Hey, Soul Sister

Chapter 4

The next day, Marshall slept in, and he slept in late. Chase walked by his puphouse in concern, but went to go get lunch. Finally, the Dalmatian felt his eyelids lift, and he was awake. Marshall yawned and stretched his back legs. Stepping out into the light, he began to eat kibble out of the bowl Ryder had left for him.
"You'we finally up?" Zuma asked, going up to him.
Marshall looked up from the bowl and nodded.
"Yeah...what time is it?"
Zuma looked at the clock in his hovercraft.
"Two thiwty."
Marshall's eyes widened.
"It is?! Sorry...I didn't mean to sleep so late..."
Zuma smiled.
"Don't wowwy about it. It's okay. You wewe just tiwed."
Zuma walked away, and Ryder walked up to him.
"Good to see you up, pup. You musta been really tired yesterday."
Marshall nodded, trying to keep his face straight. As we all know, Marshall is terrible at keeping secrets.
"Oh yeah...really tired."
Ryder nodded and smiled, but the Dalmatian chuckled nervously.
"Well," Ryder began, "we had a mission today, but you slept right through it. Don't worry though, you weren't needed."
Marshall sighed in relief.
"Okay...thanks."
The ten year old nodded and left. As soon as he did, the fire pup jumped in his truck and sped down to the beach. Soon, he found himself in the dark alley, calling Rocket's name. Rocket came out of the shadows, her green eyes bright. Marshall stared into those eyes, and he felt the blood rise to his face.
"Hi..." He said quietly.
Rocket nodded.
"Hey Marshall. What's up?"
"Oh...nothing." The fire pup said. "Just...visiting."
Rocket smiled.
"Well...thanks."
Marshall sat down next the the golden retriever, ready to ask what he knew he had been dying to ask.
"You never told me why you don't trust humans."
Rocket froze.
"Yeah...I didn't..."
"Can you tell me?" He asked patiently.
Rocket shut her eyes, and when she opened them, Marshall could see tears sparkling in them.
"Alright..." She whispered. "I'll tell you..."