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Beautiful Things In Humble Places

Summary:

Wilhelmina lives a simple life in Stardew Valley.

Chapter 1: A Rainy Day

Notes:

These are just little stories about my character Wilhelmina. Some of them are in order and some not so much, anyway I hope you enjoy them!

Chapter Text

Wilhelmina’s life was always a little easier when it rained. None of her crops were fully matured so today all she had to do was tend to her animals and she didn’t have much of those to tend to in the first place. Two chickens and one cow. Wilhelmina and Miso, the stray cat that had made Wilhelmina’s farm his home, had rushed out to the coop and the barn right after breakfast. Wilhelmina made quick work of feeding them, milking Bluebell, and collecting Henrietta and Sweetpea's eggs.

“Fishing or forging, what do you want to do today buddy?” Wilhelmina asked as she carefully placed the milk and eggs into the shipping box beside her house. Miso purred and flicked his tail. Smiling Wilhelmina got up and slung her bag over her shoulder. “Fishing it is but first let’s stop by Pierre’s, he told me the other day he was getting some new seeds in today.”

Even though it was raining pretty hard Wilhelmina and Miso took their time walking into town. When she lived in Zuzu City Wilhelmina, like everyone else, had always dashed to get out of the rain as if something horrible would happen if she got wet. One of the best things Wilhelmina learned from living on her grandfather’s farm was that it was okay to slow down in fact life was a lot better when she did.

Rain was a good thing and getting soaked to the bone wouldn’t hurt her, though she was sure Harvey might not fully agree with that. Beside her Miso perked up at the sight of a rabbit running into a bush. He wouldn’t run after it, he never did. Miso was actually a very gentle cat, even with the chickens he was never threatening.

He didn’t mind the rain either or water in general. He followed Wilhelmina everywhere she went despite the weather. It was nice because even though Wilhelmina had lived in Stardew Valley for a few months now she had failed at making any friends. The older people were nice to her and were always happy to chat but as far as the people her age went they didn’t seem interested in striking up any kind of friendship with her.

She had tried with Abigail and Sam and although they were always kind to her it was clear they didn’t want to be friends. They always had something else to do when she asked to hang out. Maru was nice but was always busy at the clinic or working on a project and Wilhelmina didn’t want to bother her.

Sebastian? Forget about it. They had never made eye contact let alone spoken more then a sentence to each other despite how often Wilhelmina was at his house to speak with Robin about building her something. Sebastian was normally in his room though and on the rare occasion that he was out and about in the upper level of the house they never acknowledged each other expect that one time Wilhelmina had introduced herself.

Haley either ignored Wilhelmina, insulted her, or spoke about herself. Her sister Emily was nice but weird and a little loopy. Alex was a jerk and Penny only ever mentioned the weather to Wilhelmina.

Leah and Elliot were both a little older then her. She had spoken to them a handful of times and both had been extremely nice to her. Elliot lives by the ocean and she saw him in passing frequently but they never stopped to speak with each other. Wilhelmina passed Leah’s home in the woods often too but she was starting to avoid the artist who was easily one of the prettiest people Wilhelmina had ever met.

Every time they spoke Wilhelmina either got tongue tied or said something stupid and embarrassing. She still cringed about the first conversation they had where she informed Leah that she hadn’t been able to poop since quitting Joja Corp. Leah had laughed it off but the comment had clearly made her uncomfortable and Wilhelmina still smashed her head against the nearest wall whenever she thought about it.

“Good morning Wilhelmina!” Pierre called out happily as she entered the store. “And you brought Miso with you, of course.” He sounded a little less happy to see him. He was allergic to cats but they wouldn’t linger for too long.

“Good morning Pierre.” Wilhelmina said as she began to browse the shelves with Miso padding behind her. “Geez one hundred and fifty coins for one bag of corn seeds.” Wilhelmina mumbled as she turned the bag around in her hands. She had wanted to start growing corn last season in the summer but had decided to invest most of her coin in eggplants and getting her first few animals.

The eggplant seeds were cheaper and the plants grew faster. This season she had enough extra coin to buy some more expensive seeds and spent most of that money on pumpkin seeds which she knew would pay off once she was able to sell them. Still her pumpkins were taking their sweet time to grow and although she had a few other plants in the field right now she was mostly depending on the eggs and milk she got from her animals.

She didn’t know if it would be worth it only to grow two stalks of corn. But at the same time you had to spend money to make it so perhaps she should spend a lot on corn seeds and make a little field. Frowning Wilhelmina weighed her options as Abigail walked passed the pair.

“Oh Miso!” Abigail squealed pulling Wilhelmina out of her thoughts. “You're so cute, I’ve always wanted a cat but my dad’s allergic to everything.” Abigail said as she scooped the orange tabby up into her arms. Wilhelmina smiled and turned back to the corn seeds still trying to make a decision.

“You guys are soaked.” Abigail said as she looked them both over. “I'm surprised you came out to the store in this weather.”

“This was actually just a quick pit stop, we're actually headed to the docks after.” Wilhelmina said as she continued to read.

“I’m sure Miso will enjoy that.” Abigail smiled. She began to coo at and pet Miso who was loving the attention.  “Are you going to catch him a fish?”

“Yeah he’ll get a few.” Wilhelmina said with a happy smile. “But the rest I’m going to sell tonight, unless you're looking for a certain type of fish.” Abigail shook her head.

“No that’s okay.” She said before she leant down and placed Miso back on the ground. “I’ll be seeing you around then Wilhelmina.” Nodding Wilhelmina turned back to look down at the bag of seeds in her hands. She didn’t notice Abigail lingering around until the other girl cleared her throat to get Wilhelmina's attention.

“Oh did you need something else?” Wilhelmina asked.

“Actually do you want to meet Sebastian, Sam, and I at the Saloon this Friday?" Wilhelmina's eyebrows shot up at the offer, she was surprised to say the least. She had always thought those three looked at her like she was some kind of loser and she had to wonder if perhaps Caroline and Jodi were behind this sudden invitation. 

“Would your friends mind?” The farmer asked causing Abigail to laugh.

“Sam suggested it and Sebastian is shy but really he’s a nice guy.” She said. “You should swing by for a little bit.” Wilhelmina nodded deciding this definitely smelt of older adult intervention. Still Wilhelmina had only had people twice her age and a cat to speak to for the past couple of months.

“Okay that sounds good what time should I show up?” Abigail shrugged.

“Whenever, we’ll be there.” She promised before leaving the store. Wilhelmina glanced down at Miso who was stretching out next to her. She couldn't remember the last time she had hung out with anyone, certainly not since she had left the city. She wasn't sure what they would talk about or what they normally did at the Saloon on a Friday night. Still she found herself getting a little excited. It would be nice to get out of the house.