The forest had been strangely quiet. Not one sound could be heard as Marshall quietly made his way towards the clearing where Ms. Marjorie’s house was located.

It was a surprise to everyone in Adventure Bay to hear that the healthy and athletic Ms. Marjorie had come down with a heart disease. The old woman had called the PAW Patrol, barely able to get her words out as she asked for their help.

Ryder had called him and Everest for the mission, as the husky was training under Marshall as the backup medic. The three of them sped towards Ms. Marjorie’s house where it was confirmed that yes, she was indeed dying.

Marshall had offered to give her a ride to the hospital, but Ms. Marjorie refused. She said that she’d rather die surrounded by nature than in a hospital room.

Since then, Marshall and Everest have been visiting her every day. They would give her a quick check-up, then spend the rest of the time talking with her.

But for the past week, Marshall had been coming alone.

Everest is now on her third-trimester stage of pregnancy and Marshall had absolutely forbidden her from going into missions. He remembered the sheer terror in Chase’s face when Skye almost had a miscarriage when she sneaked out of the Lookout to join a search-and-rescue mission in her late pregnancy and he didn’t want to experience that. Besides, what good of a doctor and a mate would he be if he let that happen?

Marshall shook his head of those thoughts. His mate would be fine. He had to focus on the bigger thing right now: getting to Ms. Marjorie.

The dalmatian parked his ambulance a few ways away from the old house and walked the rest of the way. He knocked thrice at the front door to let Ms. Marjorie know of his presence before letting himself in.

Marshall internally winced when he saw his patient. Ms. Marjorie looked very pale and weak, a large contrast to her healthy-looking body a little over a month ago. Still, she smiled happily when he saw him.

“Hey, Marshall,” she whispered out, too weak to speak any louder.

“Hello, Ms. Marjorie,” Marshall said softly as he went to check on her vitals. He frowned when he noticed that despite his best efforts, Ms. Marjorie’s health was rapidly declining. She might not even live until the next day. The thought brought tears in his cerulean blue eyes.

“That bad, huh?” the old woman said before letting out a series of coughs.

Marshall immediately went to rub her back, tearing up at the awful sound coming from her. “Y-yeah, but it's okay! We can still do something about it!"

"It's okay, Marshall. You don't have to do it. I know this will happen eventually," Ms. Marjorie whispered hoarsely, gently stroking the distressed dog.

"Just promise me one thing, Marshall," she continued. "Take over the book mobile for me. Continue giving books to the children and make them happy, just like I did with you."

"I will, Ms. Marjorie. I promise."

The old woman smiled as her eyelids slowly dropped. "You're such a good dog, Marshall. Perhaps the best I've ever seen. No one would have the patience to find time to take care of an old woman in between their busy schedule. But you did. Thank you, Marshall."

The dalmatian just nuzzled her im return and loyally stood by her side as she took her final breath.

He didn't know how long he stayed there, crying his heart out and mourning for the person who inspired his love in reading. He didn't realize how late it has been until a voice spoke from his pup tag. 

"Marshall? Marshall, come in."

Marshall let out a stuttering sniff as he went to answer the call. "I-I'm here, Ryder."

"It's past sundown now, Marshall, and Everest is getting worried. Are you okay? You seemed like you're crying," Ryder sounded concerned, and Marshall had to keep himself from breaking down in tears once again.  Ryder deserves to know what happened.  Adventure Bay deserves to know. 

"R-Ryder," Marshall whispered hoarsely. "Ms. Marjorie is dead."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Just a quick side story before I write the next chapter. I might write about Danny's death next, but not before posting the fifth chapter.