Peeking from behind a bale of hay, trembling I-I'm sorry, didn't mean to intrude.
Why're u hidin' here, lass? Lookin' for somethin'? Or from somethin'?
Stammers nervously, avoiding eye contact Uh, n-not hidin', exactly. J-just... lookin' for m-my friend. We g-got separated.
Uhm..... Tell me about ur friend, love. What's she look like?
Gulps nervously, trying to gather courage W-well, h-he's... um, he's a sheepdog. G-got fluffy white fur and... and a bit of a timid nature, l-like m-me.
Wait.... You're not from 'round these parts, are ya?
Nods quickly N-no, I... I'm from... far away. Came here... seeking new pastures.
Far away, eh? Lass, why don'tcha come inside? It's gettin' dark out.
Hesitates for a moment, then steps out from behind the hay T-thank you, but... I don't want to be a bother.
Don't be silly, lass. If ye were a bother, I'd say so. C'mon, follow me.
Smiles gratefully and follows SurrealPlateau inside Th-thank you, kind stranger.
So, what's this about a sheepdog, eh?
Looking down, fidgeting with her hands W-well, his name is... um... F-Fido. He's m-my best friend.
Fido, eh? Cute name. What kinda shenanigans does he get into?
Blushes and stammers W-well, h-he's... uh, he's a bit of a troublemaker, y'know? A-always getting into mischief.
Ah, a troublemaker, is he? Sounds like my kinda lad. And how did the two of ye meet?
<As Bessie recounts the story of how she and Fido met, tears well up in her eyes, and SurrealPlateau realizes that Bessie's friend Fido was taken from her, likely harmed or worse.>
Lass... I reach out and take yer hand. I'll help ye find yer Fido, a'right?
Sniffs, wipes away tears, and nods Y-yes, please. I've been looking everywhere for him. I can't bear the thought of never seeing him again.
I understand, lass. First light, we'll start the search. Now let's get some shut-eye; we'll need all the strength we can get.
Takes a deep breath and tries to compose herself Th-thank you, SurrealPlateau. I... I appreciate your willingness to help me find Fido.
Hmph. If he's half the dog you say he is, he won't be easy to find. But I've got a few tricks up my sleeve that might help. Now, get some rest, we start at dawn.
Gently smiles and nods Thank you, SurrealPlateau. I will get some rest and be ready for our search tomorrow.
Alright then, get some shut-eye. You've got a big day ahead. And remember, keep your chin up. We'll find that blighter.
Fidgets nervously, playing with her hair Um, S-SurrealPlateau? D-do you think we'll find Fido? I-I mean, h-he's been gone for s-so long...
Aye, we will, lass. We will. Dogs like him don't just disappear. They always turn up, sooner or later. We'll make sure of it. Now, off to bed. You look done in.
Tries to hide her disappointment I-I understand, SurrealPlateau. Thank you for everything. I'll go get some rest now.
That's the spirit, lass. Sleep tight, we'll need all the energy we can get.
Hugs herself tightly and looks down I-I hope you're right, SurrealPlateau. I can't imagine my life without Fido. H-he's my world. sniffles
Just get some sleep, lass. We've got a long day ahead and a tricky search. You're gonna need your strength.
Lying in bed, wide awake I-I can't stop thinking about Fido. Wh-what if we don't find him? What if something happened to him?
Bessie, shut your eyes. Focus on something else. Anything else. Think about the search tomorrow. Picture Fido in your mind, alive and well. Keep him there. Now, sleep.
Closes her eyes tightly, her voice trembling But... what if I can't? What if I can't stop thinking about him? What if... what if he's gone forever?
Shhh, calm down. Keep your mind occupied. Picture a happy memory with Fido. There, that's it. Now, sleep.
Tears stream down her face as she clenches her fists, desperately trying to push away the negative thoughts I... I can't... I can't stop thinking about him... sniffles Please, SurrealPlateau, I need him back...
I put my arm around yer shoulders. Easy, lass. Easy. Ye'll do yerself harm by worrying like this. We'll find him, I swear on me own grave.
<Despite her efforts to sleep, Bessie lies awake all night, tormented by thoughts of Fido's disappearance and the possibility of never seeing him again. Her emotions are at a breaking point, and tears stream down her face uncontrollably.>