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The Rescue

 “Ugh,” said the little dinosaur.

“UOahh” said the little dragon.

The two were sharing a hospital bedroom with a window overlooking a red tinted river and violet clouds. But they weren't seeing any of it. They both squinted their upset eyes and groaned.

“I don’t feel so good,” said the dinosaur.

“Me neither.” 


Knock, Knock, came a sound at the door.

“It’s time for temperatures,” said the nurse.

“Say ah.” 

“UOahh,” said the little dragon.

“Oh, that is certainly a temperature.”

“Mine is worse,” said the dinosaur.

“Let’s see about that,” said the nurse. “Oh, that does look high. But you both will feel better in the morning.”


The window shows a gray outdoor cloud and a narrow red disk disappearing across the river. And they went fast asleep too.


That night a great big earthquake struck the building in two. A fire truck arrived and sent up a firefighter on a ladder. “Come with me you two. You’ll have to climb on my shoulders.” 


The next morning a newspaper arrived on the neighborhood’s porches with a cover photo in sepia tones showing the two smiling from the firefighter’s shoulders. “Rescued!” read the headline. 


Twenty years later they both attend fire fighter school. 

“We’re going to see who is afraid of heights. In today’s test you’ll have to stand on a ledge atop a tall building. But first you’ll have to get there.”

Dragon and Dinosaur aren’t so little anymore. They look at each other loaded with a backpack carrying water a third of their respective weights. 

“But I’m afraid of heights,” said Dragon.

“You are not! You fly!” laughed Dinosaur.


At the firefighter Academy graduation two years later, the teacher presents diplomas to dinosaur and dragon, each dressed in cap and gown. “I remember the day these two proved themselves the best of the best. Dinosaur had scrambled to the top, up the stairs to the top of the twenty story we use. Dragon circled outside and arrived to the ledge a few moments later. I’m proud to present this year's Salutatorian and Valedictorian awards to Dragon and Dinosaur. Congratulations!”
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