Gusto's Sanity
by cheetah the furry (Jade Griffin)
10-28-96
"Twelve years. Twelve long years. An extended vacation I hadn't planned on taking. It left me out of touch with just about everything. Until you and Gruffi showed up, I hadn't seen anybody. I was kind of a loner before I got stuck on that island but I never wanted to be that alone. Without Artie, I think I might have gone just a little crazy."
"What about with me?" the toucan gave him a big-beaked grin.
"Very funny. But seriously, I just realized what that seclusion can do to a young, impressionable gummi. Although it was the best plac to bring out the artist in me." Gusto rose from his seat in the main hall, giving his most dramatic of poses. "And for that, I owe my life to art." He finished with a reverent bow.
"How do ya figure that?" Tummi asked.
"It kept my mind working, gave me purpose, maybe even a little hope. After a few years, I kinda gave up on anyone rescuing me, and I couldn't get off the island by myself so I had to learn to live with the island. My painting and sculpting helped me through the tough spots."
"And me." The toucan held up a wing.
"Yes. And Artie. But I gotta wonder what would've happened if you guys hadn't come and if the island wouldn't have sunk." Gusto paused in his contemplation. "I... I used to think I saw ships on the horizon..."
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