Svelty and Stock

copyright J Hardy Carroll

Svelty and Stock

It was my turn to seek. Again.

. . . 99, 100.

I turned around, pretending not to see Svelty—the size of a house and trying to crouch behind leafless trees.

Svelty always felt bad about being found first. Stock—whip thin and camouflaged—felt bad he could never be found. It was an emotional minefield.

My foot caught and I pitched forward.

“That was quick,” Stock said behind me. He had been stretched across the path.

“Found you!” I pointed to Svelty.

“You found me last!” Svelty shouted, the ground trembling with his joyful bounces.

Friends. When they’re happy, you’re happy.

24 Comments Add yours

  1. James McEwan says:

    Now there’s a fun guy. Loved it.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Iain Kelly says:

    All’s well that ends well!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Thats an odd game of hide and seek. So Svelty is this living bush character?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. yeah, that’s the idea. Kind of a fantasy world where one friend is like a snake and the other is a giant.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You have a wonderful imagination.

        Like

  4. Love how you switched names.

    Friends. When they’re happy, you’re happy.

    You really let your YOU show there. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, that’s the altruistic ethos, right there. And yeah, I like to subvert expectations with names.

      Like

  5. Oh, I so so love this! Here’s to kindness and empathy. 🙂

    Like

    1. Thanks! yes, definitely.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Danny James says:

    Friends forever.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Bill says:

    Many games have advantages based on stature, some on intelligence or skill, others on luck. The point was to have fun. We did. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s got to play hide-and-seek when you’re that size. You just need oblivious friends, I guess. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Liz Young says:

    That was fun, and the last phrase excellent.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. athling2001 says:

    Well done. Great friendships are so rare.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Such a cute story. Love the picture of Svelty!

    Like

    1. Thanks, Brenda. That one was a fun one to make.

      Like

  11. msjadeli says:

    You told a well-developed lively tale here, David. I also love Svelty’s image. His little arm is so adorable. He looks like a tree 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks! It’s hard to get the picture just like I pictured it, but this was close. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. msjadeli says:

        You’re most welcome 🙂

        Like

  12. Dear David,

    Aw this oozes with cuteness. Tag! You’re it.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I have that children’s author streak in me that comes out sometimes. 🙂

      Like

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