, thought she, soon we’ll fly up there. When I’m able to replace and nurse your wing back to health.

She lifted the dragon’s head, and its beady eyes stared up at her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Through the second-floor window next to the tallest tree on the block gazed a woman.

She reached up and removed the glass that separated her from the sky.

It’s time, thought she.

She lifted her head, and up in the stars two beady eyes beckoned her.