The Wounds We Heal

Chapter sixty-five: Thanksgiving Nightmare!

"So how did your little bonding plan work out?" the golden lab wondered softly, once Chase had wandered far enough away not to notice.

"He liked my activities, but he wants to not be bothered. He wants to figure out his emotions on his own. We've been giving him alone time and not bothering him as much, but he still won't tell us what's wrong," Snowflake answered honestly, in a soft tone.

"I wonder who else is here?" Ned asked.

"Don't worry Ned. We'll get to talk to everyone. It is Thanksgiving after all," Snowflake retorted kindly.

"Alright everyone. The food is ready, let's all take our seats and begin the feast." Mr. Porter announced. Everyone in the room slowly dropped their conversations and found a seat at the long table and looked to the only person still standing at the very middle section of the large gathering.

"Before we dig in, I'd just like to say a few words." Mayor Goodway began sweetly. "First of all, I am thankful that we can be here together on this cold, chilly evening.." Several members of the table nodded their agreement. "..And second, I am thankful that we have a team that always keeps us safe in their willingness to serve and protect our fine town." The PAW Patrol beamed with pride in their own ways. "..And finally," she added, taking up her glass. "I am thankful for the time we get to share as friends, neighbors and citizens. And as your mayor, I can't feel more proud of the community I have the honor of maintaining with the help of everyone in Adventure Bay. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!"

"Happy Thanksgiving!" The crowd replied, some even raising their glasses with her.

Snowflake and Ned smiled after the speech was given, and waited patiently as the food was passed around to each person or pup around the table.

"Hola amigo!" a little voice greeted. "Como estas?!"

"Hello. Ummm. Come here?" Ned asked, confused.

"I'm sorry, we don't speak Spanish," Snowflake apologized.

"Oh right, sorry nuevo amigos! I am Tracker! And you must be those friends of the PAW Patrol's from another town.. Verdad?- I mean, right?" A small potcake pup replied sweetly.

"Yes, we are. Nice to meet you Tracker. I'm Snowflake," the female husky greeted.

"I'm her brother, Ned. My sister is the only one who's a PAW Patrol team member," Ned replied.

"So are you a team member too? How do you know the pups?" Snowflake asked curiously.

"I am! I became a member of the PAW Patrol, when I helped Ryder and the pups rescue their friend, Carlos," the pup replied.

"And he's been my buddy ever since," said a brown haired boy on the other side of Tracker.

"Awwww," Snowflake and Ned cooed sweetly.

"So what do you like, Tracker? Wait, what's your job on the PAW Patrol?" Snowflake asked.

"Where do you live?" Ned added.

"I'm their jungle scout and guide. I help them track things through the jungle with my super sensitive hearing." Tracker explained.

"Okay. Huh, you're the 3rd tracking pup on the team. Interesting. I help track with noticing details that might help with emergencies. But only if they need an extra pup to track if Chase is busy. I didn't mean to take your spot," Snowflake replied before folding her ears back a little. "I'm sorry."

"No problema!" Tracker shook his head. "I'm usually only called to help when there's a jungle rescue.."

"And he's only the tracking pup for jungle missions because I wasn't trained to track in the jungle.. And sometimes it can be more difficult than tracking here in town or out in the forests or mountains." Chase added from the huskies' other side.