The Bond Beyond Worlds

By Suhani Gupta

During the year 3000, in an extremely popular part of the world, there lived a scientist. He always aspired to do something different, believing that there is science beyond the world. He was able to replicate an ancient species by combining the DNA of 2 creatures. Everybody mocked him, “You are no scientist, you are a madman who needs medical treatment...,” said people who would pass by. Suddenly, he disappeared, leaving only his creation as proof of his existence. The creatures looked as if they were a hybrid, a mixture of both ancient and extinct dragons and birds. These took over the country in the blink of an eye.

 During the same time, there was a little girl named Sofia, who was adopted by her foster parents and was home-schooled. Her foster parents made her live in a shack and do all their chores in return for her studies. They thought, “You should be grateful to us. We have given food, clothes, and a roof over the head of a brat like you.” Sofia either spent her day cleaning and studying or crying with her dog, Momo, at night due to the torturous environment she was living in. 

One night, she heard a scratch on the roof of her tin shack. She thought it was a ghost, coming to get her. “No, I am strong, and nothing will happen.” She mustered her courage and went out to see, only to find a dragon-like creature on her shack’s roof. It was in absolute pain. “What are you?” asked Sofia, sighing with relief. Seeing the situation, Sofia decided to help. At first, the hybrid thought that Sofia would harm it, and it became fierce.” Aah! Don't worry, I won’t hurt you... I just want to help,” said Sofia. 

Finally, the hybrid let down its guard. After some time, Sofia found an egg.” So, this is why you were in pain; you’re going to be a mama!” exclaimed Sofia with joy. “Since you are so fierce and formidable, I’m going to name you Skyflare.” Skyflare agreed. 

That night marked the beginning of a hidden friendship. Sofia, Momo, and the creature became inseparable. “Since you are so fierce and formidable, I’m going to name you Skyflare.” Skyflare agreed.

 Both Sofia and Momo cared for the baby with all their heart. Momo and Skyflare soon became dear friends, often barking and roaring at each other, as if they could talk and understand. Since Sofia did not get much attention from her parents, hiding Skyflare and its baby became an easier task. 

By day, Sofia kept up her usual routine, hiding Skyflare from her foster parents, who would never understand. But by night, the world transformed. As Skyflare healed, she allowed Sofia and Momo to ride on her back, taking them up into the night sky. Together, they soared through the starlit heavens, Sofia’s heart light with freedom and joy. She laughed and shouted into the wind, knowing these moments were hers alone. 

 Soon, days turned into weeks, eventually turning into months. Sofia and Flare’s bond grew stronger. For the first time, Sofia felt truly seen and cared for, her quiet friendship with Skyflare filling the empty spaces in her life. As the egg grew closer to hatching, she felt an almost maternal excitement herself. 

 Sofia’s foster parents eventually discovered her secret, recoiling in fear and anger. They demanded she abandon the creature and its egg. Sofia looked at Skyflare, at Momo, and made her choice. She left, carrying only her belongings and her companions, vowing to never return. Wandering through wild terrain, they finally found a hidden cave. Exhausted, Sofia lay down beside her friends, only to notice a worn leather journal tucked into a crevice. Flipping through it, she realized it belonged to the scientist who had created Skyflare. His words were filled with pain, frustration, and an underlying wonder. “My creatures are not monsters,” he wrote. “They are wonders in a world too afraid to understand.” Sofia’s eyes filled with tears. She felt a kinship with him, a longing for connection, acceptance, and a place where they both could belong.

 Sofia found herself healing in this quiet refuge, making a new life for herself with Skyflare, Momo, and the soon-to-hatch egg. She had created her own family, one filled with the love and care she had always yearned for. Each night, they would soar above the world, laughing, barking, and roaring together as they journeyed under the stars. Her heart was light, filled with the thrill of each new horizon.

Finally, the egg hatched and revealed a tiny, delicate creature that looked up at Sofia with the same blue eyes as its mother. This was when Sofia realized that she wasn’t just a lonely girl in a shack anymore, but a part of something magical that could never be captured by words or bound by walls.

They all became a family held together by love, loyalty and connection going far beyond blood relations. Together, they found their place in a world that might never fully understand them but would never hold them back again. The stars above sparkled brighter each night, and Sofia finally knew she had found her home. “Ahh… even with “creatures” around me, this is the best family I could ever have dreamed of! One where I can truly be myself without having to explain my thoughts or who I am. I just hope the rest of my life is as beautiful as this starry night surrounded by the people I love…”

By Suhani Gupta