(AN: Before this starts, I want to explain that I had no ideas for how I was gonna write this story, but as I started to sing a little for myself and put myself in the shoes of my character, I got to thinking. So, here is my opening for my character. I hope you enjoy, please favorite and review it if you enjoyed it, since it tells me what you want to see more of. Thanks so much!)

"..Guilty."

"...Guilty!"

"GUILTY!"

"Gahh-" Shit. Thomas rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Another nightmare. Same as usual. Thomas looked around his damp cell, constantly reminded of the crimes he committed. Theft and Second-Degree Murder. Very serious charges. His lawyer was an incredible person, managed to lessen his sentence from life to 50 years. That man was a genius where Thomas was not, and now he paid the price. He kept himself awake for the next two hours until the whistle blew. Morning roll call.

A few hours into the day, he found himself seated in the Warden's office.

"Son... I'm gonna sympathise with you."

"No need fr' that, Mr. Warden. I'm a killer. Nothin' less."

"That case is over a decade old. Look, you aren't a bad guy. You follow the rules, don't cause trouble. People like that around here, so, we're giving you an opportunity to save yourself from your incarceration."

"...Sir?" Thomas' eyes lit up. He could get out? Never to come back, worried about getting stabbed or worse daily?

"There's a place called Stardew Valley. Ever heard of it?"

"...No sir."

"Well... a couple years ago, we received a letter for you. Your grandfather passed away,"

"I remember."

"Yes, and he left you a gift. I was talking about you with my supervisors and they said that if you could turn your grandfather's old farm into a successful place, they'd let you free and let you keep it. Scout's honor."

"...When do I start?"

"As soon as the season changes. You start in spring."

So that's how Thomas found himself on a bus from a city almost a day drive out from where he used to live, to a place where all he knew was that his grandfather was important.

Squeeeeeeeeeak!

The tires screeched to a painful halt. The door opened. He still had his handcuffs on him... they were starting to hurt.

"Mayor Lewis, this is Thomas. I'm the Warden at the prison he was incarcerated in."

"..I see..."

"Now, this isn't a bad man, Mayor. Just had some bad stuff in his past. I just ask that you keep an eye on him and if anything goes wrong, immediately call us."

"I can do that, Mr. Warden."

"Good! Now, Thomas."

"...Sir?"

"...Just do your best. I know you will, son."

"Thank you, sir. Fr' this opportunity. I won't waste it." The handcuffs were released and Thomas shook feeling back into them.

"Take care, gentlemen!" The bus door closed and tires screeched for five minutes while the bus turned around, and finally left.

Lewis wordlessly motioned for Thomas to follow him. He did so humbly, trailing behind.

"Thomas, I remember your story. It was all over the newspapers. I'll admit, it may take some getting used to..." Lewis rubbed the back of his neck. "...but if everything that warden said about you is true, then the townsfolk will loosen up and maybe, eventually become your friends." They had reached the front of the cabin. "Well, this is where you'll be staying." Just then, a woman with scarlet hair came out of the house.

"She doesn't come with the house, does she?" Asked Thomas in legitimate fear. Lewis laughed.

"No," he said, "That's Robin. Our carpenter."

Thomas bowed slightly out of courtesy. Robin laughed, to which Thomas took light offense.

"Robin, this is Thomas. He's moving in here."

"I'm sorry if my bow looked funny to you, ma'am..." He said, stepping back next to Mayor Lewis.

"No, it din't look funny!" She waved a hand in front of her face, like she was swatting a bug or something. "Just not used to it, that's all! Like Mayor Lewis said, I'm the carpenter, so if you need anything built, you bring me the materials and the money for it, and I'll get that thing up between one and three days after payment. It takes a while to build, ya understand."

"I sure do, ma'am. Pleasure to meetcha."

"Pleasure's all mine." She smiled.

"Now, Robin, don't start that or I'll get Demetrius on you!" Lewis laughed with Robin. Thomas chuckled and half-waited for an explanation.

"Oh, Demetrius is my husband. He's a scientific kinda guy. You'll probably meet him sometime if you come check out my shop.

"I'll make sure to find him." Thomas smiled.

"Good! Now, I'll be heading home, Lewis. If you need me, just come get me!"

"Goodnight, Robin." Lewis waved as Robin headed out from the top exit of the farm. "I'll be off too. Get some rest, you just had a long ride here. If you need me, I'll be in town. Goodnight, and.. Welcome to Stardew Valley."

"Goodnight, sir. Be safe." Thomas waved. He looked inside a chest that was near the front. The tools were old, but apparently restored by someone. The scythe's blade was sharp, which gave Thomas that 'I shouldn't be holding this' feeling in his gut. He put it down and inspected the other tools. Once he was done, he looked out over the farm- er, forest. The place was covered in rocks, trees and wild grass. Thomas sighed. This wasn't gonna be easy.