IanG

As usual you write vivid descriptions, and the central character's decline is renfered convincingly.

Being self-critical is usually good, it spurs us on to do the best we can. The trouble is society and peer group pressure can set impossibly high expectations, and that can lead to mental health issues. Going too far one way or another is easy, but it isn't always easy to strike a balance between trying too hard and giving up.

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.

This is a plausible scenario and you evoke it with vivid detail.

You build tension well and your narrator's feelings are believable. Perhaps you could use this as a basis for a longer story. If not its a good short piece.

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.

You were brave to shy away from a soppy but happy ending.

There's nothing wrong in being decent, so long as people don't take advantage of you. Unfortunately some people will take advantage. If you're worried about it then say something early on and try to be firm without being aggressive. If that doesn't work then you're entitled to get angry.

If this is autobiographical I hope things have improved since you wrote it.