TERENCE THE DRAGON AND HIS FONDNESS FOR TOMATOES

A Children’s Story by Lazarus Carpenter & Illustrated by Gill Brooks

Once upon a time in a faraway land, there lived a friendly dragon named Terrence. Unlike other dragons who spent their days guarding treasure or breathing fire, Terrence had a peculiar obsession with tomatoes. He loved their vibrant colors, their juicy taste, and the way they added a burst of flavor to his meals. Every week, without fail, Terrence would make his way to the local supermarket to purchase his beloved tomatoes. One sunny morning, Terrence woke up feeling particularly excited. He stretched his wings and prepared for his weekly trip to the supermarket. The thought of those plump, ripe tomatoes made his mouth water.

With a skip in his step and a fluttering of wings, he soared through the sky and landed gracefully in front of the huge supermarket. As Terrence entered the supermarket, he couldn’t help but notice that something was amiss. The usually vibrant tomato section looked dull and empty. Terrence’s heart sank as he approached the display, only to find unripe and green tomatoes. His dismay was evident on his dragon face. Confused and disappointed, Terrence approached the store manager, Mr. Jenkins.

“Excuse me, Mr. Jenkins,” Terrence said politely, “but why are all the tomatoes unripe today? I’ve always come here for the juiciest, ripest tomatoes.”

Mr. Jenkins, a kind-hearted man, sighed and explained,

“Oh, dear Terrence, we had an unexpected frost last night, which affected the tomatoes’ ripening process. We had to harvest them prematurely to save them from spoiling.”

Terrence’s eyes widened in understanding. He realized that the supermarket had done its best to provide for its customers, even in the face of unexpected challenges. Still, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness. Without ripe tomatoes, his meals would never taste the same. Determined to help, Terrence asked Mr. Jenkins,

“Is there anything I can do to assist you? Maybe I can find a way to ripen these tomatoes faster?”

Mr. Jenkins smiled at Terrence’s kind-heartedness.

“That’s a wonderful idea, Terrence,” he replied. “If you could use your fire-breathing abilities to create a warm and sunny environment for the tomatoes, it might help them ripen faster.”

Terrence’s eyes sparkled with excitement. He enthusiastically breathed gentle fire onto the tomatoes, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere for them. He visited the supermarket every day, patiently nurturing the tomatoes with his fiery breath. Days turned into weeks, and Terrence’s dedication paid off. The once-green tomatoes began to turn shades of red, gradually transforming into ripe, juicy fruit. Terrence’s heart swelled with joy as he witnessed the transformation. News of Terrence’s efforts spread throughout the town, and people flocked to the supermarket to witness the miracle of the dragon-ripened tomatoes.

Terrence’s tomato stand became the talk of the town, and people eagerly bought his tomatoes, appreciating the dragon’s hard work and the unique flavor they possessed. Terrence’s tomato stand flourished, but his heart was filled with gratitude rather than greed. He had learned the importance of patience, perseverance, and the joy of helping others. The once-disappointed dragon had become a local hero, teaching everyone the value of working together and overcoming challenges. And so, Terrence the Dragon, with his fiery breath and a heart full of kindness, continued to nurture the tomatoes, bringing joy to the town and delighting in the smiles of those who tasted his dragon-ripened tomatoes.

As the years went by, Terrence’s tomato stand became an integral part of the community. People from far and wide would visit, not only for the tasty tomatoes but also to hear the tales of the dragon who had brought life and flavor to their meals. Terrence’s passion for tomatoes and his dedication to his community inspired others to find creative solutions to the challenges they faced. The town flourished with a newfound spirit of resilience and unity, all thanks to the dragon who had taught them the importance of perseverance and the power of a kind heart.

And so, the tale of Terrence the Dragon and his tomato troubles became a legend that was passed down through generations. The children of the town would listen with wide-eyed wonder, dreaming of the day they could meet the dragon who had turned a disappointment into a triumph. And even to this day, if you visit that faraway land, you may catch a glimpse of Terrence soaring through the sky, his scales shimmering in the sun. He continues to tend to his beloved tomato stand, reminding us all that even in the face of disappointment, with a little bit of determination and a lot of heart, we can turn things around and make the world a better and tastier place.

The End.