FRIENDSHIP IS ALL ABOUT TRUSTING EACH OTHER, HELPING EACH OTHER, AND UNDERSTANDING EACH OTHER.
"Runt dug up another worm and dropped it in front of Pax. But Runt reappeared after a few moments, something round in his mouth. He dropped his gift and it broke open. Egg." (112)
"It had been three full days since Pax had eaten. The ache that had cramped his belly the past few days was worse, and when he tried to rise, he lost his balance for a second, his muscles trembling." When Runt pounced on top of Pax, he didn't move to shake him off. Runt began to examine Pax because he was acting strange and realized that he was unwell. He found worms and eggs for Pax to eat so he could get his strength and energy back. According to page 113, while Pax slept, Runt kept watch. The author is trying to show that Runt is caring because he is making sure Pax is getting enough food and rest.
Towards the end of the novel, Pax and Bristle's friendship gets stronger. The first time Pax came to Bristle and Runt, she hated him for having a human scent and never let Runt go near him. In Chapter 25, Bristle even lets Pax groom her. Pax has won Bristle’s trust by caring for them by giving them food and helping Runt when he lost his hind leg, due to an explosion. True friendships have each other's trust, like Pax and Bristle.