Meanwhile, at the RV…
Penny sat by the window, chin in hand, listening to rain drum against the metal roof—thump, thump, thump.
Today was Spring 18—Pam's birthday.
And her first day working at the library.
With no tutoring on Thursdays, Penny had risen early to clean the RV inside and out.
She'd worried Pam might quit at the sight of the downpour—but Pam had simply pulled on a raincoat and vanished into the storm without a word.
At home, Pam rarely did chores. Penny feared Gunther might fire her.
But seeing Pam's determination—even if she was dismissed—Penny wouldn't resent it.
For Penny, Pam's willingness to try was enough.
As long as they moved forward together, hope remained.
---
At the Library…
Gunther watched Pam sweep from behind the counter.
He'd never planned to hire beyond Sam, so there was no uniform for her.
She wore tight, ill-fitting clothes, sweeping awkwardly in silence—clearly unused to labor.
Only Lewis's pleading had convinced him to give her a chance.
But her attitude dwarfed Sam's. That boy fidgeted constantly, zoning out every few minutes. Only the job's community-service status kept him employed.
Hearing Pam's vigorous swish-swish broom strokes, Gunther yawned and gazed out at the rain.
"Alright, that's enough for today."
No visitors meant no new dust. He handed her 350G with solemn care.
"Oh—and happy birthday, Pam."
"Thank you," Pam said, clutching the coins like hot coals.
She pulled on her raincoat and stepped back into the storm.
Normally, she'd head straight to the saloon—but today, she didn't even glance its way. She returned to the RV.
"I'm home," she called.
"Welcome back. Happy birthday," Penny whispered.
To save for bus repairs and a new house, Penny had bought only cheap Parsnips at Pierre's.
But Pam loved their earthy flavor—especially in Parsnip Soup. A humble gift, but heartfelt.
Pam sat at the table, gripping the bowl with rain-chilled hands. Steam rose, warming her eyes too.
"Thank you."
---
Spring 20…
Rain didn't bless them daily. By dawn, everyone resumed their duties.
After fertilizing, today marked the first Strawberry harvest.
Ron assigned Fletchling to picking, while Rattata and Froakie handled watering.
Amidst the bustle, footsteps sounded at the gate.
Ron turned to see Robin, sleeves rolled up, toolbox in hand.
Spotting the Strawberry fields and Fletchling darting between crops and shipping bin, she waved. "Morning! Here to renovate your cabin."
The 10,000G fee seemed steep—but included:
– Expanded living space
– A proper kitchen
– New furniture (a larger bed, a fridge)
"Keep working—I've got this," Robin said, waving off Ron's approach.
She entered with Machoke hauling lumber.
Ron returned to his tasks.
Inside, hammering echoed all day.
By evening, Robin finished.
Ron, after tending to the Strawberries and chores, headed to Cindersap Forest to gather wood for future coop/barn construction.
Days blurred into work—training, farming, logging.
Spring 23…
Ron made breakfast for his Pokémon, then opened the door—
Flash!
Joy stood at the farm's teleportation stone.
"Wow—it really works!" Joy marveled, turning to see Ron at the cabin door—and a crowd of curious faces peering from behind him.
"Morning!" She pulled seed packets from her backpack. "These are the seeds you asked for! The shopkeeper wrote planting guides, and this—"
Ron greeted her, stepping outside as Joy excitedly unpacked.
Until only a red Poké Ball remained.
"This?" Ron pointed, waiting.
Geodude had already been returned—this wasn't its ball.
Joy stammered. "Your farm doesn't have a Grass-type, right?"
"No," Ron confirmed. "So you caught one for me?"
"No—it came free with the seeds!" She released the Pokémon.
A frail Oddish appeared.
Though Joy had cared for it, days weren't enough to restore its health. It still looked malnourished.
She scooped up the Oddish circling her feet. "The shopkeeper said it'll learn Grassy Terrain!"
"Grassy Terrain?"
"It halves crop growth time!" Joy explained. "It'll learn it at Level 36!"
…She felt guilty saying it.
Leveling required battle experience.
But this Oddish was so weak, a breeze might topple it.
If it had to fight to level up… the farm might collapse before it reached 36.
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