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In the shaded playground behind Glasshouse Primary, the air was filled with the sounds of children's laughter and the rustling of leaves. It was a perfect day for Pretzel, Gruber, and their friends Rusty and Jack to engage in one of their favorite games: playing army. Rusty, the self-appointed commander, was a strategic Red Kelpie with a strong imagination, while Jack, a Russell Terrier, was always eager for adventure.
"Alright, troops, gather around!" Rusty barked, standing atop a makeshift podium—a large rock in the middle of the playground. "We have reports of spies in the area. Scouts Gruber and Pretzel, your mission is to explore the area and report back."
Gruber and Pretzel, brimming with excitement, saluted Rusty with serious expressions. "Yes, sir!" they chorused before dashing off into the woods behind the school.
"So are the two of them just going to stay back and do nothing?" Asked Gruber.
"You know the two of them... They just want some "alone time", I bet." teased Pretzel imitating how he would think Jack and Rusty would kiss.
"Well, if that's the case then I'm glad they sent us off on this mission, wouldn't wanna ruin their lovey dovey moment." said Gruber, sticking his tongue out in a playful manner.
The two friends continued to joke with each other as they ventured deeper into the forest, their paws crunching on the fallen leaves. They moved swiftly, their eyes scanning for any signs of imaginary spies. After a while, they found themselves in an unfamiliar part of the woods, where the trees parted to reveal a breathtaking creek. The water sparkled under the sunlight, and the chirping of birds added a magical serenity to the scene.
"Wow," Gruber said, his voice filled with awe. "This place is incredible."
"I've certainly never seen this place before." said Pretzel in the same feeling of awe that the German Shepherd had.
Scanning the creek Pretzel saw that there was a trail of rocks leading to the other side. He grinned, as his competitive spirit kicked in. "Last one to the other side is a rotten egg!" he declared, already leaping onto the nearest rock.
"Hey, wait up!" yelled Gruber as he shook off the trance he was in.
Gruber laughed and followed, the two of them hopping from rock to rock, the clear water splashing around their paws. They were so caught up in the thrill of the race and the beauty of the creek that they completely forgot about the mission Rusty sent them on. Laughter echoed through the trees as they playfully raced each other.
But halfway through the creek, Gruber, being larger and heavier, landed on a particularly slippery and unstable rock. His paw slipped, and he fell hard, his knee striking a sharp edge. A sharp cry of pain escaped his lips as he clutched his bleeding knee.
Pretzel, who was just ahead, froze and turned back in alarm. "Grubes!" he shouted, his heart pounding with fear. He scrambled back across the rocks to his friend, his eyes wide with horror.
Gruber winced, trying to put on a brave face despite the tears welling up in his eyes. "I-I think I hurt my knee pretty bad," he managed to say, his voice trembling.
Pretzel quickly assessed the situation, panic rising in his chest. "Don't worry, Grubes. I'll get help." He looked around, feeling a surge of responsibility and determination, but yet was still scared as he saw that the blood of his best friend was painting the creek's water red. "H-hang in there, okay?"
Pretzel gently placed his trembling paw on Gruber's shoulder before turning and dashing back towards the playground, hoping Rusty and Jack were still nearby. His mind raced with worry, but he knew he had to stay calm and get help for his best friend. But in the back of his mind he knew, deep down this was all his fault.
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Back in the shaded playground behind Glasshouse Primary, Rusty and Jack were busy constructing a makeshift base from sticks and stones. The structure was starting to take shape, and they were both pleased with their work. Jack was placing the final touches while Rusty, ever the strategist, made sure everything was in its proper place.
As they worked, Jack's burning curiosity got the better of him. "What's taking those two love pups so long?" he asked, pausing to wipe his brow.
Rusty chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't worry about them. Knowing Gruber and Pretzel, they probably got sidetracked. But they're alright. Gruber will always protect Pretzel if anything were to happen," he said, grabbing Jack's paw to reassure the terrier.
Jack nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you're right. Those two are inseparable."
Just then, they heard the sound of frantic footsteps approaching. They turned to see a panicking, out-of-breath Chihuahua running towards them. It was Pretzel, and he was stumbling over his words, trying to explain the situation. (Kind of like Courage the cowardly dog.)
Rusty stepped forward, his calm demeanor taking charge. "Scout Pretzel, slow down. Take a deep breath and tell us what happened. Where's Scout Gruber?"
Pretzel, his eyes wide with worry, took a deep breath and tried to speak clearly. "Grubes... he slipped on a rock... he's hurt... his knee's bleeding... it's really bad!"
Rusty and Jack exchanged shocked looks. As the gravity of the situation sank in quickly as they realized that this was most likely not part of the game. And without a moment's hesitation, the two pups sprang into action. "Come on, let's get help!" Rusty said, leading the way as they sprinted back to the school.
They burst into the classroom, where their teacher, Ms. Calypso, an Australian Shepherd with a kind and caring demeanor, was organizing some papers. She looked up, immediately noticing the panic in the three dogs' faces.
"Oh, dear," she said, her voice filled with concern. "What's wrong?"
"Ms. Calypso, it's Gruber!" Rusty explained breathlessly. "He's hurt down by the creek. We need help!"
Understanding the urgency, Ms. Calypso quickly gathered her things. "Alright, let's hurry then," she said, guiding the three kids back towards the creek. Her presence was reassuring, and as they followed her, their worry slightly eased knowing that help was on the way.
Now as they are racing through the woods, with Ms. Calypso leading the charge to rescue Gruber, the safety and well-being of their friend remains paramount in their minds, especially Pretzel's.
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"Wow, Gruber you really messed up now." Gruber says to himself. "Look at you, weak and afraid in the middle of this creek."
Everytime the shepherd tried to move his leg a sharp pain would follow. It seemed like he wouldn't be able to move for a while, at least not on his own. Gruber hated this feeling of being weak and powerless. But most of all he was afraid of being alone out here, as he was a city dog that didn't spend much time out in the unpredictable and dangerous wilderness. By now he was certainly regretting that Pretzel had to leave his side, all because of his mistake of not looking at where he was going.
What's taking Pretzel so long to get help? questioned Gruber. The shepherd certainly wasn't expecting a response when a voice, that sounded like him, talks back. He's seen the real you now, you're no longer the brave, and perfect dog he likes. Why would he get help for somebody so weak and stupid. You know you don't deserve it. Don't deserve him. Gruber bit his lip, trying not to cry at the harsh words the imaginary voice tells him. S-shut up. You're just in my head. Not real. not real...
Just when his hopes of ever being rescued were beginning to waver. The group had made their way to the creek, their pace quickening as they spotted Gruber sitting by the water's edge, his face contorted with pain and seemingly on the brink of tears. Ms. Calypso led the charge, worry for her student being the fuel that drove her forward. Rusty and Jack were close behind, while Pretzel lagged a few steps behind, guilt weighing heavily on his small frame.
As they reached Gruber, Rusty and Jack immediately began checking him for any other injuries. "Gruber, are you okay?" Jack asked, his voice filled with concern.
Gruber nodded, wincing slightly. "It's just my knee. I slipped and hit it on a rock." He said as he wiped away his tears. Ms. Calypso noticed he was being overwhelmed, and that he was trying to put on a mask to hide his true pain.
Ms. Calypso knelt down beside Gruber, her calm and collected presence a source of comfort for the young dog. "Boys, give him some space," she instructed, gently pushing Rusty and Jack back. She pulled out a first aid kit she had brought with her and began to clean and bandage Gruber's injured knee with practiced ease. The wound was more serious than she had initially hoped, and she knew professional medical attention was necessary.
"I'm going to call your dad, Gruber," she said, dialing the number on her phone. "He'll take you to the ER to get this looked at properly."
Gruber nodded, trying to be brave in front of his friends and teacher despite the pain. As Ms. Calypso spoke on the phone, Rusty and Jack positioned themselves on either side of Gruber, helping him to his feet and letting him lean on their shoulders for support.
"Thanks, guys." Gruber said, grateful for their help.
As they started to make their way back to the school, Pretzel stepped in front of them, tears streaming down his face. "I'm so sorry, Grubes," he sobbed. "This is all my fault. If I hadn't suggested the race, you wouldn't be hurt."
Gruber looked at his friend with a mixture of compassion and determination. "Pretzel, it's not your fault," he said firmly. "I was the one who slipped. It was an accident. Don't blame yourself."
Pretzel sniffled, trying to hold back more tears. "But I feel so bad. I never wanted you to get hurt."
Gruber managed a small smile, despite the pain. "I know, Pretzel. And I forgive you. Really, it's okay. Accidents happen."
Ms. Calypso, having finished her call, stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on Pretzel's shoulder. "Gruber's right, Pretzel. Accidents do happen. What's important is that we're all here to help each other when they do."
"Hey, don't worry about it okay. I'm a strong dog alright. And if anything I'm just to blame if not more, so don't be so hard on yourself." Gruber says trying to reassure the small dog.
Pretzel felt that it was him that should be really taking all the fault in the situation, but he didn't really want to argue with his best friend when he was hurt and in a lot of pain. He looks up and sees that Gruber is sporting a massive grin, whether it was to cheer up the Chihuahua or himself, Pretzel couldn't tell.
"Partners in crime?" Gruber asks while raising up his fist awaiting a fist bump from the other.
Pretzel wipes up his tears and returns a smile, happy that Gruber didn't end up hating him. "In all the crimes." Pretzel says as he connects his fist with the Shepherd's to do a fist bump.
With those words, the group slowly made their way back to the school, Gruber leaning on Rusty and Jack for support, and Pretzel walking close by, still feeling guilty but reassured by his friend's forgiveness. As they reached the school, Gruber's dad arrived, his face a mix of worry and relief. He carefully lifted Gruber into the car, thanking Ms. Calypso and the boys for their help. "We'll get him checked out right away," he promised, giving Gruber a reassuring pat on the top of his head, ruffling the fur that was there.
As Gruber's dad takes him away in his car, Pretzel feels a void in his chest. For now, he's unsure if he has messed everything up with his best friend and crush. He truly felt that he couldn't live with himself if he did.
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To be continued...