Harvest Moon a -not so- Wonderful Life

A month ago, Takakura sent a letter to Jack, his late best friend's oldest child. This letter asked Jack is he was interested in helping to fulfill has father's dream (and Takakura's own) to turn the farm in Forget-Me-Not-Valley into a prosperous one. When he didn't receive a response, Takakura traveled to the city in search of him. One he actually found him, he was displeased to see the boy was practically his mother's servant. He was obedient and did anything his mother asked.

Takakura knew he had to get his friend's son away from the monster, at least long enough for him to develop his own will. So, Takakura persuaded the mother in the only way he knew how. "Farms make a lot of money, so it's a pity he won't be coming." Takakura had said, moving to leave. The mother, blinded by greed, fell into his trap.

That led the three to where they were now. Yes, three. Unexpectedly, Jack's younger sister had came along to "watch" Jack. Which is why as the three walked down the large hill that led into the Valley, the preteen was on Jack's back, who had submissively allowed her to be there. It seemed that Jack was a pushover to both his sister and mother. That would be a problem.

It was late evening and as they passed by a farm (whom's specialty was crops, as they had no animals), Takakura noted that no one seemed to be out today. Leading them to the farm, which was just passed a bridge, he began showing them around. First, he showed them the tool shed, their own house, his house, followed by the crop fields and the chicken coop (which was empty).

"Let's go to the barn next. There's a little surprise there for you, Jack...and Jill." He tackled on, after a thought. As the two (Jack still carrying Jill like a pack mule) moved to go to the barn, loud barks interrupted them. Two brown-furred dogs, one with pointy ears and one with floppy ears ran up to them, panting.

"Ruff, ruff." They said in unison, walking up to Jack and nuzzling his legs. Takakura noted how Jack's eyes lit up with awe and wonder. The young man obviously wanted to pet them, to keep them, and so the aging man spoke up.

"We have room for one. I could make a dog house. Which one do you want?" He asked.

Jack opened his mouth to answer (which would be the floppy-eared one). "I-"