"Our friendship began when we were about thirteen. He was new in town. His name was Simon. We became very close friends. There were even rumors that we would start dating. Still, our friendship was so good that we couldn't take chances by turning it into something more. One day, when we were sixteen, we were on our way to the movies. I was driving my aunt's old car. The brakes were failing, and as a result, I lost control, and the car continued to accelerate. I tried to shift the car into neutral, as my uncle had told me to do in that situation, but it was too late. It collided with a minivan. I suffered a mild concussion. When I woke up two hours later, I learned that Simon did not survive. Needless to say, I was heartbroken. My friend from high school, Rita, was the only reason I came out of my depression." After Leila told her story, the others began to cry. Even Greeley, who seldom cried, had tears in his eyes. He said, "Leila, you never told me this. I'm so sorry." Erin said, "I'm sorry too." Paul said, "Indeed. Erin and I both lost close friends when we were kids, so we understand." Lola said, "That is very sad, but I know that Simon would want you to be happy, Leila." Leila said, "I am happy. I have made great friends in the past couple of years." Everyone hugged before they went out for dinner.
The Radiant Terriers were on their way to Oak Ridge, Tennessee. They had agreed to collaborate on an album with New Religion. Along the way, Leila said, "This is so exciting. We're going to be collaborating with one of my favorite bands." Abigail said, "Indeed. Plus, Paul is kind of dreamy." Greeley said, "You realize he's an aromantic asexual, right?" She said, "I know." Sammy said, "Abigail has been a hopeless romantic for a long time." She said, "Yeah. It seems all the best guys are either deceased or wouldn't have me." Leila said, "Don't worry, Abigail. You'll get your chance at romance someday." Abigail said, "You really think so?" Leila said, "Sure I do. You deserve it." This made Abigail smile. She thought, For someone who has been through Hell and back, Leila sure is an optimistic girl. Pretty soon, the Radiant Terriers made it to Oak Ridge.
One day, New Religion had an interview where they talked about their song, "Stuck", and Fritz's retirement. Shortly after the interview aired on television, Paul got a call from his mother. She said, "I want to congratulate you on your new song. It's good that you asked for help when you realized you needed it. I always stressed to you the importance of asking for help. I also want to congratulate Fritz on his retirement. When you go on tour, I'll gladly stay with Fritz." Paul said, "Thank you, Mother. Yes, you did stress the importance of asking for help." She said, "That's right. I always told you that there's no shame in asking for help when you really need it." He said, "That's right." Paul talked with his mother for a long time. Finally, she said, "I have to let you go now. I'm getting ready to fix dinner." He said, "All right, Mother. Goodbye. Take care." She said, "You take care, too. I love you, Paul." He said, "I love you, too, Mother."
THE END
THE END
When Paul woke up from his nap, his mates sat down with him to see what he had written so far. He said, "You see, I keep getting stuck with the chorus." Lola said, "I think I know what will work as a chorus." She wrote down some words. Paul sang what he had written and what Lola had written. He said, "That works very well. Thanks, Lola." She said, "You're welcome." Erin and Carl added the second verse and the third verse respectively. They sang the song, and Paul said, "This is going to be a hit. Thanks for the help, my friends." Carl said, "No problem, Paul. If you ever feel stuck, tell us right away. Don't be afraid to ask for help." Paul smiled and said, "I won't." Erin then said, "To the recording studio!" The others said, "Yeah!"