[ Ash understands what happened back then a bit more than what's led on. He just doesn't know how to express what he felt, although he knows he should because he doesn't like to be dishonest, so in turn he tries to be honest about this he can focus and express instead.

But, given everything, he is bouncing back fairly well if not purely because he has friends and Pokemon to back him up. If they were here he wouldn't be nearly as well off. ]

Umm... my friend Cilan has been cookin' a lot lately but I don't wanna stop you from makin' anything if you want to. 've been kinda in the mood for Croquettes.

[ He's probably eaten a bunch of them already but they're his favorite so close enough to a comfort food we will probably get. ]