What is the problem of the story The Star Beast by Nicholas Stuart Gray?

In "The Star Beast" by Nicholas Stuart Gray, the central problem revolves around the conflict between the protagonist, a young boy named Billy, and the expectations of society regarding his alien pet, a creature named the Star Beast. The Star Beast, which is both beloved and misunderstood, faces threats from those who see it as a danger rather than a friend. Billy's struggle to protect the Star Beast while navigating societal pressures and prejudice highlights themes of loyalty, acceptance, and the complexities of love across differences. Ultimately, the story explores the idea of what it means to truly care for someone or something that is different from oneself.