Cabum loved the Whispering Library more than any place in the world. It wasn't a normal library; here, the books fluttered their pages like sleepy butterflies, and the air always smelled like warm honey and old paper. Cabum, who loved to explore and ask questions, would spend hours wandering between the wobbly shelves, whispering 'hello' to the stories tucked inside.

One afternoon, while exploring a dusty corner, he found a shelf he'd never seen before. A single, dark blue book sat all alone. As Cabum reached for it, a soft sound came from inside. *Grumble-rumble*. It sounded like a tiny, grumpy tummy. Cabum pulled his hand back. What was that? A book shouldn't make noise!

Being curious, Cabum leaned closer. 'Hello?' he whispered. 'Why are you so grumpy?' The book just answered with a louder *Grumble-RUMBLE!* Cabum felt his heart start to beat a little faster, *thump-thump-thump*. He wanted to ask more questions, but a wave of fear washed over him. The shadowy corner suddenly felt very big, and he felt very small.

He took a small step back, ready to run. But then he remembered what the librarian had told him: 'Every story wants to be heard, you just have to be a brave listener.' Cabum took a deep breath. He decided to be brave. He didn't run. Instead, he whispered softly, 'You don't have to be grumpy. I can be your friend.' The *grumble-rumble* stopped. Slowly, the book cover opened, and a tiny, shy paper dragon peeked out.

The little paper dragon wasn't grumpy at all, just lonely. It crawled onto Cabum's hand and nuzzled his finger. Cabum smiled. He had turned a scary sound into a brand new friend, just by being brave and kind. From that day on, the Shadowy Shelf wasn't scary anymore; it was the special spot where he and his dragon friend began all of their best adventures.