Harvest Moon - A Wonderful Life, Indeed
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####### C.R. Roush #############
###### Copyright 2004 ###########
I do not own any of the Harvest Moon franchise. Natsume does.
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Prologue:
"Takakura?! Takakura..." The gruff voice rang through the barn as the rain pounded on the ceiling above. "Are you in here?" The man finally gave up and dropped the fodder that was in his hands into the feed box of Bessie, the large brown calf that had just been born. Just yesterday he led her into the barn after taking down the hutch. He was anxious to see how she grew and became accustomed to the life her mother had lived in. Smiling at her, he then turned his attention to Dolly, the mother of Bessie.

"You sure are looking good today, Dolly." He grinned as her long black tongue moistened his cheek, and then nuzzled her gently. "You all have a good night, ya hear," he said to the other animals already drifting into sleep. He then disappeared into the tool shed, placing the brush on the shelf nearby. He looked across the room at the calf hutch. Takakura hadn't fully put it away so he spent the next few minutes organizing the shed as he waited for the rain to stop.

"There you are, Dave." The man turned around to the doorway where his longtime friend and farm partner, Takakura, stood. They shook hands, smiling. "I've just returned with todays money, we made a lot on that cheese and butter today." He dropped Dave's half of the money into his hand and then started to turn to the doorway. He stopped suddenly, his face almost in a frown. He reached down into his pocket and withdrew some of his own money and reached out to place it in Dave's hand.

"Mary told me that Jack's been eying one of those toys that Van's been selling. Don't hesitate to buy it for him, Dave, you never know when they'll just up and run off." Takakura's face turned into a sullen smile, remembering his own son who had just left the farm only a year ago to pursue a career in the city. His own wife had died just months before and Takakura was now feeling the pangs of loneliness. He'd do anything to have his friends on the farm and in the Valley be happy if it meant they would stay and keep him company.

"Tak... I'm not sure I can take that. You did quite a job milking the cows lately, you've earned it." Dave was hesitant to take the money, knowing that Takakura wasn't as well off as he and Mary were.

"Dave, I insist. I'd do anything to keep that smiling little kid happy. He's going to grow up and be a swell farmer, Dave. I just know it." He leaned forwards and embraced his buddy, dropping the last of the coins in his hand into Dave's own pocket. "He's going to be a swell farmer..."

Fifteen years later...

The loud noises were coming from the room next to theirs, and Dave and Mary sat straight up in bed. Looking at each other warily, they crawled out from under the covers and got closer to Jack's bedroom door. Drawers were being opened and bags were being zipped. Horrified, Mary clutched Dave's side. A fierce stare almost burned through the door as Dave wrenched the door open and turned on the light.

"Dad?!" There was Jack, sitting on his knees before his dresser, stuffing his clothes and belongings into one of many canvas bags. "What are you doing... uh, so early?" He stopped stuffing his bags long enough to watch his father's stare turn into a grimace.

"What exactly are you doing, young man?" Turning to look at Mary, he saw her face frozen in fear.

"Dad, I've got to get out of this place. It's just not for me... I'm sorry. Bill came in yesterday, he said there's a good market for artists in the city right now, he said he'd allow me to -"

"Why are you leaving us? You know your mother's not feeling well, and Takakura's been up in bed for days with that horrible virus," he insisted, standing his ground.

"Dear lord... do you expect me to stay at this place forever? It was nice growing up here and all, but I have a life too, Dad. It's not my fault that all you want to do is take care of those dumb animals and plants. I'm leaving, and that's final." He stood up quickly clutching the bags and darted towards the door, pushing up against his father. Mary was hanging onto his arm, not allowing him to move. He was grateful for this, because he wasn't sure that he wouldn't have just tossed the boy out.

They both moved out into the living room, watching as Jack struggled to open the door and balance his belongings. They could see a light sprinkle falling outside but it wasn't stopping Jack. "I'll send a letter when I make it to the city... I hope you're feeling better, Mom." He stared at his father for a few seconds, and then nodded. He stepped out into the rain and headed down the path to the mountains, and it was then that Dave heard his wife's whimpers. They held each other tight all that night and for the days afterwards, unable to say a word.

Mary died only a week later from her long illness and also from her emotional struggles. Takakura was better, having rested for long enough, and it was he who took care of the funeral arrangements. Dave never made it to the funeral. When Takakura returned home that evening he found Dave clutching a tiny toy car that had been left behind by his son. His face was streaming with tears and Takakura decided to not make his presence known.