"Yes. Wonderful," Pam murmured, watching Penny's radiant joy. After a long moment, she forced the macaron into her mouth—the sweetness turning to ash.
At least the loan is in my name.
No matter what, she refused to let Penny carry this crushing debt of gratitude into any future with Ron.
She managed a strained smile, watching Penny sketch room layouts with trembling hands. Only after minutes did she sit beside her, listening as dreams poured forth:
"A fireplace here! A recliner… oh, and a bookshelf right here! Every single one of my books will go inside!"
---
The next day—Fall 15. Sandy's birthday.
Sandy woke to Emily holding a bouquet of Daffodils and Sweet Peas—wildflowers gathered over six months in Pelican Town. The room bloomed with their gentle fragrance.
"Oh—"
She sat up, arms outstretched. "Come here—hug me! I'm about to cry, Emily."
Emily set the flowers aside and pulled her close.
"We 'hHaven't celebrated your birthday like this in ages. Happy birthday, Sandy."
"Thank you," Sandy whispered into Emily's shoulder, tears warming her cheeks.
"You're welcome. Where to next? I'm with you all day."
"Tomorrow too—" Sandy's voice was muffled.
"Tomorrow too," Emily promised softly.
---
At the Farm…
Having emptied the farm's savings for the loan, Ron directed Rattata through brewing shifts. Summer's Hops stockpile ensured enough supply; if needed, Mead offered a faster, pricier alternative—buy Honey from the Desert on Fridays, ferment overnight, yield double profit.
Hauling the goods to the shipping bin, Ron exhaled in relief.
Thank goodness the Fair doesn't demand Egg Festival-level spending.
That afternoon, Emily and Sandy returned—pitching in with chores before leaving.
Then—morning arrived.
Stardew Valley Fair.
With the mountain train finally operational, visitors from beyond Stardew Valley wandered the grounds. Thanks to the farm's prior promotions, many already knew of Pelican Town's Pokémon.
Ron arranged his exhibits: the Fall Legendary Fish, prize Pumpkins, Iridium-quality Milk. After starting the morning brew, he'd given every Pokémon the day off—and distributed yesterday's Pale Ale profits plus Pam's wages. "Spend freely," he'd said. "Keep the Star Tokens, or trade them back to me for cash to keep playing."
---
Near the Smashing Stone stall, the Geodudes formed a silent, stony queue.
Alex stepped up first, gripping the hammer. Thud.
"Strength Level—Mammoth!" The shopkeeper shook his head. "Not quite, kid."
Alex retreated quietly.
Robin's Machop slammed the stone next.
"Strength Level—Bulldozer!" Applause followed. "Your muscles rival mine! Unfortunately, it's still… not enough."
Geodude shoved the pickaxe aside, barked at Nacli watching nearby, and punched the slab.
CRACK!
"YES! This is what I wanted!" The shopkeeper thrust a Star Token into Geodude's paw. Before he could finish, Geodude let out a triumphant "Geo!" to Nacli and trotted back to the line's end.
'Only this game matters,' Geodude seemed to say.
Only then did the stall owner notice the long line of Geodude, and he fell silent for a moment.
---
Near the Community Center, Gus handed out Survival Burgers—a Fair tradition.
Usually, only Linus, Robin, and his own Snorlax partook.
But today? Rattata circled him like hopeful shadows.
"Hold on—" Gus sighed, opening a crate. One by one, he distributed the burgers.
Thank goodness for the past experience… and Community Center ingredient prices.
---
Indeedee wandered the bustling grounds—then froze.
A stall. A hat. A tweed beret, impossibly chic.
It scurried over, tapped the hat, and chirped urgently:
"Indeedee! Indeedee!"
"This? Five hundred Star Tokens," the shopkeeper smiled.
Indeedee fumbled Ron's cash.
"Not that," the keeper chuckled, pointing. "See? The star-shaped coins."
Indeedee turned.
The wheel of fortune spun nearby.
Penny stood beside it, biting her lip as she placed a bet.
Listen.
Indeedee darted to the token booth, exchanged cash, then returned. It placed every token on the line and tapped Orange.
"Indeedee!"
The wheel whirled.
The pointer circled—almost settling on green—
Flash.
A faint psychic shimmer.
Click.
ORANGE.
The shopkeeper blinked. "Lucky little thing, aren't you?"
Indeedee clutched its hard-won tokens, eyes fixed on the beret.
Almost there.
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