In Loving Memory of Mrs. Paula Swofford, the best history teacher in the world.
Dear Ash,
I…I remember that day clearly…as if it were yesterday…or even today. I remember the way you looked…what you said…You had been so quiet before…I should have known what you were thinking. I should have tried to stop you…
I remember…I remember that you said that we couldn't let them continue. You said that someone had to take a stand…like Pikachu was…
But you forgot. You forgot about Pikachu. Yes, it was taking a stand, but it was only getting hurt…and the clone kept on fighting…Pikachu's stand…didn't work…
I remember that you ran to the middle of the battle, and you tried to stop it. You were doing the right thing…but it wasn't enough. You just got caught in the middle. They didn't care about you. You didn't matter to them.
But I saw everything…and I cared.
I remember how time itself seemed to slow down. I would have helped you. I would have pulled you back…but I was frozen in time too…I remember how I was screaming inside…and when I saw you again, you were just standing there…and, for just a second…I hoped…I prayed that you would be alright…and then you fell to the ground, stiff and lifeless…I cried…and time began its deadly course…again.
I remember watching as Pikachu ran to your side. Could you see it? Did you know how much we were grieving inside? If you could, would you come back? Would you laugh and say it was no big deal?…You would. I know you would…
But you didn't.
I remember what Mewtwo said. It said that you were a fool…for trying to stop them…but it was wrong. You were not the fool. Mewtwo was. Mewtwo could never hope to be a Pokémon Master. You proved to be greater in the end. You recognized, since the beginning, the true definition of a Pokémon Master…and you were one…It was Mewtwo who was the fool.
But now you're gone, and I wonder what I should have done differently. I know it won't have change anything, but I miss you. I know Pikachu is hurting even more than I am.
Pikachu is with me right now. After you passed away, we realized we were all we had left. I promise I'll take care of it just the way you would. We may even get into the Pokémon League together and become Pokémon Masters…You would like that, wouldn't you?
…There is so much I want to tell you, but now I realize that I can express all of my feelings in three, short words.
I love you.
A thousand tears can be shed, but not one holds the key to life…I wish that tears could bring you back.
Misty Waterflower
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Author's Note: I've actually had this idea for a really long time, it just took me a while to get around to it and make it perfect. I'll admit, it still needs some work, but at least it's not shameful. The dedication at the top refers to my eighth grade history teacher who died on January 4, 2000. I'll never forget you, Ms. Swofford.