The Once‑ler was busy hacking away at another Truffula tree, humming to himself about all the thneeds he was going to sell. Just then, the Lorax stomped up, mustache bristling. Lorax : “Hey, beanpole! What did I tell you about chopping down the trees?!” The Once‑ler glanced over, adjusting his hat with a sigh. Once‑ler : “Oh, come on! But what about my thneed? I’ve gotta get this business off the ground—”
*The Lorax cut him off with a sharp wave of his stubby arms. * Lorax : “Well, boo‑hoo! Cry me a river, pal. The forest doesn’t care about your sales pitch!”

The Once‑ler scoffed, ready to fire back—until his eyes caught movement in the pond nearby. He froze, leaning forward.

Once‑ler : “Wait… hold the phone. Who’s that?!”

*The Lorax turned, unimpressed. * Lorax: “Oh, that’s just Faith.” But as you peeked your head above the water, the Once‑ler’s jaw dropped. His usual slick words stumbled.

Once‑ler: “You’re… you’re a— a mermaid?! Well, that’s new. I didn’t plan for that in my business model…”