It's Tuesday, November 24th, 1992. The Rangers are preparing for Thanksgiving. However, this year is different. Monterey Jack, Gadget and Zipper have all gone off to visit family. Leaving Chip and Dale alone at home. Chip and Dale are the only two of their family heritage left, leaving them feeling rather gloomy as the annual festivities begin.
Chip, in the living room holding a laundry basket full of dirty clothes, turns to Dale, who is distracted reading on the couch with the TV on in the background.
"Dale, could you give me a hand with the chores?" - Chip asks.
Dale looks up from the book. "Sure." - He says, giving sorrow some expression.
Dale sets the book down on the coffee table and assists Chip with the chores. The two are quiet; occasionally Dale would crack a joke or comment. In between the laughs, the void of silence and lonesome carried through the hollow treehouse. Why it felt so lonesome even when both Chip and Dale knew they had each other was beyond explanation. However, both internally knew that they would have appreciated some company other than themselves on this holiday. The looks, the expression they gave as they folded the clothes in the small and narrow laundry room. Even the happiest of a person could sense the level of immense despair between the two.
"You know, Dale, it doesn't have to be like this every Thanksgiving." - Chip says, folding a shirt.
Be like what, Dale wondered. Could it be, Chip has finally concluded the depth of loneliness and anguish that is felt between them? Only time would tell, Dale supposed.
"What do you mean, it doesn't have to be like this?" - Dale asked.
Chip paused. What do I mean, he thought to himself. Puzzled and unclear as a reason decides to 'wing-it.' An expressive term even Chip thought he'd never have to use.
"I mean being lonely on Thanksgiving. It's the same every year. All we have is each other, no one else to share this day with. I think we should try to take advantage of the long week, just ourselves like the old days." - Chip explains, setting another item in the laundry basket.
Dale inside was both pleased and confused at the statement. Conflicted with emotion but certain, he concurred with the reasons presented by Chip. Dale figured all he ever needed was his brother on these holidays, and this statement may just have fortified that belief.
"That sounds like a good idea. I think it will be fun to just be us again for a little while." - Dale replies.
"Well, I'm glad to hear that. We should also take advantage of the weather while we can before it gets too cold. I think we still have the small football and stuff like that. We could play a couple of games if you'd like too." - Chip says.
Games! Dale was internally jumping with joy. Barely able to contain his excitement, he managed to remain composed. Dale had a good feeling about this long weekend. Excited to seize the moment and take advantage of every second of it, Dale was looking forward to spending this time with Chip and being able to bond with each other without the interruptions of their busy schedules.
Dale's smile widened. "I'm looking forward to that, Chip." - Dale says.
Chip attempts to smile. "You know Dale, credit where it's due; I am proud of the work you do for this team." - Chip says, placing a towel in the basket.
Proud? A word even Dale was shocked to hear directed towards him. Dale couldn't remember if anyone other than Chip has said they were proud of some aspect of Dale. Even Dale was perplexed at Chip saying it.
His smile fades. "You're proud of me?" - Dale asks hesitantly.
Chip stops folding. "Of course, I'm proud of you. You may think that you're just a nuisance to me, but you're not. I've seen the work you've done for this team, and I'm proud of you for it." - Chip says
Could it be? Chip has finally changed his ways towards me, Dale thought to himself. The whole thing seemed like a dream to Dale, as if it never happened, but it was happening. Surprised and unsure how to respond to the sudden compassion from his brother, Dale stood there in thought.
Dale finally remade eye contact with Chip. "Thank you for saying that, Chip." - He said, still unsure of how to respond.
Chip gestured for Dale with open arms. The two hugged; Chip then whispered something to Dale.
"I may not tell it to you enough, but I'm always going to be proud of you and don't let anyone tell you otherwise." - Chip whispered to Dale.
The two broke from their hug. They finished folding the laundry, and then Chip proceeded to make dinner.
"So what do you think of having tonight, Dale?" - Chip asked, grabbing a frying pan from the cupboard.
Dale pondered at this idea. He's never been asked what he'd like for dinner. He usually just had to eat what was made, and if he didn't like it, he would go hungry until the next meal.
"Gee Chip, I'm not sure. I've never been asked what I'd like for dinner before in a long time." - Dale says.
Chip scoffs. "Yeah, Monterey isn't one for taking suggestions. How about a pecan walnut garden salad with some of the leftovers in the fridge? I can also make us a pecan pie for dessert if you'd like." - Chip offers.
This idea amused dale—something for once that he looked forward to eating.
"That sounds great." - Dale says, taking a seat at the table.
"I want to make sure I make something you'll eat. I know you've gone hungry the past few nights, Dale." - Chip says, giving a concerned look.
"I don't like fish that much. Especially when Monterrey has to put cheese on everything." - Dale explains.
"Are you sure it's that, or is something else bothering you?" - Chip asks.
"No, it's just that." - Dale says.
"Alright, well, if it isn't Dale, I want to know. I can only help you if you're open with me." - Chip says.
Dale nods. "I understand Chipper, I'm fine." - Dale says.
"Well, the salads are ready. I'll just have to heat the soup on the stove." - Chip says.
Chip places a bowl in front of Dale.
"Thanks, Chip, this looks great." - Dale says.
Dale was pleased to have something for dinner he looked forward to eating. However, Dale was still adjusting to this 'new Chip.' Dale hasn't seen Chip behave like this in years, and Dale was unsure whether to accept it and be happy or be worried.
Dale clears his throat. "Chip." - Dale says.
Chip looks up from his newspaper. "Yes, Dale?" - He responds.
"Why are you so nice to me all of a sudden? You're never this happy." - Dale says in a hesitant tone.
Chip is taken back by this. He sets his fork down and stands up. Now Dale is for sure going to get it. Chip walks over towards Dale on the other side of the table. Dale flinches, closing his eyes. He uses his arms to block his face, expecting a punch to the nose. He then feels a gentle touch on his shoulder. Dale relaxes and opens his eyes slowly. A confused and concerned look is presented by Chip.
Chip sighs deeply. "As your brother, I know I haven't shown you the compassion and care you deserve. However, I still care about you, and I promise I won't hurt you ever again. Gadget and I talked, and she suggests I change my ways towards you. Try to be a more loving and caring brother. I'm trying Dale. I just hope you can accept that." - Chip explains.
Dale embraces Chip with a hug. "Of course I can, Chipper." - Dale says.
"I'm glad to hear." - Chip says.
Chip then returns over to his seat at the table. Dale is still profusely smiling as they both finish their dinner. Dale then assists Chip with washing the dishes.
"Can you pass me the soap, Dale." - Chip asks.
"Sure, Chip. Here you are." - Dale says, passing the soap bottle.
Chip accepts it, but the bottle slips and shatters as it hits the floor, spilling soap everywhere.
"Dang it." - Chip mutters.
Dale laughs. "Well, at least the floors clean." - Dale says.
Chip was about to comment on Dale but then remembered his conversation with Gadget and decided to let it go and just laugh it off.
Chip laughs. "Yeah, I guess that's one way of cleaning the floor." - Chip says.
Dale picks up a towel and cleans the floor as Chip finishes the dishes. The two then exit the kitchen and proceed to the living room.
Chip glances at the clock. "You know Dale, it's only 9 o'clock. We don't have to go to bed right now. You want to watch a movie?" - Chip asks.
Dale yawns. "Sure, Chip." - He replies.
Chip prepares a medium-sized bowl of popcorn and takes a seat on the couch while Dale flips through the television guide.
Chip then notices that a marathon of his favourite TV show Hunter, a 1980s detective-drama series, is playing.
"Oh, Dale, put Hunter on. I think it's a new episode tonight." - Chip says enthusiastically.
"Surething Chipper." - Dale says, selecting the channel with the remote.
The two then sit back and enjoy the popcorn as they watch the tv show. Eventually, both doze off. Chip awakes hours later; he notices Dale had fallen asleep, resting his head on his shoulder. Chip places the popcorn bowl on the coffee table and then proceeds to pick Dale up. Chip then carries Dale up to the bedroom, where he lays him down in the bottom bunk, sliding him over to the left side. Chip quickly puts his nightgown on and slips into bed. As Chip starts to doze off again, he can hardly wait for the coming days to finally have a well-earned day off.