Summer 4 – The next day…
Ron finished farm chores early and, under the intense stares of his Rattata crew, grabbed his fishing rod and left.
He hadn't gone far when he spotted Shane hesitating nearby.
"Something up?" Ron asked, feeling like a hundred eyes were boring into his back.
"Uh… yeah." Shane fidgeted. He'd wanted to ask for an advance—but thinking of Jas's birthday, he finally blurted out, "Could I get today's wages early? It's Jas's birthday."
Ron checked the calendar. "Ah, no problem. Is one day enough? I can give you the whole week's pay if needed."
Shane shook his head quickly—his rare burst of boldness already spent. "One day's fine. That's enough."
"Got it." Ron transferred the money instantly. Glancing at the still-watching Rattata, he added, "If there's something she likes at the farm, bring her a gift. Tell her it's from me—happy birthday."
Before Shane could protest, Ron strode off, leaving him holding his phone.
Grateful, Shane immediately paid for the leather shoes he'd eyed online.
'Should arrive tonight', he thought, smiling.
If only he'd mustered courage sooner, he wouldn't have stressed over timing.
But he knew Ron's kindness wasn't obligation—it was grace.
He headed to the coop, throwing himself into work.
---
Meanwhile, between fishing trips…
Ron stopped by the Carpenter's Shop. Yesterday's currency exchange with Joy had funded his next project: a new Chicken Coop.
The barn would come later—after building a meat processor and shipping the first batch of eggs, poultry, and Kalos veggies to Kalos. Then, another exchange with Joy would fund livestock.
Per his deal with the ranch owner, any extra Miltank bred could be his. So he'd shift focus from dairy to beef production.
Miltank's milk was richer and more nutritious than cow's—and they ate pasture grass, needing only occasional Berries as supplements. No special Pokémon food required.
The only downside? Miltank weren't suited for farm labor.
Ron pushed open the carpenter's door.
Robin stood at the counter. "Morning!" she greeted, rising.
After hearing his request, she agreed immediately. "Easy! I'll start tomorrow morning."
Remembering his cramped cabin—the tiny table, the overcrowded bed—Ron browsed the Furniture Catalog.
Indeedee slept alone on a small cot, either shy or sensing no room. Ron ordered it a proper bed.
Robin watched him check items off the list, chin in hand. After a moment, she smiled. "No worries—I'll rush these. Deliver everything tomorrow."
After Ron left, Robin stretched and headed to the warehouse, releasing Machoke to prep tools.
Just then, Sebastian emerged from the basement, glancing at the lumber.
"Order for furniture?" he asked, heading to the kitchen.
"Yeah—Ron from the farm."
"Oh him." Sebastian grabbed sandwiches from the fridge—one for Croagunk, one for himself.
Normally, he'd chat with Sam now, but library shifts kept them apart. Only Croagunk's company eased his loneliness.
Watching Sebastian shuffle back downstairs, Robin sighed.
She wished he'd been livelier—like Ron or Sam. But after her remarriage, she'd neglected him. Now their bond felt stiff.
Worse than that? She saw no spark in him.
Ron had it when ordering furniture. Joy had it weeding the Community Center. Even Shane now carried a flicker of it.
That spark was the string tethering a kite to the earth.
Without it, Sebastian seemed indifferent to living—or dying.
The thought chilled her.
"Machoke~" Machoke called softly.
Robin patted its head. "All good. Keep working."
She began shaping wood for Ron's furniture.
---
Back at the farm…
After placing his order, Ron fished, then swung by the saloon for kitchenware—bowls, cups, and utensils for every Pokémon.
Arms full, he returned to find his Rattata waiting eagerly—and Zubat, still plump despite dieting, waddling among them.
They cheered at his return.
"Alright, alright—I'll cook now!" Ron hurried inside. "Everyone help! Sailor, prep ingredients! You two wash veggies—"
At his command, the Rattata sprang into action.
By nightfall, the cabin buzzed with Pokémon darting about. Only when steam curled from the chimney did they crowd the table, feasting noisily.
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)