This is simple, and perfectly captures the essence of the story.

I like how you've conveyed Spike's posture; it's strikingly clear despite the back angle and the distance in perspective. I'll be honest and say that the door kinda juts out from the rest of the scene, but I'm not sure why. Maybe the lines are too clean, compared to the swishing lines of the ravine or the wispy lines in Spike's spines. But then again, it's probably your intention for the door to stick out, after all. :P

I didn't know that was Spike.

I wouldn’t have gotten this image without the story. I admit it’s not an easy story to illustrate.