Year I, Spring 7

Dear Diary,

first of all, I can't believe it! I've been here for a whole week already! It's so great and I already feel at home, so it's unlikely I will leave Stardew Valley soon – or maybe ever, and that's definitely something stable to look forward to.

Today was Lewis' birthday. So, after watering my crops, etc., I went to his house and congratulated him. As a present I had found a beautiful shell on the beach a few days ago. He seemed happier about my visit than the shell but that was alright for me. It was kind of a makeshift present because I don't have enough money, yet, to buy someone a present…

There were already some other visitors in the house. Penny, for example, (Harvey unfortunately not. Or fortunately? I still have his umbrella…), so I sat next to her on the sofa and we talked a bit. She asked how my farm was, and I, how school. Conversing is not so easy for two likewise shy people, but we kind of managed without too much embarrassment. I believe, that we can be indeed good friends with time, and that thought warms my heart. It's been a while since I've had a real friend. I guess, last time was still in school, four years ago…

So, I gathered my courage and told her that I had a few questions about the Valley and its people and if I could ask her. She replied very friendly that she would answer all of my questions but had to meet Jas and Vincent quite soon, so I invited her to my house in the afternoon. She seemed delighted to see my house and farm and promised to be there at 4 pm.

I stayed a little longer at the Mayor's, chatted a bit with Marnie who was smiling broadly for some (at least to me) unknown reason, and afterwards I went to the beach to fish. It was so frustrating! It took quite a while before a fish found my fishing rod interesting enough to bite, and then I still struggled a lot to get it on land… Well, I managed two fish in almost three hours, so well… yeah… I think, I better stick to farming. Of course, I'll try again but I guess it won't be my new favourite hobby…

Suddenly I realised that I had a visitor in the afternoon, so I hurried home to tidy up (both the house and myself). On my way, however, I saw Harvey in the park and he took exactly that second to turn around and meet my eyes.

"Hi," I only managed shyly because at the same time I thought: Shoot, I forgot his umbrella!

But he merely nodded in return and wished me a good day.

I hurried along but his behaviour struck me as unusual. Normally, he greeted me more enthusiastically, or at least friendlier. Was it my fault? Maybe because I haven't given him his umbrella back, yet? Or was it something completely different? Maybe the same reason that made his eyes so sad…?

At home I supressed my concern and looked forward to having Penny as a guest. She came, punctual at 4 pm, and at her side was to my great surprise (and slight annoyance) Maru. How can I now ask about Harvey?! I thought.

"Hey, Helena," Penny smiled. "I met Maru on the way and she said she also liked to visit you. I hope, it's alright?" She looked embarrassed and kind of afraid, as if I would be angry.

Well, I wasn't, not really, definitely not a her. Well, also not at Maru, because she had been nothing but friendly towards me. It just interfered with my plans… But anyway, I welcomed them, and they stepped inside.

After exclamations of Maru and sincere approval of Penny how well my farm and house looked, how good it was that Grandpa's old cottage was finally inhabited again, and some tea I made, we sat down comfortably on my bed and the one chair I own and began to talk. I believe it was good that Maru was there because otherwise it could have been a bit difficult for Penny and me to start a conversation, but Maru always knew what to say.

"But that reminds me," Penny suddenly said. "Helena, you had some questions for me? I guess, Maru can answer them as well."

I nodded. Yes, I had two important questions: Does Magic exist, and is Harvey single. Since Maru was there I started with the first. And I started with: "Don't think I'm crazy but…" I explained what I witnessed and what had happened to me the last days, about the wizard, the potion and the Junimos. I didn't dare to look up until I was finished because I was afraid they would think me insane, but when I finally did, they both grinned merrily.

"No, you're not going crazy," Maru said "The wizard is real, and we also have a witch, his ex-wife, but I haven't seen her in a while."

"But how is that even possible!" I exclaimed. For a girl from the city the notion of magic is simply unbelievable.

Penny shrugged. "No one really knows. But here we are: The one valley where magic still exists. I was shocked as well, when my mother and I moved here." She smiled at me reassuringly.

"Well, I wasn't," Maru laughed, "since I grew up here."

We talked a bit longer about this literally fantastic topic, and then I was asked if there was something else I'd like to know.

So, I witfully replied that I'd like to know more about the town's people. Who's married to whom, which kids belong to which family, and … who is single.

While Penny stayed to the facts and listed the families and couples, Maru also added the gossip. For example, that most of the town believed that Lewis and Marnie are secretly seeing each other (which would explain her broad smile today).

"And what about… Harvey?" I finally managed to ask, since they hadn't mentioned him, yet.

"Definitely single," Maru replied and I was relieved. Until she continued: "I have the feeling that he might fancy me, though."

I swallowed. "But you don't … fancy him?"

"Oh, no!" Maru laughed. "Never. I mean, he's great and I enjoy working with him, but he is way too old for me and I don't want to spend the rest of my life in the Valley, and he loves it here."

"Since when is he in Stardew Valley?"

Maru pondered. "I believe, he came 5 or 6 years ago. It was after his wife died in this car crash."

I gasped. And am still absolutely shocked! No wonder he is so sad! I have tears in my eyes when I only think about it! This poor man…

They didn't stay much longer. Probably because it was getting late, but also I think they have noticed my sudden mood change. I thanked them as friendly as I could, and they replied they had a wonderful afternoon, but when I closed the door behind them I was glad to be alone.

A dead wife and a crush on Maru… What should I do? What can I even do?! This is getting more complicated by the day…

Your heavy-hearted friend,

Helena