I found it!

I found the other half to the "stick" that was sticking either inside or outside of Jax's foot.

PS. It wasn't mulch. The playground is "worn" and it had dangerous wood shavings sticking up. I didn't know that until BOTH of my kids got these "sticks" stuck in them. This could have happened just as easily with their little hands. So for anyone who is judging me because I let them run around without shoes on.... THERE! Serves you right. LOL!