Chapter 2

DON’T WADE IN THE WATER

Don't wade in the water

It's not the peace you're looking for

Don't wade in the water

The devil's gonna take your son

Don't wade in the water

The devil's gonna crush your love

— The Amity Affliction

I

Harold's eyes flutter open, greeted by the warmth of the morning sun casting a soft glow on the room. He stirs on the couch, a sense of tranquility lingering in the air. As he starts to rise, he notices Seth standing nearby, his face burdened with a heavy weight. A surge of concern washes over Harold, sensing that something is terribly wrong. Without a word spoken, the devastating truth about Sarah's absence becomes painfully clear. Harold's heart sinks, and with a flicker of hope, he musters the strength to ask the question that he already knows, "Sarah?" Seth's solemn shake of the head confirms his worst fears, rendering words unnecessary.

Together, their steps laden with grief, tread silently towards the next room. "Are you okay?" Harold asks with genuine concern.

Seth's response is blunt "No."

"What happened?"

"I fucked up."

"This isn't your fault, Seth."

"Yes, it is! I thought I had more time. I thought... I messed up, Harold."

"Just tell me what happened."

Our taxes were due, or so I thought, in a few days. We only had $25,000. I lied to her, told her we had the money, and secretly I would have left tomorrow... or today now, I guess." tears began to form at the corner of Seth's eyes.

“Why did you say that to her?" Harold asked.

"She's always been... you know, in charge. I was afraid she would try to talk me out of it, go herself. But deep down, I just wanted my last day to be happy and normal."

"So, what happened to Sarah?" Harold questions Seth, his concern evident in his voice. Seth remains silent, his trembling mouth fighting to form a response.

Finally he explains, “By the time I walked in Sarah was already gone. The Team Rocket members busted through the door, I guess waiting for me. Mankey tried to defend me but was injured. I cleaned him up but do you care about bandaging him and making sure he is alright?’

“Sure thing.” Harold taking the Pokéball from Seth.

Unexpectedly, Vulpix jumps into Harold's lap, breaking the tense atmosphere. Harold greets the Pokémon warmly, petting its golden fur.

“She won't go into her Pokéball. I think she blames herself for not being there." Seth for a moment opens his mouth and closes it again seemingly trying to form the words. "Harold, can you watch over Erin for a little longer? I need some sleep, and I'm too scared to face him right now."

"Of course."

“Thank you… for everything.”

As Harold watches him rise from his seat, he can't help but notice the vacant, emotionless expression on Seth's face. It's as if all life has been drained from him, leaving behind nothing. Vulpix faithfully trails behind Seth as he makes his way towards the guest room, and Harold observes as Seth quietly closes the door, shutting himself off from the world.

II

As Seth awakens in the unfamiliar bed, a sense of disorientation and apprehension washes over him. He feels paralyzed, uncertain of how to face the inevitable moment when he must confront Erin and shatter his world. However, Vulpix persistently nudges his head, a silent urging to gather the strength to face the truth. With a trembling hand, Seth grasps the doorknob, his hesitation momentarily freezing him in place. Suddenly, the sound of laughter fills the air, drawing his attention to the living room. As he opens the door, the warm morning sun bathes the room in its gentle glow, revealing Mankey with a bandage over his left eye playfully frolicking with Erin. The sight of Erin's radiant smile and infectious laughter fills the space with a joy. "Vulpix!" Erin exclaims, rushing over to embrace the his Pokémon.

Seth approaches his son, gently placing a hand on his head. Looking down at his kid, Seth asks, "Did you listen to Mr. Snyder?"

"Yupp!," he replies excitedly. "Where is Mom?" Erin's innocent gaze prompts Seth to evade the painful conversation.

"I'll explain when we leave. Why don't you go play with Vulpix and Mankey out back?" Erin agrees, and the trio dashes through the kitchen and out the back door. Left alone with Harold, Seth asked, "Harold, how long was I out?"

"An entire day. I thought you needed the rest," Harold responds.

“How is Erin holding up?"

"He seems fine, honestly. He hasn't dwelled on your absence much,” Harold explained.

Seth nods, relieved by the distraction. "And Mankey?"

"I've been tending to his wound. It's healing, but he'll have a gnarly scar. He's been playing hard with Erin,"

"That's a relief. I was really concerned about him."

Harold's expression becomes serious. "Alright, Seth, I need to know what your plan is."

Seth, deep in thought, brings his hand to his mouth and scratches his stubble on his face. After a moment, he responds, "Staying in Kanto is not a long-term solution. I can't risk what happened to Sarah happening to Erin. We need to leave."

Harold nods in understanding. "Cinnabar Island is the only place in Kanto that has successfully held off Team Rocket. However, Blaine is strict about letting anyone in, except for those challenging the league. Even then, you would need six badges to gain entry, and immediately after the battle, you'd be deported."

Seth sighs, realizing the challenges ahead. "Crossing the Mt. Silver Mountain range with Erin is out of the question."

Harold agrees, "I doubt that would be a safe option."

He ponders Harold's words and then suggests, "What about trying to get a boat and heading to Hoenn or Unova?"

Harold responds with a somber tone, "You could try, but after the war, Johto completely locked down our eastern and southern coast. They won't allow anyone in or out. Benjamin was a fisherman from Fuchsia City, he told me horrifying stories of people attempting to flee by sea."

Seth's face falls as he contemplates their limited options. "So, the league challenge..."

Harold nods sadly. "That's why they implemented that rule, to give us hope in an almost impossible task. I personally think Johto is just waiting for us to die out so they can invade without any complications."

"How many have passed it now?" Seth asks.

“The League Challenge?”

“Yeah.”

"In the last fifteen years, I believe only twelve have succeeded. Since Team Rocket, only three of those twelve have managed to overcome the challenges."

Seth's determination grows as he realizes the risks. "But if I win, I can take myself and one other person to Johto with full citizenship."

Harold acknowledges the gravity of the decision. "Yes, but that's a monumental 'if.'"

"It's the safest bet for Erin. If we stay here, I doubt he'll live to see his teenage years." Seth takes a deep breath and responds,

"So, what badge do I start with first?"

Seth ponders for a moment and replies, "The closest badges to us are Brock in Pewter City, Misty in Cerulean, and Sabrina in Saffron City. Out of the three, my best bet would be Brock."

"Why not Misty? She's so close."

"Vulpix won't be much help in either fight, but Mankey is my strongest Pokémon. Against Misty, I doubt it can take on her infamous Starmie."

Harold raises an eyebrow, "I've heard that gym leaders are supposed to scale their teams based on the number of badges the trainers have."

Seth smirks cynically, "Are you really surprised? Team Rocket lets gym leaders do whatever the fuck they want. Brock, from what I've heard, is a decent person, but Misty is as cruel as them."

"And Sabrina?"

Seth shakes his head, "I don't stand a chance against her at the moment. So, yeah, that's what I'll do. Erin and I will head out, visit Sarah's grave, travel over the Mt. Moon hills toward Pewter City, and then take on Brock."

Harold's voice is filled with sincerity, "I wish you luck, Seth. You're a good man, and Erin deserves a safe life."

"I have to repay someday for not protecting Sarah, and I will start by saving Erin."

III

The majestic tree, with its sprawling branches and lush foliage, stood tall and proud, creating a serene atmosphere that served as a tribute to Sarah's life. Positioned atop the hill behind their home, it offered a breathtaking view of Cerulean City nestled below. The city's vibrant colors contrasted with the tranquility of the tree, forming a reminder of the beauty that Sarah brought into Seth's life. Vulpix curled up and rested on top of the grave. Seth and Erin sat side by side, their gaze fixed upon the words carved into the tree trunk. Erin looked up at Seth, his young eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of sadness. Seth took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before gently beginning the conversation. "The words carved into the tree... it's about your mom, Erin," Seth started, his voice filled with sorrow.

Erin's expression reflects a mixture of confusion and concern. "What happened to Mom? Where is she?" he asked, his voice tinged with worry.

Seth took Erin's hand in his, providing a comforting squeeze. "Something happened, something none of us could control." His voice chokes here wanting so badly to believe that lie. "Your mom... she's not with us anymore," he explained, his voice trembling slightly.

Erin's eyes widened, his innocence unable to fully grasp the weight of the words. "But... where did she go?" he asked, his voice trembling.

Seth took a moment, searching for the right words to convey the difficult truth. "Erin, Mom passed away. It means that she's not here with us anymore." he gently replied, trying to simplify the concept for his young son.

Tears welled up in Erin's eyes as he processed the information. "But why, Daddy? Why did she have to go?" he choked out.

Seth pulled Erin closer, holding him tight. "Sometimes, things happen in life that we can't explain. It's not fair, and it's incredibly painful," he said, his voice filled with empathy. "But Mom would want you to remember how much she loved you."

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Erin buried his face in Seth's shoulder, seeking comfort in their embrace. "I want Mommy, Dad," he whispered through tearful sobs.

Seth held his son even tighter, his own tears mingling with Erin's. "I miss her too, buddy," he murmured softly and began to cry with him. In that moment, father and son found solace in their shared grief. "Do you want to go on an adventure with me? We will get to camp and travel around."

Erin turned to his father with a serious expression he rarely saw on his face. "Are we gonna see mom?",

"No buddy, mom will be right here under her tree."

"Oh." His face looked down to the ground, tears forming again. The bright light of the sun radiating off his curly brown hair and accentuating his light brown skin.

"Come on, let's go pack for an adventure. Go pick out your favorite toy to bring with you."

IV

With the final nail securing the board covering the entrance hole of their diner, Seth gazes at his son and asks, "Are you ready?"

Erin, clutching his Flapple plush toy, exclaims, "Yupp!" as he dashes up the sidewalk towards Route 4, Vulpix keeps a watchful eye.

Seth carries their backpack filled with essential supplies for their journey, he can't shake off the worry of only having eight Pokéballs, uncertain of how he'll afford more. Despite knowing that catching a Pokémon relies on their willingness, he still fears facing Gym Leaders for the Pokémon League Challenge without a full team of six, the maximum allowed under Team Rocket's regulations. With determination in his eyes, Seth reaffirms his resolve, "I just have to keep moving forward and make every move count. We'll train for the battles ahead and I'll find ways to earn money, whether it's through odd jobs or utilizing our hunting and camping skills during our journey. The most important thing is to keep moving, no matter the cost. Erin deserves to be free from this place."

Seth trails behind his son and Vulpix, a glimmer of determination lighting up his desolate heart. He stops and releases Mankey from its pokéball, gazing into its eyes. "Mankey, I need your help to save Erin," he implores, receiving a solemn nod in response. "From now on, we train relentlessly. Our first challenge is with Gym Leader Brock, who specializes in rock type Pokémon. Speed will be our greatest asset. Now, pick up Erin on your back and sprint until I'm a mere speck in the distance. Then, return as fast as you can. Go!" Mankey bolts towards Erin with incredible speed, catching him off guard and causing him to be flung onto its back, his feet skimming the ground. The whirlwind of dirt trails behind them as laughter fills the air. However, their momentum is abruptly halted as Mankey trips and falls flat on its face, sending both Seth and Erin spiraling to the ground. Seth lets out a tired sigh, rubbing his eyes in exasperation. "We're so fucked…" he remarks.

Vulpix drops back, its serious expression unwavering as it gazes at its trainer. Seth meets its serious expression with a determined look of his own. "You're not exempt from training either. Race Mankey and Erin back here. Go!", Vulpix prepares to outpace both Mankey and Erin. In a flash of golden fur, Vulpix darts through the streets, its agile form moving swiftly amidst the decaying architecture.

V

The group reached the foothills of Mt. Moon, both Mankey and Vulpix collapsed from exhaustion. "Alright, I guess we can set up camp here for the night. I'll set up the tent with Erin. Mankey, go gather some firewood. Vulpix, accompany him and get the fire going," Seth instructed. The two Pokémon disappeared into the woods. Seth turned to his son and said, "Come on, buddy, help me set up the tent. Go put the poles together."

"Okay, Dad." Erin struggled to snap the poles in place, and Seth couldn't help but laugh at his son's determined efforts.

"Here, let me help." In just about five minutes, the tent was up, and Erin was running excitedly inside it. "Don't you ever get tired?"

"Nope!"

"I love you, buddy."

"I love you too, Dad." His infectious smile lit up his father's heart.

Vulpix and Mankey returned, carrying firewood which Vulpix promptly set ablaze with ember. The fire crackled and danced, its warm glow casting flickering shadows upon their surroundings. The scent of roasted food, that Seth was able to take from his diner, filled the air. Seth's gaze fell upon Mankey, and his heart ached at the sight of the thick scar that ran across his left eye.

As night slowly descended, the darkness was pushed back by the comforting glow of the campfire. Its radiant light cast a hopeful ambiance, casting flickering shadows upon their faces. Seth found solace in the warmth of the fire, feeling a sense of contentment amidst the pain and turmoil that had plagued their lives.

"Alright, everyone, bed," Seth announced, reaching for Mankey's Pokéball. As the familiar red light enveloped the campsite, Mankey disappeared into the ball. Seth then turned his attention to Vulpix, hoping for a similar response. However, the fiery Pokémon stood resolute, refusing to return to its Pokéball. Seth sighed, acknowledging Vulpix's determination. "Well, it seems you've made up your mind. You're done with this thing, aren't you?" Vulpix met Seth's gaze with a serious expression before calmly walking into the tent. "Erin, it's time for bed."

"Nope!"

Seth chuckled and replied, "Well, too bad. Let's go, buddy." They entered the tent together, the night enveloping them.

VI

As Seth and Erin resumed their journey, the morning sun cast its warm rays over the rugged foothills of Mt. Moon. The rocky terrain intertwined with patches of lush green grass, creating a unique landscape. Massive boulders jutted out from the earth, their rough surfaces weathered by the elements. Moss and small wildflowers adorned the crevices, adding splashes of color to the otherwise rugged landscape.

"Mankey, it's time to hone your Brick Break move," Seth declared, adjusting his backpack and carrying Erin on his shoulders, his flapple toy soaring beside them. "Your fighting type moves can be great against rock type Pokémon, but we need to ensure they're strong enough to break through their defenses. Through these rocky surroundings, we'll use the boulders along our path as practice targets. Look for weaknesses, cracks in the rock—those are the points you need to strike." Mankey's eyes focused intently on its trainer. Seth pointed to a large boulder standing before them, slightly bigger than himself, with a distinct divot running from its tip to about two-thirds down its length, resembling a small trench. "Mankey, aim for that precise point and give it everything you've got." Mankey swiftly climbed up the tall tree overlooking the boulder, positioning itself for a powerful strike. With a burst of energy, it leaped off the tree, hurtling down towards the rock and delivering a mighty blow. The force of the impact reverberated through the woods as the trench began to crack. "Good work, We're pressing forward. Catch up once it's split in half. Don't fall behind."

Through the hilly path, their attention turned to honing Vulpix's flamethrower attack. A fallen tree caught their eye, providing the perfect opportunity for practice. "Alright, Vulpix, let's work on your flamethrower. Incinerate that fallen tree into ash, but remember to control the flames and ensure nothing beyond the log is burned." Vulpix positioned herself in front of the fallen tree, her eyes focused and determination evident. Flames erupted from her mouth with a burst of intense heat, engulfing the log in a blazing inferno. The intensity of the flames surprised Erin, causing him to shield his eyes with his hand. Seth encouraged Vulpix to continue, "Reduce it to nothing but ash. When you're done there, do four more than catch up."

Seth and Erin traversed the hilly path, the echoes of splitting rocks and crackling wood filled the air. Erin's curiosity seemed boundless, however. Every little detail caught his attention and he eagerly shared his discoveries with his father. "Dad, what's that?" he exclaimed, pointing at the sewaddles climbing the tree to their left. His eyes widened as he watched the Sewaddle maneuver through the branches. "Wow, they're so cool! Look at them go!" Seth nodded, happy to see his son's fascination.

Another sight captured Erin's attention. "Dad, look at them!" he exclaimed, pointing towards a group of Volbeat and Illumise gracefully floating through the air ahead of them. Erin watched in awe as the Volbeat and Illumise danced through the air, their luminous trails creating a magical atmosphere.

After a little while, Mankey and Vulpix finally caught up to Seth and Erin. Vulpix trotted along, seemingly unaffected by the training session, while Mankey appeared exhausted, clutching its hands as if they were on the verge of falling off. "Took you all long enou…'' the four stopped abruptly, and eyes fixed to a single spot. In an open field to their left, a colossal Torterra lay lifeless on its stomach. The sight was disturbing, but what drew their attention even more was the absence of its top shell. The once majestic Pokémon now exposed its raw, reddish pink flesh, with streams of blood cascading down its side.

Seth gently lifted Erin from his shoulders and placed him safely on the ground beside him. "Erin, stay right here. Mankey, keep a close eye on him," Seth instructed, his voice filled with a mix of concern and caution. Vulpix, by his side, followed his lead as they approached the fallen Torterra. With a careful step, Seth reached out and laid his hand on top of Torterra's head, his touch gentle yet filled with curiosity. He examined the massive Pokémon, the sight of its exposed flesh and the streams of blood leaving him deeply unsettled. "What could have caused this?" Seth wondered aloud.

A voice yelled "Rock Throw" from the other side of the clearing, a sense of danger filled the air. Vulpix, ever vigilant, swiftly tackled Seth, pushing them both to the side just in time to avoid a colossal rock crashing down where they had stood moments ago.

Reacting quickly, Seth called out to Vulpix, "Use Flamethrower!" A fierce jet of flames erupted from Vulpix's mouth, soaring towards the direction from which the rock had been thrown, attempting to fend off their unseen assailant. But before the flames could reach their target, a sturdy and imposing Pokémon emerged from the shadows. It was Lairon, a steel and rock-type Pokémon. Lairon charged towards Seth, its metallic body gleaming in the sunlight. Its rugged appearance showcased a tough exterior, ready to deliver a powerful blow. "Vulpix, use Extrasensory!" Seth commanded, hoping to gain the upper hand in this unexpected confrontation. Vulpix locked eyes with Lairon, its psychic powers taking effect. Lairon's movements faltered, its eyes flickering around its surroundings as if it was experiencing intense discomfort. "It is our chance. It should really feel this now. Finish it with Flamethrower!" Seth called out confidently, but just as Vulpix was about to unleash its flames, a woman, pale and slim, came running towards them, pleading for them to wait. "Vulpix, hold."

The sudden arrival of the woman halted Seth's command, freezing the tension in the air. His eyes met hers, filled with curiosity and caution as he tried to assess the situation. "I'm sorry, I saw you and then Torterra, and I assumed you were a poacher. It wasn't until I saw the kid over there that I realized my mistake," she explained..

Seth's gaze shifted to Erin, with Mankey standing tall and ready, projecting an aura of fierceness. "Stay right there, Erin," Seth instructed firmly, ensuring his son's safety.

"My name is Emily," she introduced herself, extending her hand in a gesture of goodwill. However, Seth remained cautious, rejecting the gesture.

"Would you mind recalling your Lairon?"

"Oh, of course," Emily replied, obliging by returning it.

"My name is Seth. We just found it like this. You mentioned you thought we were poachers?"

"Yes, this is the second instance where I've come across a Torterra like this. Their shells are extremely valuable in certain circles, leading to fuckers doing this shit. I assure you, I mean no harm," Emily explained, her words carrying a genuine sense of concern.

Seth observed Emily closely, weighing her words against the evidence before him. Gradually, his guarded stance softened, though a trace of skepticism remained. "Alright, but Lairon stays in his ball for now. Is there any other Pokémoni should be worried about?," Seth finally responded, his voice less tense.

"I have an Arctibax as well. And for fuck sake, yes, it will stay in its ball. We good?"

"Yeah. Erin, come here," Seth called out, a hint of relief in his voice. Erin eagerly ran over to his dad, waving his arms and shouting with excitement. Mankey stayed close, maintaining a vigilant gaze on Emily.

"Hi! Hi! Hi! What's your name?" Erin enthusiastically asked, his curiosity shining through.

"Emily. And what's your name, sweetheart?" Emily responded warmly, her voice gentle and friendly.

"I'm Erin, and this Mankey and that is Vulpix and that's my dad!"

"We need to set up camp," Seth explained. "Mankey, can you go find some food?" Just then, a Grotle emerged from the brush behind the corpse of Torterra, slowly making its way towards its fallen mother. It began to lick her head, before collapsing beside her.

"Oh, fuck," Emily muttered quietly, her eyes filled with sorrow.

"Daddy, is that his mommy?" Erin asked, his voice filled with innocence and concern.

"I think so, buddy," Seth replied, his voice gentle and understanding. Erin took a few steps forward towards the grieving Grotle, and Seth instinctively reached out to grab him, hesitating momentarily before retracting his hand. Erin approached the Grotle and tenderly placed his arm around its head, tears streaming down his face. Both Seth and Emily watched in awe as the young boy and the Grotle shared a silent understanding, collapsing together in a moment of shared grief.

Seth knelt down beside his son, handing him an empty Pokéball. "I think he needs you, buddy," he whispered softly.

Erin looked at the Grotle, a smile forming on his face. "Do you want to come with us?" he asked. The Grotle shook its head and affectionately licked Erin, eliciting laughter from the young boy. "Alrighty," Erin said with determination. He threw the Pokéball at the Grotle, and a red light enveloped the Pokémon. As the ball fell to the ground, it shook vigorously. It finally settled, and Erin's face lit up with excitement. "Daddy, I caught a Pokémon!"

Seth gently ruffled Erin's hair, a proud smile on his face. "That's amazing."

VII

The fire cast a warmth over the campsite. The enticing aroma of roasted Feebas wafted through the air as the group settled down to eat. Emily turned to Seth and asked, "Where are you guys headed?"

Seth took a moment to gather his thoughts before answering, his gaze fixed on the fire. "I'm trying to find a safe haven for Erin, somewhere he can grow up without fear. To do that I am going to take on the challenge of the Pokémon League by defeating all eight gym leaders."

Emily burst into laughter, but as she noticed the seriousness in Seth's expression, her laughter faded. "Wait, are you serious?"

"Dad, can I play with Grotle?" Erin chimed in, his eyes shining with excitement.

"Of course, he's your Pokémon." Seth replied. Erin climbed onto Grotle's back, and the two of them began cycling around the camp, his laughter filling the night sky. Seth turned back to Emily and continued their conversation. "Getting Erin to safety is the only thing that matters. He deserves to live his life. Unless you have another idea, I'm afraid taking on the gym leaders is our best shot."

Emily's tone softened, "No, I understand. If there were an easier way, we wouldn't be here. So, you're headed to Pewter City?" Seth hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "Relax, I am not here to hurt you guys. You're moving west on route 4 there is only one badge you can get heading this direction."

"What brings you to Pewter City?"

Emily's response was blunt and chilling. "I'm headed there to strangle a man with his own intestines." Seth's eyes widened, taken aback by the raw intensity of her words. He stared at her, unsure of how to respond. "He destroyed me." Emily continued, her voice filled with quiet resolve. "Now, I will destroy his fucking world."

"Can I ask what happened?"

Emily's voice trembled with a mix of anger and pain as she shared her story. "When I was younger, my dad, like so many others, either died in the war or vanished without a trace. Most likely at the Mt. Silver Massacre. Anyway, I never saw him again. It was just me, my mother, and my sister trying to make ends meet. Things were manageable for about five years, but once Team Rocket seized power, my mother fell into financial ruin. One day, when I was 16, I walked out of my room to find a Team Rocket guy handing my mom money. Both my sister and I were forced to go with him. For the next two years, we were abused every single day. Then, he grew tired of my sister."

"Shit, I'm so sorry, Emily."

"Shortly after losing my sister, one of the Team Rocket trainer's Aron, managed to sneak into my cell. He created a hole in the wall and escaped with me. Ever since then, I have been fighting Team Rocket every opportunity I could for the past six years.

"Erin's mom, my wife, was just killed three days ago." The campfire provided a backdrop of warmth and comfort as Seth and Emily sat together, silently absorbing the weight of their shared pain. Yet, their somber moment was abruptly interrupted by Erin's exuberant voice piercing through the night. Both Seth and Emily exchanged amused glances. With a shared smirk, they rose to their feet, "Alright, dorkface, it's bedtime," Seth declared, trying to sound stern but failing to hide the amusement in his voice.

"No, no, no!" Erin protested, his voice filled with playful defiance. "I'm still playing!"

Emily chimed in, joining Seth's side. "Sorry, kiddo, but it's time for bed." Erin's disappointment was evident as he reluctantly accepted his fate.

In the quietude of the night, the fire slowly dimmed, casting flickering shadows across the campsite. The air held a sense of tranquility, but Seth, ever cautious, remained on guard. His eyes darted around, scanning the surroundings, his instincts never allowing him to fully let go. Despite the weariness that enveloped him, Seth kept one eye open.