“Remember George, no man is a failure who has friends.”

George grew up by the lake with his blue rat, Jimmy. George and Jimmy were welcome at any house in town. And George always had some spare coin for someone in need. No one knew where he got it, and they certainly didn't know about the Dungeon Crawling that George and Jimmy did in the woods around the lake, but they always knew that if they needed help, George and Jimmy would be there.

One day, while out exploring, something caught their attention. It was a small clearing, and in the middle of it was a large, old, red oak tree. The tree was an unusual shape. It leaned to one side, as if it were bowing in reverence. Its branches were sparse, almost non-existent. But what really drew the rats' attention was the old, gnarled trunk. Inside the trunk was a hole. It was round, and the edges were smooth, as if someone had carved it out.

"What do you think that is, George?" asked Jimmy.

"I don't know," replied Jimmy. "But it looks like somethin' has been in there."

As they approached the tree, they noticed an old, ragged piece of rope lying on the ground. It led from the hole in the tree trunk, across the ground, and into the woods. They followed the rope. At the end of the rope was a small, wooden sign, hanging over the entrance to a cave. It read:

"No man is a failure who has friends"

They looked at each other, and back at the sign. Shrugging, they went to enter the cave, ready for a day of exploring. Walking forward, they, thunk, got thrown violently back out of the cave.

'Whaa ... what just happened?", stammered George.

Jimmy chattered, "Not sure, but I'm guessing we're going to need some friends!"

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Their adventure will continue in the next entry...

• Inspired by It's a Wonderful Life

Entered by: 0x7117…7726 and preserved on chain (see transaction)