Hi people, and welcome back! Here's your today's share of Crowes. I hope you enjoy!
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"... and then you download this software on your computer and run it, and everything should work smoothly. It's not that hard after all." Dylan tried to help his mother to watch movies with a computer, but all the technical stuff went way over Trisha's head. Finally, he'd given up and told her to come and ask him for help when she wanted to watch one of her countless rom-coms.
As he grew older, Dylan had learned to tolerate his dad's lameness better, sometimes it even amused him. At least dad was always there for him, ready to help with everything he needed him to. And when you think about it, what is a dad without any dad jokes?
Thinking about that, Dylan sneered to Salim's stories, even laughed a bit once a while. Salim seemed pleased when he saw that his stories had made an impression to the younger man.
With her hard work, Trisha had earned a promotion again, and felt like she was on fire. She felt so happy being able to do what she loved for a living, and she passed on the passion at work. Although the job was hectic and demanding, she enjoyed it the fullest, and days seemed like they passed by in a blink of an eye. She woke up in the morning, went to work, and suddenly it was evening and time to go back home.
She spent her free time with her dearest hobbies: gardening and fishing. Even if she didn't have as much time to do these activities as she used to, they were still a resting point in the middle of hectic life. Even though she didn't have little kids to take care to anymore, her job demanded much of her time and dedication. But so did her neighbourhood-project, she reminded herself. Eight of her sage bushes seemed promising, she thought happily while fishing at the little pond. It shouldn't take too long anymore before they were evolved to perfect level. She started planning her park in her mind. What would it be like, what should she build or buy there?
"Wassup Greg? Everything ok? Have you gotten any fresh meat today already?"
Dylan felt it still pretty weird, that a cow-looking plant only ate meat, even though Gred had been planted in their garden Watcher knew how long. He felt hesitant to keep the plant in his own garden, when he one day would inherit it from his parents. What if it ate him, his wife or his future children because someone forgot to feed it? Well, it hadn't eaten anyone yet, that much was true, but it took only one mistake, one forgotten feeding time, and it would all fall apart.
Greg just swayed a little and didn't answer to him. It didn't seem hungry and most certainly didn't try to lure him closer with a piece of cake. Maybe everything was good with it.
Besides work and school, Salim and Dylan too had time for their hobbies. Salim decided to try his luck at the fishing pond again after a while, and Dylan buried his nose to books. His father must've passed him the love of literature and reading.
He had somewhat an understanding of the fact that he would continue his mother's work building Newcrest after her, even though his parents hadn't talked him about it yet properly. The time would come, and because it seemed he wouldn't be having siblings any time soon, he had already started thinking about his own contribution to the neighbourhood. His mum was building a park, so what about a library? Or an arcade? Or an ice cream café? Or... or... Hmm.
A career as a writer didn't challenge him anymore, Salim thought one day, so it should remain as a dear - and rewarding - hobby. But he needed a way to channel his creativity, so he decided to try his skills with visual arts and become a painter. He could've retired too, of course, but he knew he needed something to do with all the time he got. His lazy side was intrigued of the idea of sitting on the couch all day long, but it would sure become boring too after a while. Painting was just the thing for him: inspiring, but not too much work.
Again, a new school project. How did teachers never run out of them? This time it was Dylan's task to build a spaceship out of plastic bottles, cola and mint candies. As silly as the project seemed, Dylan wanted to give one hundred percent to it. He didn't accept any unfinished works from himself.
Luckily, his dad was always ready to help him with challenging school projects. As the two men built the rocket, Salim brought up Dylan's future role as the builder of Newcrest. It was originally Trisha's job to do the talk, but her hectic work schedule didn't budge. Therefore, she had put Salim to do the job and she would then complete the details later, if needed.
Dylan felt it restricting, that besides vacation resorts and Magnolia Promenade, he couldn't leave Newcrest in his lifetime. But because the responsibility was huge and the fame even more so, he was ready to take it all and follow even the most ridiculous restrictions. He was proud to be a part of a project this big and important.
Finally Trisha too was home from work and after changing to more comfortable clothes, she joined the boys. Dylan repeated to her what Salim had told him. Trisha was pleased, it sounded like the boy knew now what he needed for being able to prepare for his future.
Finally the project was finished too, and oh boy it turned out fine! Trisha was excited as a little girl, and Dylan had to calm her down. If mum chose to launch the rocket now, all their hard work would be for nothing and they would be back to the starting point.
Before bedtime Trisha gave her son help for homework and she made sure he had no questions he wanted to ask her regarding the whole heir-to-the-neighbourhood-project-thing. Dylan promised he would come and ask as soon as he would come up with anything to ask, but for now he felt he knew everything he needed to. Trisha had to settle with that.
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It was time for another Winterfest. Especially Dylan was really excited for that, because during the last Winterfest he had been a little baby and couldn't remember anything about the party. He hadn't even gotten any presents, because he had been too young to appreciate them. Now it was time to enjoy all the gifts!
"Could it be the mini speaker I have been wishing for a while?"
"Headphones! Wow, almost what I wished for!"
Dylan wasn't disappointed rather than amused. He wished for just one thing and his parents did their best - but still managed to get him something a little bit different. At least it was the thought which counted.
After opening the presents there was plenty of time to enjoy the snowy weather by building a snowpal at the front yard. Dylan didn't build for long though, before he was called back inside for festive dinner.
Once again, Trisha had exceeded herself and prepared so delicious-looking tofu turkey that one couldn't even notice it wasn't the classic meat version if one didn't know it. As Dylan smelled the turkey he drooled. Trisha didn't have to ask twice for him and Salim to start eating, soon the whole turkey would be disappeared from the table. For just three sims it was quite an achievement.
After dinner it was the adults' turn to open their presents. Salim's face gave a hint for him being satisfied at his. Maybe a new book or something, Trisha pondered and carefully shook hers. Maybe it would be the new seeds she wanted to plant to her garden?
Salim reached to his back pocket and pulled out a mistletoe.
"Well, look what I found! Sure you know what this means, right?"
"Oh gosh! Do I, a mildly greyish lady, have the guts to show my wilder side like that?"
"Don't be silly", Salim said and then surprised Trisha by kissing her straight to the lips. Then he grinned.
"If an old fox like me can do it, then sure a young birdie like you can do it too!"
After Trisha went to do her own things, Dylan joined his dad by the easel.
"Dad, what's that mistletoe thingie?"
"Oh son, let me tell you..."
After getting a complete history lesson about the mistletoe tradition and what it had to do with the Winterfest, Dylan wanted to try his newfound skills in action right away. So he invited Anne for a visit, and after chatting with her for a bit he pulled out the mistletoe he borrowed from Salim.
"So, do you know what this means?"
Her expression gave a hint that she sure did know what was to happen.
And she didn't seem to mind one bit.
La'ei stopped by and wished everyone happy Winterfest, and of course Salim had bought a gift for her too. The nanny looked surprised and touched and tried to refuse at first, but Salim didn't accept no for an answer. The lady was practically family too and therefore deserved a gift just like other family members.
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In the evening it was time for Trisha's elderly birthday party. She didn't want a big crowd around her to see her getting grey and wrinkly, so the family celebrated just by themselves. Trisha tired hard to think about something to wish for.
"If I didn't get too many wrinkles and if I succeeded to age gracefully. That would be a good enough birthday present for me."
As Trisha blew out the candles, the men of the household started to sing joyfully. They tried their best for sure, but they sounded so silly Trisha couldn't help but laugh and she almost missed the candles. Luckily she was able to concentrate again and managed to blew out all the candles with a single blow.
"Ouch, why does the back always start to hurt the moment you get older?" Trisha complained. Her life as an elder didn't start the most promising way. "How do you deal with this, Salim?"
"You'll get used to it", he replied. "A sim can get used to everything."
"Except of an icicle in the butt", Dylan said, grinning. "It melts before you get a chance to get used to it."
Trisha just snorted to such a childish joke, but Salim chuckled.
"Don't worry darling, everything's gonna be fine, I promise", Salim consoled Trisha and pulled her closer. "Come here."
At least hugging felt as good as it used to be. Being in Salim's arms made Trisha relaxed and lifted her mood again. Everything would be fine. Sure there were plenty of pros too, being an elder.
At least she couldn't wait getting to play with her grandchildren somewhere in the future, and most important, doing it with Salim.
She decided she could use some fresh air.
When she didn't come back inside, Dylan went to check on Trisha and to make sure she was alright. As he stepped outside he saw Greg with suspiciously smug face.
"Greg, you did not... Bad cow!"
"Eww, what is this green stuff? I'm all sticky and dirty", Trisha complained. Greg didn't say anything. "Greg, you can't eat sims! It could end badly!" This time it all ended well, luckily.
The surprising thing was that Greg's udders seemed full after this latest incident, and curious as she was, Trisha chose to try and milk the plant. The liquid that spurted into the glass didn't look bad at all, and Trisha pondered, if she'd be brave enough to taste it. Maybe later. Today was already exciting enough.
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Being the devoted chef she was, Trisha wanted to organize a dinner party for her family and friends. She planned on killing two birds with one stone: she could see her dear friends again and test some new recipes with proper jury. Based on the cheerful chatting, excited cries and the speed the serving bowl became emptier and emptier, the food had turned out delicious. Everyone waited eagerly for the next dish to be served.
Even the pickiest of the guests took seconds after complaining about some little thing (I would've used a bit more salt" or "I wouldn't cut veggies in this shape").
For some time Dylan had the patience to hang with the adults, but finally he gave up and invited his friend Rasmus over. The boys went upstairs to chat and watch some TV. The adult stuff was amusing enough for sure, but it felt good to have company your own age. Rasmus was as geeky as he had been as a child, and with him Dylan was able to release his own inner geek too. It was nice to chat with someone who got all those science-, sci-fi- and superhero-related things.
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A new year was soon knocking at the door, and Trisha couldn't help but feel festive. Even if her body wasn't as flexible as it used to be, her mind was crystal clear.
"Dylan, come here, dance with me!" she said as she saw the boy coming downstairs.
"Nah, I don't think so. But nice moves, mum."
Dylan tried to go past her, but Trisha stopped him for a moment.
"How do you feel?" she asked him. "I mean, being the heir of the family and therefore having all these responsibilities about building your own share here in Newcrest, when the time comes."
Dylan shrugged. "I'm fine. It's kinda cool too. Although some of these restrictions and stuff are a bit ridiculous. But I'll manage. Why do you ask that all of a sudden?"
"My Aspiration is almost complete", she replied. "I think I'll be able to evolve the last of the needed plants today. After that, it's finally time to build here the park I've been planning, but it also means, that I've done my share and it's time for you to step up and take the responsibility. That's why I want to make sure you're ready for that."
"I am. I think I know now, what's to come. Don't worry mum, I'll be fine."
Trisha looked at her son proudly.
"That's my boy."
She went to her garden and evolved eight of her sages to perfect level. As soon as the last of the bushes had been evolved, she suddenly felt deep relief. Now it was done, she had done her part, and soon the residents of Newcrest could enjoy a beautiful new park with all of its activities. And she and her family could finally move to a bigger house! She could enjoy her last days with Salim surrounded by family, in all peace and quiet. For the first time in her elderly life she truly felt excited about being an elder.
She ran inside and shared the good news with her husband.
"Wow, congratulations honey!" Salim cheered and stroked her face the way that made her legs weak even after all these years. "We have to celebrate this somehow!"
He poured juice cocktails for the both of them and raised his own glass.
"For my awesome wife, whose hard work has finally been fruitful!" They toasted.
"What's the occasion?" A voice carried from the hallway.
Dylan was also told what was happening, and after congratulating his mother he joined the elders for the New Year's Countdown. This time, new year would truly be a new beginning for them, because at the start of the year they would move to a new house and build the famous park where they lived now. Dylan went kind of sad because of it, but on the other hand, he had been wishing there were more places for young people to hang out in this neighbourhood, and this house was starting to feel a bit small after all. So he too welcomed the change with open arms.
One thing would stay the same though: His parents would be lame and gross in the future too.
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This was the last of Trisha's chapters! In the next chapter I'll introduce both the new park and the new family house. Happy Holidays everyone!
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