12 Comments
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Jenifer Jorgenson's avatar

This story is a hug disguised as a dragon.

Stories Sown With Hope's avatar

This one is so perfect! Reminders that not only does sharing a burden lighten a load, but that the act of sharing itself can create friendship bonds, vitally important in their own light.

I love the stressed overworked dragon, who just wants to bring comfort to so many that she couldn’t keep up. The kind neighbors that noticed, the community in action, … this is a guiding story!

And perfect!

Tamsin G.'s avatar

Maryellen did a fantastic job! 👏👏

Maryellen Brady 💗📚's avatar

ALL this Ember love is making my day. My words mean something 💖

KJ Harlow's avatar

This is the line that did it for me:

"One evening, as Ember demonstrated her roasting technique for a group of fascinated neighbors, her gentle flame illuminating their faces in warm gold, she realized something profound. Her spark hadn't been weak because she was failing. It had been weak because she'd been trying to burn alone."

Such a satisfying way to show Ember's growth. And I love the "found family" trope here. Nothing against dragons (Is TCD around? 👀) but this story really shone when the people Ember cared so much about showed her how much she meant to them as well.

You gotta start publishing some tea recipes MB, it seems like the most natural thing to do with after writing these stories!

Belinda Drakes's avatar

Ember’s panic, the pressure, the fear of not being enough, all of it felt familiar. The gentleness in this story reminded me that community and compassion matter more than perfection. Thank you for writing something that speaks directly to the tired parts of the heart.