Yes I Am (Story of Seasons)

The Spring Day of My Life

A loud voice bellowed from behind me, catching me by surprise. "Is that you Nanami?"

I nodded slightly and let out a little squeak, I was embarrassed at myself for being so jumpy. "I thought so. Good to have ya, good to have ya! I'm Frank." He let out a rambunctious laugh. This was it. I hope Frank wouldn't give me one look and then reach his conclusion. I bowed quickly and smiled, "It's nice to meet you, thank you for agreeing to help me."

He chuckled as I finished bowing, "Just so's you know, it's customary 'round there here parts to give a hug when greetin' folks. Wanna give it a try?" he laughed. I thought he was joking but then he pulled me into a tight embrace. "Yeah, I guess it is a rather surprising gettin' told that right outta the blue! It was one surprise after another for me when I first got to Westown, too. But it's turned out to be pretty nice. That was a pretty good hug there, you'll get use to it after meeting more people here!" Joy.

Where I had grown up, people wouldn't dare dream of hugging a stranger as a greeting. That was a social custom was only reserved to family and close friends. Then again... Uncle Frank was family so maybe it wasn't so bad. It didn't mean I'd leap at the opportunity to hug other strangers of Westown though. 

"They weren't lying' when they said time flies. Look how big you've gotten. Last I saw you, you were still just a little baby. I bet you don't even remember me." Frank beamed. He seemed really friendly and approachable, I felt more at ease around him. Whilst my uncle and father looked similar, aside from the fact that my father was clean shaven and Uncle Frank, the real difference between them was their voice. Dad sounded professional and well spoken, this guy sounded completely different with a western twang that characterised his speech. It took a few moments to adjust to his voice and make out what he was saying.

"Your pa sent me a letter explainin' everythin'." My heart sank slightly, I could only imagine what sort of things he would have written in the letter. Maybe it was just a list of reasons why I wasn't capable. Frank smiled and squeezes my shoulder reassuringly, "First things first, though, you've gotta be bushed after that long trip. Come on in and settle down for a spell." He picked my suitcases up and gestured for me to enter his house.

~~~

Frank places two steaming cups of hot chocolate onto the table. I have always sworn by hot chocolate before bed, the sweetness satisfies my cravings and the lull afterwards helps to take me into dreamland. I took a sip of the beverage gratefully, its taste was dark and rich and coated my tongue thickly before flowing down my throat. It smells like a chocolate factory and I am torn between wanting to savour it and inhale it. For some moments I just wrap my hands around the ceramic mug, letting the warmth flow through my fingers, banishing the early spring chill. Despite choosing to make it last it is gone too soon.

"Right then, let's not forget why you're here." Frank said as he sat in the seat opposite me. "You wanna become a farmer, yeah?"

"Yes, I really do." I kept my hands gripped on the mug in front of me, even though it was now empty. "It's been something I've wanted to do and have been thinking about for so long. It's my dream."

Frank smiled encouragingly, "I was real happy to hear that you want to do the same thing with your life that I do." He took a slow sip of his hot chocolate and then his face turned serious, his expression reminded me of that of my father's when I'd try discussing becoming a farmer with him. "But don't ya forget it's Ma Nature herself you'll be tackling! Some days get reeeal rough. You really sure this is what you want to do?"

I know a dream doesn't come true by magic; it takes sweat, determination and hardwork. I have what it takes to achieve what I set my mind to. I'm not going to avoid it because everyone tells me it's hard to only look back one day in regret. Why is something being difficult meant to be off-putting? It gives me drive. "I'm sure," I felt confident in my answer. "I know it won't be a walk in the park but I'm determined and willing to learn."