This is a Stardew Valley fanfiction. It will contain mature themes such as alcoholism, mental health struggles, bullying, emotional abuse, and grooming and sexual assault. Please read only if these topics will not impact you negatively. Trigger warnings will be issued where necessary.

This chapter contains emotionally abusive behaviour.

"I'm home."

My voice rings out into the vast hallway. From the look of things, my house seems well loved; like a real family lives there. There's a million and one childhood photos on the walls.

I don't expect a reply. Even when my mother isn't in bed with one of her migraines, she doesn't bother with pleasantries. I find her awake in the kitchen.

"How was work?" She asks, her voice flat.

"Fine." I reply. I feel a warmth at my ankles, and smile down at my silver tabby, Betty, weaving in and out of my legs. I bend down and scratch her behind the ears. "Did you have a good day?"

She gives a deep sigh of annoyance. "Eye contact, Madeleine."

"Oh." I look up at her, tensing up. "Sorry."

"My day was fine, except I have another migraine coming on. And my daughter gallivants off all day instead of helping me."

"You... you made me get a job."

"Do not speak back to your mother, Madeleine." She snaps. "You're the reason for my migraines."

"Sorry." I say quickly. "Would... would you like some tea, maybe?"

"It's the least you can do." she spits the words at me and I go to make her a tea. I hate seeing her annoyed and usually tea can calm her slightly. "I want you to get rid of the cat, by the way."

My hand freezes. "Sorry?"

"It left another mouse outside the back door this morning. I'm sick of it, Madeleine."

My face falls. "But... Betty's my emotional support animal."

"Emotional support for what? You're fine. If anyone needs emotional support it's me."

I feel my eyes well up. "I can't...I can't get rid of Betty, mom."

"If you don't find her a new home, I'll send her to the vet to be put down. How does that sound?"

A tear falls down my face as Betty meows at my feet.

"Oh, don't start with the waterworks, Madeleine. You truly do infuriate me sometimes. It's just a cat."

I hand her her tea. "Okay, mom. I'm sorry." She gives another deep sigh but thankfully doesn't say anything else. I swallow a couple of times, and take a seat across from her. Betty jumps onto my lap. Then, my eyes wander to an opened envelope. My mother usually throws away any mail we receive so it immediately piques my interest. "What's that?" I pick it up and take the paper out from it."

"None of your business." my mother snaps at me, trying to snatch it from my hand. Not before I see my name and the word 'farm'.

"Farm?" I look at her questioningly, turning my body away so she can't grab the letter. "This is grandpa's will, isn't it?"

She sighs. "Yes."

My voice becomes confused. "You told me he left me some money, not... why didn't you tell me?"

"Because, Madeleine, the man was senile. He was too far gone to realise you can't even look after yourself, let alone a farm."

"So... what were you going to do with the farm?" I ask, ignoring the snide comment.

"Sell it."

"And you were at least going to give me the money from that, right?"

She hesitates. "Of course I was, you stupid girl."

I pause. "Have you sold it yet?"

"Nobody will buy it. It's a dump."

I don't look at her. An old farmhouse, a stretch of land. Betty and I, living there without my mother on my back. There would be a barn, with cows and goats producing milk. A coop, with chickens producing fresh eggs, with golden yolks. Not like the pale, sickly ones you find in Jojamart. The thought is so comforting and warm, that I'm violently snapped back to reality by my mom's voice.

"Why have you gone all distant? I'm talking to you, Madeleine. You're not really considering going there, are you?"

"Considering?" I look at her. "I've made my mind up. I don't like how you hid this from me, but you're always complaining about me living here. It's a win win."

"You're not really going to leave your poor, old mother, are you?!" Her voice is panicked. "Please, Madeleine, you can't do this to me!"

"But... you act like I'm a huge burden. Surely you want me out."

"No! I mean, yes! I mean..."

"I'm confused, mom."

Her face turns from panic to anger. "Oh, fine! Get out of this house and go live your stupid little girl farming dream. But when it all falls through, don't come crawling back to me!"

I'm surprised by her sudden change in demeanour, but I scoop Betty up in my arms and nod. "Alright. I won't."

And with that, I leave.