Chapter 12: Time
December turned into January, and while the entire world was cold, something was warm…
Violet was homesick. She hadn't seen her family for almost half a year. Later in the day, Violet sighed deeply when she and Bryce were playing videogames.
"What's wrong?" Bryce asked.
"I just miss my family." She replied sadly.
He felt sorry for her. His family may not even know his name, but she had a loving, caring family.
"I know what will cheer you up. Head outside, it's not that cold tonight. I'll be right there." He said.
Violet got up and headed to get a drink before heading outside. Bryce got the CD he made for her from her room and his CD player. He met Violet on the way to the door. He could still see the pain in her eyes. Before she could reach the door, Bryce stopped her and hugged her tightly.
"You're all the family I need." He said softly.
The hurt Violet had melted away. To think that Bryce cared about her enough to call her family… she knew from the way he associated with others that he wouldn't say that to just anyone. Violet returned the embrace, snuggling into his shoulder and purring softly. Bryce was surprised; she hadn't ever done that before.
After they broke apart, Bryce spoke. "Go ahead, I'll be right there."
She nodded, opening the door and venturing outside. Bryce paced across the hallway, his conscience arguing with his heart.
*I think now would be as good as a time as any.*
*No, she's still troubled. Besides, she's still a Pokémon, even if she is your friend.* His mind argued.
*I have my own life to think about.*
*But she…*
While this inner conflict was continuing, Violet was outside, watching the insects jumping around in the grass. Then she noticed a light getting closer…
*I'm telling her.*
*Fine, watch it backfire.*
*It won't, and I can't second guess myself.*
Bryce headed outside, only to be knocked over by Violet who practically tackled him, tears flowing down her face "I got a message from my world. I'm going home in three days." She hugged him strongly. "I'll get to see my family again."
It was a good thing her aura was too weak to see Bryce's. He was distraught. The time he spent with Violet was so long, he forgot she was only here for the information she needed. Bryce hugged Violet back, but feeling the contrast of her thoughts.
Violet mentioned needing to get something, but he wasn't really listening. After merely nodding, Bryce watched her disappear into the house. He was numb. The feeling of losing something that means everything to you. It was as if he had fallen into an eternal abyss.
"Three days…" was all he could say. Bryce went back into the house, but stopped, looking out at the window. He seemed to be frozen.
Wondering why she hadn't heard him head for his room, Violet went to see where Bryce was. After she saw him staring out the window, she called him back to life.
They both went to bed, Violet falling asleep with dreams of her family…Bryce not falling asleep at all.
Author's Notes: So…looks like the "perfect" world comes crashing down…