Harvest Moon: Catmint Princess

Chapter 1

The gentle rocking of the boat carried them ever closer to the island, the salty sea breeze tangling their hair and stirring memories long tucked away. Candace and Luna stood side by side at the edge of the deck, their gazes fixed on the horizon as Waffle Island slowly unfurled before them—its rolling hills painted in the amber glow of the setting sun, its quaint rooftops dotted like a dream from another life.

Though they stood shoulder to shoulder in spirit, the physical contrast between them was striking. Candace, tall and willowy, towered over her sister by more than a foot. With her composed posture and graceful bearing, most strangers assumed she was the much older sibling—and that Luna, with her small frame and doll-like features, was her much younger sister. But the truth was far more subtle: Luna was only two years younger than Candace, despite appearances that often misled even the most well-meaning souls.

"It's been ten years," Candace murmured, her voice barely more than a breath against the wind. Her soft blue eyes shimmered as they lingered on the approaching shore, touched with wistfulness and memory. Her long blue-colored hair was tied in twin ponytails, swaying gently with the sea breeze. She clutched the sleeves of her blue sweater, her plaid skirt fluttering around her ankles in rhythm with the waves.

Beside her, Luna gripped the railing tightly, her excitement barely contained. Her bright pink hair, gathered in bouncy twin pigtails, danced behind her like ribbons in the wind. She wore a white and yellow frilly dress that gave her the look of a porcelain doll, down to the delicate shoes and white socks that adorned her small feet. Clutched close to her chest was a small black stuffed rabbit, faded slightly with time but clearly beloved. Her stature might have been slight, but there was nothing small about her presence. She radiated energy, her every movement a spark of vibrant life that contrasted with Candace's serene composure.

Two sisters—so different in appearance, yet bound by a shared past. And now, by a journey back to the place where their lives had began.

"I can't believe we're finally coming back," Luna said, her voice filled with a mixture of anticipation and nostalgia. "It feels like a dream. I wonder if anyone remembers us?"

Candace nodded, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her sweater. "Do you think much has changed?"

Luna smirked, resting her chin on her hands as she leaned over the railing. "I bet Gill still has that stick up his butt, being Hamilton's son and all."

Shelly arrived, letting out a sigh, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "Luna…"

Luna huffed, crossing her arms. "What, Grandma? It's true!"

Candace giggled, shaking her head. "Be nice. He was your best friend, remember?"

Luna rolled her eyes but said nothing, her gaze drifting toward the approaching shoreline. Despite her teasing, a quiet weight settled in her chest. She had left Waffle Island as a different person—one filled with hope, admiration, and perhaps… naive dreams. But she wasn't that girl anymore.

Outwardly, she hadn't changed much—still small, still wearing her signature frilly dresses—but inside, she had grown in ways no one could see. Life had shaped her, made her stronger, gave her experiences that shaped her personality within the last ten years. And now, as she returned to the island she once called home, she wasn't sure if it would offer the comfort of familiarity or serve as a reminder of all she had lost.

The boat docked with a soft thud, and the Pascal the captain signaled for them to disembark. Shelly, Candace, and Luna exchanged glances before stepping off the boat, their feet landing on the wooden planks of the harbor. The scent of fresh sea air mixed with the faint aroma of flowers drifting from the town's gardens.

"We're home," Candace whispered.

Luna took a deep breath, straightened her dress, and grinned. "Let's see what Waffle Island has in store for us." With that, the small family took their first steps back into the town they had once called home, looking forward to the journey that awaited them.

As the boat left returning to the sunset from whence it came from, Luna and Candace stepped onto the familiar wooden pier, their eyes sweeping across Waffle Town. Despite the passing years, little had changed. The town still exuded the same peaceful charm, its modest homes nestled close together, each with its own quaint garden or neatly stacked firewood. The cobblestone roads wove through the heart of the town, connecting neighbors like an unspoken bond of community.

Unlike the bustling city they had left behind—where people were too lost in their own lives to notice one another—Waffle Town remained a place where everyone knew each other's names, where greetings were exchanged with warmth, and where no one ever truly felt alone.

As they walked further in, familiar faces came into view. People who had once been children, like Maya and Owen, now stood tall as young adults, carrying themselves with a new sense of maturity. The sight stirred something deep within Luna—a realization of just how much time had passed.

Beyond the town, nestled in the serene Maple District, the old church still stood proudly on its hill. It was a comforting sight, evidence to the enduring spirit of Waffle Town. Many families lived in Maple District, and Luna and Candace could hardly wait to see them again, to embrace old friends and relive the memories that still lingered in the crisp island air.

As they wandered through the familiar streets of Waffle Town, nostalgia settled over Luna and Candace like a warm but bittersweet embrace. Every corner held echoes of their childhood, and every step forward felt like stepping into a memory.

Eventually, they found themselves standing before the old building that once housed their family's tailor shop. The wooden sign above the door, though weathered with time, still bore the faint lettering of their family name, Chiffon. The sight of it made Candace sigh, her fingers grazing the worn doorframe as she let old memories resurface.

"I can't believe it's been ten years…" Luna murmured, her voice quieter than usual. Her gaze drifted to the dusty windows, where she once peered outside as a child, watching the townsfolk pass by while their parents worked tirelessly behind the counter.

The weight of loss settled heavily in her chest. Their parents had passed away in the city, far from the home they had built here. Luna wished, more than anything, that they were standing there with them, welcoming them back to the shop they had poured their hearts into.

A gentle but firm hand rested on her shoulder, and another on Candace's. They turned to see Shelly, her expression kind but resolute.

"This place belongs to you now," she said, her voice steady. "Your parents' legacy didn't end with them—it lives on in you."

Luna swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded. This wasn't just a shop. It was a piece of their past, a place where love, laughter, and hard work once thrived. And now, it was up to them to bring it back to life.

Shelly stepped ahead, turning back with a knowing smile. "Come on, girls. Before you can settle in, you need to register the shop at town hall."

Candace and Luna exchanged glances before following after her, their hearts a mix of sorrow, hope, and determination. Waffle Town was their home once again, and no matter how much time had passed, it was time to reclaim their place in it.

As Shelly, Candace, and Luna ascended the stone steps leading to town hall, a wave of nostalgia washed over them. Though a decade had passed, the sight before them was even more breathtaking than they remembered. The grand old clock stood proudly at the side, its steady ticking filling the air with a sense of familiarity and timelessness. Just beside it, Alan's tree stretched toward the sky, its leaves a lush green canopy that swayed gently in the breeze. It was as vibrant as ever, standing as a testament to the town's enduring spirit.

But what truly stole their breath were the flowers.

Clusters of Spring blooms—yellow hyacinth and moondrop flowers, purple lavenders, and red tulips—were arranged in careful harmony, their colors painting the landscape in soft pinks, bright yellows, and rich purples. The once modest entrance to town hall now radiated warmth and life, a welcoming embrace to all who passed through. The fragrance of fresh blossoms filled the air, mingling with the crisp scent of the sea drifting in from the docks.

Luna's eyes widened in awe. "It's even more beautiful than I remember… I hope they plan to plant pink catmints in the Summer."

Candace nodded, a soft smile forming. "I can see why the mayor put so much effort into this place. Town hall isn't just a government building—it's the heart of Waffle Town. It's where everyone comes together."

Festivals, flea markets, community gatherings—so many cherished memories had unfolded right here. It made perfect sense that the town had invested heavily in its beauty, ensuring that the space felt as inviting as the people who lived there.

Shelly stepped forward, admiring the flowers with an approving nod. "Looks like they've taken good care of this place. Now, let's make sure we take care of your shop. Come on, girls—time to make it official."

With hearts full of anticipation, the sisters followed Shelly through the doors of town hall, ready to take the next step in reclaiming their family's legacy.

Town hall was as clean and elegant as any official building, yet it carried the same welcoming charm that defined Waffle Town. The polished wooden floors gleamed under the soft glow of the hanging lanterns, and the walls were adorned with framed maps of the town, historical photographs, and a beautifully embroidered banner showcasing Waffle Town's emblem.

At the front of the room stood a sturdy wooden desk, the central hub where all official business took place. Here, residents could pay taxes, purchase property, and handle other administrative matters. Despite its bureaucratic purpose, the desk was adorned with a small vase of fresh flowers, a touch of warmth that softened the otherwise formal setting.

Upstairs, the atmosphere shifted from official to nurturing. The second floor housed both the town's modest library and a small school for young children. Wooden bookshelves lined the walls, filled with well-loved novels, educational texts, and town records, offering knowledge to anyone eager to learn. Beside the library, a cozy classroom was set up with small desks and a chalkboard, where the town's youngest residents gathered each day to study. The sound of children's laughter and the occasional scratch of chalk against the board often drifted through the stairwell, a comforting reminder that Waffle Town was not just preserving its past but also nurturing its future.

Behind the desk, a woman stood with a focused expression, her hands shuffling through neatly stacked paperwork. She was the town hall's secretary, ensuring that everything ran smoothly within the heart of Waffle Town's governance. Though her posture was professional, there was a kindness in her eyes—after all, in a place as small and tight-knit as Waffle Town, even officials were like family.

Shelly stepped forward with a warm smile, gently nudging Candace and Luna to follow her lead. The woman behind the desk looked up from her paperwork, her brown eyes lighting up with curiosity as she took in the three newcomers. She had a gentle face, framed by soft, chestnut-colored hair, and she wore a neatly pressed blouse that gave her a professional yet approachable demeanor.

"Good afternoon," Shelly greeted. "I'm Shelly, and these are my granddaughters, Candace and Luna. We've just returned to Waffle Town and wanted to register our tailor shop."

The woman's expression brightened with recognition. "Oh! So you're the famous sisters everyone has been talking about," she said cheerfully. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. My name is Elli—I work as the secretary here at town hall, and I also happen to be the town's weather girl."

Luna raised an eyebrow. "You do both?"

Elli laughed softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "In a small town like this, we all wear multiple hats. It keeps things interesting," she said with a wink. "I keep track of property records, manage town events, and, of course, give weather updates on the bulletin board and on tv."

Candace smiled, her voice soft but kind. "That sounds like a lot of responsibility."

"It can be," Elli admitted with a small shrug. "But I love this town, and I want to do my part to help it thrive." She then reached for a set of forms and slid them across the counter. "Let's get your shop registered, shall we?"

As the sisters took the paperwork, Luna couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. Their journey was only just beginning, and already, Waffle Town was welcoming them home with open arms.

As Shelly, Candace, and Luna continued filling out the paperwork, Shelly glanced up and asked, "By the way, is Hamilton still the mayor?"

Elli nodded with a smile. "Oh, of course! Mayor Hamilton wouldn't dream of stepping down. He loves this town too much." She reached for the phone on her desk and quickly dialed a number. "Let me call him over. He'll be happy to see you."

As they continued signing the forms, it didn't take long before the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the hall. Soon, a familiar figure appeared—a stout man with an epic silver cowlick and a slightly disheveled suit, his expression warm yet slightly flustered, as if he had rushed over the moment he got the call.

"Shelly! Candace!" Hamilton's voice boomed with relief as he approached, his eyes filled with genuine sympathy. "It's been far too long Shelly… I was devastated to hear about what happened to your son and daughter-in-law. I'm so sorry for your loss."

Shelly placed a hand over her heart, nodding appreciatively. "Thank you, Hamilton. It hasn't been easy, but we're back now, and that's what matters."

Hamilton then turned to Candace, his nose twitching with a smile. "And just look at you! You've grown up so fast. I can hardly believe it's been ten years."

Candace offered a small, polite smile as she shook his hand. "It's good to be back, Mayor."

As the formalities settled, Luna stepped forward, offering a bright grin. "Hey, Mayor Hamilton! It's been a while."

Hamilton turned his gaze down to her, his expression shifting into mild confusion. He furrowed his brows as he examined her, then blurted out, "Luna, is that you? I figured that you'd be... taller."

Awkward silence filled the room. Luna's grin faltered as her cheeks puffed up in frustration. A sharp twitch flickered at the corner of her eye, but she bit her tongue before she could snap back with something she might regret. Instead, she crossed her arms and exhaled through her nose. "Deep breaths, Luna. Deep breaths."

Shelly sighed, shaking her head. "Hamilton, really…"

Hamilton chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Ah—sorry, sorry. That wasn't very mayor-like of me, was it?"

Luna huffed but let it slide. "First day back and already getting teased about my height… figures."

As they continued their conversation, hurried footsteps echoed from the hallway. A young man with neatly combed blonde hair and sharp blue eyes rushed into the room, holding a stack of papers. His expression was as serious as ever, brows furrowed in concentration.

"Father, where are the budget reports for the year?" Gill asked without preamble, failing to notice their guests momentarily. "I need to make a few adjustments before the final review."

Luna's breath hitched the moment she saw him. Her eyes widened, and a sudden wave of warmth rushed to her cheeks. "Gill?" she whispered to herself. It had been years since she last saw him, but there was no mistaking him. However, the Gill standing before her was far different from the one she remembered.

Luna's mind flashed back to when they were children—back when they stood eye-to-eye, constantly playing together and bickering as children, yet always finding their way back to each other. But now… that was no longer the case. Gill had grown. He was taller now, his once-boyish features sharpened into that of a refined young man. Dressed in a tailored suit that fit him perfectly, he carried himself with a confident air, one befitting the future mayor of Waffle Town.

Luna swallowed hard, suddenly feeling incredibly small—not just in height, but in presence. "When did he… become so... handsome?"

Hamilton cleared his throat, drawing Gill's attention. "Gill, I'd like you to meet some of our new residents," he said with a proud smile. "Though, I suppose 'new' isn't quite right. They're returning home."

Gill turned to the trio, his serious expression softening when he saw Shelly. A rare smile graced his lips as he extended his hand. "Miss Shelly, welcome back. It's good to see you again."

Shelly shook his hand warmly. "My, Gill, you've grown into a fine young man. Your father must be proud."

Gill chuckled lightly before turning his attention to Candace. His gaze was appreciative but respectful. "Candace, it's been a long time. You've grown into a lovely woman."

Candace blushed faintly, tucking a loose strand of blue hair behind her ear. "It's nice to see you again, Gill."

Then, his gaze drifted downward, and his polite expression faltered. "Luna?" His voice held a note of hesitation. Luna lifted her head, meeting his familiar blue eyes. For a moment, she thought—hoped—he'd say something different. Something warm. Instead, his next words hit her harder than she expected. "You haven't… changed much."

Luna's heart sank. She knew he was referring to her height, but hearing it from Gill stung more than she cared to admit. It was one thing when Hamilton made a teasing remark, but from Gill? It felt different. Her shoulders slumped, and she looked down, hiding the hurt in her eyes. "Of course. That's all anyone ever notices."

Gill cleared his throat, adjusting his tie. "I have some paperwork to finish. Excuse me," he said stiffly before turning and walking away. Luna watched him go, still feeling the weight of his words. She clenched her fists, willing herself to push the feeling aside.

Hamilton let out a hearty chuckle, oblivious to the tension. "Well then! Welcome back once again. I'm sure you ladies have a lot to settle, so I'll leave you to it." With a gentle bow, he followed after Gill, leaving the women alone with Elli.

Elli smiled brightly and reached under the counter, pulling out a small set of keys. "Here you go! These are the keys to the shop. Congratulations on opening up again—we could all use a good tailor in town!"

Candace accepted the keys with a grateful nod. "Thank you, Elli. This means a lot to us."

Luna managed a smile, still shaking off the awkward encounter with Gill. "Yeah, thanks."

With their business at town hall complete, the three made their way back to their old home—their shop. As they stepped inside, a wave of nostalgia washed over them.

The scent of aged wood and fabric filled the air, the same scent they had grown up with. Their parents' old mannequins stood in the corner, draped in dust-covered fabrics that had once been vibrant. The sewing tables were just as they left them, though time had dulled their shine.

Candace traced her fingers along the counter, her eyes glistening with memories. "It's just like how we left it…" she whispered.

Luna wandered further inside, her heart aching as she pictured their parents bustling around the shop, their mother taking measurements while their father stitched intricate patterns with ease. She could almost hear their laughter, the sound of the sewing machines humming in the background.

Shelly placed a hand on both their shoulders. "They'd be so proud of you girls," she said softly.

Luna swallowed the lump in her throat and smiled, gripping the keys tightly. "Let's make this place shine again."