Chapter 4: Morton's Wake-Up Call

The next morning, Morton scurried across Nool and saw his dad behind him. He said, "Hey, sport. How's it going?"

"Pretty good." said Morton.

"Where you heading?"

"To see Horton."

"Are you sure about that?" he asked.

"Like I said, he's my best friend." said Morton.

"Well, if you say so."

They both sped up and saw Horton walking around until he sees both Morton and his dad. Horton remained cautious with Richie and said, "Hello, Morton. Richie."

"Horton."

"Sleep well?" asked Horton.

"Just fine." said Morton.

"Me, too." said Richie.

Richie looked at something in Horton's trunk and sees a clover. He asked, "Why are you carrying a clover?"

"There are people living in this speck, just so you know." said Horton.

Richie scoffed at Horton and said, "You know good and well that there are no life in this speck."

"Of course there is, dad." said Morton.

Richie looked at Morton and said, "You believe this piece of crap?"

"I didn't believe it at first, but I know he's telling the truth." said Morton.

"How could you defend him?"asked Richie.

"He's my best friend. I told you that a million times."

"I can give you proof to see that I'm not lying." said Horton.

"Let me see your proof." said Richie.

Horton revealed the clover and sees the speck. Then, he got closer to it and said, "Hello, is there really anyone there?"

"Yes, there is." said a voice.

Richie got startled and said, "W-Who's there?"

"This is the mayor of Whoville." said the voice.

Richie felt shocked and said, "Okay, this is weird."

Then, Sour Kangaroo came by and saw Richie, Morton and Horton together. Rudy popped out of her pouch and she let out a suspicious look in her face she spots Richie.

"Good morning, Horton, Morton. Richie."

"Hey, how's it going?" asked Morton.

"Going fine. I see Richie is still there." said Kangaroo.

"What does that supposed to mean?" asked Morton.

"For someone who hasn't seen you for 19 years, I think it's completely irresponsible to leave a young mouse behind and come back for something you haven't had." said Kangaroo.

"Watch who you're talking to, lady!" exclaimed Richie.

"You can't handle the truth?" asked Kangaroo.

"You can handle the truth!" he screamed.

"Guys!" yelled Morton.

They soon stopped and Morton said, "What is your problem anyway?"

"Son, why would you live with these hoodlums?" asked Richie.

Horton and Kangaroo gasped in shock and said, "Hooligans?"

"Well, Horton in this case, but who are you calling 'hooligans'?" asked Kangaroo.

Horton stared at Kangaroo at that remark and Kangaroo said, "That didn't come out right, didn't it?"

"No, it didn't." said Horton.

"I'll meet you back in the tree." said Richie.

Richie sped off and Morton looked a little livid. He furiously stared at Horton and Kangaroo, looking like he got punk'd.

"That was totally uncalled for." said Morton.

"Uncalled? Having your father leaving you for 19 years and never coming back and trying make excuses for you coming back, that's uncalled." said Kangaroo.

"Out of all the stupid things you say, it has to be the most stupidest, nuttiest things you've ever said about my father." said Morton.

"I'm sorry, but it's the truth." said Kangaroo.

"You're a liar." said Morton.

"He's trying to leave you again." said Horton.

Morton looked at Horton, in disbelief. He said, "Not you, too."

"I'm sorry, buddy, but I have to agree with Kangaroo on this one. We're just trying to protect you so you wouldn't get hurt." said Horton.

Morton lowered his head and said, "Everything you guys said about my dad is a lie. I don't need your comments about my dad. He's not gonna leave me again. Never! Do you know what it's like to wake up every morning and not have someone close to you there?"

"I realize that, Morton. You have to believe us. We've been your friends way before him. We're just telling you what's right." said Kangaroo.

"You don't know what you're talking about! You're lying and I'm not buying any of this bullcrap you're giving me!" cried Morton.

"We're just trying to protect you! You have to believe that, Morton!" exclaimed Horton.

"Who cares what you do? You are not my father!" exclaimed Morton.

Morton sped angrily and ran away from the situation between Horton and Kangaroo. Kangaroo sighs and said, "Morton has to face the music sooner or later. I'm sorry, Horton."

"It's fine, Kangaroo. I just can't take the fact of Morton being hurt." said Horton.

"I know you're trying everything to protect your best friend and that should be it's own reward." said Kangaroo.

"I hope you're right." said Horton.

"Take care of yourself, okay?"

"I will. Bye, Kangaroo."

"Bye, Horton.

"Bye, Rudy."

"Bye, Horton." said Rudy.

Horton sighed sadly and walked back home. He kept thinking about Morton and wanted to do something to protect his little best friend.