DESC: Duke POV. Duke struggles with the consequences of his own decision.
"Goodbye." I mutter, turning away.
After a moment, Max yelps "Duke!".
"What is it, Max?" I ask, looking back.
"Swear to me..." he begs. I... don't think I've ever seen him do that before... "Swear to me...that you'll stay safe, no matter what happens."
I hesitate. What's the point of promising him this if there's no way for him to even know if it's broken?
I'll indulge him, I guess.
"I swear." I answer, returning to my path.
"Okay." he whispers, laying down.
Wait, he's actually giving up? And he...
He almost seems...sad?
Isn't he supposed to never stop trying once he puts his mind to something? Did everything I said really affect him that much?
Hmph. Well, it's too late now.
Goodbye, Max.
This may be a bit harder than I thought. Surviving on my own, that is.
I'm so cold...and wet...I wish I could build a fire.
But this is for the best. I know it is. Max is...Max was...
Max was dangerous for me to be around. Now I can't rely on anyone to save me. I'll have to rely on my instincts.
Hold on, is that a cave? That would be a perfect shelter.
It is! See, Max? I don't need you to survive!
...
Some company would be nice, though...
But I can't risk it. It's being in danger with him or being safe out here. Max has the remaining half of the Flushed Pets out for his blood. Not to mention, he's potentially unstable after what Kristal and Jess have put him through. He could end up lashing out at me.
It's better this way. For both of us, really.
I never really did much when I was around. He risked his life to save me from Tiberius, and by the time I arrived to save him, he was already injured and being protected by the dog who tried to kill him!
Max will get over it. He may not admit it, or even believe it, but he's strong.
I've known it ever since I first met him.
He'll make it through this. I just can't be there with him.
I know that it's selfish, and I know he looked like this was hurting him. But I also know that he hasn't given me much reason to believe he cares recently.
I don't know why, but I truly hope he'll be able to forgive me, even if he never sees me again.
Max. I know you may not ever understand why, but I had to do this.