"Only building until the 24th?" Robin climbed down the ladder, glancing at Ron.
"Mm."
"But didn't you say you needed a few more structures?" Robin frowned—then froze as Pam burst into the farm, breathless.
"Pam! Long time no see!" Robin waved. "Why're you in such a hurry? Here for Ron?"
Pam shook her head, catching her breath. "It's about the house. I'd like you to build it for us… starting after the 24th."
"So soon?" Robin blinked. The date felt familiar—but she assumed Ron had cleared his schedule. "No problem! I thought you'd wait until next year. You must've saved hard."
Pam beamed. "Lewis approved a loan!"
"Where'd he—" Robin's eyes snapped to Ron. Understanding dawned. "Got it. See you on the 24th."
"See you then."
After Pam left, Robin turned to Ron. "You're the one lending them the money?"
Ron nodded. "The farm's doing well. Better to use it now—get them through winter in a real home."
"Really?" Robin leaned closer, eyes twinkling. She'd glimpsed Ron's balance before. No way he pulled 500,000G out of nowhere.
"Alright," Ron chuckled. "It's a bit much, but we'll earn it back fast. I just need a few extra Kegs this week. Oh—and take all the wood you need from the farm. There's plenty in storage."
Robin rolled up her sleeves and clapped his shoulder. "Let's go. I'll help with the racks. You handle the Kegs. Finish today if we hustle."
Ron thanked her and got to work.
---
Meanwhile, at the playground…
Penny spread a picnic mat near the Community Center, setting the macaron box beside her. "Come try these!"
"What's this?" Jas peered into the box, eyes wide at the colorful treats.
"I think they're called… macarons?" Penny recalled the unfamiliar name.
Children and sweets were a timeless match. Even the intense sweetness couldn't stop Jas and Vincent from devouring them.
Joy stepped out of the Pokémon Center, waving.
"Good afternoon! Want to try one?" Penny offered.
Joy's face lit up. "Macarons? Really? One moment!" She dashed back inside, returning with a teapot and four tiny cups. "Haven't had afternoon tea like this in ages." She poured steaming green tea. "Did you go to Kalos too?"
Vincent, quietly munching beside Penny, perked up.
"No," Penny said softly. "Ron brought these back for me—from Kalos."
Choke! Vincent coughed violently. Penny patted his back, offering tea.
He gulped it, shoved the cup away. "Too bitter! I don't like it!" He stomped off to the climbing frame.
"What's wrong with him?" Joy laughed, ruffling Jas's hair. "Such a little grown-up."
Jas sipped tea with exaggerated solemnity, then whispered: "He's jealous."
"Hmph! I know everything," Jas declared, chest puffed. "Like… I know Miss Penny likes Ron!"
"Cough—cough!" Penny turned crimson.
From the climbing frame: "You're lying!"
Penny gently tapped Jas's head, offering Joy an apologetic smile.
"No worries," Joy said kindly. "I was like that too. It means she likes you. Kids ignore teachers they don't care about."
Penny's smile softened.
Just then, Lewis passed by. "Penny—about that education fund you mentioned for textbooks and supplies? The funds came through unexpectedly. I've already ordered them. They'll arrive soon."
"Really?" Penny's eyes shimmered. To her, this mattered as much as a new house. She'd even considered using her own savings. Education was everything.
Lewis nodded, guessing Pam hadn't shared the house news yet. He smiled and continued his patrol.
---
That evening…
Penny washed dishes when Pam rushed in, radiant.
"I have great news—" Pam began, then noticed the document on the table—and the half-empty macaron box.
"What is it mum?" Penny turned off the tap. "Ron stopped by this morning to drop off some Kalos treats. Try one."
Pam picked up a macaron, biting slowly. "He was here?"
"Mm."
"And this file… wasn't it stored away?" Pam pointed.
Penny looked down, flustered. "He saw it. I… felt awkward so I put it back."
Pam's eyes widened. So Ron was Lewis's "anonymous townsfolk."
"Anyway—what's the news?" Penny asked.
"Lewis approved a loan," Pam said carefully. "We can start building the new house on the 24th. I'll repay it with eighty percent of my wages… until it's settled."
"Really?!" Penny's hands flew to her mouth. Joy, disbelief, tears welling. "Oh my goodness—really?! This is wonderful! Wonderful!"
She threw her arms around Pam, laughing through happy tears.
Outside the RV window, the autumn stars glittered—brighter than they had in years.
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