Tom often dreamt about dragons. Sometimes, he even dreamt that he WAS a dragon. He didn't like the scary kind who set things on fire. Instead, he imagined tame dragons who did good things for people. If Tom had a dragon, it would fly over green hills. Fly, fly, fly over buses, trains and even high above the clouds. His dragon would be his everyday friend. One dark and early morning, Tom heard a loud noise in the kitchen. He raced out of bed and darted down the creaky stairs. To his amazement, there sat a dragon, right upon his kitchen floor! What was he doing? Tom saw that the dragon was tucking into his favor chocolate. He wasn't cross, just surprised. "Am I dreaming?" he wondered, giving himself a pinch. "Ow! No, I'm definitely not dreaming!" The dragon turned around to find the boy looking at him. He clumsily stood up and muttered, "Hello." Tom couldn't believe his ears- a talking dragon! "How did you get in the front door?" he asked the dragon. "The door was ajar and I just stumbled in," the dragon replied. "Do you have a name?" "My name is Bertie," said the dragon. "Do YOU have a name?" "Of course I do! My name is Tom." After a short pause, he continued, "It would have been nice if you'd asked to share my chocolate, you know." "Oh, dear. I am ever so sorry, but I haven't eaten for days, you see," said Bertie. "Well, that's no excuse! Looks like you need to learn some manners." "I suppose so," said Bertie, pulling a face. Tom soon forgot about the mishap, as he and Bertie got to know each other. Before long, they were great friends and decided to go on an adventure. Tom climbed up on Bertie's back and held on, as they flew out the door and upward. Far away, high up in the great skies, they flew, over hills, houses, lakes and tall trees. Tom pointed out his school, a little dog who was wandering around and at his favorite place to hunt for magic rocks. After they'd seen all of the town and countryside, Bertie was understandably tired. He decided to set down on a quiet bridge that overlooked a small pond. As he settled on the ground, Tom climbed off his back. "Thank goodness!" exclaimed Bertie, with a sigh of relief. "I could do with a drink of water." "Me, too," replied Tom. Once they'd quenched their thirst, they splashed each other in fun, until they fell back with exhaustion. Since it was a bit of a cool morning, they were both shivering, having been thoroughly soaked. Tom found some clover leaves, which he and Bertie used to dry themselves off with. "I'm really hungry. Can we go back to your house and have some more of that yummy chocolate?" asked Bertie. "Now, now," said Tom. "It really isn't good for your tummy, to be eating so much chocolate. A bit of yummy food will do you good, though." "Like what?" asked Bertie, rubbing his tummy. "What if I make some of my special Green Turtle Soup? You'll enjoy it and it'll make your teeth strong," said Tom. "Sounds good to me!" said Bertie, cheerfully. "Let's go!" Tom barely had time to climb onto Bertie's back and hold on, when they suddenly zoomed toward the sky. Before long, they could see Tom's house. His bedroom light, as they entered the slightly open window, Tom's mother jumped up, in fright. "Where have you been?" she asked. "I came to check in on you and you were gone! I've been so worried." Tom apologized and explained the night's events. His mother was happy to meet Bertie and noticed that his tummy was grumbling loudly! "I apologize for the noise, but I'm ever so hungry," said Bertie, looking at Tom. "I told Bertie I would make him my special Green Turtle Soup," said Tom. His mother thought that was an excellent idea, as the sun was just coming up and it would be breakfast time soon. As they went down the creaky steps and into the kitchen, Tom excitedly told his mother all about his new friend Bertie and the adventure they'd been on, while the town slept.