Memories: Old and New

First Day of My Life

I woke up bright and early the next day. I'd like to say this was intentional, but in reality I don't think I ever fully went to sleep.

The house grandpa left behind was enough to keep almost anyone up all night. Cobwebs clung to the walls and layers of dust covered pretty much everything. I cleaned the place up to the best of my ability and managed to find some clean sheets (or so I hoped). Just as I began dozing off to sleep, I jolted awake in a cold sweat. I started to question my sanity as I tried to think up a schedule for the following day. I didn't even know where to begin. What was expected of me? I imagined just what kind of fool I might make of myself. I shook it off and tried to keep my eye on the prize.

After napping for a few hours I was awoken by the sun creeping up over the farm. I didn't even need to look at the clock to know it was early. I rummaged around the house praying that grandpa had kept some sort of food in this old place. Then again, maybe I didn't want to find any after all. After searching through some small cabinets I found a bag of rice. I grabbed some water and cooked up some rice balls. I guess it would have to do.

As I continued to search around the house I found a box of old tools, which I assumed would be useful to me soon. I hate to say it, but I had absolutely no idea what each one was for...except the axe and the hammer...I had some idea about those. I walked outside and a familiar wave of panic rushed through me as I looked out at the tattered fields. Before I had time to wipe the sweat off my palms, I heard a strange rustling coming from the grass...ok more like from the weeds.

I stood still expecting some sort of farm-mongering giant rodent to pop out in front of me (what can I say...I'm from the city). I was (very) pleasantly surprised when a cute little puppy bounced over to me wagging his tail fervorously, I suddenly had a flashback to my summer with grandpa and remembered his large, brown dog who once inhabited the abandoned dog house on the farm. This little guy must be related in some way.

"Hey buddy!" I called out to him smiling. I bent down as he licked my face and ran into my arms. I had never met someone more excited to see me in my life! I had no appropriate food for him, but I left him a bowl of water and some left over rice by the doghouse. I suddenly felt much less alone. At least now I had a companion to see me through my farming journey. In a way, I felt like a lost puppy myself; young and alone, yet optimistic and excited at the same time.

I once again looked out at the fields, but this time I wasn't scared. I was determined. Instead of just thinking of a plan, I went for it. I started to pull weeds one by one. It was much harder than I thought, but I kept pushing through the pain. It was just a mere taste of the hard work to come.

Before I knew it, the sun was setting and the sky was becoming dark. Zach, the shipper, came by the farm to introduce himself and explain the shipping system. I imagined filling the bins with pride one day after harvesting my crops.

Ugh...I was starving. My stomach growled so loudly that my dog (who I had named Buddy) perked his ears up curiously. Surely, there had to be somewhere to get some dinner in this town.

I roamed the town, for the first time, in my tattered overalls. I made my way to the town square and checked the bulletin board Mayor Thomas had mentioned the day before. There was a notice that Spring 8 would be the town's Goddess Festival. Hmm...it mentioned something about dancing and the town's young women participating, which obviously had me intrigued. Hopefully, it might be a good way to meet some locals around my age.

Just as I began to lose myself in thought, I heard some roaring chatter coming from down the road. I walked over curiously and, thank the Goddess, I stumbled across the Inn.

I took a deep breath and pulled open the heavy doors not knowing who, or what, would be behind them. The room went silent as I approached the doorway. My heart was pounding. All eyes were on me. But, my eyes were on the redheaded girl smiling from across the room.