Tom Nookie

Harvest Festival

3rd Person POV

The next day you were already nicely dressed for the harvest festival. Wearing another of Gracie's designs. A long brown dress with orange cuffed sleeves. Not thinking much about your appearance though, the inspector's arrival is what worried you most... 

Taking the hot tray of seasoned stuffed mushrooms off the table, you carefully run to the train station where you and the others had arranged to meet. Upon arrival, you discover Lottie and Digby are early, sitting at the train station as they wait for the others. Happily skipping along to greet the two, you stop and realize that Lottie seemed to have her head down. Echoing sniffles came from inside the train station. Looking surprised, you hide behind the train station's entrance, avoiding any awkwardness. Sneaking behind the entrance, you listen to their conversation. 

"Lottie, why are you crying? I told you we are going to be okay." Digby mutters.

"Sorry, I'm just very concerned. What if I say something wrong and get us all fired? I don't doubt the inspector hates us, we can't make any mistakes! I don't want to get fired, and neither should Mr. Nook or Ms. Y/n!" Lottie sniffles. There is a silence between the two. You peek from the entrance to see what was going on. Digby now has his head down along with Lottie.

"I am scared too, Lottie. I don't want to lose my job either but we cannot let the mayor and Mr. Nook be fired in that manner!" He says, putting his hand on her shoulder.

"I know, I know. It's just difficult to enjoy Harvest Day knowing the inspector will be there..." Lottie stands up from her seat. You quickly step back behind the entrance's wall.

"I know you feel uncomfortable, but attending this dinner may not be half- as bad. The inspector is suspicious of Ms. Y/n and Mr. Nook, but if we truly set our minds to it we can make it seem like we have nothing to hide!" You hear Digby's voice echo in the train station.

You peek once more and see Lottie sit back down. "You do have a point. I guess I am overreacting. It worries me to think we may get fired..." she puts her hands over her face. Digby places his paw on her shoulder. "I'm sure we won't, I promise." he nods.

Your eyes droop, feeling guilty about the whole situation. Before you can interfere, the sound of jingling bells becomes louder as you see Isabelle approaching from afar.

"Mayor Y/n? Why are you waiting here, shouldn't you be inside the train station?" She tilts her head.

"Um- I just thought I'd wait outside! It's nice here don't you agree?" you chuckle.

"Yes, indeed it is. Oh! I see you've brought your own cooking to the festival's dinner!" She takes a look inside the tray wrapped in tin foil. "Smells nice!" she grins. "Thanks, although I have to admit I was in a hurry..." you scratch your head.

"That's fine! I also brought my own treats too!" Isabelle pulls a basket from behind her. Inside there is what looks to be plump blueberry muffins. "I didn't get a chance to make that many though, I had anxiety thinking about the inspector showing up... I hope he doesn't..." she wraps the basket into a red checkered blanket.

"Isabelle, by any chance do you feel uncomfortable or worried? I've been thinking a lot lately and well, I don't want any of you to think you have to be here because of me!" you stress. "Not at all, the only difficulty I have is with Sir. Pierce's attitude." Isabelle assures.

"I know. I also hope he doesn't come..." You grip the tray nervously.

Soon you see Nook and Lyle walk your way, wearing autumn-themed flannels. They finally make it to the train station, you wave at them. Nook happily waves back. "Ms. Y/n!" he paces toward you. "Mr. Nook!" You trot over to him. The two of you stand in front of each other, hesitating with every movement. Nook timidly opens his arms, as if he wants a hug. You embrace him sheepishly. Isabelle and Lyle both chuckle. Noticing the obvious audience, both you and Nook step away bashfully.