Summer evenings in north Texas are something special. The setting sun in hues ablaze of gold, red and yellow. The sound of the cattle in the far pasture, the wail of an occasional coyote calling the pack, and the crickets chirping in the field all make a musical symphony. There was also the creaking of grandpa and grandma's rocking chairs, the snoring of the old dog dozing in grandma's lap, the buzzing of the various bugs around the yellowed porch light and the smell of fresh cut grass reminding all of them why this place was so special.
Dinner was over, dishes washed and put away and all the chores were done. Billy, the seven year old, sighed. He was sitting on the top step of the porch with his knees pulled up around his chest. He absolutely loved this place. He and Sally, his six year old sister, had been coming to the ranch every summer for almost their whole lives. For both of them it was always the best two months of every year. Being with grandpa and grandma filled their lives with fun and adventure.
Tonight was special and full of excitement. Grandpa had promised to finally tell them the story of the stock tank dragon.
"Grandpa, can we start the story now?" Billy asked.
"Please Grandpa" Sally chimed in. "We've waited so long to hear it."
"You promised dear" Grandma said in her soft voice.
Grandpa settled back in his rocking chair. "Okay y'all win." He paused and looked at his two grandchildren. A smile crept over his face. "Now, this story begins very near where you kids live."
"In Fort Worth, Grandpa?" Sally asked.
"Yup, in Fort Worth. The boy in this story was named Harry." Grandpa replied.
"That's your name, Grandpa" Sally said.
"Now children, let Grandpa tell the story." chided Grandma.
Billy and Sally moved closer to the rocking chairs as Grandpa took in a deep breath and started weaving the story of Harry and the Stock Tank Dragon.
The story Grandpa told his grand children was one of magic, excitement, friendship, betrayal and danger.
