Elmer and Old Alley Cat

My Father's Dragon

This flow follows the trust between Elmer and Old Alley Cat from a small act of care to the advice that enables a rescue.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

An Offer of Shelter An Offer of Shelter from "My Father's Dragon". Kindness in the Rain The meeting Elmer finds Old Alley Cat cold and uncomfortable and offers to take her home.

An Offer of Shelter from "My Father's Dragon". Kindness in the Rain The meeting Elmer finds Old Alley Cat cold and uncomfortable and offers to take her home.

Kindness in the Rain The meeting Elmer finds Old Alley Cat cold and uncomfortable and offers to take her home. She accepts the chance to sit by a warm furnace and have milk. A generous beginning Their friendship begins with attention to an overlooked creature. Elmer’s instinctive kindness establishes the moral center of his later choices.

The Mother’s Refusal The Mother’s Refusal from "My Father's Dragon". A Home Divided Opposition Elmer’s mother objects to feeding a stray and refuses to provide milk. Her hostility turns a simple welcome into a family conflict.

The Mother’s Refusal from "My Father's Dragon". A Home Divided Opposition Elmer’s mother objects to feeding a stray and refuses to provide milk. Her hostility turns a simple welcome into a family conflict.

A Home Divided Opposition Elmer’s mother objects to feeding a stray and refuses to provide milk. Her hostility turns a simple welcome into a family conflict. Loyalty under pressure Elmer’s affection for Old Alley Cat leads him to continue caring for her despite the consequences. The bond becomes an active choice rather than a passing sentiment.

The Secret Saucer The Secret Saucer from "My Father's Dragon". Care Kept Quiet Persistence Elmer secretly brings Old Alley Cat a saucer of milk each day.

The Secret Saucer from "My Father's Dragon". Care Kept Quiet Persistence Elmer secretly brings Old Alley Cat a saucer of milk each day.

Care Kept Quiet Persistence Elmer secretly brings Old Alley Cat a saucer of milk each day. When his mother discovers the saucer, she punishes him and throws the cat out. The relationship tested The punishment does not end their loyalty. Their companionship survives even when the household offers no welcome.

The Park Conversation The Park Conversation from "My Father's Dragon". An Idea Takes Flight Shared confidence Elmer and Old Alley Cat walk together and talk about his wish to fly.

The Park Conversation from "My Father's Dragon". An Idea Takes Flight Shared confidence Elmer and Old Alley Cat walk together and talk about his wish to fly.

An Idea Takes Flight Shared confidence Elmer and Old Alley Cat walk together and talk about his wish to fly. She listens closely enough to treat the wish as a real possibility. Advice as affection Her suggestion grows from care for Elmer and knowledge of the dragon. Friendship supplies not only comfort but a direction for action.

The Mission Entrusted The Mission Entrusted from "My Father's Dragon". Preparation Together Practical support Old Alley Cat explains what she knows about Wild Island and helps Elmer assemble a secret travel kit.

The Mission Entrusted from "My Father's Dragon". Preparation Together Practical support Old Alley Cat explains what she knows about Wild Island and helps Elmer assemble a secret travel kit.

Preparation Together Practical support Old Alley Cat explains what she knows about Wild Island and helps Elmer assemble a secret travel kit. Age prevents her from accompanying him. Separation with purpose She sends him onward with the knowledge and confidence he needs. Their relationship stretches across distance through the mission she helps make possible.

on a cold rainy day in Elmer’s childhood

after Old Alley Cat arrives at the family home

over the three weeks after the refusal

after the cat is driven from the house

the week before Elmer boards the ship