"Dirk, you don't have to do this. What about your job with Joan and Marian? Dirk, please!" Ivan pleaded. Anita stood quietly by the table, watching her husband and his brother.

Dirk sighed, adjusting his new hat. "Ivan, it isn't your choice. And I need this, I can't live in this town forever, waiting tables at the café, looking forward to Bazaar Days so I can see new people. I want to travel. Just be happy that I've decided what I want to do."

Anita nodded slightly. "Alright, Dirk. Just be safe." She crossed her arms at Ivan's indignant look. "He's right, Ivan."

Looking slightly betrayed, Ivan stormed outside. The farmer sighed, going to follow her husband. "I'll be right back, he's just…"

"I get it, don't worry. Is Aria here?"

"Yeah, playing with the chickens."

…

She found him by the river, glaring at the fish. "You lost your temper, why? You must have known he'd have to leave eventually." Ivan didn't speak. "Ivan, talk to me! Why are you so mad about him leaving?"

"Because he's leaving me alone!" Ivan sat on the fishing pier. "Anita, he's been the only thing consistent in my life, especially after our parents… I mean, I raised him and he just wants to leave completely out of the blue! How was I supposed to react?"

Anita sat next to him, leaning her head on his shoulder. "Sweetie, you want him to be happy, right?"

He looked affronted. "Of course."

"Then let him go. Be supportive, accepting. You might even get a sister-in-law because of it."

Ivan choked in surprise. "'Nita!"

She ignored him, jumping up instead. "Let's go, Ivan! Before our daughter decides she wants to go with him."

…

When they got home, Dirk was running around with Aria on his shoulders. He grinned at the two of them, setting down the little blond before walking over. Ivan sighed before smiling at his brother. "There's only one thing I'm going to say to you, alright? Make sure you write and stay out of trouble."

Dirk nodded. "I will. And I'll miss you Ivan. Aria and Anita as well." He turned, picking up his satchel. "I'll send birthday gifts as well! Let me know if I'm getting anymore nieces or a nephew, kay?" He laughed at their bright red faces as he left, waving goodbye.

"Bye kiddo! Meet some nice girls!" Anita yelled.

…

A few seasons later, Dirk found himself in Konohana village. In front of him was a girl at the town gate. He smiled at her. "Yo! Don't think we've met!" She smiled back at him, tucking a piece of brown hair behind her ear. "I'm gonna be living in this village from now on. The name's Dirk."

She looked at him studiously. "I'm Lillian. I live jut down there." She pointed to the road behind the horse dude – Kana's – house.

"Well, I'm looking forward to getting to know you, Lillian. My house is the one with the red roof over there." Lillian looked over, nodding. "Most of the time I'm not there because I'm out delivering mail, but drop by and hang out with me sometime!"

"Okay, cool!"

Dirk glanced at his watch. "Whoa! I'd better get going! We'll have to pick up our getting acquainted later. See you around, Lily!" She blushed at the nickname, punching him in the arm as he walked by.

Following him with her eyes, the brunette mumbled a short "Bye…" before continuing on to Town Hall.