By the time I could actually get properly settled, I had to help Ms. Marshall with something, which required me to build another building for myself: a workshop in which I could craft different things and infuse Essences into.
I completed the task of building a new podium for the town hall, which allowed enough time for some basic furniture to be moved into my new home. It wasn't anything grand, but all my clothes and essentials made it safely, so I figured I could get more furniture later on. All that I cared about was getting the rest that I needed after everything that I had just gone through.
And so I rested. For a few days.
I needed the recharge, and I needed to write a letter to my friends and family back home to tell them that I made it safely to Clearbrook and I had settled in. I'd promised to write them, after all, so they could also write me letters in return. My papa would also be anxious, certainly, to hear how Clearbrook had fared in the wake of his absence.
I paused then, thinking for a moment. Would he even care to hear about Clearbrook, since he left it all behind when Mum died? I had no idea what he would say, or do, if I tried to involve him in this place once again.
I decided to omit where exactly I was moving to when I set out on my own from him, so I don't know how he'd feel about it now. Best not to say anything for now, I guess. Once I got my phone set up, I could easily just call instead. I had a list of phone numbers as well as mailing addresses, so it wouldn't be impossible. I just had to get things set up first, then I could worry about the rest. Simple.
Simple.
I had to keep repeating that word like a little mantra.
After taking time to myself, and getting my home more set up for myself, I decided to introduce myself to what few townsfolk had remained in Clearbrook.
Besides Ms. Marshall, there was Buddy, who ran the hotel, a girl named Poppy who ran the local flower shop, a guy named Patrick, and...
Her.
Violet.
Apparently Poppy's elder sister, and her exact opposite. Where Poppy loved bright flowers and all things cute, Violet preferred the dark and dead.
I'm not sure what I was thinking, but introducing myself to her felt different than with anyone else in town. Like I had to be close to her, however that could be possible. I couldn't explain it, but it was wonderful, euphoric almost.
And so, the new rhythm of my life took hold.