"Yes they do." Said Helleborus' father, "Even grown-ups are afraid sometimes. Your mother and I talk to each other when we need to face our fears."
"If they know everything, why do they get scared?" Asked the dragon sniffing the pan full of tea.
"Because," said her father, as he poured two small cups of tea for Helleborus and himself. "They don't know everything. They just know the most important thing of all."
"What is that?" Asked both Helleborus and the dragon.
"They know that they are never done learning about things, and that everyone we meet has something to teach us."
"I learned I like tea." Said the dragon taking a long drink, steam coming out of their nose.
"And I learned that tea really does solve problems. " Said Helleborus' father, kissing her head,
"And I learned that everyone is scared sometimes. Even daddies and dragons." Said Helleborus, not wanting to be left out.
"I think the rain has stopped." Said the dragon, "I should go home. May I come for tea again, and you can teach me about knights?"
"Any time you like." Said Helleborus, and she gave the dragon a hug around his large snout.
It took some pushing and squeezing again, but the dragon was able to slide back through the kitchen door and into the yard.
"Fear goes away if you talk about it and learn about it, right?" Asked Helleborus as the dragon flew away.
"Yes," said her father. "Why? What are you afraid of?"
"Mommy when she sees the mud!" Said Helleborus, grabbing a mop,