Mary, Dragon Little’s nanny, had a concerned look throughout the next day. It was still the day after Dragon Little had no drinking water for the entire time Dragon Father was away, still the day in which he returned with a lot of water, not understanding what the problem was. 

Dragon Father went on his own adventure as Dragon Little slept and Mary kept watch on Dragon Little. 

At this point Dragon Little was only two years old, and Mary was still alive, so Dragon Little did not join every adventure. 

Mary filled Dragon Little’s cabin with all the water bottles. One of them she put on the bed next to her. 

Dragon Little stirred only once during that night. Her fingers felt the bottle, and she automatically hugged it as if it was a friend, while never fully waking up. 

Dragon Father returned successfully from his adventure, happy with his success. Mary came out of the cabin to greet him. 

“Mary, is she still asleep?” he shouted, all full of vigor and success. 

“Yes, sir.” 

“That’s ridiculous! Wake her up! I’ll wake her up!” he immediately said, rushing past Mary. “Joy! Wakey-wakey! Time’s a-wasti--” and with that, he disappeared. 

Mary went into Dragon Little’s cabin. I heard her gasp. “The water! Where’s all the water?!”

A minute later, Dragon Little came out of the cabin, walking slowly, carrying in her hand her a single water bottle. 

Mary came out behind her, half running. “Lass, lass, that’s the only water bottle we have. Drink up, now, and be very careful not to spill a drop.” 

Dragon Little looked around, eyes half closed. She then opened the bottle and drank.

“Where’s dad?” She was about to drop the bottle, when Mary caught it and closed it. 

“He came while you slept. And he went.” Then, she spoke more softly, as if only to herself, “And he only left this one bottle… Hmmm…” 

I could see it from above, I could see it from my faraway hiding place. She was beginning to understand why some things stay and some things disappear when Dragon Father disappears. 

Good, I nodded to myself. She can now make sure Dragon Little never dies from thirst. 

I will tell you how she did it tomorrow. 

—Told by The Red Dragon