Never Too Late

Guilt

Tom Nook stared out the window as Isabelle got herself ready for the morning announcements. He tuned Isabelle out, gazing at the construction that was happening beside the resident services building. As he watched the construction, he couldn't help but feel like someone was tugging at his heart. The building that was being constructed was The Able Sisters. And needless to say, it felt like years since Tom Nook had seen Sable, despite it only being months. He sighed, he of course was very excited to soon see his old friend. But at the same time, he was nervous. He wasn't even sure if he could call Sable his 'friend', because he would be lying to himself if he said it had really felt as though they were still that close. 

"Alright, Mr. Nook! Ready to start a new day?" Isabelle asked cheerfully. Tom shook his head to clear himself from his thoughts and turned over to look at Isabelle. He hadn't even noticed that she finished her morning announcements. 

"Ah yes, of course," Tom said quietly. Isabelle seemed pleased by that answer and plopped herself at her desk right in front of Nooks. Tom sighed and closed the curtains to his window just as the door to the building opened. Isabelle smiled and waved at the blue hedgehog who was smiling from ear to ear. 

"Good morning Mabel!" Isabelle greeted the young hedgehog. Tom Nook gulped and turned over to look at Mabel before giving her a wave. It had been a while since he and Mabel had talked. Just like Sable, they had also been very close, especially when Mabel was younger. He remembered the days he would spend with Sable and little Mabel when their sister was in the big city. Tom couldn't help but feel old thinking about those days. It felt like centuries ago. And here Mabel was now, all grown up. Tom would be lying to himself if he said that it didn't make him a little sad. He doubted that Mabel even remembered those days they spent together. After all, she was very young.

"Is there anything we can help you with?" Isabelle asked. Mable smiled and shook her head.

"Not exactly. I just wanted to come over and thank you guys for helping us move our shop to the island! We are truly grateful, especially Sable, even if she doesn't say it." Said Mabel. Tom Nodded and placed his paws on his hips.

"Yes yes, I'm glad you guys think this was a good choice for you too. I am also very grateful for you Mabel. If it wasn't for your offering I don't think our wonderful island would have the blessing of your shop being available to all the residents." Tom said. Mabel couldn't help but giggle.

"Tee hee. Oh please Tom, we should be the ones thanking you. After all, this island getaway package was your idea. It's so nice to be able to have a fresh start." Mable looked around the building and then at Tom before she continued. "I can tell that Sable is also very happy about this change. It's been a while since I have seen her this excited about something, so I do believe that we made the right choice!" 

Tom frowned at hearing Sable's name. Was she really that happy? Tom was glad to hear that she was. After all, it had been a while too since he had seen Sable's sweet smile. Then again, it wasn't like he had really talked to her much over the years. But when he did go to the Able Sister's shop for clothing, Sable was always at her desk concentrated on her work. Often times she didn't even notice it when Tom entered the shop.

Before Tom could respond, Mabel looked down at her phone before quickly shoving it in her pocket.

"Sorry guys! But I have to go. But once again, thank you so much!" Mable said waving at the two animals before finally leaving the Resident Services building.

"Isn't Mable so sweet?" Isabelle asked. Tom nodded and just gave a slight hum in response. He knew that tomorrow the Able Sisters shop would finally be open. He knew that tomorrow he would see Sable for the first time in months. And the thought of seeing her terrified him.