Patchwork –Where tiny
humanlike beings called threads are roughly the size of buttersticks and
seeking to survive in a world where little things must bring big results.
“Welcome to the medley!”
A new spool had begun with an old
problem. Rig couldn’t remember when it had been so dry. When rain did fall it
quickly disappeared into the thirsty dirt, leaving no puddles to speak of. And
puddles were important to the threads, not just for nourishment and
cleanliness, but for travel and playtime as well. Rig raked a hand through his
rainbow colored hair and wondered what to do. The threads were becoming positively
stinky! And they were getting grumpier by the day. Rig had to come up with an
idea of how to help. The threads of Patchwork needed a solution—fast!
For many spools, the threads had used
Rig’s idea of Eucalyptus leaves and bark to navigate the once plentiful
puddles. It was a means of fast transportation for threads – as well as for
carrying needed supplies. A trip to the
Aloe Vera field was long over due and it had been months since they’d had any
cactus fruit. But without rain puddles, they would have to walk and it would
take a week or more on threadfoot. And how would they manage to bring the
supplies back to Patchwork?
A slight tremor on the ground
brought Rig out of his pondering and he quickly took cover under a broccoli head
as Lark came thundering past on the back of a
spry Desert Spiny. No one knew just how Lark ever tamed the lizard enough to
ride on, but he had. He named the lizard Zipper.
“YaHoo!” Lark hollered gleefully, his black hair
streaming behind like a victory banner.
Rig shook his head. That kid should
be a thimble instead of showing off all the time. But Lark seemed to be the
only thread smiling these days. Maybe he was on to something, Rig thought.
Bubbles was weaving soft, thin
mesquite leaves into what would be used as new hammocks for the threads. She
waved as Rig approached.
“Hi, Rig” she smiled, “How’s your
day?” she asked.
Though, still as
pleasant as always, Rig noticed her yellow hair was dirty and there were bits
of twigs entwined, but her emerald eyes were as bright as ever.
“I’m working on a solution.” Rig told
her.
“Solution?” She said, puzzled. “You
mean, like a promise?”
“More like a resolution. I simply must
solve our problem somehow.”
“Any ideas on how? We can’t just make
it rain. ” Bubbles set her weaving aside.
Shrugging, Rig
gazed off in the distance to where Lark and his reptile friend were doing burn-outs
and kicking up small tufts of dust.
“Yes! I just now got an idea!” he
answered, “All I need is a plan –and I know exactly who can be my thimble!” Rig
exclaimed with delight and ran off to speak with Lark.
“Good luck” Bubbles called after
him.
Until next
time, think big!
