Memories Forgotten. A Stardew Valley Fanfiction

Chapter 24: Trial and Error.

The first snowfall had covered the valley in a winter bliss. The crisp cold air nipping at noses as the kids enjoyed building snow forts and having snowball fights it was truly a winter wonderland.

Despite all the fun for being a farmer the work was never done. From repairing fences to cutting down trees for firewood so Marcus was still busy as always. Yet for some odd reason Leah wasn't herself perhaps it was a winter depression or maybe she didn't understand exactly what farmers went through.

Coming home with a wagon full of wood Marcus had started putting the wood away when she walked out. "Marcus. Do you love me? " raising an eyebrow he turned to her then smiled going back to putting the wood away. "Of course I do. Why would you ask such a thing ?" She put her thumb to her lip biting it lightly. "Well if you do why won't you spend more time with me ?" He paused again. "I am going to spend more time with you. It's always busy the first of the season. I want to make sure we have enough firewood for the winter and the fences are all setup and ready for spring." saying that in a rather aggravated tone.  

To him she was questioning his devotion to her. If he didn't care about her why would he work so hard to make sure they would make it through winter. Why would he have stood up for her if he didn't love her or put himself and his farm endanger if he didn't care. Those thoughts raced through his mind before he stood up and folded his arms.

"Do you love me?" He asked looking at her. She paused for the longest time before looking up at him. "I see well when you've made up your mind. You can find me at the saloon." He said walking off. The fact she didn't answer let alone paused on it for such a long time told him at least in his mind that she still questioned it.

Looking down at the ground she slowly walked back inside holding back tears as Marcus started talking to himself heading down the path towards town. "After everything I've done after all that I've gave I know she had given up a lot and gave to me but to pause like that ! To not give an answer right away and feel like I don't spend enough time with her ! The nerve ! Its not like I get to choose to have days off its not like I can paint or carve a piece of art then take a few days off. No I have responsibilities to the farm and her! Worst of all I came back to take over the farm and keep my promise to her !" A rather highly debated conversation with himself indeed as he made it to town and headed straight to the saloon.

As tears rolled down her cheeks she tried to wipe them away before flopping down and rather roughly slamming her back into the bookcase. A small book hidden away fell down onto her lap as she looked down. Picking it up she opened it and looked inside. It was journal that he had kept since he was a kid. She started to read. "Today I made a promise to the red headed girl that we would get married and I would come back to Stardew valley." She smiled as more tears came down and moved a few pages ahead. "It's been a long day working at Joja I came back home and stumbled upon the early entries of this journal I actually found a picture of me and that girl from so many years ago. I wonder how she is doing I even wonder if she's married. To be honest I remember that promise. Maybe I'll head down there and visit."

She let a out a sigh and felt guilty he did love her and she was starting to understand now. She flipped to the last entry. "Today I'm engaged to Leah I love her with all my heart I know it may seem I don't spend enough time with her but doing what I'm doing is to ensure that she has the best possible life I can give to her." Quickly she slammed the book shut and grabbed her coat running towards town tears flying past her as she ran.

Meanwhile in the Saloon Gus had poured Marcus a small glass of corn whiskey he knew when Marcus wasn't talking he was in a bad mood. "Maybe you should go home I know that look anywhere." Finishing the glass he let out a sigh. "Yeah I guess I should I didn't think being in a relationship would have its ups and downs." Gus smiled then looked at the glass. "Relationships are like food and drinks sometimes they are good sometimes they are bad but that is how life is." Marcus nodded and smiled. "True I'm going to go home and make things right."

With that he grabbed his coat and headed out heading for the path. As he turned around to look back at the town he felt someone tackle him to the ground. "Oof !" He said as he looks up at the sky feeling warm tears on his chest as he heard a cracking sad voice. "I'm sorry ! I'm Sorry ! " was all she could say as she held onto him tight.

Finally tears we're rolling down his cheek. "I'm sorry too." Like Gus said Relationships have their ups and downs and as much are forged through trial and error. Sure enough they had learned a lesson to trust each other but most of all have a better understanding of each other.

Later that night they snuggled close by the fire smiles on their faces finally understanding each other and their points of view. But soon the Festival of Ice would be coming and another chance for everyone to have a good time with laughs and joys.