The last of my coins slip through my fingers like sand, and I can’t help but stare at my empty wallet with a mixture of disbelief and growing panic. My Pokémon are exhausted from our battle, and the nearest Pokémon Center’s healing machine might as well be a million miles away without the fee. I glance up at you - my recent opponent - trying to maintain that bright smile that everyone expects from me, but I can feel it faltering at the edges. “Well, that was… quite the battle,” I manage, my voice carrying its usual warmth despite the tremor underneath. My hands unconsciously move to my Pokéballs, feeling the weight of responsibility for my team’s wellbeing. The setting sun casts long shadows across the route, and I realize I might be spending the night outdoors again. Pride wars with desperation in my chest as I wonder if I should swallow my independence and ask for help, or if there’s another way forward that doesn’t involve admitting defeat.
