Chapter 2: Final Goodbyes, First Helloes
It was a cool day. The skies were flooded with purples, oranges and reds as the sun made its way out from behind Moon Mt. A gentle wind was blowing, softly like a mothers kiss. The small village of Flower Bud was quite, as the day barely begins, the life forms awaken from there slumber to start the day. In the forest, the animals awaken from there hybernation as the last of the snow melts away, birds start singing there sweet songs, which would normally be filled with hapiness, but today, full of sorrow. Today was the first of the new year. This day was to be filled with the sounds of glasses banging against one another, people laughing and talking of the event of the year that past. Today though, would be the first in which that would not happen. Inside the small village, a building off in the corner, just by the town square, awakens the saddened boy, preparing himself for the days sad events.
I opened my eyes as the sun shown through the window. I couldn't sleep much, my mind could not be occupied none other than my Granfather as I relieve the event over and over again. I got up and dressed myself. I should be wearing a black suit and such for today but, I had not expected this, although I don't know why since I had a feeling about how the visit would forego. I dressed in my only other spare clothing which was exactly the same as what I wore yesterday. A white T-shirt, blue overalls. I tied my boots and placed my blue cap on my head. I came down the stairs, towards the bar I saw a man in a purple and black type vest with black pants. He had gray streaks in his hair. This was the only other person I remember, besides the Mayor, from my childhood memories. I remember that my granfather would bring me here after the days work had ended. Duke, which is the mans name, would tell me these great stories about a man who fought against evil with a beautiful goddess. I would come to this bar every night, with or without my Grandfather just to hear what happened next in the story. Now that I think about it, he never did tell me how it ends. As I finally reached the bottom of the stairs, Duke turned towards me and said,
"Good morning Jack, are you ready for the trip up the mountain?'
I can't believe that I woke up so late, Jeff and Grandma will be angry. I am already behind in preparing the food for the reception.
"Elli dear, calm down, you still have plenty of time to get things ready"
"I'm sorry Grandma but, where's Jeff"
"We ran out of eggs so he went to Green Ranch to buy some from Doug"
"Oh, I see well I better hurry up preparing the tea and other refreshments."
In a way I'm glad I'm in a panic to get things ready. It kept my mind off of old Sam. His death will surely effect us all, me as well since he regularily visited my grandmother. One could only wonder what will come of his farm now.
"Ann go out to the coop and bring Jeff a dozen eggs"
"Sure thing Dad"
"It's a shame the Sam had passed huh Jeff?"
"Yes it is, his animals produced the best eggs and milk… Uh no offense Doug"
"Hah Hah Hah, that's quite alright Jeff. Although I hate to admit, he was the best. I only wished there was someone to continue the man's job"
"What about that boy that arrived yesterday, you know, the one that stayed at the Inn last night."
"Oh you mean Jack, I don't know, I mean, he use to visit and help out on the farm a whiles back, but.."
"But…what"
"He just stopped coming all the sudden, I guess he got tired of coming or I don't know."
"Here are the eggs Jeff"
"Oh thank you Ann"
"Your welcome"
"KAREN! KAREN!! Where do you think your going. We need to start working today, since the New Year's festival has been cancelled. KAREN!"
I can't believe him. How can he not care. It doesn't matter. He can yell at me all he wants, right now I promised Duke I would help him with the preperations in the town square for the reception. I headed out of the vineyard only to be grabbed by my father.
"Karen! I thought I told you to stay and work"
"Let go, I can't, I promised Duke I would help with the funeral today"
"Why!, We didn't even really know that man, what has he done for us.
"LOT'S, If t wasn't for him, I would have left this horrible place years ago"
"I don't believe him, what makes you think I would let you go. I'M YOUR FATHER!"
"YEAH BUT HE WAS MORE OF A FATHER TO ME THAN YOU EVER WERE!"
What happened next shocked me as much as my father. He raised his hand and struck me across my cheek and sent me falling to the floor. I got up and ran back into the house, up the stairs and locked the door.
Me and my mother could not stop crying, I had only wished that my father was here, but he won't be back till mid Spring. We were all walking the path up the side of Moon Mt. to bary Sam the old farmer. My mother and I carried flowers. Behind us were the twins, Zack and another man I never seen before. He must be a relative of the farmer I thought. They were carrying the casket. It wasn't nothing special, it was just a simple wooden box. Following behind them was Mayor Thomas and his daughter Maria.
"Ok Popuri, put the flowers down here."
"Yes Mom"
I set the flowers down in front of the huge hole. My mother and I stood back and watched intently to the other four men set the casket down. I notice myself watching the young man, a stranger to this village who arrived the other day. I must admit he was kinda cute. Even though I did not know who he was or even his name, I felt pity for him, he seemed to be the one who is suffering most from the Farmer's death. As the casket was being covered by dirt, and the Father John was saying a prayer, the young man started crying, no tears were visible. Poor, thing, he must have been crying all night and day, his eyes were red. Just as the prayer ended and the grave filled, an erie wind blew. It sent chills down my spine. I must have been sleep deprived as well as the others, because I could have sworn I heard someone laughing, almost a cackle as that cold wind blew by.
We headed back down the Mt. My Father and Zack were consoling the old man's grandson. He has been crying alot, I believe he is the only male to shed tears in public. I found that to be quit appealing. Sam would frequent the library. He would come in, disapear somewhere in the back and then leave. I found it odd but it was not my place to see what it was he was doing. After all, one comes to the library to be in peace and read, if that was in fact what he was doing. No matter now, he would no longer be stopping by. We had finally arrived back in town. As we passed by the vineyard, we could hear crying, then the door to the house slam shut, followed by Gotz cursing himself. I never cared for that family. They used such vulgar language which makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. Nonetheless I stiil felt sorry for Karen, I wish I could help her. As we arrived into town, I saw Duke frantically setting up tables and chairs in the square. I decided to go and offer my help.
"Hello Sir.Duke, do you need assistance"
"Oh hello Maria. Yes Thank You, Karen was suppose to come by and help, I wonder what happened."
"I believe she had a quarrel with her father yet again."
"Ah, I see, well that figures."
I figured that was what the crying, slamming of doors and cursing was all about. I wish there was someone who could bring peace to that family.
I had almost lost it back up in the mountain. The only reason I stopped was because of that cold wind that blew by. The Mayor and Zack helped me down the mountain. I turned my gaze towards a attractive young girl. She had pink hair which I found odd. I heard of red hair but not pink, another woman walking alongside her also had pink hair. I guess it was safe to assume that they were mother and daughter. After we had reached the bottom, I went my seperate ways, I did not feel like going to the reception. I wanted time alone. I headed back towards the farm. As I aproached, a small puupy came running up to me panting. There was a collar and a note.
Jack, this puppy, along with the farm is my gift to you. Somehow I knew that you would accept to run the farm. I know in my heart you did not say yes just to ease my soul so that I would not pass wondering what would come of my farm. Please give this young pup a good name and take good care of him. I will always be watching, always.
By the time I reached the end of the note, the letters were ilegeble. My tears and smeared the ink. Even after death my grandfather still speaks to me. Just then I heard a man approach from behind.
"Hello son, Granpa did he..."
All I could do is nod my head
"I see, well I will go speak with the villagers."
With that said he left. I stood there on the farm gazing up into the sky. Towards the mountain I could what appeared to be a stream of smoke rising up towards the twilight. From the looks of it, it appeared to come from where we barried my granfather. I sat down by the door to the house with the small puppy by my side. I waited for my father to return. I then could hear him calling me from the road. I got up and walked towards the origin of the voice. I felt as if I was being watched by something, but I shruged it off.
"Dad... I want to stay and run the farm"
"What!? dont be ridiculous, you need to start applying for college."
"No Dad, Grandpa wants me to run the farm, and I want to as well. I believe I was meant to do this, otherwise why would this happen only days after my graduation. It does not matter what you view on this is. I am an adult and its my decision."
"Hah Hah Hah! Your serious aren't you. Very well then, you are right about one thing, this is your decision and yours only. Whether it is the right one, I have to say no. Very well, stay and I will send you your things. Afterwards your on your own till then. I'll make a visit in a few years to see how your doing."
"Thanks Dad"
The two men hugged and departed. The older man waved towards his son and drove off. The young man just stood there, staring up into the sky, and for the first time on his two days here, he smiled.
It was a cool day. The skies were flooded with purples, oranges and reds as the sun made its way out from behind Moon Mt. A gentle wind was blowing, softly like a mothers kiss. The small village of Flower Bud was quite, as the day barely begins, the life forms awaken from there slumber to start the day. In the forest, the animals awaken from there hybernation as the last of the snow melts away, birds start singing there sweet songs, which would normally be filled with hapiness, but today, full of sorrow. Today was the first of the new year. This day was to be filled with the sounds of glasses banging against one another, people laughing and talking of the event of the year that past. Today though, would be the first in which that would not happen. Inside the small village, a building off in the corner, just by the town square, awakens the saddened boy, preparing himself for the days sad events.
I opened my eyes as the sun shown through the window. I couldn't sleep much, my mind could not be occupied none other than my Granfather as I relieve the event over and over again. I got up and dressed myself. I should be wearing a black suit and such for today but, I had not expected this, although I don't know why since I had a feeling about how the visit would forego. I dressed in my only other spare clothing which was exactly the same as what I wore yesterday. A white T-shirt, blue overalls. I tied my boots and placed my blue cap on my head. I came down the stairs, towards the bar I saw a man in a purple and black type vest with black pants. He had gray streaks in his hair. This was the only other person I remember, besides the Mayor, from my childhood memories. I remember that my granfather would bring me here after the days work had ended. Duke, which is the mans name, would tell me these great stories about a man who fought against evil with a beautiful goddess. I would come to this bar every night, with or without my Grandfather just to hear what happened next in the story. Now that I think about it, he never did tell me how it ends. As I finally reached the bottom of the stairs, Duke turned towards me and said,
"Good morning Jack, are you ready for the trip up the mountain?'
I can't believe that I woke up so late, Jeff and Grandma will be angry. I am already behind in preparing the food for the reception.
"Elli dear, calm down, you still have plenty of time to get things ready"
"I'm sorry Grandma but, where's Jeff"
"We ran out of eggs so he went to Green Ranch to buy some from Doug"
"Oh, I see well I better hurry up preparing the tea and other refreshments."
In a way I'm glad I'm in a panic to get things ready. It kept my mind off of old Sam. His death will surely effect us all, me as well since he regularily visited my grandmother. One could only wonder what will come of his farm now.
"Ann go out to the coop and bring Jeff a dozen eggs"
"Sure thing Dad"
"It's a shame the Sam had passed huh Jeff?"
"Yes it is, his animals produced the best eggs and milk… Uh no offense Doug"
"Hah Hah Hah, that's quite alright Jeff. Although I hate to admit, he was the best. I only wished there was someone to continue the man's job"
"What about that boy that arrived yesterday, you know, the one that stayed at the Inn last night."
"Oh you mean Jack, I don't know, I mean, he use to visit and help out on the farm a whiles back, but.."
"But…what"
"He just stopped coming all the sudden, I guess he got tired of coming or I don't know."
"Here are the eggs Jeff"
"Oh thank you Ann"
"Your welcome"
"KAREN! KAREN!! Where do you think your going. We need to start working today, since the New Year's festival has been cancelled. KAREN!"
I can't believe him. How can he not care. It doesn't matter. He can yell at me all he wants, right now I promised Duke I would help him with the preperations in the town square for the reception. I headed out of the vineyard only to be grabbed by my father.
"Karen! I thought I told you to stay and work"
"Let go, I can't, I promised Duke I would help with the funeral today"
"Why!, We didn't even really know that man, what has he done for us.
"LOT'S, If t wasn't for him, I would have left this horrible place years ago"
"I don't believe him, what makes you think I would let you go. I'M YOUR FATHER!"
"YEAH BUT HE WAS MORE OF A FATHER TO ME THAN YOU EVER WERE!"
What happened next shocked me as much as my father. He raised his hand and struck me across my cheek and sent me falling to the floor. I got up and ran back into the house, up the stairs and locked the door.
Me and my mother could not stop crying, I had only wished that my father was here, but he won't be back till mid Spring. We were all walking the path up the side of Moon Mt. to bary Sam the old farmer. My mother and I carried flowers. Behind us were the twins, Zack and another man I never seen before. He must be a relative of the farmer I thought. They were carrying the casket. It wasn't nothing special, it was just a simple wooden box. Following behind them was Mayor Thomas and his daughter Maria.
"Ok Popuri, put the flowers down here."
"Yes Mom"
I set the flowers down in front of the huge hole. My mother and I stood back and watched intently to the other four men set the casket down. I notice myself watching the young man, a stranger to this village who arrived the other day. I must admit he was kinda cute. Even though I did not know who he was or even his name, I felt pity for him, he seemed to be the one who is suffering most from the Farmer's death. As the casket was being covered by dirt, and the Father John was saying a prayer, the young man started crying, no tears were visible. Poor, thing, he must have been crying all night and day, his eyes were red. Just as the prayer ended and the grave filled, an erie wind blew. It sent chills down my spine. I must have been sleep deprived as well as the others, because I could have sworn I heard someone laughing, almost a cackle as that cold wind blew by.
We headed back down the Mt. My Father and Zack were consoling the old man's grandson. He has been crying alot, I believe he is the only male to shed tears in public. I found that to be quit appealing. Sam would frequent the library. He would come in, disapear somewhere in the back and then leave. I found it odd but it was not my place to see what it was he was doing. After all, one comes to the library to be in peace and read, if that was in fact what he was doing. No matter now, he would no longer be stopping by. We had finally arrived back in town. As we passed by the vineyard, we could hear crying, then the door to the house slam shut, followed by Gotz cursing himself. I never cared for that family. They used such vulgar language which makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. Nonetheless I stiil felt sorry for Karen, I wish I could help her. As we arrived into town, I saw Duke frantically setting up tables and chairs in the square. I decided to go and offer my help.
"Hello Sir.Duke, do you need assistance"
"Oh hello Maria. Yes Thank You, Karen was suppose to come by and help, I wonder what happened."
"I believe she had a quarrel with her father yet again."
"Ah, I see, well that figures."
I figured that was what the crying, slamming of doors and cursing was all about. I wish there was someone who could bring peace to that family.
I had almost lost it back up in the mountain. The only reason I stopped was because of that cold wind that blew by. The Mayor and Zack helped me down the mountain. I turned my gaze towards a attractive young girl. She had pink hair which I found odd. I heard of red hair but not pink, another woman walking alongside her also had pink hair. I guess it was safe to assume that they were mother and daughter. After we had reached the bottom, I went my seperate ways, I did not feel like going to the reception. I wanted time alone. I headed back towards the farm. As I aproached, a small puupy came running up to me panting. There was a collar and a note.
Jack, this puppy, along with the farm is my gift to you. Somehow I knew that you would accept to run the farm. I know in my heart you did not say yes just to ease my soul so that I would not pass wondering what would come of my farm. Please give this young pup a good name and take good care of him. I will always be watching, always.
By the time I reached the end of the note, the letters were ilegeble. My tears and smeared the ink. Even after death my grandfather still speaks to me. Just then I heard a man approach from behind.
"Hello son, Granpa did he..."
All I could do is nod my head
"I see, well I will go speak with the villagers."
With that said he left. I stood there on the farm gazing up into the sky. Towards the mountain I could what appeared to be a stream of smoke rising up towards the twilight. From the looks of it, it appeared to come from where we barried my granfather. I sat down by the door to the house with the small puppy by my side. I waited for my father to return. I then could hear him calling me from the road. I got up and walked towards the origin of the voice. I felt as if I was being watched by something, but I shruged it off.
"Dad... I want to stay and run the farm"
"What!? dont be ridiculous, you need to start applying for college."
"No Dad, Grandpa wants me to run the farm, and I want to as well. I believe I was meant to do this, otherwise why would this happen only days after my graduation. It does not matter what you view on this is. I am an adult and its my decision."
"Hah Hah Hah! Your serious aren't you. Very well then, you are right about one thing, this is your decision and yours only. Whether it is the right one, I have to say no. Very well, stay and I will send you your things. Afterwards your on your own till then. I'll make a visit in a few years to see how your doing."
"Thanks Dad"
The two men hugged and departed. The older man waved towards his son and drove off. The young man just stood there, staring up into the sky, and for the first time on his two days here, he smiled.
