‘Squatch and Jack the Jackalope
By: Katelyn Parker
Illustration By: Geoff Parker
It was a perfect spring day, and all the woodland creatures were congregated in the sunshine, swapping forest gossip. The squirrels dominated most of the conversation with their incessant chatter, but the Magpies came in with strong competition. ‘Squatch sat on his rock whittling a new walking stick and listened to what his friends and neighbors had to say, feeling joyful that the creatures he cared most for were so jubilant on this beautiful day. ‘Squatch typically kept to himself, not partaking in conversation, however, he still longed for the company and the happy energy conversations had by others provided him.
He sat observing the happenings around him when the attention of the crowd was pulled eastward. Bounding up the river valley was Jack the Jackalope. Eyes began to roll, and backs were turned to the unwanted joiner. Whispers to one another moved through the crowd, the message clearly projecting disgust. As Jack moved closer to the gathering, he began shouting boastful taunts.
“Have no fear my woodland friends, Jack is here to bring the real entertainment. Who is up for the challenge of defeating my butting blows?”
You see, it was not like the creatures of the forest to leave any one individual out, but Jack had an irritating habit of making himself feel bigger by tearing others down. He would goad others into reluctantly accepting the challenge of remaining standing while he used his force and pointed antlers to try to knock them down. He would also challenge others that were knowingly slower to foot races that he knew he would win. This behavior has been tolerated for far too long.
It was ‘Squatch who spoke first, and this abnormal act took his friends by surprise. “Jack nobody wants to play your games. Why can’t you just join us for peaceful conversation? Not everything has to be a competition.”
“That’s rich coming from you ‘Squatch. The woodland creature that has been winning the greatest game of hide and seek for centuries.” Jack snapped back.
“I am not trying to antagonize you, Jack, but I think I speak for everyone in saying we aren’t interested in playing your games.”
“Ok, ‘Squatch, I’ll make you a deal. If you can beat me at a race and if you can remain standing after three of my blows, I will refrain from proposing my games to this group.”
Not being one that likes to be the center of attention, ‘Squatch was apprehensive to accept Jacks offer. He looked around at the pleading gazes of all his friends and knew he didn’t have any other choice but to do his part in freeing them from this abuse. “I’ll do it Jack, but you must promise me that if I win, you will make your best effort to join the group in an acceptable fashion. We are not trying to shut you out; we are just asking you to respect our boundaries and our wishes.”
“I accept!” Jack declared confidently.
Each contender chose their corner and began stretching their muscles, preparing their bodies for the activities to come. Jack spent the time thundering his massive back feet upon the ground in an effort to intimidate his opponent. ‘Squatch stretched quietly, listening to words of encouragement from his friends.
Percipience, the Great Horned owl, took it upon himself to mediate and judge the competition. “If the competitors are ready, we will begin with the three blows. I will not condone cheating and I will call ‘Squatch the winner if Jack portrays unsportsmanlike conduct. Am I understood?”
“Yes, thank you Percipience.” Mumbled ‘Squatch.
“Sure thing, chicken wing!” Said Jack sarcastically.
After a quick glare in Jacks direction, Percipience ordered each competitor to get in ready positions. “At the lowering of my wing, Jack may make his first blow. Ready…..set…..” and with Percipience’s wing down at his side, Jack came thundering toward ‘Squatch with his head bowed. ‘Squatch took the blow and looked to be unaffected by Jacks efforts.
“Beginners luck. You won’t be so lucky with my second and third blows. Just you wait.” With a wry smile Jack turned and resumed his ready position.
The second blow ended much the same as the first. Now the expression on Jacks face had turned from one of confidence to one of disdain and worry. He cracked his neck and stared aggressively at his opponent, waiting for Percipience’s signal. Once given, Jack ran his fastest and gave the leap into ‘Squatches abdomen all his strength. After making contact, Jack fell to the ground feeling dizzy from the force of his own blow, thinking it impossible that ‘Squatch could remain standing. He gazed up to look at his opponent and was aghast to see he stood tall, unwavering.
“It appears ‘Squatch has won this challenge 3-0. Now we will move onto the race. Are the contenders ready?” Asked Percipience.
“May I have a moment to fetch something?” Begged ‘Squatch.
“You may.” Allowed Percipience.
Jack looked after ‘Squatch with a worrying curiosity. ‘Squatch disappeared beyond the tree line and reappeared pushing a bicycle.
“Hold on a sec. You can’t ride a bicycle! I declared a foot race, you’re cheating so that means I win by default.” Jack raged as if he were a toddler throwing a tantrum.
“Actually Jack, you never declared a foot race, you only declared a race. Without this specification, ‘Squatch is allowed to travel the trail any way he wishes.” Declared Percipience. “Now, if you are both ready, I will declare this race begun.”
Jack took off like a flash, giving everything he had to his speed. ‘Squatch began pedaling, using the force of his strong legs to propel him forward. He gained speed quickly and was soon gaining on Jack. Looking over his shoulder, Jack saw ‘Squatch coming up fast and raised his eyebrows in disbelief and fear. He returned his gaze to the trail and hooked a tree branch with his left foot, throwing him tumbling forward. He sat in the trail in agony and waited for ‘Squatch to pass him in a gross display of confidence because he knew full well that is what he would do. He swiveled his head around in dismay when he heard the sound of brakes.
‘Squatch came to a stop at Jacks side and dismounted his bicycle. He bent down and asked, “are you alright?”
“Why didn’t you keep going? You could have won, and I would have been out of all your lives for good.”
“Jack, the difference between you and me is that you would run past a fallen opponent, and I would not. We just ask that you act with some more compassion and respect. We don’t want you gone forever; we just want you to be friendly.”
Jack stared back at ‘Squatch in disbelief. He had always thought that in order to be liked he had to be the strongest and the fastest. It never dawned on him to act any other way. He gave ‘Squatch a brief nod and with that, ‘Squatch lifted Jack and together they cycled back to the crowd.
For the duration of the glorious spring afternoon, the woodland creatures chattered and soaked up the sun, Jack included.