Born to Die - Sheriff Callie

Chapter 4

It was easy for Peck and Toby to calm down the once panicked colt. The two were the closest to him after Sheriff Callie, even if it wasn't by a long shot. Sparky still had that wide eyed fearful look in his eyes, but at least he was lying down and not straining his leg. With all that blood leaking through, it was clearly more than a cut. Dr. Quackers came out from his office with a medical kit, Priscilla following behind carrying a few things herself. She must've gone and fetched him when the sparkly blue horse done rolled into town. Peck was thankful, less work for him.

He and the other surrounding bystanders stepped away to make room for the doctor. He did a quick check up on Sparky, being quick to check his pulse and consciousness and a few things in between. Upon hearing that the horse was physically fine other than his leg wound, Dr. Quackers suggested taking Sparky back to his stables to rest and get better fixed up.

"It'd be better for him and us to get him out such a crowded space. He's clearly stressed," Dr. Quackers explained, "You think you can get him to the sheriff's house? I'll need to get some things from my office for his leg."

"Um- yeah!" Deputy Peck turned around to Sparky, "Can ya' walk, boy?"

Sparky stood up, albeit wobbly but otherwise fine. He had to limp alongside Clementine, who helped keep him balanced while Peck rode atop her. It took no less than five minutes for Sparky to be settled down in his stable. The poor thing practically collapsed when entering the area with a disgruntled huff.

Peck hopped off his donkey and the two stepped out the stable and into the pen. Clementine looked worried, letting out a sad whuffle as she sat down. Peck nodded sympathetically, "I know, Clementine."

"Peck..?"

Toby's sudden voice definitely caught the poor woodpecker off guard. He'd been so quiet, Peck thought he'd wandered off not long ago and didn't follow him to the stables! Or maybe he didn't follow Peck and only just now arrived?

"Uh— yeah, Toby?" Peck asked, standing back up straight.

"Where's Sheriff Callie?" The boy asked, "How come he wasn't with Sparky?"

Peck cringed, knowing he had as much of an answer as he did blue feathers. "Well.. darn, Toby. I'm not all that sure ma'self."

When Toby's frown deepened, Peck was quick to continue. "But! I know nothin' bad happened to her. We'll fix up Sparky and get him back on his feet, then he'll take us straight to the sheriff." He gave the cactus boy a gentle pat on the back, careful to avoid his prickles.

"But what if—"

"Ain't no buts, ifs or what's, Toby!" Peck said sternly. Realizing his tone, he went for a more gentler approach in voice, "Everything'll be okay, y'know why?"

When Toby didn't reply, Peck did for him. "Because the sheriff knows what she's doin'. Say she were in trouble, she'd know what to do to keep safe. Have some faith!"

Toby still looked sadder than a kicked puppy, though. Peck grimaced, Gosh, I ain't good at this am I? He thought to himself. He inwardly wondered where Dr. Quackers was.

He sighed, "I ain't good at this whole cheerin' up thing am I?"

Toby shook his head, "No.. you are. I'm just really worried about sheriff and Sparky."

"I am too." Peck replied, fidgeting with his wing (hand?? Feathers??). He then turned to Toby and smiled, "And y'know what? Everything might not be okay. At least not at first. There's no promisin' what could happen."

"But it's best to stay hopeful, y'know? Seein' the world all down and dry is only gonna make things worse!" Peck flashes his friend a smile, "And with my bestest buddy in the whole wild west by my side, what reason do I hav'ta be scared?"