After an unsuccessful year of living in the big city and his dreams unfulfilled, his parents told him to come home.
The train entered a tunnel. When it broke out of the tunnel, Gareth froze. With his heart racing and his mind in shock, he pushed the red dragon's tail off his lap.
"Pardon my tail, Gareth. I'm too big for this cabin. Just a minute," the red dragon said. Then, he shrank to human size and sat in the seat opposite of Gareth.
"So, you're goin' home are ya? Well, first, you look mighty stupid in that jelly roll hairdo, that leather jacket won't keep you warm at home, and your guitar needs tuning," the dragon said without breathing fire.
Gareth took off his glasses, rubbed his eyes and replaced his glasses. The red dragon was still there.
"What's going on? Am I dreaming or having a nightmare?"
"Neither. Do you want me to spit some fire to prove I'm real? I can do that if you want."
"No. Give me a minute to wake up."
"I haven't much time. Get out your guitar, tune it up and play the "Suo Gan" lullaby," he said as he pointed a foot at the guitar case on the overhead rack. "None of this "Jailhouse Rock". That's not your style."
In fear of being incinerated by dragon fire, Gareth did as he was told.
"Great. Now, go wash your hair and get rid of that ridiculous jelly roll. You're not Elvis!" the red dragon said. He was going to blow some hot air at Gareth but thought that would be too much for him to handle.
In fear of being burnt toast, Gareth did as he was told.
When he returned to his cabin, the dragon was gone.
The train entered another tunnel. When it came into the sunlight, Gareth looked out the window. In the grassy field, Gareth saw his grandmother sitting under a tree playing her guitar. She looked up from her guitar, waved and gestured for Gareth to join her.
Gareth fought his tears of remembrance.
The train entered another tunnel. When it traveled into the daylight, Gareth recognized the landscape. He was almost home. Gareth took off his leather jacket, opened his bag and pulled out the woolen cardigan his mother had given him.
That evening, Gareth's family celebrated his return with a traditional Welsh feast.
After the meal, Gareth decided to play his guitar for his family. He went to his bedroom, placed the guitar case on the bed, and unlatched it. As he lifted his grandmother's guitar out of the case, he saw three bright red dragon scales shining in the corner of the case.
Gareth smiled.