As I step out from the barn, I look and am greeted to snowflakes landing on my face. Looking around at the field, there is no sign of life to be seen. I want spring to hurry up and return so I can begin planting crops again, but I do appreciate the break from the heavy labor. I reach into my pocket for the 50th time this morning to check if my recent purchase is still there. Like every other time, it is. I take a deep break and begin the march into town.

Layers of snow cover the fields and paths of Mineral Town. This place has been my home for two years, three in spring. And to think, all I was planning on doing was to visit the old man from my childhood and to thank him for his kindness all those years ago. Yet he had died and to my greater shock left me his farm. At first I was reluctant. I had an exciting and fast-paced life and moving to a small farm town was far from my mind. Eventually though, I got the hang of it and Clover farm has grown to resemble its former glory. As I arrive at the hospital, a wave of excitement hits me and I push through the door to be greeted by her. There, at the frontdesk, is the love of my life, Elli.

She sees me and waves with a big smile. It is typically my routine to visit her everyday, most times with the flowers that she likes, but today I do not have any. As I take one last deep breath and walk over, I pass by the Doctor studying his papers intensely, as usual. He is always deep into his work, barely thinking of anything else, but I guess that is a good thing for a doctor, although some organization skills might do him some good. Suddenly I find myself face to face with Elli.

"Hello Jack!"

"Hi Elli!" I say "How's work been today?"

"Oh a little eventful. Rick overworked himself and fainted, so we had to revive him, but other

than that it has been quiet. How are you?"

"Oh fine. Just been keeping myself and the animals alive."

Elli giggled. For a while, there is a pause. A mix of emotions has overtaken me and I am close to running out of this place and hiding,

"Are you alright Jack?" Elli asks.

I snap out of my daze and go full force, placing my hand into my pocket and looking into Elli's eyes. "Elli... you have been so kind to me these past two years and I love how our relationship has grown."

"Oh Jack, I love it too!"

I smile a little and say "I love you Elli and I was wondering... would you marry me?"

It is at this moment that I take out the coveted blue feather and present it to her. Elli's eyes

widen and she stares at it for what feels like an eternity. Then she says, "Oh Jack, this is

beautiful...but I can't accept this."

My heart drops out of my body, through the floor and into the

center of the earth where it disintegrates. "Wh.. Wha.. Why not?" I manage to stammer out.

Elli's eyes begin to well up. "To be frank, my heart is still torn and I cannot leave the Doctor ."

"WHAT!?" I shout.

I look into the Doctor's office. The man is staring intensely into a test tube, unaware of the conversation at the front desk. Yet somehow he senses that he has been referred to and without looking away shouts,

"Huh?" I look back at Elli. "Really?!"

Elli sighs, "He's a caring man and I have had feelings for him for years. I can't just forget about that and move on."

"But Elli," I shout, a little louder than intended, "we've been going out for almost two

years. Doesn't that mean anything?"

At this Elli begins to cry and runs to the restroom. I am left standing at the front desk, hurt and confused. As I walk out the door, I too, begin to cry.