Dragon Pasta

The mild chill allowed us to see our breath.    The sidewalk was wide enough for all three to walk comfortably, and we pretended to be happy dragons with tiny puffs of smoke.  Cozily bundled up and hanging with good friends, my life felt pleasant with only an occasional mild annoyance, like being too full from dinner to enjoy my dragon pounces (I knew we should have chosen sushi). 

“All dragons are a bit pudgy – probably from pasta,” Krista teased.

“I don’t think dragons are Italian.  Anyway, the pudge creeps gradually rather than ballooning after one dinner,” I countered. 

“Well, I’ve heard that cold-climate dragons love cheesy tortellini.  Something about amazing dreams during their long winter naps,” added Julia.

We waited at the crosswalk and my glance fell on the only other pedestrian in sight.  The man was behind us, and I had a sudden sense that his presence was not random.  It was my impression he was intently following our steps.  As soon as I realized this, I instantly recognized him.  I had no idea where we had met, but I knew he was not good news and his name was SCAR. 

Even though my first instinct was to run like mad, I was sure it would give him permission to chase, and we would be caught.  The neighborhood was mostly residential, but I saw a small convenience store.  “Julia,” I whispered, “Go to that store and leave the door open for us.  Don’t dial 911 until you get inside.”  She looked confused so I gave a side eye to SCAR, and that was enough to send her scurrying.

Krista and I continued at a slower pace.  I tried to walk quickly while appearing casual to keep SCAR unaware that I recognized him. “BRRRR!” I exclaimed and did my best to re-create my earlier dragon leap.  Julia had safely made it to the store, and the door was open wide.  Still two houses away, Krista gave into fear and started sprinting.  I was right on her tail, despite the congealed lump of pasta in the pit of my stomach.  The pounding footsteps behind me proved that it had indeed been a mistake to run.

As I clambered to the top of the stairs, I could hear SCAR approaching the first step.  I made it inside passing an end-cap of Doritos before turning around.  SCAR was just entering the store.  My eyes locked with his, and my worst fears were realized.  I had never before looked into such an abyss of pure evil.  He pointed all ten of fingers at me with his scalpel shaped nails in full view.

Time ticked in slow motion.  Looking directly into the face of an enemy always at work, though rarely seen, was terrifying.  Screaming would not help, should I do it anyway? I debated.  Readying my lungs to let loose, I inhaled deeply.  Instead of an ear piercing shriek out, a calmness seeped in.  The power to confront and defeat such malicious creatures had been given to me, I remembered with a surge of hope. 

A police car drove up with lights flashing.  The cops had arrived and we would be safe for now, although they could only give us temporary security.  The situation would be diffused in a superficial way without an understanding of SCAR’s true character, and he would be free to terrorize again.  Or, I could obey that Voice telling me to fight and rebuke such evil using His name.  Knowing this was the only way to truly vanquish the enemy, my gaze locked with SCAR’s. 

I hesitated and let my thoughts wander to the comfortable life I led which until now largely ignored the ever-present evil fighting to devour each of us.  This life lacked authenticity and meaning, but was I ok with that?  A weighted feeling of tiredness overcame me.  Eye-contact with SCAR was dropped, and I looked beyond SCAR to the approaching police officer.