A Familiar Choice
It was finally Monday morning, and anticipation filled the air as Jennifer and Emma arrived at the daycare bright and early, just as Fabio had instructed. The clock struck seven, and the three of them gathered around the dining table for breakfast. Emma's eyes lit up with excitement as Simisage playfully entertained her, making funny faces and gestures while she enjoyed her meal.
As they savored their breakfast, Jennifer and Fabio engaged in a conversation about the upcoming day. Fabio confessed that he only had confirmation from Ms. Green, who had mentioned she would come to check out the daycare. He couldn't help but express his slight pessimism, admitting that he would be thrilled to have just one actual customer.
Jennifer, with a reassuring smile, gently nudged Fabio's optimism. "You shouldn't be so pessimistic, Fabio," she said. "I spoke to Ms. Green, and she mentioned that your grandparents' daycare had an excellent reputation. Word of mouth alone can attract customers. You never know, we might have more than one person showing interest today."
Fabio's brows furrowed as he pondered Jennifer's words, allowing a glimmer of hope to seep into his thoughts. "You really think so?" he asked, a mix of doubt and anticipation in his voice.
Jennifer nodded emphatically. "Absolutely! People value quality care for their Pokémon, and if your grandparents had a stellar reputation, it's bound to create curiosity and interest. We just need to provide the same level of dedication and care, and I'm sure the daycare will flourish."
A sense of optimism started to fill the room, washing away Fabio's earlier pessimism. He realized that Jennifer's words held truth and that their hard work and genuine love for Pokémon would surely resonate with trainers seeking a trustworthy daycare.
As breakfast came to an end, Emma giggled and shared stories of Simisage's antics during their meal. Fabio couldn't help but chuckle at the adorable tales, grateful for the joy and laughter Emma brought into their lives. With renewed optimism and a sense of purpose, they eagerly prepared for the arrival of Ms. Green and the potential customers that the day might bring.
The shop opened its doors at 9 in the morning, but the first hour and a half passed without a single customer. Fabio couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment as he anxiously waited for someone to walk in. However, his spirits lifted when he saw Ms. Green entering the shop with a warm smile.
"Hello, Ms. Green! I'm glad you made it," Fabio said enthusiastically.
Ms. Green returned the greeting, her eyes scanning the shop. "Good morning, Fabio. I've been curious to see what you have in store. Show me what you've got."
Fabio began showcasing his offerings, starting with the Pokémon available for adoption or trade. "Here are the Pokémon we currently have. We have some cute ones, strong ones, and a few rare ones too."
Ms. Green nodded with interest, her eyes lighting up as she observed the Pokémon. "Impressive selection, Fabio. You've got quite the variety here."
Moving on to the next item, Fabio pointed to the Pokémon eggs. "And if you're up for a bit of excitement, you can hatch one of these Pokémon eggs yourself. It's like having a surprise companion waiting to hatch."
Ms. Green smiled, her curiosity growing. "How thrilling! I've always wanted to experience hatching my own Pokémon. It adds a personal touch to the bond."
Fabio's excitement grew as he showed her the collection of Pokémon food. "Now, let's talk about Pokémon food. We have 18 flavors, each tailored to specific Pokémon types. They're made from my grandmother's secret recipes, known for their delicious taste and nourishing benefits."
Ms. Green nodded appreciatively. "Food is such an important aspect of a Pokémon's well-being. It's great to see such variety and thoughtfulness in your offerings."
As Fabio continued, he showcased the utility items one by one, explaining their uses and benefits. "We also have maps to help you navigate your journeys, Pokécases to keep your Pokémon safe and organized, Pokéblocks for contests, tents for camping adventures, and beginner books to guide you in your training endeavors."
Ms. Green interrupted with a smile. "Fabio, you've really covered all the bases, haven't you? It's wonderful to see such a well-rounded selection."
Fabio beamed with pride, grateful for Ms. Green's encouragement. He eagerly answered any questions she had, providing additional details about each item. As he showcased the products, Ms. Green's expressions of interest and excitement fueled his enthusiasm.
By the time Fabio finished presenting everything, Ms. Green had clapped her hands lightly. "Fabio, you've done an amazing job here. Your dedication and passion shine through. I'm confident that trainers will be thrilled to have access to such quality products and resources."
Fabio's smile widened as he felt a surge of motivation. "Thank you, Ms. Green. Your support means a lot to me. I truly believe in creating an exceptional experience for trainers and their Pokémon."
With the opening day gaining momentum, Fabio felt a renewed sense of purpose. The encouraging words from Ms. Green bolstered his confidence, assuring him that his efforts were valued. Ready to serve the Pokémon community, Fabio was determined to provide a nurturing environment where trainers could find everything they needed to embark on their adventures.
Ms. Green, feeling the excitement for her grandson's upcoming journey, shared with Fabio that he would be turning 14 next Thursday and would receive his starter Pokémon. She turned to Fabio, seeking his guidance on which Pokémon would be the best choice for her grandson.
Fabio listened attentively, considering the options and understanding the anticipation her grandson must be feeling. "I understand that time is of the essence, and the egg option might not be suitable for someone eager to begin their journey right away," he acknowledged.
He began discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each potential starter Pokémon, helping Ms. Green make an informed decision. "For a beginner, I would recommend either Patrat, Lillipup, or Pidove. Each Pokémon has its own unique qualities and characteristics that can aid your grandson's early journey."
Fabio explained, "Patrat is a reliable normal-type Pokémon known for its keen senses. It can help your grandson navigate, detect hidden items, or even detect the presence of other Pokémon nearby. It's a great choice for someone who values exploration and resourcefulness."
"Alternatively," he continued, "Lillipup is a friendly and loyal Normal-type Pokémon. It has a strong sense of smell and is a dependable companion for trainers. Lillipup's loyalty and its evolving form, Herdier, make it a suitable partner for someone seeking a reliable and trustworthy Pokémon by their side."
Fabio then turned his attention to Pidove. "Pidove is a flying-type Pokémon, known for its graceful flight and elegant appearance. It possesses a blend of normal and flying-type moves, offering versatility in battles. Pidove's evolution into Tranquill and later into Unfezant can provide your grandson with a strong flyer and a capable Pokémon in aerial battles."
He paused for a moment, allowing Ms. Green to absorb the information. "Ultimately, the choice depends on your grandson's personal preferences and the kind of journey he envisions. Each Pokémon has its own strengths and weaknesses, and it's important to consider his style and desired team composition."
Ms. Green nodded appreciatively, processing the insights Fabio provided. "Thank you, Fabio. You've given me a lot to think about. I'll consider what you've said and discuss it with my grandson. I'm confident that he'll make the right choice with your guidance."
Fabio smiled warmly. "You're welcome, Ms. Green. I'm here to assist you and your grandson in any way I can. Please let me know if you have any more questions or if there's anything else I can help you with."
With the conversation coming to a close, Fabio felt a sense of fulfillment, knowing that he had provided valuable information to Ms. Green. He eagerly awaited her grandson's arrival and the beginning of his Pokémon journey, eager to support and guide him in this new chapter of his life.
After a while, Ms. Green returned to Fabio, having had a conversation with her grandson. She shared the exciting news that her grandson was about to graduate from training school. "Fabio," she said with a proud smile, "my grandson is on the cusp of completing his training at the prestigious Trainer's School in Aspertia City, founded by none other than Gym Leader Cheren himself."
Jennifer, intrigued by this information, couldn't contain her curiosity. "Is that the same Cheren who became the youngest Gym Leader in Unova's history at the age of 16?" she asked.
Ms. Green nodded, acknowledging Jennifer's accurate assessment. "Yes, indeed," she replied. "Cheren has had a remarkable journey as a trainer, and now he's dedicated himself to teaching and guiding young aspiring trainers at the Trainer's School."
After considering the options, Ms. Green made her decision. "Fabio," she said, "my grandson has decided that he wants a Lillipup as his starter Pokémon."
As Ms. Green revealed her grandson's choice, Fabio couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity. He pondered silently and started realizing that her grandson's preference for Lillipup might have been influenced by Cheren. As he himself had a Herdier—an evolved form of Lillipup—as one of his trusted companions.
In his thoughts, Fabio acknowledged the significance of role models and the impact they could have on a trainer's preferences and aspirations. He respected the connection between Cheren and Ms. Green's grandson, understanding that it was natural for young trainers to look up to experienced and successful figures in the Pokémon world.
While recognizing the influence, Fabio also believed in the individuality and unique bond that could form between a trainer and their Pokémon. He reminded himself that each journey was distinct and that his role was to support and guide trainers in their personal quests.
With this realization, Fabio accepted Ms. Green's choice and assured her, "Lillipup is an excellent Pokémon, loyal and dependable. Your grandson has made a great decision. I'm confident that Lillipup will be a wonderful partner on his journey."
Ms. Green smiled appreciatively, grateful for Fabio's understanding and encouragement. She expressed her gratitude for his assistance and looked forward to her grandson's upcoming visit to the daycare.