‘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.

#376: Life and Death, Part 9: The Goblin Monster’s Family

Dragon Little reached the cabin at the top of the hill. 

It was far bigger than any of the huts in the goblin village, since it housed a family of giant goblin monsters. A small fence surrounded the hut, and chickens and cows roamed in front of it. 

Dragon Little jumped over the small fence, using one hand to support herself, and immediately shouted, “Who’s the goblin monster’s father? Who’s the father?” 

An elderly goblin monster walked out, supported by a cane, his skin as green as all goblins’ and his hair white. 

Dragon Father reached the fence and jumped over it as well. 

Dragon Father kept his distance as the elderly goblin said, “I know you two. You are legendary pirates extraordinaire.” 

“That’s us,” Dragon Little stated matter-of-factly. “Are you the goblin monster’s father?” 

“That is me. What has he done now?” the father spoke slowly. 

“Well, he’s dead!” Dragon Little told him. “I killed him!” 

“Aw, Joyyyyy,” Dragon Father groaned. 

The father turned away, hiding the pain on his face from the pirates. 

“And I’m sorry about that!” she half-shouted at him. “You loved him and now I killed him and now you’re sad!” 

“Joyyyyyyy…” Dragon Father groaned again, putting his hand on his mouth. But he remained behind, his eyes watching the elderly goblin intently. 

“You know why I killed him?” 

The elderly goblin looked back at her, his face showing no emotions. “He was hurting goblins, I assume.” 

“That’s right! He was killing goblins! And killing is wrong!” she was shouting now. “And it’s your fault! It’s your fault! And you should never ever ever teach someone to kill!” she pointed at the goblin monster as she was screaming at him. “Because someday, someone,” she turned around, moving her pointing finger with her, to look at (and to point at) her father, “will kill your kid someday.” 

Dragon Father’s mouth dropped open and all he uttered was a “Huuuuh”

I had almost the same reaction. In my hiding place, far above them and far from anyone’s eyes, I suddenly stood up, as if ready for action. 

How did she know that? How could she say that? She was not yet even six! How did she have such wisdom? Did she understand what she was saying?

Tomorrow I will tell you what happened next.

—Told by The Red Dragon

#377: Life and Death, Part 10: I’m Sorry for Your Loss

#375: Life and Death, Part 8: The Goblin Village