It had been a rough first Gym match for Ash. He sat outside the Pokémon Center on the steps, Pikachu by his side, silently watching the wind shuffle the leaves along the road. His backpack was still at the Gym.

Serena approached slowly, hugging the bag to her chest. She paused a few feet away, watching him for a moment—just a moment—before gathering the courage to speak.

"You forgot this... at the Gym."

She held it out to him. Ash blinked, surprised, and stood up to take it.

"I'm Serena. We met... a long time ago. Summer camp. Kanto."

She brushed her bangs behind one ear, hesitating just briefly, voice softening.

"Do you remember me?"'