Spring Willows
Tue, 09/01/2026 - 1:28pm
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A fiction series by Marsha Asberry
Chapter 4
Animal Control Officer Logan stood between an indignant boy and a reticent old lady.
“See! Here’s the receipt where I bought him. Charizard is mine.”
“Harold is dragon. You can’t buy a dragon.”
Logan sighed. “Mrs. Gimblestone, the iguana belongs to Jaxson.”
“I do not have possession of such a creature.”
The fat iguana ate a tomato from the pile clearly left in the middle of the garden.
“Listen, this has been going on all summer. You’ve got to give it a rest.” Logan just really wanted to go home.
Jaxson held out a handful of lettuce.
"Charizard."
The iguana glanced at him.
Mrs. Gimblestone held up a tomato.
"Harold."
The lizard immediately headed for the prize.
Logan closed his eyes. He really did want to go home.
“She bought an entire truckload of tomatoes. You have to make her stop. Look how fat he is now.”
Mrs. Gimblestone looked smug but remained silent as she watched the iguana eat.
“He really has put on the weight. You know that’s not good for him.” Logan mused. “Wait, where does he sleep at night?”
Jaxson crossed his arms and grinned. “My house.”
Logan looked at the kid. Then Mrs. Gimblestone, who looked a bit sad. His gaze moved to the iguana and his tomatoes.
“So, he goes home every night?”
“Yes.”
“Then how did she steal him?”
Jaxson narrowed his gaze at the old woman.
Mrs. Gimblestone planted her broom on the ground.