Time passed quickly, and on this day, Terrance was preparing to depart.
The children didn’t come looking for Terrance, unable to face the farewell.
But Terrance knew that the next day, when he was about to leave, everyone would come to bid him farewell with tears. He knew these little fellows too well.
Morning arrived, the sky was clear with no clouds, a stark contrast to yesterday.
In the early morning, the sunlight was gentle. Inside the Old Green House,the children arrived at Terrance’s door with carefully prepared gifts. However, when they pushed the door open, they found the room empty, with no one inside.
Only a neatly written letter was placed on the desk.
Seeing this scene, the children’s hearts clenched. Little Rina, holding back her tears, stepped forward first and picked up the envelope left by Terrance.
“Everyone, by the time you are reading this letter, I believe I will have already departed. I hope that after I leave, I won’t inconvenience anyone. Don’t be sad about my departure. Although there are times when I find you little rascals annoying, I still loved the joyful atmosphere of the Old Green House.
Rina, remember not to be mischievous anymore. If you get bullied by Poochyena again, Beautifly won’t be there to save you.
Ayan, you’re the oldest among the children besides me, and also the most responsible. Remember to take good care of your younger siblings.
Taiga, stop being picky about food. Once I’m gone, there won’t be anyone specially cooking for you.
Chisana, I know that among the children, you’ve always yearned to become a Coordinator. Trust me, I’ll stand on that final stage with Beautifly. But if you keep playing around, you’ll never be able to reach your dreams.
Scarlet, you were the first to follow Grandma Arlan. You know she’s getting older, so make sure to supervise everyone so that they don’t make her angry. Show Grandma Arlan more care.
Myu, you’re the youngest among us, everyone’s little sister. Remember to listen to your older brothers and sisters. Once I’m gone, no one will clean up your messes.
Lastly, Grandma Arlan, thank you, thank you very much. Everyone, please don’t worry about me. When I return, I will definitely make the Old Green House even better and bigger and free everyone from their current lives and allow everyone to have the life they long for, with the right to pursue their dreams! —- Terrance”
The surroundings were quiet, except for the sound of Little Rina’s sobbing. Soon, the envelope passed through everyone’s hands, and silence fell upon them. At that moment, Grandma Arlan arrived and, observing the children’s actions, she knew what had happened. Having experienced many things herself, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of sadness.
She didn’t know how to comfort the children. Perhaps letting things take their natural course would be the best outcome.
Upon seeing Grandma Arlan, Little Rina immediately rushed towards her. Among the children, Little Rina had the closest bond with Terrance. The separation now had the biggest impact on her.
“Grandma, when I grow up, I’ll definitely find Brother Terrance and bring him back.” Her words were incoherent as tears covered her face.
Gently stroking Little Rina’s head, Grandma Arlan comforted her, “I believe in you, Little Rina. You’ll be able to bring your Brother Terrance back.”
Though she said that, Grandma Arlan couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.
It’s not that easy! She just hoped that this little rascal, Terrance, would set aside his pride and return back after facing setbacks in the outside world.
It’s not so simple to navigate this chaotic world with the identity of a child.
Despite hailing from affluent households and holding the official Trainer qualifications registered by the Pokémon League, the number of newcomers in a region each year amounts to nearly a hundred. However, only approximately one-tenth of them succeed in obtaining all eight Badges and challenge the Regional League Tournament. As for Trainers who got eliminated in the League Conference, their numbers were even higher.
Take, for example, the Ever Grande Conference in the Hoenn region. Even if one reached the top sixteen, they couldn’t rely solely on their identity as a Trainer to make a living.
Only those exceptionally talented Trainers have the possibility of gaining recognition from major corporations and even the Pokémon League.
In this society, only the Champions are valued. Only those who ascend the throne of the League Conference Championship hold significance, as they bring forth the corresponding “celebrity effect” for the major corporations. People often forget who came in second place but can remember who the Champion is.
Trainers who want to make a name for themselves must challenge the tournaments, defeat all opponents, experience the baptism of the finals, and ascend the Champion’s throne to have a chance at receiving the best, greatest, and most valued attention.
Terrance doesn’t have the same resources as others. As someone who grew up in poverty, people like him often end up as roadside Bug Catchers. Successfully managing an orphanage is not as simple as it may seem.
Without obtaining the qualifications of a Trainer, one cannot enjoy the convenience offered by Pokémon Centers. The things Terrance took with him were simply not enough to sustain him for a long time.
Arlan sighed deeply in her heart.
“We have to believe in him,” Grandma Arlan said to the children.
Even so, Arlan chose to believe in Terrance. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have let Terrance, a child without Trainer qualifications, travel alone. She recognized Terrance’s determination and intelligence, which led her to support his choice.
Otherwise, even if Terrance was stubborn, Arlan wouldn’t let a child who hasn’t experienced the world face it alone.
“Yes, I believe that Brother Terrance will definitely succeed,” Little Rina whispered, her voice choked with emotion, as she nestled in Arlan’s arms.
The other children, each with their own emotions, looked out the window and nodded vigorously.
These orphans, who lost their families for different reasons, would most likely grow up in poverty if nothing unexpected happened. Grandma Arlan’s savings were decreasing day by day. If they were lucky, the children might find ordinary jobs in the future, barely able to support themselves and live out their lives.
But if unfortunate, they would once again face poverty and dejections.
Pursuing their own life and dreams may be just wishful thinking. What can these children with no background rely on to pursue them? Their burning passion?
Of course, it’s also possible for the children to encounter a significant turning point and stumble upon significant opportunities, leading to a smooth-sailing life.
But what are the chances of that happening to a poor orphanage?
Ultimately, one cannot decide their life based on an unknown future. Therefore, Terrance boldly went out, not only for himself but also for the Old Green House.
Relying solely on the elderly Grandma Arlan is no longer enough. He must also shoulder his responsibilities.
At times, Terrance may reflect on his journey and feel a pang of sadness. However, he believes that everything will eventually get better. He is not one to blame others or fate. He knows that he must struggle and work hard to achieve everything.
That’s his character.
A ray of sunlight from the sun pierced through the forest and illuminated Terrance’s determined face as he carried his backpack on his back.
Terrance doesn’t know how long he can sustain his journey with the limited supplies in his backpack, but that’s not the main concern.
No matter how arduous it may be, it’s all for a better future.