Chapter Text
Ryan stood on the front porch of his new home looking out onto the barren land in front of him.
“So my grandpa really left all this for me?”
He was still shocked from when he received the letter in the mail stating he had inherited his grandfather’s farm. It was going to be a big adjustment moving from the city to a more rural area.
“Yep, she’s all yours!” Mayor Lewis said enthusiastically.
Wow. Ryan thought to himself before letting out a soft sigh.
“Well thank you, Mayor. I think I’ll just get settled in now.”
“If you need anything else feel free to stop by my house. It’s not far from the town square.” Lewis said as he pointed to a map. He handed Ryan the map before he made his way down the steps.
“Alright, thanks.” Ryan said with an awkward wave. With that he turned on his heel and began to open the front door.
“Oh, one last thing,” Lewis started, standing a few feet from the porch, “The community here is pretty small and close knit. It wouldn’t hurt to make the rounds and introduce yourself! See you soon!”
And with that he left.
“Oh boy.” Ryan mumbled to himself.
Inside Ryan took a moment to take everything all in. His grandfather lived in a small shack in the middle of nowhere. There wasn’t anything more than a bed, a TV, and a table inside.
I can’t imagine they’d have an IKEA anywhere close by. He thought to herself.
Next to the table was a box of basic farming tools and a few seeds given to him by Lewis and the town carpenter, Robin.
Well better start clearing some land.
Ryan grabbed his scythe and headed back outside.
The grass was tall and relentless. It took him nearly the whole morning to make a decent clearing. He wiped the sweat off his brow and took a long sip of water from his canteen. Ryan took in a big breath and let it out before beginning to till the newly cleared soil. After that he began placing the parsnip seeds into the ground.
Well I hope this works. He thought as he finished up by watering the buried seeds.
It was early afternoon by the time he had finished when Ryan felt a sharp pain in his stomach.
I wonder if this hellhole has a place to grab a bite to eat.
He left his tools laying in the dirt and began to head into the town. When he reached the town square he paused to take a look around. As he took in the sights, a young man with glasses and a mustache approached him.
“You must be the new farmer in town,” He said with a beaming smile, “I’m Harvey, the town’s doctor.”
He extended his hand out towards Ryan.
“The only doctor?”Ryan asked as he grabbed Harvey’s hand and gave it a firm shake.
“Ah, yes, it is a very small town.” He shifted uneasily in his spot.
“That’s what I keep hearing. I’m Ryan by the way.”
“Very nice to meet you, Ryan.” His face lit up again.
“Hey, is there somewhere around I can get some food? I’m starving.”
“I doubt you’re starving, you’d have a bloated stomach and...”
Before he could finish, Ryan gave him a pointed look.
“Oh well...um…,” He looked at his watch nervously, “It’s after noon so the Stardrop Saloon is open.”
He turned in the direction of the saloon and pointed.
“Gus makes really great food.”
“Thank you, it was nice to meet you.” Ryan said before taking off towards the saloon.
“Nice to meet you too!” Harvey called after him.
The saloon was empty aside from the short, round man behind the counter.
“Hello, welcome welcome. What can I get for you today?” Gus said in a deep jovial voice.
“Do you have a menu I could look at?” Ryan asked as he approached the counter.
“Of course,” Gus replied as he handed him a laminated piece of paper, “Here you go.”
He adjusted his glasses and took a moment to scan the short list.
“Can I get a pizza and a beer, please.”
“Coming right up!”
Gus poured the beer and scurried off somewhere into the back of the bar.
I wonder if he’s here alone. Ryan thought as he made his way to a table.
Sometime later Gus returned with a beautifully cooked pizza.
“Here you are. Please enjoy.” He said as he placed it on Ryan’s table.
“Wow, this smells delicious!”
Gus smiled and gave him a nod before making his way back behind the bar.
“Gus! My favorite person!” A loud scruffy voiced woman said as she entered the bar.
“Pam! The usual?” He replied.
“Do I come here for any other reason?” She laughed hardily before coughing a few times.
Ryan continued to eat his pizza while the two middle aged people continued their conversation.
Soon enough he became full and approached the counter once again.
“May I have a to-go box?” He asked Gus.
“Of course!” He rummaged around under the counter before producing the box and handing it over.
“Thank you.” Ryan headed back to his table and placed the remaining pizza slices into the box.
“Have a nice day!” Gus shouted as Ryan made his way to the door.
“You too!” Ryan replied before stepping outside.
He was temporarily blinded by the bright sun and quickly placed his free hand on his forehead in an effort to shield his eyes, but it was too late. He felt his body slam hard into something solid. Ryan made an audible “oof” and dropped his pizza box. His glasses went flying off his face.
“Hey! Watch where you’re going!” A gruff voice barked at him.
“I’m so sorry! It’s much brighter out than I expected.” He felt his face go red with embarrassment.
Ryan patted the ground frantically until he found his glasses. When he was able to put them back on he saw a scruffy, purple haired man standing in front of him. His blue hoodie was tattered and his sneakers were falling apart.
“Whatever.” He replied before walking past Ryan and into the saloon.
How rude. Ryan thought as he picked his box off the ground and made his way back to the farm.
After a long hot first day on the farm, Ryan settled into bed. Exhausted, he closed his eyes, hoping that he would fall asleep quickly. Unfortunately his thoughts were racing.
Who was that guy with the purple hair? Was he homeless? And what the hell was his problem!?