Hamster and Dragon

A spirited, young hammy named Sapphire lived in a bustling village filled with colorful hamsters of all shapes and sizes. Her deep blue fur and glimmering magenta eyes were a sight to behold. Her home, a hollow tree in a village of similar abodes, was cozy.

Despite being surrounded by countless fellow hamsters, Sapphire felt a profound sense of loneliness within her heart. She longed for companionship, a friend who would understand her dreams of soaring through the skies. She was mocked for such ideas as a hamster could never fly, but she held on to her dream.

One rainy day, she stumbled upon a small, curious yellow egg lying on a moss-covered rock near her abode. The egg, a bit smaller than her, pulsed with a warm glow within, sparkling like gold. Without any second thoughts, she gingerly heaved up the egg and took it carefully and slowly back to her house. She placed it carefully on a bed of soft grass growing in her tree home, laying on it regularly and somewhat uncomfortably in the night. After months of belly on shell, it cracked, popped, and plopped out a baby yellow dragon.

Sapphire instantly fell in love with the adorable creature, and he imprinted on her. She named him Thunderbolt. They spent their days exploring the forest together, gathering food and supplies, and reading stories by the fire. Sapphire raised Thunderbolt like her own child, praising when deserved and scolding when needed.

As the years wore on, Thunderbolt’s wings grew stronger, more powerful than anything Sapphire had ever imagined. Her dreams of flight were no longer just fantasies but a tangible reality as she rode his back all around. Yet, as much as she loved both watching and soaring with him beyond the treetops, a part of Sapphire ached inside.

She knew the day had come when he would need to spread his wings and explore the world beyond the hamster village. Beyond her. Leaving her to discover his kind. And she was not a young hamster anymore, so she’d never see him again.

“Thunderbolt,” Sapphire began, mustering great strength, “I love you more than words can express. Carry that with you as you soar through the skies and discover who you are.”

“I don’t want to leave yet. I’m not ready yet, Mom,” Thunderbolt replied.

“Ah, you’re ready,” she replied, waving a paw with sass. “You just don’t know it yet.” Sapphire smiled and laughed. “I’m always right, remember?”

“Yes, mom. Always right,” Thunderbolt sighed.

“When you leave, don’t come back. Because you won’t find me.” Sapphire held back the tears. “It’ll make you sad. What big, strong dragon would be sad about a hamster?”

“I won’t be sad,” Thunderbolt replied, averting his eyes. “I promise.”

After hugging his snout, Sapphire waved, watching her son take to the sky and shrink into the distance toward the rising sun. Sapphire never made a friend in her life, but once she found that egg, the lonely days never returned.

Every decade or so, a massive yellow dragon could be seen hovering above that hamster village, gracing the land with magical rain after visiting a tiny, isolated carved stone in a clearing that was slightly smaller than his claw.