Missing Pieces

Rebeka

Ever since I started at Joja, it seems like everything is pointless. I keep Grandpa's letter in my desk drawer, and every day, I contemplate opening it, but I remember his words:

"Don't open it until you are sure there is nothing else to keep you going."

And this was it. The ridiculous "age wage" that Joja used to base payroll off of, was killing me. I was running down to my last bit of savings rapidly.

I open my desk drawer that holds the envelope I've been yearning to learn the secrets of and quickly rush off to the break room, not wanting the camera above my cubicle to display the secrets to my bosses as well.

As I enter the room, I pull up the purple wax seal and carefully pull out the twelve-year-old paper. I begin reading and discover the best possible gift he could have given me.

My dearest granddaughter Rebeka,

I know the time I have left with you is short. And I hope you know just how much I love having you on my farm. Below this piece of paper is an official letter of will, giving you the deed to Silverwood farm. Treat it well. 

P.S. if old man Lewis is still around, tell him hi for me. 

With Love,

Grandpa Silverwood

I quickly flipped through the papers, seeing the deed to the farm, as well as a list of a few names and numbers to call regarding the farm, and I kept glancing back over the words he had written to ten-year-old me all those years ago. 

~~~~

As the endless typing and monotone conversations during obligatory calls about Joja memberships continue around me, I am typing away at my resignation letter. I had texted Lewis, the Mayor of Pelican Town, about twenty minutes prior that I planned to move into my grandpa's farmhouse in two weeks' time. I feel my pocket buzz as I finish typing the resignation letter and send it to my cubicle printer for my signature. 

Mayor Lewis

Hey Rebeka, I still remember you running around your grandpa's farm, I'll prepare the farmhouse for your arrival, I have also asked Robin to pick you up from the bus stop and to spread the word of your arrival. 

I didn't realize a newcomer was such a big deal, but then again, I don't recall many new people when I went on my visits. I don't remember too much, the kids in town rarely came by my grandpa's farm when I was there, but they helped around when I wasn't. 

As I send a quick reply back thanking Mayor Lewis, I go to put my phone back into my pocket, until it buzzes in my hand. 

Unknown Number

Hey Rebeka, it's Robin, I wanted to let you know that I can answer any questions you may have before your move. And also, I wanted you to be able to text me when you'd be arriving so I can come fetch you. I live a bit far from the bus stop, so I don't want to leave you stranded! 

A slew of emoji's followed the over explained message, it was clear she didn't quite know how to text other people just yet, but the sentiment was nice. I just hope the town isn't expecting too much of me, I'm not the same little girl I was when I would visit my grandpa over a decade ago. 

I replied a quick 'thank you' before putting my phone away and grabbing the hot piece of paper fresh from the printer before hastily signing it with my name. Twenty-seven more minutes until the end of day. With that, I went back to typing away at reports for the rest of my shift, the sound of my fingers on the keys quickly adhering to the monotone typing engulfing the room of cubicles. 

~~~~

It had been two weeks since I quit Joja, and my mental health has been on a steady rise as I packed up my apartment and shipped it off to the farm, leaving only the necessities for me to bring in my bag today. The cool wind pricks at my skin as I walk towards the bus stop that Mayor Lewis told me went between the city and Stardew Valley. As I climbed aboard, I realized just how shocked the driver was to get someone boarding, looking around I noticed I was the only one here. We chatted for a few minutes to see if anyone else would board before we headed off.

"We should be there by two o'clock." 

The bus driver spoke, and I replied with a curt nod before going to my messages with Robin, where I had asked her a few questions during the past couple of weeks. 

Me

The bus driver said we should be there by 2. 

As I went to put my phone back in my purse, I heard the intense growl of a motorcycle and I looked out the window to see a man in a dark outfit riding past the bus, his pale hands guiding the midnight purple bike down the road, seemingly in the exact same direction as us. It wasn't long before the sight of him and his bike disappeared up ahead, the noise took a while longer to fade.