The Wounds We Heal

Chapter twenty: The Reset

"Ok Snowflake, what's up?" Ryder asked as they exited the elevator.

Snowflake turned to face them all before growling again.

"What's up? WHAT'S UP?! I come back with Rocky only for Chase to get upset, look like he's going to attack, and you just ask 'what's up'?! I brought you all down here to ask WHAT THE PUP TREATS HAPPENED HERE?! Clearly something happened because Chase wasn't so happy to see Rocky and I. Not to mention Chess arrived later. What did we do to make them upset?! I CALLED AND SAID WE WERE FINE!" Snowflake exclaimed angrily, her eyes starting to water.

"Ok, first of all, Chase isn't mad at you-uh..well maybe a little mad.." Marshall began carefully. "But what you don't know might hurt you." And his expression implied as to whether or not to continue.

"Go on," Snowflake said cautiously. And even Ryder and Katie exchanged curiously concerned glances.

xxxx

Silence remained in the room, Marshall had just finished his story and agonized in waiting for a response.

The husky pup's eyes looked around with a mix of concern, disappointment, and disbelief.

"Why would Chase be so concerned that Rocky and I hadn't returned? Didn't you all hear Rocky when he said hiking on Big View Trail? And I told Ryder to tell the others we said hi. I- I didn't think he'd get THAT upset!" Snowflake said in shock.

"Neither did we." Marshall sighed, then he looked up when Ryder came forward. The boy slowly lowered himself to a careful kneel.

"Marshall?" He said, his eyes deeply concerned.

"Why didn't you or one of the pups come tell me?" He asked. "I would've done things very differently if I'd have known."

"I.. I thought that's what Ned was doing.." the Dalmatian admitted. "But.. I guess I shouldn't have assumed when you came down in such a different mood.. I should've asked if he told you.. and.." he turned to Snowflake again. "We tried to talk him down.. but he's gotten so far with it that knocking him down a couple pegs might've made the whole thing crash."

"What did Ned do then? Gosh, I'm so sorry for not keeping you all in the know," Snowflake said feeling guilty.

"It's ok, Snowflake." Ryder said, standing back up with a bit of aid from Katie. "It's not your fault.. Chase just needs.. a.. bit of a break.. that's all."

"And to make up with Chester.." Marshall added, though he was doubtful that would be happening any time soon, despite his wildest and more earnest hopes.

"What matters now is how we handle it from here." Ryder continued. "Starting with checking up on everyone."

"What did Ned do when I was gone?" Snowflake asked with concern.

"Other than try to talk to Chester and practically go meditation pup on Chase? Nothing too bad, if that's what you mean." Marshall answered, still completely serious.

"Oh gosh! Meditation pup? How?" Snowflake asked, almost dreading the answer.

"You'd.. probably have to ask him." Marshall answered, thinking of nothing better to respond with.

"Okay. Let's go check on the others," Snowflake said, starting to calm down.

Then turning for the elevator they all boarded and went up.

xxxx

Chase and Chester remained silent while the other pups watched, they all heard the elevator again and everyone slowly looked up.