The summer was coming to an end. I stood by the beach watching the ocean waves enter and leave. It was soothing to say the least though my worries refused to leave me. Where would I go after this? Surely I could just leave my old job right? I heard a cough from behind me and turn to see Tina with a roasted mackerel.

"I'm sorry to bother you Nami. Just thought maybe you were hungry that's all."

I smiled softly at her. We had become good friends in such a short time. The new farmer always taking her time to see me and giving me tomato juice when the heat was becoming too glaring. It was almost hard to believe the clumsy farmer would be good company.

"Can I ask you something?" I said as I took the fish and gave a bite. It was well cooked and seasoned to compliment the flavor.

"Sure."

"Why farming? I mean you came from a thriving metropolis right?"

"Well to put it simple, I'm not sure. I woke up one morning sad and took a long train ride to visit here." She told me as she shuffled her feet a bit uneasily against the sand. I was about to tell her to stop when she continued.

"When I got here, something in my mind was made up and I just did it you know?" She smiled.

"Really?"

"Yeah. I mean it's better to try something new, even if I lost my rent controlled building than just say I wish I did."

I stared ahead, it was strange but also justified. I mean I decided I wanted to travel as much as I could, to wander the land I was born in and see as much as possible. But why not just travel? Why stay in one area?

"Why stay though? You could have easily traveled to any other land."

"It just felt right at home, Nami." She said.

We stood quiet, eating our dinner and admiring the way the sky filled with stars.

"Where are you going next?" I heard her say over the passing noise of seagulls flying home.

"I'm not really sure, Tina. Perhaps find that place called "home", you've just described to me." I stated a bit too wistfully.

"I'm sure you'll find it. I mean you've been through many places right? So you know what constitutes as good or bad."

"Yes but wouldn't that make it harder to call it "home" then?"

"Home isn't permanent. It's just where your heart best resides in."

"Now you're backpedaling." I said flatly. This earned a hearty laugh from her, as she started walking back.


The lobby of the inn never felt so empty as I checked out. A part of me hoped that I wouldn't be stuck waiting for another bus again. I sighed as I returned the keys and turned to exit, only to be stopped by a peculiar man who I had never seen before in town either. He was dressed in a simple shirt and pants but he wore a small fez that I could not understand how it would stay on his head. The man had bade me to sit across him and chat, it was a good hour for the bus to arrive so I took the invitation.

"Good morning."

"Morning."

"This town is very peaceful and gets along well with its surroundings, reminds me of home." He said contently.

"Where's home?"

"It's a town farther off from here. Near Mineral town, in a valley called Forget-Me-Not."

"Oh?"

"In the spring the trees bloom, and in the fall the floor becomes a palette of colors. The beach is also quite the sight and we even have a small lagoon that attracts turtles and small wildlife."

"Sounds like a nice travel destination."

"It is. My wife and I run the inn there. Where are you headed?"

"I'm headed back to my old job as a weather girl." I said. The man looked at me curiously and then realization hit him.

"Oh no wonder you looked familiar! We don't get your channel back home, so I've only seen you're broadcasts when I visit the area."

"Yes, well we're a pretty small company." I murmured.

"You don't sound too keen."

"I think I might need a new change of scenery as usual."

"Most of us do."


As I headed down the old path to the bus stop, I get stopped by the rough sound of footsteps running towards me. I turn around to face a worn out Tina, who is panting.

"I'm sorry I didn't want to let you leave without saying goodbye." She said, catching her breath. I suddenly realized I had acted rude and in an effort to avoid feeling hurt at saying farewell I had neglected my friend's feelings.

"No I should apologize Tina. I should have said something earlier."

"Are you really going to continue working at the station?" She asked, worry covering her face. I sighed, my thoughts lingering longer than a response.

"I...I shouldn't have said any-"

"No. Not anymore." The words came out of my mouth without realizing. Her gaze becoming wider as a smile grew. She ran up to me and hugged me tightly, catching me off guard but also causing me to smile.

"Okay, Tina! You can let go of me!" I laughed as she placed me back on the ground.

"Right. I'm just so happy for you."

"Yes I just gotta figure out what to do next-"

"Don't worry about that, I'm sure you'll find out soon enough!"

I looked at my watch and realized that my bus would be near in 15 minutes. Eyes widening I looked up at Tina.

"I gotta go. My bus is almost here."

"Oh shoot! Yes, go and get it Nami!" We gave one last hug and she waved goodbye as I took my leave. I couldn't help but grin as I walked. My bag felt weightless as I placed it over my shoulder and strided towards the stop.

Maybe I will take the chance and visit Forget-Me-Not Valley.


Author's Note: After a long hiatus, I decided to come back and finish this. Nami was the first crush I had as a kid and I guess it's time for me to admit that I've moved away from Harvest Moon now since then. Ironically the franchise has helped me out in ways I never thought it would. At the beginning of this year I came to realize I wasn't straight anymore. Who knew that me being so heavily focused on the heroine's of the franchise would help me discover that I was Bi all along. Either way, I wish to thank all who've left comments and supported me. Perhaps I'll come back soon or another day with another fic but for now, I hope you enjoyed this story.