I remembered when my grandfather first talked to me about it before I was about to start college. I was visiting him that day, because my parents were too far away at the moment, on a business trip. I had been warned I might never see them again, even though my parents themselves said I would. I shook off the thoughts.

I had already been there for three hours, and I was about to leave when he told me he had something important to give me.

"...and for my very special grandson, I want you to have this sealed envelope."

He lifted his arm and there was the envelope, a purple seal keeping it closed. I was about to open, but he stopped me-

"No, no, don't open it yet... have patience.

Now, listen close...

There will come a day when you feel crushed by the burden of modern life...

...and your bright spirit will fade before a growing emptiness.

When that happens, my boy, you will be ready for this gift."

I smiled and nodded. I looked down as curiosity overwhelmed my mind, wondering what was enclosed inside the envelope. But, I promised to myself-and my grandfather-that I would wait until the right time to open it.

"Now," I looked up as he spoke again. "let Grandpa rest..."

XX Years later

A boy sat in his cubicle, frowning upon his work on the computer. He didn't have to look around very far to see the name 'Joja' plastered on something, along with their saying: 'Life's better with Joja'.

But the boy didn't think that.

Quite the opposite, actually.

He sighed.

This boy's name is Taylor, and he hasn't felt pure happiness in months - maybe a year, he wasn't sure.
There was something that felt so wrong about his life. Sure, he had friends, but none of them felt real, as if they were only friends with him because they felt the same way. Lonely, stressed and wrong.

Taylor sighed once again. There was nothing he could do but work to keep a living.

He opened the top drawer to desk and reached in to get a pen...

But what he felt wasn't a pen.

It was an envelope, with a purple seal.

He took it out and laid it flat on his hands, just staring at it. His mind replayed the memory of the day his grandfather gave this to him. His words rang in his mind, somehow remembered word for word:

"There will come a day when you feel crushed by the burden of modern life... and your bright spirit will fade before a growing emptiness. When that happens, my boy, you will be ready for this gift."

His fingers peeked under the seal, lifting it up with minimal effort and putting it on the desk.

Taylor was ready. He was sure of it.

He took out the paper and unfolded it, and began reading what it had written on it.

'Dear Taylor,

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: Skyfall 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 boy. Good luck.

Love, Grandpa'

Taylor felt like he wanted to cry. Even though he tried not to, he felt a tear slide down his cheek.

He flipped the paper over when he noticed there was writing on the back.

'P.S. Is Lewis is still alive say hi to the old guy for me, will ya?'

He smiled brightly and stood up, folding the letter back to its original state and slipping it back into the envelope, putting it in his jacket pocket.

He was going to Stardew Valley.

So this is a very short first chapter, I know. I wanted to keep it short and sweet as an introduction.

And idk if anyone who currently follows me is into Stardew Valley, because all I've posted so far is Mother/Sm4sh stuff, but I recently got really into Stardew Valley and wanted to write for it because it's SO GOOD. I'm nowhere near finishing-I literally just got to the summer season, first year-but I've heard a lot of good things about the whole game.
And if you're into farming games, or if you like the Harvest Moon games, I would highly suggest checking Stardew Valley out! It's only $15 on
Steam, and trust me, it's beyond worth your money. (Also, if you don't want spoilers, you really shouldn't continue reading this story)
And, in this story, it will be boyxboy. But it's a lot more justified since gay marriage is actually supported in Stardew Valley!
Anyways, I hope you read this you like it, and I'll see you next time!