"A Wormy Farewell"

"I promise! I'll keep my eyes peeled," Alex assured him, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about the journey ahead. "Who knows? Maybe I'll find something amazing—like a worm-sized treasure hoard or the world's biggest dirt cake!"

With a final wave to Mortimer, Alex turned and began to wriggle down one of the tunnels, the thrill of adventure coursing through him. The earth around him felt familiar, and he was eager to see what lay ahead.

As he navigated through the twisting passageways, he felt a sense of freedom that he hadn't experienced before. The world of dirt and tunnels was now his to explore, and he was ready to embrace whatever challenges awaited him.

After a while, Alex stumbled upon a small underground stream, its waters glistening in the dim light. He paused to take a drink, feeling refreshed as he absorbed the energy of the earth around him. "Ah, nothing like a good dirt-flavored drink to keep the spirits up," he thought, chuckling to himself.