Back in the ship's terminal, I watch Delia interact with one of the Slate children. I wonder how she's going to be able to carry on without a child of her own to love and care for. Delia's always been very maternal and, until now, Ash has been the center of her existence. She's going to be absolutely lost now without him. She needs someone to love and fuss over. And at this moment, I find myself wanting to be the one to give her another child. Perhaps someday…
Out of nowhere, Officer Jenny comes racing up on her motorcycle. "Thank goodness I caught you all before you left!"
"Giovanni already left," I inform her.
Thank God.
"I'll contact him later," Officer Jenny says as she climbs off of her motorcycle.
"What's going on?" asks one of the Waterflower sisters.
"Everyone, I have some amazing news. The people that were thought to be trapped aboard the St. Anne have been found alive. Your loved ones are safe."
Everyone in the room is numb with shock at Officer Jenny's announcement, including me. Delia's legs start shaking, and I grip her hand tightly.
"How do you know for sure they're okay?" asks Brock's father.
"See for yourself," Officer Jenny grins as she picks up the receiver of the nearby videophone and starts pressing the numerical buttons on the console.
"Misty!" the Waterflowers shriek as a red-haired girl appears on the screen.
"Oh, I'm so happy for them," Delia says as the Waterflower sisters enjoy a tearful reunion. Then it's the Slate family's turn to rejoice as Brock appears.
And then…
"Hey, looks like a party's going on there," says a familiar voice.
Delia cries out as Ash's face appears on the screen. "Ash!"
She breaks loose of my grip and races to the console.
"Hi, Mom. What's going on?" the boy asks nonchalantly.
My mouth drops open in astonishment.
What's going on?! Ash, your mother's been worried sick about you. For God's sake, we thought you were dead!
The boy's smile fades. "Are you okay, Mom?"
"Ash, we've all been worried sick about you. You and your friends," says Delia, her voice trembling with emotion.
"Gosh, we didn't mean to worry anyone. We didn't realize that you guys knew about the ship sinking. But don't worry, Mom. We're all okay. Thanks to our Pokémon."
"Pika-pi!"
I make my way to Delia's side. "Looks like Pikachu's doing well. Are both you and Pikachu all right?"
"Hi, Professor Oak," Ash smiles as he tickles Pikachu's chin. "Yeah, we're fine."
"Ash, hurry up!" says Misty offscreen.
"I've gotta go now, Mom. If we don't catch the ferry back to the mainland, there won't be another one until tomorrow," Ash explains as he gathers up his backpack.
I can tell that Delia doesn't want to let Ash out of her sight.
"Ash, be sure to give us a call when you get to the next city, all right?"
"I will, Professor," the boy nods.
"Ash, come on!" yells Brock. "The ferry's getting ready to leave!"
"Gotta go! 'Bye everyone!" The screen goes black.
As the Waterflower sisters hug each other, Brock's father remarks that it's time that they headed home.
"And I think we should head back to Pallet Town, don't you?" I smile, reaching for Delia's hand. "Let's go home."
To be continued…