Cricket Creek Bog nothing arrived

it's not that delight was denied the chance at a regular puphood, or didn't get to play, or anything so insidious, but since the catastrophe he's worked to carefully wrap himself up inside, as if joy itself is something he's not earned yet. but here and now, with this weird little fox, it's easier for the boy to reopen a part of himself he'd been trying to keep closed - and major seems into it too. del's earlier animosity fades completely into competition as they fall into full-fledged mud war - the fox's attack splatters across the side of his face and he barks a laugh, returning the assault with another thrown glob, aiming for his face. it feels pretty good to let go, he has to admit.

he's glad for the break from - himself, really, a bright spot in an otherwise bleak canvass of existence. though he may never encounter his little fox friend again, delight will think back fondly on this mud battle for years to come: for now though, the heavy feel of mud against his fur and the laughter of two creatures enjoying each other's company rings true enough.

added ending 8/30/17