Year I, Spring 5
Dear Diary,
when I got out of my house in the morning there was a surprise: Marnie had found a stray, orange cat and asked me if I'd like to keep her. I've always wanted a cat so, of course, I accepted! I've named her Mila and I guess she likes me because she constantly purrs when I stroke her fur or give her some milk.
I've also received another letter – by the Joja company! Only seeing this name made me so angry I wanted to tear the letter apart! But then I read it anyway (maybe it was important, about my quitting for instance) and therefore found out that the boulder at the bridge at the mountains where I was yesterday is now gone and we have access to the mountains again. At least one good thing they did…
Then I did something great, wonderful, exciting: I harvested my first parsnip! I feel so proud and happy; I can't remember the last time I felt like this.
After lunch I went into town, again through the Cindersnap Forest where I found a Travelling cart (which is pulled by a pig…) with great stuff but all way too expensive… So first I went to Clint, the blacksmith, to open a geode I had found, then I met Penny on my way to the library to return one book that I have already read, and finally I bought more seeds at Pierre's. The clinic was just next to it… but I thought it would be weird to just show up without a reason (I had forgotten his umbrella…).
After this I decided to go to the mountains since they were now available. On my way north, I passed the old Community Center where I met Lewis. He showed me this old, rotten, abandoned house and I felt sorry because it really did look awful where once everyone would meet and come together. It was a rather sad picture… And despite all of that of course Joja wants it (like everything else, these greedy bastards!) but fortunately Lewis doesn't want to sell the place, too many nostalgic memories. I just wanted to ask what happened that the building was in such a devastating status – when I saw it. I swear I'm not insane and I didn't imagine it – there suddenly was a small green… something! Like a ball but with eyes! But Lewis didn't see it. Then another! I am glad Lewis didn't notice anything or the word that the new farmer was completely crazy would make a quick round through town. So I was also glad when he left for a late lunch.
I have always been curious, sometimes too much for my own good, like that one time when I found my Christmas presents two weeks before Christmas, or when I found the naked pictures of my boss in his writing desk drawer… – gross! Still my curiosity is stronger than fear or threats or danger. That was why I went further into the Community Center to search for these smalls creatures and find out what the hell they are! Instead I found a golden scroll with a strange language I couldn't even read… I put in my backpack and want to research about it in the library tomorrow. Or ask some of the townspeople, maybe someone knows something. Maybe it's ancient – or maybe it's just a joke of the local kids…
Despite an almost heart attack when I saw tiny, weird creatures I continued my walk to the mountains. I soon found a dark cave which I entered. There was already someone who gave me the next heart attack – way too many for only one day! It was an old man with an eye-patch. He said his name was Marlon, he runs the Adventurer's Guild, and he told me about the old mine deep under the mountain. Although it is abandoned one can still find many ores and other handy or valuable things. But, of course, there's a catch: Monsters live in the cave… He gave me an old sword of his, wished me Good Luck and then went outside into the sunshine.
I was left confused but also excited. Here I was, in a dark cave, with a real sword in my hands. I've had always dreamed of fighting with a real sword, reading much Middle Ages and fantasy novels, but never thought it could come true. Again, I pondered between danger and curiosity – monsters, ores, adventures and using my new sword. As you can guess I went, naturally, into the cave. There was a ladder which I climbed down. It wasn't too dark, apparently there were some glow stones or other light sources. I held my sword firmly in my hand, my heart beating rapidly as I scanned my surroundings for dangers.
Since I found only stones on the first level I went further down. I found some copper which I'm sure will be useful – but also a giant bug. It came flying in my direction and before I could even think about what to do now, I had raised my sword and killed the beast. It lay there on the floor, cut in two halves, and was dead. I can't tell you how damned scared I was! So I turned around and climbed the ladders up and ran out of the cave as quickly as I could!
I went home without really thinking where I was going; twilight was already approaching. I still had the dead bug in my mind. And suddenly I was in front of the clinic and Harvey stepped out of the door. I was still shaky and had no idea what to say, I just stared at him in utter shock – my only thought being: Damn, I forgot his umbrella!
Harvey smiled as he greeted me when he saw my expression and probably my trembling. He wanted to know if everything was alright.
"Yes," I said and told him of my adventure in the mines.
He stepped closer and examined my eyes and took my pulse. My heart beat rose again but this time for a totally different reason… He then nodded and looked me firmly in the eyes. "This mine is dangerous. Please, be careful when you go down there."
I nodded in agreement and I wonder if I will ever go there again …
He offered to make me a hot cacao to calm my nerves but I declined – I needed to give my heart the chance to relax.
"May I then accompany you home?" he asked and I was once more stunned by his chivalry. But I declined again, hopefully rather politely, because I didn't want to load more debt upon me.
"Good night then, Helena," he said with a small bow.
"Good night," I smiled. "I'll bring you your umbrella tomorrow," I suddenly remembered. "Sorry, I forgot."
"No need to hurry," he assured me.
I nodded and went home. I felt much better after this conversation and am now hopeful that I will dream of him instead of the dead bug…
I hope that you won't have any nightmares because of my tale.
Sleep well,
Helena
