PAW Patrol: Road to Recovery || Book Two

(C1) Every Step of the Way

Today was just about as normal of a day as it could be after what had happened over the short course of just a week. Most of the pups were outside, playing in the yard, which was nothing new. It was starting to get cold now, being late November, but that was fine. It wasn't going to stop them from living their lives.

However, not all the pups were outside having fun. There was one certain Dalmatian laying alone in his bed, confined from feeling any of the happiness that the others felt, despite his efforts to earn those feelings back.

Things had changed so much over the last few months for him, so much so that he was a completely new pup. He used to be full of life, energetic, almost always happy. Nowadays, he never wanted to leave his house, he never wanted to play with the others, he was just a shell of who he once was.

However, the silence he always despised in his puphouse was put to a close, when the Dally heard someone trying to open his door. Knowing exactly who it was, he forced himself out of bed and walked over. He opened it, revealing a smiling Husky with a bowl of food in her mouth.

"Eve...you know you shouldn't be carrying stuff." Marshall huffed. It had only been a week since she had lost her leg, and naturally, that had brought up multiple changes. Sure, she could mostly walk fine, but not for long, having to lay down and take breaks often.

Everest rolled her eyes at his remark and carefully set the bowl down, finally allowing her to speak. "I'm fine, Marshy, it's not like it was anything heavy. And besides, you didn't expect me to just let you sit in here and not eat, did you?" She asked, knowing full well that if she hadn't brought it herself, chances are he wouldn't have made the effort.

Ever since all the excitement had died down, the Husky was doing everything she could to help him in his recovery, despite the new problems she had to deal with. He had been so down recently, it seemed like most days he didn't even want to get out of bed.

However, she knew exactly why that was. Even though it was quite obvious he had it, in fact, they were sure he has had it for months now, they had recently taken the Dally to Haley's just to be positive. And although Everest was aware of what the final answer would be, it still hurt when it was made official.

Marshall had been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder.

Naturally, the Husky was upset at first, but she knew better than to let her emotions get the better of her. Instead, she made it her goal to do whatever it took to help him wash away his pain.

That being said, she had her own issues too. Not only the obvious physical limitations but the emotional ones as well. She missed not being able to run and play to her full extent. She had always been active and outgoing, and that part of her had been stripped away.

However, Marshall had also been doing what he could to help her as well. From helping her walk straight, or even just simply encouraging her to lay down and take a break every once in a while. Both of them required the other's help, just in very different ways.

"Well, no. I guess I should've known better than that." The Dally replied, letting out a small laugh. Everest smiled and laid down next to him, already a bit worn out, but she also just wanted to stay near him to make sure he didn't feel alone again. Even her just leaving and getting his food probably made him anxious.

Eventually, Marshall started eating, which made the Husky satisfied. There were some days where even that was a challenge. He finished fairly quickly, but Everest could still tell he was upset, which unfortunately was common these days.

"What's wrong?" She questioned. The Dally let out a sigh, but he didn't give any further response, so she kept talking. "Marshy, don't ignore me. And don't just say that you're fine because we both know that wouldn't be true."