4: Pep’s lost the her in her step

december 14th, 2025

I feel so bad for both of them here! they’re both used to it, and trying to make the most of it, but still. I also ended up drawing them both more chibi-y than I was expecting, so they look extra cute and sad <3

this page took me a couple days to make, partially because I was busy and feeling unwell, and partially because I wasn’t sure how to convey that Pepper doesn’t know what Ollie is saying here. Pepper’s a normal pit bull like we have here in real-life and she doesn’t understand lengthy sentences like these ones, but she can tell from Ollie’s body language that he’s done playing and wants to head back the way they came, and she’s bummed about that. she’s very polite and considers Ollie a friend, so she won’t try to pressure him to keep playing if he doesn’t want to, but ten minutes really is a much shorter walk than she needs and they both know it.

update from december 16th — AAAA I’ve finally learned how to get around the issue that wasn’t letting me upload this page!! yay!!!

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transcript:

Ollie looks away from Pepper as he speaks, while Pepper watches her.
Ollie: I’m sorry, Pep; I know ten minutes is way too short a walk. but it’s all I’m allowed to do, and you’re my last walk of the day, and I’ll get in trouble if I stay late again.

now Pepper looks away, downcast, her tail drooping, and Ollie turns to look at her. they both stand quietly for a moment, and Ollie looks sad or otherwise distressed.

Ollie: . . . let’s take the way back that goes past the playground. I can’t let you socialize properly, but I know you like seeing all the people.
a small smile returns to Ollie’s face as he starts walking back the direction they came, and Pepper follows, watching him curiously.

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