Tiger Eye - Sam (Stardew Valley)

1

Spring 1st

The view of the valley was exactly as Wren remembered. Despite the 14 years that have passed since she last walked through Oak Vale Farm, the image of the valley appearing as the bus finally reach the peak of the hills filled her with a nostalgic feeling - it was bitter sweet.

The memories where foggy. She remembers her Grandpa holding her in the air to pick the ripest peaches from his fruit tree 'forest', as she called it, the hot cups of coco as he read her bedtime stories, and watering the crops she helped him plant. She wished she could remember what the town looked like, or names of Pelican Town residents, but as a shy young girl, she spent their trips to town tucked behind her Grandpa's legs, avoiding eye contact from the well-intended adults, eager to meet the Farmer's Granddaughter. Maybe if she knew one name, then she would feel more comforted.

For five summers, from the age of just 4 years old, Wren spent her four weeks off school running through Oak Vale Farm, an idealistic escape from her life in Zuzu city. Every year, when her parents arrived to bring her home, the same tantrum took place. When she was 8, she remembers sobbing and hitting her dads back, crying to stay with Grandpa year round as he carried her over his shoulder and onto the bus. 

Wren closed her eyes and pictured it, hoping to hear his voice.

"Peaches," Her grandfather called out, forcing a smile from the bus stop "I'll be waiting for you, forever and always."

The bus doors closed in her face, and he blew her a kiss.

That was the last time she saw her Grandpa. The reality of life slapped her in the face, and Oak Vale Farm became a distant memory the faded to the back of her family's minds.

She mindlessly rubbed her thumb across the words tattooed on her wrist, 'Forever & Always', the same way she had when she finally opened the letter addressed to her, tucked away in a cupboard of her family home. 

'When were you going to give me this?' She had slapped the letter down in front of her mother, white hot anger flushing through her body. How could her parents deny her of one last message from her Grandfather? 

Her mother's face dropped, as she looked up at Wren. 'Honey, I promise you we planned on giving it to you...' There was a long pause, before Wren gestured for her mother to go on. 'We just wanted you to... finish your education... '. Her mother had spoken delicately.

That comment was enough. Wren ripped the envelope open, her mother burying her face into her hands with a sigh.

She never expected that letter would wind her up on a bus back to Pelican Town, the deed to Oak Vale Farm in hand.

The loud squeaking of the breaks snapped her out of her trances, replacing the anger in her chest with anxiety. She quickly looked up, seeing the bus driver's eyes in the rear view mirror. They were very unkind.

To be fair, she was the only person who purchased a one way ticket to Stardew Valley for the day, robbing this man of a day off.

With shaking hands, Wren gathered her suitcases and bookbag, walking to the front of the bus. Through the window, she saw a red-headed woman smiling ear to ear, practically vibrating with excitement.

As she stood in front of the same glass doors that cut her off from her hero, she could practically see the scene all over again. She was filled with emotion.

"If it isn't Miss Peaches!" The woman exclaimed, immediately engulfing Wren in a hug. She smelt like wood chips and  cinnamon, and her embrace was warm and comforting, exactly what Wren was needing.

"My name is Robin, I'm the local carpenter. I can tell by the look on your face that you don't remember me, but I was just getting my footing in the valley when your grandfather commissioned me to expand all of his barns and coops! Yoba love him, it took me two months, but he ever so patiently gave me the space and encouragement I needed..." Robin held Wren at the shoulders, her smile slowly fading, "Wren, I just know how proud he is that you are here."