Red almost forgot what it felt like to lay in a bed. It was strange to be on a mattress that would conform to his body after years of camping out in the open. But here he was, back at his childhood home in Pallet Town with his mom, back where it all began.
Of course, Red wouldn't be able to stay for too long. While his escapades on both the battlefield and in bringing down Team Rocket had garnered attention from the region, beating the Elite Four had made him a celebrity overnight. And he detested that.
Red had always been the kind of person who kept to himself, but the sudden fame where people stared at him and asked for autographs was more than he felt comfortable with. "With any luck, this whole thing will blow over soon," he decided. He knew he'd be a household name for the rest of his life, but a little space sooner than later couldn't hurt.
If there was a bright side to this newfound fame, however, it was that the recognition ceremony for his victory would be held in his hometown. A ceremony brought crowds, and crowds brought much needed currency. Pallet was a peaceful yet sleepy town, and sleepy towns had an even harder time faring after the war than the larger ones. But from what Red's mother had told him the local hotel already put up a no vacancy sign, meaning that at least some income would be poured into the community for a few days. So far as much as Red dreaded the thought of a ceremony being devoted to him, he found comfort in that at least the town was profiting from his success.
But it wouldn't be all bad, Red decided. At least he would have the opportunity to spend time with his mother, local friends, and the Oaks (or at least Daisy and the Professor; Red hadn't heard anything about Blue since his defeat at the Elite Four).
"Red?" he heard his mother call from downstairs, "Are you coming down? Bacon and eggs are ready,"
"Coming," Red called as he stretched and got out of bed. That was one thing he missed while on the road: a good, hearty breakfast.