In the early hours of the morning of Christmas Eve, Chip and Gadget flew through the park in the dark snow-filled skies
"He has to be down there somewhere. We need to find him." Chip said.
"Will find him, Chip. I hope." Gadget replied with a small amount of worry in her voice.
Hours later after the sun rose down below in a hollowed-out tree, Dale awoke to a chipmunk who looked like Chip but with a sweater vest and khaki pants who entered the small house. He removed his coat and walked over to stoke the flames of the fire.
"You were out cold last night. I figured you wouldn't wake up." He said.
"Where am I?" Dale asked.
"A small community in the southern point of Central Park." The older chipmunk said.
He passed Dale a steaming cup of hot chocolate.
"Drink it slowly, it's still hot." He said.
Dale held the mug with two paws"How did I get here?" Dale asked.
"Well, I found you in the snow out there last night. You were very cold and tired. It looked like you had walked for ages. What were you doing out there anyhow?" The chipmunk asked.
"I was trying to get away from my brother. He and I had an argument last night and I just wanted to get away." Dale explained.
"Oh, I see. Well, siblings fight you know. You shouldn't take it to heart." The wise chipmunk explained.
Dale sighed. "You're right, but I just got tired of him telling me what to do and always being so bossy." He explained.
The older chipmunk scoffed and gave a smile. He took a seat across from Dale. "You make it sound like how my brother treated me growing up. Always there to steer me in the right direction. I was annoyed as a child, but now see it as his way of showing that he cared." He said.
"He cares about me and I care about him, I just gave up last night," Dale said.
"Well if you don't mind me saying this, your brother sounds like he really does care about you. And in some instances, when you love someone so much it's sometimes easy to do or say things that may hurt the other without even knowing it." The chipmunk explained.
"Love? We're not in a relationship." Dale said.
The older chipmunk laughed. "No my dear boy, not love in that regard. Love in the regard of family. You love your family, and he must care that much about you." He explained.
"I guess, you're right. Although I'd never say that to Chip's face." Dale said.
"I'm sure Chip would understand where you're coming from Dale." He said.
"How do you know my name?" Dale asked.
"Your jacket has your name and address on the inside of it." He said.
Dale opened his jacket and saw the information in Chip's handwriting. "Oh yeah, Chip put that there in case I ever got lost." He said.
"I think Chip must be very worried about you." He said.
"I guess, but I don't want to go home just yet," Dale replied.
"Well, I can't force you to do anything you're uncomfortable with. You're more than welcome to keep me company for a day or so. I have to go into town later to get a few things. Maybe you could join me?" He asked.
"Sure," Dale replied.
Dale continued sipping his hot chocolate. "Say, I never got your name?" He asked.
"My name is Earl, Dale." He said.
"That's a nice name," Dale said softly.
Earl turned and brought over a tray of toast with jam and assorted fruit. He sat down across from Dale and handed Dale a plate.
"Well, I say eat and then we can head into town. Sounds like a plan, Dale?" Earl asked.
"Sure," Dale replied.
Later after breakfast, they put their winter gear on but Dale, unfortunately, didn't have anything more than a fall coat.
"Here, Dale. This was my son's jacket when he was about your age. I don't think that coat of yours will keep you warm." Earl said, handing Dale the coat.
Dale accepted and put it on." Thank you. I was in such a rush last night that I grabbed the first thing I saw." He said.
Earl chuckled. It's all fine." He said, opening the door.
A wave of cold wind brushed through the door sending shivers across Dale's whole body. They both proceeded out and down into the little village created. There stood numerous little shops covered in snow.
"Wow, I've never seen this place before," Dale said.
"Yes, it's an older community but it's been around for quite a while. You live in the park?" Earl asked.
"Yeah, but close to the north end," Dale said.
"Oh you're from The Loch. I've been up there. It's quite beautiful in the summer." Earl said.
Earl walked over to a shop door and opened it. They both walked inside.
"Earl. Good to see you. Been wondering when you'd drop by." Richard said.
"Yes, I have been quite busy lately," Earl said.
"And who's this young fella, another one of your grandkids?" Richard asked.
"No, just someone I've taken in temporarily," Earl said.
"Pleasure to meet you. I'm Richard." Richard said, extending his paw.
Dale shook it. "I'm Dale." He replied.
"Earl is kind of the village uncle. You'll get along with him just fine." Richard said.
Earl scoffed. "More like the village grandfather." He remarked.
"Hey, pal. You said it, not me." Richard teased.
Earl chuckled. "Take care, Richard. Good chatting with you." He said, leaving the store with Dale.