The Dragon

My family does not believe me, especially my father. My mother gives the usual platitudes, 'of course, dear' and 'yes, I see him.' I know she means well. I also know she is lying; she told me once that Jason was 'taking up the entire space in the house.' So 'Would I like to take him out to play in the garden?' Jason, you see, he is a dragon, a tiny dragon that I carry in my pocket. He became my friend just after Herbert disappeared. Jason is very naughty, I do my best to control him, but he does set fire to things: Bits of paper, once my homework, my sister's hat, a few things in the garden shed. Then Jason set fire to the carpet in my bedroom. After that I started visiting a new doctor with my mom; and Jason.