Elmer and His Mother

My Father's Dragon

This flow traces the conflict between Elmer’s care for Old Alley Cat and his mother’s refusal, which precipitates his departure.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Cat Comes Home The Cat Comes Home from "My Father's Dragon". An Unwelcome Guest Elmer’s invitation Elmer brings Old Alley Cat home because she is cold and uncomfortable. The cat hopes for warmth and a saucer of milk.

The Cat Comes Home from "My Father's Dragon". An Unwelcome Guest Elmer’s invitation Elmer brings Old Alley Cat home because she is cold and uncomfortable. The cat hopes for warmth and a saucer of milk.

An Unwelcome Guest Elmer’s invitation Elmer brings Old Alley Cat home because she is cold and uncomfortable. The cat hopes for warmth and a saucer of milk. A conflict waiting Elmer’s kindness enters a household where his mother dislikes cats. The differing responses establish the family tension that follows.

The Refusal of Milk The Refusal of Milk from "My Father's Dragon". A Clear Boundary The mother’s position Elmer’s mother refuses to feed the stray, arguing that one saucer could invite every stray in town.

The Refusal of Milk from "My Father's Dragon". A Clear Boundary The mother’s position Elmer’s mother refuses to feed the stray, arguing that one saucer could invite every stray in town.

A Clear Boundary The mother’s position Elmer’s mother refuses to feed the stray, arguing that one saucer could invite every stray in town. She rejects the cat rather than consider Elmer’s attachment. The child’s dilemma Elmer must choose whether to obey the household rule or continue caring for his friend. The conflict becomes a question of loyalty.

Secret Feeding Secret Feeding from "My Father's Dragon". Care in Defiance Elmer’s response Despite his mother’s refusal, Elmer secretly brings Old Alley Cat milk each day.

Secret Feeding from "My Father's Dragon". Care in Defiance Elmer’s response Despite his mother’s refusal, Elmer secretly brings Old Alley Cat milk each day.

Care in Defiance Elmer’s response Despite his mother’s refusal, Elmer secretly brings Old Alley Cat milk each day. The hidden routine protects their friendship but increases the risk of discovery. Escalation His private kindness challenges parental authority without resolving the disagreement. The eventual confrontation is made likely by the secrecy itself.

The Saucer Discovered The Saucer Discovered from "My Father's Dragon". Punishment and Expulsion The confrontation Elmer’s mother finds the cat’s saucer in the cellar, whips Elmer, and throws Old Alley Cat out the door.

The Saucer Discovered from "My Father's Dragon". Punishment and Expulsion The confrontation Elmer’s mother finds the cat’s saucer in the cellar, whips Elmer, and throws Old Alley Cat out the door.

Punishment and Expulsion The confrontation Elmer’s mother finds the cat’s saucer in the cellar, whips Elmer, and throws Old Alley Cat out the door. A decisive rupture The punishment does not merely forbid feeding; it makes the home feel hostile to Elmer’s compassion. His later departure grows from this rupture.

Departure Made Possible Departure Made Possible from "My Father's Dragon". Leaving Home The decision After hearing about Baby Dragon, Elmer feels angry enough at his mother that running away for a while no longer makes him sad.

Departure Made Possible from "My Father's Dragon". Leaving Home The decision After hearing about Baby Dragon, Elmer feels angry enough at his mother that running away for a while no longer makes him sad.

Leaving Home The decision After hearing about Baby Dragon, Elmer feels angry enough at his mother that running away for a while no longer makes him sad. From conflict to action The family disagreement helps propel him toward the rescue, though the mission is also grounded in concern for the dragon. Defiance becomes purposeful travel.

on the rainy day of their first meeting

shortly after the cat arrives

during the following three weeks

after three weeks of secret feeding

the afternoon Elmer chooses the dragon rescue