He was hurt after his encounter with the beetles, but he knew dwelling on it would slow him down. Even if he was to do it alone, he was determined to find his way home and reunite with is dad.

Whenever he need to rest, he would use two leaves: one as a hammock and one as a roof whenever it rained or when it was nighttime. Thankfully, there were plenty of seeds from the flowers and ripe berries to eat and the dew on the grass for him to drink.

Of course, the warm weather didn't last. The summer turned into fall, and food supply was getting short, but he was still able to find whatever he can to eat. A single brown leaf was all he could use to keep himself warm.

The gusty autumn now turned into icy winter. This is the first time he's ever seen snow. The brutal snowy winds numbed his body and face as he shivered his way through it. He was getting weak as his stomach kept growling from the lack of food in the forest. His own leaf was wearing out so he had to get rid of it and wrap himself to warm up anyway he can. There weren't any leaves in the trees and the grass was buried deep in the snow. It was all quiet, dark, and bare. Chances of surviving were small. Taking each step like his feet were getting deeper in the snow. Knowing how dire the situation is, he had to find any shelter fast. If he kept going one more step, he'll surely freeze.

All he could see was nothing but snow until he saw a glowing light upon a hill. It restored his faith! He gathered all his remaining energy to walk quickly up the little hill. The light he finally reached was a big dirt patch with windows that shone the light, a chimney on the side with smoke rising out of it, and a wooden door. Something or someone lives here. At last he made it and knocked on the door. He made it in the nick of time, for as the door was opening, he was getting dizzy as his vision was blurry and his head was starting to sway.

All he heard was a British-accented voice saying "I say," and then everything went black and he passed out. He could hear more shouting, but he was too unconscious to know.

Soon he found himself slowly gaining consciousness again and waking up. Turns out he's not dead after all. He found himself tucked in a soft warm bed. He sat, looked around, and saw that he was inside some cottage.

"Oh, good, you're awake." He turned and saw a mouse carrying oregano in his paw and placing it in a pot of hot vegetable soup. The mouse was wearing a dark blue, tail-coated, golden shoulder-padded suit with a red sash. He also had medals on it like he served in a military. "I was hoping you would make it through the night."

"What happened?"

"You fainted right on my doormat," he replied stirring the soup.

He didn't even remember that. "How long was I unconscious?"

"Twelve hours." He poured the soup in a bowl and handed it to Once. "You looked frozen to the bone."

"Oh, thank you so much, Mr.-"he said.

"Mouse Duke of Weselton." The mouse stepped back and bowed at him, making his hair almost fall and dangle. Once had to cover his hold in a laugh. Hopefully he didn't hear it.

"Anyway," Once said getting his composure again. "I'm Once-ler, and thank you," he said with gratitude. The soup was nice, hot, and filling. Each bite warmed him up more than he was.

"What on earth were you doing in that wretched weather?" he asked concerning.

"I was trying to find my way back home. You see," he continued. "I got abducted from my dad by a toad that-"

"You mean the Pérez fellow?" the mouse interrupted.

"Yes," he groaned, wishing to forget that. "And he wanted me to marry his daughter right on the spot."

The mouse just tsked and tsked. "Blasted toads," he said appalled. "Somebody should do something about the criminal element."

"Then," he carried on. "I've helped out a cockchafer at the fashion show cause she would help me get home." Then he looked sad. "But she called off the deal because the other beetles think I'm ugly, and now she thinks I'm ugly because of them. Am I?"

"Oh, far from it, dear boy," he complimented. "In a way, you're a very handsome man."

It was nice to hear that in a long time. "Thank you. I'd be more than happy to repay you."

"Well," he thought. "You are welcome to stay here for a while and help around my house. You certainly can't find your father in this wind and snow."

"It won't be any trouble at all." Once-ler obliged. "I'd be happy to help."

"Why thank you," Weselton smiled.

The days went by, and the mouse and man got along. He helped him with the chores and without a complaint. He would also tell the duke stories he would tell to the children at his village. However, new challenges will await him.