Who Am I - Friendships Renewed - Chapter 6

Zuma had laid back down on the sand as he listened to Ryder and Rocky. He tried his best to remember. It felt right but it was so aggravating that he could not remember.

"And you would always…" Rocky was saying as he noticed as tears started to run down Zuma's muzzle. "Zuma, "said Rocky quietly, "Wh-what's wrong?"

"I-I-I c-can't remember any of it" whimper Zuma, putting his head down on his paws.

Rocky immediately moved to Zuma putting his paws around Zuma's neck and hugging.

Zuma began to flinch back but it just felt right, it felt good to be held. Zuma continued to cry softly.

"It's ok Zuma," said Rocky "I won't leave you. I will be here with you regardless. If you never remember, we-we'll just make new memories. You're my best friend, I'll do everything I can to make you feel safe."

"I'll be right back," said Ryder quietly. Ryder stood and walked back to the other pups. Ryder explained what was going on. Skye had landed and was leaning against Chase watching.

"Oh, poor Zuma" said Skye, as she nuzzled into Chase shuttering at the thought of losing her memory.

"I know what it feels like to feel all alone in the world" said Everest as she buried her head into Marshall's side..

"He seems to be slowly gaining some memory back" said Ryder "But we have no idea how long it will take and if he will ever remember everything."

Rocky and Zuma were still embracing and Zuma leaned back Rocky releasing the hug.

"Thanks" said Zuma softly "That helped."

"Anything for you Zuma" said Rocky "No matter what, I'm here"

"Thanks Rocky" said Zuma "I'm still unsure but I'd like to meet the others but ask them not to rush me, I'm still a little nervous."

Ryder had walked back over and was beginning to sit back down. Rocky explained that Zuma wanted to meet everyone but was nervous.

"I have an idea," said Ryder "hold on"

Ryder went back to the others and explained his idea. Ryder had the pups come in twos to introduce themselves. First was Chase and Skye, then Marshall and Everest, then Rubble. Each of them came and stopped by Ryder; they each said their name and each had a term of endearment for Zuma. After they spoke, they would move over and sit next to Ryder.

"I know this must seem weird," said Zuma "I really want to remember, but I only catch bits and pieces. Familiar smells, certain things that one of you say or the way you say it sparks a memory."

"I'm sorry" whimpered Zuma "I really want to remember."

"Zuma, buddy," said Chase "No one is in a hurry. We're just glad you are safe. We're your friends, we will stand beside you no matter what."

"That's right," said everyone else. Zuma smiled.

The group continued to tell stories when Rocky noticed Zuma was shivering a little. Rocky looked at Ryder and directed him to notice as well.

"Zuma" said Ryder "You look like you're getting cold. Do you want to come back to the Lookout? We can get you warm and all eat some dinner."

"I-I uh…" Zuma stammered looking a little nervous.

"Hey, don't sweat it," said Ryder "I'll have someone bring us some food here. Marshall can you clear a space for a campfire? We'll all stay here, we haven't had a campout in a while."

Zuma seemed to relax. Rocky let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. Zuma turned to him and they both laughed.

Ryder picked up his Pup Pad and called Katie. He briefly filled her in and asked if she could bring some food for everyone, she agreed.

Later as everyone was still talking Mr. Porter and Katie pulled up. Opening the doors they carried out hamburgers and hotdogs for everyone. Marshall had built a fire and everyone had snuggled around it.

Zuma smelled the hamburgers, "I remember that smell from earlier."

"Mr. Porter's hamburgers," Marshall said, "they're awesome."

Mr. Porter smiled and said "Hello Zuma."

Katie walked over and set a plate in front of Zuma. "Hi Zuma, I'm Katie. I was taking care of you after your accident."

Zuma eyed the hamburger, his mouth watering.

"Eat Zuma" giggled Katie "How do you feel?"

"My head hurts a little," said Zuma "I'm still so confused. I only remember bits and pieces from time to time."

Katie sat down next to Ryder and said, "It makes sense that your head might hurt. You have been up all day. I'm sure all of this is a little overwhelming, you need to eat and rest."

Zuma began eating the hamburger which was the cue for everyone else to start eating. As they were eating Katie watched Zuma. She was able to assess his actions and cognition. She asked general questions from time to time.

"I remembered that Rocky doesn't like water," Zuma was saying, as they ate, "Other than that, I remember some smells. Nothing anyone has told me so far feels wrong. I just wish I could remember more."

Zuma looked down and noticed he had finished his hamburger. He looked around. Ryder laughed and set another on his plate.

"Eat up Zuma" said Ryder "You need to keep up your strength."

Zuma happily began eating. As he finished he sat back. "Those are really good," said Zuma. "Ryder," continued Zuma "I do really want to get better and remember, but I'm still a little scared. You said I needed to be checked?"

"Yes Zuma," said Ryder "Katie here is wanting to check you. But only when you feel comfortable."

"Actually I'm mostly done," said Katie "I've been observing you this whole time."

Zuma turned to her, "Really, so am I going to remember more?"

"Yes a lot of the check up is just observing," explained Katie "I'd like to look in your eyes with a little flashlight. As for your memory, I think you will gain memories back as you are around familiar people, pups, and places."

"O-ok, but can you show me the flashlight first?" said Zuma "will it hurt?"

Katie held up the light and said, "No Zuma it won't hurt. It will be a little bright but that's all."

"Ok," said Zuma "I'll try to be brave."

Rocky squeezed his paw and said, "I'm right here. Katie would never do anything to hurt you."

Katie knelt and shined the light in Zuma's eyes, one at a time.

"They look good and reactive," said Katie "I think you will be fine, but I can't say how long it will take to get your memory back. It may come back a little at a time or all at once. There may be some things you don't remember, but the fact that you remember smells and things about Rocky gives me great hope."

Everyone continued talking and laughing. Each pup had a Zuma story and each time another pup would speak Zuma tried to remember their names as Rocky had said. Zuma yawned really big which led to a round of yawns from everyone else.

"Marshall, if you will make sure we have plenty of firewood," said Ryder "I think we should all get some sleep. We'll see what tomorrow brings."

Everyone began to curl up and drift off. Rocky watched over Zuma as he drifted off. As Zuma's breathing slowed and steadied Rocky could tell Zuma was sleeping. Only then did Rocky allow himself to drift off.

Ryder and Katie sat watching the pups. They both noted that Zuma and Rocky touched paws as they slept.

"I don't think Rocky will let Zuma out of his sight for a while" whispered Katie.

"I was really worried about both of them honestly" said Ryder "They've been inseparable since they met."

Katie decided to return to town with Mr. Porter. Ryder laid down next to his pups. It would take time, but Ryder knew Zuma would be alright.

As Ryder returned to the fire after seeing Katie and Mr. Port off he noticed that all the pups were resting together and had formed a protective ring around Rocky and Zuma. Ryder wasn't sure how it would all work out but he knew his team would come away stronger.