CHAPTER 3

The first thing I do is checking the map to the left of the train station. Well, it was in front of the station - to the left of the stairs under the overhang. The map was green and showed small green squares. It was a grid of the town. Each square represented an acre. A to F went vertical, while one to five went horizontal.

The rest of the squares contained white rectangles - bridges - over blue lines, which is the river. There are also little purple house symbols peppered over random acres, suggesting other houses. I found out I was in A-3, so I had to go to A-1, and that's what I'll do.

When I approach Nook's, I gasp. I thought my house was bad, and I immediately take that thought back. His store was what one would call a wood shack. It's pitiful, and looked like something a peasant would live in - but the common folk has homes much better than this! I walk in. "Well, finally you arrive! What took you so long?!" He asks. "I was starting to wonder if you'd show! Only kidding."

I snort in response. These kinds of people – no, beings? - get on my nerves.

"Very good, yes! First off, you'll need to change into these clothes!" He pulled out some clothes and handed them to me. "If you must know, I suppose you could call it your uniform. Please let me know when you're done changing, yes?" He said.

I grab my clothing and then picture it in my mind. The smooth fabric, the nice colors. I spin around, producing some sparkles, which gravity took over, and flew my hands in the air. The clothes were on, wrapped around my flesh, and my old clothes were gone. The clothing not only changed my shirt, but my horn hat had the same look. It's a dark, unappealing turquoise with a white leaf stitched in the middle. It looks okay, but not what I was looking for.

"That's better!" He cheers. "Yes. You look like you were born to wear that uniform! Now you can start working off the remaining eighteen thousand, eight hundred Bells you owe on your house. Hurrah!"

I sigh, I just wanted this whole thing to be over. But at the exact same time, I got a house and a pretty simple cost to pay.

"First off," he started, shoving some flower bags and tree saplings my way "I want you to go plant some trees and flowers around my shop. The area around here is too dull - not charming at all. It's just not an ideal sort of shopping experience, hm?"

"Yeah, neither is a shack for a store," I mumble, but not loud enough for him to hear me. After explaining that people like a well-kept environment, he allows me to leave, telling me to come back once I am finished. I walked out without hesitation. As I step out a few steps, I turn around and look at the shop. It's made of thick wood, cheap glass for windows, no door, and one of those crappy, wavy tin roofs. I snort again - who'd shop here even with a nice outside environment. But this is my new job, and I have to do it well.

I spend most of my afternoon planting flowers in the soft soil to the left of the store, and tree saplings to the right. When I finished and thought I did a good job, I proudly walked back into the store. "So, did you make it look a little nicer out there? Gave the grounds some charming character, hm?"

I nodded, very happy with my work.

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so I won't bother asking how you chose where to plant everything." My heart immediately sinks. I was so excited for him to see, and he just says that it isn't worth his time to see. "After all," he said "I'm not the one who'll get laughed at when travellers from other towns see your work. My, no!"

My sadness turns to rage. "Oh, screw off man!" I scream so loud inside, I'm surprised it didn't make any noise.

"Now, let's just see here… That little chore was worth, oh… Let's call it about eighty Bells, yes?"

"Are you fucking kidding me dude!" I think. All that work and eight out of eighteen thousand, eight hundred. Then he says that he is quite generous, and he'll keep the money I make as payment toward my mortgage. I'm beyond steamed and am seriously considering slugging him in the face, consequences not in mine. I mean, how will I buy food?

As he brags about himself, I just mumble, "Oh, another Nook is great story. My favourite is when he makes the sun come up…"

"Wait just a moment… Something just struck me…" He suddenly says out loud - I was not listening to anything before. "Decco, you just moved to Rainhill… but you haven't introduced yourself to all the townsfolk, have you?"

Well, of course not, I'm forced into labor not even twenty minutes after I get here…

"I'm going to give you a little break, so why don't you go introduce yourself to everyone in town, hm? Go on, now!"

I nod quickly.

"And don't forget to introduce yourself to the mayor, too. That would show some class." He reminds me. Before dismissing me, he tells me that I can find the mayor near the wishing well. I run out before he can say anything else, and once again, and greeted by sunlight.