CLWD: The White Rabbit and the Strays

The Little Duckling

Lee and Clarence were on board in the airship. Accompanied by two huntsmen. Clarence explain what happened and told them what had happened to the missing people. The Huntsmen said once the debris has cooled down, they will look into it.

They arrived at the town right after the sun rises over it. Making a beautiful view in which made Lee felt happy. He looked over to Clarence but was too busy hiding his face from someone. Lee looked at the direction Clarence once looked at and spotted the sheriff. His father was looking straight at Clarence. Upset. Kinda made Lee uncomfortable.

The airship landed and the two got off. The Sheriff walked over to Clarence. He folded his arms in a 'you're in trouble’ stands. Clarence looked up to his father and smiled nervously.

“Dad! Daddio! The main popps! What's cooking?” The sheriff was silent. That made Clarence even more nervous. He continued on. “I ah ahem, since you were taking a long time at work, I thought I went for a stroll in the pond. You know how I like those cute little ducklings.”

“Arrest them.” The sheriff ordered.

“Nono wait! Dad! I could explain! Dad!!” Clarence was taken by two men. Pulling his two arms behind him and dragging him to the police station. Lee was only taken by one man. Lee didn't struggle as much as Clarence did. He went with them with no trouble.

“Cute little ducklings, huh?” Lee jokingly said next to Clarence.

“Shut up.” Clarence said with embarrassment. Lee chuckled.

The two arrived and were put in different cells. Both their weapons we're confiscated. And only given food on certain times. Lee never been arrested before, however it reminded him of his time in the hole when he was a child. Cold. Dark. Lonely. Lee hated that feeling. But he knew this is different. He's not alone.

Clarence walked back and forth from his cell. Tapping the poles. Doing push ups. Clarence was nervous all together. He didn't know how to confront his father once he comes and sees him. Every hour makes him anxious. Lee heard his movements and wonder what Clarence was thinking. Lee was glad to be alive after that whole incident. And hopefully gain a friend in the process.

“You know,” Lee approach the wall. Clarence was on the other side. “In all of my life I haven't had this much fun with anybody I didn't even know. I fought before with...somebody...but never had it been this exciting.” Lee was waiting for a response. Hoping Clarence would reply, but nothing but silence. He thought that it must too stupid to hear.

“Me too.” Clarence replied. “I've never fought well with anybody. Not that many people like me and I don't really care. And I never really connected with anybody. Not even my dad. Sad, right?” Their was a bit of silence. “But when I fought with you, talked with you, I finally feel that connection I could never get anywhere else.” Lee knew that feeling well. He listens more. “And it's even more funny...that I didn't even ask or know your name.”

“Call me Lee.”

Clarence laughed. “I'm Clarence West. Out of anyone, you really stick your neck out their for not just me. Everybody. And for that, I thank you.”

“No problem.” Lee replied. Happy to hear those words coming from Clarence.

The doors open and they both heard footsteps approaching. The two got up to see who it was. It was the sheriff. He first looked at Lee for a moment. And then walked over to his son cell. Lee could tell that he didn't like his own son behind bars.

The Sheriff look head to toe. Seeing Clarence's wounds. His ripped clothing. Then his eyes.

“Well don't you look like a criminal.” The sheriff said coldly. Lee could tell that it hurt Clarence hearing that coming from his father. “At this point I don't know what to do with you. You risked your life and everybody else's. This is the best I can do for you.”