The Great Tent of Sticks

Some days are great days. Others, not so much.
But you only realize it after the fact.

Today started like it would be a great day because I found what must be the world’s most impressive stick.
It was much longer than me, which would no doubt make me the envy of all the neighborhood dogs.

I showed it to Giggle Sprout.

He gave it several respectful “oooohs” and “aaaahs,” and we named the stick Gargantuo.

Then he said it belonged in the Great Tent of Sticks. I agreed.

The Great Tent of Sticks is a miracle to behold:
a growing collection of sticks with a mind of its own. For every stick we add, ten more mysteriously appear in the pile.

So we set off to deliver Gargantuo.

The forest strongly objected. I should have paid attention.

After two steps, a tree hit the stick. Then another. Instead of taking the hint, I resorted to dragging Gargantuo while my veggie friend cheered me on.

Eventually, we arrived.

Behold: the Great Tent of Sticks! Even larger than before.

We reverently added Gargantuo.

At that moment, Dad appeared at the edge of the clearing.

He looked at the pile for a long time, as if confirming we had clearly done this correctly. Then he made a very quick movement with something small in his hand.

A sudden flash.

The Great Tent of Sticks became extremely luminous and uncomfortably hot.

Giggle Sprout nodded thoughtfully, as if this was expected.

I rolled my eyes.
Never trust a sprout.