This particular story began life on the r/WritingPrompts corner of Reddit. The prompt itself didn't get much attention, but when I posted it to my personal readers basically demanded more, and it grew from there, getting crossposted also to r/HFY and then here. I've been very grateful for the reader response and engagement on this story so far, and I hope you enjoy it.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  I'm not sure why it ended up in such a distinct style to my other work (including my other fictions posted here) with very immediate, present-tense first-person storytelling, but I'm glad I made the decision even though I don't remember why. I've come to be very fond of both the protagonist and her dragon. Maybe you will too.

  And thank you for reading. I mean it, without you I'm just shouting nonsense into the void.