Harvest Moon: It's Not Such a Wonderful Life

Jack and his son Jerome herded a head of cattle back into the barn. The 40-ish man patted his successor on the back, nodding in approval. "I think that's the last of them, son. Good work today."

"I still can't believe today marks 20 years since you took over from your grandfather," Jerome stated in awe.

"I can't either! At least I still have a full head of dark-brown hair."

A clap of thunder in the distance startled the pair. They looked off toward the northward mountains and saw the lightning as it began to strike. The unusual coloring of the sky went over their heads.

"We better get back inside so we can wash up without getting a lightning bolt up our rear ends!" Jack stated with a laugh. "Your momma's got a big dinner planned for tonight."

Inside the house Jack and Jerome wiped their sweaty faces with towels and headed into the kitchen, where the matriarch Claire stood near the window. Their appearances seemed to go almost unnoticed.

"Claire, you all right?"

"I don't like the looks of those green skies," Claire responded, pushing a strand of her long blonde hair behind her head. "The dogs haven't been able to stop looking in that direction, and they are not acting like themselves at all. Animals are sensitive to ominous weather."

"Well, Jerome and I have to get washed up. Keep your mind on those filets in the oven, and don't overthink things too much. We're more than prepared for the worse."

Several minutes go by, and the family gathered by the dining area to celebrate Jack's 20th anniversary on the farm. Despite concern for the weather earlier, the family was relieved by the sound of silence after seemingly endless thunder towards the mountains despite the fact that the entire sky within view turned pea green. The threesome grabbed each other's hands and said a brief grace before digging into the meal.

"I think this is the best meal you ever made!" Jack exclaimed, taking another bite of the beef.

"This wasn't just any other meal. We're celebrating one of the greatest milestones in your life," Claire replied.

"It's not that great big of a deal-"

"What do you mean by that?"

"It's not like 20 years is that special…."

"Well, who knows how long you'll want to keep farming."

"Hey, now! I intend to remain on this farm till the day that I die… just like Gramps."

A few silent moments of awkwardness went by, and an unusual sound was heard it the distance. Everyone looked up and exchanged puzzled looks.

"What in the world is that?"

"It sounds like a… a train or something, doesn't it?"

Jack rose from his seat and walked over to the door. The horrified look on his face caused his family to run over to him. Much to their horror, a tornado was heading straight in the direction of the farm.

"Oh, my God! I was right!" Claire exclaimed.

The threesome ran over to the side of the house, where the carpenters had built a storm shelter for them within recent times. Jack allowed Claire and Jerome to enter first, but he hesitated to enter.

"Jack, what are you doing?"

"I can't just leave the animals to die. I'm going to herd them in."

"Are you crazy?! That twister is going to hit any moment!"

"I have to do this."

"Daddy, let me help you-"

"No, son! I want you to stay here and protect your momma," Jack answered firmly.

"But-"

"Don't you but me, young man. Listen. I'll be back in a minute with the first of the animals."

"This is crazy!" By now Claire was hysterical. "You're going to get yourself killed."

"Woman, remember your place. I'm your husband, and I am ordering you to shut that mouth of yours… and to have a little faith in the man who has loved and protected you all these years. I'll be right back." With those final words, Jack closed the shelter.

Claire paced around, shaking her head angrily. "That man has always been a stubborn fool. Why?!"

In an effort to console his mother, Jerome put his arms around her. "It's going to be all right, momma. Let's just listen to him and wait."

The ground around them began to rattle violently, and small objects on the shelves in the darkened shelter began to fall to the ground. Both of them rushed to a corner.

"It's here! Oh, my God! Jack!"