The Wounds We Heal

Chapter forty-six: On The Hunt!

"I'm sorry you guys had to see to that. It's just.. I worked hard to make our bonding day special, and if Chase thinks us going on Big View Trail isn't a big deal, then what's the point of continuing our quality time if he might have figured out the rest of my plan?" Snowflake explained as she gathered wood.

"What's wrong with him figuring out your plan?" Everest wondered. "All you wanna do is spend time with him.. right?"

"And I just wanted him to feel appreciated with everything I had planned." Snowflake said.

"And if he figured that out?.." Everest hinted..

"What's wrong with that?" She asked after a short pause.

"Let me put it this way. If I gave you a surprise party, but you found out about the party, then the party isn't a surprise anymore. So when the 'surprise' party is given to you, it's not a surprise because you knew about it before the party began." Snowflake repeated in simple words.

"So which is better? A surprise party, or a party that is not a surprise?"

"Honestly I love surprises.." Everest replied, smiling fondly at the thought. "But,.. not every pup does.. Maybe you should keep in mind who you're dealing with."

"But, I thought Chase liked surprises? He seemed to enjoy the parasailing, playing with the kids and playing in the gym," Snowflake replied casually.

"Hm.." Everest thought.

"Maybe it's not the surprise that's the problem.." She wondered. "Maybe it's the timing of the surprise,.."

"The timing? What do you mean?" Snowflake replied.

"Well if he's been stressing out about something he's not willing to share with you,.. it might make him feel more stressed with something he doesn't expect." The mountain pup in teal reasoned.

"What?! But I don't want to make him more stressed! I want to make him happy!" Snowflake said, realizing what Everest meant.

"I know,.. but that's why I think maybe you shouldn't worry so much about what you're trying to do and just focus on Chase and what he wants to do.." Everest advised. "You can still do your plan as you want it, but don't worry too much about what he's doing or feeling.. Relax yourself,.. And maybe he will start to do the same."

"How can I relax? I know he's hiding something, and I know a part of him wants to go home! But I want us to enjoy our bonding time together. Even if I relax, he'll just try to distract me to avoid talking about whatever is bothering him. I don't mind doing what Chase wants to do, but I feel if our bonding time is cut short.. then I failed," Snowflake explained, before her ears folded back.

"That's what I'm saying.." Everest clarified. "Don't worry about why you're here.. and just enjoy being here.. I think the reason you guys are struggling is 'cause you're too busy waiting for him to share with you what he doesn't wanna talk about. Maybe putting that aside and enjoying the moment would help you get him to relax.."

Snowflake just gave a dumbfounded stare, mixed with confusion.

"How?.. I have a plan. Not thinking about my plan and relaxing will just open the door to possible distractions.. Ugh! Fine! I'll give it a try, but I'm still keeping an eye on Chase. I KNOW he's hiding something," Snowflake said before giving in to the advice.

"My point exactly.. Stop keeping an eye on him and start spending time with him.." Everest emphasized. "Once he's calmed down, maybe he'll be more willing to open up to you."