"Finally...!" I puffed, resting my hands on my knees. "Aargh... I am SO not working in the fields on a day like this anymore! I'm going to ask the sprites' help from now on. Whether they like it or not!" I straightened, taking a sip of my fruit juice. I checked the time. It's still early, only 11am. Dr. Hardy has just strolled to the Harvest Goddess area. I waved at him. He grunted and looked away.
Since it's still early, no harm taking a break.
I walked to bridge of the connecting Vesta's farm and sat under the safety of the tree's shadow, and took off my shoes and dipped them into the cool and refreshing water. " Ah... Much better..." I sighed in content. I started swinging my legs in the water. Then I heard a soft mewling behind me. I turned around to see my farm cat running towards me. Puss? Why is she here?
"Puss...! How many times must I tell you about running out of the farm?" I gasped. I picked up Puss and she wriggled and squirmed in my arms. "What? What's wrong?" Puss cannot stop wriggling in my arms. I frowned. Puss has hardly ever acted like this. Not even under any circumstances. Looked to the left and to the right. Then, I turned behind to see Murrey standing in front at Dr. Hardy's house. Just standing there, in the shade, not moving. I couldn't see him properly due to the glaring of the sun. I glanced at Puss, then at Murrey. Then back and forth again. Puss was just restless. Murrey started to stumble towards me. I got frightened. "Um... M-Murrey...?" He picked up speed-slowly but steadily. I quickly pick up my shoes and ran towards Vesta's farm. I was trying not to freak out in broad daylight. I turned behind, my one hand holding Puss and the other, my shoes. I felt my cheeks flare. It always happen when I'm nervous or really worried.
I kept turning my head back, not concentrating on the path that I was taking until I rammed into someone. Twin yelps of "Ouch!"was heard before I fell on the ground, releasing the items I had in my hand. "Ouch..." I rubbed my head. I could already feel a bump rising on my head. "Oww... "The other party moaned. I opened my eyes and saw Cecelia rubbing her head, her vegetable thrown all over the ground.
"Oh... Cecelia... I'm so sorry... I didn't mean to..." I apologized, giving Cecelia a hand and pulled her up.
"Thank you," brushing her pants, she continued,"It's okay. It's merely a bump... Not much damage done." I helped her collect her summer produce and put it in her crate. She picked up the rest of the scattered vegetables.
"There, all done." I announced. Cecelia was looking at me. Why is she looking at me? I thought.
She took a step closer and look at my face. "Are you okay? You're face is so red!"
"Um...Huh? It is? Erm... I guess it's due to the heat..." I mumbled,my attempt at a breezy tone failed miserably when I could find Puss.
"No! It isn't! Look at you! Your face is all flushed and..." She took her hand and pressed it on my forehead. Her hand felt cooling on my head. "Jill! You're reeaally hot. I'll take you inside. Come on now..." She persisted.
Now, one thing that I don't really like about Cecelia is that her too sisterly -no,motherly- manner. It's not that I really mind and stuff...But the problem is that I'm totally fine and she's making a fuss out of nothing. And moreover, Puss is nowhere to be found. I'm a rancher. It's my duty to take care of my animals.