The Shy Dragon Learns To Share

Pip Bramblewing tucked his toes under his chin and listened from inside his cave. Outside, leaves rustled. Soft voices floated through the fernwood clearing.

“Let’s sit here,” called a bright voice. “The ground is warm.”

Pip knew that voice. It was Moss, a new friend. Another voice giggled. “And look! Berries!”

Pip peeked past the cave wall. Sunlight sprinkled the mossy floor. The air smelled like pine needles and sweet fruit. Near the old fern tree, Moss and Wren were setting out little cups.

Pip quickly ducked behind a curtain of fern leaves. The leaves tickled his nose.

“We can stay hidden,” Pip whispered to you. “You and me. Very quiet. Like a pebble.”

But the clearing was busy. Feet pattered. Cups clinked. A round red berry rolled across the ground and stopped beside Pip’s claw.

He picked it up. It was smooth and cool.

“Is someone there?” asked Wren.

Pip held very still. The fern leaves brushed his cheek. He tried to tuck the berry behind his back, but it slipped and plopped onto the floor.

Moss followed the sound. “Oh! A berry.”

Pip’s small wings drooped. He wanted to give it to them. He also wanted to hide.

Moss did not pull the leaves away. Instead, Moss sat a little distance from the cave.

“Pip,” Moss said softly, “we are making a sharing circle. You may sit with us if you like.”

Pip looked at the cups. There were only three. Then he looked at his cozy cave, with its warm stone and soft nest.

“What if I sit near you?” Pip asked.

“That is a good start,” said Wren. “You can bring your berry, too. We can share it.”

Pip took one tiny step. A twig snapped under his foot. He froze.

“It is all right,” said Moss. “We can move slowly.”

Pip took another step, then another. Soon he sat at the edge of the clearing, close enough to hear the happy clink of cups. He placed the berry in the middle.

Moss smiled. “Thank you, Pip.”

Pip felt warm inside. He had shared one small berry. But he kept his cozy cave behind him, just for now.

“Would you like to draw a circle in the soft dirt with your claw?” Wren asked.

Pip nodded. Together, they made a round place for everyone. Sharing could begin with one berry, one circle, and one brave little step.

And you, would you color the circle bright red, like Pip’s berry?