The morning sun peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the living room. Li Wei's eyes fluttered open, but peace was not to be found. A loud tap tap tap echoed from the kitchen.
Rubbing sleep from his eyes, Li Wei sat up and saw a tiny green snout poking through the doorway. Spark, the baby dragon, was curiously exploring the kitchen floor.
Li Wei smiled tiredly, "Morning, little troublemaker. Ready to wreak some havoc today?"
Spark blinked its big amber eyes and let out a tiny chirp.
---
Breakfast and the Flying Spoon
Li Wei shuffled to the kitchen, still half asleep. He poured cereal into a bowl and looked for milk. Spark was nearby, sniffing everything suspiciously.
Careful not to startle the dragon, Li Wei grabbed a spoon and offered a tiny bite of cereal mixed with warm milk.
Spark eyed the spoon, then suddenly leapt up, grabbing it in its claws and flapping its tiny wings wildly.
The spoon flew across the room, landing in Mei's flower vase, which promptly toppled and spilled water everywhere.
Li Wei sighed, "Okay, lesson one — no flying spoons inside the house."
---
The Great Slipper Chase
After breakfast, Spark discovered Li Wei's slippers. To the dragon, they looked like perfect chew toys.
Spark pounced on one slipper and began tugging at it with sharp little teeth.
Li Wei chased the dragon around the living room, trying to retrieve his slippers without causing more damage.
At one point, Spark flew up, tail accidentally knocking over a lamp, which shattered with a crash.
"Whoa! Easy there, spark plug!" Li Wei exclaimed.
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The Fire-Breathing Surprise
Later, Li Wei tried to teach Spark to control its fire.
"Okay, Spark, puff a little smoke, not a fireball."
The dragon inhaled deeply and tried to breathe out gently.
Instead, a small burst of flame shot out, singeing the edge of the sofa.
Li Wei jumped back, waving his hands. "Not quite what I meant!"
Spark blinked apologetically and curled up, looking sheepish.
---
Video Call Mayhem
Mei called to check in.
Xiaoyu eagerly grabbed the phone. "Dad, show us Spark!"
Li Wei held up the dragon, who immediately sneezed a small puff of smoke onto the phone screen.
Mei laughed, "Looks like Spark misses us!"
Jin grinned, "Tell Spark to be good!"
Li Wei said, "I'm trying, but he's a fire hazard."
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Dragon-Proofing the House
Realizing the danger, Li Wei spent the afternoon dragon-proofing the living room.
He covered furniture with blankets, moved fragile items out of reach, and taped "No Fire Zone" signs on walls.
Spark watched curiously, then tested the blankets by breathing a gentle flame — which mostly just made a warm spot.
Li Wei chuckled, "Good job! Progress!"
---
Evening Calm
As night fell, Spark seemed calmer.
Li Wei sat on the couch, stroking the dragon's scales.
"You're growing fast, little guy. We'll make a great team."
Spark responded with a soft purr, its eyes heavy with sleep.
Li Wei smiled, knowing the weekend was far from over — but feeling a little more ready.