She sighed. The stars blinked brightly in the night sky. Misty marvelled at how many there were. It was impossible to count, to even guess how many stars were shinning in the universe. It was so fascinating. But, looking up at all the stars, she suddenly felt alone. Against all those stars, she was only one.
She remembered a story, from so long ago. "For every star in the sky, there's a soul on the earth. Why do you think they're so many? If you find the star of those you love, you'll know they're safe and sound wherever they may be."
She shook her head, the memory fading away.
Soft footsteps came to a stop behind her. She didn't have to turn her head to know who it was. "Hello Delia, I'll be inside in just a bit."
Delia kneeled down beside her. "Can I join you?"
Misty nodded without taking her gaze away from the sky.
"You know," Delia began, "it's amazing how beautiful the night sky is. I love watching the stars glow at night, and there are so many of them. That's probably why I can't live in the city."
"I know what you mean. Being here sure does relax you."
"Yeah. When will you leave tomorrow?" Delia asked, taking a seat.
"Morning. I have to get back to the gym before any trainers arrive." Misty didn't really want to go back. She enjoyed staying at Mrs Ketchum's house. They always talked and had a good time together. It was a little relief from all the work she had to do at the gym. It was a little freedom from her troubles.
"Okay sweetie. I'll have breakfast ready for you and make sure you have everything packed before you fall asleep. You wouldn't want to be late."
"Thanks."
They sat in a comfortable silence for awhile, just staring at the stars each in their own thoughts.
"You know," Delia was the first to break it, "when Ash was just a little boy we would sit outside, just like this. I'd tell him how he was always safe because every night I would make a little wish, say a little prayer for his star to watch over him."
"That's sweet. Is that why you always seem so okay when he's out on his journeys?"
"I take comfort in that story. It's been so long, I guess I believe it now. I know that no matter how far he is, he'll have a watching star with him always. They never rest you know." She added with a smile.
Misty nodded in agreement. Then, "I miss him."
In response Delia wrapped an arm around Misty and whispered, "I know, me too."