The Dragon Who Came Back

Felicia leaned back in the bathtub and closed her eyes. The warm water covered her shoulders and chest, easing the tight knots in her body. The scented soap floated gently on the surface of the bathtub, and for the first time that day, she felt calm. The world felt far away. No noise, no stress. She stayed there longer than she should have. Her thoughts drifted, the way they always did when she tried to relax. She remembered small things—laughing as a child, running barefoot, the sound of rain drops on rooftops. Then, without warning, one face pushed through everything else. David. It annoyed her how easily he still appeared in her mind. Years had passed, yet he remained. She had loved him in silence for ten long years. Never said it. Never dared to. He had left before she could ever gather the courage. She opened her eyes and sighed. Enough. She pushed herself up and stepped out of the tub. Water ran down her legs as she grabbed a towel and wrapped it around herself. The mirror was blurry. She wiped it with her hand. That was when she noticed it. A faint orange glow flashed across the glass. Her heart skipped. She turned slowly. Smoke crept under the bathroom door. “No… no, no,” she whispered. She rushed to the door and twisted the handle. It didn’t move. It was locked. Her breathing quickened. She banged on the door with her fist. “Help! Please! Someone help me!” No answer. The smoke grew thicker. Heat pressed against her skin. She backed away, coughing. Flames danced under the door, bright and alive. She ran to the window, but it was also locked. Her chest tightened with panic. She hit the glass anyway. Nothing happened. The air grew hot. Too hot. She dropped to her knees, coughing hard. Her lungs burned. Her head spun. This can’t be how it ends. Her vision blurred. Her body shook. Then her strength gave out. Darkness swallowed her. Voices pulled her back to reality Fire roared around her. She gasped, trying to breathe, but smoke filled her mouth. She tried to scream, but her throat hurt too much. Then she heard it. “ is somebody in here?” The words cut through her, her eyes snapped open and she managed to whisper, '' somebody help me'' Someone ran toward her through the flames. A tall figure, moving fast, carrying an oxygen mask. Strong arms wrapped around her. Her heart jumped. David. He looked older. But it was him. The boy she had grown up with. The man who had broken her heart without a word. ''David'' she whispered in shock. Their eyes met, and he was in shock too. “Stay with me,” he said urgently. “I’ve got you.” He lifted her, holding her close as he moved. The fire cracked and groaned around them. Her head rested against his chest. Memories crashed into her. A hospital room. Machines beeping and her father lying still. And David… gone. Not there when she needed him most. Why did you leave me? The heat surged. Her body couldn’t take it. She passed out again. The house shook. A loud crack split the air. The ceiling collapsed, and fire exploded outward. Felicia felt herself falling— Then stopping. A deep warmth surrounded her. Golden light flooded her vision. She forced her eyes open. David was glowing. His body changed, skin turning gold and hard like armour. Massive wings spread wide, wrapping around her. He was no longer human. He was a dragon. He curled around her, shielding her as the house collapsed. Fire crashed against his wings but couldn’t touch her. “I’ve got you,” he said, his voice deep and steady. “You’re safe.” She couldn’t move. Couldn’t speak. The fire slowly died. Smoke thinned. Silence followed. The dragon’s form faded. David stood again, human, breathing hard among the ruins. Felicia stared at him. “I… I must be dreaming,” she whispered. “You always come back in my dreams.” He stepped closer. “I never wanted to leave you,” he said quietly. Tears filled her eyes. “Then why did you leave?” He didn’t answer. Instead, he reached out and kissed her. It was soft at first. Then deeper. Years of pain, regret, and love poured into it. When they pulled apart, ashes surrounded them. The house was gone. But they were alive. Together. David brushed her hair back. “I’m here now,” he said. “I won’t leave again.” She looked at him, heart racing. “I love you,” she said. “I know,” he replied softly. And for the first time in years, she believed happiness might still be possible.