i've gained freedom and yet... its lonesome

Her holler reached deaf ears as Jiro continued to barrel down the canyon floor. His tongue practically flapped in the wind from his open mouth as he focuses on avoiding rocks and puddles. Though unlike Imogen, Jiro is not meant for endurance. He's too lazy. Sloughing off chores and unless he's hunting a tasty mouse, he never cared to actually run. So he tires quickly. Paws slowing though he tries to push the pace. When he looks back, he sees her catching up.

"You'll never catch me!" Jiro calls back, knowing that's a lie. Huffing and puffing as much as he can, he surges forward. "First one," pant, pant, "to that," pant, try not to trip, "bush, wins!" He thinks he's shouting but through his labored breath, he isn't sure she understands him. Either way, if he makes it first, he wins!