PawPatrol: Unspoken Heart

Past of Chase 4

As the days passed, Chase settled into life with Emma and her mom. Every meal, every gentle pat on the head, and every warm night in his cozy bed felt like pieces of a dream he was finally allowed to live. But he still felt that hesitation from Emma, her distance like a barrier he couldn’t quite break through.

Every time Chase moved too quickly or barked a little too loud, he could see her tense up, almost pulling away. He knew she was holding back, and it pained him. She’d reach out to him some days, her fingers hovering over his fur, only to withdraw with a look of worry in her eyes.

One evening, as Chase lay curled up on his bed in the living room, Emma’s mom approached with a heavy look in her eyes. She sat down beside him and sighed, reaching to scratch behind his ears. “Chase,” she said softly, “I think it’s time you understood why Emma’s so… well, afraid of getting close to you.”

Chase lifted his head, tilting it as he tried to understand her tone.

Emma’s mom continued, her gaze distant. “Not long before you came into our lives, Emma’s father was attacked by a dog. He was out for a jog when it happened. He tried to help this stray that looked hurt, but… the dog was frightened, maybe desperate, and he… he lashed out.” Her voice cracked as she continued, and Chase’s ears drooped as he listened.

“The bite got infected, and he ended up very sick. He’s been in the hospital ever since, fighting to recover,” she whispered, her eyes misting with tears. “Emma was there when it happened. She saw everything. She tried to help her dad, and… well, that’s why she’s afraid, Chase. Every time she looks at you, she remembers that day.”

Chase lowered his head, feeling the weight of her words settle heavily on his heart. He hadn’t understood before, but now he could see the hurt Emma carried, the fear that held her back. It wasn’t about him, not truly—she was scared because of the memory, the pain of nearly losing someone she loved.

He wanted to speak, to say something, even though he knew she wouldn’t understand his words. But he needed her to know. “I’m… I’m not here to hurt you,” he whispered quietly, looking up at her mom as if hoping she could somehow translate. His eyes, filled with determination and loyalty, said everything he couldn’t.

Emma’s mom reached out, stroking his fur with a soft, understanding smile. “I know, Chase. I can see it in your eyes. And I think… maybe Emma will see it one day too.”

The next day, Emma came home from school looking quieter than usual. She walked past Chase without a word, heading straight for her room. Chase’s heart ached to see her pull away, but he knew he had to give her time. He lay down near her door, resting his head on his paws, waiting patiently for her to come out.

Hours passed, the house growing dark as evening fell. Finally, Emma’s door opened, and she stepped out, her eyes puffy as if she’d been crying. She noticed Chase lying there, waiting, and for a moment, she just looked at him, her expression a mixture of sadness and confusion.

“You’re still here,” she murmured, almost to herself. She sat down on the floor beside him, her small hands trembling as she reached out, hesitating just inches from his fur. “Chase… I don’t… I don’t want to be afraid of you.”

Chase looked up, his brown eyes soft and understanding. Slowly, he nudged her hand with his nose, his gaze steady and calm. “I’m not going anywhere,” he seemed to say. “I’ll be here, no matter how long it takes.”

Emma let out a shaky breath, finally allowing her hand to rest on his fur. “It’s just… after what happened with my dad, I can’t stop thinking that… that something bad could happen again.” Her voice was barely a whisper. “I keep thinking, what if I get close to you, and… and you hurt me, too? Or you get taken away?”