CHAPTER 2

After cleaning the entire mess for some three continuous hours, Ash collapsed on the couch along with his other dear Pokemon. He was sweating and heaving and also worried about where the hell his mother was.

He then allowed his Pokemon to rest for a while. He went into the kitchen and made their food. He fed his Pokemon and then boiled some water for instant noodles that he found in the cabinet, considering he doesn't want to create much mess in the kitchen after all this.

Just then the doorbell rang and Ash rushed to open the door, only to find his mother; looking not much like his mother. She was looking weak, her eyes were half lidded and her skin appeared dry, despite the fact she was sweating. She also had something in her hand, which Ash could figure out to be alcohol.

His mother was drinking!

And probably was wasted out somewhere until she decided to come back home!

What happened!? Was all Ash could wonder.

She slowly trodded inside on trippy feet and then fell on the couch, hiccuping.

"Mom! I'm back home!" –Ash said happily.

"Shut up Ash! I don't have a son!"

"Welcome doctor Red! It's great to have you here!"–Gary greeted the slightly shorter man with coffee coloured hair. He smiled brightly and then stepped inside the Oak residence.

It was grand, considering where he had step foot in.

"It's nice to meet you too professor! You can just call me Red, since I'm not older than you or anything!" He chuckled and shook hands with the taller brunette.

"Okay, if that's the case, then I'm Gary, not professor! Come I'll show you where to go!" –He ushered him inside his house and then towards his grandfather's room, where he laid lifeless. Lifeless is not the right word, but he was motionless. His eyes were distant and his lips a straight line.

Doctor Red Ambers winced at that. He's always admired Professor Oak for his witty and charming personality. It was paining him to see him like that, and he was sure his grandson felt the same, since he turned his face away as they entered the room.

He sighed. "Don't worry Gary! I'm sure my physiotherapy will heal him to a great extent. It would take me almost a month, considering how fast he responds to the treatment as well! But you should know that I won't leave any space for improvement. I'll give it my all!"

"That's nice to know doctor! But his physician told me that he would also need a psychiatrist. Why is that so?"

"Well you see, the injury only disabled him physically, for which I'm here. But the trauma disabled him mentally, the reason why he got coma. A psychiatrist would help him to come out of that. You see, he is perfectly fine but he is unable to talk or express emotions. That's not my job. I can only help him get to his feet again, but this shock would be healed by a psychiatrist. You understand me?"

"Yes I do! So, I'll leave you and let you do your magic. Let me know when you're done!"–Gary smiled at the only hope standing in front of him and he smiled back. He then left the two in the room and softly closed the door behind him.

He sighed heavily. It's going to be a long time till his gramps gets on his feet again. He went to the living room and sat on the couch, covering his face with his hands. He sighed again. Just then his phone ringed.

"Hey Ash! What's up!?"–Gary said, trying to sound as cheerful as he could.

"I'm fine Gary, how are you?"Ash replied, trying to sound convincing himself.

"Um.. I'm good too..." He couldn't find words. Silence followed.

"I'm in Pallet right now" Ash spoke himself.

"OH! That means your gym is ready now, isn't it!? Congratulations Ash Ketchum, you're a gym leader now!"

"Thanks Gary, thanks a lot!"

"Why you don't sound too happy! What happened!?"

"Well, I didn't call you for this. There's something else I wanted to talk about." Ash was still unsure if he can find peace in Gary.

"Oh, if you're wondering about your Pokemon that you left here, they are completely fine; but I can't give them to you right now. I'm really tired!"

"No, I trust you with them. There's something else. It's about... My mom!"

Gary straightened up at the serious tone in Ash's voice. Ash is not the serious type, and when he is serious, that means something IS serious.

"You see, when I came back home, I found the house turned upside down. There was mess, everything was on the ground, clothes were dirty, the garden was dry and food was untouched. While I was cleaning I also tried looking for some signs of a robbery but found none. Later I found that my mom has been drinking and she spends her days god knows where! And when I asked her, she said that 'go away I have no son!' Do you have any idea?"

Gary never knew it could be something THAT serious. "I'm sorry Ash, I have no idea. Did you try asking your neighbours?"

"I did, and they all said that she comes back home only to sleep. Gary, I'm seriously worried!"

"Ok Ash! I think you need to sleep for a while, you've been out and about for almost 11 years of your life. What I suggest is that you lock her room's door and wait for the next day. Maybe when she's wide awake, she'll tell you something."

"Oh, okay, I'll see what I can do. Thanks Gary! How's Professor Oak now!?"

Gary was confused at first but then he remembered he had told him earlier. "He's been taken care by a physiotherapist right now. I do have to find a psychiatrist for him."

"Right Gary, I've been dying to remember this word. Psychiatrist! I think my mom needs a psychiatrist!"

"Ah, I think so too! Well, let's search together and help each other. I'll tell you if I find one, and you can tell me if you find one!"

"That sounds great Gary! Ok so you should also sleep now and let's meet up tommorow!?"

"Yeah sure why not! Good night!" With this Gary hung up. He slapped his forehead with his right hand and then sighed again.

What on Earth has been happening with everyone!?