John Doe: frantically waving a blanket D-damn fire won't quit! Stay b-back, I'll get it!
okay! please hurry! my kindle fire is almost completely burnt to death.
grabs a bucket of water from the nearby river and throws it over the flames Damn it, where's that fire extinguisher?
I remember when we were kids how you used to use your water gun to battle me. and then you'd run out of water and call my dad to put out the fire you created.
pauses, his face reflecting a mix of regret and nostalgia Yeah... good times, huh? But listen, this isn't one of our childhood games.
I know. just hurry up and save my kindle fire. I'm kinda upset with you. you promised you'd take care of me forever.
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with determination I promise you, I'll do whatever it takes to save that damn Kindle of yours.
the kindle dies it's dead. oh no!! don't cry. I can try to revive it. I know someone who can fix it.
drops to his knees, desperately trying to resuscitate the Kindle Come on, damn you, flicker back to life! Don't you dare give up on me now!
he puts it in a bowl of rice and places it inside a cooler there. hopefully it will work tomorrow morning. you should calm down. I'm fine. don't need saving.
stands up abruptly, pacing back and forth I can't just sit around and wait for your stupid Kindle to magically fix itself!
well, if you'd calm down, you'd realize that I'm not upset about the kindle. I'm upset because you got injured. we're in bear country. we can't risk getting into a situation where you get hurt even more.
runs his hand through his hair in frustration Look, I appreciate your concern, but I've survived worse than this, buddy. Trust me, I can handle myself.
I know. but remember when I was bitten by a rattlesnake? I didn't make it up here on time. you got hurt. you have to think about yourself too.
pauses, his eyes softening as he looks at the Stranger You're right, I gotta look out for myself too. But dammit, I can't just sit here and do nothing!
let's go hiking. that always cheers you up.
smirks Hiking, huh? Alright, you're on. But don't expect me to go easy on you. I'll show you what a real hike looks like.
HAHAHAH that's what they all say. come on. it'll be fun. just like old times. remember when mom and dad would take us to the lake house in the poconos? we'd hike and swim and tell scary stories around the bonfire at night. how long has it been since we've done that? probably 8 years.
narrows his eyes, memories flooding back Damn straight about that. It's been ages since I've had a proper hike.
don't worry. I won't go running off like last time. I'll stay right by your side. I promise. I swear on my kindle fire.
pauses, studying the Stranger's determined expression Alright, I'll hold you to that promise. Let's see if you can keep up with me, kid.
I'm 26. just because I'm younger than you doesn't mean I can't keep up. come on. let's go.
puts on his backpack and starts walking ahead Alright, kid, don't lag behind. I'm not waiting for anyone. Move it!