Poppy - Stardew Valley Penny

4 - Milady

Eggs. Depending on who you are you eat them, hatch and raise them, or perhaps watch them from a distance. Normal egg things.

WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU HIDE 300 SLOWLY DECAYING EGGS IN A SMALL TOWN WITH A POPULATION OF ABOUT 40 PEOPLE? LIKE HUH? I look across the square, the energy radiating off of everyone is a tangible thrum. Even Shane who, repeatedly insisting he finds the whole thing soul suckingly boring, has a sharp gleam to his eyes. In the Valley, this is a matter of dignity, self-respect and most importantly power. Abigail has won the past three years, something she has mentioned, not at all subtly and rather threateningly, several times already this morning. Needless to say I have never held more fear for my safety surrounded by a bunch of grown adults and two conniving little children all ready to rip each other apart limb by limb in order to win this egg hunt. 

Standing beside Shane, who is avidly admiring a painted egg on the buffet table, I find myself searching the square for the one person I hope might have some sense in this place. It takes me a moment to find her standing beside one of Evelyn's spring flower arrangements to the side of all of the action with Maru. Their heads are tilted together in deep conversation. It's then that I notice Penny has a daffodil tucked into her hair. It looks so natural, like it has grown out from the golden tendrils of her amber hair.

I don't realise I'm staring until she raises her eyes and catches me looking. I feel a blush creep into my face, identical to the one growing on hers. Maru notices and motions me over, grinning in amusement as she watches Penny.

"Hey Farmer!" She gives me a bro hug. She breathes in the warm spring air deeply, gesturing to the square, "You feel that? That is what good old healthy competition feels like." I start to question her definition of 'healthy' when a child runs past me almost knocking me over.

"Why is everyone so determined to win?" I ask puzzled. 

"If you find less than three eggs you end up on clean up duty." She states matter of factly and hooks a thumb into her overalls.

"What kind of rule is that?" I say exasperated.

"A smart one," Penny replies, "Clint loses every year."

"That's so..." Still completely and utterly confused, 

"Exploitative? Sad?" Penny offers. I hum in agreement.

"Not really, he seems to enjoy it for some reason," Maru laughs, "though I can't seem to figure out why." 

I look over to where Clint is standing beside the fruit salad. He's staring longingly at Emily. Emily, who hand paints three hundred eggs because she enjoys it. Penny looks at me and seeing the understanding dawn on my face she gives me a conspiratory smile.  

Abigail is running around trying to jump scare people in order to intimidate them. I don't see her until it's too late. I jump back, knocking into Penny. I turn my head to see if she's okay, my face coming within inches of hers. I can feel my shoulder pressed against hers. My eyes widen and I swivel my head back forward robotically and, taking a large step away, mumble an apology before moving away as though nothing happened. Because nothing did happen. The heart pounding in my chest is telling me lies.  

Mayor Lewis yells over every one to quiet them, they ignore him, Marnie whistles loudly and a hush falls over the crowd. Lewis nods very formally towards Marnie. I hear Jodi and Caroline snicker. He begins the countdown.

"On your marks..." Abigail cracks her knuckles and crouches into a sprinting position. "Get set..." I look over at Penny "Go!" She winks and vanishes out of the square. I shake myself looking around disoriented. Abigail pushes past me, Jas and Vincent hot on her trail whining and shaking their fists at her.