The whole way, Leon and Abigail barely spoke.
The muddy road from the farm to Pelican Town, soaked through by the rain, was little better than a swamp.
Walking was not only tiring—some of the small puddles were deep enough that, if you stepped in them by accident, muddy water could instantly ruin a perfectly clean pair of pants.
And the path was slippery too, so they both kept their eyes fixed on the ground, carefully picking each step. The going only improved once they reached Pelican Town proper.
“Ugh, they really need to fix the road between the bus stop and your farm. On rainy days like this, it’s a nightmare for anyone trying to get to the bus.”
Abigail couldn’t help but complain once they stepped onto the smooth, clean stone-paved street.
“It should be done soon,” Leon replied, remembering how Lewis had mentioned in Joja Corporation’s compensation agreement that Joja would handle road repairs for Pelican Town.
“You know about that?” Abigail stared at him in surprise. “Sometimes I think you know this town better than I do.”
“I just happened to be involved,” Leon said, waving it off. He had no intention of explaining how he and Lewis had cornered Joja into paying up.
“This road isn’t being repaired with your money, is it? Like you did with the bus?” Abigail narrowed her eyes, her thoughts jumping to the most likely scenario. She quickly launched into a lecture.
“Seriously, can’t you save up and replace that rundown shack of yours with a bigger house? Lewis collects taxes from all the shopkeepers every month. He should be paying for public works like this. That’s what taxes are for.”
“I didn’t pay for it. Joja is footing the bill, so don’t go spreading rumors,” Leon said, looking exasperated.
“Huh? Joja? Why would they?” Abigail asked.
“Because they want to contribute to Pelican Town, of course. Now, stop asking and let’s get to Haley’s place before we’re drenched.”
Leon brushed her off and quickened his pace.
Abigail still looked puzzled, but since Leon was already half a block ahead, she could only follow. Soon they arrived at the large villa at 2 Willow Lane and rang the doorbell.
To Leon’s surprise, it wasn’t Haley or Emily who answered, but Sophia.
“Oh? Leon, you were invited too?” Sophia raised an eyebrow.
“I didn’t expect to see you here either,” Leon replied, his reaction mirroring hers.
“I’m staying in Uncle Gus’s guest room above the saloon. I see Emily often, and she’s been really kind to me, so we became friends. She’s the one who invited me today.” Sophia explained—then noticed the rain still pouring outside.
“Come in, quick. You didn’t even bring an umbrella. Warm up inside first.”
Leon didn’t stand on ceremony. He stepped in, took off his shoes, and slipped on a pair of guest slippers he’d worn before.
Just as Sophia was about to close the door, she noticed another figure outside—a person with striking purple hair. She blinked in confusion.
“Who are you? Were you invited too?”
“Sophia, it’s me—Abigail. Have you seriously forgotten me?” Abigail said in disbelief.
“Abigail?! Oh, sorry. You’ve changed so much. Especially the hair—I remember it being a different color,” Sophia said, recognition dawning as she recalled their childhood friendship.
“I can’t even remember when I changed it, but that doesn’t matter. It’s been so long, Sophia.” Abigail smiled and opened her arms for a hug.
Sophia hesitated briefly before returning the embrace.
After that, she was noticeably warmer toward Abigail—whether from the hug itself or from the sudden flood of childhood memories. Either way, the two quickly became reacquainted.
Meanwhile, Leon, already inside, was glancing around the empty living room.
“Where are Emily and Haley?” he asked.
“Emily went out shopping. Haley’s upstairs organizing photo albums. Let’s go find her.” Sophia took Abigail’s hand and led the way.
Leon followed. Seeing that the door to Haley’s room was open and there were no suspicious sounds inside, he stepped in after them.
Haley’s room was bathed in warm tones. A pink carpet spread across the floor, and the wallpaper depicted beaches, palm trees, and blue water. The furniture was finely crafted, and even a potted coconut tree stood in one corner.
Last time, Leon had only glimpsed it from the doorway. Now that he was inside, he had to admit—it was pretty unique.
Haley, Sophia, and Abigail were already gathered, looking over a large photo album.
“Last time I invited you in, you didn’t dare. What’s changed this time?” Haley said with a smirk when she noticed Leon.
“Back then, it was just you and me. I was worried you’d try something. Now there’s a crowd—much safer,” Leon teased.
“I think you’re just feeling guilty,” Haley shot back without missing a beat.
Their banter ended there. Haley waved him over.
“Want to see the winning photo? The star of the shot is you.”
“Sure,” Leon said, stepping closer. The three women made space for him, and the four of them sat on the carpet in a cross pattern with the album in the center.
The photos were from the day Leon caught a catfish in the rain—a whole sequence, from hooking the fish, to the tense struggle, to hauling it ashore, and finally Leon holding a catfish thicker than his own torso. It was a complete fishing chronicle.
Leon studied them for a while but didn’t see anything particularly special. It seemed like something any decent camera could capture.
“You won that photography award with these?” he asked, puzzled.
“Nope.” Haley shook her head and flipped several pages before stopping again.
“This one is the real winning shot.”
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