February 18
1997
4:30 PM
Angelina sat on the couch with her little brother, looking through an electronics magazine while her mother prepared dinner in the kitchen. Nick was looking at all the vibrant pictures, since he couldn’t read yet. The pup wore light-blue footed pajamas with a frontal zipper.
“Pretty neat stuff, eh Nickster?” asked his sister.
“Ahuh!” said Nicholas. “It cool!”
“There’s so much new technology this year, it could make your head spin.” said Angelina, which gained a chuckle from her little brother.
As she turned to the tenth page of the catalog, they came across a fancy and sleek desktop computer that really got Nick’s attention. It had many details inside that described the features of the product. The pup placed his left paw on the image of it.
“Read it please!” said the pup.
“Alright little brother, just hold on a moment.” said the grass snake as she gently moved her little brother’s paw. “Let’s see... The Z System 97 is the newest computer from Z System Inc, it contains three CD drives, the latest graphic cards, and comes with amazing programs for all users that are sure to delight tech enthusiasts!”
Nick’s eyes lit up, his tail wagging with excitement. It sounded like the greatest thing to him, and it was something that he desired. “I want it! I want it!” He shouted.
“Hold up, little brother, let’s see the price tag...” said Angelina as she checked the bottom of the description, and the price of the whole computer system really shocked her. “Whaaaaat?! Two-thousand five hundred pokedollars?! That’s not even the full price... especially after tax.”
“Can we get it, big sister?” asked the pup.
“Nick... we don’t need one right now, nor can we afford such a fancy computer.” said the snivy as she closed the electronics magazine for a moment.
“But... It sounds fun.... I want it...” said Nicky in a sad tone.
“I know little brother, but it’s very expensive. But there’s a difference between wanting something and needing something. Wants are mostly desires while needs are important necessities.” said Angelina.
Ranae could hear the conversation from the kitchen and was rather curious about what was happening, she was about to slither into the living room when her husband got out of his seat while saying to his wife: “I’ll see what’s going on dearie, don’t worry.”
“Thanks honey...” said the serperior as she continued cooking.
Lonstan entered the living room and sat down on the couch next to his kids, looking over at his daughter and son. He eyed the electronics magazine in her grassy hands, and the sad look on his son’s face.
“So... I heard the whole conversation. What’s this about a fancy computer?” asked the father.
“Nick really wants this new computer system that’s being featured in this magazine, it’s called the Z System 97 in this magazine.” said Angie while handing it off to him. “Page ten.”
“Let’s have a look.” said Lonstan as he turned to the tenth page and looked at the product. Just like his daughter, he was just as shocked at the price of it. “That’s very expensive, son... I don’t think we can afford this just yet.”
“Dada....” said Nick. “I want it!”
“Son, I should tell you a story: Many years ago, when I was five years old, there was this great candy machine that all the cool kids wanted to obtain. Just imagine it, all the candy you want without needing to pay five cents per piece, it was a big deal.” said the father.
“Candy?” asked the pup.
“Yes, my boy. I asked my father to buy it for me, and they told me that I didn’t need such a contraption. He told me that you don’t need a candy machine, including the fact that wants are only for desires and such. It’s always important to put necessities first.” said Lonstan as he gave his son a gentle pat on the head.
The little pup was comforted by this and let out a soft purr, and Angeline was happy to see him cheering up.
“Do you understand my boy?” He asked.
“I think so.” said Nick.
“Well, I’ll accept that as an answer.” replied Lonstan as his wife slithered into the living room after she finished cooking up dinner.
“Alright, dinner is ready everyone! I made a delicious Oran and Pecha Berry Soup.” said Ranae.
Nick wagged his tail and slowly got off the couch, quickly toddling over to the kitchen as his father and sister followed right behind him. The scent of the soup was quite enticing. Ranae slithered back to the dining room and used her vines to place her son into his highchair, just as her husband and daughter entered the area. From there, they sat down and enjoyed a delicious and filling meal together.
