Taking Root (Stardew Valley - Shane)

Chapter Five

"Pass me another vial." Demetrius ordered, albeit softly, as he chipped at an unearthed rock with a small metal file, collecting the dusty debris in the palm of his gloved hand.

I did what he said. I had come to realise that scientists held an air of authority that the rest of us uneducated folk just couldn't claim. It was like a supernatural trance - from 10AM that morning, I had followed each and every command Demetrius had given me, as if he was Meryl Streep in the Devil Wears Prada and I was his lowly, pathetic assistant doomed to a life of carrying bags and documenting soil samples. No, of course, I'm exaggerating. I'd be lying if I didn't say it was exciting. I felt like we were carrying out a top secret but super important science-y mission, one that could help save the outcome of humanity. It was surely on the same level as Marie Curie winning the Nobel Prize. At least, that's the delusion I was going for in my head to get me through the morning.

We had spent two hours attempting to clear the entrance of the cave to the left of my grandpa's cabin, while painstakingly documenting each rock or stone that Demetrius determined was important for his studies. There was now a clearance large enough for us to peer in, but not enough for us to enter. The tips of my fingers were throbbing with a concoction of dull pain and pins and needles, and I could see that Demetrius was dragging a little. "Let's take a break and have something to eat."

I'm not sure what compelled me to beckon the tall, serious-faced man towards my cabin, knowing very well that there was less food in my cupboards than braincells in my head, but we all make silly little decisions sometimes. It was amusing to watch him fake a happy expression as I handed him a plate of beans on toast, and even more funny to see him attempt to find a spot on the sofa that wasn't covered by boxes or gardening supplies. He eventually wedged himself in beside the disturbingly lone head of a scarecrow.

"So, how are you finding your first season in the valley? Is everybody treating you well?"

My left hand, that was lifting a forkful of beans, froze midway on it's journey to my face. All morning, Demetrius had spoken of nothing else but his scientific studies and the odd anecdote about his wife and daughter, so I wasn't expecting any personal questions. Still, it was nice for him to show a vague interest.

"It's very- different here." I chose my words carefully, but the sentiment was positive. "I've only met a few of your neighbours. Lewis says I should get out of the farm more."
"Well, I guess we all do things by our own schedule." Demetrius spoke, his head nodding a little as he brushed his knife backwards and forwards over a scrap of bread crust. "I'm sure you'll soon know half the town. And they'll know you."
"Is that a threat?" I laughed.
He smirked and raised an eyebrow. "Well, knowing some of the folks around here, maybe."

As I started to collect the dishes to wash up in the soapy suds of the sink, I began to hear the familiar first thuds of rain on the aged roof above me. I could see Demetrius snap his head toward the front window in interest, a secret wish sparkling in his eyes that the weather may stop us from finishing the cave project today. I shared his desire to postpone the work too - the tips of my fingers still felt fuzzy, and my back was aching more than it had all week. The rain grew from small pitter-patters to a strong downpour. I watched as Demetrius made his way from my overcrowded sofa to a standing position near the window ledge, his arms folded determinedly over his chest.

"It looks like our efforts for today are over with, then." He finally gave in, his eyes still fixed on the outside world.
"The rain might displace a few rocks here and there anyway." I suggested. "We can always check back on the cave whenever you're next free."

Demetrius nodded while his darting eyes scanned over the lengths of my grandpa's farm with record speed. "You know, it's missing some animals around here."