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Alex Granderson was a financial analyst in the city, but because rent was so expensive, he rented an apartment with his friend Max Token. They lived in Brooklyn Heights and took the subway to work every morning.

While violent crime was rare, it was rising, and along with his work position, Alex was feeling very stressed and ready for a vacation.

Max, while they were on their way to work, proposed a vacation idea: “You know how you’ve been wanting a vacation?” asked Max.

“Yeah, do you have an idea?” replied Alex.

“Actually, I was reading up on Iceland, and I thought it would be cool.”

“Of course it would be cool; it’s Iceland.”

“Don’t be a wiseass,” remarked Max. “It has plenty of hot springs, ice caves, volcanoes, and, most importantly, beautiful women.” Nodding as he spoke.

Alex rubbed his chin and raised an eyebrow. “Now the last part sounds interesting. I guess it could be fun. I’ve never been to Iceland, and it might be fun at that. Two wild and crazy New Yorkers.”

“What are you, a Dan Akroyd rerun on SNL?” Max joked.

After a long day at Goldman Sachs, the two men were ready to head home. While they were eating dinner, they searched the internet for excursions in Iceland.

“Wow,” Max said, “did you know Iceland has about 500 earthquakes a week? That’s fascinating.”

“I wanted to get away from stress, and now you want me to travel to the frozen tundra and shake my brains out,” complained Alex.

“Just stop it, you whiner. They’re all minor quakes. Besides, we both need this vacation, and it’ll be nice to go after the heatwave we’ve been having,” replied Max.

Alex and Max took their week-long vacation at the end of June. They packed for all kinds of weather in Iceland. “You’re going to look like Nanook of the North with the clothes you brought with you,” Alex chided Max.

“Hey, I’m going to be prepared for everything. They say pack for all four seasons.”

“Yeah, but not on the flight,” chuckled Alex.

“Ha ha, funny man. You know, your sense of humor still really stinks. I guess you’re ready for fatherhood with those stupid jokes.”

Alex and Max joked with each other on the flight in between watching a couple of movies. When they exited the jet, they felt the cooler air hit their faces as they walked down the jetway.

Max rubbed his hands together. “This is going to be fun. Let’s get settled in the hotel and check out a restaurant bar. We can have dinner and check out the local women.”

“Actually, I might try to find the hot springs, as my body is sore from the trip,” replied Alex.

“What, did you turn into an old man on the flight over? Come on, buddy. We’re on vacation; it’s time to party.”

“Let’s get settled first and go from there.”

Max stared wide-eyed at Alex, his head tilted. “You will not embarrass me on this trip.”

“I embarrass you. Remember, you’re the one who looks like the Michelin man with that outfit.”

They settled into the hotel and enjoyed the evening at a local pub. On the third day, they scheduled their trip to the Kalta Ice Caves. The tour guide gave her safety speech along with the history of the ice caves. Alex and Max were eager to investigate the caves.

As they walked in, “Ah nuts,” Alex mumbled.

“What?” asked Max.

“I forgot my gloves.”

“Nice move. And you’ve been giving me grief about all my clothes that I brought.”

“Of course, and rightfully so.”

Max looked at Alex and said, “At least I have gloves, and my hands will be warm.”

“Shut up, man. I’ll buy a pair at the gift shop.”

With his hands in his coat pockets, Alex moved through the cave slowly, turning in every direction, taking it all in. “Wow. This is cool,” he mumbled.

As he walked deeper into the cave, Alex found a slight crevice he could fit into and decided to check it out. The ice cave was mostly opaque blue and white, but in this crevice, it was more translucent.

“What the…” Alex squinted in this one section of ice that had a darker blue in the shape of something; he couldn’t put his finger on it. He took his hands out of his pockets and rested them on the ice to get a closer look without banging his head. As his palms rested on the ice wall, it seemed to shimmer.

“This is amazing. Hey Max, get over here. You’ve got to see this.”

As he stared into the ice, there appeared to be a slight movement, and Alex felt a sudden warmth on his hands. “Whoa!” shouted Alex as he stumbled backward and hit his back on the opposite side of the ice.

Max showed up. “What?”

“Look at this,” Alex pointed to the dark shape in the ice.

“Oh, yeah. That’s incredible. It looks like something froze in there. It’s difficult to make out what it is.”

Alex stood there, staring at the shape. “I think it winked at me,” he stammered.

“Geez, Alex. Here, take my gloves. Maybe your cold hands are scrambling your brain. Whatever it is, it’s frozen; it can’t blink at you.”

“My hands aren’t cold anymore,” remarked Alex as his gaze never left the dark shape.

“Come on, the tour is almost over. We’ll head back to the hotel and get you something to drink.”

Alex didn’t move immediately. He simply stared at the shape in the ice. Max grabbed Alex’s coat and dragged him. “Come on, Iceman.”

Their flight back was uneventful; they slept almost the entire trip and arrived Saturday evening. As they walked through JFK Airport, Alex noticed news coverage of a major earthquake in Iceland.

“Whoa, Max, look.” Alex pointed to the TV monitor, where CNN was reporting on the incident. A shiver shot down his spine, and he shrugged his shoulders up.

“Wow, that was where we were.” Max remarked, “I hope everyone is okay.”

“Yeah, me too.”

They made it back to the apartment and readied themselves for the back-to-work grind. The workweek was uneventful, and Alex and Max decided to chill out after coming back from their trip.

As Friday approached, a sudden, unexpected cold front hit New York and New England. Alex and Max were watching the news before heading to work.

Newscaster: “This sudden cold front has brought in cloudy conditions and near-record cold temps throughout the tri-state region. We’ll have an update in the evening, but along with the clouds, there have been sightings of a blue object flying through the sky. It appears visible between the cloud formations.”

Click!

“What did you do that for?” asked Max.

“We’re going to be late for work. Come on, let’s go,” replied Alex.

“I wanted to see what the flying object is.”

“Later, let’s move.”

The two men walked to the subway station. “Man, it’s cold out. What are we still in Iceland?” joked Alex.

“Yeah, it sure feels like it. But at least you remembered your gloves.” Max chuckled to himself.

Alex didn’t comment; he just shook his head.

While at the office, several conversations were about the cold weather and the mysterious blue object flying through the sky. Betty Johnson, a fellow junior analyst, walked by the small group conversation.

“Hey, Betty, did you hear about the flying object that has been reported not too far from here?” asked Alex.

Betty replied, “Hi, guys. Yeah, I’ve heard about it this morning, but I’m busy working as you boys should be doing.”

Betty continued walking as Alex’s focus lingered on her as she walked away. Max noticed this: “When are you going to learn? She’s not interested in you.”

“Well, a guy can dream, right?” responded Alex.

On their way home, “What do you say, Chinese food tonight?” Max asked.

“Sure, but it’s your turn to buy.”

“Okay. The usual for you?”

“Yep.”

“Okay, spring rolls, chicken with veggies in brown sauce, and brown rice.”

Max headed to their favorite Chinese restaurant as Alex headed up to the apartment. It was still cold outside, so Alex raised the heat a bit to take the chill out of the air. He hung up his coat and headed to the kitchen to get himself a beer.

Might as well start the weekend. He thought. Beer and Chinese food.

Alex took his first sip. “Ah, that’s good,” he moaned.

Clang!

A sudden sound came from outside the terrace. Alex choked on the beer he was drinking. “What the…” he muttered.

He put the beer down and picked up a frying pan. Alex slowly walked toward the sliding glass door that led out to their terrace. He peeked around the wall and moved closer.

“Nothing. I could have sworn I heard a noise out there,” said Alex.

He opened the sliding glass door to take a look outside. “Brr, it’s getting colder out here.” He then sniffed the air and furrowed his brow. “It smells like the ice cave out here,” he mumbled.

Alex walked back in and closed the door.

CLANG!

Alex whipped around, “WHOA!” He screamed. He backed away and tripped over the end table, knocking the lamp off to the side with a crash and landing on his back with a loud thud.

Felix sorry Alex, miss first time. Fly back again.

Lying on his back, “What, what,” he stammered with the wind knocked out of him. Alex rolled onto his side, got up on all fours, and then started coughing.

Alex okay?

Alex blinked and took in the sight in front of him. Perched on the railing was a blue dragon with red streaks on its legs and wings, and red streaks running down its spine to the end of its tail. Glass-like spikes caught the light along his wings and spine. They also stuck out around his head, neck, tail, and legs, but what stood out the most was his bright blue eyes and his smile.

He blinked several times. Still, on all fours, Alex mumbled to himself, “This can’t be real. What’s happening to me?”

The dragon asked again, Alex, okay?

“Yeah, I’m okay, thanks,” he paused. “Wait a minute, did you just talk to me?” Eyes wide. He slowly stood. “Are you going to hurt me?” asked Alex.

No, Alex, my friend.

“How do you know my name?”

We meet in ice. You touch Felix.

Alex dropped his jaw. He looked down, brow furrowed, and cocked his head to one side, then shook it. “This…this can’t be happening. How?”

Felix not know how, but Felix find you. Alex, my friend.

Alex looked back at the dragon and was still in shock. “Ah, who’s Felix?” Alex asked.

My name Felix.

“Okay, Felix. Ah, why did you fly here to find me?”

Alex free Felix

Alex straightened up and looked left and right. “I freed you,” he whispered. He thought for a moment, then his eyes shot open wide. “I remember when I touched the ice, my hands felt warm, and you blinked.”

Felix stared at Alex with his bright eyes, his smile infectious, and Alex felt himself smiling back at Felix. Alex heard the door open. “Oh, shoot.”

Shoot what? Felix asked.

“Not you, Felix,” Alex raised his hand for Felix to stay there.

“Who are you calling Felix?” asked Max from the kitchen.

Alex walked into the kitchen. “Ah, Max. I want you to remain calm, okay?”

“Why? What did you break?”

“Well, I tripped over the end table and think I broke the lamp, but that’s not what I’m talking about. I want to show you something, and I don’t want you to freak out.”

“Freak out about what?” a confused Max asked.

“I think I found out what everybody saw flying, and he’s a friend of mine.” Alex’s hands raised a bit and moved up and down as he spoke.

Max stared at Alex, “What the hell are you talking about? How many beers did you have already?”

“It’s not that. Now follow me, and there’s nothing to be frightened about.”

“You’re crazy, but okay. There’s nothing you can show me that’ll make me scared. Let’s go.”

Max followed Alex into the living room and had him look out the sliding glass door to the terrace. Alex turned around and said, while he pointed to the terrace, “Max, meet Felix. Felix, this is my friend Max. He was with me at the ice cave.”

Max was shaking his head, thinking, He’s lost his marbles.

His eyes moved to the terrace. “WHOA!” He ran to the front door.

“Stop, you wuss. I thought you said there’s nothing here to scare you.”

Max stopped as he was about to open the door. “That’s a dragon,” he said tentatively.

“Yeah, it followed us here. Remember when I showed you the blue shape in the ice and I thought it winked at me?” asked Alex.

“Yeah,” Max uttered.

“Well, apparently, he got out of the ice and found us. He said I freed him.”

“What, are you talking to it?”

“Yep, he says his name is Felix, as I mentioned to you before. Well, he says we’re his friends, or at least he said I’m his friend. You, I think, are going to be his dinner,” joked Alex.

“What!?” screamed Max.

“Oh, chill out! I’m only kidding,” joked Alex.

Max walked back to the living room with Alex. “How are you talking to it?” “Him,” Alex corrected. “Him,” Max conceded, “if the sliding door is closed, and he’s outside?” asked Max.

“Good question, that I didn’t even think about because I was too focused on the dragon on our terrace.” Alex looked at Felix, and the dragon cocked his head to the side, still smiling. “You know, Felix, you are the happiest dragon I’ve ever met.”

“Excuse me,” Max emphasized, “how many dragons have you met?”

“Okay, I guess it came out wrong, but he appears to be a very happy dragon,” Alex said, smiling.

Felix very happy, find Alex. Alex is my friend.

“Thank you, Felix. I am happy you are here, too.”

“He said something to you, because I didn’t hear a thing. It must be telepathy. Can you talk to me, Felix?” asked Max.

“Okay, Felix,” said Alex.

“What did he say?”

“Come to the terrace,” replied Alex, as he opened the terrace door. Felix stuck his head into the apartment and blinked while looking at Max.

“Place your palm on his forehead.”

Max hesitated but moved forward cautiously to the terrace door. Felix looked into Max’s eyes and smiled. Max couldn’t help but smile back as he placed his hand on Felix’s forehead.

“Whoa! That was so cool. My hand felt warm on his head,” blurted Max.

Felix like Max too.

“Thanks, Felix. Hey, I can hear him. I like you as well, Felix. What brings you to New York?” he asked.

I find Alex. Now I find you. Felix have new friends. Make Felix very happy.

“You didn’t have friends back in Iceland?” inquired Alex.

No, Felix not have friend for long time. Felix had a sadness in his eyes as he said that.

“Well, you have friends now, Felix. What do you eat? I’m sure you’re hungry.” Alex added, “Wait a minute, Felix, you have to be careful that you’re not seen out here.”

Felix blend in, no one see.

“We see you now,” remarked Max.

Felix let you.

“But they saw you fly through the clouds.”

Felix no blend well flying.

“Well, we have Chinese food if you’re hungry,” commented Max.

Felix go eat fish, come back later.

Felix lifted off from the terrace and flew into the clouds. Alex and Max closed the terrace door, looked at each other, and then started to laugh.

“Can you believe it?” Max asked. “We have a pet dragon named Felix. Wait till the guys at Goldman hear about this.”

“We can’t tell anyone about Felix,” insisted Alex. “If the word gets out, they’ll come and either try to capture him or kill him. But we’re going to have to figure out where he can stay, because it can’t be in the apartment.”

Max nodded, “We couldn’t cover the cost of the deposit for him.”

Alex chuckled, “That would be the least of our problems. Let’s figure this out while we eat. I’m suddenly very hungry.”

“Yeah, me too. Especially for fish,” remarked Max.

They spoke about Felix while eating their Chinese food. It was decided that Felix could hide out on the roof of their apartment building. Felix showed up about an hour after dinner, then Alex told him to stay up on the roof for the evening, where he would be safe. The next morning, Alex and Max let Felix know they needed to go to work and would see him later.

Felix come to work with you?

“Sorry, Felix,” Alex started. “It’s not a good idea for you to come to work with us. For one, you’d be seen, which would end up causing a scene, and two, because you wouldn’t be able to fit in the office building.”

Felix blinked at them, his eyes drooping slightly, and his smile faded.

“Don’t worry, Felix,” commented Alex. “We’ll be home soon, so hang out on the roof, and we’ll see you later.”

Felix flew back up to the roof while Max and Alex headed to work. They noticed it was even colder than yesterday, and were now wearing their heavy winter coats. The talk around the office centered on the blue object that had been seen again, which appeared to have wings. Even Betty was in on the discussion this time, while Max and Alex were trying to get everyone to shrug it off.

Betty walked up to Alex at his cubicle. “So what’s up with you? Yesterday you were all in on this thing, yet today you’re like someone else?” Betty asked.

“I…I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Alex said, looking away. “I should get to work.”

“Oh, no, you don’t, mister. You’ve been dying to talk to me since you joined the firm. Now, you’re going to blow me off. What gives?” pestered Betty.

“I could ask you the same thing. You blew me off for a year, and now suddenly you want to talk to me,” Alex retorted.

“You’re right, Alex. I’m sorry. I didn’t want to get involved with anyone from work because I wanted to be taken seriously. It was nothing personal.”

“Okay, thanks for the apology.”

Alex turned his attention back to his files on his desk. Betty crossed her arms, her lips tight and turned downward. “You know something, and I’m not leaving here until you tell me.”

Alex swiveled his chair back to face Betty. “Do you really want to know?”

“Yes, of course I do,” she pleaded.

“Okay. Then you can join Max and me after work for dinner at our apartment. What do you like to eat?”

“I’m not going with you guys to your place.”

“If you want to find out, you will.” Alex swiveled back to his work on his desk.

Betty didn’t answer; she just walked away. Alex shared the exchange with Max. “You were taking a chance on sharing it with her. What if she couldn’t keep a secret? You‘re the one who didn’t want this to get out.”

“I know,” Alex muttered. “It just felt like the right idea.”

“It tells me you’ll do anything to have a date with her.”

Alex didn’t respond, but went back to work. At the end of the workday, Alex and Max headed home. “Damn, it’s getting colder out here. The weather’s been crazy,” said Max.

Before Alex could respond, they heard a voice from behind them, “Hey, wait up.”

They turned around to see Betty jogging to catch up. When she caught up, “Good thing I brought sneakers to change into. Jogging in heels is not recommended.”

“So, you’ve decided to join us,” commented Alex. His breath was visible.

“I don’t like it,” argued Max.

As they continued to the subway and then to their apartment, Max conceded. “Fine,” Max muttered. “But if this goes sideways, I’m blaming you.”

When they entered the apartment, they removed their coats, Alex taking Betty’s, then headed to the terrace sliding glass door.

“Okay, so tell me,” ordered Betty.

“Actually,” started Alex, “I’m going to show you, but you have to remain calm and have a seat on the couch.” Alex and Max were smiling, and Betty felt nervous.

“Are you guys crazy?” Betty asked.

“No,” Alex said, “just give me a minute to call him down.”

“Call whom?”

Alex opened the terrace door, and a blast of cold air rushed in. “Brr, Felix!” Then he closed the door again.

“Who’s Felix?” Betty asked.

CLANG!

Betty jumped up and screamed, backing away from the terrace and standing behind Max. “Easy, you’ll frighten him,” boomed Max.

Alex and Max back. Felix happy.

“We’re happy to see you, too, Felix. We brought a friend of ours for you to meet. Felix, meet Betty.”

Felix blinked, and his blue eyes sparkled. He cocked his head and smiled. Betty stared at Felix. She was afraid, but slowly inched forward.

“If you want to speak with him, touch his forehead and create a connection. I did it,” said Max.

“Let’s put our coats on so I can open the door,” suggested Alex.

Once everyone was bundled up, Alex opened the door, and Felix stuck his head inside. Alex gave Felix a hug, who closed his eyes and cooed. While Alex hugged Felix, Betty slowly moved toward them. She moved her hand reluctantly until she placed her palm on his forehead. Felix smiled at her touch.

“Is he purring?” she asked.

“Feels that way. He’s amazing, isn’t he?”

“Yes, he is.”

Thank you, Betty.

Her eyes opened wide. “I heard him,” piped Betty. “You’re welcome, Felix.”

While Betty petted and chatted with Felix, Max ordered pizza.

“Felix, do you have a family back home?” she asked.

Felix dropped his eyes, and it almost looked as if he were crying.

Family all gone. Felix alone.

“I’m sorry, Felix. Do you have any friends?” Betty asked mournfully.

Friends all gone. Felix have Alex, Max and you now.

He smiled at Betty and nodded. When the pizza arrived, Felix flew off to catch fish.

“Won’t he get spotted?” asked Betty.

“According to him, no. He has a way of not being seen unless he wants to be,” responded Alex.

They spoke during dinner, then Betty said goodnight to Felix, and Alex walked her home.

Alex like Betty.

“A lot, but she doesn’t want to know him,” said Max.

No, Betty like Alex.

“Really, how can you tell?”

Felix know.

“Well, I’m not going to tell him. Let them figure it out on their own. It’ll be fun to watch.”

Felix cocked his head, and Max smiled. The next couple of days, while the talk about the blue object was still on the news, the weather became a concern. There were also reports of increased volcanic and earthquake activity in Iceland.

Each evening that week, Betty joined Alex and Max for dinner. She always found herself returning to the same question: how Felix had ended up imprisoned in the ice.

Felix’s eyes dropped every time.

No want to talk about.

On Friday, Betty once again joined Alex, and Max for dinner and to spend time with Felix. Betty requested that Alex purchase certain items and that she would cook dinner for them that night. Alex and Max purchased a bushel of fresh fish and wanted to surprise Felix.

“I’ll start cooking while you guys feed Felix,” said Betty.

Alex and Max opened the terrace door, keeping their coats, hats, and gloves on. “Felix!” They both called. Felix landed on his perch, the terrace railing, and smiled at both men.

“Hi, Felix. We have a surprise for you,” Alex said joyfully.

Surprise for Felix. Felix never have surprise.

“We brought you a bushel of fish so you can eat with us and not have to fly off for your dinner,” replied Max.

Felix nodded and smiled.

Felix very happy.

“Dinner’s ready, boys,” Betty shouted from the kitchen.

Alex set up a table and chairs in the living room so they could eat with Felix. They all enjoyed the moment of conversation with Felix during dinner. Betty glanced up at Alex while they were eating, and quickly looked away when he looked up.

Dinner smell good.

“You can smell our dinner from outside?” asked Betty.

Yes, Felix have good nose.

They all chuckled, and Betty glanced at Alex, “I cooked us fish. So we could join you.” She looked at Alex. “Thank you for sticking with me and introducing me to Felix. He is a joy to be around.”

See, Felix know.

“Know what, Felix?” Alex asked.

Betty like Alex, Alex like Betty.

Alex looked at Betty and smiled. Betty turned beet red. “Well, of course I like him, he introduced me to you.”

You no fool Felix. Felix know, you like Alex.

He nodded his head and bobbed his neck and torso, all with a big smile.

“He is a character, isn’t he?” Max added.

Felix went back to eating while they cleaned up the living room and turned on the TV. There was a special broadcast that interrupted the show they had on.

“Breaking news report: the continued drop in temperatures still baffles meteorologists. Record-cold temperatures, and now they are predicting a severe winter storm that could dump as much as 3 feet of snow in the tri-state and New England areas. They are trying to determine if changes in temperature, earthquakes, and volcanic activity in Iceland are connected to the cold temperatures. There are now reports that these quakes are reaching Greenland, parts of northern Canada, and the UK. The volcanic activity is apparently affecting the Earth’s core, and scientists have begun exploring ways to prevent a catastrophic global event. Will monitor the events and broadcast any further developments on the news.”

“Wow, did you guys hear that?” Max asked.

Betty and Alex joined him in the living room, and all three stared at the TV. There was an uneasy silence, and Alex glanced over at Felix. He wasn’t eating any longer, but staring at the TV, as were they.

Alex suddenly had shivers run down his spine. “Felix, are you okay?”

Felix was silent as Max and Betty looked at him as well. No one spoke until Felix looked away from the TV and at them.

Felix must go.

“What!?” bellowed Alex.

Felix must go back Iceland.

“Why?” Betty asked.

Felix have job.

“What do you mean, Felix’s job?” asked Alex.

Felix balance planet, must go, save Alex, Max, and Betty.

“Well, if you need to be in Iceland, then I’ll move up there with you. You’re my friend, and I won’t abandon you.”

No, Alex stay with Max and Betty.

“Then we’ll all go,” said Betty.

“Yes, we’ll all stay with you,” Max added.

Felix blinked, and tears dripped down his face. Felix have good friends, always remember, forever. Friends must stay here.

“Why, Felix?” pleaded Alex.

Felix must go deep in ice. Friends no live there.

Alex straightened his spine, “Felix. Are you saying that you have to live inside the ice to stop the planet from having severe earthquakes and volcanoes?”

Felix nodded. Felix must go now, before too late.

Alex quickly moved to the terrace, opened the door, and hugged Felix. Max and Betty joined him. Betty’s sobbing was the only sound other than the wind. Felix wrapped his neck around them for nearly a minute. He then straightened up, pushing Alex, Max, and Betty off his neck. Without another word, Felix lifted skyward.

Alex yelled, “I love you, Felix.”

They stood on the terrace, watching Felix disappear into the clouds. “It’s just not fair,” mumbled Alex. “He has to live his life, frozen in the ice, alone. It’s just not fair.”

The three friends went back inside and sat silently on the couch. Betty leaned into Alex, and he placed his arm around her. She rested her head on his shoulders. No one spoke.

Monday morning, back at Goldman Sachs, all their colleagues were rejoicing over how the weather had returned to normal. Planning trips to the beach, while Alex, Max, and Betty sat quietly together.

A colleague asked, “What’s up with you guys? The weather’s beautiful.”

“We lost a great friend over the weekend.” Was all that Alex would say.

A year later, the three of them vacationed in Iceland and visited the Kalta Ice Caves. Together, they walked, looking for any crevice where Felix might be. They all placed their hands on the ice wall, hoping that Felix could feel them.

Deep inside the ice, Felix smiled.