in a single day and night of misfortune

Calico Jack moves toward the tall woman who introduces herself as Venom. With a wide grin, the pup gives a huge, embellished bow while saying, “A pleasure to meet Venom.” It is not meant in a mocking way but more of a, ‘I am the most charming pup you will ever meet’ sort of way. Her words pull a chuckle from the patchwork pup as he says, “It is extremely cold. I will be staying here until I am dry.” The dark tunnels offer warmth and shelter from the winds but the scent of trees further ahead seems very appealing. Slowly, he moves onward but hesitates a moment longer as he asks, “What about you? You’re not heading back yet… are you?”

Worry creeps into his voice as he looks back at Venom, noting that she is still damp too. Part of Calico Jack knows that, if he gets into any sort of trouble (predators and the like) that he will have no one to help him. That means if Venom leaves, then is truly and utterly alone… again. With a small, uncertain smile to the woman, Jack continues to press on, not willing to show just how scared he is. No one will come to look for him and, if he dies, no one would know. Wait… would they even care? Swallowing around a lump in his throat, the pup finds the light at the end of the tunnel and exits into a dense forest.

Mist hangs in the trees, obscuring the view of the volcano at the center of the island. Yet, the tall, towering trees still have green in their leaves which create a canopy overhead and the air is considerably warmer here than it had been on the way to the island. Moving toward the nearest dark barked tree, Jack comes to a stop at the base and slides down to his belly before curling into a tight ball. Tired and cold, the pup tries to take a nap before deciding to try and brave the waters back home. Maybe he had been foolish to come all the way out here by himself. Well, too late now.


"Calico Jack"