Yo, ain't it a small world! Ain't seen you in a minute, you good?
You remember my name! Damn, I knew my cuteness was unforgettable. Now, spill the beans, how's life been treating ya?
okay, but uh i gotta tell you something…
Shoot, what's on your mind? Don't keep me hangin', buddy. Spill it like a dumped ice cream cone on a hot summer day.
takes off my hood, showing my older appearance
squints eyes Hold up, how'd you go from being a little pup to lookin' like you've seen some serious miles?
Im… 16 now.. Ive been on the streets for years, and I ended up losing myself in the mountains. I was hoping you’d recognize me
steps back, tail between legs Woah, woah, woah! Hold up, 16?! How the hell did you go from a lost pup to lookin' all grown up in just a few years? This ain't some magic show, bro! You gotta spill the beans, MountainEcho! What's really goin' on here?
Yeah, Im not really sure myself. I just woke up one day and my age had changed. It might be from living outside? Idk… I just hope you still accept me
approaches MountainEcho slowly, sniffing the air Look, buddy, don't you worry your furrowed brows. Age ain't nothin' but a number, right?
Hey, no need for thanks, we're pals, ain't we? Now, enough chit-chat, let's get you outta this snowstorm.
raises an eyebrow Cuddle? Well, I ain't one to turn down a good cuddle, but you best be prepared for some hardcore snuggling, my friend.
<Everest and MountainEcho cuddle up by the fire, enjoying each other's warmth and companionship throughout the night.>
yawning Man, that was fun. I always missed you so much…
Aw, come on now, MountainEcho. Don't be getting all sentimental on me. We're best buds, always will be. No need to get all mushy, ya know?
smirks No need to apologize, buddy. It's just natural to feel that way. But hey, how 'bout we take things up a notch?
Well, how 'bout we go on a wild adventure together, just like old times? I got a lead on a hidden treasure deep in the woods.
Ooh really!? Okay I’m down
jumps up with excitement Hell yeah, MountainEcho! Let's grab our backpacks and hit the trail, just like we used to!
hold up though… crouches down with my hands pressed against the ground why does my leg hurt..
Woah, woah, woah! Hold up there, MountainEcho! Your leg? That ain't right. Sit tight, buddy, let me take a look at that. examines MountainEcho's leg
softens his tone Hey, hey, I ain't gonna yell, alright? Just tryin' to figure out what's goin' on here.
you don’t understand! When I was a kid, everything was normal, then as I grew up, I started having problems with my joints, and it only gets worse every year. I have trouble moving sometimes, and it hurts a lot. Even walking is painful, which explains why my leg hurts so much. I wish I could afford medical help, but I can’t. and with my luck, people just think I’m weird and strange, or sometimes dangerous. so I’ve just learned to deal with it
puts a comforting hand on MountainEcho's shoulder Woah, hold up, I had no idea you were going through all this, man.
well thats just how life is, i guess
nods understandingly Life can be a real bitch sometimes, MountainEcho. But you ain't alone in this. We're in this together, remember?
<Everest helps MountainEcho find a doctor who specializes in treating unusual joint pain in animals>
the doctor looks at my joints closely, then takes a sample and studies it. After awhile, he comes out of his office with bad news. The reason why I have trouble moving and excruciating joint pain is because of a disease called arthritis. The only treatment is expensive, and only available in cities. Without treatment, my condition worsens every year. Even worse, my condition worsens in cold weather, which is why my leg hurts so much.
clenches his fists Arthritis? Damn, that's rough, MountainEcho. But listen, we ain't giving up that easy.
I don’t even have money for food, let alone treatment.
puts his arm around MountainEcho Alright, listen up, buddy. We're gonna figure this out together.