shift || sebastian - stardew valley

Chapter Fifteen

Haley audibly shivered, "I'm not dressed for this." She crossed her arms over her chest as we stomped through the snow towards the beach where the Night Market was set.

It was dangerously dark, aside from the lamp posts that lined the bridge connecting the town to the shore. The small community garden that stood on the south end of the Town's square was barren, the ground covered in inches of snow. I could see my breath pluming in front of me as we hastily made our way.

Haley opted for a pink, long sleeve shirt and leather pants for her outfit. She wasn't wearing a coat, which I advised against, but she claimed it would ruin her outfit. She sported a matching pink pair of earmuffs and mittens instead. I chuckled as she complained, yet I couldn't ignore the anxiety that was swelling up inside of me. Sam, Sebastian, and Abigail will be at the market tonight. We'll be there. Sam's voice rang through my head. I kept my eyes to the ground as we crunched towards the beach.

"First stop is coffee," Haley said. I finally lifted my eyes, and gawked as the Night Market laid before me.

On the long docks of the beach, it was as if someone set off fireworks and they remained glowing on the surface. Long purple, maroon, orange, and cerulean blue tents were draped overhead, and chatter rang through the beachside. There were string lights stretched across the lining of each dock, and small fires were lit on the shore, illuminating the shops and the smiling faces of the patrons. The water crashing against the shore was slow, yet the sound still rocked inside of my brain. Boats of every shape and color were pulled up to the dock, and they drifted along with the waves gently. The smell of spices and sea water encased me.

"This is beautiful," I breathed, stopping in my tracks, taking it all in. Haley's smile was bright as she whipped her head to face me, lifting her arms off as if to present the entire space.

"I know! It's the best! Come on. There's so much to see,'' she was beaming, and I happily took her hand. My inhibitions drifted away as we approached the beauty of the Night Market.

"Two coffees, please!" Haley's voice was as sweet as sugar as she ordered from the coffee vendor. She was an older woman with deep brown skin that glistened in the shining warm lights of the dock. Her head was wrapped in a blue and purple scarf, intricate details woven into the fabric. I wondered where it originated from. Her kind eyes met mine as she handed me a hot cup of coffee, bowing softly. I went to reach for my purse, but her hand met mine. Her skin was so soft.

"It's free," Haley said softly, bowing her head to the woman in thanks. I grinned, "Thank you." The woman closed her eyes with a sly smile.

Haley turned on her heel to the right towards the long stretch of dock that extended all the way to Willie's tackle shop. A long green boat sat on the water right in front of the establishment with a makeshift wooden walkway to allow entry. I scanned the crowd and recognized Penny and Vincent standing on the dock. Vincent was pointing through the dock's railing at the water. My eyes met Penny's, and she smiled at me, gesturing to Vincent. I returned the look, knowing all too well the curiosity that he had.

"My favorite shop is the one with the paintings. I get one almost every year," Haley said, taking a long sip of her coffee. She reached out again and grabbed my hand, pulling me past the front of Willie's shop quickly. I swore I saw a swath of purple hair pass by me. I whipped my head around, but was mistaken. What looked like a wizard stood at the front of Willie's shop instead.

We turned to the left slightly, to the side of Willie's shop, and there stood a strange man with a few paintings presented on tall easels.

"Ah, lucky, lucky visitors." The man spoke. He had on dark glasses, despite the nighttime. His brown hair was short; the front of it ending in a small swoop. He looked to be older than Sylvie.