Wake up!

+ Wah!

Had that nightmare again?

+ What do you want, Fletch…

Your mom made breakfast!

+ But she never makes- do you smell that, Fletch?

It’s breakfast!

+ No, it smells like chemicals.

Oh… your hair…

+ What?!

I jump out of bed and bound over to the mirror.

+ Why the hell am I blonde now?! She dyed my hair!

I thought you knew, your mom has been brushing your hair in your sleep for months.

+ I had no idea! She’s gone too far this time!

I storm downstairs and find mom sat at the dining table set for two, breakfast consists of toast and a glass of orange juice.

Caldette, you’re finally out of bed!

The plan worked!

And a “Tweet tweet” to you too, Fletchling!

+ Mom, my hair!

Isn’t it great? It’s already lifted your mood! You’ve not left the house this whole time.

+ My leg still hurts and you think changing my hair colour would cure it?

It’s been months since they let you out of hospital and the doctor said there’s no reason your leg should still be hurting. You just need to go outside and get some sunshine!

+ And where would I go? All my friends are back home! Why’d you have to move us to Kalos anyway?

For my career of course, I got a big sponsorship deal for the next race season. I didn’t hear any objections while you were gallivanting around Kanto.

+ I was looking for Caldar!

Oh you know your little brother, he’ll show up sooner or later.

+ He’s been missing for over a year!

There’s a knock at the front door.

Oh, that’ll be them!

+ Who?

It turns out a couple of neighbours have daughters about your age. I asked them to visit and cheer you up. Why don’t you answer the door.

I march up to the door and open it, revealing two girls standing on the other side.

Good morning! I’m Serena and this is Shauna!

Hi!

I’m guessing you’re Caldette?

+ Cally.

Oh, uh Ms Grace?

Hm?

Something smashed up your garden wall.

I peer beyond Shauna to see the wall at the end of the garden is gone and rubble scattered out onto the street. I notice familiar footprints leading from the garden, through the rubble, across the street, beyond the house across the street and out to the grasslands to the south.

+ Mom, Rhyhorn has gone on another stampede.

Oh dear, I hope she doesn’t cause too much trouble. She’ll come back sooner or later.

So Cally, are you ready for a trip?

+ Huh?

Didn’t your mom tell you? We’re gonna give you a tour! With Pokémon!

Professor Sycamore gave us Pokémon!

+ Great. It’s Mom’s first day off since… ever, and I already can’t wait to get away.

You’re not going like that are you?

+ What do you mean?

You’re still in your pyjamas, silly!

+ Oh… my clothes…

Why don’t you put on that pretty summer dress, Caldette?

+ I haven’t worn that since I was nine! None of the clothes you brought for me fit anymore!

Don’t worry, you can borrow some of my clothes! You look about my size and I only live next door.

+ Okay…

I follow Serena to her house and she lays out an outfit for me. A pink pleated skirt, a charcoal coloured schoolgirl blouse and what looks like a pair of school shoes. I’m not wearing the hat…

+ Thanks, Serena. It’s a perfect fit, though it’s not something I’d typically wear…

You’re welcome! You’re not wearing the stockings?

+ This climate is a bit warmer than I’m used to, I think I’ll stick with my ankle socks.

You’re sure?

Oh my, that’s a wicked scar on your right leg!

Shauna!

+ It’s fine… Before you ask, I was burned by a Ninetales.

Sorry, I didn’t want to draw attention to it. I’d have loaned you something to better hide it but all I have are skirts!

Does it hurt?

+ Yes. Yes it does.