There is still no news concerning the whereabouts of May. The other children have finally settled down to sleep, so I've decided to go out and look for her as well, for I hate feeling helpless.

The sun has already begun its decline. I can't help starting to worry now. Could the legend be true? No, it is only a silly superstition.

Or so I hope.

Chapter 3

"Grandma, you should really lie down," I said as I took the elderly woman's hand and led her slowly to her bed.

"Elli dear, I'm fine," she insisted, "really." I shook my head and continued leading her toward her bedroom. She was obviously worn out; she had spent the day delivering apple pies to the villagers in town.

"No, you're nodding off even as you speak. Just take it easy, I can take care of Stu tonight." She didn't reply, but merely nodded as she settled gingerly down onto the mattress. I whispered good night and shut the door.

I had always admired my grandmother. She was approaching eighty and was still active within the town. She had raised Stu and I after our parents had died, and never showed any sign of impatience, even with my constant worrying and Stu's boisterous energy. I wished I could someday be as strong as her.

On another note, my relationship with Doctor Tim was flourishing. It had been almost two seasons since he admitted his feelings for me, and I of course told him the same. The news around town was that he was going to propose the night of the Moon Viewing festival, which he had already asked me to. I was anxious, as I had right to be, but I was a tad disappointed that it wouldn't be much of a surprise. Manna was to blame for this, she seemed to know all the most recent gossip, and had somehow came across this piece of information, not hesistating before passing it on to me.

I smiled as I imagined myself in a beautiful white dress. I had wished for my own family my whole life; to have kids of my own. It wouldn't be perfect I knew, but the benefit would far exceed any trouble we'd endure. I wholly and truly could not wait.

As for the other couples in town, they all had at least had one child already, with the exception of Ann, who was currently pregnant. Jack and Karen's son was cute and energetic, and as much as I loved spending time with the infant, he still reminded me of my past feelings. The feelings I had earnestly tried to get rid of, but dimly remained. No, I love Tim, I scoldingly reminded myself.

The night of the Moon Viewing festival was romantic and perfect, just as I had expected it to be. We sat on the top of Mother's Hill, hand in hand, watching the bright, full moon rise and slowly take control over the night sky. Tim proposed to me as the moon's orange light shone down on us, and I wasted no time in saying yes. I couldn't wait to tell the news to my grandmother.

And I knew I was the happiest resident of Mineral Town that day.