New Reason for Living

Chapter 5: First Day Out

The next day, I was having a proper look around Leanne's place when she headed past me. I was surprised by this, wondering where she was going.

"Aaron, I'm heading out to the market. Would you like to come with me?" Leanne asked. I was surprised to hear this, but I also thought that it would be nice to be outside for a little. Besides, going with Leanne actually sounded like it was really good.

"Okay, I would be glad to come." I responded. This made Leanne smile to hear me say that. As I followed Leanne, more questions ran through my head that I wasn't able to answer.

Why did I enjoy spending time with Leanne? More than that, why did I like just being with her? It was like... she was special in a way that I wasn't able to understand.

The two of us arrived at the market, and I was just wordless. It was huge, unlike anything I had ever seen. Leanne must have noticed me, because she just smiled to see my amazement.

"I know. You probably haven't seen something like this before, have you?" Leanne asked. I shook my head, because it was true. "Follow me." Leanne said. Hearing this, I immediately headed after her.

We both stopped and looked at a stall nearby. "I'll just be over there. Wait for me, Aaron." Leanne said. I nodded in agreement, thinking it best to listen to her.

With this, Leanne headed over to the stall. While I waited for her, I could hear what sounded like laughing. Surprised, I decided to find out what was going on.

I looked nearby to see a young Riolu and Vulpix playing with each other. They were both really happy, knowing that they were just with each other and no-one could disturb them.

I mostly focused my attention on the young Riolu, because he reminded me of what I had missed out on in my childhood: being able to enjoy myself, having fun with others and just experiencing what the world had to offer.

Seeing the two together just amazed me. I had to wonder how they were able to have fun together. It was like they had a special bond with each other, but I couldn't seem to understand what it was.

Leanne must have noticed that I was missing, because she came over looking for me. "There you are, Aaron. I was wondering where you had gone off to." Leanne said. I turned to see her, but then she noticed the Riolu and Vulpix.

"What did they both remind you of?" Leanne asked. I looked back at the two with Leanne and we both watched them on.

"Seeing them just reminded me of what I couldn't enjoy when I was their age. Being able to have fun and just enjoying myself, I could never experience that when I was young. They're both lucky to be with each other; because they can share what they believe is special." I explained, as we looked on at the young twosome.

Leanne looked over at me. "It's okay, Aaron. I'm sure that someday you'll be able to have that again." Leanne said. I was very surprised. Leanne was always so supportive towards me; that was so amazing about her and somehow, that made me feel so happy inside that I met her.

"Thank you, Leanne. I'm so glad that you can be with me. It makes me so glad that I was given the chance to meet you. Your care and concern reminds me of what I used to have." I explained.

Leanne smiled to hear this. I also somehow felt glad that I could make Leanne happy. It was really amazing to have that chance, but I wasn't sure of what that was.

"You're welcome, Aaron. We should head back now." Leanne said. I nodded in agreement, and we both headed out of the market.