Brief Notes:

Progress on this story has been a little slower than I intended. I've been busy with REU applications recently and those are SUPER time consuming. Haha, my excuses aside, I'm almost finished writing this story, which means I'll be revising soon. I'm going to start uploading chapters regularly now, so be excited. :D

I apologize for any grammatical errors in this chapter or in others. I do my best to proofread but because I'm so engaged in my writing it's hard to catch everything.

I forgot to put this disclaimer in the first chapter, so my bad. I DO NOT OWN HARVEST MOON OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS.

Sunday, Spring 22: Ann's POV

"You're welcome! Enjoy your meal."

I deposited the traveler's money into the cash register and resumed my cleaning duties. Helping Dad run the inn is hard but rewarding. I've learned to take pleasure in small things like the sheen of a freshly mopped floor and making small talk with the customers. Life in Mineral Town can be pretty dull, so you have to find joy in everything you do.

"Excuse me miss." The customer approached me again. "Do you know where I can find napkins?"

"At the end of the bar next to the register," I said cheerfully. I love meeting new people, especially when they're attractive.

That's the other thing about Mineral Town. There aren't any cute boys my age and I doubt the girls are adventurous enough to date me. There's Gray, but I think we make better friends than a couple. He is so much like his grandfather that I almost called him Saibara a few times. Good thing I didn't or I'd have to hear that rant all year.

"What are you doing?"

An accusatory voice awoke me from my daydream. "Cleaning. Yes, Cleaning."

"I didn't know you could mop the floor telepathically. You'll have to teach me how to do that sometime."

"You don't even know how to hold a mop. How am I supposed to teach you my telepathic abilities if you can't do that?"

Gray relented. "Fine. How are you today, Ann?"

"Pretty good. Why are you back from work so early?"

"Grandpa wants me to go mining tonight. I need to grab my hammer and shovel."

"I'll make sure to have your favorite tea ready for you when you get back."

"Don't wait up," he said. "I'll be late."

"I know but somebody in this town ought to be up after 9P.M. You know in the city some café don't close until 12A.M." Gray always had to be a trooper. Couldn't he accept my kindness just this once?

"Nice talking to you Ann but I have to get going."

"Wait," I called out. "I meant to ask you about how Cliff is adjusting."

"That lazy sack of crap?" Gray scowled. "All he does is mope around in Church all day and mope around in my room all night. I'm amazed he can pay his rent."

"Oh." I wasn't sure what else to say. Poor Cliff is so depressed. I tried my best to reach out to him but nothing seems to work. I should ask Doctor for some medicine. Maybe I can spike his tea and drug him into happiness? No, that's not healthy but what can I do?

"Whatever. I'm going. See ya."

Gray took off for his room and I went to go find Dad. It's time for my lunch break but I want to make sure there's nothing left for me to do.

"Hey Dad," I said. "I'm about to go out for lunch. Is there anything you need?"

"Not around here but could you deliver this lunch box to Carter? I'm sorting through bills and won't have time."

I grimaced. "Sure thing. See you in a bit."

Ugh, why did I have to go talk to Carter? I don't hate the man but there is something about him that irks me. I think it's his ability to smooth talk people into doing anything he wants. I bet he's an ex-businessman who became a priest to redeem himself for his corporate sins.

"Cheer up, Ann," I said to myself. "You'll get to see Cliff at the Church and maybe you'll make him laugh this time."

I smiled at the thought. I'm such a sucker for cute guys with problems and Cliff fits that stereotype perfectly.

"Hello Carter!" I said with fake enthusiasm once I got inside the church. "Oh, hi Cliff!"

"Hi Ann," Carter said calmly.

Cliff barely got his greeting out. "...Hello."

"It's unusual for you to come to Church, Ann. Is anything wrong?"

"Didn't you order lunch, Carter? I brought it."

"I totally forgot! I'm sorry."

I focused my attention on Cliff. "What are you doing here?"

"Um...nothing much..."

Oh no, Carter has that look in his eye. "Ann...I'd like to ask something of you." Here we go. What guilt trip is it going to be this time?

"What?"

"It's about Cliff. He's very shy, so it's hard for him to make friends." YES! The Harvest Goddess has answered my prayers.

"Hey...I, wait a second..." Cliff looked perturbed.

"So, will you help him meet new people around town?"

"No problem! That's a favor I would be glad to do!" Finally, Carter cons me into doing something I want to be conned into.

"Great. Thanks for your help Ann."

"I have to get back to work now. Bye Carter! Bye Cliff!"

"...See you Ann, I guess..." Cliff is so cute when he's trying to be brave. Tonight is going to be a great night. I can feel it.