A flash fiction story based on Ariadne Pautina’s adorable photo prompt. Thanks to for nudging me!

I found it lying on the grass and, after looking in vain for the nest from which it might have fallen, I brought it in the house to keep on a bed of cotton I placed in a bowl next to a small heater.

I knew the likelihood of a hummingbird egg surviving outside of the nest was minimal, but I had to try.

Imagine my delight when the egg started to crack.

Imagine my stunned stupor when, instead of a hummingbird, a tiny dragon popped its head out.

It made the smallest peep before shaking the remaining eggshell from its body and stretching its tiny, green wings.

I leaned toward it to get a better look.

It saw me, cocked its head and stepped toward me.

I put out my two fingers and the little creature climbed aboard, nestled between the fingertips. I held him up to my face.

He abruptly sneezed, spewing out the tiniest flame.

He looked befuddled, almost drunk, as residual smoke wafted from his nostrils. Then, instantly over it, he looked back up at me and, dammit, if he didn't smile.

I couldn’t help but smile back.

And that's how my dragon days began.