Chapter Two: Neil's Animals

As I finish brushing Ushi, I stand and notice that her feed box is empty. I check the time. 10:12 AM.

"I'll be back," I promise my cow, "and I'll have food."

I put the brush back into my rucksack and hurry out. I go past Hana's house and thread my way through to the Town Plaza. Just as he said, Neil is there with a small enclosure. Animals mill around the pasture. They all stop to look at me, even Neil.

"Hi," I greet him.

"Welcome to Neil's Animals. What's your business?"

I tell him, "I need some fodder for Ushi. How much?"

He tells me the amount and I purchase as much as I can fit in my rucksack. "Thank you, Neil."

"Yeah. Right."

I leave and go straight to the barn. I put some fodder into the feeding box and place the rest in the feeding dispenser.

"Here you go, Ushi," I tell her. "I hope you like it. I'm going to Hana's house, but I'll be back later, okay?"

I head to Hana's house. When I get there, Hana is behind her counter. She looks over to see who it is.

"Oh, Juliet," she greets me. "I assume you've met Neil?"

I nod. "Yes. What do you know about him?"

"Neil?" she asks. "Nothing, really. I know that he cares about animals, but I'm sure you've figured that out, already." She chuckles.

"What about his family?" I ask.

Hana hesitates. "He doesn't really speak very often. I haven't talked to him very much, but he seems like a very sweet boy. Maybe you could help him to get out of his shell."

"Me?" I laugh. "He hates me."

"That's impossible," she replies. "If you love animals and he loves animals, he can't hate you."

I glance at her. "I'm not sure that logic is sound, but I appreciate it."

"I only speak the truth, Juliet."

I smile. "Thank you, Hana. I'll see you later."

"Don't forget," she tells me. "You can change him. You can change this entire town."

I nod and wave to her. "Goodbye." I leave her store and go back to Neil's store.

"What? You back again?" he asks.

I nod. "I wanted to give you this." I hand him a Moondrop Flower that I'd found earlier.

"Really? I like this. Thanks, Juliet." He takes it and puts it in a vase on his counter. "How is Ushi?"

"She's good. She's really kind."

He nods. "Yeah. Take good care of her."

"Okay. I will."

That night, I sleep soundly, wondering if Hana's right.

Author's Note: Things might progress a little faster than they should, but I promise they won't be married for a while. Please review. Thank you.