Is it Worth it?

Is it worth it? What are the costs and the benefits?
I can't even make a list of things I want to do or put effort into. Sorry, Wolf, but I can't be bothered. And while we're at it, I can't muster the energy for anything. Why should I even try anymore? I've lived long enough and done everything. Even hatched an egg that wasn't mine and saved Broer, who can't stand me now. I've bailed that old bear out of trouble time and again. My list is empty, completely empty. I'm fine with this. Exhausted, Dragon turns over. She can't be bothered with anything, least of all listing all the fun things she once wanted to do. She doesn't feel happy anymore and doesn't know why.

I have no idea how to inspire you, says Wolf. Come on, Dragon, let's go out. It used to be so much fun with everyone around. When was the last time we saw WUK? Let's go find her. Maybe Little Vampire will tag along too? What do you reckon? Let's see if we can snag an early bird discount.

Oh, give it a rest. How can you get a discount on something you're not even buying? grumbled Dragon. The tip of her tail tapped the ground, her way of soothing herself to sleep.

Well, if you've got nothing for your list, y'know, things you want to do, then... then... I know! Let's ask a Curriculum Specialist what you could do? I heard there's one in the enchanted forest.

The forest burned down, Dragon replied. You did that. Have you forgotten already? We can't go there anytime soon. That's the weight of what we carry. That deranged sorcerer hasn't forgotten us. He's lying in wait to snatch you, and I really don't have the energy to rescue you again.

It's Friday, Wolf began. Come on, Dragon, the weekend's ahead of us. We could do something together. You love rhymes, spells, and poems, yeah? How about we put together a folio of poetry and perform it for Paddington or that grumpy Tortoise? Wolf chuckled, and for a second, he thought Dragon laughed too. He trotted to the mouth of the cave and shook his head. This was harder than he'd expected. Dragon was in a proper funk. He'd never seen her like this. She'd always been the cheeriest of the lot, never worrying about a thing.

Well? asked Tortoise.

Wolf shook his head. Whatever I say, she just grumbles or doesn't react. She can't be arsed with anything. The spark's gone, and I don't know how to fix it. I didn't even give her those self-care tools.

Did you invite her to my pool?

Wolf nodded.

I also said we could go to the enchanted forest, but she reckons we can't go there yet. It's like she's scared, more scared than I should be of that nasty sorcerer.

Maybe you ought to fetch help, said Tortoise after a long pause. Or...

Or what?

If she won't come to the mountain, the mountain must come to her. Slowly, Tortoise rose from her beloved pond. Carcasses flew everywhere as she emerged. She was massive, far bigger than Wolf had imagined. How on earth did she fit in that puddle? Wolf wondered.

Let's go, said Tortoise. Time to put an end to this gloom. Go on holiday. You're a dragon too, aren't you?

What d'you mean? asked Wolf, baffled.

You might look different, but you're a dragon, just like...

Dragon?

Tortoise smirked as she lumbered toward the cave.

Thank goodness she's so big, thought Wolf, or this'd take bloody ages.

Fancy flying instead? asked Tortoise. It's been a while since I stretched my wings.

_{The picture is mine
all 7 prompts provided by @freewritehouse are used
16.6.25
The original text is Dutch}