expect... writing

“You too, Professor.” You reply. After ensuring all your pokeballs were stored safely and securely in your backpack, you get started on the path home with a little speed in your step as the sun was setting fast. 

To say the least, you are exhausted. However it is the good kind of exhausted. The kind that makes you say, I did a good job today as you sit back on your chair with your feet sore from all the work you’ve done. After all, you have been capturing Pokemon and recording each one’s data ever since you left the house this morning. 

You weren’t alone, of course. There were other trainers nearby and oddly Professor Willow, all doing the same thing as you. Capturing and writing down data in their journals. You would have thought that professors would prefer being in their labs rather than out in the field. Willow seems to be one that prefers navigating tall grass and acquiring data himself.

Considerate too, you thought. Kicking a pebble as you walked, you recalled how he took a fellow trainer aside when they began to show signs of a heatstroke. “You musn’t overexert yourself.” He softly chided as he handed the bottle of water to the trainer. “The Pokemon can wait. Please take care of yourself first.” In the end, that trainer left earlier than you did but Willow didn’t seem at all mad.

“I would hope you are paying attention to where you’re going!” You spin around at the sound of a familiar voice and there is the professor, pedalling on his bike. The orange glow of the sunset illuminated the wrinkles on his smiling face. “Sorry, professor. I gotta admit, I was in the clouds before you called out to me.” You apologise and he chuckles. Exercising caution is important- especially when it is getting dark, he adds and you nod.

“By the way, is your house within the area?”

“Yes. Ah- it’s just a little further from here. Down a couple of streets.”

“Oh well, I have to see an old friend nearby so if you like, I could give you a ride home?”

You were surprised by his offer but did not refuse. At first, you attempt to ride astride behind him. The bicycle wobbles as you position yourself and Willow turns slightly to check up on you.

“Hm, it might be easier to ride side saddle.” He suggests and you shift your position accordingly. “That’s it.” You can detect his smile even though you can’t see his face.

“Thanks for the ride, professor.” You say as you awkwardly gripped his shirt with a single hand. You expected him to start pedalling but he laughs- a fine, earnest laugh- and turned around.

“Ah, that way of holding will not do. You’ll fall off!” Willow took your hands and wrapped them around his waist. He patted your hand, signalling you to not let go. “There we go. It’s much safer like this.” Safer it may be, you feel oddly self-conscious about the way this may look.