AN: Hi! This is my first entry in a fanfic I am working on, so reviews would be great! Stay tuned for new chapters.
Sending the letter almost seemed like a mistake, but it was too late, I had already done it. I'm actually surprised I remembered my dad's friend's name after all these years, especially since I only saw him a few times when I was younger. But after months of searching and second guessing I finally located his address. He lives in a place called Forget-Me-Not Valley, my mom actually loves Forget-Me-Nots, maybe that's why he chose to buy the farm there. Moving there now would be the right thing to do I think, we were meant to live there anyway, but once my dad became sick the partnership with his friend had to be put on hold and we had to stay put in the city. Dad would want me to take it over, at least that's what mom says. He never talked to me about his farming dreams, let alone about me taking it over one day when he was gone. I just trusted my mom's word I suppose, that or something else took me over when I was writing the letter. I'm thinking it was the latter because I don't remember exactly what I wrote.
"Dear Takakura,
I'm not sure if you were expecting to hear anything from me, or maybe you were. I know my mother already sent a letter to tell you about my father, he fought the good fight but it was his time. I miss him a lot, but I'm sure you do too. Anyway how is the farm? I know dad couldn't be out there much since he fell ill so shortly after the purchase, but he told me it was a bit run down but beautiful in its own way. Are you still living out there? I guess that's a silly question to ask since I'm sending this letter to the address at the farm…I hope you still do otherwise you won't get this. I haven't seen you since the last time you came to see dad at the hospital, how have you been? I know you aren't a huge fan of the city, the dirty air and all, sometimes I agree. What I don't like are the rude people, everyone seems to live in their own little world and gets very offended if you accidently invade it. I've just finished school, I'm actually quite relieved. Mom and dad wanted me to go to college the city over, but since dad died money has been tight and mom and I have decided to hold off on that for a while.
I suppose you're wondering why I'm writing. I've been talking to mom a lot, weighing the options and all, and I think it's time I come out to Forget-Me-Not Valley and see the farm dad always dreamed of working on. Mom seems to think he would have wanted me to move out there, I'm not sure he would since he never mentioned much about the farm to me, but I trust her word. Is that alright? I'm sure a city girl would just get in the way so I understand if you say no. I suppose I'm rambling again. Long story short, I want to try working on the farm.
From,
Jill"
Whatever I was that I did say, Takakura must have liked since I received a reply only a week later. Mom and I had just gotten back from the market, where we bought food for dinner and flowers for dad's grave when I checked the mail. Normally mom would check the mail but for some reason I felt the need to, maybe I knew it would be his reply. I don't know. I was happy to hear from him, but prepared for him to say no. I'd only get in the way, actually I don't even know if he'd even have a place for me to stay. Thinking about it now, I had seemed very intrusive. I definitely expected a no now.
"Jill,
It's great to hear from you. Yes, I got your mother's letter a few weeks ago I'd been planning to come out to see you and your mother in a few days actually. Since I had no opportunity to say it before, I'm very sorry for the loss of your father- he was a remarkable friend. But your mother is truly lucky to have a daughter that is the spitting image of him, but in your features and your personality. The farm is still standing, though I haven't done much work on it. I simply haven't had the chance or help I need to get it running.
To be honest, I'm surprised you're showing interest in helping. If you want to come down on the first of Spring I can give you a tour and you can decide whether you want to move down to the Valley or stay up in the city.
I hope to hear from you soon,
Takakura
P.S. The red envelope was a nice touch."
I remember jumping up and down after reading his letter, Spring was many weeks away as it was only the middle of Fall at the time, but I couldn't contain my excitement. To be honest, I hadn't expected to be so happy to be allowed to move to the country. I quickly told my mom all that Takakura had said in his letter, prompting her to tell me to slow down and start over. I told her that by Spring I would be only way to Forget-Me-Not Valley to hopefully fulfill my father's dream. I only had to find something to occupy my time until then, I began a short penpal session with Takakura over the weeks leading up to my move, continuing with my acceptance of his offer.
"Dear Takakura,
I'm so happy you said yes. In fact I jumped up and down in excitement. I'd love to come out in the Spring, though I'm afraid I might get impatient while I wait on the weeks to pass. Mother is very excited for me too. So, tell me about the Valley. I want to know all about it before I get there.
From,
Jill
P.S. I thought the red was nice too."
"Jill,
I'm surprised you're so excited to leave the city; you remind me a lot of your father. The village is a small one, but everyone is very friendly- and some are a bit strange. There aren't very many businesses, but there's a bar, an inn, and another farm. There's also a salesman who comes every few weeks, though I don't get along with him very much, maybe you'll have a different impression of him. I think the Valley is especially beautiful in the Fall, but you'll have to wait to see that.
See you soon,
Takakura"
Eventually the weeks flew by and I was packing all of my things to move to the countryside. It would be an adjustment, but my excitement overshadowed the nerves I felt. In just 24 hours I would be starting a brand new chapter in my life full of new people and experiences, I could have even changed my name if I wanted to. I could even make up a crazy background story to go with it, but something told me that was going too far. The night was growing late, I should have gone to bed hours before, but I had known that sleeping would have been impossible. I simply couldn't wait.