Nova's Universe

Chapter 7 (2006)

Charlie

"Daddy, can we wead the book again?" Roggie pleaded the moment we finished the story about the mighty dragon guarding treasure in a faraway cave. It was the third time he'd requested it.

"Sorry, champ," I replied, ruffling his hair and placing a kiss on his head. "We can read it again after your doctor's appointment."

"But I don't wanna go," he whined, shaking his head stubbornly.

"I know, buddy," I soothed. "This is your last checkup for a while, just like your sisters had. Remember, DeeDee?" I called out to the kitchen, where Aoede sat sketching, her tongue peeking out in concentration.

"Huh?" She lifted her head, pulling out an earphone.

"Just reminding Roggie that you and Luna Dora had similar checkups when you were little," I explained.

"That's right," Aoede confirmed, removing the other earphone and joining us on the sofa. "Don't worry, Roggie, it's nothing scary. They'll just check your eyes, ears, and throat. You can even show them your cool tongue!" she winked, pulling her brother into a comforting hug. I couldn't help but smile - she was a fantastic big sister.

"Awe thewe any dwagons thewe?" Roggie's eyes widened with curiosity.

It was no surprise that our son's first word was "dragon." It soon became clear that his fascination with these creatures might even surpass mine. His room boasted a bookshelf overflowing with dragon-related books - not just fairytales and children's stories, but reference books I used when studying them and even textbooks from my school days.

Nova and I were astonished to discover he could already read a few words. Aoede started reading at four, and Luna Dora at five, but Roggie is only three. We were bursting with pride. Nova jokingly suggested he was trying to devour all the dragon books without me. The truth warmed my heart - seeing one of our children share my passion for these magnificent creatures brought a tear to my eye.

My tear ducts had already gotten a workout when he first spoke. Then, during a visit to the Burrow soon after, I discovered my old dragon plushie, Welshie. Unable to resist, I showed it to Roggie. It instantly became his prized possession. He carried it everywhere - sleeping with it, eating with it, cuddling it on the sofa, and even chewing on its ear during story time. It was a miracle the plush was still holding together!

"Not at the doctor's, unfortunately," I replied, offering, "But you can take Welshie with you if you want."

"Whewe is it?" Roggie suddenly asked, scrambling out of Aoede's arms.

"What?" Aoede and I echoed in confusion.

"Whewe is Wewshie?" Roggie repeated, standing in front of the sofa and scanning the room with wide eyes.

"I thought you had it while we were reading," I said, though I didn't recall seeing it in his hands.

"I want it! I want it! I want it!" Roggie began chanting, tapping his knees rapidly, on the verge of tears.

"It's probably in your room," I guessed.

"I'll check," Aoede offered, immediately springing up. We all knew a full-blown tantrum from Roggie meant a symphony of screams guaranteed to pierce eardrums.

"Not there!" Aoede called down from the hallway upstairs.

"I want it now!" Roggie's voice escalated with every word.

"What's happening?" Luna Dora appeared downstairs, wincing and covering her ears.

"Can't find Welshie," I explained, gritting my teeth as Roggie shrieked in my ear, "He wants his plushie!"