Why Can't I Say..?
Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the Harvest Moon series.
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A chilly wind blew through Nami's short red hair as soon as she set foot in Forget-Me-Not Valley. It was the beginning of Fall-a much more pleasant time of year, in her opinion. Nothing special to look forward to for her, but it definitely beat out the heat of Summer.
Not like in Flower Bud Village, that's for sure. There were at least two festivals or events every season, people were always coming and going through there, and there was just a lot more people there in general. Plus, a lot more shops and other such interesting places. She would never be bored in a place like that.
And then there was Dan...
Unlike with Gustafa, she could easily admit an interest in him. He was more suited to her than the good-hearted musician. They were both former travelers, trying to settle down in a provincial setting, but often yearning for something more. Both were standoffish, but enjoyed a good time and just wandering around.
But Gustafa, he just got on her nerves most of the time. He was always in a good mood and just plain weird most of the time. She couldn't stand guys like that.
Speak of the devil…
Gustafa was heading up the path past Vesta's farm, no doubt going to the waterfall. Much to Nami's annoyance, she saw that Sarah was with him. The two seemed pretty happy together-it was not like when she and Gustafa were together…
Nami shook her head. Why should she care? There was nothing going on between her and Gustafa and there never would be. He and Sarah were good for eachother-nothing weird about two overly-happy and naïve people hooking up.
The redhead continued on her way, crossing the bridge and heading for the Inner Inn. She saw Rock standing in front of it, probably waiting for her to return like he always did. Why did that loser enjoy bothering her so much?
Nami quickly turned and headed into the forest. Rock never came here, and she had some things she needed to think about anyway. Like Gustafa and her life in Forget-Me-Not Valley, both which she always wanted to get away from, and Dan and life in Flower Bud Village, both which she had always enjoyed.
She sat at the edge of the small spring and stared at her reflection. A girl with a confused expression stared back at her. What had happened to her? Back in the old days, she wouldn't have even hesitated when faced with a choice like this. And she would certainly never have stayed in such a boring place for such a long time.
"Why did I even decide to stay here in the first place?" she wondered aloud. Come to think of it, why did Gustafa stay here? Sure, it was a peaceful enough place, but even he had to get bored just walking around the same places every single day…Heaven knows she did…
Then why not leave? It would be nice to have new surroundings, see new faces, explore new things…and she could spend a lot more time with Dan and Gwen, whom had always been two very good friends of hers. There were a lot more fun festivals there…And it would also get her out of dealing with Gustafa, Rock and Sarah. Plus, if she ever really missed Forget-Me-Not Valley, Flower Bud Village was close enough for her to come back for a visit.
"I guess that settles it then…I'm leaving Forget-Me-Not Valley for good…" Her mind made up, she stood and headed back towards the Inner Inn to start packing.
Rock was no longer standing outside waiting for her, so she hurried inside and up to her room. She promptly began stuffing what few belongings she had into her green duffel bag. Ruby knocked on the open door politely.
"Are you going somewhere, Nami?"
"Yeah…I've been thinking of moving over to Flower Bud Village-a few of my old friends are living there, and a change of scenery might be nice…" she trailed off, feeling slightly guilty.
"I see…Well, I always knew this day would come." The woman was obviously saddened, but she managed to smile. "I never could imagine a fiery girl like you settling down in our quiet little valley for too long." She chuckled. "It certainly will be quiet around here without you though-we'll all miss you…"
"Y-yeah…" Nami looked away. "I'll, uh, miss some people myself…"
"I know you must be in a hurry, but will you at least stay until after the Harvest Festival? I know it is quite a ways away, but…" The older woman did not finish and looked away,
"I guess I could do that…"
Ruby smiled. "Thank you, Nami. Perhaps I can convince Vesta to double it as a sort-of going-away party for you." She turned and left the room, mumbling plans to herself. "I'll make all her favorite foods…"
Nami tossed her bag onto a chair and sat down on the bed. Pretty soon, this would not be her room anymore…and Forget-Me-Not Valley would be nothing more than another place she had stopped during her travels, just as Gustafa would be just another person she had met while staying there. He'd be easy to forget once she left…
…wouldn't he?
