What a thorny situation

Calico Jack had been to this place before but had not really taken his time to explore it. Determined to learn the useful paths that wouldn’t poke him or pack members every time they passed, the boy had set out to the thorn laden land in the hopes of conquering it. Quickly, he began to regret all his life choices. At first, he had circled the briar infested area well away from the tangle of plants as his icy blue eyes searched for the beginning of a path.

It was easy enough to find one and, confidently, the boy had struck out, ready for a grand adventure… only to discover some ways in, that the chosen wrong path. Thorns snagged his coat, pulling chunks of his white and colorful fur away, leaving them to dance happily behind on the gentle breeze. But he would not be deterred and, foolhardily, the boy continued to plow ahead, shifting from one path to another when the way got too clogged with vines.

For a while, it was a lot of the same as Calico Jack moved further in and he began to feel the sting of several of those demandable thorns that decided they wished to hitch a ride. If he wasn’t so far into the maze, Jack might have turned back but he is committed (and stubborn) and has to see his way through to the other side. He begins to walk stiffly as his unwelcomed riders continuously poke at his skin with each movement but he does not dare stop and pluck them out in so small a confine.

Eventually, a clearing appears ahead of him and the boy trots a little faster, eager to shake out some of his pokey passengers and relieve some pain. To Jack’s great surprise, as he approaches the area, he finds in that very same clearing, a wolf has run into before. A grin appears as he lets out a soft woof to let the man know he is approaching and the boy remembers the predators that they fought before. There is also the time that Calico Jack distinctly remembers, where the man had helped him wash away the icky taste of ocular fluid from his mouth.

Stiff legged, the boy comes to a stop near the slate colored wolf, his coat a mess of brambles and stickers but still as happy as can be. Without a care in the world (okay that is lie but he won’t admit it), Calico Jack says, “Fancy meeting you here!” The boy doesn't dare attempt to sit down with the thorns all over his body.


"Calico Jack"