Chapter 29: Final Goodbye

It was almost afternoon at the vet. As time went by, Marshall slowly opened his eyes. His vision was still blurry, but he could see a few things that were around him. His teddy bear was by his side, along with balloons tied to his bed. His face remained emotionless. It was as if he was a living zombie. A few seconds later, Bruce carefully opened the door and gasped upon seeing his eyes open.

"Oh my gosh…! Y-You're awake! I-I…!" He stammered as he ran up to him. "A-Are you okay? Can you hear me?"

No response…

"M-Marshall?"

"Oh, I forgot to mention, he appears to be in a sort of vegatative state, so it's possible that he's not aware of what's going on," A veterinarian replied as Bruce took a step back.

"Oh… So does this mean he won't be released next week?"

"Well, he's still showing signs of recovery, so there might be a chance, but I don't want to give you false hopes."

"It's alright. He's been out for 3 months, so I figured he could use some fresh air. He used to love the outdoors," Bruce faintly chuckled before gently petting Marshall. "I know you can't hear me, but you're almost there, Marshall! Just a little bit further, and this will all be over soon..." He said while Marshall slowly closed his eyes. His mind was still off, but he could feel a sense of relief coming from Bruce's presence.

As more weeks went by, his injuries were fading, but their scars were there to stay. His physical state was improving, but he remained unresponsive. His eyes remained halfway opened, and his expression remained neutral. By the time he was discharged, Bruce had already settled Marshall's things in his living room. He tried his best to help him return to his original self, but nothing seemed to work. Eventually, Zen came to check on them. She didn't have much, but the least she could do was give them advice.

"Are you sure keeping him next to the window is a good idea? I have a feeling the sunlight is going to get in his eyes," She wondered as Bruce was searching on his laptop.

"The vet said I shouldn't leave him in the dark before his vision starts messing up. Besides, I don't think he'd mind. It's a lot easier to feed him over here, " Bruce replied as he cracked his knuckles.

"Oh right! He has to eat from a tube now. You think it hurts?"

"I hope not… The poor little guy has gone through enough, and the media is making it worse! I've had 11 reporters trying to get information in the last 3 days! It's like they have nothing better to do with their lives."

"Ugh… Tell me about it! But hey, at least they're not throwing rocks at your window!" "

"Yeah… At least," Bruce yawned before standing up. "So, about my family's company, what do you think?"

"Honestly, you don't have a choice. Unless you want to get evicted."

"I knew you'd say something like that…"

"It's true! Besides, it's not like you're new to working with technology anyways. How hard can it be?"

"Well… My dad has always been focused on building the next generation. Things such as drones, cars… I was even told they were considering making weapons for the military."

"Wow… Looks like you've got some catching up to do."

"Yeah. It's a lot of pressure, but I'm sure I can do it! As for Marshall, it'll take some time to get him to another station, but he still has a chance."

"You really think they'll let him in? I mean, he is way too clumsy! What happens if it gets even worse?"

"It's a low chance, but as long as it's possible, I won't stop chasing it."

"Well in that case, if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

"Good, because I was thinking you could help with something in the back-" Bruce explained until a loud knock came from the door. "Ugh… Speaking of reporters."

"Don't worry, I've got this." Zen said as she walked towards the door. "He's not telling you anything! Go away!"

"Please, I just want to talk! It's about-" A female voice tried to speak before Zen interrupted.

"Lady, I didn't ask! Just go before I call the cops!"

"P-Please! H-He was my student, and I just want to know what happened!" Her voice cracked as Bruce's eyes opened up.

"Student…? Wait, is that Ms. Tullis!? Let her in!" He shouted as he stood up.

"Ms. who?" Zen turned around.

"She was the person doing the announcements during the recruitments. Marshall's old caretaker!" Bruce explained while opening the door.

"Oh! My bad! I thought you were a blogger or something!"

"Oh, it's fine! I can only imagine how much stress you guys are going through," Ms. Tullis said as she walked in. "So, how is he?"

"He's been quiet for months now, and I'm not sure if he's getting better."

"Oh… This is bad. Was he acting strangely before the accident? Like, how was his performance?"

"Oh, no! He was amazing! He's probably the best pup I've ever seen. It was… It was just this one incident that ruined everything."

"I see…" Ms. Tullis sighed. "Well, as a teacher, it's good to know that he was doing his part after he graduated. You know what I mean?"

"Umm… I guess?"

"Do you know anything that usually gets his attention?" Zen asked.

"I'm not sure. He usually just finds his own way to entertain himself, so just give him some time. If not, then there's a lot of fire pups out there! I'm sure you guys can find a replacement!"

"Find a replace- What do you think he is?! Some kind of machine!?" Bruce boomed as smiled innocently.

"Of course not! It's just a dog! Nothing more, nothing less," Ms. Tullis replied as Bruce clenched his fist.

"So, what if he's a dog!? You think his life has less of a meaning than yours!? What kind of a teacher are you!?"

"Now, Bruce, take it easy!" Zen warned as Bruce shook his head.

"Is something wrong?" Ms. Tullis asked.

"... You know what? It was nice of you to stop by, but I think it's time for you to leave, " Zen replied as she pointed towards the door.

"But I just need to know if-"

"I won't hesitate to call the police."

"N-No, no! I-I'll be going! Sorry to bother you! H-Have a nice day!" She stammered before leaving the house.

"Geez…"

"I…! No wonder Marshall was…!" Bruce choked before wiping his eyes.

"Hey, it's alright! She just doesn't see things the way we do. Take it easy, and we'll figure this out!"

"... I don't care how long it takes. I'll be there for him for as long as I have to."

3 weeks later… (On a phone call)

"Wait, what do you mean the company is moving upstate!? Why didn't you tell me this earlier!? Bruce yelled at the top of his lungs.

"It's been on our website for weeks! I don't know what else to say! Y-You've still got time, however! If the apartments don't allow pets, then you can find someone else to take care of it! I-If not, then I'm sorry!" A voice replied from the line.

"... I-I'll call you back!" Bruce grumbled before tossing his phone. "Arrrgh! You've gotta be kidding me! I can't just leave him like this! Now what am I supposed to do!?" Bruce cried before looking at a hollow Marshall. "N-No...! I-I'll think of something! Just.. Just wait here! I'll…!" And with that being said, Bruce rushed over to his laptop.

About 3 and a half days later, the house was silent as the moonlight shines across the night sky. As Bret approached the porch, he could feel a chill down his spine. Plants were covering the entire porch and the house remained dark. Carefully, he knocked on the door.

"Hey, Bruce…? It's me... We haven't talked in a while, so I just wanted to come and check in on you if that's fine," He called before noticing the door slightly open.

No Response…

"Bruce…? You in there?" He quietly entered as an awful stench filled his nose. Instantly, he began to panic. "Bruce!? Oh God…!" He panicked before noticing Bruce passed out on his dead laptop.

"No… I'll find something…" He mumbled as Bret sighed in relief. As soon as he was able to catch his breath, he tapped on Bruce's shoulder.

"Hey… Wake up! Bruce!"

"Wha-!?" Bruce shouted before jumping off his chair. "What is it!? What are you-!? When did you..!?"

"I'll explain later, but for now, we need to talk about your place! This is terrible!"

"No no…! I've got it! Just give me some-"

"No, you're not listening to me! You can't live like this! And when's the last time you shaved!? Your hair is just…!"

"Th-That doesn't matter right now! I just need Marshall to be safe!"

"There's literally bugs all over his tube! How is this supposed to be safe?!"

"Uhh… I-I can fix that!" Bruce stood up before Bret blocked his path.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Don't make me have to treat you like a child!"

"No! G-Get out of my way-!"

"Listen!" Bret raised his voice. "I know you're trying to help, but this has gone on for long enough! Don't you think it's time to let him go?"

"No! I-I can do this! I just need more time!"

"And how much time do you think he has? It's been almost six months, and nothing has changed! You can't keep him like this!"

"You don't understand! I-! I don't…!" Bruce croaked as he felt his heart sinking.

"It's okay! It's okay… Just breathe slowly," Bret comforted as he hugged Bruce.

"I don't want him to go! At least not like this! There has to be another choice!"

"I'm sorry… I know it's hard, but you can't give up this opportunity. Especially not in your current state."

"I know…! I know…" Bruce whispered as tears went down his cheek. "Th-That person you called earlier… Do you think that they can still…?"

"Yeah. They know a shelter in Adventure Bay. It's pretty far overseas, but it's the only safe place we could think of."

"I can't believe I'm actually doing this…"

"Trust me. Everything is going to be okay," Bret assured. "Here, why don't you go do something about that hair of yours. You got a razor or anything?"

"... I haven't charged it in a while."

"It's fine! Just plug it in while I take care of these bugs around Marshall.

"Okay…" Bruce sighed before walking out slowly. "I'm sorry, Marshall…"

2 days later (Nearing the present): Early morning, at the fire station

As Bret went to help Bruce with Marshall's send-off, Lorenzo sat alone at the front desk with his head down. A few moments later, Zen entered the room with a mournful expression.

"Hey… How are you holding up?" She greeted as Lorenzo jumped awake.

"Wha-! Who-!?" He gasped before noticing her. "Oh, it's just you."

"Sorry! Didn't mean to startle you!"

"N-No, it's fine! It's just that… I didn't expect anyone to come and see me."

"Well, it's been a while, so I figured maybe we could do some catching up! So… how have you been?"

"Honestly, I don't know. It's like I keep hearing Todd's voice over and over again. It hurts…"

"Yeah… I'm really sorry you're going through this. Just take your time and try not to stress yourself. I'll be in the office if you need anything."

"It's kind of odd seeing you care."

"You say that as if I'm some kind of heartless jerk."

"Well…"

"Yeah, yeah! I know I'm not the best person to hang around, but honestly though, I still care about you guys! I mean, sure… They're times when you push my buttons, but if there's anything I learned from Marshall, it's that I should have been nicer instead of always targeting everyone. Believe it or not, I'm really gonna miss those two."

"Y-Yeah… It's a little too quiet without them. It makes me feel… like it's my fault."

"Relax! You made your own mistakes, so now you can fix it! As for Bruce, I'm sure he'll get used to his new job in no time!"

"And what about Marshall?"

"Well… Honestly, he's way too clumsy to be around another station, but who knows? He can still change! I mean, Bruce wouldn't have taken the blame if he thought he couldn't."

"Wait, what?"

"Oh, we didn't tell you guys? It was actually Marshall who knocked over the lamp post. Bruce didn't want to see him go, so he just took the blame for it. It's a shame it couldn't last though."

"You're… You're pulling my leg, aren't you?"

"Don't believe me? You can ask Bruce if you like, but I doubt he'll respond."

"But that's insane! All of that money-! Why would he-!?"

"Whoa, calm down! I know it's a lot, but it's nothing to lose your mind over!"

"I-It's just that-! He went through all of that, and yet…!"

"Yeah, but even so, I don't think he has any regrets. I mean, money can be replaced, but Marshall… Well, you know…"

"I…" Lorenzo froze.

"Anyways, we should probably get back to work. Just let me know if you need anything!" Zen said before walking to the office. Lorenzo remained seated for a while before putting his hands over his head.

"Where did I go wrong…?" He quietly whispered to himself.