[ WP ] Instead of a giant beanstalk , Jack was given magical marijuana seeds .

Jack woke with a start and banged his head on the stone wall next to his bed. He grimaced in pain, but quickly realized it was n't just from hitting his head. Last night had been an experience to say the least. 
 Jack's mother had tasked him with selling their cow, the last thing of value they owned. Jack's father had passed just shy of a year ago in an unfortunate festival accident involving a strong man and a fire breather. Leaving Jack and his mother to fend for themselves. Little had gone their way since and then a week ago Sally, as Jack had named their cow, stopped giving milk. His mother had gone into hysterics at the latest turn of ill fortune and locked herself in her room. In between sobs and loud arguments with the almighty she instructed Jack to take the cow into town to sell. 
 Jack was ecstatic at the chance to escape the farm, and possibly use some of the money on some sweets. His mother had hardly let him out of her sight since his fathers passing and he was getting quite sick of her. Not to say he did n't love her very much, but Jack was going to be ten in a few months and needed some space. 
 The next morning he woke early and ate some old corn for breakfast. He tossed a rope around Sally's neck and gave her a hug around her neck. 
 `` I'm sorry old girl.'' he whispered. 
 With a tug they set out down the road to the village market. After a long day of offering her to anyone who would listen it became clear to Jack no one wanted Sally. He was n't ready to return home, especially empty handed or worse with Sally still in tow. After a rather drunk fat man tried to steal Sally but ended up slipping in her dung and messing himself in the process, Jack decided it was time to head back. 
 At the edge of town an old man with long dirty hair that clumped together sat begging. 
 `` Boy, hey boy. Can you spare a few coins?'' The man said with a wide grin and his eyes wide but seemed to be looking through Jake. 
 `` No, I'm sorry. Unless you want a cow.'' Jake said with a sigh. 
 The old man stood up and circled the cow, lifting the tail and fanning his nose. 
 `` Wow, that'll wake anyone up.'' Said the old man with a chuckle. He seemed to find anything Sally did rather amusing. He walked around bent over and looked at Sally eye to eye. The two stared at each other for a moment and then the old man bent backward with a loud chuckle. Jack did n't know what he found so funny, but he like the old man. He had n't met such a happy person in a very long time. 
 `` I'll tell you what, `` the old man paused and looked at Jack. 
 `` Jack.'' 
 `` Jack, a great name. I would love to take your cow, but I ca n't in good conscience leave you with nothing.'' the old man said. 
 He began digging around his pockets and pulled out a few seeds and what looked like a couple sweets. 
 `` I hate to part with these, but you're a sweet boy and they should help.'' The old man handed him the seeds and sweets and promptly took Sally's rope and started to lead her away. 
 `` Take it easy on the sweets Jack, do n't ruin your dinner!'' 
 Jack was unsure about the seeds, and was sure his mother would n't be pleased at all. At least he got a few sweets before he had to face her. He ate one and headed home. 
 The rest of the night was a fantastic blur of adventure. Jack could swear he could see the grass growing. At one point a vine grew into a massive beanstalk and he climbed it until he found a house in the clouds. The house was massive, much to big for Jack. Jack ran around the house imagining this is what a mouse must feel like. He came upon a golden harp in the shape of a lovely girl. As Jack stared the girl came to life and began playing he most wonderful song. The music ensnared Jack and he could feel the music reverberating from everything in the room as though everything was connected and dancing. It was happiest Jack had ever been in his life. 
 Then the giant came. The music halted and Jack could see him looking down from above. The giant reminded him of his mother and he began to panic and even though the giant had n't noticed him he stared to feel like an entire town of people was staring at him and that they would tell his mother he traded Sally for a few sweets and a few seeds. He ran as fast as he could out of the house and the next thing he remembered was hitting his head on the wall in his room. 
 `` Jack!'' His mother called, `` Come and eat some breakfast.'' 
 `` Be right there.'' Jack said. 
 Had that all really happened? His memory was a blur and his mouth was dry. He fumbled through his pockets and found the seeds and the last sweet. He hid the sweet under his pillow and went to eat breakfast. 
 Jack told his mother what happened, expect for everything after he ate the sweet. He decided she would n't enjoy that. At first she was quite angry, but calmed down rather quickly. They planted the seeds the next day and after a few weeks they became a rather smelly flower. Not sure what to use it for, his mother began experimenting with it in her pies and breads. The villagers could n't get enough and they were able to open a bakery where Jack worked until the end of his days. They called it the Giant Beanstalk. 

