Dear Pedro, I Miss You

Dear Pedro,

I miss you.

It's been eight years since we last saw each other, and though I've held on to the hope that we would one day meet again, I know now that it isn't meant to be. When I first caught you, you were nothing but a wild Mankey. You would rarely listen to what I had to say and defeating anyone was a massive challenge. To this day I can scarcely believe that we managed to take down Brock's Onyx, but we did, didn't we? You and I, we were the unbeatable team. You carried me all the way to the top, Pedro, and all that you asked for in return was my friendship. I'll never forget that.

There were other Pokemon, sure. That annoying Pikachu that followed me everywhere I went. The Pidgeot I caught so I could fly around the world quicker. I took care of them and I respected them, but I never loved them. The only one I loved was you. You were the only one who never gave up on me. You never abandoned me like my asshole of a father. You never looked at me and wished for more. It is those few moments of compassion and understanding that I will cherish for the rest of my life, and even though I know you never intended to leave, I understand now why you did.

Do you remember the day you evolved? At first I was worried you'd outgrown me, but you caught that look of uncertainty in my eye. You caught it and you comforted me, doing something that I could have never expected or anticipated. You gave me a hug. I know you didn't understand why you were giving me a hug, but you'd seen other people do it. You'd seen my Mother do it. Against the odds, you knew it was what I needed, and to this day it stands proud as my fondest memory.

Did I ever tell you that I named you after a dog? He was the first friend I ever had, always cheerful, always faithful. It was his fate to pass away after two short years, and though his passing broke my heart, I knew it was a fitting name for you. You surpassed my expectations and provided me with more joy and hope than I had ever dreamed possible. I'm grateful, Pedro, I really am.

I write this letter to you knowing that you will never read it. The day you died, a part of me died along with you, but I've kept your memory strong in my heart. I want you to know that I haven't forgotten you and that I never will. I want you to know that I love you. Wherever you are now, I know you're happy.

Thank you for the memories Pedro, they were more than I ever expected.