Reina smiled in satisfaction as she finished up her morning tasks. Two weeks have passed since her stay in Stardew Valley, and so far, it's been going well for the new farmer. She was able to finish tasks quicker, reel in a lot more gold, and accomplish a lot more in her life than the five years working for Joja..

I know, sad.

Before leaving the property to forage, she made sure to inspect the newly installed sprinklers to make sure they're operating sufficiently. Best. Investment. Ever, she thought. Then, grabbing her tools and basket, she once again headed north for another round of bush-shaking and root-pulling action.

Reina whistled as she entered the beautiful forest. Morning dew hung on the branches as harmless critters scurried across the clearings. She pulled up whatever she can forage; and after two weeks of experience, she can positively say she's used to the job now. Slowly, berries, roots, and flowers piled up in the basket.

"Aww man, I ran out of water," she realized as she attempted to drink out of her flask. With her basket in tow, she walked up to the lake nearby and laid the basket on a stump behind her. As she looked into the water, a clear, distorted reflection stared back at her. Ugh.. I need to take a shower, she thought as she traced the dirty patches that formed along the sides of her face. She cupped her hands, and splashed her face with water, massaging her cheeks to remove the dirty blotches.

After finally removing the stubborn spots, Reina turned around, only to realize her basket was missing. Frantic, she looked around, only to suspiciously find some of her berries scattered throughout the area. "What the.." she muttered. I wonder if Linus had something to do with this. Stuck in thought, she hiked up the nearby hill to find Linus sitting by a fire. Just as expected. "Linus!" she called out.

"Don't hurt me, please!" Linus screamed, jumping out of his chair in surprise. Reina chuckled at the reaction, but quickly recovered her composure.

"Oh, it's just you, Reina," he sighed in relief. "So what brings you here?"

"Ahem. Ah, sorry Linus. Did you happen to see a basket full of flowers and berries anywhere? I seem to have lost it while I was down at the lake."

"Basket? No, I don't think so. I've always been here at this spot. If I do see it though, I'll let you know right away." She looked over Linus in suspicion before she sighed. Linus is too good a homeless guy to do anything bad. Honestly, the only worst thing he's ever been caught for was digging in the city trash. Other than that, he's not exactly the best person to look for.

"Ah, man.. thanks though," Reina replied hesitantly before setting off again in search of the basket. Where am I even gonna start with this? She looked around the endless greens and towering pines surrounding her. That dog I saw a while back could've proved useful in times like these. She sighed in frustration. "I suppose I could buy another basket.. but I swear, if this thing keeps happening then.." She paused. "Then.. I don't know," and scratched her messy head. Discouraged, she turned towards home when she heard rustling in one of the bushes to her far left. Her heart jumped in anticipation, and she ran towards the sound.

"Got you!" she exclaimed as she jumped through the bush. Before her laid a familiar scene. Flowers and berries scattered all over the ground, and just off to the corner, a german shepherd guarded a toppled basket.. her toppled basket. It growled at Reina as she stood there, barely recognizing the dog that was once on the brink of starvation two weeks ago. It definitely looked a lot fuller than it did then. Its eyes were full of energy as its ears pointed erect above its hostile face. Reina smiled at the progress the big dog made. "Hey, you.." she called out gently. The dog backed away slowly, growling as it was doing so. "You don't remember me don't you, huh?" she asked in disappointment. The dog barked in response.

Reina then sat down and placed her knapsack in front of her. She dug in her bag to reveal the same familiar plastic case. The dog stood its ground as it watched the farmer closely. "You remember this, right? Well, things have changed. I assure you you won't get bored of my food choices this time." She opened the case to reveal a baked sardine, packed with rice and pickled radish along the sides. The dog stopped growling and began to carefully inch towards the farmer. Reina pushed the case toward the dog, and it hesitated before digging into the meal.

She paused before getting up to walk towards the hungry beast, and slowly reached her hand out towards the dog. The dog stopped, and looked up into Reina's eyes out of curiosity at the the sudden movement. She pulled her hand away. Goosebumps formed along her skin as it continued to observe her, and a last, she hesitantly placed her hand on the dog's soft fur. She felt the dog relax as she gently massaged the dog, and she calmed down. The dog inched its way against the little farmer as she softly spoke. "You know, I can supply you with lots of food if you stay at my place." The dog stared off into the forest, as if considering her offer.

.. Did I just bribe a dog? She shook her head in disapproval.

Soon, orange light settled over the forest, and Reina lifted her hand off the dog. "What am I doing?" she muttered. "He probably doesn't understand a single word I'm saying." She looked down at the dog and gently laid her hand on its head. "Hey.. you can go home if you want. You don't have to come along with me. If you ever do go hungry though, you come to me, ok?"

The dog tilted its head to the side and barked.

"Alright, I think that se -"

A growl erupted behind Reina, freezing her in place. Her heart sunk as she now comprehended the severity of her situation. She slowly turned around her..

.. and towering before her stood a black bear, its huge claws and teeth bearing in front of her. "Oh.. my.. god," Reina breathed, as she backed away slowly. The dog snarled at the bear, bearing its own sharp little teeth as it jumped in front of the farmer. She looked down at the dog and back up at the bear, and knew the dog just wouldn't stand a chance. "Boy.. let's run!" she yelled as she yanked on the dog's tail. The dog yelped and followed the frightened Reina down the dimly lit forestry. The pair ran through the trees nonsensically as the bear tailed behind them. I.. I can't die right now, Reina repeated over and over in her head. The scenery blurred around them, confusing Reina as they ran deeper into the forest.

Suddenly, the bear's cries began to slowly die down. Reina looked back as she ran, and finally spoke, "Ok.. I.. think.. we're.. goo -"

*crack*

Darkness immediately shrouded her thoughts as she crashed to the ground.