Ember Flare and the Lost Spark
by
Thomas
A story about Big feelings
for your 2nd Grader.
Ember Flare was a small dragon with shimmering purple scales. He lived in a kingdom of floating islands and crystal caves. Each island sparkled under a sky filled with twinkling stars, and Ember Flare loved to fly in the cool night air.
One night, Ember Flare held his favorite shiny rock in his claws. It gleamed like a tiny moon, and he admired its gentle glow. He felt proud whenever he looked at it, because it was a special gift from his parents.
The rock itself glowed with flecks of gold that sparkled in the darkness, catching the light of distant stars.
Suddenly, as Ember Flare stretched his wings, he realized his shiny rock was gone! His heart pounded, and he felt a rush of big, swirling feelings in his chest. “Where did it go?” he whispered, trying not to cry.
He remembered how his parents told him that it was okay to feel upset, but it helped to pause and take slow, deep breaths. Ember Flare inhaled through his nose and exhaled through his mouth. It did not make the rock appear, but it helped his heart feel calmer.
Ember Flare decided to search the nearby crystal caves first. He flapped his wings and glided into the dark tunnels, calling, “Come on, little rock! Where are you?” His voice echoed back, but there was no sign of his treasure.
A huge crystal cluster glowed gently at the center of the cave, casting rainbow-colored light across the smooth stone floor.
Feeling disappointed, Ember Flare flew to a higher island that floated among silver clouds. His wings beat hard against the chilly wind, and he felt tears start to form. But he remembered to pause, breathe, and keep going.