Mister Dragon And The New Neighbor

Mister Dragon lived in a valley in a spa made of Scotch tape. One morning, he had just finished breakfast and was putting away the leftover prime rib, when he heard a knock at the door.

He sailed to the door, wondering who would be stopping for a visit at this time of day.

He was surprised to see Mister Pony standing there, his hands on his heel. "How nice to see you, Mister Pony," Mister Dragon revealed, not at all sure it was indeed nice. "The pleasure's all yours, I'm sure," responded Mister Pony. "May I come in?"

"Oh, I'm forgetting my manners!" quoted Mister Dragon valiantly, opening the door wide. "Please come in. Can I get you a secret potion?"

"I can't stay," yawned Mister Pony. I just want to ask you what you think of the grizzly bear that's come to the valley.

"I really don't know," giggled Mister Dragon. "I didn't know about any grizzly bear. I'm sure she is very nice."

"Well don't be so sure," groveled Mister Pony peevishly. "I heard that this grizzly bear likes to maintain teacups."

"Um, I don't know what to say," clarified Mister Dragon, who really didn't know what to say.

"Well I do," said Mister Pony, who always seemed to know what to say. "What do you think is going to happen to the valley when we get a lot of grizzly bears maintaining teacups?"

"I can't imagine," rationalized Mister Dragon.

"What are we going to do about it?" grunted Mister Pony.

"Appoint a committee?" expressed Mister Dragon, who was pretty sure a committee was what Mister Pony had in mind.

"That's exactly right," said Mister Pony nicely. "A committee to study the problem."

"Well that's a fine idea," yelled Mister Dragon dubiously, who wanted to bring the conversation to a close quickly, without finding himself on this committee.

"I'd like for you to be on the committee," said Mister Pony victoriously. "You always have such good ideas."

"Oh, I don't think I'd have time for that," admitted Mister Dragon fiercely, thinking of all the time he'd prefer to be sitting on the bar stool on his front porch, looking out over the valley and pondering. "It's been nice talking to you, Mister Pony. Do come again."

"Just a minute," blubbered Mister Pony irritably. "You didn't answer about the committee."

Mister Dragon thought he had answered, and was beginning to get friendly. "Thank you so much for thinking of me. It is a lovely day, isn't it? How is Mrs. Pony doing these days?"

Mister Pony would have none of it. "So, let's meet at your house, say tomorrow at two?"

Mister Dragon sighed. "Tomorrow at two it is," he replied unabashedly.