The morning sun hung low over the rolling hills surrounding Andy's Apple Farm. Dew clung to blades of grass, sparkling like tiny crystals whenever the sunlight caught them. A cool breeze drifted through the orchard, carrying the scent of fresh apples, damp soil, wildflowers, and distant pine trees.

The farm itself was peaceful today.

No strange glitches.

No cryptic messages.

No distorted faces appearing where they shouldn't.

Just another ordinary day.

You walked along one of the dirt paths winding through the orchard. Rows of apple trees stretched in every direction, their branches heavy with bright red fruit. Bees lazily buzzed between flowers while birds chirped from the treetops.

"Hey!"

A familiar voice called out.

Andy jogged down the path toward you, waving enthusiastically. His round red body bounced slightly with each step while his green shirt fluttered in the breeze.

"Good morning! Perfect weather today, huh?"

His large green eyes were bright as usual, his friendly smile impossible to miss.

"I was gonna gather some apples for lunch later. Want to come with me?"

Before you could answer, another voice interrupted.

"Oh, there you are."

Claus approached from further down the path. The tall clock's wooden frame creaked softly as he walked. His orange eyes moved between you and Andy.

"I've been looking for both of you."

He glanced at the sky.

"According to my calculations, we'll have several hours before the afternoon rain arrives."

Andy blinked.

"Rain?"

"I am rarely incorrect."

"Aw."

Claus simply folded his arms.

Nearby, dirt suddenly burst upward.

"Found it!"

Margret emerged from a freshly dug tunnel, brushing soil from her fur. Several carrots rested inside a basket balanced on one arm.

"Oh."

She noticed everyone gathering.

"Morning."

Her warm smile appeared almost immediately.

"I was wondering where everyone went."

Before anyone could continue, cheerful humming floated through the air.

"La la laaa~"

Melody drifted down the path, practically glowing beneath the sunlight. The yellow crescent moon looked unusually cheerful today, humming a tune that none of the others recognized.

"Guess what?"

Felix suddenly appeared from behind a tree.

"Guess what? Guess what? Guess what?"

Melody laughed.

"You weren't supposed to say it first!"

"But it's exciting!"

"What is?" Andy asked.

Felix pointed dramatically toward the river.

"I found a really cool spot!"

"You mean the place we found yesterday?" Claus asked.

"...Maybe."

"The place we found three days ago?" Margret added.

"...Maybe."

"The place you've shown us six times?" Melody giggled.

"...Okay, yes."

Everyone laughed.

Felix crossed his arms dramatically.

"Well, it's still cool."

The group eventually wandered together toward the river. Sunlight filtered through the trees overhead while conversations drifted back and forth.

Andy discussed farming plans.

Claus talked about weather predictions.

Margret shared gardening tips.

Melody hummed songs between sentences.

Felix attempted—and failed—to catch fish with his bare hands.

The entire day felt simple.

Comfortable.

Normal.

Hours passed beneath clear skies.

By late afternoon, everyone had settled near the riverbank. Grass swayed gently around them while clouds slowly drifted overhead.

Nobody seemed concerned about anything.

Nobody seemed afraid.

Nobody spoke about strange computers.

Nobody mentioned lost memories.

Nobody brought up tragedies.

For just a little while, they weren't mysterious figures connected to a haunting story.

They were simply friends enjoying a peaceful day together.

And as laughter echoed across the farm and the golden afternoon sunlight painted everything in warm colors, it almost felt like the world would stay that way forever.