Quick A/N: Finally, after twelve years, I decided to purchase Harvest Moon: Animal Parade. I know, I know I'm late to the game, but I suppose you can say it's better late than never, right? Anyways, I have always been a huge fan and lover of Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility, so that's why I never decided to play Animal Parade – until now, that is. So, it will be interesting to see the similarities and the differences between each game. Basically, to the main point, this fanfiction will be dedicated to my walkthrough of the game while I'm playing in progress. Have fun with me, guys!

POV: Molly

Disclaimer: I do not own Harvest Moon: Animal Parade.

Chapter 1: My Neighbor

"The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
Mark 12:13

It's been about a week since I came into Castanet and decided to make it my home. Exactly one week ago, I was lying behind a horse carriage driven by Cain, rancher of Hornet Ranch, who took me to my old and worn ranch. When I first saw the buildings, I was stunned that it was in such an awful state and thought, "how can anyone live in such a place?" But I realized that it takes a strong dedication and willpower to someday see this ranch thrive. As I stand here by myself looking at the plot of land with crops growing, almost ready to be harvested, I promise myself to help my farmland flourish. Slowly, I walk to where the cabbages, turnips, and strawberries are growing and kneel to touch the blossoming flowers softly.

"They're so fragile and so delicate." I whisper to the plants as I notice a small ladybug hidden between the leaves, a smile forming on my lips. "Why, hello there, little friend. It's a nice day, isn't it?"

The tiny insect flies away to another plant when it notices my presence, leaving me alone once more with the smile fading from my lips. It's been challenging work on my body planting, sowing, and watering my crops every day since I got here, but I know that eventually, I will get used to it. Someday, I will build enough stamina to work with the crops and livestock – once I can afford it, that is. But until then, I will continue to drag my body to complete the simple tasks of farming. I let a small sigh escapes from my lips as I get up from the dirt where I was kneeling, and my eyes are drawn to the barn and the coop – more rusted buildings that need mending.

The thought of someday owning any livestock seems so absurd that I laugh at the idea. In reality, all of this seems absurd – me owning land, livestock, and a ranch! I stop to think about how I got to this island, but the memories are too faint to remember, and I suddenly feel despondent. Closing my eyes shut, I try my hardest to remember anything, such as where I came from and why I suddenly decided to move and become a rancher/farmer? But all that there is within my mind is emptiness, and I let myself give up trying to recollect any memories. I suppose that there is no use in worrying about that since I'm here situated in Castanet … for now.

"Molly, I brought something for you. I thought that you might need it for your ranch to prosper."

A deep yet friendly voice interrupts my thoughts, and I turn around to see who it is. A few feet away from me, Cain is holding a spotted calf with a rope next to him. My eyes grow wide from the sudden surprise as my brain is processing Cain's last words. Did he just mention that he brought a calf to me to help me prosper? Cain must have sensed my astonishment because he heartily laughs and walks closer to me to hand me the rope. I quickly take a few steps backward as the realization hits me that I will finally own livestock of my own. Cain's laugh dies down when he sees my hesitation, and a thin line forms on his lips. I try my best to ignore his sudden change of behavior, but because I'm the one that caused it, I feel a pang of slight guilt in my heart. However, this thought I cannot ignore, am I prepared to handle such a responsibility? I mean, I must be since I own a barn now, and I know for my ranch to grow, I will need animals to help it expand. But I didn't realize this soon in a week!

"I'm sorry, Cain. I hope I didn't mean to offend you." I say as I cautiously take a step forward towards the calf, looking at the rancher with apologetic eyes. "Honestly, I'm just surprised, that's all. I wasn't expecting such generosity."

"Nonsense, Molly. I know how hard it is starting a ranch is since I also went through that many years ago, and I didn't have anyone to help me." A genuine smile forms on Cain's face and once again giving me the rope that's tied to the calf. "So, I want to help you out. Will you allow me to be not only a good neighbor but a good friend as well?"

After Cain's words, how can I refuse? I accept his kindness by finally taking ahold of the rope, and the calf gives a slight "moo," which makes me smile. I turn to Cain once more, and I give my thanks by giving him an eager hug in which he gladly returns. I truly hope he understands what his actions mean to me and what he did because, this, I will never forget for as long as I'm alive. We both depart from the embrace and smile at each other once more before Cain turns around and walks away. As I see Cain walking away to his home, Hornet Ranch, I hope that I can somehow return the favor to the rancher one day. Although, for now, I suppose having a new member to the ranch wouldn't be so bad.

"Why, hello there, little friend. It's a nice day, isn't it?"

Read and Review! Hours to Create, Seconds to Review!