AN: I posted this yesterday and wanted to add something, but forgot that I could just edit it, and deleted it instead. So it's back again, and I changed the title. Just a heads up :)

"Life's better with Joja." I hate that slogan more than anything right now. Because quite frankly, life isn't better with Joja. The whole corporation is piss-poor at best. I hate getting all upset and pissy about things (it rarely happens; I'm generally pretty kind and light-hearted), but this job has me in a horrible state. And being stuck working here for the past few years definitely wasn't something I intended.

I don't know how I managed to stay sane. I'd assume that everyone else here wasn't as lucky as me in that aspect, because when I look around office, all I see are people with the same happy smile. Maybe they're smiles that are overflowing with pain and sadness. Or, maybe they're signs of mind control. Regardless, none of those grins represent genuine happiness.

I've been finding ways to procrastinate on all of my work, even though it could possibly get me fired. That's a risk I'm willing to take. I'd rather be homeless than be stuck in this hellhole filled with potentially hypnotized people and computers that barley work.

Sighing, I open the desk drawer. I was hoping to find some paperwork that needed to be done, but I found something else instead. There was a white envelope with a nice-looking purple sticker keeping it from opening. I picked up the letter, curious about what was inside. To be honest, I haven't opened this drawer in at least a year, so I didn't even remember this envelope was in here.

I peeled off the sticker, and began reading the letter inside. It said:

"Dear Harper,

If you're reading this, you must be in dire need of a change. The same thing happened to me, long ago. I'd lost sight of what mattered most in life… real connections with other people and nature. So I dropped everything and moved to the place I truly belong.

I've enclosed the deed to that place… my pride and joy: Stardew Farm. It's located in Stardew Valley, on the southern coast. It's the perfect place to start your new life.

This was my most precious gift of all, and now it's yours. I know you'll honor the family name, my dear. Good luck.

Love, Grandpa.

PS: If Lewis is still alive, say hi to the old guy for me, will ya?"

I guess I am in need of a change. I only wish I remembered this letter was in here; I would've opened it ages ago. Although, working on a farm is a pretty big step from working at Joja, but I'm willing to do it if it'll forever get me out of this office.

-Later...-

When I first stepped out of the bus, I was greeted by a woman with short red hair that was pulled back in a ponytail. "Hi! You must be Harper." Her smile seemed real, unlike what I was used to back at Joja. "I'm Robin, the local carpenter. Mayor Lewis sent me here to fetch you and show you the way to your new home. He's there right now, tidying things up for your arrival. The farm's right over here, if you'll follow me."

I nodded, and followed her to the farm. It wasn't very far from the bus stop, no more than ten minutes. And what I thought would be an organized section of land, turned out to look like it was just hit by a hurricane. There were random pieces of stone and wood scattered everywhere, and the grass was out of control. It would surely take at least all of spring to get this cleaned up.

"Well, this is Stardew Farm," Robin looked at me as if this was nothing. "What's the matter?"

"It's… pretty messy, isn't it?" I replied. This should be rather obvious.

"Sure, it's a bit overgrown, but there's some good soil underneath that mess." Robin grinned. "With some dedication, I'm sure you'll have it cleaned up in no time."

Then, she walked me over to the house. It didn't look that bad. It was a little small, and it did seem a little bit damaged, but it was still livable. "Here's your new home," Robin said, sounding a little too excited. I smiled back at her, about to respond. But before I could, the front door of my new home began to open. Out came an old-looking man, probably no older than seventy.

"The new farmer!" He walked down the few steps, and stood beside Robin and I. "Welcome! I'm Lewis, the mayor of Pelican Town. Everyone has been asking about you, ya know."

Grandpa wrote about someone named Lewis in his letter… Is this who he was talking about?

"It's not every day that someone new moves in! This is a big deal! You're moving into your grandfather's old cottage, right? It's a good house to start out with."

I guess the house is good, but others could say the word 'crusty' fits a little better.

Lewis spoke up again. "You must be tired, so you should get some rest. Tomorrow, you should introduce yourself to all of the townspeople. They're all dying to meet you. I think they'd appreciate it."

"Okay, I'm looking forward to it," I said. It's been quite a while since I've been able to meet new people, so this could be a good thing.

"Great! Well, good luck!" Lewis said enthusiastically. He began walking towards the farm's exit, Robin following along behind him. Once they were both gone, I entered my house.

The floor was made of wood, as were the walls. There was a TV that some would consider small, and a table and chair next to it. In the corner of the room there was a brick fireplace with firewood already placed inside. And in another corner, there was my bed.

The whole house was extremely small, with only one room. But, it would have to make do. It's not like I'd be having many people over; I don't even have any friends yet. I crawled into the soft bed, not bothering to change my clothes.

I closed my eyes, hoping that tomorrow would truly be the start of a new life, one where I can live more freely and be more… well… happy.

AN: This'll be updated as often as possible! Thanks for the read!