Norbert was sad. The other dragons had been making fun of him again. It wasn’t his fault he was born purple, with black polka dots, instead of a deep, intimidating green, like all the other dragons in his clan. This genetic fluke, a one in a hundred thousand likelihood, should have made him feel special. But it didn’t, it made him feel like a giant oddball freak among his fellow dragons, who, much like humans, were clan creatures that valued conformity and consistency over individuality and unique recessive genes or mutations.
Norbert sat by himself in the gigantic sandbox, building sand castles and knocking them over with his fuchsia tail in a depressed repetition. Suddenly, a small fairy popped up beside him.
“Whatcha doing?” squeaked the fairy.
“Who are you?” asked Norbert.
“I’m Nobbie,” said the fairy. She held out a bright green hand. “Your fairy godmother.”
“What the heck?” said Norbert. “I think you’re in the wrong story. Fairies go with princesses, knights go with dragons. It’s pretty standard fairytale rules.”
“Nuh-uh,” argued Nobbie. “This is an unconventional fairytale, much like the unconventional challenge on Project Runway (best show ever, b.t.w.) – so I’m allowed to show up and fraternize with weirdos like yourself, seeing as how we are both misfits who don’t fit into our natural story worlds.”
Norbert glared at her. “Don’t call me a weirdo. And you’re lucky, at least you’re green.”
Nobbie shook her head. “All the fairies I know are pink. I’m the only green one.”
“Well, I’d trade you if I could. Although I suppose these black dots would still make you stand out.”
“That’s okay, I love polka dots!” cried Nobbie. “But you know, you shouldn’t worry so much. Studies show that beings like us, who stick out as oddballs when we’re younger, often turn out to be innovators and big head honchos as adults. Or, you know, sometimes serial killers, but usually more like big head honchos.”
Norbert stared bleakly at his purple toes. “Yeah. Maybe. But that’s a long time from now.”
“Okay, I’m sorry, but you are just way too much of a gloomy gus for this beautiful day. Here, have a treat.” Nobbie pulled a cone topped with purple sorbet out from behind her.
Norbert & Nobbie’s first encounter, Instagram @hyin_chin
“Where did you get that?” said Norbert, momentarily arrested by the color.
“I made it, in honor of our first meeting. Did you know there’s a tropical fruit that looks exactly like you?”
Norbert shook his head. Nobbie held out the ice cream again and Norbert accepted it, snapping it down in one bite.
“Tasty, right?” said Nobbie. “Now let’s get started.”
“On what?”
“Norbert, our adventures are just beginning! Don’t you know that this is merely the first in a long-running series in which you, my friend, are the star??”
Norbert’s eyes widened.
“That’s right. And you won’t believe what happens next, in…dun dun dun… Norbert’s Dragonfruit Surprise!”
[Subscribe to our list for a free e-cookbook, dragonfruit recipes, and the next installment in Norbert & Nobbie’s Adventures!]
- 2 dragonfruits (about 2 cups worth of flesh)
- 1 lime
- 1-2 tb honey or maple syrup (V)
- pinch of sea salt
- pinch of cinnamon
- Food process the dragonfruit and add the rest of the ingredients until well-mixed.
- Pour into ice cream maker and make according to maker specifications, or alternatively just freeze and eat within a few hours, or defrost for 15 minutes to soften.
Good morning,
The cookbook looks amazing. You’re a very good writer, and did you draw that picture?
Anita
Thanks Anita! My very talented friend (@hyin_chan) provided the illustration 🙂
You’re so welcome, I enjoy your little stories so much, and the illustrations are truly magnificent. I love that little dragon, makes me want to cry too. Keep up the great work.