The sun shone high above, the sky seemed to invite me to life for the first time, and the wind told me it was time to move forward, to be myself. Now I was inside my father's game, and my only fear was waking up from a very good dream. What would life bring me there? Would it be too hard? Would I fail? None of that mattered at the moment. I was in a place where silence sang in a calm and serene melody, as if cradling me. I had just arrived, but everything in me already wanted to stay.

"Well, if it isn't young Owen! And to think that now you'd be this handsome young man with a city-boy look!"

I was so absorbed in everything that was happening that I didn't even notice an old man with very white hair, thin and wearing a worn-out suit, arriving by my side. Despite his attempt to appear formal, his slightly sunburned skin, worn straw hat, and slightly worn-out boots betrayed his rural origins.

I knew who he was. I played this game before. And now I would play even better.

"It's been a long time, Mayor Preston."

He gave me a once-over, as if examining me thoroughly, and finally smiled like a man who knows how to smile to please.

"To think that you used to run around with Isabella all over this big piece of land. The rooster's crow doesn't make us any younger, does it?" he said, patting my shoulder. "But tell me, Owen, how was your move? Is everything in order here?"

I could be honest and say that the house was in shambles, but it wasn't the time for that. In fact, I didn't even care. I know that if I put in effort, this house can improve a lot. Everything around me can really change for the better.

"The move went well. I didn't have much in the city, so I brought only a suitcase with a few clothes. As for the place, I'll manage."

Hearing this made the mayor smile. He was the kind of character who liked to see others working, even though it didn't apply to him. But it wasn't the time to touch on that point.

"Do you really think this shack is a good place to live? Look... your grandfather could have taken better care of everything here..."

The voice that came from behind me was firm, feminine, and straightforward. I knew who it was. I knew she would be here at this moment. I already had in mind what she would look like. Yet, just like the sky, the sun, the wind, and everything that was beautiful here, this girl was far beyond what I could imagine.

"Isabella! Is that any way to talk? Show some respect!"

Tan skin with light freckles, vivid green eyes that seemed to see into your soul, and wavy red hair that moved in harmony with the wind. Everything about her was perfect. The smell of apple pie, the overalls with only one strap fastened, the strong hands from hammering and cutting wood. Isabella was a woman who exuded life.

"But I do respect, Dad. I respect old Nick and the way he took care of the farm, but poor Owen will have to clean all of this..." She went to the cabin and put her hand on the old wooden door. "I know old Nick liked things very simple, but I don't think Owen will like living in a place like this."

"That's for Owen to decide, not you!" the mayor exclaimed, turning guiltily towards me. "Forgive my daughter, Owen; she's just saying that because she was so nervous to see you."

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"Dad!"

"But it's true, isn't it? She asked a thousand times what time you'd arrive. I couldn't take it anymore!"

"That... that's..." Isabella stared at me, blushing, not knowing whether to look at the ground or at me. "That's all made up..."

I laughed. The atmosphere made me comfortable enough to laugh, something I hadn't done in years. Even the sound of my voice seemed strange, like a nostalgic novelty.

"I was also looking forward to seeing you, Isabella."

I was honest. Of all the characters in this game, she was the one I liked the most. Her mannerisms, her lines, everything was so genuine that I genuinely looked forward to seeing her. Isabella looked at me even more embarrassed, but this time she gave a shy little laugh as she put her arms behind her back and swayed her body from side to side.

"So, you haven't changed at all..." she said almost like a whisper that I didn't quite catch, but before I could ask anything, she quickly added, "It's great to see you too! If you need anything, just come to my carpentry. I can't wait to fix up your house! There's a special price for a childhood friend!"

And before I could say anything, Isabella ran excitedly to a distance. Still, I could see a beautiful smile on her face, eager for the future.

"My daughter... the girl is a handful, I'll tell you!" complained the mayor, clearing his throat and reassuming his politician posture. "Well, Owen, my boy, welcome to Clear Skies! I took the liberty of leaving in Nick's old box a handful of turnip seeds and some tools I'm no longer using! If you want to work, you can start today!"

You acquired 10 Turnip Seeds!

You acquired 1x Iron Hoe, 1x Iron Axe, 1 Iron Watering Can, 1x Iron Scythe, 1x Iron Pickaxe!

New mission - Starting Well - Plant 10 turnips! (Reward - 100 coins)

New mission - A Home of My Own - Collect 50 wood and 50 stones and talk to Isabelle at her carpentry! (Reward - House level 2)

The letters appeared in front of me as if floating in the corner of my vision. At first, I was slightly startled, but I disguised it not to worry the mayor. Blinking a few times and wishing the letters would disappear, and after a few blinks, they did disappear.

"Now I'll be going, my lad! I hope you have a great day, and if you need anything, come to the town! Everyone is eager to meet you!"

-New Mission -

New Face in Town

Talk to 20 residents:

Reward, +10 affection with all residents

"Sure, Mayor Preston, I'll introduce myself to everyone."

"Well, what a polite young man! Isabella could learn a thing or two from you!" he said, waving as a farewell and walking away. "I expect great things from you, my lad! I hope even more that you have a wonderful life in our town."

The mayor left, leaving me alone on my ranch. I looked around again, took a deep breath, and stretched my arms wide. I wasn't hungry, and I should have a rice cake in my pocket.

-Inventory-

2x Rice Cake

1x Cell Phone

As soon as I pondered about food, the menu opened by itself in front of me, as if it were a living entity that could respond to me.

"So, I have a cell phone... huh?"

I didn't recall having a cellphone in my father's game, and I didn't care. It wasn't something I was going to mess with right now, and I had no desire to do so. Now, I wanted to work on my ranch.

Excited, I went to the wooden crate next to the modest mailbox and opened its wooden lid, finding inside the tools needed to start my work.

"Planting ten turnips, right?" I said, grabbing the small bag of seeds and the hoe. "These seeds will be the beginning of my growth, and I'm looking forward to the work ahead!"