Overhearing their conversation, the Zubat's cries outside grew even louder.
"After eating, haul them back and water the fields as usual. You—take Fletchling to forage."
Ron assigned tasks to Rattata and Froakie, then turned toward the Nursery—only to spot Penny at the farm gate.
She peered in shyly.
Seeing Ron, she flinched away—then quickly composed herself and offered a timid smile.
"Good morning, Ron," Penny said softly. "Tomorrow's the Flower Dance… did you know?"
Ron paused, glancing at the calendar Robin had hung on the bulletin board. Sure enough, Spring 24 was marked clearly.
"Spring 24—Flower Dance," he read aloud, turning to Penny. "Yeah… I've heard something about it."
(Like how in the game, you'd dance with any villager who had four-heart friendship—or stand awkwardly alone if you had none.)
"What's up?" he asked.
Penny fidgeted. "Well… I actually wanted to invite you."
But that morning, she'd overheard Lewis discussing plans to cancel partner invitations this year—since newcomers like Ron and Joy might feel excluded.
"But Lewis said they're skipping partner dances this year! He wants you both to enjoy yourselves without pressure," Penny explained.
Realizing Ron might misunderstand, she added quickly, "I just wanted you to know—if it were happening normally… you wouldn't be standing alone in the corner."
To thoughtful Penny, this "kindness" felt less like inclusion and more like pity—proof they assumed no one would choose him.
"Thanks," Ron smiled warmly.
"You're welcome," Penny said, blinking down at her feet. "I should go now."
"See you tomorrow."
"See you!" She took a few steps, then turned back. "Tomorrow will be the most beautiful day of spring!"
Her voice softened. "I've always regretted not saying this when you first arrived… Welcome to Pelican Town. Have fun tomorrow."
She hurried off before Ron could reply.
"Thank you," he murmured—but she was already gone, breathless by the time she reached town.
Just as she caught her breath, she spotted Joy leaving the Community Center, Wigglytuff in tow.
"Morning, Penny~" Joy waved cheerfully.
"Hi," Penny returned the smile. "Welcome to Pelican Town. You'll love it here."
The air already carried sweet floral scents; petals drifted on the breeze—tomorrow's celebration had begun.
"Thanks!" Joy beamed.
"Tuff~" Wigglytuff chimed in.
---
Meanwhile, back at the farm…
Ron finished cleaning the Nursery and headed to Cindersap Forest with Geodude.
At their current logging pace, they'd have enough wood for the coop by tomorrow.
Exiting the south gate, he saw Robin and Lewis setting up the Flower Dance venue.
The event was held deep in the forest's western edge. To prevent guests from getting lost, paths needed marking today.
Additionally, the Wizard would erect barriers along the route to shield attendees from wild Pokémon.
"Morning," Ron greeted them.
"Morning!" Robin replied. "Oh—about tomorrow—"
"Tomorrow's the Flower Dance," Ron cut in, "and there are no assigned partners. Everyone dances freely."
"You already know?" Robin laughed. "That was Emily's idea."
Ron confirmed his plan to gather coop materials, and Robin nodded. "After the festival, I'll come to your farm. Oh—and buy chickens from Marnie's Animal Shop."
"Got it," Ron said, glancing toward the ranch. He'd never spoken to Marnie despite days in town—their paths simply hadn't crossed.
As Ron disappeared into the woods, Robin resumed tying ropes around wooden posts.
Pierre would arrive soon to help—funded by the town's budget, plus a bonus stall to sell flowers.
His blooms helped nervous suitors confess feelings.
Every year, Clint bought a bouquet… and clutched it all day, too shy to give it to Emily.
Pierre grinned at the memory, called out cheerful greetings, and hurried toward the venue.
"Isn't Abigail helping today?" Robin asked.
"No—she has classes. She'll help me pack up tomorrow," Pierre called back without stopping.
He reached the empty clearing and began arranging his flowers.
Meanwhile, Abigail finished her morning lessons early.
Stretching in her chair, she stared at the ceiling.
"Ugh… the Flower Dance tomorrow."
She hated it—especially wearing that frilly dress her mother insisted was "tradition."
But this year felt different.
"Will anyone invite Ron?"
She shut her laptop and marched out.
"Where to, Abigail?" called Caroline, manning the register in Pierre's stead.
"To help Dad!" Abigail tossed over her shoulder, sprinting off under Caroline's proud gaze.
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)