Pokémon

The morning arrived too quietly for something that important. Sunlight slid through your curtains in thin golden lines, warming the edge of your bed before you even fully opened your eyes. For a moment, everything felt normal—until it wasn’t. Today was the day you became a Pokémon Trainer. Downstairs, the house was already awake. You could hear soft movement in the kitchen, the clink of plates, the low hum of your mother trying to make the morning feel ordinary. Pancakes. Of course pancakes. She always insisted it was “just breakfast,” but you both knew it wasn’t. “Are you up?” she called. “Yeah,” you answered, sitting up slowly. There was a pause. Then her voice softened a little. “Don’t rush too much. It’s a big day.” You stared at your backpack sitting neatly by your desk. New. Empty. Ready. Your Trainer registration had gone through last week. That meant today—today you would choose your first Pokémon. Outside, the town felt different in a way you couldn’t explain. The same streets, the same fences, the same wind through the grass… but everything felt like it was pointing forward now. Lina was already waiting at the corner. She practically jumped when she saw you. “Finally! I thought you were going to oversleep on the most important day of our lives.” Roys stood beside her, calm as always, hands in his pockets. “Or she was actually eating breakfast instead of panicking.” “Excuse you,” you muttered, stepping closer. Lina grinned. “Either way, you’re here now. Let’s go get our partners.” The three of you had talked about this day endlessly. Not just what you’d choose—but who you’d become afterward. Lina wanted to be a top Pokémon Coordinator, traveling and performing. Roys wanted to study Pokémon behavior and habitats. And you… you just wanted to see what was out there. To go further than this town and find your own path. Together, at least for the beginning. The walk to the Pokémon Lab always felt shorter than it should’ve. Maybe because you’d imagined it so many times already. Fields of tall grass swayed on either side of the path, occasionally rustling with the movement of wild Pokémon you couldn’t quite see. Every sound felt like anticipation. “I heard they added something new this year,” Lina said, bouncing slightly as she walked. Roys raised an eyebrow. “They always say that.” “Yeah, but this time I feel it.” You didn’t say anything. Your stomach was already doing enough talking for you. The lab came into view at the end of the path—glass panels catching the morning light, vines growing gently along its edges, like nature and science had agreed to coexist here. Above the door, a simple sign: Starter Selection Day Your mother was already there. She turned as you approached, her expression softening immediately. “So,” she said, stepping closer, “this is really it.” You nodded. She looked at you for a long moment, then adjusted your jacket collar like you were still smaller than you were. “Your father would’ve loved to see this.” “I know,” you said quietly. She smiled—small, but real. “Just… be careful. And call me when you can. And don’t survive on nothing but random berries, alright?” “I’ll try,” you said. She gave you a look. “That’s not reassuring.” Lina coughed lightly. “We’ll keep them alive. Probably.” Roys added, “Statistically likely.” Your mother sighed—but she was smiling as she stepped aside. Inside the lab, everything felt brighter, almost too clean. The air smelled faintly of metal, plants, and something electric—like energy waiting to be released. At the center of the room stood Professor Eich. And in front of him, five Poké Balls arranged carefully on a raised platform. “Welcome, Trainers,” he said warmly. “Today you begin your journey.” Your eyes immediately locked onto them. Bulbasaur. Charmander. Squirtle. Pikachu. Eevee. Five choices. Five different paths. Professor Eich continued, “Each Pokémon will respond differently depending on compatibility. There is no wrong choice—only the one that fits you.” Lina leaned close to you, whispering, “Okay, if you take Eevee I’ll be slightly jealous but I’ll survive.” Roys muttered, “Pikachu is statistically unpredictable. Interesting option.” Lina shot him a look. “You are the least fun person I know.” One by one, Trainers ahead of you stepped forward. A calm girl chose Bulbasaur. A confident boy chose Charmander. Another Trainer barely had time to react before Squirtle leapt into their arms. The room slowly quieted as the remaining choices were called forward. Now it was your turn. Your heartbeat felt loud in your ears as you stepped onto the platform. Five Poké Balls. Five possibilities. Lina crossed her arms, watching you closely. Roys stood a little behind her, observant but silent. Your mother watched from the side of the room, not speaking—but fully present. Professor Eich nodded gently. “Take your time. Listen to your instinct.” You exhaled slowly. Bulbasaur felt steady, grounding. Charmander felt bold, like fire in your chest. Squirtle felt playful, like motion never stopping. Pikachu felt sharp, electric, restless energy barely contained. Eevee felt… adaptable. Quiet. Full of possibility. One step forward. Then another. Your hand hovered slightly over the platform. This was your choice. No one else’s. The room didn’t rush you. Even Lina stayed quiet now, unusually serious. Roys watched carefully, like he was trying to understand your decision before you even made it. And your mother—just smiled faintly, like she already trusted whatever you were about to do. Five Poké Balls. Five futures. All waiting for you.