The Inspiration of Hope
The days went by one by one. Brock, Misty, Tracey, and Mrs. Ketchum took turns spending time with Ash. Although they took turns spending time with Ash, Misty ended up spending the most time with the sickly boy. Misty often thought about the journeys that Brock, Ash, and her had together over the past few years. It seemed like they had known each other for a lifetime.
One night Tracey was coming by the room to see if Misty wanted to take a break, but was awed by the sight he saw. Misty had fallen asleep with her head on the bed next to Ash's. Tracey wasn't sure if it was coincidence or something else, but Ash's arm was wrapped around Misty's head and shoulders in a cuddling embrace. The scene left Tracey breathless with inspiration. He quickly pulled out his sketchpad and began drawing the scene that had unfolded before him.
That morning Misty woke up with her head next to Ash's, his arm still holding her close. She thought it was strange that Ash's arm had somehow snaked its' way around her, but yet it had felt so comforting. She felt a sense of joy and hope thinking that maybe Ash had known that she was there and had wanted to hold her close. Then a sense of embarrassment washed away the joy as she wondered if anybody had seen her like that.
Brock walked through the door carrying a cup of coffee.
"Good Morning Mist," he said as cheerful as ever.
Misty stretched and let out a yawn.
"Long night last night?"
"It went by faster than expected," Misty replied.
"Yeah, time flies when you're next to someone you care for," Brock commented as he turned around and took a sip.
Misty's cheeks turned rosy red as she sat there wondering whether Brock had seen her last night, or if he was just giving some of his "words of wisdom".
Later that morning Mrs. Ketchum stopped by and asked Brock and Misty if they wanted to go out for breakfast. Brock and Misty happily agreed, but Brock asked "Who will stay look after Ash?"
"I will," came a voice from behind.
The gang turned to see Gary Oak standing in the doorway.
"Gary! What a surprise," commented Mrs. Ketchum.
"I got word from gramps of what had happened, and decided to pay Ash a visit."
"Thank you Gary, if anything happens you can we'll be at the Goldeen Grill. You can reach us at…"
"Don't worry Mrs. Ketchum. I'll take good care of him," Gary reassured Mrs. Ketchum.
"Shall we be going?" Mrs. Ketchum asked, and with that the group headed out.
Tracey was waiting outside enjoying the sunny spring morning.
"The taxi's all ready to go," he said.
The gang got into the taxi and rode off to the restaurant.