IanG

Your narrator's loneliness is convincing and the twist at the end is good. You raise a lot of questions over the 'imaginary' friend but a touch of mystery can be a positive.

This reminds me of what the vicar said at my father's funeral. He said this goodbye is different from all the others but don't forget see you as in see you later. Not everyone will agree but he meant well and i took it as it was meant.

I like your descriptions at the beginning. Its common for authors to change their minds while doing first drafts of stories and good that you're self-critical. Perhaps you could've described the boy's escape in more detail, it would've added excitement, but overall its a good story.

I hope things improve for both of you, and soon. It must've taken courage to share this.

Overall this is an evocative piece and you're right about nature having two sides. Regarding the beetles I'd have written 'not imprezsed' rather than 'not intimidated.' If they're fleeing thete's no question of them trying to intimidatd. Othetwise its a fine piece of writing.

A good opening and a nice twist.

I like this piece, your descriptions are vivid and the climax is a dtamatic twist. The relationship between the pets rings true.

If this is autobiographical, remember we are all a mix of strengths and weaknesses, faults and virtues. If things are hard now they may not always be. Other people may have issues they won't admit to. If their lives are perfect now they may have issues in the future. If you've made mistakes there's time to learn from them.