Flint and his son Lucas were out collecting wood for fire from Sunshine forest.

" We better collect wood before the winter comes." Flint urged. "I know what you're thinking 'Hey dad, why are we collecting fire wood in the middle of May?' Well son, so we have some reserved for the chilly autumn that's coming ahead of us." Lucas silently watched his father laughing at his own joke. Flint cleared his throat. "Is something wrong, son?"

"It's nothing, I dreamt about my mother and brother again…" Lucas smiled.

Flint patted his son on the back. "Glad you still hasn't forgotten them."

How could I ever forget the woman who was responsible for my existence? Lucas felt swelling in his eyes. How could I ever forget the boy I shared my life with?

"I'm sure your mom would feel very happy about who you are today." Flint influenced. "You've changed so much."

Lucas smiled at his father as they hauled the firewood over their shoulders.

"So, how are things going with Richie?" Flint asked.

Lucas never thought his father would ask him that. "Well, I…"

Flint laughed. "Not to worry, I can see it in your eyes, Lucas. That girl's turned your life into a wonderland hasn't she?"

Lucas shrugged. "I guess she keeps me company, and she's ok to talk to."

Flint smiled. "I'm hoping you two get married soon, after all, you're a hard working man and an ideal husband for her."

Arriving to the log cabin in the southeastern part of Tazmily, Lucas set the firewood down to go play with loyal dog, Boney.

(Woof! Woof!) "It's about time you talk to me."

"Sorry Boney. I had a lot of work to do with my dad." Lucas pet the brown dog on the back. "I'll tell you what, let's spend the whole afternoon together, how does that sound?"

(Woof! Woof!) Fudge yeah, that sounds awesome!

Lucas laughed. Then slowly closed his eyes and inhaled the sweet fresh air.

(Wooooooof?)" I wonder what has become of Kumatora and Duster."

"You're right…It's been six years since I last saw Duster and Kumatora." Lucas breathed once more. "I wonder what has become of them? I wish I could see them once again."

"Lukeeeeeeeeeeeeee!" The young man turned toward the sunrise, as he saw the brunette woman waving to him.

The blonde male smiled and waved back.

(Wooooof. ) "Great, Richie's here, now Lucas will break his promise and won't play with me."

Richie embraced Lucas in her arms, while sniffing around. "Ooh, what is that stink?"

Lucas laughed. "It's cow manure, it smells great doesn't it?"

Richie groaned, stepping away from her boyfriend. "It reeks. Lucas, I think it's time for you to wreck this piece of junk. You should totally convince your dad to buy a more modernized house, just like the rest of your neighbors in Tazmily."

"This piece of junk means a lot to us." Lucas explained. "It's the few remaining memory we have of…" Lucas felt himself sniffle a little.

Richie put her arms around Lucas. "Oh, well in that case, I completely understand." She said quickly. "Hinawa was a great woman."

Lucas nodded his head as he wiped a tear from his cheek.

" That's right…" He said toughening up.

"Well, do you want to go to New Pork City to go watch a movie?" Richie asked. "I heard it's really good! It's about four kids who…"

"No, Ritchie. You go on ahead."

"But why, Luke? I'll be the only looser there without my boyfriend to cuddle up with!"

"I promised myself never to go back there." Lucas protested. "Please, don't argue with me."

"Fine, I'll go with my stupid brother, Nichol. Oh, and my parents are really anxious to have you over for dinner tomorrow, you can't possibly refuse this opportunity!"

" A dinner, for what?"

"Just a friendly dinner to introduce you properly to my family, that's all."

Lucas thought for a moment. "Fine, I'll go."

Richie planted a long smooch on Lucas' lips. "Give me a kiss, back?"

Lucas gave her a small peck on the lips.

"See you tomorrow!" The brunette waved goodbye before disappearing into the darkness.

"Richie…how do I deal with you." Lucas chuckled as he shut the door on Boney.

(Wooof?) "Hey, what about me? :( )


There is no question why Lucas does not want to return to New Pork City.

Afterall, it holds very frightening memories about what happened presicely six years ago.

How are you all liking Lucas' girlfriend, Ritchie?

Is she at all like you expected or is she not?

(I know Silver didn't like her so much...Sorry! Lol)

Questions for the future include...

"Will Lucas be able to impress Ritchie's family at the family dinner?"

and

"What type of "elegant piece of clothing" will Flint give Lucas to wear for the special occasion?

and last but certainly not least...

"Is Ritchie cheating on Lucas?"

Read Chapter 3 The Dinner, if you dare!

Thank you, loyal reading for continuing to read along.

You are great!