Well, the last few days have been pretty much the same endeavour; Go out, farm, fish, meet residents… and even get some work done on the Bundles inside the Community Center. Only today came when Robin finally finished building the Farmhouse.

I stood outside with her as the building stood majestically, now looking bigger than before.

"There you go, hun. One improved farmhouse, now with fitted kitchen. Have you been watching those Queen of Sauce shows lately?" She asked me.

I never paid much attention to the TV but upon Jodie's suggestion, I've been watching the cooking shows now… and already, I've learned some new recipes. "Uhhh, I think so… it's been quite informative." I commented.

"Oh good, because with the kitchen, you'll be able to make food for yourself or, if you're feeling generous, give them out to the townsfolk. I'm sure they'll love to taste what your mother used to make. Did she ever give you that old recipe book?" Robin quizzed further.

Of course, she handed me the tome as a hand-me-down. It was handwritten by the generation, listing every culinary concoction created, my ma's home made apple pie was the latest to be inked too.

"Yeah, maybe I could take some of her Apple Pie up to yours." I smirked.

"Is that so? Well… I look forward for it. Well, I better head back… hope you enjoy your new house. Come back if you want a basement… might be ideal for making wine." She smiled.

A basement… it would be great to start making a wine business. Just need loads more ancient fruit…

With that in mind, I headed inside and investigated my new kitchen. It all seems up to date; Gas-powered cooker, a pristine fridge, sink and all the cupboards for all your culinary needs. Then I had an idea, maybe I could do some cooking of my own. I've always bought snacks and food from Pierre's and Gus' but now I can great cracking with making my own.

Though, as far as my farm goes, I still need some animal produce; I had wood and stone left over from exploring the mines and cutting down some of the wild woodland so I took it over to Robin's.

"Hey Robbie, you back for more?" She asked.

"Yeah… since I got myself a kitchen, I might want to source some animals." I explained.

"Oh! Well, you should start with a Coop. People have been complaining that JojaMart's Eggs' quality are becoming… questionable. Alright, gimme the materials, and I'll give you a place to mark the plot. Once you've done that, I'll come in the morning and get started." She smiled as we exchanged. I gave her the materials and was given marking tools in return.

"Thanks Robin, I'll put this down for you." I said when the woman stopped me once more. "Here, it's been a while since you came over for dinner. Why not come back tonight. I got a chicken roast in the oven; The family has been asking after you." She spoke.

"Uhh… yeah, sure." I answered. "Great! Don't be late now, dear."

After finally departing the Carpenters, I headed back to my farm to set down the plot for my coop. It was quite easy to plot the spot, as all I'm doing is hammering a few pins with strings together. I chose a sheltered corner of the farm, away from the vast fields, amongst some woods. There was even a small vennel between a group of trees; Ideal for the Barn for larger farm animals. Once the place was set down. I went back to the old farm to gather more wood for fencing; A crucial part of creating an outdoor pen for the chickens to roam and boy was it exhausting under the intense heat.

After committing my soul to the virtues of hard graft, I went into town to rest, perching on a bench to drink water, and then a figure passed. A scruffy man in a blue Joja hoodie shuffled past, gushing down what appears to be a beer bottle. He looks to be in his 30s and obviously had the signs of a drunk.

When I said hello, as a friendly greeting, all I received was a sharp glare and a vicious "…Piss off…"

Never have I ever heard someone act so rude and bitter in my life. Someone obviously got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. Then, shortly after, I came across a bright spiky haired young man striding by, holding a skateboard under his arm. Unlike the man before, he held his manners.

"Oh, good evening Robbie. Taking a break?" He asked. "Yeah…" I huffed. "Who was that bloke earlier… he sounded nasty."

"Oh, that's Shane… dunno about him but he's always that way. I would keep your distance, the alcohol in his breath would knock out an Ox! I don't think we've properly met, I'm Sam by the way; You must be Robbie, I take it." He cackled.

"Yup, one and only… say, were you the ones in the JojaMart?" I asked further. "Our only place to find a job; Me and Shane work in the supermarket. It's not much but it's a living. Though… I wish the working conditions improve. Morris drives on as if we're his mindless drones. Shane's probably grown a thick skin to it though.

Well, I best let him be for now. It's been nice meeting you, Robbie. Catch ya later." Sam explained as he went into Jodie's house; Assuming he lived there.

I continued with another swig of water as people came and go as they please, kindly saying hello as they did. This town has quite the colour cast. Fully rested, I got back up and headed back to Robin's as the day settled into evening. A warm welcoming smell came from the kitchen as I sat by the table.

"Hey Robbie, you took your time. Demetrius has been asking after you. He's here, honey!"

Then the scientist sat by the table.

"Hey Robbie, it's been a while huh? Listen… I've been visiting your farm and noticed a little opening amongst the rocky cliffs. When I looked inside, there's a darkened cave… not too big, just a little alcove. I did all of my checks; Humidity, soil acidity, air moisture, yadda, yadda. The point is that the cave provides the perfect atmosphere and habitat to host either one of my proposed projects.

I have a host of young fruit bats in captivity and they're about to grow into adults. If you can let me move them into the cave, they'll happily leave behind some fruit for you to collect.

Or, I have a selection of fungi samples that I am willing to grow in the cave. They'll produce all kinds of different specimens that you could sell on or use in your endeavours. Either way, I get research data for my expedition in the valley so we both benefit from the results of this work.

I'm sure you won't mind either option, just pop in to check what's inside and you'll be allowed to take them.

Mushrooms or Bats?" He explained.

I never even noticed the fact that I had a small cave tucked away in one corner of the farm. I blinked in surprise as I pondered. Mushrooms does seem like a good option but the potential to have all kinds of fruit, even ones not in season, sounds like a better choice. Plus, it'd help with the Community Centre.

"The Fruit Bats. I'll have them in the cave." I elected.

"The Bats? That's great! I'll move them in tomorrow… I'm certain this will be the start of something promising. Thanks Robbie." Demetrius spoke as Robin sat down our dinner servings on the table. On cue, Sebastian slipped out of his man-cave to join us by the table side then Maru joined us a little later after work.

"How was work?" Robin asked with a smile.

"A long, tiring day. Nothing much was going on lately though Harvey did seem a little happier when he came in this morning." She answered. "Yeah, I think that's because he was on a date." I explained.

"A date? Awww~ it's rare to find a partner these days but for Harvey to fill in that sombre loneliness." She said with a smile.

"Though, I did get a phone call earlier, Robbie. It's from the local police department, it's a police detective. They must be looking for you." Robin said.

"The Police? Did I do something wrong? Are they going to arrest me? Don't tell me…"

"Ahahaha, no… the detective wants to ask a few questions, that's all. He said he'll swing by tomorrow. For what reason, I do not know but it seems vitally important. Just try not to think the worst of things and you'll be fine."

Well, it must be tied to Joja and my family if the police are interested in me.

As night fell, I ate my dinner and bid farewell to Robin and her family before heading back home. For some reason, now that the police are involved…

…something about my Pa's death doesn't sit well…