After about a week when I felt like I was running everywhere, I finally managed to greet my neighbors in the nearby village of Pelican Town. First impressions? Pelican Town seems pretty quiet, everyone minding their own business with very little drama. That sets it head and shoulders above life at Joja Corp.
While working for Joja Corporation I had the dubious bonus of hearing all about everyone’s life. People threw their illicit affairs in my face, stories of their alcoholic nephew, abusive families, how their family members were out of work, their friend’s PTSD…there were no boundaries. If someone’s kids got a garage band together, you’d get to hear all about it. If I had been asked to another gridball game I would’ve lost my mind.
So when I met a few people walking through the town, it was a relief when all they wanted to discuss was the fact that I was new. As a whole, they were friendly, respectful, and likable. I simply couldn’t make it to all of their homes, as I was on foot (no cars?), so I opted to meet the remainder at the Stardrop Saloon, which is a lovely little tavern full of exciting people.
I think what I enjoyed the most was watching the few happy couples who had eyes for no one but each other. Some attachments were obvious, such as local carpenter Robin and her charming husband Demetrius. He spoke a bit over my head but was friendly. It was difficult enough to get his attention while he looked into his wife’s eyes. I wonder if they have children?
Up-and-coming writer Elliott spent a lot of time over at a small table with his artist counterpart Leah. It’s hard to say which one was more attractive. I spotted the Mayor at a table with a robust woman named Marnie. Though she didn’t have much interest in speaking to me, she took a moment to introduce herself as a fellow farmer. She spends her days on her farm tending to her cows and running a local shop. Since I intend to make a go of my own property, I imagine she and I will be working closely together.
A few of the townspeople there looked as though they might be underage, but I saw no alcohol in evidence. Sam and Sebastian spent a happy hour or two at the pool table, cheerfully insulting each other as the brooding dark-haired half of the pair mopped the floor with his sun-and-surf blonde friend. A lovely young woman with elaborate purple hair watched from the nearby couch but never said a word. I think her name is Abigail but I’m not entirely sure.
I must take a moment to mention Clint, the burly blacksmith. His affection for Emily the barmaid was very open and endearing. He’d blush every time she looked his way, whether her smile was meant for him or not.
Clint seemed afraid to even approach the bar to place an order, even though saloon owner Gus had nothing but smiles and speedy service for all.
There were many people in the saloon last night and I didn’t get to spend as much time getting to know them as I would’ve liked. They were a diverse and fascinating group, the men representing all ages and lifestyles. I found several of the women oddly similar in look though not in demeanor. I’m sure once I get to know them I won’t even notice their appearance. The other thing they all seemed to have in common was how happy they were that I joined their small town. Everyone. Except one.
I don’t know what to say about Shane, other than he seems to be a stereotypical Joja Mart employee. I normally avoid anything Joja when possible, but since he was wearing the company jacket it was hard to miss. He spent the entire night by himself with a nasty expression on his face, drinking beer after beer until I wondered how he’d make it home unassisted. When I stepped forward to introduce myself and perhaps offer to accompany him on his short journey, he proceeded to bite my head off. He didn’t even bother with sarcasm, he went with full-on hostility. I didn’t understand how I’d offended him—we just met!—but that didn’t seem to matter. After his sullen outburst, he returned to giving people dirty looks and pounding those beers. If I left the saloon with any misgivings, they resulted from my poor interaction with that man.
I wasn’t particularly tired that evening despite my trek all over town, but when midnight rolled around I decided I ought to go to bed. Out of nowhere, I found my head drooping and my eyes closing of their own accord. I made the very long journey back to the farm, a trifle worried that I’d have to take a nap along the way. Pelican Town seems nice enough, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a criminal element waiting for an opportunity to strike.
I’m looking forward to getting to know my neighbors better. I could use some positive influences in my life.