Chapter 1

Popuri loved to get up early and sit by the Goddess Spring in the forest. Everything was always so peaceful then, that is until her friend Ann bounded up the hill. She didn't mind though, Ann was one her best friends. But those few moments alone were always bliss. Lately, she'd been noticing that those once peaceful moments were starting to become very lonely. This day was especially lonely; it was the day after Mr. Simms's funeral. So when she saw that flash of Ann's fiery red hair, she was glad.

ANN: Hey Poppy.

POPURI: Hey Ann.you don't look your usually peppy self.

ANN: Heh, yeah..you're not that perky either though.

POPURI: Yeah..I guess it's just hard. I feel as if a part of my life is gone now

ANN: I know what you mean...We all loved him. But you know, I think he would've wanted us to continue being happy. To move on.

POPURI: I know.but I have so many fond memories. When I think of my childhood, I think of Uncle Simms.

ANN: I do too.but, you know, we aren't children anymore. And as long as the memories are good.

POPURI: Yeah you're right. Oh hey! Did you see that guy at the funeral?

ANN: Huh? You were checking out guys at the funeral? *Ann smirks*

POPURI: No! *blushes* I just noticed him. He was tall, light brown hair, dark eyes?

ANN: Oh you mean Jack! Yeah, he's Simms's grandson. In fact, he's taking over the Harvest Farm. Gonna try to restore it.

POPURI: Wow, that's quite a task!

ANN: Yeah, seems really nice. In fact, Dad wants me to bring him lunch this afternoon.you can come if you want and I'll introduce ya.

POPURI: Oh really!? I'd love to! Wait.I can't.

ANN: Why not?

POPURI: One of our chickens died from a wild dog attack because I accidentally left the gate unlocked. I'm in pretty big trouble. I shouldn't even be here right now.

ANN: Oh Poppy! I'm so sorry, which one was it?

POPURI: It was Pon.

ANN: Pon? Wasn't she your favorite?

POPURI: *sniff* Yeah, and Rick is being a jerk about it as usual.

RICK: POPURI!

ANN: Ooh, I think I hear your brother now.

POPURI: Yeah, I'd better get going.

ANN: Ok then. I'll see you tomorrow. Oh, and I'll send Jack over your way too.

POPURI: Huh?

ANN: Well, if he asks I'll tell him that he can get a chicken over at Chicken Lil's and also subtly work in the fact that a lovely young lady with strangely colored hair lives there.

POPURI: Oh, quiet you! *laughs* And my hair is NOT a strange color!

ANN: Yeah, for cotton candy!

POPURI: *laughs* I'll get you for that!

Popuri ran down the slope as quickly as her little red slippers could take her, only to almost tackle down Rick.

RICK: Popuri! Tsk, why are you always so childish? And why do you insist on coming up here every morning? If you want to wake up early you should get a head start on taking care of the chickens. And furthermore-

POPURI: Oh shut up Rick!...Have you buried Pon yet?

RICK: No, that's what I came to get you for.

POPURI: Ok, then...let's go.