CHAPTER 1: Claire's Journey

It had been a long time since I stood before this land...20 years, now. Looking at the weed-infested fields before me, I fondly remember my childhood and the summers I'd spent here with my dearly departed grandfather. Unfortunately my parents had had a bit of a falling-out with my grandpa, and so my trips here during the summer had ceased, but I never forgot any of it. When I heard of his death it was already a terrible shock, but to find out that he'd left me his land in his will...at first I thought it was some kind of joke, but now...here I am. Suddenly, I hear a voice.

"Claire? Claire, is that you? Oh, I'm so sorry I'm late meeting you!" Mayor Thomas runs up to me, very much out of breath. Almost looked like he ran halfway across the town to get here, poor guy.

"Yes, it's me. And no worries, I wasn't waiting long." After I've given Thomas a few minutes to compose himself, I have many questions for him. "Mayor, how did the farm fall into such disarray? I know grandpa was old, but this land looks like a tornado hit it! Not just the weeds, but all those boulders and tree stumps...I feel awful seeing his farm in such a terrible state." Thomas sighed sadly, knowing this would not be an easy task for me.

"Well, people don't exactly stop aging, Claire. You have to remember that he was old even back when you spent summers here, and that was 20 years ago. He was a very strong old man, and he kept up running this farm until a few years ago. His body just finally reached its breaking point, and he couldn't carry on any further. He ended up having to sell all of his animals because he just couldn't care for them. And you're right about the tornado, one DID hit. And a few monsoons. The fields were already overgrown with weeds, but a few instances of extreme weather caused the boulders and stumps." He sighed once more, seeing my pained expression. He knew how much I truly cared about my grandfather and the land before me. "When he died, it was his dearest wish that you would inherit this land. I think he knew you would have the strength to bring this land back to the beauty it once was. I...I was there with him when he passed." Seeing my expression, he continued. "His last words were, 'Please, give this land to my granddaughter, Claire. I know she will be the one to rebuild this old land.' He passed with a smile on his face, with hope that his farm would one day be renewed." Tearing up a bit, I shook it off and finally a smile began to crease my face.

"I swear to do everything in my power to make this farm beautiful again. I promise to make my grandfather proud."

Thomas couldn't help but smile back at me. He knew that thanks to me, there was still hope. He took me into my grandpa's old cabin to show me around, though there really wasn't much to show. A one room house with a bed, a table, an ancient antenna TV, and a bookshelf. And, to my surprise, a nice mirror hanging on the wall. It definitely wasn't much, but I figured I would buy a chicken with the meager funds I had brought with me, to start making a little money every day and eventually upgrade the little cabin. Suddenly I thought to ask Thomas about the other buildings...had they been damaged by extreme weather as well? Would I have to rebuild EVERYTHING before I could even buy a chicken? "Mayor, what about the other buildings? The cabin is in good shape, but are the barn and coop okay?"

"Yes, they're all in very good condition. You'll have no problems with them. Even the old stable is in quite good shape." Thomas could sense my eagerness to get started on this project, in fact, it looked like I was about to run right out the door and get started! Giving a small chuckle, he looked to me once more. "Claire, did you happen to bring anything with you? Surely you didn't come out here completely empty-handed."

"Oh, yes! I only brought the bare minimum with me, though. Just a few outfits and basic toiletries. And this..." I reached into my bag to pull out an old photo, yellowed with age. It showed me with my grandfather, after he'd hoisted me up onto the back of his old horse, and I'd thrown my hands up to the sky with glee. One of my most precious possessions, I could never leave it. I placed it on the nightstand, next to the diary I'd also brought with me. Once he was satisfied that I had what I needed, Thomas began to leave me to my new life. As I saw him out, an old man hobbled toward the cabin door with a colt following after him. To say the least, I was surprised.

"Ah, hello, Mugi!" Thomas called out. "What are you doing out here?" Mugi looked towards me with a glint in his eye.

"Well, I'm here to speak to young miss Claire. She's going to be taking over this farm, is she not?" I vaguely remembered the old man, only having seen him a few times when I'd stayed here as a child. Seeing the colt with him, I couldn't help but feel nostalgic...I wondered why, but pushed the thoughts away and kindly greeted the old man.

"Yes, sir. I'm Claire, and I'm going to be taking over this farm. And if you don't mind my asking, why have you brought a pony here with you?"

"I was hoping you'd take care of him for me. He never wants to stay at our ranch, always tries to get back here." Giving him a very confused look, Mugi explained further. "You see, this young one was sired by none other than your grandfather's horse. I think that's why he keeps wanting to come here...in his heart, he knows where his true home is. However, Claire, I must warn you. I will be back when this colt is full-grown, and if I find that he has not received the utmost care and love from you, I will not let him stay here. Raising him will be a test, you understand?"

"The colt of my grandfather's old horse...Mr. Mugi, I can promise you here and now that you will not be disappointed in me when you return here." Mugi nodded and placed the pony in the stable for me, then said his goodbyes as he hobbled back to his own ranch. I was amazed...even a small piece of my grandpa's legacy was literally living on the farm with me. I felt this was a sign, a good omen. A sign to tell me that coming here had been the right thing to do.

Before leaving, Thomas left me with a bit more advice. "Oh, Claire? I think it would be a good idea to spend your first day here going about the town and introducing yourself to all the villagers. Bond with the people here, some of them will no doubt be helpful to you as you try to revive this farm." Nodding in understanding, I gratefully accepted a map of the village from Thomas and began to get ready to leave. Thomas waved goodbye, and I took one last look at the land around me.

I was ready. "My new life awaits," I whispered to myself. "Time to meet the townsfolk!"