Lunch can wait. The dragon egg is way more important.

You lock the door, switch on the heater and place the egg in front of it.

And wait.

And wait some more.

Did the egg just move?

You stare at it intently. It shudders. It jitters. It rolls forward. A crack appears in its surface, slowly making its way through the shell, spreading and splitting.

SNAP!

The egg splinters apart, revealing the cutest little dragon you’ve ever seen. It is bluey-green in colour, with tiny wings and round eyes that seem too big for its body. You reach towards it but are interrupted by a harsh knocking on the door.

‘Open up, you brat!’

It’s Myfanwy’s voice.

A word suddenly forms in your mind – HIDE!

You look down at your mini dragon. It’s really small, so you pick it up and gently put it into your jacket pocket.

You open the door to the cryptozoologist’s withering stare. ‘Nothing in the pit, huh? Luckily I went down to double-check and guess what I found? An egg. A dragon egg! Were there any other eggs?’

You shake your head.

‘I don’t trust you.’ Myfanwy points an accusing finger at your face. ‘If I find out that you’re lying, there’s going to be trouble.’ She pauses. ‘Why is it so hot in here?’

You shrug.

She gives you one last scornful glare, turns abruptly and marches off.

You close the door, switch off the heater and gently take the dragon out of your pocket. Wow! It’s grown already. It’s twice the size it was.

Friend. The word springs into your brain. You look at the little dragon and wonder if it’s somehow putting thoughts into your mind.

There’s another knock on the door.

‘Hey, it’s me, Ravi. You weren’t at lunch, so I just wanted to check that you were okay.’

It’s your best friend. Should you let him see the dragon?

If you want to introduce Ravi to the dragon, go here.

But if you’ d rather keep it a secret, go here.