If you've seen this fanfic before, don't panic! I just posted this one under my new account and deleted my old one.
Chapter One- Indecision
Jack's mind was made up. His soft, brown eyes were determined as he stared at the opposite wall. Hands clasped in his lap, he continued to say one thing to himself, I'm leaving Mineral Town. A ball of fur was snuggled beside him, its small head resting on its master's leg. Both beings had not moved for several hours. The rain outside streamed like small snakes down each window pane, causing Jack's train of thought to go to the never-ending patterns made from the water drops.
Shaking his head, he looked again at the bare wooden wall in front of him. The past few months had been painful for adventure-loving Jack. Time seemed to mock his boredom by going slowly as he did his daily chores, like milking the cows, and fast while he talked with friends at the bar. He didn't want to leave the town. Well, he did, but to let down the people would be... No, Jack. Think of yourself for once. He closed his eyes tightly, his mind once again moving in fast forward. He suddenly brought his hands to his temples, waking his young companion. "Sorry, boy," he apologized. He ran his fingers down the dog's small body, the golden hair shining from the lamp on the table. The dog made an attempt to wag his tail, but his eyes closed sleepily again and with a soft, relaxed whimper, laid back down on the leg of Jack.
Seeing him go to sleep, Jack suddenly realized how late it was. The large clock to the left of him had its hour hand on the four. "Oh, man." He sighed, knowing that he would have to start his farm work in less than two hours. This was how Jack usually spent his nights, wondering if there was anything out there for him to do besides farm. He wanted a life where he didn't know what happened next, a life where every turn meant trusting his instincts instead of his wits.
He thought his mind was made up, but whenever he grew sure of himself, the faces of the townspeople always came to mind. Especially one face: Popuri's. Her kiddish ways made him smile, and she always knew what to say to make him forget about his troubles and worries. The first day he had come to this town, she had welcomed him warmly. Her eyes had told him that she believed he would bring the town back to life. It was Jack who would help everyone. But, I don't want to be a hero, he thought bitterly, I want to have my own life. A real life.
With a groan, he got up, ignoring his dog's reproachful bark. He collapsed on his bed, tiredness finally hitting him. Rolling over to his right, he could watch the quiet rain fall. Nature's soft music played its chords, each drop falling, a different note. The sounds seemed farther and farther away as Jack closed his eyes, and finally, all was quiet.