The next day.
Sandy had stayed overnight at Emily's. Since Emily was still putting the final stitches on her dress, Sandy rose early and decided to explore Pelican Town alone.
This was her first visit since the bus line reopened.
Though service had resumed weeks ago, she'd never closed her shop before. She'd finally accepted reality: even with the bus running, only Haley visited every Monday to buy two coconuts. Keeping the Oasis open barely covered costs.
She wandered through town, lost in thought—
—when a Rattata emerged from the farm, leading a Geodude by the paw.
"Ah—you must be Sailor?" Sandy recalled the name from Emily's letters.
Sailor, mid-berry snack, offered the uneaten half with polite chirps.
"No thank you, dear," Sandy said softly.
"Ratta!" Sailor popped the berry into its mouth, chewed quickly, and tilted its head at her.
"How adorable." Sandy stroked its head.
As the farm's only Rattata who roamed town freely, Sailor was accustomed to gentle attention. No one could resist its manners. No one!
But Sandy was new. Learning she was from the desert and visiting Pelican Town, Sailor straightened proudly, stepped ahead, and gestured with its paw—a clear invitation to tour the town.
Sandy laughed, following lightly behind as Sailor led her past cottages and gardens.
"I truly love this place—and its flowers," Sandy mused, gaze sweeping the landscape. "Spring Daffodils, Summer Sweet Peas, Winter Crocuses… all of them." Her eyes settled on bare shrubs. "A pity it's Fall now."
Pelican Town held no wild blooms in Fall.
Sailor glanced toward the desert bus stop… then resumed its tour with renewed purpose.
---
Meanwhile, at the farm…
Ron worked as usual—until after lunch, when a woman's voice and a chorus of "Ratta! Ratta!" drifted from the gate.
He turned. Sandy, the desert shopkeeper, strode in behind Sailor, waving brightly.
"Long time no see, Ron!"
"Likewise." Ron listened as she explained her wish to tour the farm. No issue—he agreed readily.
He returned to harvesting pasture grass with Shane, stacking bundles to dry for winter feed. He'd also installed heaters days ago when buying cattle.
After finishing, Ron clapped Shane's shoulder, fetched cups, and poured two glasses of freshly brewed Pale Ale from the brewery.
"Thanks," Shane said, sipping. He hesitated. "That woman… are you close? She keeps glancing our way."
Ron turned—and met Sandy's gaze head-on.
Most would fluster. Sandy simply smiled and waved.
"Uh… want another drink?" Ron offered.
"Hmm? Alcohol?" Sandy nodded.
Ron poured a third glass. As Sandy sipped, she studied him. All work, no pretense. Hard to judge.
Then her eyes caught the community calendar on the bulletin board. Tomorrow's date held her portrait.
"What's this? A birthday calendar? Lewis included me?" Delight warmed her voice.
Ron followed her gaze—tomorrow was Sandy's birthday.
In Pelican Town, no one announced their own birthday. This was new to him.
But he knew her preference. Living in the barren Desert, Sandy cherished Pelican Town's flowers—especially Spring Daffodils. Ron had gathered many that season for Foraging experience.
Before he could act, Sailor dove into a storage crate. Moments later, it trotted to Sandy, a golden Daffodil held gently in its teeth.
"Huh? What's this?" Sandy blinked.
"A birthday gift," Ron said.
Sailor stood upright, carefully plucked the flower with its paws, and bowed with courtly grace. "Ratta."
From Sailor. Happy birthday.
"Thank you!" Sandy knelt, accepting the bloom.
She looked up at Ron, Daffodil cradled in her palm. If he'd given it… would it prove kindness? Or something more for Emily? But the gift came from this thoughtful little creature—and that felt truer.
She stroked Sailor's head. "Sailor… shouldn't he wear a sailor suit?"
"Ratta?"
"Mm. The day after tomorrow, I'll arrange it with Pam. Come visit the desert then? I'll make you a little outfit."
Sailor's ears perked. It chirped once—a promise accepted.
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