Chapter 12

The first day of Summer dawns hot and bright in Forget-Me-Not Valley, with the sun's rays dancing across the rippling waters of the beach. The valley's residents, eager to escape the heat, have gathered by the shore. Laughter and shouts of joy fill the air as families splash in the cool water with friends lounging on colorful towels under large umbrellas.

Vale, however, is not among them. The hardworking rancher is on his way back from Mineral Town, having completed another exhausting day of deliveries. His body feels the strain of the new responsibilities he's taken on since Takakura's retirement. He walks back to the valley, his thoughts are a mix of pride and weariness.

Toby, on the other hand, is enjoying his Summer day with friends. He races along the shore with Kate, Hugh, and Myo, their laughter mingling with the crash of the waves. They run around in bathing suits while playing games, their youthful energy boundless. For a brief moment, Toby is just another carefree teenager, forgetting the weight of his future responsibilities.

As Vale trudges back home, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him, he decides to take a break at the bridge. Leaning on the weathered wooden railing, he lets the gentle sounds of the river below wash over him, a temporary balm to his worries. The water flows steadily, sparkling under the mid-afternoon sun, and for a moment, he allows himself to relax.

His mind, however, is a restless one, filled with thoughts of the ranch and the mounting tasks that await him. He sighs, lost in his musings, when a familiar voice suddenly breaks through his reverie.

"Vale," the voice calls, steady and unmistakable.

Startled, Vale turns towards the sound, his heart skipping a beat. Standing at the edge of the bridge, with her arms casually crossed, is Nami. Her presence is unexpected, a welcome surprise amidst his burdens.

Nami appears more mature, her red hair now slightly wavy compared to the straight locks he remembers. She wears a green t-shirt with a white vest over it, brown cargo shorts, and hiking boots—a practical outfit that suits her adventurous spirit. Despite these changes, her face and azure eyes remains as youthful and vibrant as the day she left the valley.

"Nami?" Vale says, his voice filled with a mix of disbelief and joy. "Is that really you?"

She nods, a small smile playing on her lips. "It's been a while, Vale. How long has it been? Fifteen years, more or less?"

Vale walks closer, unable to suppress the grin spreading across his face. "You look...different. Good, but different."

Nami chuckles softly. "Time has a way of changing things, doesn't it? But it's good to see you. You look..." She then gives his gut a light pat, "Looks like you got a read dad bod going on. Celia must have been taking good care of you."

Vale laughs, a genuine sound that lifts some of the weight off his shoulders. "You have no idea. What brings you back to the valley?"

Nami's eyes soften, a hint of nostalgia in her gaze. "Just passing through, but I couldn't resist stopping by, but only for the Summer. This place has a way of calling you back, doesn't it?"

"Yeah, it does," Vale agrees, nodding. "It's really good to see you, Nami."

"It's good to see you too, Vale," she replies, her smile widening. "Let's catch up. I want to hear everything."

"Hey, how about we head back to my place?" Vale suggests. "I'm sure Celia will be thrilled to see you."

Nami nods, her smile growing wider. "I'd love that. It's been too long."

As they make their way back to the ranch, Vale and Nami catch up, their conversation filled with memories and laughter. When they arrive at the farmhouse, the sun is beginning to dip, casting a warm glow over the valley.

"Celia! Guess who's here!" Vale calls out as they step inside the house.

Celia, who has been bustling around the kitchen, looks up, her eyes widening with surprise and delight. "Nami!" she exclaims, rushing over to her friend. She wraps Nami in a big, warm hug. "Oh, I've missed you so much!"

Nami, though a bit taken aback by the enthusiastic greeting, returns the hug awkwardly. "It's good to see you too, Celia."

Celia pulls back, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Come, sit down. Tell us everything you've been up to since you left the valley."

Nami smiles, feeling the warmth of the household seep into her. She follows Celia to the table, where she takes a seat. Celia then immediately offers Nami some tea and snacks before taking a seat. Vale joins them, and the three friends settle in, eager to catch up on old times and new adventures.

"So," Celia begins, her voice brimming with curiosity, "what have you been up to, Nami? We've missed having you around."

Nami takes a deep breath, glancing around at the unfamiliar, yet greatly changed surroundings. The small house that evolved into a grand home. "Well, it's been quite a journey," she starts, her eyes reflecting the many roads she's traveled. "I've been exploring different places, meeting new people, and learning a lot about myself along the way."

Celia listens intently, her hands resting on the table. "It sounds amazing. We've had our own share of changes here, too."

Vale nods in agreement. "Yeah, the ranch has kept us busy. We have a son too. But we've missed you, Nami. The valley has not been the same without you around."

Nami smiles, her heart warmed by their words. "I've missed you all too. It's good to be back, even if it's just for a visit."

The three friends continue to chat, the room filled with stories and laughter. The bond they share, despite the years and the distance, remains strong.

As the sun continues its descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, the front door creaks open, and Toby steps inside, looking tired but content from a day spent with his friends.

"Hey, Mom, Dad," Toby calls out as he walks into the kitchen. His eyes widen when he sees the unfamiliar yet friendly face of Nami sitting at the table with his parents.

Celia stands up with a bright smile. "Toby, come here! I want you to meet someone very special." She gently places a hand on Nami's shoulder. "This is Nami, an old friend of ours."

Nami grins, extending her fist toward Toby. "Hey there, Toby. It's great to finally meet you."

Toby, intrigued by this new presence, smiles back and bumps her fist. "Hi, Nami. Nice to meet you too."

Nami chuckles softly, her eyes flicking between Toby and Vale. "You know, Toby, you look just like your dad."

Toby glances at Vale, then back at Nami, a small smile playing on his lips. "I get that a lot."

With everyone now acquainted, they all sit down together, the conversation flowing easily. Nami shares more stories from her travels, and Toby listens intently, fascinated by the tales of distant places and new experiences. As the sun dips lower, casting faint shadows across the room, the sense of camaraderie and warmth deepens.

Eventually, Nami glances out the window, noting the darkening sky. She sighs, a hint of reluctance in her voice. "It's getting late. I should probably head out. Ruby and Tim remember me, and they've offered to let me stay at the inn at a discounted rate."

Celia quickly shakes her head, her expression firm but kind. "That won't be necessary, Nami." She looks at Vale, seeking his agreement. "What do you think, Vale? Shouldn't Nami stay at Takakura's house?"

Vale nods enthusiastically. "Absolutely. It's a great idea. The house is just sitting there empty, and it's more comfortable than the inn."

Nami hesitates, a mix of gratitude and uncertainty in her eyes. "I don't want to impose..."

Celia gently holds Nami's hands, her smile reassuring. "You're not imposing at all, Nami. We insist. You're like family to us."

Nami finally nods, the warmth of their friendship melting away her reservations. "Thank you. I really appreciate it."

As the daylight finally draws to a close, they all share a few more stories and laughs before Vale and Celia walk Nami to Takakura's house. The sense of belonging and connection is palpable, proof to the enduring friendships and love that bind them all together in Forget-Me-Not Valley.

As Nami places her bag on a nearby table in Takakura's house, she looks around, taking in the quaint, rustic charm of the place. She turns to Vale and Celia with a thoughtful expression. "You know, I've never actually stayed in a house before. This is a new experience for me."

Celia steps forward, her eyes filled with warmth. "Well, Nami, make yourself at home. You're welcome to stay as long as you want."

Nami's face softens into a grateful smile. "Thank you both for your hospitality. It means a lot to me."

The night passes peacefully, the house providing a cozy refuge for Nami. The next morning, she wakes up early, the sun just beginning to peek over the horizon. She dresses quickly and steps outside, breathing in the fresh morning air.

In the yard, she finds Vale already hard at work, packing the goods for his daily delivery to Mineral Town. His movements are methodical but carry a hint of the fatigue that has accumulated over the busy Spring.

Nami approaches, her presence not unnoticed by Vale. "Good morning, Vale," she greets with a smile. "Need a hand with that?"

Vale glances up, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "Morning, Nami. I appreciate the offer, but you're a guest here. You should relax and enjoy your stay."

Nami crosses her arms, a determined look in her eyes. "Vale, you know I can't just stay here for free. I want to help out and earn my keep."

Vale pauses, considering her words. He sees the sincerity and resolve in her expression and realizes that allowing her to help might be what she needs to feel at ease.

"Alright," he concedes with a nod. "I suppose I could use an extra pair of hands. Just don't overdo it."

Nami grins, rolling up her sleeves. "Don't worry about me, Vale. Don't you forget that I'm tougher than I look."

As the sun climbs higher in the sky, Vale and Nami walk side by side along the well-trodden path to Mineral Town. The Summer heat beats down relentlessly, making Vale sweat as he shoulders his load of goods. In contrast, Nami strides beside him with a calm ease, the heavy bags she carries appearing to weigh nothing at all.

Vale glances over at her, a mix of admiration and curiosity in his eyes. "You make that look so easy, Nami. Carrying all that weight like it's nothing."

Nami smiles, her steps unwavering. "Well, I am a traveler. Walking long distances is kind of my thing. This is nothing compared to some of the treks I've done."

Vale chuckles, shaking his head. "I had no idea you were such good friends with Celia. She was so excited to see you."

Nami's expression softens, and she lets out a small laugh. "We're not exactly close friends, but Celia has always been kind to me. When we were younger, she would often find me standing at the bridge near her farm, just staring out at the valley."

Vale listens intently as she continues, "Celia would walk up to me, always with that concerned look in her eyes, and ask if I was okay. I'd tell her I was fine, even if I wasn't. Then she'd bring me gifts—fresh-picked crops or a warm meal. And of course, I'd accept them. Being a traveler doesn't exactly bring in a lot of money, so any free food was always appreciated."

Nami's smile grows as she recalls those memories, and Vale can see the genuine gratitude in her eyes. "Celia's generosity made a real difference for me back then. So when you told me that you were getting married to her, I just wished you both well."

Vale glances at Nami, his expression thoughtful. "You know, Nami, I wanted to invite you to the wedding, but you left the valley before I had the chance. I was really hoping you'd be there."

Nami's face grows distant, her eyes clouding with memories. She pauses for a moment before answering, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "I had to leave because of an emergency. It was so sudden that I didn't even have time to say goodbye to anyone."

Vale nods, understanding the weight of her words. "I'm sorry to hear that. I can only imagine how tough that must have been."

Nami forces a small smile, appreciating his empathy. They work in silence for a few more moments before Vale, his curiosity piqued, asks, "So, have you met anyone special in your travels?"

Nami's eyes flicker with a mix of emotions. "I did, actually. I dated a farmer in Flowerbud Village."

Vale raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "Really? What happened? Did you two not get along?"

Nami shakes her head, her expression softening. "No, we got along quite well. He even proposed to me with a blue feather."

Vale's eyes widen in surprise. "A blue feather? That's a big deal! So, what happened?"

Nami's smile fades slightly, and she looks away, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I turned him down."

Vale hesitates, sensing the depth of her regret. "Why? If you don't mind me asking."

Nami sighs, her gaze fixed on a distant point. "It's complicated, Vale. Let's just say I had my reasons."

Seeing the look of sorrow and conflict on her face, Vale decides to drop the subject. "I understand, Nami. I'm sorry if I brought up any painful memories."

Nami offers a faint smile, appreciating his sensitivity. "It's alright. It's part of the journey, I guess."

They soon arrive in Mineral Town, meeting with Zack the shipper. Once they finish unloading the goods, the air between them filled with an unspoken understanding. Despite the unasked questions and unresolved pasts, there is a sense of companionship and mutual respect that binds them. As they prepare to head back to the valley, Vale feels grateful for Nami's presence and the strength she brings, knowing that their friendship, though complicated, is something he deeply values.

Once they arrive back in Forget-Me-Not Valley, Nami and Vale part ways at the fork in the road, exchanging friendly waves. "Thanks for the help, Nami," Vale calls out, his voice carrying over the sound of the nearby river.

"Anytime, Vale," Nami responds with a nod. "I'll give you a hand again soon."

With that, they head in opposite directions, Vale toward his ranch and Nami wandering deeper into the village. The heat of Summer embraces the valley, the cicadas singing a chorus that blends with the rustling of the leaves. As Nami meanders through the familiar paths, she is struck by the realization of how much has changed since her last visit.

The valley itself remains a picturesque haven, untouched by time. The same old trees line the paths, the same flowers bloom in vibrant colors, and the river still flows with a gentle, soothing melody. But the people – they have transformed considerably.

She pauses outside tye Blue Bar, remembering the vibrant, flirtatious woman who once seemed destined for a life of fleeting romances. To her surprise, Muffy is now wed, her laughter mingling with the giggles of her young daughter. Muffy is now a responsible mother, a role Nami never imagined her in, yet one she seems to embrace with joy and grace.

Passing the new building on a hill, Nami's heart tightens at the sight of Nina's grave. The kind-hearted woman who always had a smile and a kind word for everyone is gone. Her husband, Galen, tends to the grave with a quiet dedication, speaking to Nina as if she were still there beside him. The loss of Nina has left a palpable void in the valley, one that Galen fills with his love and memories.

Continuing her walk, Nami notices the children she once knew have grown into young adults. Lumina, who once struggled to play the piano, is now a confident young woman. The mansion now resonates with beautiful music, filled with stories of Lumina's hard work and passion. Her playing is so enchanting that it draws in villagers who pause to listen, their faces reflecting the same admiration Nami feels.

She spots Hugh, no longer the small child she remembered. At seventeen, he has become a natural leader, guiding the younger kids on their adventures through the valley. He carries himself with a mix of confidence and kindness, a reflection of his upbringing in this nurturing community.

As Nami continues her stroll, she contemplates the duality of her surroundings. The valley, with its timeless beauty, serves as a backdrop to the ever-changing lives of its inhabitants. It dawns on her that even when the scenery remains the same, life and people must evolve. Change is an inevitable part of growth, and it is this blend of constancy and transformation that makes Forget-Me-Not Valley so unique.

Time passes, and Summer is at the edge of its course ready for Fall. After a season of exploration, Nami readies herself to leave Forget-Me-Not Valley once more. The valley has been a comforting pause in her journey, but the call of the road still beckons. She steps out of the house she has been staying in, taking a moment to breathe in the crisp morning air. Just as she is about to set off, Vale approaches her with a purposeful stride.

"Nami," Vale calls out, his voice steady but holding a note of urgency. "Can you come with me to the house? There's something we need to discuss."

Curious, Nami nods and follows Vale back to his home. Inside, she finds Celia waiting for them, a warm smile lighting up her face. They all take a seat at the kitchen table, the familiar scent of freshly baked bread filling the room.

Nami looks at them expectantly. "What's going on?" she asks, sensing the significance of this gathering.

Vale and Celia exchange a glance, their eyes shining with a mix of pride and hope. Vale speaks first, his voice sincere. "Nami, we've been talking, and... well, we don't want you to leave the valley."

Celia nods in agreement. "You've become a part of our family, Nami. The valley wouldn't be the same without you."

Nami's heart swells with emotion, a lump forming in her throat. She has always been a wanderer, never staying in one place for too long. The idea of being wanted, of belonging somewhere, touches her deeply.

Vale continues, "We know you're a traveler, but we were wondering if you'd be interested in a permanent job here. We could really use your help as the shipper of the ranch. It's a lot of work, but we think you'd be perfect for it."

Nami blinks back tears, her mind racing. A stable home, a place to call her own – it's something she has only once dreamed of. The valley is beautiful and has plenty of memories behind it. She looks at Vale and Celia, their hopeful expressions filled with genuine care.

"Yes," she finally says, her voice trembling with happiness. "Yes, I would love that."

Celia beams, reaching across the table to squeeze Nami's hand. Vale smiles, relief and joy evident in his eyes. "Welcome to the family, Nami."

Nami returns to the house she has been staying in, her heart light and her spirit renewed. She unpacks her bag, this time with hope and a sense of belonging. For the first time in a long while, Nami feels she has found a place to call home.