They Grow Up Too Fast (Paw Patrol)

An Old Timers Wisdom

A few days had passed since Chase's birthday. Lying in his bed, Chase found himself reflecting on Parker—a pup who had become a father figure of sorts to him. Parker was the kind of cheery, wise soul that everyone meets at some point in their life. Chase realized he hadn't visited Parker in a while, not since the Orion ordeal. With that thought, he decided to pay him a visit.

*****

Chase arrived at Jake's house, where Parker was staying. Knocking on the door, he waited as Jake answered.

Jake: "Oh, hey, Chase, dude. What's up? What brings you here?"

Chase: "Is Parker around? I came to see him."

Jake: "Yeah, he's inside, just chilling on the couch. He's been slowing down a bit lately—age is catching up with him. But he's hanging in there. You're welcome to talk to him."

Chase's ears drooped slightly at the news. Parker was a tough pup, but hearing about his declining health tugged at his heart.

Chase: "That's tough to hear. Thanks, Jake."

Jake: "No worries, come on in."

Walking into the cozy house, Chase spotted Parker lying on the couch. Despite looking a bit tired, Parker's face lit up when he saw Chase.

Parker: "Oi, it's me ol' cobber Chase! Finally decided to visit, eh? Hehe. Nah, I'm just messin', mate. What brings ya by?"

Chase: "Hey, Parker. Hehe. Honestly, I just remembered I promised to visit you the day we met. Thought it was about time I kept my word."

Parker: "No wuckas, mate. I get it—you're a hardworking pup. Gotta say, Chase, you remind me of meself back in me SAS days."

Chase's eyes widened.

Chase: "Really? How so?"

Parker: "Well, for one, you're a bloody leader—that's a start. I was, too, back in the day. And you're brave. You'd make a fine soldier, you know."

Chase: "You were in the SAS? You were like me?"

Parker: "Defo, mate. I was a dardy soldier, always out on missions with me fellow Bruces. But let me tell ya, war changes a pup as much as it changes a man—no matter how great you think you are."

Chase nodded solemnly.

Chase: "Yeah, war's terrible. I wish we could all just get along."

Parker: "Too right, but power changes people. Lost plenty of mates in me time, and it's a bloody awful thing to see. Still, it taught me a lot about life—about what really matters. Heard you're in good with that Sheila, Skye. That's one thing I regret—never finding a flame of me own."

Chase tilted his head.

Chase: "Really? Why didn't you?"

Parker: "Me ego, mate. Thought I didn't need anyone. Big mistake. Led me down a dark path after a mission went pear-shaped. You can't love someone else if you don't love yourself first. Took me ages to learn that."

Chase felt his chest tighten. Parker's life had been filled with so much pain, yet he spoke with such wisdom.

Chase: "That's tough. I'm sorry you went through that."

Parker: "It's alright, cobber. Life smacks you round a bit—it's how ya learn. And you, Chase, you're doing bloody well for yourself. You remind me of a better version of me. That's why I came back for you in that lab—I couldn't let a better version of me get merved, hehe. Listen, mate."

Parker placed a paw on Chase's shoulder, his gaze filled with warmth and determination.

Parker: "This retirement thing may seem strange, but trust me, you're on the right path. Follow your gut in everything you do, and don't ever lose sight of what matters. Live, laugh, and love, alright? Now bugger off—I'm dunced. Meeting whatever's divine soon. But do me a favor—visit again, eh? You're like the son I never had."

Chase smiled, Parker's words leaving a deep impression on him.

Chase: "I will, Parker. I promise."

As Chase turned to leave, Parker called out one last time.

Parker: "Oh! And remember—'Who Dares, Wins.' Now let me get to dreamland, mate. Have a g'day."

Chase laughed softly, nodding before heading out the door. Driving back to the lookout in his truck, he couldn't help but feel grateful for Parker's wisdom and encouragement.