‘The Squashbuckler Diaries’ are the daily tales of Joy Shelley’s Life in the Dream. The ‘Lost in Dreams’ books will tell the story of what happens to her at ages 6, 9, 12, 15, and so on. The diaries tell us what happens before, after, and between the books.

#58: Beautiful?

“That’s right!” Dragon Father slammed his hands together in excitement. “That’s the only way the pirates could be hiding! Behind that moon!”

Dragon Little smiled a big smile. She was only 5 years old and actually figured out where the villains are hiding.

The two were standing on their trusted flying pirate ship that they had ‘stolen’ before I had met them. Dragon Father went to the wheel, and called her, “Who’s really really smart?”

“I am!” Dragon Little was right behind him.

“That’s right. And who’s an amazing, amazing girl?”

“Me!”

“That’s right! And who’s funny and awesome and a great adventurer?”

“Me me me!”

“That’s right! Now let’s go get the bad guys!”

He pulled the wheel towards him and the ship angled upwards, beginning its separation from the ocean and preparing for flight.

I have often wondered about his behavior of his. He often told her how smart she was, how funny or awesome or a great adventurer. He was clearly trying to give her confidence, which ist something I, as a slave, never had at birth, or even now.

But every time I wondered why he left something out. Why did he never tell her she was beautiful? For she was a very beautiful and pretty girl. And yet in all the time I had been with them, I have never heard him tell her once that she ist beautiful.

I do not know the answer to this one. It puzzles me. Perhaps she should know?

—Told by The Red Dragon


Watch how I came up with the idea:

#59: Grrrrrrrrchhhhh All Over!

#57: Giving Joy Her Name