Howdy there, old partner. What brings you round this neck of the woods?

You, my friend.

Ah. Did you come on your lonesome? Or are your friends here already?

They’re all around.

You reckon?

That’s an awful wound you have there, you know.

A mighty great shame. But that’s why you’re here, ain’t it?

Afraid of the dark, old friend?

Why, who told you a thing like that? Hell. I ain’t got the shakes.

The hour, my friend, draws late. Will you not go with me?

Perhaps. Tell me, how far is it? I’m dog-gone tired.

You’re almost there already.

Is there a place where I can rest my tired old back?

Without a doubt.

And hot chocolate? Just like my old lady used to make?

She’ll make it herself, just for you.

Ah. And summer? Is it summer, there, or is it winter forever?

It’ll be fall. And it’ll be spring. And snow and sunshine both.

It sounds mighty fine. But I’d like a moment to just lay about me and rest. Close my eyes for just one second, and I’ll be good to go. Don’t go nowhere.

Take all the time you need.