Man in the Mirror

Chapter 10: Gone Too Soon

"So long, Max." Ash extended his hand to May's brother.

Max's eyes were watery. The sentimental boy clenched his fists and tackled Ash into a hug. "It was nice to see the two of you again," Norman's son embraced him as if it'd be the last time they would see each other.

Ash and Pikachu were surprised by his sudden affection, but they smiled. The raven-haired trainer hugged Max back. He was the little brother that Ash never had. "Pikachu," Pikachu admired Max's kind heart as he stood beside them.

Caroline had tears hanging from her eyes. She clasped her hands together and watched the scene unfold. The mother knew Ash meant a great deal to her children deep down. Norman had his hand on Caroline's shoulder. He smiled because he knew the same as Caroline. When the boys pulled apart, they nodded and grinned at each other.

"Take care, Ash," Caroline waved at the boy from Pallet Town.

"Please, visit again. Don't be a stranger," Norman insisted to him.

Ash acknowledged them with a nod. "I will. Thank you for having us last night," the trainer bowed at them alongside Pikachu. With that, he and the mouse departed to their gate. They waved to May's family one more time before they made a turn and vanished from sight.

Max and his parents waved until he was gone. They stood with sadness and happiness over Ash's visit. Ash's appearance warmed their hearts, but they felt guilt for things left unsaid. Max knew this and addressed it, "Why didn't we tell him the truth about May?" His head lowered in shame.

Norman sighed, "Telling someone that one of their best friends doesn't remember them is a hard pill to swallow. I only hope May remembers him if she sees him." He put his hands in his pockets.

"I hope they can help each other like they always have," Caroline kept her hands clasped. She prayed for the best outcome.

Ash stared at the clouds from the plane's window while Pikachu napped on his lap. He didn't know what to expect when they landed in Lumiose City, but he felt things would work out for him. The trainer didn't anticipate a return to Kalos so soon, yet here Ash was. He was going out on a limb for his Hoenn friend. His mind wandered to last night when he slept in May's room. Despite the number of years that had passed, it remained the same. A notable difference was the number of ribbons hanging from her wall. There were so many that Ash couldn't remember where May won them all. However, most surprising was when he opened a nearly empty drawer to store his clothes and found a photo of May and Drew together. May hugging Drew from behind with Drew's eyes closed was a vivid image glued to Ash's mind. It didn't bother him. He knew it was none of his business, but it was unexpected. He wondered if May and Drew always liked each other. By coincidence, Max walked in when Ash found the photo. The defensive brother snatched the photo from him and asked where he'd found it. When Ash said he stumbled upon it by accident, Max sighed.

"I thought she'd gotten rid of all her stuff associated with Drew," May's brother crossed his arms with the photo still in his hand.

"They're not together anymore?" Ash raised an eyebrow. He'd missed out on a lot.

"No, let's just say there were some disagreements and leave it at that. May wouldn't appreciate us talking about it," Max respected his sister, especially since they were in her room. Ash agreed. He wasn't one to pry.

"Maybe she's sad about that, too?" Ash muttered. His train of thought snapped when he realized they were about to land. The trainer saw their plane hovering over the city and recognized the Lumiose Gym in the distance. He wondered if he'd have time to check on Clemont and Bonnie, but he was doubtful. Ash was on a mission.