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

Chapter 2: Someone New

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13

After a few days passed, I finally agreed to visit Harmonica Town for the first time earlier today. After I finished harvesting my crops and feeding Mimi (that's the name that I chose for the calf), I decided to venture to the neighboring town to explore. And, now, late in the afternoon, I feel so exhausted. But not because I was exploring for the whole day, but because of all the people I met today. So, I decided to relax my tired body by sitting on the sandy beach near my farm to see the sunset.

As I see the still waters from the ocean, I remember that all of the townfolks mentioned having a difficult time and don't understand why. They all stated how the island isn't how it used to be and that so many things changed dramatically in a short amount of time. Even though I have only been on the island for two weeks now, I still wish that I could be of help, but I'm in the same position as all of the rest – I don't know anything. I sigh and break contact from the waters and stare at the setting sun on the horizon for a long time, thinking over the situation. I suppose that there's no point in worrying about it since nothing can be done for now.

So, instead, I reflect on the events that happened today. One particular memory, or rather a person, stood out to me today from the rest, and I cannot understand why. There's nothing special about him, and all that he did was complain about the island in a negative outlook more than the others. So, then why are my thoughts only on him? I try to remember his name, but nothing comes to mind, only his violet eyes and peach-colored hair with pins in his hair resonate within my head. The conversation that he and I shared earlier in the day keeps replaying in my mind…

"I'm the bar's cook, but we can't get ingredients … or customers, for that matter." The stranger states in a solemn voice with his arms crossed on his chest, mostly as if he was talking to himself. "Without a good cooking fire, I couldn't cook anything decent anyway. What a joke."

I only nod my head as I try to understand his situation. So, apparently, on the island, the fire doesn't work well enough to cook. That explains why when I try to fry the eggs this morning, the stove didn't give enough power even in the highest setting. I can only imagine how much this affects the livelihood of the cook in front of me in a negative manner. I wish I could comfort him in his state of uneasiness by giving him a hug, but I don't want to alarm him, so, instead, I look at the ground.

"I'm sorry." I solely respond when I look up to see his violet eyes once more since what else can I say to someone that I just met. To a stranger? "I hope things will get better in the future."

"Thanks, but I know that you really don't care since you're the new rancher here and have other important things to attend to. Although, once we start serving food again, you should come by. Anyways, I need to go to the bar since it's almost time that my shift starts. Bye."…

I shake my head, hoping that the memory will fade away, but unfortunately, it stays implanted in my mind. For some reason, I feel offended that he would automatically assume that I wouldn't care about his well-being. Even though we just barely met today and only had one short conversation, I would still care for him – for some strange reason. I try to ignore this nagging feeling in my chest, and instead, I try to shift my thoughts and comprehend his last statement since I'm not sure if he invited me to go to the bar with him or not. Surely, I'm overthinking the cook's word when he was just being polite with me since I'm the newcomer, that's all.

"Please, just go away."

I whisper to the setting sun that's about to be engulfed by the still waters of the ocean, hoping that my thoughts of him will suddenly disappear as well. But for some reason, the memory keeps replaying in my head. Is there something that I missed from the conversation earlier that I'm trying so hard to remember? Is what I'm trying to remember so desperately is his name? Oh, if only I can remember his name!

"Well, I just got here, but if you want me to leave so badly, then I will."

That voice! But there's no way that it could be him or that he could be in this part of the island for no reason. Could he? I'm probably imagining his voice and his presence since all that I did this afternoon was think of him. However, when I hear footsteps on the sand, I know that he really is here with me. I turn my head to see the cook, but his back is to me as he walks away from me. I quickly regret my choice of words as I promptly stand up and walk behind him to catch up to him.

"Wait, no, I'm sorry. It wasn't directed towards you since I didn't even know that you were here … too."

I half-lie since it isn't entirely true. I did direct my statement to the person in front of me, although, in a different context. I wanted my thoughts of him to go away – not him. With my words, the cook stops in his tracks and turns to face me with a hard stare, but then softens. I try to give a small yet welcoming smile as an apology for my lack of words directed to the cook, but he only shrugs off my actions as he only stands there awkwardly debating whether to stay or leave.

"I forgot that this part of the island is a part of your ranch now. Sorry for trespassing your property." As I'm about to protest to his statement, he raises his hand to silence me before he continues, "I'm kidding. Anyways, the name's Chase."

"Pardon?"

"Earlier, when we met at the church's ground, I forgot to tell you what my name is in our introduction." Chase states in an unamused tone as he stares at the sun's pink and orange light rays over the sea. He hesitates his following words before resuming, "I guess that's the only reason why I came here to see you, Molly. For some reason, I didn't want you to think I was rude being to you – not that it matters."

At first, Chase's words have me confused, but then, I feel gratitude for his actions. So that's what I was trying to remember so hard from our conversation that Chase and I had earlier – trying to recollect if Chase did give me his name or not. No wonder I couldn't remember it! Even now, I can feel a small amount of happiness within my heart, knowing that Chase came out here where I live just to tell me his name. A small smile forms on my lips as I see him standing a few feet away from me with his arms crossed across his chest in a calm, cool manner.

"Well, then Chase, thank you for coming. Although, frankly, it does matter to me."

He merely nods his head before he officially turns around to walk away, leaving me alone once more. I stand there, staring at the same spot where Chase was a few moments ago with the hope that he will come back. My smile fading since I know he won't return, and I turn around to continue viewing the sunset. Although, I notice that the sun has completely vanished from the horizon, giving birth to the night sky with the faint stars and moon. How long have I been here, just standing and being reflective about a person who is still a stranger? Besides, by tomorrow morning, this conversation will soon be forgotten, so I shouldn't dwell too much on it. But until then, I will think of our small, insignificant interactions on the rare moments where I can relax from working on my farm.

"Chase, huh?"

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