Dinosaur…a short story.

“Um, hi,” she said, staring at the dinosaur.  “I don’t think you belong in this time period.  You’re kind of over, unless the scientists weren’t kidding when they said they wanted to bring you back.  And you know, that’s not fair to us puny humans and it’s not at all fair to you either because the oxygen level is way lower than what you’re used to and you won’t like that,”

“Roar.”

“One of us is in the wrong place and I hope it’s you because I don’t know how to get home from your place.”

“Roar.”

“Do you like plants?” she asked, backing away.  “You know the whole herbivore thing.  Nice yummy leaves?”

“Roar?”

“Leaves for dinner, like a big salad?  I don’t recognize what you are.  I’m not up to date on all the dinosaur names and types.  You have long fingers and big claws, so I’m guessing you kill things, right?”

“Roar.”

“Okay, I’m just going to go and find my car, okay? I’m sure your mom’s worried about you, so you should probably go home.”

“BOBBY!” yelled the woman, climbing through the brush. “How many times have I told you not to leave the yard?”

Bobby looked down and swayed a little.

“I’m sorry,” she said.  “I hope he didn’t frighten you.  He’s a good boy, really, he just likes to go farther than he should.  I don’t blame him but he’s too young to be out alone.  He could get hurt.”

“HE could get hurt?” 

“Oh, I know he looks all grown up and dangerous, but he’s still a baby, aren’t you my bitty dinosaur,” she said, kissing his nose.  “I think you better go back now dear.  Your lucid dream is just about over.”

“Are you…real?” she asked, softly.

“Oh, yes.  Very real.  You’re only the third human to ever come here.  It’s nice to have visitors, now and then, don’t you think agree?”

“You live with dinosaurs?” she asked, in amazement.

“Yes, dear.  They are to us, as your cats and dogs are to you.  Except for the Rex.  They are a bit wild, you know,”  she said, smiling.  “They can be very naughty.”

“No kidding,” she said, as they began to fade from view.  “Maybe I’ll come back again sometime.”

“That would be lovely,” she said, taking Bobby by the arm and leading him away.  “Sweet dreams, dear.”