(Author's Note: It was brought to my attention that Chapter 9 (Spring, Day 5, Year 1) accidentally got replaced with the contents for Chapter 10 (Spring, Day 6, Year 1) at some point. That means that some of you may have missed a good chunk of the story before I realized what had happened and you may want to go back and re-read Chapter 9 now that it has been fixed. Sorry about that!)
Theme Song: Everyday Life - Coldplay
Dear Farmer,
I'd like to apologize for joking about your old cottage when we first met. It's really a nice little house! However, you might need some more space someday. That's where I can help. If you bring me some raw materials and pay a fee, I can expand your house. The first expansion I offer includes a kitchen. With a kitchen, you'll be able to cook any recipes you've learned! Anyway, I hope you're starting to feel at home in Stardew Valley!
Your local carpenter,
Robin.
"A birthday gift? That's very kind of you! I love it!" Mayor Lewis took the parsnip from her, examining it with a grin on his face.
"It's one of my first," she smiled. "I thought, since you were the one who agreed to let me stay on the farm, you might like to have it."
"It brings me great hope for the place. The old owner was a good friend of mine. It warms my heart to know someone like you is taking care of it," he turned to walk inside his house. "And tonight, I'll enjoy this lovely parsnip and remember him."
Once the birthday gift was delivered, she decided to take a break. Her morning had been spent planting some cauliflower and beans that she bought from Pierre, followed by traipsing around the mountains looking for a leek for the junimos and had resulted in little success. She had, however, found a daffodil down by the bus stop. The elusive leek was the last thing she needed, but she was tired of wandering around the town and finding nothing.
Elliot was standing on the dock when she reached the beach. She grabbed her fishing pole and stood some feet away, not wanting to disturb him. Surprisingly, he spoke to her first. A rare event.
"Hello. I hope your new farming life is panning out as you'd hoped?"
She cast her fishing line, a little bit of irritation leaking out in her throw as she thought about her fruitless search that morning, "It's okay. I harvested my first crops and planted more this morning. I'm finally starting to make some money so I don't have to live so tight…"
"But?"
She was impressed that he seemed to read the tone in her voice with ease, "But it's a lot of work. And sometimes I get impatient because it doesn't give satisfaction very quickly. There's so much waiting…" her line dipped as something bit, and she started reeling the fish in. It was a sardine.
"Patience is a virtue that many need these days," Elliot nodded. "But it is often the hardest of all to obtain."
"Well, I guess I wasn't a very patient person in my other life," she cast the line out again, irritation seeping into her words. "Because I'm finding that I get frustrated at the slightest setback. Then I get even more angry because I should already know that about myself, but now I'm learning it for the first time."
"You are an enigma wrapped in a blanket of warmth and light," Elliot smiled as he watched her fish. "I'm sure you are much more patient than you are giving yourself credit for."
Another sardine.
"Well, at least you have faith in me," she cast again. "Not gonna lie, I'm having a hard time finding any in myself lately. It's been a week and I still don't know anything about myself. Not only that, but no one seems to be looking for me either! At least, not enough that they've come here. And I'm rubbish at making friends."
"Stardew Valley is a little cut-off from society," Elliot slid his hands into his pockets as he stared out across the sea. "That's why I came here. It's a nice place to isolate and focus on writing. As someone who moved here last year, I can tell you that your sentiment about finding friends is a true one. Granted, I spend a lot of time in my cabin, but many of the people here seem rather unapproachable."
"Maybe I just need access to the internet," she grumbled. "But I don't even know where to begin looking for a computer. Does anyone in town even have a computer?"
"Sebastian does some sort of programming work, I hear," Elliot shrugged. "I rarely see him though. Spends a lot of time at home. You could probably ask him to look and see if anyone has posted anything on the internet."
"I take it you don't type your books up on a computer, then?" she sighed, reeling in a flounder.
"No," he laughed. "I much prefer the physical presence of actual paper. The smell is nice, as well. And when the ink hits the page and starts to bleed as you form the letters… It's like breathing new life into the world."
As annoyed as she was at herself and her waste of time that morning, she couldn't help but admire the man's poetic passion for his art, "I guess that does sound nice. I wonder what types of things I used to do before I ended up here."
"You could take some time to attempt a couple different hobbies. I could help you, if you'd like," Elliot offered. "Leah would also be more than happy to help you get in touch with your artistic side. I can take writing. She'll take art."
The farmer considered, nodding slowly as a fish nibbled her line, but ultimately got away, "That might… That might actually be really nice. Once I'm solidly on my feet and not trying to live from day to day."
"Of course."
She reeled in her line, letting out a sigh, "I'm going to go see how much Willy is willing to give me for these fish so I don't have to carry them home. It was nice chatting with you. Sorry if I interrupted you while you were thinking…"
"Not at all. Your presence was a welcome gift today," his smile was genuine and filled her heart with joy.
"I do look forward to spending some time exploring a little bit of your world and what you do, so even if I'm busy right now, don't give up on me," she turned to walk away, catching his slight smile as she turned around.
"I wouldn't dream of it."
She sold the fish to Willy for a decent price and then waved farewell to Elliot as she headed back towards town. She still needed to drop off her daffodil in the community center. If she had time after that, she could fish a little bit more later. It was turning out to be an easy way to keep her finances stable.
"Oh, it's a nice day, isn't it?"
"Hey Sam," she smiled as he approached from the direction of his house. "It's been alright."
"What are ya up to?" he grinned, hands shoved into his pockets.
"I decided to take a break for the afternoon and did some fishing," she explained. "I might do a little more here in the river, but I have to drop something off first."
"Want me to take it for you?" he offered.
"Oh no," she waved her hand. "It's really personal and should probably be dropped off in person. Thank you, though, for offering. You're really very sweet."
She meant it. It was the second time he had asked if she needed his help, and for the second time, she had to decline because it had to do with the Community Center.
"Seriously though," he looked down at the ground, causing her to feel bad for rejecting his offer. "If you need anything, just let me know! I'm always here to help!"
"I'll be sure to remember that," she tried to say it as kind and gently as possible. "It truly does mean a lot, even if I have to say no."
"I'm really just trying to find an excuse to hang out with you," he admitted with a sheepish smile.
"Oh," she blinked, slightly surprised. "Well… I apologize for being so hard to pin down. There's just so much to be done, and-"
"Not enough time," he said with a sigh. "Yeah, I understand. But maybe once you've gotten things figured out?"
"Of course! I'd love to!" she nodded, worried she seemed to eager. "And if you ever want to help pull some weeds…"
"Would you look at the time? I think I hear my mom calling me for dinner!" Sam's tone indicated that he was joking. It was clear how he felt about yard work.
"Your loss," the farmer chuckled.
"Don't let me keep you from your errand," Sam turned to head home, as if he was actually late for dinner. "It was nice talking with you."
"Same," she said, almost too softly to be heard as he walked away. Her heart felt lighter after their conversation and she found herself humming with a slight skip in her step as she headed up the hill towards the Community Center.
"Aren't you cold?" George called after her as she hurried past. "They don't make sweaters like they used to!"
"Not at all, George!" she smiled. "Sebastian lent me this hoodie and he really likes colder weather, so it's warmer than it looks!"
He grumbled, but raised his hand in a friendly manner, "Take care, then."
"You too!"
She dropped the daffodil off without running into anyone else, and continued to the bridge that led to the local JojaMart. It was there that she decided to try for a few more fish. When all was said and done, she headed for home with four to cash in.
As she passed by the saloon, she could see Shane walking towards her. Before she could even think to say something, he spoke first.
"I'm busy, can't you tell?" he held a hand up and walked by, not even waiting for an indication that she would approach him.
Fine. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction then. She just kept walking as if he was invisible.
Hopefully that hid the slight sting his words had left.
Once home, fish and turnips all tucked away in the shipping crate, she thought about her run-in with Sam and her conversation with Elliot. Though she had felt it was difficult to make friends, she also wondered if there weren't others who were interested in getting to know her but put off by her own distant attitude. It was hard to let people get to know you when you didn't even know yourself. Obviously Sam wanted to be friends and she hadn't even realized it until he had said it plain and clear…
Maybe it wasn't quite as lonely or hopeless as she had originally thought. Perhaps she just needed to look outside herself more.
Shane felt a prick in his conscience as he watched the farmer walk away. She was trying to appear aloof and like she hadn't been about to say something, but her eyes gave it away. He could tell. He'd seen that same look in his own eyes day in and day out… Act like you don't care and maybe the pain will go away. Maybe eventually you'll believe it.
Unfortunately, the empathy only made him feel worse.
Annoyed, he resolved to make it up to her tomorrow. He'd try to be nicer… Or maybe he'd just explain that he was rubbish and not worth getting to know anyway. Either way, he'd was sure he didn't want to see that hurt look on her face ever again. She deserved better than that.
She was way too good to ever associate with someone like him.
