‘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.

#380: Ambush Conversations, Part 3: The Question

“Joy, we have to be quiet, okay?” 

Dragon Father and Dragon Little were waiting behind a bush for the Evil Fairy Forest King. 

Dragon Father was still teaching her the basics of fighting villains. And Dragon Little was small enough to need a diaper. 

“We have to be quiet?” little Dragon Little asked.

“Yes.” 

“We’re waiting.” 

“Yes. You have to whisper!” 

“Whisper?” she whispered.

“Yes.” 

“Because the Evil Fairy Forest King is coming?” 

“Uh huh.”

“Yai!” she shouted. “I was right! I’m right every day!” 

Dragon Father laughed and then told her to remember to whisper. I almost laughed as well. But I find this even funnier today, as I tell you this, knowing how Dragon Little turned out, knowing how this certainty of a 2-year-old became such a strong part of her personality. 

However long I live - and it may not be very long - I will remember what she said, and that will remind me of all that Dragon Little ever did.

I’m right every day!

—Told by The Red Dragon

#381: The Strange Incident of the Pajama Monster, Part 1

#379: Ambush Conversations, Part 2: Do You Want to Be...