Harvest Moon Generations
First Generation
Chapter 3: Spring Year 1
So, I slept a good 4 hours, I think. It is so quiet out here in the country, the city was always full of noise that it was just a background noise when I slept, now it's just silent. Well not completely silent, this old house might be sturdy, but with the little bit of wind I got last night it creaked and it sounded so loud. So now I'm up at the crack of dawn, dressed in a light pink and white button up plaid shirt that I rolled the sleeves up to my elbows and blue overalls and brown boots. I run a brush through my hair and grab my backpack off the bed. Shoving a rice ball down my throat I go over to my chest opening to see some tools, there's an axe, a hoe, a hammer, a watering can, a sickle and a pedometer. Grabbing the pedometer, I stick it to my side pocket f my overalls, I take the axe and hammer and put those in my bag heading out to start working on my mess of a farm.
Or I was when I stepped out the door there was Thomas grinning ear to ear, "Good morning, Claire. Did you sleep well?" I look at him forcing a small smile, "I slept, well. What can I help you with this morning Mayor?" He reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper, "I thought I'd bring you a map of the town and of the land around here, we have mountains near us so we don't want anyone getting lost out there." He hands out the paper and I take it and put in my back pocket, "Thank you, I'll be sure to use it if I ever get lost." "Well then I'll be off, have a wonderful first day. Remember it's your farm, and you can do whatever you like. See you later." And with that, he waved and left.
As I started to take my first few steps I heard more footsteps and another man came walking towards me. He was tall and muscular with a grey tank top on and a towel around his neck, black crew pants and boots. He had a crew cut, bushy brows and a tiny moustache, in his arms was a small brown puppy. "The name is Zack." Announcing his presence to me, "I'm in charge of shipping for Mineral Town, follow me." He turns away from me and walks over to the corner of the farm where there sat a small crate with a handle on top to open it. "This is your Shipping Bin. Put things you want to sell here, and I'll come pick them up by 5 pm every day. I'll pay you when I do and if you're not here when I pick them up the money will be in the bin." Turning towards me he gave me a small smile, "I don't work on holidays, though. I need a break occasionally, too! There's also bins in your chicken coop and barn as well, just about anything you can grow and find can be shipped." Nodding towards the two buildings I saw the other day, well those questions are now answered. Giving me a stern look, "Work hard, but not too hard! If you start to feel dizzy and your face starts looking blue that means, you'll collapse! You'll end up at the clinic and who knows how long you'll be there for!" I nod my head, "Thank you for all the information, Zack. My names, Claire it's nice to meet you and your little friend here." Petting the dog on the head his tail wagging happily. A small blush made its way across Zack's face, "He's, um, a gift for you." Holding out the puppy for me, I take him in my arms and look up at Zack with shock and happiness, "My friend Lillia thought it would be a nice gift for you since you moved here by yourself she thought that a puppy would be a good. To keep you company an all. So, uh, welcome to Mineral Town. I'll be back at 5, have a good day, Ms Claire." And with a new puppy in my arms, he turns walking off.
I look down at the puppy smiling, "So what am I going to call you? How about…Max?" the puppy wagged his tail at me and I want to say that he approves. I set him down and tell him, "You are now the protector of this farm Max! From this day forward it's you and me buddy!" he tilted his head at me with tail wagging. I reach down and pat his head "Time to start on this mess of the farm, Max." I look out at the fields and take a soothing breath in an out. 'One step at a time.' Grabbing my axe and hammer out of my bag and start to work on my new dream.