Smells like Home

You make it back home and open the door to the smell of your mother cooking at the stove. She turns and beams at the sight of you, dropping the spatula carefully as she hurries to embrace you. “Amber, you’re back early!” she cries in delight, her warm hug crushing your heart with affection.

You settle into her loving embrace for a moment, head resting on her shoulder, before gently breaking off. “Oh, come on, you know I wouldn’t leave without saying bye.”

She brushes your hair gently with her finger, fussing over you in motherly fashion. “But you were gone for a while dear; it’s almost afternoon now. What happened?”

Your mind finds itself reliving your morning triumph against Blue. She gave you those condoms thinking you’d lose, and yet here you are, $1,000 richer, and on a win streak. The urge to brag about your exploitation of your long-sworn rival swells within you, but you hold it back, instead focusing on a more general approach to her question. “Nothing much. Blue wanted a battle, so we went to the field and had our very first Pokémon battle!”. You pump your fist with enthusiasm. “We-“

“Oh…” your mother interrupts, face flooding with concern. “Did he use those condoms I gave you dear? I can’t ima-“

“What? No, Mum, I won! It wasn’t even close!” Talk about a lack of faith. You decide that a little bragging couldn’t hurt. If anything, at this point you deserve it. “Honestly, I don’t know if he would’ve used the condoms if I asked him. Not that it mattered. For someone so certain he’d be fucking me, he ended up in quite a sorry state when I was through with him.”

Her expression lightens as she hears you boast of your victory. “Looks like I didn’t have to worry, huh?” And yet, as she smiled, you could tell there was something behind it. A slight hint of concern in her voice, she continues, “But I was like you once, Amber. So spry, ready to take on the world. And then your father got me pregnant…” She sighs before her face steels with determination. “Look, Amber, I know you’re brave, but bravado only gets you so far. You need to be smart. Promise me you’ll be careful?”

You get it. Growing up, you’d always heard about journeys ended abruptly due to pregnancies. Your father was there for your mother until his passing, but you know Blue’s wasn’t. “I know, Mum. But thanks.” You set Bulbasaur’s Pokéball down on the table, before turning back to the door. “I’ll be back soon Mum. Thanks again”, you say, as you open the door and step out once more.