"He'll come back," Ron said, patting Sam's shoulder. "I've got a knack for predictions. Next year—he'll be home by next year."
He added, "And if you ever want to catch a Pokémon then, I'll lend you one to battle with."
Sam smiled and leaned back on the couch.
The shift in this world hadn't just affected Jodi.
Here, Sam never formed a band with Abigail and Sebastian. Life's pressures left no room for music.
"Thanks—you're really kind," Sam said, patting Ron's shoulder—just as a rich aroma filled the air. He sniffed. "Ah! Fish casserole!"
He leapt up, dashed to the kitchen, pulled on oven mitts, and carried the steaming pot to the table.
Vincent scampered over, cheering at the sight.
The scent of fish and spices hung thick in the air. Ron distinctly heard Froakie swallow beside him.
"The table's full, dear," Jodi said, grabbing two small plates. To Froakie on Ron's shoulder: "You and Wigglytuff can eat at the coffee table, okay?"
"Froakie!" Froakie nodded eagerly.
Jodi dished portions onto the coffee table. The two Pokémon dug in before the food cooled—
—and Froakie instantly hopped twice, scalded.
"Slow down! There's plenty more," Jodi laughed, placing ice water before them before joining the table.
Though inexperienced with Pokémon, Jodi adored them. She'd often envied Penny's Clefable—helping with chores was a dream. Not just for the help, but because any relief from her overwhelming duties would be a blessing.
Five crowded around the small table, savoring Jodi's cooking.
Three people were never lonely—but five brought a warmth Jodi cherished. She smiled through their lively chatter.
After dinner, Ron and Joy helped clean up before leaving together.
Froakie's belly was so full it refused to move. Ron cradled it as he walked Joy toward the Community Center.
The town was quiet.
Joy held Wigglytuff, watching Froakie doze in Ron's arms. "Moments like this… they're perfect." She paused. "Battling's fun too—though it's more like a sport here. No one fights to hurt."
As a nurse, she preferred this: treating minor tummy aches from eating berries, not battle wounds.
Ron poked Froakie's round belly. It swatted his hand away.
Joy giggled. "It's close to evolving, isn't it?"
"Maybe?" Ron hadn't focused on leveling Froakie—it wasn't needed for battles. The farm relied on it too much to spare it for training.
"Then cherish this time," Joy said softly. Some Pokémon changed after evolving—not just looks, but personalities. Suddenly "grown-up," they'd act aloof, forgetting their old selves.
"Froakie…" Froakie blinked, waved a paw weakly—then curled up and snored.
"I'm here! You can head back now," Joy called, reaching the Community Center. She waved as she opened the door.
"Good night," Ron said, turning with Froakie in his arms.
Back at the farm, he was mobbed by Rattata the moment he entered.
Not from affection—but from the lingering scent of casserole clinging to him. They knew. He'd eaten something delicious without them.
As expert food critics, their noses were infallible. This meal had been exceptional.
Sniffing sounds filled the room.
"I'll cook it for you tomorrow! Don't worry," Ron laughed, setting Froakie on the pillow and pulling out Jodi's recipe. "Tomorrow night—we'll have it then."
"It's not that I didn't want to bring you," he explained. With Jodi's tight budget, feeding the whole farm would've overwhelmed her—even if he supplied all ingredients.
"I'll fish at dawn," he promised.
Sailor and the Rattata exchanged skeptical glances. After a long pause, they trudged to the pond to wash up, then climbed onto the bed—without Ron's help, deliberately sleeping against the far wall.
Ron sighed, turning to Indeedee. "I swear—I'll make it tomorrow. Maybe not as perfectly as Jodi, but the recipe's clear. If I follow it exactly, it'll be great."
"Indee~" Indeedee psychically conveyed his sincerity to the Rattata.
Instantly, they rolled over—and snuggled against Ron again.
"…Goodnight," Ron murmured, sinking into the pillow with a helpless smile.
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