Love Is The Best Medicine (Stardew Valley - Harvey)

Chapter 45 - Turning the Page

You composed yourself. Harvey clearly often thought about the day you were rushed into the emergency room, battered and bruised from an adventure gone wrong. It was in your nature to explore, yet you always managed to get lost along the way. Harvey had saved you with no problem, as well as comforting and warm throughout your recovery.

"I understand," you replied softly, your voice tinged with empathy. "And I appreciate your concern for me, Harvey. But I trust you, and I know you'll always do everything in your power to keep me safe... you always have."

He kissed your cheek, tucking your hair behind your ear. "Darling, I've already mentally dedicated my life to keeping you safe, you're my priority." His words washed over you. You leaned into his touch, feeling the warmth of his affection enveloping you.

"I know," you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper. "And I'm grateful for that, more than you'll ever know."

You held each other for a while, letting him release his emotions and close the painful chapter he was seemingly stuck on. He was grateful beyond belief for your open ears. "I don't know what I would do without you," he whispered, his voice barely audible but filled with sincerity.

"You'll never have to find out," you replied softly, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead. "I'm here for you, always."

- A couple of days later... -

It was the day before Leah's wedding, the planning was in full motion and everyone was seemingly busy.

You found yourself in the bustling town square, surrounded by friends and neighbors who were all eagerly pitching in to help with the final preparations. Leah jumped from one task to another, her excitement contagious as she oversaw the last-minute details.

You couldn't help but feeling anxious, weddings were never your thing, and the only ones you had been to were ones of colleagues and your brother.

"Did you see the cake Gus and Emily made?" Abigail asked, snapping you out of your thoughts rather abruptly. Beside you, she tied ribbons, you had no idea what for.

"No, did it look good?" You responded, carrying on with your task of decorating the aisle.

"Yes, I'm actually so excited to try it." She chuckled, glancing back over at you. You did the same in response. "Did you charge for the produce you supplied?" She asked, a tone of curiosity in her voice.

"Nah, not for Leah." You shrugged. You weren't ever going to charge for events such as a wedding anyways. You were just happy to help out and provide fresh fruit and veg for the townspeople instead of Joja Marts processed food.

As you paused to take a break in helping, you gazed over towards the path that leads to the beach, somewhat surprised to see Haley heading towards it alone. Only five minutes ago she was engaged with Leah's prep too.

"I'll be back in a second Abigail." You signalled. She nodded in response and carried on tying bows.

From a feeling of worry, you followed, catching up to Haley finally. As she was about to sit down on the sand, you managed to call out to her.

"Haley, what's up?" You panted, sitting down next to her in an exhausted manner. "It's not like you to walk away from a social situation." You giggled teasingly. She giggled back, tucking her knees under her arms.

"Hey Evangeline." She greeted, not her usual bubbly self.

"Are you okay?" You asked, your brow furrowed. You could see the weight of something heavy pressing down on Haley's shoulders, her usually vibrant demeanour muted by whatever was troubling her. "I'm fine, just needed some fresh air away from everyone else..." she replied with a forced smile.

You didn't want to push too hard, but your concern for her outweighed any reservations you had. "You know you can talk to me, right?" you offered gently, placing a hand on her arm in a gesture of support.

Haley's smile faltered, looking down at her hands she sighed.

"I miss my parents, they used to love the social events and get togethers." She sighed, her fingers drawing love hearts in the sand. You felt your heart sink. You wrapped your arm around her shoulder, pulling her in for a hug.

Haley was troubled, you could tell from the start. She had a mean facade towards you at the start to hide what she truly felt inside. Maybe she was intimidated by you, or maybe she was just hurt, trying to protect herself.

"Did you think I was mean? Like when we met?" She asked, her eyes wide open and bright.

"Mean? No." You stuttered, unsure of how to handle the question.

"People think I'm mean, spoiled even." She shrugged, her brow furrowed in a thoughtful, yet sad expression.

"You aren't, of course you aren't," You began, "but you are also allowed to have a tough exterior if that's your way of protecting yourself."

Haley sighed deeply, her cheeks flushing red. You could tell that you had guessed correctly.

"I just don't like the idea of getting to comfortable with someone, and then them leaving me behind. Stabbing me in the back," She muttered, her voice quiet and forlorn.

"I get it, I know how that feels." You continued, prepping yourself for a potential pep talk. "Some people will do anything to get what they want, even if that means hurting you." You empathised.

Your mind instantly recalled your meeting with Levi. His confession cutting through your being like a knife. He had used you, hurt you and manipulated you, just for his own benefit.

You paused once more. "People thought I was intimidating when I worked and lived in Zuzu city, I wasn't, I was just in the wrong place." You finished, giving Haley's shoulder a squeeze.

You stood up and gave her a reassuring smile, leaving her to wonder back on her own when she was ready. She smiled back, grateful for your support and enlightening words.

Tomorrow would be that day that would change everything.