Different Horizons-A Paw Patrol Story

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chase was walking down the hallway of the first floor in the safehouse. He passed by the dining room, where he saw Everest sitting at the head of the table. She held a piece of paper in her hands. As Chase got closer, he realized it was the group photo they all took in the booth. Chase noticed a small tear running down Everest's cheek.

"Hey, Everest," Chase said softly.

"Chase," Everest exclaimed as she quickly wiped her tears away. "I didn't hear you get close."

"Sorry if I startled you," Chase apologized. He pointed at the chair next to Everest, "Do you mind if I sit here?"

"Not at all," Everest said.

Chase thanked her and sat down. "Everest, can we talk for a second?"

"Yeah, of course," Everest said as she put the photo on the table. "What did you want to talk about?"

"I was hoping you could tell me. Everest, how are you feeling? I could tell something was bothering you."

Everest sighed. She didn't like talking about her feelings much, but she wanted to remove the weight off her shoulders. "What The Copycat said got to me. The reason why is because I have been feeling like an outsider for a while now."

"How so?"

"Well, you and the others live together. You see each other daily, play and go on missions together, and have a good time. I, on the other hand, only see you guys on special occasions. I don't talk to any of you often. Even with Skye, my best friend, I haven't seen her much. I feel like I don't belong, like I'm not really part of the team. It's hard to explain."

"You explained it just fine, and I understand. Everest, I'm really sorry you've been feeling this way. You are an essential part of our team, and we value you immensely. I can understand how it must be easy to feel disconnected. But trust me, none of us think that way, Everest. You're part of the team as much as anyone else. Just because we don't see you often doesn't mean we don't like being around you."

"I know, but it still hurts."

"Tell you what. When we get back, let's schedule to hang out more often. That way, we can connect better."

Everest smiled. "That would be nice."

In the distance, they heard the sound of glass shattering. "I better check on that," Chase said as he got up. "This was a nice chat. I'll see you later, Everest."

Chase walked towards the hallway. He noticed a broken vase and mirror on the ground, as well as Marshall, who was picking up the pieces. Chase stood in front of Marshall. The former Dalmation attempted to use super glue to fix the vase, but the pieces kept falling.

"What happened here, Marshall?" Chase asked.

Marshall sighed. "I tripped on my foot and knocked this vase over. And while I was trying to get up, the mirror shattered over my head."

"Are you hurt?"

"I'm good, Chase." Marshall let go of some pieces of vase. They held together for a second before falling again. With a grunt, Marshall knocked the rest of the pieces over and buried his face in his hands."

Chase knelt down next to Marshall. "Marshall, talk to me. What's up, bro?"

"I'm just tired of being so clumsy," Marshall exclaimed. "The Copycat was right. I am a liability. Whenever I do anything, I mess up in some way, shape, or form. I trip, fall, and cause more trouble wherever I go. I can't even walk through the hallway without messing up." Marshall looked at Chase. "I wish I was more like you."

Chase was taken aback by that last sentence. "Like me?"

"Yeah. Chase, you barely mess up. You don't usually trip and fall on a mission. Even Ryder knows it. When I need to save someone from a high place, Ryder sends you, too. Ryder knows that I'm a liability for the team. That's what I am."