Chapter 13

In the season of Fall, a tranquil shift had settled over Forget-Me-Not Valley. The vibrant greens of Summer had given way to hues of amber, russet, and gold, painting the landscape with an autumnal beauty. Nami had found her rhythm in this new chapter of her life, fully embracing her role as the shipper of Vale's ranch.

Each morning, she rose with the dawn, her days now a blend of routine and fulfillment. The responsibilities she had taken over from Takakura were many, but Nami handled them with a steadfast dedication. From overseeing the packing of crops and byproducts to be delivered to Mineral Town to managing the buying and selling of livestock, she had become an indispensable part of the ranch's operations.

Her transition from a life of constant travel to one rooted in a single place had been smoother than she had anticipated. The once-restless spirit within her had found peace in the daily tasks that now defined her existence. The ranch buildings, which had once seemed like mere structures, now held significance as symbols of her contribution and care. Every repair, every improvement she oversaw, felt like a step toward cementing her place in this community.

The people of Forget-Me-Not Valley had welcomed her warmly, their initial curiosity about the wanderer who had decided to stay transforming into genuine camaraderie. Vale and Celia had become more than just employers; they were friends who had opened their home and hearts to her. Their son, Toby, often sought her out for stories of her travels, his eyes lighting up with the same wanderlust that had once driven her.

One crisp autumn afternoon, as she returned from a delivery to Mineral Town, Nami pauses on the bridge overlooking the river. The cool breeze rustle the leaves, carrying with it the faint scent of Fall crops. She watches the water flow beneath her, remembering the countless rivers she had crossed in her travels. This river, however, had become special. It symbolized the flow of life in the valley, a life she had become part of.

With a deep breath, she makes her way back to the ranch, her steps steady and purposeful. Her old role as a traveler has become a cherished memory, a chapter that led her to this moment. She now has a home and a job that grounds her in a way she has never thought possible. The open road would always hold a piece of her heart, but the valley has claimed the rest.

Suddenly, she hears the sound of hurried footsteps and turns to see Toby rushing toward her, his face lit up with excitement. "Hey, Nami!" Toby calls out, skidding to a halt in front of her.

"Hey kid, what's up?" she answers.

"We're playing a ball game in the field, but we can't decide who should pitch the ball. Would you play for both teams? We need a neutral player."

Nami smiles at the eager young boy. "Sure, I'd be happy to play."

The field comes alive with the sounds of laughter and chatter as the teens of the valley gather for their game. Nami takes her place on the makeshift pitcher's mound, ready to play her part. As she tosses the ball, she can't help but observe the children around her: Toby, Hugh, Myo, and Kate, their faces flushed with the joy of play.

With each pitch, Nami feels a pang of bittersweet nostalgia. She thinks about all the years she spent wandering, searching for something she couldn't quite name. Now, standing in this familiar valley, she imagines a different life—one where she had never left, where she might have married and had children of her own. She pictures a little boy or girl with red hair and blue eyes, playing alongside the valley's children, part of this vibrant tapestry of life.

But deep inside, she knows why she didn't stay all those years ago. Her feelings for Vale, who has now built a life with Celia, wouldn't have allowed her to commit to someone else. She pushes those thoughts aside, focusing instead on the game and the laughter of the children around her.

For now, she is content to be a part of this community, to contribute in her own way and to watch over these young souls as they grow and mature, each moment becoming a memory to the enduring spirit of Forget-Me-Not Valley.

The following day, Nami checks the refrigerated shipping container and finds more milk than usual. She sighs, knowing she'll need to make two trips this time to ensure everything stays fresh. As she begins to pack her bag, Vale walks into the storage shed and notices Nami struggling with the bottles of milk.

"Need some help?" Vale asks.

Nami looks up and offers a small smile. "I'm good. It's just that there's a lot more milk than usual."

Vale nods in understanding. "In Spring and Fall, the cows sometimes produce more milk. Sorry, I should've mentioned it earlier."

Nami figures that must be the case. Vale then offers to help her with the shipping since his workload is light. "I can give you a hand today. My workload's pretty light."

Nami shakes her head, determined. "I appreciate it, Vale, but I can manage. You've got enough on your plate."

Vale insists, stepping closer. "Nami, I want to help. Besides, it's too much for one person. Let me do my part."

Nami blushes slightly. "Really, it's okay. I don't want to bother you."

"It's no bother at all," Vale replies with a reassuring smile. "We're a team, remember? Let's tackle this together."

As Vale steps closer to assist her, Nami's face blushes even more. She takes a step back, trying to maintain her composure, but trips over a crate and nearly falls. In a swift motion, Vale grabs her hand, but the momentum causes him to fall on top of her.

"Are you okay?" Vale asks, his face inches from hers.

Nami is speechless, her face flushed as she finds herself way too close to Vale for comfort. Her heart races, and she struggles to find her voice. "Y-yeah, I'm fine," she manages to say, her words barely a whisper.

Vale helps her up, noticing her reddened face. "Are you sure you're okay? You look a bit flushed."

Nami quickly passes it off. "I'm just embarrassed, that's all. I don't usually trip over things." After a deep breath, she says, "Thanks for offering to help, but I really need to take care of this on my own."

Vale chuckles softly. "No need to be embarrassed. It happens to everyone." He then adds, "But seriously, if you ever need help, just let me know."

Nami nods, her emotions still in turmoil. "Thanks, Vale. I'll be fine."

As Vale leaves, Nami takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She watches him walk away, understanding that her feelings for him haven't faded over the years. She shakes her head, determined to focus on her work, but the encounter leaves her heart heavy and conflicted.

As Nami walks to Mineral Town with the bag filled with shipped goods, a sense of dread begins to settle in her heart. The early morning sun casting shadows behind her as she walks across the path, but she barely notices the beauty of the day. Her mind is consumed with the turmoil of her emotions.

Taking the job at Vale's ranch had seemed like a blessing at first. It was a chance for stability, a place to call home after a lifetime of wandering. But now, as her feelings for Vale starts to resurface again, she begins to question that decision. She thought that after fifteen years, she would have gotten over him. She had convinced herself that time and distance would have erased her feelings, but now that she is back in the Valley, seeing Vale every day, she realizes how wrong she is.

The weight of her unspoken love hangs heavy in the air. She feels a pang of guilt every time she sees Vale and Celia together, happy and content in their life. They had been so kind to her, offering her a place to stay, a job, and their friendship. She couldn't bear the thought of causing any pain or disruption to their lives.

Nami's steps slow as the path to Mineral Town stretches ahead of her. The idea of staying in Forget-Me-Not Valley begins to feel like an impossible burden. How can she remain here, in such close proximity to Vale, without her feelings betraying her? What if, in a moment of weakness, she does something wrong? The thought terrifies her.

She knows what she must do. She cannot stay in the Valley. The only way to protect Vale, Celia, and herself is to leave. But before she goes, she knows she must tell Vale the truth. He deserves to know why she can't stay, why she must leave once more.

The next day, after Nami returns to the ranch with the payment for the day's goods, Vale picks up the money and notices a note attached to it. Curious, he unfolds the paper and reads Nami's neat handwriting: "Meet me at the waterfall near the dig site. I have something important to tell you."

Intrigued and somewhat apprehensive, Vale makes his way to the waterfall. The sound of rushing water fills the air as he approaches the familiar spot. He finds Nami standing there staring at the cascading water, her expression serious. As he gets closer, he can't help but comment, "This was the last place I saw you before you left the valley."

Nami nods, her gaze fixed on the flowing water. "Do you remember what we were talking about that day?" she asks quietly.

Vale thinks for a moment, then replies, "You said something about wanting to stay in the valley."

"That's right," Nami says, her voice barely above a whisper. She turns to face him, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and resolve. "And do know why I left anyway, even if I wanted to stay?"

Vale shakes his head, still confused. "No, I never understood why you left so suddenly. I know you said that you had an emergency, but I didn't believe it."

Nami takes a deep breath, gathering her courage. "On the day we last met many years ago, I wanted to ask you something. I wanted to ask if we could live together."

Vale's brow furrows in confusion. "Why did you want to live at the ranch?"

Nami looks him directly in the eyes, her voice steady. "Because I wanted to live with you... as your wife."

Vale gasps, the revelation hitting him like a tidal wave. "I... I had no idea, Nami."

Nami continues, her voice trembling slightly. "The reason I turned down the proposal from the farmer in Flowerbud Village is because I still had feelings for you. I couldn't give my heart to someone else if I still loved you."

Vale stands there, stunned and silent, as the weight of Nami's words sinks in. The waterfall roars in the background, a stark contrast to the heavy silence between them. Nami's confession leaves Vale grappling with his own emotions, torn between the life he has built and the love he never knew existed.

Vale stands there, speechless, unable to find the right words. Before he can respond, Nami quickly interjects, "You don't need to say anything, Vale. I just wanted to be honest with you." She gives him a sad smile, her eyes reflecting a mix of relief and sorrow. "Will this make things awkward between us?" she asks.

Vale takes a deep breath and shakes his head, offering her a reassuring smile. "No, Nami. I'm glad you told me the truth."

Nami nods, appreciating his understanding. She turns and begins to walk back towards the ranch. "Let's go. We have a lot of work to do," she says over her shoulder, her voice steady despite the emotional moment they just shared.

Vale nods and follows her, his mind feeling both heavier and clearer with the truth now out in the open. As they head back to the ranch, he finds a new sense of respect for Nami, understanding the depth of her feelings and the strength it took for her to be honest with him. With this new understanding, Vale feels ready to face whatever comes next, both in their work and in their friendship.

The next day, a biting chill fills the air, signaling the approach of Winter. Vale drops the morning's milk and cheese into the shipping container, only to notice that the previous day's milk remains untouched. A wave of worry washes over him; Nami is always punctual with her deliveries.

Fearing she might be unwell, Vale hurries to her house. He knocks on the door, but there is no answer. Concern mounting, he tries the door handle and finds it unlocked. He calls her name as he steps inside, but silence greets him.

His eyes quickly scan the room, and his heart sinks. The house is empty, all of Nami's possessions gone. A single note rests on the bed. Vale picks it up and reads:

Vale,

I had to leave. Staying here, with my feelings, became too much. I will always cherish the memories and the kindness you and Celia showed me. But it's time for me to move on, for good this time.

Take care of the ranch and everyone in the Valley. I'll never forget you.

Sincerely,

Nami

Vale sighs, folding the note and slipping it into his pocket. He understands why Nami had to leave. Her feelings for him made it impossible to stay. The truth she had shared with him, the weight of unrequited love, was a burden she could no longer bear.

As he exits the empty house and heads back to the ranch, Vale feels a mix of sadness and respect for Nami's decision. He knows it took immense strength for her to make this choice. He resolves to honor her memory by taking extra care of the ranch, grateful for the time they spent together, however brief.

Vale returns home, the weight of the day heavy on his shoulders. As he steps through the door, Celia greets him with a warm smile that quickly fades when she sees the troubled look on his face. "What's wrong?" she asks, concern evident in her eyes.

Vale takes a deep breath, his mind racing. He knows he must make a difficult decision. "Nami left the valley," he says finally.

Celia's brow furrows. "She left? Why? What happened?"

Vale pauses, his heart aching with the knowledge he must keep. In the end, he decides to respect Nami's privacy and answer, "She had a family emergency. She had to leave suddenly, without a chance to say goodbye to anyone."

Celia nods sadly, a look of understanding mixed with sorrow crossing her face. "I see. I hope she's okay and that everything turns out alright for her."

Vale forces a smile. "I'm sure she'll be fine. She's strong."

After a moment of silence, Vale excuses himself and steps outside. He pulls Nami's note from his pocket, looking at it one last time. With a sigh, he tosses it into the wind, watching as it flutters away.

"Goodbye, Nami," he whispers, hoping she finds the happiness she deserves.

Back in the ranch, Vale steels himself for the responsibilities ahead. He is once again the sole caretaker of the ranch, both taking care of the animals and the shipping. But this time, he feels a new sense of determination. He will honor Nami's memory by ensuring the ranch thrives, confident that he can manage whatever challenges come his way.