I awoke not with a bang, nor a whimper,

but rather a long, steaming tongue

scraping its way up the side of my face,

like a serpent slithering in the night.

I blinked in confusion, my heart racing

as the hot breath of the beast tickled my

skin.

I could feel the rough texture of its

tongue,

leaving a trail of moisture in its wake.

I sat up slowly, my eyes adjusting to the darkness,

and saw the outline of a massive

creature

standing in the shadows of my room.

It’s eyes glowed with a feirce intensity.

I could hear the thudding of it

heartbeat,

feel the head of its body radiating

towards me.

I was frozen in fear, inside of what to do

as the creature continued to lick my

face.

But then, something inside of me shifted,

and I found the courage to reach out

and touch the beasts rough, scaly skin.

I felt a connection, a bond forming

between us.

As the sun began to rise, casting light

into the room, I saw the creature

for what it truly was - a majestic dragon, gaurdian of my dreams, protector of my soul.

And as it nuzzled against me, purring

softly,

I knew that I was safe, that I was loved,

and that no matter what challenges

lay ahead, I would always have my

dragon by my side.