[ WP ] When everyone turns 18 , they receive a pet which is figurative of their personality . You 're the first person to receive a dragon ...

My friend Sonia got an owl when she turned eighteen. Someone had chosen well - not only was it quiet and watchful like her, its trick of raising some sort of tufts on its head mirrored her eyebrows by which you could tell her mood. And it helped that both of them were dark brown and petite. 
 
 I wondered what I'd be given. When I thought about it, I realised I really had n't given people much to go on up to now. Even my parents could n't have picked much up. I was naturally undemonstrative anyway, and being stuck next to a kid who varied between stupid and maliciously disruptive had knocked any instinct to show emotions out of me. ( Paniotis had a chimpanzee at a local zoo, and I sometimes suspected life would be better if they let the chimp out and put Panno in the cage. ) 
 
 The months ran round to April. The two parrots of the two class jokers had just learnt their first rude words, and the most popular girl in class was beginning to suspect that its beautiful plumage was n't the only reason she'd been given a golden eagle. My parents started to make furtive phone calls, and one afternoon I came back from school early and found them talking to Sonia. They all looked embarrassed when they saw me. Finally April and my seventeenth year were finished, and my parents went to the school for the ceremony. 
 
 `` As I'm sure you all know,'' our form tutor said, `` Conrad is eighteen today, and his parents are here to present him with his pet. I must say, we've rarely had a more appropriate choice. So if you will, Conrad...'' 
 
 I stepped forward and took the small box. I opened the flap at the side and looked in. A pointy snout poked out, and the animal scurried onto my arm. Aquamarine scales, two big nostrils, and eyes as sharp as the teeth that peeped out from the side of its jaw. Unmistakably a dragon. 
 
 `` Most animals are laden with stereotypes and received ideas,'' Mr Harris continued. `` But dragons are a mystery. There is n't even enough known about them to make a consistent myth. Your dragon could turn out to be anything, Conrad, and so could you. And that's a rare gift - according to the animal dealers this is the first dragon they've ever supplied for a pet.'' 
 
 The dragon gripped my upper arm, claws pricking my skin. I could see it looking at the surroundings, twisting its neck lithely. I looked across to my mum and dad. It was so beautiful, and they'd chosen it for me. They must have seen something of my happiness in my expression, for they smiled and started to walk towards me. 
 
 Before they could get there, I heard a soft sound from the other side, and felt something land gently on my shoulder. It was Sonia's owl, and behind him Sonia was coming. She went round to the other side from her owl, and the dragon climbed onto her, sniffing at her ear-ring. 
 
 `` I do n't know much about dragons, Conrad,'' she said, `` but I know they're wonderful, rare creatures, and so are you. I'd like to be with you, to see both of you grow up. May I?'' 
 
 She stretched her head up to me, her dark eyes wide, and it seemed so right to lean down and kiss her. For once Panno's hoot elicited no allies' shouts. 
 
 `` Are n't you worried what he might turn into?'' I asked as our dragon yawned toothily and stretched his wings. 
 
 `` If he turns out like you, I'll love him.'' 

