Sunlight spilled across the manor garden as Scrunchie stepped barefoot onto the soft grass, her face glowing with a smile that matched the morning.
"Hello! Everyone! Finally, I'm done with my work! Come out, let's talk!" she called, running from bush to fountain, peeking under flowerbeds, her excitement bubbling over.
The old man hurried behind her, slightly out of breath, trying to catch up. "Miss, remember… Pokémon usually stay in their own habitats. They might not come right away," he said gently. "Maybe… you should rest a little."
"I'm fine! Perfectly fine!" Scrunchie said, still scanning the garden with sparkling eyes, refusing to sit.
Her gaze drifted toward the forest a little way off. The old man's voice faltered. "Miss… don't go there. Your father will be angry, like last time."
Scrunchie clenched her fists but forced herself to obey. She sank onto a long, white bench, sitting silently, her legs dangling as she stared at the soft morning light. Hours passed. Dawn crept across the sky, painting it pale gold, while she remained on the bench, lost in thought. The old man sat nearby, defeated, sipping tea with a small plate of uneaten dessert.
Crows cawed above, breaking the silence. Scrunchie finally rose from the bench, stretching, brushing the dew from her bare feet. The old man looked up, placing his cup down. "They might come tomorrow," he said, trying to comfort her.
Scrunchie stopped mid-step. "It's been… a month," she murmured, her voice low, almost sad. "A month since they've visited me."
The old man froze, guilt washing over him.
Before she could turn back inside, a faint, playful sound caught her attention—a soft jiggle, like water spilling from a pipe. Her eyes darted to the fountain, and her heart leapt. There, glistening in the morning sun, Ditto splashed happily, sending arcs of water into the air.
The little Pokémon paused and looked directly at her, its tiny face bright and curious. For a moment, it seemed as if the garden itself held its breath. Scrunchie's eyes sparkled like stars, and a giggle escaped her lips.
"Ditto…" she whispered, almost in disbelief.
And for the first time in a long while, the manor didn't feel quite so lonely.