Gentle Smile {Snufkin x Fem Reader}

Chapter {1} The feeling of independence

I awoke at the crack of dawn with the cold chill that filled my bedroom. I squint my eyes open to the sun slowly peeking over the horizon through my windows. I look over to the floor to see my suitcase and am reminded of what day it is. Today is going to be one of the most important days of my young adult life. My Brother Richard has finally allowed me to move away from home. I have been pestering him about letting me move into our family's holiday home for months. Our family hasn't lived there for over ten years. It seemed a waste to let it sit there untouched.

I climbed out of the warm sheets of my bed and got dressed for the long walk I had ahead of me. Last night I had written a note explaining to my family why I am leaving so early and reassuring them I'll be safe. I quickly grabbed my suitcase and quietly walked down the stairs. I wanted to leave before my brother, sister-in-law, and attendants woke up. I've never been good at goodbyes. Before I walk out the front door I glance at the painting of my Mother and Father that hung in the main entrance. My father passed away from old age-related causes a year ago and my mother died when I was really young, but I still miss them dearly.

"Goodbye Mamma and Papa" I whisper to the painting.

It feels silly to say goodbye to their painting, but it seemed like the right thing to do.

I quietly closed the front door behind me and take one last look at the mansion. I'm so grateful to have been raised in a wonderful home and with a family who loved me but for as long as I can remember they have been making all the decisions for me. It's time for me to take control of my life and to be truly free.

I let out a bittersweet sigh and start to walk my way through town until I found the path that leads to my new home in Moominvalley.

-Time Skip-

I'm glad I woke up so early this morning, walking to Moominvalley is still a couple of hours away. That will give me the afternoon to clean up the house. Throughout the day I would check my map to make sure I was following the correct path. The walk to Moomin valley was quite enjoyable, the sky was clear, and the forest was beautiful. The little woodland creatures were coming out of hibernation and flowers were emerging from the snow that hasn't melted away yet. Today was the first day of the new spring season. After a few hours of walking, I decided to take a break on the side of the path to sit down and eat some food. It was relaxing to eat my apple as I watch the birds fly above the trees until something caught my attention. In the distance, I could hear an unfamiliar instrument in the distance.

"What instrument could that be? I don't recognize it"

Well, whatever it was it wasn't too far away. My curiosity wanted to go find the person who was playing it, but I figured it would be wiser to stay on the path. If I go off into the forest I could get lost and I promised my brother I would be safe.

"I better not," I said as I finish eating my apple and continue to Moominvalley.

Not too long after I finally came to the edge of the forest. I looked out to see a big open landscape of fields of flowers, tall mountains, and the sun reflecting off the ocean. I couldn't help but stand in awe of the view. I have fond memories of me and my brother swimming in the ocean when we were really young children. It felt so nostalgic to be back. I pulled my map out of my pocket to guide me to the house.

After a few minutes of walking, I came to a path that I vaguely recognized until I see a stone fence that was overgrown with plants.

"This is it!"

I followed the stone wall until I found a gate with an old rusty lock. I reached into my pocket to grab the key that should open all the gates and doors. Thankfully it still worked, I walked through to see the exterior of the house. Well, it wasn't really much of a house but more like a little cottage. The tiles on the roof still looked intact, the brick walls were overgrown with vines and flowers, but I think I like it like that. The windows were very dirty and the grass on the front lawn was almost as tall as me. I as look over the house I can't help but start to remember when my family and I would come here in the spring. I guess we did it because it was a nice break from living with the judgemental aristocrats that surrounded our family. That's definitely one of the reasons why I'm here today.

"Alrighty then, let's go inside and start cleaning up."