Basement Treasure

“Oh, my … . Run!” Gwen flew up the basement stairs and skidded around the corner. Before she could reach the front door, Ariane emerged from the kitchen, licking batter from her fingers.

“Crying out loud, Gwen. Use your inside voice.” Ariane grumbled, “I don’t need Old Man Martin complaining, again.”

Gwen stopped. “Do you have any idea what is behind that wall in the basement?” her voice grew louder.

“I do. And you don’t have to yell.” Ariane turned back to the kitchen. “I need to get this cake in the oven.”

“But. What.” Gwen stammered. “How can you be so calm?” After a quick glance over her shoulder, Gwen followed Ariane into the kitchen.

“It’s a dragon. No big deal.”

No big deal? How can you say it’s no big deal? It has to be a big deal because dragons aren’t real. Everyone knows that.”

Ariane arched one eyebrow as she turned to face Gwen. “Do they now? So, how do you explain my basement occupant?”

Gwen frowned, stumped by the question. “Well, I don’t. It’s a statue, right? Some kind of inflatable or animatronic … thing?”

Ariane set a timer and placed it beside the stovetop. “I assure you, he’s as real as you and I.”

“He?”

“C’mon. You’ll see.” Ariane headed for the stairs, beckoning for Gwen to follow.

Gwen hesitated for a second, then trailed after Ariane.

Ariane stood at the narrow gap leading behind the rear basement wall. Gwen peered around the corner and into a basketball-sized eye surrounded by scales larger than her hand.

“Gwen,” Ariane said as she gestured toward the creature. “Meet Bradley.”