Before the Beginning
Chapter 1
*Flashback*
"I just want to know when you'll be home for work, Zack," the annoyed sounding girl with dark pink hair said.
The tall, muscular man she was talking to was saddened by her question, but he was unsure how to answer her.
"I don't know, this job I'm working has me home at different times," Zack finally responded. He wanted to ask her why she wanted to know, but he didn't want to upset her any further.
*End Flashback*
"Zack!" a familiar voice called from the nearby villa. Zack awoke from his daydream. He found himself in the middle of the yard, carrying boards to the shed he was working on.
"You need to take a break, you've been at this all day," said the frail old man, the same person who woke Zack from his daydream.
"I guess you're right, Craig, I just get so caught up in these things," Zack said. "I'm always worried I won't get anything done by winter."
Craig laughed, "It's still spring young man, you're a very hard worker, and you shouldn't let such nonsense worry you so much." Craig cleared his throat, "I insist you head home for the day, and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow."
Zack smiled at the old man, he knew he wouldn't be able to argue with one of his elders, especially one that he respected so much.
"Right, well I'll see you tomorrow then," Zack responded, "You should take it easy too."
"Oh, I still have quite a few good years left," Craig responded.
As the two men waved goodbye, Zack packed up his tools and went back to his house. Forget-Me-Not valley was beautiful at all times of the year, but Zack especially appreciated the fresh spring air. He waved to some townsfolk as he viewed the beautiful landscape in the distance.
A few moments later he arrived at his residence. He lived on the local farm. The owner of the farm passed away years ago, leaving the co-owner to tend the land. Zack, seeing the co-owner was losing money, decided to rent one of the houses on the property.
Zack decided to talk to the co-owner, who was in the middle of the field working.
"How's farming going Takakura?" Zack asked the older man working in the field.
The man, who had dark hair and dark bushy eyebrows, looked up and wiped his forehead.
"Oh the usual," he responded quickly, not wanting to waste anymore daylight, "How was work?" he asked, not wanting to sound rude.
"Pretty good, not quite finished with the shed though," Zack said and then turned back towards his house. He knew Takakura still had work to, so he didn't continue with any more conversation.
Zack had asked Takakura if he needed any help in previous seasons, but the old man always responded with a no. He always stated that Zack already had a job, and being a farmer required full time participation.
Zack opened the door to his house. It was a small house, with the main room and just a bathroom. He sighed, and set down his tools in the corner. He was lonely. As he went through his usually routine of washing up and making dinner, he thought more about where he was in life. He just saw himself as a 30 year old, with no wife and no children. His parents and family lived far away, and though he got along with most of the people living in town, the only people he considered true friends were the farmer, Takakura and the mayor of the small town, Craig.
Zack finished up dinner and decided to go to bed early. He worked for most of the day, and felt fairly tired. As he lay down in his bed, memories of the past quickly took over his mind.