Chapter One: Nice to Meet You

I have only been here for a short while. I enjoy being here, and the people seem sweet, especially Hana. Still, I miss my hometown and my friends back in the city.

I'm not trying to complain. My parents were so proud of me when I decided to move back. I can't change my mind, now.

I exit my house, ready for another day. As I walk up the familiar, dusty path, I am met by a cow.

"Aw," I whisper to her, "aren't you sweet?"

"Hey," someone shouts, making me jump, "you there! Are you Juliet?"

I look just beyond the cow to see a teenaged boy with a grim expression on his face. He has bright blond hair that makes him look like he just woke up.

I respond, "Um, yes. I'm Juliet. It's nice to meet you." My eyes meet his ruby red ones.

"I'm Neil," he tells me. "I run the Animal Store in this town. Old man Dunhill sends me to give his regards."

"It's nice to meet you." My eyes flick to the cow.

"Oh, this?" he asks. "Think of it as a contribution to your stock." He doesn't smile as he speaks.

I blush. "Really? It's for me?" I reach out to pet the cow, but she just stares at me blankly.

"Don't get me wrong," Neil snaps, startling me again. "It's a present from Dunhill. I'm just the messenger."

"Thank you," I reply. I touch the cow warily and she mooes quietly, closing her eyes.

Neil asks, "How about a name?" As he says this, his voice softens slightly and I turn to look at him.

"Ushi?" I pitch out to him.

"Whatever, it's your cow." He pauses and I don't try to mask the hurt on my face. He changes the subject. "This one doesn't normally trust people. I had a hard time bringing her here. I think she's quite fond of you."

I smile. "Really?"

"What can I do?" he asks, not exactly answering my question. "It was her farewell gift. I'll give it to you as a present, but just this one time."

He pulls out a milker and a few other tools. I take them gratefully. "Thank you. I really appreciate it."

"Do you even know how to take care of animals?" he asks suspiciously.

I nod. "Well, yes. Sort of."

"Sort of? What does that mean? Listen, I'm not giving this cow to someone who 'sort of' knows how to take care of her." His red eyes narrow.

I pause. "Yes? I mean, yes. I do."

"If anything happens to her, I won't forgive you." He takes a breath. "Okay, well, my store is open from Monday to Thursday and the hours are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We're closed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so make sure to buy everything you need beforehand. Got it?"

I nod. "Wait, where is your store?"

"My shop is located on the Town Plaza, so it's closed on rainy days."

"Okay. Thank you."

Neil continues, "So, I'll be heading back. Ushi is counting on you, so make sure you take proper care of her."

"Thank you," I repeat as he turns on his heel. "I'll see you later."

He doesn't respond. I lead Ushi into my barn and sit beside her on the dirty floor.

"He's a strange guy, isn't he?" I ask the cow, brushing her. "Yet, he seems sweet. I hope we become friends."

Author's Note: Please review my story, and look out for an update, soon. :D The next chapter should be the first time Juliet goes to the store. Thank you!