“Momma, what makes the rainbow?” Gavin asked as he held on to his mother’s hand and braced himself against the wind. He squinted down at the cave, as if he could see through the mist.

Before she could reply, another walker said, “It’s just the light refracting through the mist.” He chuckled and walked on, talking loudly to his walking partner.

“What’s refracting?” Gavin asked.

“Means it splits up the light,” his momma said.

His brow furrowed and she smiled.

“Like when I sift flour for cake.”

“Oh.” Gavin nodded. He looked back down as another wave crashed into the shore. “Is that true? It’s just light refracting.”

She stared at the rainbow while it faded like spent fireworks in the sky. “Depends on how you look at it.” She squeezed his hand. “Let’s get going. I’ve got dinner to make.”

Gavin turned and walked back without a fuss. “How do you look at it, Momma?”

“Water makes the rainbow, but the dragon makes the water.”

“Really?” Gavin swiveled around so fast he would have slipped if not for his mother’s firm grip on his hand.

“Mmhmm,” she said and guided him back towards home. “But you mustn’t let the dragon know that you know he’s there or talk about him. He’s a shy fellow. It’s our secret.”

“Cross my heart,” Gavin said and nearly skipped home. A secret to keep was almost as good as seeing a dragon.

And deep in the sea cave, the dragon slept on as his breath caused mist to form with the waves and the walkers above had no idea what lay beneath their feet. Except for one small boy and his momma, and they would never tell.