Everyone knew her as the farm girl. She was the friendly girl who owned the most successful ranch in town. Her animals were all first-prized, her crops, always rich and delicious.

She came to see me everyday. Unlike many in the village, she didn't come for a check-up. She came to see me. She brought gifts such as milk, herbs and eggs. Her name didn't matter. All that mattered was I was in love with her.

I first heard about this girl about a year ago. Apparently she had just moved onto the run-down ranch after quitting a job. I felt a bit sorry for her. After all, she had no idea what to expect, and arrived just to find a hell of a lot of farm to clean up. I also wondered how long she'd last. Several people had moved onto the ranch—mostly men— but they all left after seeing its' state.

After about a week, no one had seen her, but there was also no record of her ever leaving. People began to get suspicious. She was half the towns gossip all of the time. They wanted to know where she was, why she hadn't left, and why a girl would be running the ranch in the first place. I felt a bit sorry that she was so widely talked about without realization.

She finally immerged from her farm on the eighth of spring. At least, that's what I'm told. Elli told me she saw a strange blonde girl heading for the supermarket. She said she saw the dirt-covered girl exit with bags of seed at hand.

I suppose she had tried tilling soil, planting and watering, all without taking a break, for the next thing I knew, the farm girl was dragged to my office by Zach, the shipper.

When I asked him what happened, he told me he found her passed out on her farm.

Zach left after a few minutes of assuring him she'd be alright. I shook my head as I looked down on the sleeping farmer. She should learn to pace herself more. When her eyes started to open, I remember squinting. I really didn't understand why people wouldn't take care of themselves.

The girl's voice was soft and gentle when she asked where she was. After explaining to her that she was at the hospital due to a collapse, she turned red and apologized for being a burden to me. I had to admit, I didn't expect that. I simply told her to be more careful next time.

She didn't wave or say good-bye to me. She didn't ask for my name. All she did was leave after that. It had been just a few weeks before people started to talk about her again. This time, they said friendly things. They said things like, I just love that girl. Oh yes. She's a sweetie. It won't be long before that girl has boys chasing after her. I was told her ranch was starting to come along. Elli told me that she was now raising livestock.

After a little longer, the girl came to see me. She had a huge smile on her face as she stepped up to my desk. Her large innocent blue eyes peered into my dark, soulless ones.

"I brought you this. Thanks for making me alright again."

With that, she handed me a small bottle of milk, smiled once more, and trotted out the door. I stared at the milk, surprised. A small smile played across my lips. I looked down when I realized I didn't even get to thank her.

She came by everyday after that. She never stayed long, but always had milk to give to me. I wanted to talk to her. I wanted to thank her for everything. I had to admit, I was getting a little tired of looking at my milk, and then up to see her gone. I didn't even know her name.

She came again the next day. This time I would not let her go. Before she ran off after handing me milk, I called out to her. She came back, a look of pure confusion etched across her face. I gave her my thanks, finally and then asked her a question. One I later regretted. I asked her to try some new medicine I had just got in.

The small girl agreed with a smile, as she told me she'd do anything to help me. After all, I'd saved her. (According to her) I handed her to new potion and she quickly downed it.

After finishing the bottle off, I could tell she was trying to hide a look of disgust. I frowned and apologized. It didn't taste too bad when I had some.

Before she could escape this time, I asked for her name.

"It's Claire." She responded sweetly.

After that day she started to stay longer. She didn't talk much. Neither did I, so it was a bit awkward at times. Mostly she just came to sit with me.

As time passed, I received another potion in the mail. When I tried it, it seemed fine. The next time she came by, I called her up to my desk. She looked a bit worried and asked me if anything was wrong, after setting medium sized milk on my desk.

I asked her if she would try a new medicine I had. At first she looked skeptical, but she eventually agreed to try it if it would help me.

I handed her the medicine, warning that it may be a bit strong. She laughed at me, in a friendly way, and took a drink. Without looking up from my papers, I asked how it was. When she did not answer I looked up to see that her face had gone pale. With a gasp of air, she crumbled to the floor. I screamed for Elli to come help me. I scooped her up, trying my best to revive her. With a splash of water on her face, the girl opened her beautiful blue eyes. With relief, I wiped my brow, and stood her back up.

I must have apologized at least fifty times. She didn't scold me, or say anything for that matter. She merely smiled and shook her head. Elli however, yelled in my face. She told me not to make her the guinea pig. She told me not to test new medicine on Claire again. I would never again anyway.

After that incident, she came more often. She began to talk to me more. We could carry on whole conversations before she would turn to leave. I still felt slightly guilty about what had happened with the medicine.

I talked to Elli to get advice on what I should do to make it up to her. She suggested taking her to dinner at the inn. I blushed. I honestly did not want to do that. It would feel awkward for sure. In the end I decided to give her my negative ion. It was a very special item I thought. After all, whenever I went out on the town, I took the ion with me. It was supposed to keep you feeling refreshed as you carried it around. I was sure it'd be perfect for a girl who loved to explore.

The next time I saw Claire, was a few days later. She walked up to my desk after having talked to Elli for a short time. I had to say she looked nervous. Elli must have told her I planned on giving her something.

I tried to find the right words. I told her that she was a great person, and that she helped me with everything she did. She simply stared at me, listening intently wile I rambled on.

Without further delay, I simply pulled it out. I told her I wanted her to have it. I guess it was sort of a make-up for the last time I gave her something. When she took it from my hands, she smiled brightly. Light sparkled in her eyes… her beautiful eyes. She hugged me tightly without warning the next second.

Awkwardly, I patted her on the back and cleared my throat. She looked back up at me.

"Thank you." She said and kissed me on the cheek. She turned and left without another word. I felt my cheeks go red; my hand touched the spot her lips had.

A few days had passed and I felt myself develop a small crush on Claire. I scolded myself for this. A doctor shouldn't be wasting time like this. Besides, she was much too cute to like someone like me. I was sure my crush would go away after a few days.

I was certainly wrong. As the weeks passed, it only worsened. I blushed whenever she approached me. I stuttered whenever I spoke to her. She laughed at me, and told me I was cute.

I looked at my calendar to see the end of summer was approaching. Tomorrow was the fireworks festival. I smiled softly to myself. I loved fireworks. They were something that could relieve stress from work.

The next night, I made my way to the beach with Elli. I would probably end up watching the fireworks alone. Like I always did. I saw many people from the village around. Mostly young people, as this event was a sort of a date night.

I saw Claire walk past many people, talking, smiling, and laughing with them. I felt my insides boil up a little anytime she spoke to an eligible bachelor. I scolded myself once more. A doctor shouldn't feel this way. It wasn't long before she came up to me.

With that sweet smile of hers, she asked if I wanted to watch the fireworks with her. I was taken aback, but of course I did not refuse. She tossed her hair and took my hands in hers, as she led me to the dock to watch the fireworks.

We didn't speak much at the dock, but she leaned against me after a while, as if she was tired. I blushed and put an arm around her shoulder. The night ended to quickly, and it was time to go. She kissed my cheek that night and thanked me for a good time.

Now, me being a guy who isn't all that great dealing with emotions didn't know what to do or say. I just nodded and walked back to the clinic.

Summer ended and the days were getting slightly cooler. That was a relief. I wasn't too fond of summer. People were always collapsing because of heat exhaustion. By now, I had expected my silly crush to vanish, but it hadn't. I didn't know what to do or say to Claire when she came by anymore. Mostly I just tried to smile when she gave me milk.

The 12th of autumn was approaching and that meant the Full Moon festival was as well. The past years, I would usually go out to the peak of Mother's Hill. I planned to do that this week as well.

Well the night came, and I made my way to the mountain alone. I had been standing on the mountain, no more than fifteen minutes when I heard foot steps behind me. I turned around. To my delight, she was standing there grinning back at me.

I didn't stutter when I asked her if she wanted to watch the moon with me. I offered her my hand and she accepted it.

We watched the beautiful moon for a few hours, not saying much. Her hand was still gently entwined with mine. It was beginning to get late, so I turned to her. Her eyes were truly beautiful. Like the moon. She was smiling back up at me. I wanted to kiss her. I really did. But I couldn't get over my cowardice, and the moment passed. If I tried anything now, it would feel inappropriate.

I looked down, and she lifted my chin back up. She thanked me for a good time and kissed my cheek. I didn't blush, but my heart flipped. I couldn't believe this. Nothing like this had ever happened to me. I watched her leave, with a pang of sadness. I scolded myself again for liking this girl. I felt it had to be more than that now though. No I was sure. I was in love.

The weeks passed on, my love for the girl did not fade. I did not have much trouble talking to her anymore, but what I said was never personal. I normally talked to her about work. I just didn't know how to carry on a personal conversation.

Fall seemed to end quickly. My least favorite season was underway. I didn't really like anything about this time of year. It was always bitterly cold. People were always slipping in the snow, and then were brought here.

I didn't like how the town was dressed up in lights. I didn't like the mistletoe much; Elli always put it up just a few days before Christmas. I wasn't too fond of the music, or the sweets. I mostly tried to hibernate this season.

Of course, just a few days into the season, I got a visit from her. She didn't come alone this time, and a panicked look was spread across her face. When I asked her what was wrong, Cliff was brought in. Carter and Doug carried him up to me. Ann and Claire hugged each other out of fear.

I took the young man to the hospital bed, then went back into the waiting room. It didn't look great. Cliff would more than likely be in a state of coma for a few days, but he'd recover.

The group of people looked relieved when I told them this, especially Claire. She had tears in her eyes, but thanked me. I told her she was the one who needed thanks. She only choked a small laugh.

She came the next day. Instead of going straight to me however, she went to Cliff's side. I didn't go into the room. I didn't want to disturb her visit with him. It moved me to see her care so much for him.

Everyday she would come to the clinic. She would go right past me however, and go to Cliff's side. One day I swear I heard them talking. When I stood up though, she was leaving the room, smiling lightly, but her eyes were tear-stained. She didn't say anything to me, and quickly left. My heart sank.

Cliff was well enough to leave within the next couple of days. He thanked me, shook my hand and turned to leave. A few minutes after he'd left, she came in. I lit up when I saw her face. She walked into the waiting room, only to find Cliff had left.

She ran up to my desk, looking very worried. I assured her that Cliff was fine, and that he'd just left moments ago. She beamed, and threw her arms around my neck. I slowly returned the hug, and closed my eyes.

She looked back up at me and kissed my cheek.

"Thank you." She took my hand gently, before she left again. I sighed and slumped into my chair. I didn't know what to do. I loved her, but I didn't know how to tell her.

Thanksgiving was rapidly approaching. This would be the day when a girl was supposed to give chocolate to a boy. I never really got anything, unless you count Elli's grandmother. She always gave me a little something on this day though.

When the day came, I sat quietly in my office, hoping to get a visit from her. I knew I wouldn't receive chocolate, (Hell, I didn't even like chocolate) but part of me was still hoping for some. She did come. I wasn't at my desk, because I was talking to Elli. Elli told me she had to get something, so I walked up to Claire.

I asked her if she was here for a check-up, but she laughed at me. She told me that she had something for me. With that, she pulled a delicious looking cake from behind her back. She handed it to me, with a very cute 'Happy Thanksgiving'.

I thought I heard something behind me, but when I looked I saw Elli grinning. I gave her a questionable stare, and Elli pointed up. I turned back around and looked up. My stomach flipped when I saw the mistletoe. Then I looked directly at the girl who stood in front of me. Claire blushed softly, and bit her lip.

Slowly she stood on tiptoe and kissed my lips. I felt my face warm up at this contact. I don't know why I didn't kiss her back.

When she pulled away from me, she looked up with a nervous smile, and walked off out the door. I sighed deeply, and Elli giggled at me.

The cold days of winter passed slowly until the 22nd came around. Two days from now would be the starry night festival. It'd be a perfect opportunity to ask the one I loved to a dinner. After all, it was tradition.

I began to write a letter, asking her if she'd like to have dinner with me. I told her that Carter would be coming, (He was a great friend of mine, and we always had dinner on this night before.) and that I'd like to have the party at her house if she'd be interested. I closed asking her to meet me in the clinic if she accepted.

I really had no idea why we were supposed to give out letter to Theodore to deliver. It never really occurred to. Then again, I had never really asked someone to this event. (Excluding friends, of course)

I handed him the letter, my heart was racing with hope and nerves. I wanted her to accept, but since I knew her as a girl everyone liked, I wasn't so sure.

I could barley concentrate the next two days. Late on the 23rd of winter however, Theodore payed me a visit. I was quite confused at first, as he was smiling brightly. Nothing appeared wrong. He slapped me on the back and told me with a laugh that she'd accepted my invitation.

The 24th came, and I sat nervously in my office, hands folded. I didn't say anything all day, until Carter made his entrance about five to six. I walked to greet him, a slight grin upon my face. I told him that Claire would be joining us. He smiled at me, and told me that she was such a nice girl. I already knew that.

Ten minutes past six, she still hadn't arrived. I began to worry. Carter put a hand on my shoulder. He told me to have faith in her. She would come, he said. No sooner had he said that, Claire came stomping in, scarf and snow boot clad. I smiled and she greeted me with a warm hug. I hugged her back this time as I smiled into her hair.

The walk back to her house was rather awkward. I'd never been there before, yet the other two acted like it was natural. My nerves disappeared when she gently took my hand.

We arrived at her ranch within minutes. I took a look at the snow-covered surroundings. The field was completely blank. I guessed her animals were all locked up inside the barn. Her house was a lot bigger than it had been a year ago. She'd certainly taken care of this place. Inside her house were a kitchen, a bathroom, and other nice pieces of furniture.

We sat down at the table for four, ready to enjoy the meal that I had prepared. The night was filled with laughter and jokes. I couldn't remember that last time I laughed so hard. I looked at the large clock placed in the room after a few hours, shocked to see that it was midnight already. Carter and I had to take our leave now. She walked us to the door, and before I could leave she planted a kiss on my cheek and thanked me for this night.

The days of winter were over before I knew it. Springtime had arrived. I couldn't be happier. This was the time for new beginnings. It was a time for fresh starts. I found out that a blue feather was now in stock at the supermarket. My heart smiled. I was going to ask her to marry me, I decided. I made my way down to the supermarket to find that it had already sold out. I could feel my heart drop in disappointment. I suppose Jeff could see I was upset, because he called me to the counter.

He told me that because I had always fixed his sickness problems, he would be willing to put in a special order for a blue feather. He warned me it would cost a bit extra though. I couldn't hide the smile on my face. I told him that I didn't care. I loved her, and I had to marry her.

I had to wait a week or so for it to come in, so in the mean time, I began to prepare a speech. Ok, I was just practicing how to ask her. I was nervous all the time. I asked Jeff if it had come in everyday. He said it had not, but it would be any day now. The spring Thanksgiving was approaching. This was the day where boys were supposed to give chocolate to girls. I prepared cookies for her; with Elli's help, I'm a terrible baker, and brought them to her on her ranch on the morning of spring 14th. I took a look around her ranch, smiling at the abundance of crops, and the happy-looking animals.

I nervously knocked at her door, awaiting her to open it. When she did, she looked quite surprised, but happy to see me nonetheless. She asked me what I was doing here, and I could only respond by handing her a plate of cookies. She looked down on them, and threw her arms around me in a thank-you hug. She kissed my cheek lightly, thanking me for such a gift.

The blue feather came in the very next day. I attached a small wooden charm with the words "I love you" to the feather. (I had asked Gotz to make it for me) I put the feather in my pocket, awaiting her next visit so I could ask her to spend the rest of her life with me.

She came that day, a huge smile spread across her face. She skipped to me, looking positively delighted. I smiled nervously at her, and she told me that she had great news to tell me. I told her I wanted to ask her something first. She nodded at me, allowing me to continue.

She looked a little confused as I fished the blue feather from my pocket. When she saw what it was, a look of shock spread across her face. I began to speak. I told her that she was the most amazing person I'd ever met, and that I'd be honored if she would marry me. When I looked into her eyes, she was crying. She was lightly shaking her head. I don't know what I must have looked like, but I tried to touch her shoulder to calm her down. She pushed me away and moved a bit of hair from her face. I asked her what was wrong, she responded:

"Doctor… I love you but… You're my best friend. I can't…"

I fought back tears of my own, and asked her why in a brittle voice. What she sad next shattered my heart into pieces.

"I'm getting married, to Cliff. Next week. I just came to tell you…"

Her voice was shaking when she told me this. I tried to find my voice. I tried to tell her I loved her, but that only made it worse. She stormed out of my office, leaving me to my thoughts.

A week had passed, and she came again. She wasn't dressed in her wedding attire yet, but she looked frantic. She told me that she had come to invite Elli and I to the wedding…

The next time I saw her was a few hours later. She looked positively beautiful walking down the isle with Zach. Her dress was like one in fairy tails. She was smiling brightly as she approached Cliff. I couldn't believe it was not me standing where he was. I couldn't listen as Carter gave the famous wedding speech. I couldn't watch as Cliff leaned in and kissed the woman I loved.

I did not see her again until about a month later. She came in with her husband, looking very ill. Cliff looked very worried. My first thought was that he had hit her, and was now trying to make up for it. When I analyzed her however, my heart dropped. She was pregnant.

I told the young couple the news, and they were absolutely overjoyed. They hugged and kissed each other, paying no attention to a very heartbroken doctor. I cleared my throat and said in as professional voice as I could

"The baby should arrive in two seasons."

Cliff had his arm around her. The two of them thanked me and took their leave. I fought back some tears. It was plain to see that I still loved her, although I had hoped the feelings would diminish, they did not.

She didn't come to see me at all those two months. I guess she was just trying to forget about me, like I had tried to forget her. That was impossible though. Cliff came to see me the night before the baby was due. He asked if I was coming to help deliver the baby. Of course I had to say I would.

Elli walked with me to her house. We didn't say much or anything for that matter as we stepped inside. Cliff looked terrified when I told him to stand in the other room. Elli was the one to give support to her as the baby was being delivered. It was done before I knew it. Elli called Cliff back over to hold his new son.

Cliff went immediately to Claire's side and stroked her forehead with his thumb. He asked her what she wanted to name the child. She responded weakly that his name would be Tim. My heart skipped a beat. That was my name. I thought I had told her that once, but it might have been a coincidence. Or did she really name her child after me?

I never saw her around, unless you count festivals and such. Every time though, she would be with her son and with Cliff. My heart hurt every time I saw them. It had been nearly a year since they married, and I was still love-struck for her.

The baby soon learned to crawl. The married couple brought him to me for examination. I told them that the baby wouldn't have to stay in bed all of the time now.

The next time I saw them, was when Tim took his first steps. They brought him to me with joy. They told me to watch the baby, as the tow of them cuddled on a bench in the waiting room. I watched the child. The child with her eyes, the child I wished was mine. I watched Claire. The girl I wished was mine.

Years past before I saw them as a family again. I was on my day off and walking to mother's hill. They were there. They were having a picnic as celebration of their 7 year wedding anniversary. Had it really been that long? Did I still have powerful feelings for the girl after this long? Tim was much bigger now. He definitely had her big blue eyes. He had Cliff's scraggly brown hair, but it didn't matter.

I tried desperately to get over her. I watched as all of the young couples in the village got married and had kids of their own. Everyone except me. I could see that Elli would try to comfort me, but I didn't want any of her help. I could tell she like me, but I knew I could never love another.

Elli eventually met a young man who came into town for a year. I watched the two of them fall in love with each other. Elli was heartbroken when he had to leave. Before he did go however, I saw him pull out a blue feather and propose.

I remembered when I had proposed all those years ago. The blue feather I was going to give sat somewhere at the bottom of my desk, covered in dust.

Of course, Elli accepted his proposal. In order for them to get married, she would have to leave with him. When she asked me, I just couldn't say no. I couldn't crush her dreams. She wouldn't be working here anymore, but she'd be happy. I felt even more lonely the day Elli left. I had no one now. The only thing I had were the patients that came in on occasion.

Suicide often crossed my mind, but I never thought I could go through with it. The years passed, and little Time grew up. He was a thriving member of society now. He came to me one day when he was about 17. He asked me if I needed a new assistant. The truth was, I did. I did not however want the son of Cliff and my love to work here for me. I couldn't say no. I saw her eyes reflected in his much younger ones.

Cliff was rushed to the hospital about a year later. He was sick. Very sick. An older version of Claire cried at his side when I tried to fix him. Of course my assistant Tim, tried to help me. It had no affect. Cliff died a week later.

They found her body lying peacefully in the bed they shared. She had died no more than a week after Cliff had passed. I suppose it was of grief. They buried her right by his side. Tim took it the hardest. He lost his chipper personality (The kind she used to have) and never talked. I didn't know what to do anymore. I visited her grave everyday. I didn't say anything. I only thought.

I love you Claire.

Disclaimer: I don't own Harvest Moon.

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