I love this moment of curiosity between a boy and a seagull. It feels like each is assessing the other as a potential foe.

But perhaps they’re about to discover they’re each the friend the other has always sought – imagine the adventures they could have together! In fiction, an unlikely pairing can introduce comedy, discomfort or unexpected depths of empathy. What could these two learn from one another?

Of course, observed via Philip Pullman’s rich imagination, one could be the other’s daemon.

From this starting point, invent a duo whose allegiance is as surprising as possible, and use your creative prowess to make them utterly credible.

If you write or create something prompted by this, please send an email to judydarley (at) iCloud.com to let me know. With your permission, I may publish it on SkyLightRain.com.