Okay. As you can see, no, Chapter 4 was not the last one! Yes, I have noticed that Buzz and Woody, in the movies, both got broken arms, Buzz in Toy Story and Woody in Toy Story2.
I was hoping to post this chapter sooner or at least complete it, but both my family and I came down with a brief but awful stomach flu during the week, which slowed things down, though I feel better now than I was.
Just so no one gets confused, Mitsy's relationship with Jack is not romance. She's a dog lover. So far, I don't have a romantic interest for her yet in any of my fanfics, though small ideas are in the back of my head with nothing definite. I am open to ideas or suggestions regarding that.
I also do not want to make of all my fanfics centered on the princess either. I am trying to work on that. I do have one family centered one that I haven't posted yet, because it is taking me so very long to get it all together. I'm trying to make the beginning more interesting before I post it.
There's a bit of Buzz/Jessie in here, and it mentions Bo Peep.
Thank you, everyone who has reviewed! Thank you very much.
The next morning, while everyone else tried to keep up their normal routines with Bonnie enjoying her spring break by spending the day at the water park, Mitsy spent the entire day hiding under Bonnie's bed where she could be alone and grieve without causing a disturbance. Slinky came to her and stayed in for most of that morning. He didn't say much, he just sat there with her, for which she was grateful. They kept a portion of the bed's blanket lifted up so they had a bit of light peeking in, but not too much. Jessie and Dolly frequently checked on her.
By late morning, Woody came. He knelt down beside the sad princess. "Sorry I took so long," he said, smiling. "But I wanted to catch up on some things." He placed a soothing hand on her shoulder. "Are you all right, honey?" He asked tenderly. Mitsy sadly looked up at him, grateful for his presence but unable to answer. She shook her head. Woody stared sympathetically at her and pulled her into his arms, giving the princess a warm hug. She leaned her head on her fatherly friend's shoulder and held onto him for a few minutes. She always felt safe and protected in Woody's hugs. They spoke security to her. Sadly, in the past there had been a few times that he hadn't shown her this parental affection when she needed it badly, but only a handful that she could recall. "Shh. It's all right." Woody said quietly, patting her back. Then she sat back against the wall. "We're all here for you, Little Bit. You're not alone. You've got some good friends out there." Mitsy nodded. "Well, I have some things I've got to do. But I will be back to check on you later. If you need me, I'll be around." He squeezed her hand. "Please don't hesitate if you need me for something." Mitsy nodded again and signed thank you. Woody lightly kissed her forehead, smiled and then left.
During mid-afternoon, Mitsy was still under there hugging her knees and looking forlorn when a very, very unexpected voice spoke to her. "Excuse me, Your Highness."
Mitsy looked flabbergasted. "P-Potato Head?" She sputtered.
"Do you mind if I come in?" Potato Head asked lowly. His wife was standing at his side.
"N...no. You can come in, if...if you want to," Mitsy stammered. The melancholy spud came next to her. Mrs. Potato Head clasped the princess in a sweet hug.
"Oh, you poor dearie." She cried. "What happened to you was just horrible!"
"It was horrible for all of us," Mitsy corrected her as Mrs. Potato Head released her. Mr. Potato Head just miserably stared at the floor, nodding his agreement. Mitsy stared at him, confused. "Is...is something wrong?"
He removed his hat. "Yes, there is."
"Is your family okay?"
"Yes, they're fine." Mrs. Potato Head answered. "We were worried about you."
"Oh, well, thank you." Was all she could answer, but she noticed that the male spud was still very silent. "What is it? What's the matter?" Mitsy asked him.
"Me," Potato Head said flatly.
"What's wrong, Potato Head?"
"Me. I was wrong." Potato Head groaned. Mitsy just gaped, eyes wide and brows raised. "You were right about...about Jack." Her eyes grew pained at the mention of her friend's name. Potato Head continued. "I was very wrong about him. Totally wrong. And I was pretty rough on you too. I just want you to know how terribly sorry I am. I don't blame you if you hate me."
Mitsy smiled warmly. "Oh, no. No. I do not hate you. I...I guess," Mitsy sniffled a little, "all...all these years I built him up to such a high standard that, I...I guess it made you all feel like you could never measure up to his character. I'm sorry! Maybe...maybe that's why he died. Because I put him on a pedestal that no one else could imitate. I'm sorry. I never, ever meant to do that! Honest!"
"Oh, no, darling." Mrs. Potato Head protested, wrapping her arms around the princess, letting her lean on her shoulder. "He was a hero, and you admired him for it. There's nothing wrong with that." She gently stroked Mitsy's face.
"I only said all those good things about...about him because I knew they were true! But I...I'm sorry I was so mean to you, and called you nasty names. I still can't believe I said those things!"
"No need to make an apology, sweet girl." Mrs. Potato Head said. "He probably earned it."
"Eh, forget it. I was asking for it." Her husband answered. "I've learned an important lesson here, and that is that at times when things look darkest for us, that's when we need to help and trust each other the most. That has never been my strong point, and it seems like I often end up learning the hard way. But after what happened to...after what happened, I won't forget it in a hurry! It's terrible that it was a very expensive lesson, at someone else's cost!
'I hope you understand that I only wanted us all to be safe. I was trying to protect you guys. I didn't want us all to be betrayed again, you know what I mean?'"
"I...I think I do," Mitsy said softly, nodding.
"But, being the Mr. Negative that I am, the accusing things I said...I don't know. It was just the first thing that came out of my mouth. I'm truly sorry."
"Thank you, Potato Head," Mitsy smiled wistfully, still amazed at the wonder of this rare moment. "I'm sorry too. And...and I'm so glad we're friends. Really." Mrs. Potato Head hugged her and Mitsy smiled at the kind lady who was a much needed rosy ray in the toys' lives.
"I just want to say two more things." Mr. Potato Head said seriously."One, I'm really sorry for what you're having to go through at this time. And..and I have a tremendous respect for...for him.'" Mitsy was very touched. She signed thank you to him and the two spuds left together, hand in hand.
The only time that day that Mitsy came out from under the bed was during playtime with Bonnie. True to his word, Woody did return to see how she was. It was the same scenario between them. That night, Jessie sat with Mitsy and told her about everybody's activities that day.
Earlier in the afternoon, Buzz and Woody had told all the toys about how they'd been taken hostage by the Spikes Toy Gang and how Jack had saved them, though they left out the deeply dark details so as not to frighten the younger toys. But that night, after everyone and Bonnie was in bed, Woody quietly slipped out of his owner's arms to find Buzz. He found the Space Ranger in the toy basket, sitting with Jessie. Woody cleared his throat and the two toys looked up at him. "Can I come in, please?" Woody asked anxiously.
"Sure." Buzz said uneasily, surprised that Woody hadn't apologized for disturbing them or teased them the way he usually did. Something was obviously bothering the cowboy. Jessie stared at her brother, annoyed that he'd pretty much barged in on her and Buzz's alone time, but also curious as to why he did it so insistently. Woody climbed down from the lid of the basket. It was mostly dark, except for a flashlight standing straight up and Buzz's green glow.
"Sorry I'm bothering you guys," Woody said quietly, "but can we talk? Please?"
"Certainly, cowboy." Buzz answered. He was observing his friend's dejected appearance closely. Something was pressing heavily on the sheriff's mind.
"Sorry, Jess, but...uh, I think it might be best if Buzz and I talk alone. Okay?" Woody asked.
"Why?" Jessie asked. "Woody, you can talk in front of me. It's okay."
"Jess, please?"
"But..." Buzz touched Jessie's hand.
"Jessie," he spoke up firmly. "You go ahead. You can come back when we're done. I promise. But Woody apparently really needs to get something off his chest." Jessie looked disappointed, but she stood up.
"Oh, all right," she sighed. "I hope talking about whatever it is helps you ease up, Bro." She smiled at Woody who nodded gratefully. "Remember, Buzz!" She stared at her husband sharply. "I can come back when you two fellas are finished. You promised!"
"I'll remember," Buzz chuckled at his spirited wife. Then she climbed out, leaving the two guys to themselves.
"Thanks, Buzz!" Woody sighed heavily and plopped down hard next to his best friend. He was extremely grateful that it was just the two of them.
"What's up, cowboy?" Buzz asked, concerned. "What's the matter, Woody? You seem pretty disturbed about something. Why did you ask Jessie to leave?"
"I...I didn't want to give her nightmares," Woody said flatly, shaking his head.
Buzz gaped, not sure where this was all headed. "Oh. Well, what's bothering you? You can tell me, Woody. I can handle it. You really need to release it." He gripped his friend's arm.
Woody took a deep breath, then faced the brave Space Ranger. "Well, Buzz," he began. "You don't know what all happened back at the warehouse while you and the others stayed in the storage room."
"That's true. I don't." Buzz stated simply.
"Well, when we returned, remember Slinky mentioned that we'd gotten caught?"
"Yeah," Buzz nodded.
"We didn't just get caught. A lot more happened, much more. I thought you should know about it. I figured I could tell you."
"Sure." Buzz answered, preparing himself for whatever Woody was going to spill.
"Well, we hid under a cart in the shadows when we heard voices. It was Spike and the crocodile. They passed us and kept walking. I had Slinky stay under a cart while Mitsy and I went on ahead. The two crooks entered an air vent in the wall, while we hid under a box. After they left, I told her to give me the pipe, then I crawled out to see if I could see Jack in the vent. Then I was stopped by the cat, the scorpion, and the robot. They attacked me and grabbed the pipe from my hands, then clunked me on the head with it! I passed out."
"We heard Misty yell your name from a distance," Buzz said. "We were worried. We knew that something must have happened to you, and I wanted so badly to come out and find you guys! But I couldn't leave Jessie and the others behind, unprotected. It killed me to do it, but I stayed with them."
"When I came to," Woody continued, "it was kind of dark and Mitsy was trying to wake me. Man, did my head hurt! I felt like someone had laden my noggin inside with bricks! Anyway, it turns out that we were in a sealed box..." Woody explained about the conversation he and the princess had had, and how they'd flipped over the box, hoping to kick the flaps open. "Then we heard the tape being cut." Woody said. "I thought it was you, Buzz, coming to get us out of there!"
"Was it Jack instead?" Buzz asked. "And he got you out?" Woody's face fell and he bit his lip.
"No, Buzz. No! It wasn't!" Woody exclaimed, and Buzz's eyes widened in growing dread. "It was the gang! Whole band of them." Buzz gaped, astonished. "Their faces were so ugly with creepy smiles that it'd make you cringe. Mitsy was really scared, and I tried to shield her by keeping her behind me against the wall. They came closer and closer to us! I didn't know what to do, Buzz! We had absolutely nothing to protect ourselves with! Then Spike came in, and my heart sank, and Mitsy clung to me tighter. They demanded to know how we'd gotten out of the closet. That Sniper fired needles at us, but, thankfully, they ended up in the box wall. I begged them to just let us go, for all the good that did! Then...then they charged at us!"
"Oh, man," Buzz gulped, putting his arm around his friend's shoulder. "What happened? What did you do?"
"So much was going on at once, that I can't tell exactly all that happened! I shoved Mitsy away and told her to run and get out. The next thing I knew, I was swarmed and they were beating up on me really hard, but I couldn't escape because they had me pinned down!" Buzz shook his head, but his eyes were locked on Woody's pained face. "Then, the crocodile was leering over me, with a hammer close to my face. He was taunting me, but I couldn't get away!"
"Did Mitsy get out and find Jack, and he came to help you?" Buzz inquired hopefully.
"No!" Woody blurted. "You know what happened? The other toys groaned a bit and were shoved this way and that. Mitsy came into view, yelling at them. You should've seen her, Buzz! I don't know where, but she'd managed to find a pickaxe. Whoa, she was something else, furiously waving that thing everywhere at once, whacking whoever was in her way!"
"Really?" Buzz raised his eyebrows in surprise, and he chuckled. "She did?"
"Yep!" Woody weakly grinned, nodding his head. "She fell on top of me and gave the crocodile's foot a good smack." Buzz snickered.
"I bet they were taken by surprise!" He laughed, but Woody didn't share in the merriment. "What is it? Did I say something?" Buzz asked nervously.
"No, it's just...that's when things got really bad." Woody said, and Buzz braced himself. "They seized her and wouldn't let go. I yelled at them to release her, then..then.." Woody was panting and Buzz scooted closer. "That horrid cat! He...he was about to cut her arm off with scissors!" Woody shuddered at the memory.
Buzz gasped and his body stiffened. He clenched his fists angrily. "Oh, man, Woody!" He exclaimed. "I had no idea things got that bad! Wish I'd been there for you guys! I sure would've given those blasted devils what for! But, what happened after that?"
"It was horrible, Buzz!" Woody cried. "I begged and begged them not to do it! Mitsy was so afraid that she could barely speak. She was looking at me desperately to save her, but I was held back. Not that I didn't struggle to break their grasps, I did, but it was useless. The Sniper was aiming right at me. Oh, Buzz, she looked so scared, pleading at me to do something! I still pleaded for them to stop." Woody rubbed his forehead and sighed, gritting his teeth. "Then they...they took her away."
"What?" Buzz sputtered.
"They duct taped me to the wall and took her away," Woody said sadly. "She still cried to me for help, and the poor thing was so terrified. But I couldn't do anything! Then they closed the flaps again. It was horribly torturous, sitting there helplessly, and listening to her constantly piercing screams! I had no idea what they were going to do to her, and I didn't think I was ever going to see her again!" Woody shivered. "And the whole thing was my darn fault, Buzz! I never, ever should've brought her with me! I should've left her with you guys. What was I thinking? I was supposed to protect her, and I put her in harm's way." Woody pounded his fist on his forehead.
"Stop, Woody." Buzz said firmly, then tried to change the subject. "How'd you get out? How did you find her?"
"Slink and Jack, of all people, found me and got me out!" Woody exclaimed. "Jack knew his way around in the warehouse, so he helped us find her." Woody explained about rescuing Mitsy from the toolbox, how Jack had led them carefully, and how he'd jumped without a moment's hesitation to save Slinky-someone he barely knew at all-from being blown to kingdom come, then brought them back to the closet. "Well, you know all the rest." Woody sighed heavily.
"Wow, Woody! That's incredible!" Buzz exclaimed. He shuddered inside, putting himself in Woody's boots and imagining how horrible it would've been if he had been held back from protecting Jessie-had it been her instead of the princess-oh, he didn't want to think of it! "Well, you can relax now, cowboy." He said soothingly. "We're all safe now, and together!"
"Yeah," Woody nodded. "I just can't help feeling responsible for what happened! If they'd killed her, it would've been all my own stupid fault!"
"It's over, Woody." Buzz said firmly. "It's passed. Get that through your head, okay? You shouldn't keep playing over and over what could've happened. We're all safe and home with Bonnie now. You should be relieved about that."
"I-I am." Woody said. "You're right, Buzz. I knew it would help me, talking to you. I knew you would know just what to say to me. I feel much better now. Thanks a lot, Bud."
"Anytime," Buzz smiled. "You can always talk to me, Woody."
"I know I can! Buzz, I have something else I need to say."
"What's that?" Buzz inquired curiously.
"I feel so awful, about leaving Jack's body behind." Woody hung his head.
"Yeah, but it couldn't be helped, Woody."
"Well, before we left the warehouse, in my mind, I promised Mitsy that we would hold a special memorial for Jack, to honor his memory. After all, he did help us be able to come home to Bonnie. And he was a dog of integrity."
"Yes," Buzz sighed. "I can't stop kicking myself for believing he could be anything but sincere. I think it's a good idea, Woody, and you can count me in! But when do you think would be a good time? I don't believe Mitsy's ready for that yet. It's just too soon, and she needs more time to recover."
"I know, Buzz," Woody nodded. "We don't have to rush. But just remember that we are going to do it. I feel that we owe it to him, and to her, after being so hasty in judgment!"
"Woody, you were the one who told us not to be so hasty." Buzz corrected. "When you feel the time is right to do this, just let me know and we'll get started, okay?"
"Yep. Thanks, Buzz. I'm glad you feel that way. Well, I guess I'll go back to Bonnie now. Thanks again, partner." Woody stood up.
"Sure. You'd better let Jessie know she can come back now!" Buzz warned.
"You bet I will! She'll have my hide if I don't!" Woody laughed, then climbed up to the basket lid. "I knew I could count on you, Space Ranger." Then he disappeared.
Not 60 seconds later, Jessie hopped down inside next to her husband. "Hey, you!" She grinned. "What was that all about? He was smiling."
"I'm afraid I can't tell you tonight, Jessie," Buzz answered. "But I think the talk did him a lot of good."
"Must have been something pretty bad, if you can't tell me about it." Jessie teased.
"I said not tonight." Buzz corrected her. "Come on. Let's cuddle." Jessie cheered up and was instantly in his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"I'm glad you were able to help him. But you won't let anyone else in here tonight, will you?" She asked. "Please?"
"Nope." Buzz smiled.
The next morning while Bonnie was at a book fair at Sunnyside, Buzz went to see Mitsy. Something was troubling him and he wanted to be alone with 'his niece' so he could get it off his chest. He also wanted to see for himself how she was doing. Naturally, he found her under the bed again. Bullseye was curled up next to her and Mitsy was sadly leaning on and stroking his mane. His plush, huggable body was a priceless source of comfort. Buzz cleared his throat and spoke up. "Uh, hey, Mitsy."
Mitsy slightly turned her sad face toward him. "Hello, Buzz," She said softly, almost a whisper.
"I'm sorry to disturb you. I'm not trying to be intrusive. Do you feel like taking a stroll?"
"Not really," Mitsy mumbled, shaking her head.
"Well, I'm sure you don't, but...but I want you to take one with me, right now." He said firmly. Mitsy stared at him. He was so insistent.
This is odd. She thought. Jessie's the only one he takes a walk alone with, unless he's having some guy time with Woody. Buzz held his hand out to her. She looked at it warily, then him, then back at his hand, and then took it. He helped her stand then let go. "Thanks, Bullseye. You're a pal. Why don't you go play with Jessie, boy?" She suggested. The plucky horse gave her a big lick on the face, making her slightly smile, then he trotted away.
Mitsy trailed behind Buzz out of the bedroom and to the living room. He stopped near the sofa and winced. Come on, Space Ranger. Just say it. He turned to face the princess, his face turning hot. "Mitsy, I...I'm sorry," Buzz said straight out.
"I know," Mitsy whispered, clasping her hands together and staring at the floor.
"No, I mean...I'm sorry for sitting on the fence and not speaking up for Jack like I should have."
Mitsy winced again. "It was a tangle of circumstances," she said lowly. "And...and you didn't know him that well. It's okay, Buzz. Really." She touched his large arm with her small hand. "And, you didn't say anything against him. I'm grateful for that. So, you didn't say anything you'll regret."
"I regret what I didn't say. What I should've said." Buzz groaned.
"We...we can't change the past. No matter how much I...I wish that we could!" she said lowly, looking up sadly at him.
Buzz slightly grinned. How many times through the years had he told her what she just said to him? I guess she's learned more from Woody and me than we choose to realize, Buzz thought. Yes, she's learned a lot, but I was hoping that this was something none of us would ever have to learn. I wish to infinity and beyond that there was something we could do...something I could do to make her feel better. "Hey, I was proud of you, Princess, the way you handled that cat." Buzz smiled warmly, tugging playfully on her curly hair.
Mitsy's eyes widened and she looked up at him, surprised. "You saw?" She asked.
"Yes. I sure did. Excellent work. You did good for yourself. I must say, I was impressed! Your training certainly paid off."
"Thanks to you. I wasn't doing it to be seen, I was trying to keep from getting killed!"
"I know. And Woody told me about how you came to his rescue. Nice work!"
"He told you?" Mitsy sputtered. She was still a little upset with how Woody had ranted on her about that instead of thanking her the first time. "I had no idea." She said quietly.
"Hey, I wanted to ask you something," he commented. "How would you like to join Jessie and me tonight for a movie?"
"With you and Jessie?" Mitsy looked surprised again. It was rare for Buzz and Jessie to ever invite anyone to join them for a movie, as they enjoyed being alone. "Well...if she doesn't mind, I'd like that very much. If it won't bother you guys. Are you sure it'll be okay with Jessie?"
Buzz smiled widely. "Let me tell you something. It was Jessie's idea!"
"Oh! Tell her 'thank you'. Uh, is it all right if...well..."
"Yes? If what?" Buzz leaned over curiously.
"Could...could Woody come too? Please?" Mitsy asked yearningly.
"Sure thing." Buzz smiled. They started to walk back to the bedroom when Mitsy spoke up again.
"Buzz?" She asked timidly.
"Yes, Princess?" Buzz looked at her curiously.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure. Not sure if I'll be able to answer it, but go ahead."
"Why is it? How come..." Mitsy was trying to find the right words. "How come when things are bad for us, why is it that sometimes we tend to go after each other and fight instead of working together?"
Buzz's face grew solemn. Her question made him feel bad again for how their friends had been so quick to accuse Jack when they didn't know the whole story, which had led to nasty, unkind words being said between her and Potato Head. He bit his lip and rubbed his chin, trying to figure out how to answer. "I guess...I guess it's because.." He began. "When bad things do happen, it shows just how much that life isn't under our control and it frightens us, so we feel that we need to strike out to keep things from getting worse."
Mitsy frowned. "But...but that doesn't solve anything." She said. "And it just makes things worse. That brings strife between us, and that shouldn't be." She hung her head, partly in shame for her rash words two days before, but also in lingering disappointment of what had transpired between her and her friends right after they'd gotten caught.
"You're right," Buzz said, and gripped her small shoulder. "Mitsy, I'm really sorry for all of this. I know you're hurting really bad right now, and I wish there was something I could do to make it go away."
"Thanks," Mitsy whispered, staring at the floor again. "You're...you're a g-good friend, Buzz. T-thank you for trying to h-help me." She looked like she was going to cry.
"It's no problem." He patted her shoulder. "Hey, and I'm really sorry about what happened to you and Woody in the box.."
"Please, don't talk about it!" Mitsy begged, holding her hands up and shaking her head. She hated remembering when she and Woody had been attacked."I-I don't even want t-to t-think about that!" She shivered and squeezed her eyes shut.
"Sorry I brought it up." Buzz said. "I didn't mean to make you feel bad." She bit her lip and gulped, nodding.
When they returned to the bedroom, Rex and Trixie invited Mitsy to play their video game with them on multiplayer mode, to which she agreed and had a fun time. Dolly and the Potato Heads had other things to tend to, so Mitsy had to play babysitter to the three Peas-in-a-Pod and aliens, reading a storybook to them, then she played a tiring game of Hide-and-Seek with them. Mitsy, Slinky, Hamm, and Bullseye all played several wild games of Dutch Blitz. Woody watched her throughout the day and was glad that she actually seemed to be enjoying herself...or looked like she was at least trying to. He could see the searching longing behind her eyes, and the weak willpower it took to smile. She's probably putting up a facade, he thought, but it's good for her to be out in the open, doing things, and surrounded by friends, instead of staying all alone under that dark bed where one can easily indulge in self-pity, hands down. She hasn't talked much about what happened. She probably should, and soon, otherwise it'll build up and burst out. But she might not be ready to talk. I know I certainly wouldn't be. It was just like good old Buzz to get a moping toy out in the open and keeping themselves busy instead of sitting around making oneself more miserable.
When Bonnie returned from Sunnyside, Buttercup hopped out of the backpack with an envelope. It was for Mitsy. She took it and climbed up to the windowsill to read it. It said:
"Dear Mitsy,
It's my fault for not writing before this. I'm very sorry to hear about your friend, Jack. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for you, missing him and wishing he was there with you. Know that you are in my thoughts.
It wasn't until I was writing this that I realized how long it's been since we've seen each other and how much I've missed you! I would love to see you again sometime. We'd be happy to have you come and visit us at Sunnyside sometime. You won't believe how different it is since we all first came! Hope to see you soon! Sending many hugs your way!
Love always,
Barbie
xoxoxo
P.S.
Hey there, kid! Terribly sorry to hear that you're
not feeling so hot right now. Hope things start
lookin' up for ya soon again. Hey, come and
visit us at Sunnyside anytime! We'd love to see
ya! Feel better soon. Love, Ken"
Mitsy grinned reading Ken's little note. She did miss Barbie whom had always felt like a cousin to the princess, and Sunnyside was no longer a place of doom, but...but still. Visit Sunnyside? No, not now. That place still had too many frightening memories, and it was too soon after their tragic ordeal at the warehouse (which they were all still recovering from) to return to a place that had once been used as a stash for deceit, malice, and betrayal. Maybe sometime down the road, she'd visit Sunnyside again, but just not now.
He was sitting on the bed in Mr. and Mrs. Anderson's bedroom. He wasn't reading a book, but was just sitting there listening to soft, classical music coming from the CD player, and looked like he was deep in thought. Mitsy quietly climbed up until he was in sight, and the perceptive clown glanced in her direction. "Oh, Princess," he sighed. "It's you."
"I'm sorry to intrude on your quiet time, but...Chuckles, can I come sit with you, please?" Mitsy asked sadly.
"Of course, my dear." Chuckles answered gently. "Come sit down right here." He patted the spot next to him and Mitsy rushed over and sat down there.
"We haven't had a chance to talk since we got back from the trip." Mitsy stated.
"No, we haven't." Chuckles replied. "I've been thinking about you. How are you feeling, Princess?" Mitsy bit her lip, staring down at the comforter.
"I...I...I don't know." Mitsy shook her head. "It's good to be back home where it's safe and we're together, but..." Chuckles listened quietly, cocking his head. "But I feel like...like something special and dear is gone. No, someone. Even...even though he was never...never here at Bonnie's, it still feels like...like..." Mitsy's lips quivered, and she couldn't get the words out. She looked at the kind, melancholy clown who was still listening. "I'm sorry." She gulped, shaking her head again, then covered her face with her hands. Chuckles put his short arm around her and she leaned her head on his shoulder.
"Would you like to talk about something else?" The sympathetic clown asked. Mitsy glanced at him and nodded. "Well, did you enjoy your time with Jamie's toys?" Chuckles asked again, trying to change the subject.
"Yes, we did." Mitsy replied with a sigh. "It was fun, and we made some new friends. Belle is very kind." She blew out a breath of relief.
"What did you all do?"
"Well, some of us played games, some of us explored the house with the other toys...oh, yeah. Buzz and Jessie fooled Woody by hiding his hat behind the kitchen stove, but Slinky and I found it and brought it back!" Mitsy managed to grin widely at this statement.
"And how did that go?" Chuckles asked curiously.
"Oh, they weren't happy with us spoiling their plan, but they'll get over it. You should've seen the looks on their faces when we walked through the door. Buzz will probably be more
secretive next time. Woody was pretty glad though!"
"He does seem to be very fond of his hat." Chuckles remarked. "What else did you do?"
"Oh! Jamie has a big book of different dog breeds!" Mitsy exclaimed. "Belle and I looked through it together. There's so many dogs in the world, and each one is unique. They even had a Rough collie, and...and..." her face fell. "And...a German Shepherd." Chuckles nodded, and Mitsy leaned forward, her hands covering her face. "I...it's not...fair!" The clown heard her speak in a muffled voice. Then she raised her head and sighed. "It looked just like him." She said lowly. "Anyway, I really enjoyed that book. I'd like to show it to you sometime."
"That might be nice." Chuckles nodded.
"Oh, and Woody beat Jessie at arm-wrestling! She wasn't happy about that at all, that's the reason they took his hat. By the way, did you read anything interesting while we were gone?"
"I did," Chuckles replied, with a small smile. "It was a biography about a retired FBI agent and he tells of his experiences." Mitsy's eyes widened.
"Sounds exciting. Did you like it?"
"Parts of it were exciting," Chuckles sighed. "But he explained the many hardships that come with it. You know, it's not an easy job upholding the laws of our land." Then they both sat in silence for a short while, listening to the gentle music, both lost in deep thought.
"Will you read to me, Chuckles? Please?" Mitsy asked longingly.
"I guess I can do that." Chuckles replied. "What do you want?"
"The biography. A chapter that you've already read."
"All right."
At 7:00, Mitsy and Woody walked into the living room to join Buzz and Jessie for a movie while Bonnie was at a friend's house and her parents were out on a date. Mitsy was grateful for the married toys couple's company, but tonight she wanted the presence of her friend who she thought of like a father to be nearby. He helped her climb up onto the sofa where the cowgirl and the Space Ranger were already positioned cozily. "Hey there, y'all!" Jessie greeted cheerfully.
"Hey," Woody responded. "This is a real treat, watching a movie with the lovebird." He teased. Jessie scrunched up her nose.
"Who are you calling lovebirds?" She sputtered.
"You two. Who else?"
"We ain't done nothing to earn that name."
"Yeah right." Woody teased again. "The way you two carry on? I'm not blind, Sis."
"I thought we still were lovebirds ." Buzz joked and Jessie shook her head, frowning.
"Don't encourage him!" She whispered to Buzz. "Yeah, well, you'd better stop teasin' if you want to keep your spot tonight." She sneered at Woody.
"Hey, it's a free country." Woody sighed. Jessie rolled her eyes while Mitsy giggled at the whole scenario.
"Thank you very much for letting me do this with you," Mitsy smiled weakly at the lovebirds.
"Like Woody said, it is a treat!"
"No problem." Buzz smiled. He was in charge of the remote control tonight.
"You're welcome, Your Highness." Jessie said emphatically. "You I'm not so sure about." She squinted at Woody who made a face.
"Can we just choose what we're going to watch?" Mitsy asked, trying to move things forward. "We never get to do this with you and I want to finish the movie before the Andersons get home."
"She's right." Buzz spoke up. "Well, what shall it be tonight? Something old? New? Mystery? Drama? Comedy? Adventure? Well?"
"I'd like something old." Mitsy replied.
"Beauty and the Beast?" Jessie suggested. She knew that was one of Mitsy's favorite movies. That was actually the only reason she suggested it, because personally, Jessie wasn't into the frills and fancy stuff of princess films.
"Personally, I feel like that's too sad right now." Mitsy answered. Jessie looked at her sympathetically as she realized that the scene in the movie where the Beast died was a little too close to home right now. "But what do you guys want to watch?"
"I'm in the mood for some mystery," Buzz said.
"How about western?" Jessie offered.
"I think comedy's a good idea right now," Woody spoke up, thinking that Mitsy needed something funny to take her mind off her troubles. "How about Davy Crockett and the River Pirates?"
"I like that." Mitsy remarked.
"That ain't western," Jessie pouted.
"There's the Andy Griffith show." Buzz said.
"Oh. Well, anyone in the mood for The Apple Dumpling Gang?" Woody asked.
"Hey, yeah!" Mitsy exclaimed. "It's old, and funny..."
"And has adventure," Woody grinned.
"And western!" Jessie smirked.
"And dumb in places." Buzz said dryly.
"Sometimes dumb humor is the best kind." Mitsy interjected.
"Looks like I'm outnumbered." Buzz sighed. Personally, he didn't mind though. It was western which would please Jessie, and he always wanted to make her happy. Plus, the dumb humor could be hilarious, and Mitsy did really need something lighthearted to focus on right now in the midst of her terrible grief. And as Woody put the movie into its player, Buzz grinned as he thought of Jessie's excited hooting and hollering he just knew she would do throughout the movie. And that was going to be music to his ears.
"That was fun!" Jessie piped up when the movie was over. "I ain't thought about that movie in years!"
"Well, the Andersons are probably going to be back soon." Woody warned. Mitsy looked disappointed.
"Oh." She sighed. "I was hoping that we had time to watch at least one Andy Griffith. But if we don't have time..."
"I think we should be able to squeeze one in safely, Woody." Buzz said. "Come on. You two might as well enjoy this while you can."
"Yep." Jessie said. "Cause you'd better not get used to it." She looked at Woody.
"Okay," Woody sighed. "Which one?"
"Remember that episode where Barney was left in charge and he arrested the whole town or somethin'?" Jessie asked.
"Ooo yeah." Woody chuckled.
"That one sounds good." Mitsy said.
"Okay then." Buzz announced. "Then that it'll be." The toys snickered and laughed at the on-screen deputy's over zealous nature to do his job and the absurd charges he'd turned the citizens in for.
"Well, we'd better head back now." Woody said and hopped down off the sofa. "Thanks, guys."
"Yes, thank you very much." Mitsy smiled, and hugged Jessie who returned the embrace. "It was fun. Thanks for inviting us to intrude on your alone time. I enjoyed myself. Thanks, again, Buzz."
"Sure, Princess." Buzz smiled back.
"Well, I'm going. Good-night, guys." She waved to them before climbing off the sofa where Woody helped her down to the floor.
" 'Night!" Jessie and Buzz replied together. Then Jessie turned to look at her husband. "Well, what'll it be now?" She snuggled up next to him.
"I still want my mystery," Buzz replied.
"Choose one with a lot of action." Jessie said.
"Okay." And the two toys snuggled very close to each other.
"Do you think this did her any good?" Jessie asked hopefully.
"It looked like it to me." Buzz answered. "She's right. Dumb humor can be good therapy for a heavy mind. It's just that I have a tendency to feel annoyed at all the easily preventable incidents that come from carelessness or just plain dumbness."
"Grouch." Jessie muttered.
"Hey!" Buzz sputtered. "I am not. I'm just a realist. Being a Space Ranger, you know what's at stake and sometimes carelessness can bring about tragedy!"
"True, but in a comedy sitcom, you know that's not going to happen."
"I know. I'm just not easily humored by it, especially by someone who's supposed to uphold the rules. It wouldn't be funny if it was real."
"Are you just gonna sit there all night, complaining about stuff, or are we gonna watch exciting adventure?" Jessie scolded, getting right in his face with a smirk.
"You're right. We're wasting time." Buzz grinned and nodded. "Please, the movie is starting. As a courtesy to those around you, please turn off all voice boxes, please refrain from romantic Spanish lingo, and needless pushing of the many captivating buttons nearest you." Jessie smiled smugly and sneakily inched her fingers over to one of the buttons on his chest plate. "Buzz Lightyear to the rescue!" Buzz glanced at her, annoyed. "If you can't cease from childish antics, I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to leave the aisle, Ma'am."
"Aw, Sir. I was just playing." Jessie pretended to pout. "Please, pretty please, can I stay? I won't do it again, honest! See?" She sat down firmly on her own hands.
"No more funny business." Buzz joked in a professional tone. "Why do you always press that one, Jessie? I'm just curious."
"Oh, just 'cause." Jessie looked away sheepishly.
" 'Cause why?"
"It's my favorite! Got a problem with that?"
"No, no. Not all."
Woody walked with Mitsy back to Bonnie's room afterwords before Bonnie returned. "Well, it sounds like you had a good time today, huh?" Woody smiled.
"I did," Mitsy weakly smiled back. "I'm not saying that I still don't feel bad, I do. But I have to admit, it did feel good to...to do something again. To...to be part of something. I might like to try again tomorrow."
"You do?" Woody asked. "Are you sure? Sweetie, don't rush trying to be back to normal. You really need to give yourself time to grieve."
Mitsy's face fell. "I know, Woody. But, I at least want to try."
"All right. I'm glad to hear it, Little Bit." Woody patted her shoulder and started to walk away, but then Mitsy wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned her head against his chest. At first, he was taken by surprise, but then he put his arms around her and stroked her hair. "It's okay, Sweetie," he whispered, "We're all here for you. Hey? Go ahead and cry if you have to, honey." The sad princess lifted her small head and looked up at him, and he returned her gaze with a sympathetic look.
"I….I….miss….him," She whispered unhappily. Woody cocked his head sadly. He had a small hint of understanding of how she was feeling. He'd heavily felt it himself when Bo Peep was sold and they became separated. He still felt the ache in his heart, longing to have her back at his side. But she wasn't here! A lump rose in his own throat as he stared down into the heartbroken turquoise eyes of the little princess who always came to him with her troubles.
"I know, Mitsy darling," Woody said lowly. She grimaced and hid her face back against him. He leaned down and softly kissed the top of her head. They held each other close for another moment before walking back to the bedroom.
That night, Woody happily informed everyone of how being involved was helping Mitsy. He warned them that she shouldn't be expected to be completely happy again yet, but they all smiled that night with lighter hearts, hoping the good work would continue.
Later while Bonnie was sleeping with Jessie, Buttercup, Bullseye, Trixie, and Rex, Woody quietly slipped away, heading for the windowsill. He'd just hopped down to the floor when he heard whimpering. "Mitsy's probably crying, poor thing," he said quietly to himself and immediately followed the sounds. He would comfort her and stay with her 'til she feel asleep. But as he came closer to the closet where the sounds were coming from, it was clear to him that it was a different toy because whoever was having trouble sleeping did not have a feminine voice. Plus, he turned his head and saw the princess sleeping comfortably in Bonnie's jacket that she'd left on the tea table. And she was resting peacefully. "Then who?" Woody asked no one in particular. He quietly moved the closet door aside and from Bonnie's nightlight, he could make out a long figure, lying on the tote bags and backpack on the floor. It was Slinky!
Woody raised his eyebrows. Then he knelt down next to the restless dog who was wagging his head back and forth and flailing his paws in what seemed to be a state of panic. "Help...no...no! Let her go! Please! Don't! Let us go! PLEASE!" Slinky cried in his sleep. Woody gave his little buddy a couple light smacks on his face.
"Slink. Slinky, wake up, buddy. Come on, wake up!" Woody declared. Slinky's eyes fluttered open and he shook his head. He sadly looked up at Woody in fright. His lips quivered. Woody leaned in closer with a sympathetic look on his face. "Are you okay, pal?" He placed his hand on Slinky's paw.
"Woody! Am I ever glad to see you!" Slinky gasped. Then his frightened eyes fell on the darkness around them and he shivered. "W-where are we?" He asked shakily.
"We're at home. We're in Bonnie's room, bud." Woody said soothingly. "Everything's okay."
"Y-you sure about that?" Slinky asked with jittery teeth.
"Yes. See? Look. There's the bed." Woody pointed across the room. "Bonnie's sleeping with Jessie, Bullseye, and some of the others. Buzz is sleeping on the basket where she left him. And..."
"Woody? Where's Mitsy?" Slinky asked urgently. Woody stared at him with his brows furrowed.
"She's right over there, in Bonnie's jacket. See? She's all right and we're all safe. You were having a bad dream. But everything's okay now." Slinky hung his head.
"Woody?" Slinky asked in a timid voice.
"Yeah?"
"Will you just sit here with me for a while? Please?" The dog looked up at the cowboy pleadingly.
"Sure I will. You don't have to be scared, Slink. You're safe and I'm right here." Woody smiled and moved closer. He sat down cross-legged as the shaken up dog droopingly lay his head in the cowboy's lap. Woody patted his paw and stroked his ears. "What were you dreaming about, buddy? Would it make you feel better to talk about it?"
"N-not yet, please." Slinky shook his head. Woody nodded and Slinky closed his eyes. "I'm sorry I woke you up."
"It's okay. You didn't." Woody answered. He had definitely been expecting Mitsy to need his comfort this way, but then it dawned on Woody that she wasn't the only one who had been periled at the warehouse. He suddenly realized that Slinky too had been through a great deal, as had all of them who had been trapped there. Woody felt guilty. He'd been so wrapped up in worrying about and trying to help Mitsy that he hadn't taken time to think of his other friends and how the horrible ordeal had traumatized them. Well, I'll pay closer attention from now on, the cowboy thought to himself. I wonder how long Slinky has been starving for my attention! Poor little buddy. I've been neglecting him, and Rex, and Trixie, and...Woody shook his head and sighed heavily, gazing up at the ceiling, aggravated with himself. "Oh, darn you again, Woody!" The sheriff muttered to himself in a whisper.
"Huh?" Slinky raised an ear. "What's the matter, Woody?"
"Oh, nothing." Woody said flatly. "Just the same old, lame me, that's all."
"Stop talkin' like that, will ya?" Slinky groaned and tried to get more comfortable.
"Sorry, Slink. It's just that...no. I'm extremely sorry, Slink." Woody said solemnly.
"What for?" Slinky inquired, confused.
"For leaving you in the dust," Woody said sadly. "Mitsy's going through a very painful time right now, and it hurts me to see her this way. But I've spent so much time trying to tend to her needs that I pushed yours to the back burner. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to! I'm sorry that I haven't been making time for ya, pal."
"Aw, pal." Slinky sighed and looked up at his friend. "You've been doing what a sheriff's supposed to for someone in big trouble. You've been doing your job. You shouldn't be ashamed of that."
"A sheriff is supposed to serve the people, not just one individual," Woody said emphatically.
"Aw, Woody." Slinky sat up. "I'm glad that you have been helping her. I'm glad someone is. Cause to be honest, I've been nervous around her since we got home. She just ain't bein' Mitsy, and it scares me. I just don't know what to say to her. And it seems like whenever I try to help, it just ain't enough!"
"Slink, this isn't easy for any of us." Woody ran his hand up and down the dog's neck. "But you and Jessie and the others...you suffered at the warehouse too, and are still recovering. You need me too."
"Thanks, Woody. I am glad you're here right now. I had an awful dream and thought it was real. Oh, it was just terrible!"
"What was it, buddy?" Woody asked.
"Mitsy was duct taped to the floor...the floor where...where Jack," Slinky was having trouble speaking, and he was shaking. "You and Buzz and Jess...everyone was duct taped to the wall, 'except Jack and me. I ran to help you guys out and...and Jack jumped down to free Mitsy, but...but..." Slinky shuddered.
"It's okay, Slinky. It's all right." Woody said kindly. He squeezed the dog's paws and Slinky rubbed his head against Woody's chest.
"Spike was down there, blocking Jack," Slinky continued. "He stood right on top of Mitsy and wouldn't let Jack near her. She was really scared, Woody! She kept calling for help and Jack charged at that monster but he ripped Jack's throat open with his claws! T-then he just tore him to p-pieces! I-it w-was...oohhhh!" Slinky hung his head and wrapped his trembling paws around Woody's waist. "I ran to try and save her, but I got caught up on a hook hanging from the ceiling! You guys were still strapped to the walls and I couldn't get off the hook! I felt like I weighed a ton. Then t-the crate s-started coming down!" Slinky squeezed his eyes shut tightly, shaking his head. "I tried to use my back end to turn it off but I couldn't reach it. I-I never saw Mitsy so scared, except at the dump when...then at the same time, that evil cat was aiming a hammer at my head! He swung it back and I couldn't get away! The last thing I saw was Mitsy, trapped and the crate was about to crush her...when you woke me up!" Slinky panted heavily and wearily collapsed back down into Woody's lap. He just lay there sighing deeply. Woody gritted his teeth.
"I'm so sorry, Slink." Was all he could say. Woody didn't want to think about it right now, but the thought crossed his mind that this probably wasn't going to be the only time that he was going to have to calm Slinky down from a nightmare of that horrible night at the warehouse. And on top of that, Slinky also was most likely not going to be the only one suffering with those memories in his sleep. Woody gulped. He was very surprised that Mitsy out of all the toys, hadn't been having frightening dreams about it yet! She probably will soon, he thought.
"That's horrible!" He exclaimed aloud to the dog. "I hope you won't have these dreams a lot, Slink. I really don't! But you can always come to me if you do." Slinky slightly smiled.
"Thanks, Woody." Slinky whispered.
"But just remember that we're all safe now."
"Woody, do you miss Jack?" Slinky asked out of the blue. Woody just gaped. He gulped, trying to speak.
"I...I didn't personally know him that long," Woody managed to say. "Though I knew of him better than I thought. He could've been a good friend."
"What d'ya mean could've been?" Slinky sputtered. "He was! After all he did for us? If that's not friendship I don't know what is!"
"You're right, Slink. I don't know what got into me. Jack was a good friend, even for such a little while. I'm honored that I actually got to meet him in person and see him live up to his praises."
"Me too." Slinky said lowly. "Aw, Woody. You should've seen how horrified he looked when I told him that you and Mitsy was gallivanting around looking for him. For such a brave hero, he looked sickly afraid! I-I just felt that I could trust him. And I...how I wish he could've come home with us and lived here with Bonnie! I only got to spend a matter of hours with him, and now I...I feel like I've lost someone who was as great as you and Buzz!" Woody didn't know what to say. Maybe it was partly the fact that Jack was a dog like him, but in the little time they'd had, Slinky had obviously grown fond of Jack, like another big buddy whom he knew he could count on. Soon, Slinky was fast asleep. When his breathing became even, Woody gently stood up and set Slinky's head comfortably back down on the tote bag.
"Night little buddy," Woody whispered and started to the window. He stepped toward Mitsy and came close to her. She was soundly dozing, lying on her side in the jacket's torso. Woody pulled an end of the hood and placed it over her shoulder, tucking it around her. She slightly moved her head but remained asleep. Woody stroked her hair, then patted her arm. "Sweet dreams, Mitsy." He whispered, kissed her forehead, then stood up and headed for the window again.
Buzz had waken but stared at the ceiling as he listened to Woody and Slinky's conversation. He'd heard Slinky sounding distressed, but Woody had seemed to have the matter under control, so Buzz just listened. Woody's words were playing over and over in his mind: Jack was a good friend, even for such a little while. I'm honored that I actually got to meet him in person and seem him live up to his praises.
"So am I," Buzz said under his breath.
It had been about 20 minutes, and Woody sat up on the windowsill with his knees crossed. He was gazing at the night sky. Then he heard someone nearby and turned his head. "Hey, Chuckles," Woody smiled.
"Hello," Chuckles said lowly and sat next to the cowboy. "This is a good place and a good time to reflect on things, isn't it?"
"Yep." Woody responded. "I've spent a lot of time up here when I wanted to be alone or was thinking deeply about something."
"As have I. Woody, how is our princess really doing?" Chuckles asked thoughtfully.
"To tell you the truth, I wish I knew." Woody sighed. "She's holding up, but I honestly think that she's grieving as much as she tries to be brave. Even her smile isn't the same. It's not full of excitement and life. It reminds me of more like a...a piece of tape trying to hang on. I feel so bad for her, Chuckles. I wish I could take her pain away, and bring Jack back to her, but I..I can't." Woody hung his head.
"We all do, cowboy." Chuckles responded. "She came to see me earlier. I think she wanted some quiet company. She started to talk, but I guess she's not ready. She's usually such a cheerful and lively thing, it makes me want to yell seeing her so hurt."
"I know!" Woody agreed, shaking his head.
"I know what it's like to lose a good friend," Chuckles moaned. "Not the way she did, but I feel like it hurts almost the same way. I'm not trying to be unkind, but at least...at least he died with his reputation in tact. I mean...at least everything she said about her dog and believed about him turned out to be true. I honestly think she would be crushed and shattered beyond help or repair, if the accusations made against her friend had turned out to be true."
"I think I know what you mean." Woody said wistfully. "One thing you should know about Mitsy, if you don't already: when she believes in someone's goodness and believes they're trustworthy, she isn't easily convinced of the opposite. She may be naive in that way, but it really takes the sunshine out of her day when she's presented with someone's bad side, true or not. Her faith in others' goodness and loyalty to those she cares about was sorely tested." Woody paused for a moment before continuing.
'You're absolutely right! I'm glad that Jack was genuine. If he hadn't been...if she'd had to see close up what might've been...I don't think she could handle it. Everything she's ever told us about him, praised him for was true. I saw it come to life before my very eyes! He helped Slink get me out of the box, then he didn't rest until we found Mitsy. And when Slink, someone Jack barely knew at all was in danger, Jack didn't hesitate for a minute to rescue my little buddy! He brought us back to our friends, and didn't give us away once. You should have seen him, the way he threw himself in front of her when Spike was ready to attack, and...then...he...oh!" Woody rubbed his forehead. "I thought for sure that she was done for, and felt so helpless not being able to do anything about it! And then...then there he was! As sure as I'm sitting here in front of you, Jack was there, throwing her to safety! Anything good ever said about him took toy form and lived out to the fullest extent.'"
"I wish I could've met him," Chuckles said lowly. "Lotso had been my friend. He had been like Jack at one time, and it's so hard to know that every negative thing said about him is true. I do miss him, the way he used to be. But he'll never be that same toy again. Ever." The two toys were quiet for a while, Woody knowing that is was very difficult and painful for the sad clown to talk about his former friend that everyone seemed to hate, though he couldn't blame them after all the terrible things Lotso had done. Then Chuckles spoke up again. "Every time I've heard the dear girl describe Jack, my mind always pictures you."
"Me?" Woody asked.
"Yes. Jack will always be special to her, but from what I've observed and heard from stories of your pasts, you have been the one who helped fill the void his role left in her life. And being a dog, Slinky's like a miniature version of Jack to her.'"
"He is that," Woody agreed. "He's always had something special between the two of them."
"I sincerely hope that the princess will heal from this. But I expect it will be a long time."
"I'm just glad it was quick. She didn't get to say good-bye to him," Woody said wistfully, "but I honestly feel it was better that way, Chuckles. As unfair as she may feel that was, I...I couldn't bear it if I'd had to see her watch him suffer! It was instant, so he couldn't have suffered much, and I'm grateful for that. It would've just added to the already massive distress."
"Yes. I agree." Chuckles nodded soberly. "Providence was merciful in letting him die instantly."
"I really wish she would say something about Jack's accident," Woody said longingly. "I feel like she's keeping too much in. It took Jessie years to heal from Emily forgetting and leaving her, and I know that it still hurts her deeply. But now she has Buzz to cling to and live for, and Bonnie to love her. And even though I love it here and love Bonnie every bit as much as I do Andy, I still miss him and sharing the times we had together. And I long so badly to be able to see Bo Peep again! But this? Death? I'm not sure what to do for Mitsy. I'm worried about her. I really am. She's so young. Too young and full of sunshine to be slammed against the ground from such a blow. It's hard for anyone. But still...she'd just gotten her friend back and now she's lost him forever!"
"No. No." Chuckles interjected. "He's gone, yes. But he's still a part of her that will be carried for years. And she still has friends! She's not alone, not like after her owner died and the house burned. This time, she has a family to care for and love her, as do we all."
"You're right, partner." Woody smiled. "You're so right. None of us in this room are really alone at all! We have Bonnie, the best kid I could ever ask for, next to Andy. And we all have each other. I know that some of us share deep and personal things only with very special friends, and that sometimes we let things get in the way when we should be listening to each other. But there's always someone around."
"Hey, I would be honored if you would allow me to assist you and Buzz with Jack's memorial service." Chuckles said kindly. "I'd like to do something for Mitsy, since it's the least that we can do."
"Yeah, the very least," Woody sighed.
I hope I did a good job! I tried to.
"Even in laughter the heart may sorrow, and the end of mirth may be grief." (Proverbs 14:13)