Long Story Short

Now That We Don't Talk

The brunette neared the Pokémon Center. Wishing to look presentable, May adjusted her red and white headband. She made the rabbit ears from her headband's bow perk up. Wallace's words echoed in May's mind, there's a time and place for everything, but always look presentable. She never thought she'd meet someone who cared more about their appearance than her until she met Wallace. The memory of the Contest Master brought a brief smile to her face.

Upon entering the Pokémon Center, she noticed a curious sight. The center was the size of a hotel lobby with plenty of trainers and Pokémon chatting and eating together. Nurse Joy's counter was at the very end, but May's eyes locked in on a familiar figure. She couldn't identify the figure, but two things stood out. He wore a hat and a Pikachu perched on his shoulder. Ash? Her heart began to accelerate. The coordinator ran to the counter with a grin on her face. However, upon getting a closer look, she slowed down.

"Thanks, Nurse Joy!" the trainer at the counter turned away to leave.

Nurse Joy giggled, "You're welcome. Farewell, Ritchie!" She waved goodbye to the traveler.

To May's disappointment, her eyes played tricks on her. The trainer looked similar to Ash but was a brunette outfitted in a green/teal color scheme instead of Ash's usual white and blue. Upon a closer look, May also noticed a scruff of fur on the top of his Pikachu's head. Nonetheless, the trainer and his Pikachu departed with vibrant smiles, much like Ash and Pikachu's.

May sighed. She felt foolish for deceiving herself. Before she could chastise herself more, a voice brought her back to reality, "May I help you?" Nurse Joy eyed her.

"Oh, sorry! Hi, Nurse Joy," May laughed off her embarrassment.

"That's alright, May. We're happy to have you! Are you here for lodging or only to heal your Pokémon?" Nurse Joy recognized Wallace's former apprentice.

The coordinator would never get used to the reality where almost everyone knew her name. It'd be one of the enduring effects of her time as a celebrity. May handed Joy her Pokéballs, "We'll be lodging, and my Pokémon need some healing. Thank you."

Nurse Joy received them and bowed, "We'll get on it right away."

May's mind thought back to the trainer she had confused for Ash. The disappointment settled amongst her thoughts, but she preferred not to wallow in them. "Could you point me to where I can find a phone? I still need to upgrade to a Rotom Phone," May humored the nurse with self-deprecation.

"Of course, down the hall to your left," Nurse Joy pointed. May thanked the pink-haired woman and walked away.*

"I'm happy to hear that you're making progress, May. I am sure you'll knock your next contest out of the park," Caroline was pleased by May's news.

May gave her a modest grin, "Thanks, mom. If I don't keep up, someone else might try to become the world's greatest Contest Master." Her fiercest rivals, Dawn and Serena, came to mind.

On the other hand, Caroline pictured someone else. "Good thing Ash never took an interest in contests," the mother joked.

The jest reminded May of the trainer from earlier. Her disappointment returned. Caroline realized her mistake with a sheepish expression. "I'm sorry, dear. I didn't mean to-"

May interrupted her. "It's alright. It's been a while. I'm not sad. I just..." the coordinator struggled to find the words.

"Did something happen?" her mother raised an eyebrow.

"No," May tightened her grip on the phone. "It's just that I saw a boy who reminded me of Ash when I arrived here. He wore a hat and had a Pikachu on his shoulder like Ash does. I thought it was him for a moment."

Caroline nodded, "I see." She knew her daughter was strong, but there were battles she knew May couldn't fight alone. The older woman deduced the reason for her call.

May relaxed her grip. "I guess since it's been so long since I've seen or heard from him, I-"

May's mother interrupted this time. "It's alright, May. Ash is your closest friend, and he's helped you through a lot. We've talked about your feelings for him, so it's natural for you to feel how you do." The coordinator gave a slight nod. Caroline continued, "What you told Ash the last time you were together was the right thing to do. You saw he wasn't ready, and neither were you. You're maturing into a fine young woman, and I couldn't be prouder of that."

Her mother's encouragement reminded May that some things were for the best, including the decision with Ash. She placed her hand over her heart. She knew Ash was off somewhere, making new friends and winning more battles with a big smile. She knew Ash was happy chasing his dream, and so was she. She was living the happiest chapter of her life, and nothing could take that away. Besides, if Ash were here, he wouldn't let her feel down. If Ash were in her shoes, he would carry on. She would too.

"You're right, mom. I don't regret what happened. It's hard to look back on it at times, but I wouldn't change a thing," May flashed a confident smile.

"That's my girl," Caroline chuckled. "Remember, Ash never forgets his friends either. You'll meet again someday."

May agreed. "I think so too. Thank you for the pep talk."

"I'm here for you whenever you need me, sweetie. Take care, now," the matriarch waved at the screen.

"I will! Tell dad I said 'hi,'" May waved back. Caroline nodded, and the screen went black. May was alone again, but she didn't feel alone.

The brunette got up and stepped out to get some air. May saw the twinkling stars and the sleepy town from the hill. She saw a lonely stone ledge at the hill's edge. The girl walked over to sit on it. She made herself comfortable while she admired the view of the quiet town. Its lights resembled fairy lights from her vantage point. May felt they almost mirrored the night sky. Suddenly, she pulled out half of her Terracotta Ribbon and raised it. May's sapphire eyes reflected in the shine. She smiled at her treasure. The ribbon also twinkled like the stars.