After the party, before going to bed, me and Desi sat upstairs and reflected on the day. I didn’t quite know what to say, and she didn’t say anything either—not that the moment called for conversation. Sometimes I look at how much she’s grown, and she feels like a stranger to me. But when I look into her eyes, I see my talkative little baby. She asked if she had to go to school tomorrow. I replied by asking if she wanted to, and she said no. I could see how this transition could be a lot for her as well, so I agreed she could stay home for one day. That’s what vacation days are for, right?
In the morning, I did my usual and tended to the money tree. I laughed as I headed downstairs because there was really no need to harvest daily anymore. But it’s part of my routine now, and I actually enjoy gardening now. Plus, the more I care for it, the more profitable it becomes. Maybe we’ll start having a bit more fun with it. I was just about to return inside when my wife and daughter appeared, fully dressed and ready for the day. Sophia said they were going to a salon in Del Sol Valley. She has come such a long way regarding our finances. She started out very practical and opposed to the money tree, but over time, she’s come to appreciate the advantages of our wealth. I believe she has fully embraced it, and I love that for her. Desi asked if I wanted to come with them, and it was a very tempting offer. I feel like she’s slipping away from me, and I want to spend all the time I can with her. And I hadn’t been to Del Sol Valley before, so that could have made for a nice family day trip. I declined, however, and told her to enjoy the day with her mom. They need that, and I’m glad Sophia took the initiative.
With them gone for the foreseeable future, that left me plenty of time to catch up with the rest of my friends and present the youth potion. I called Maira first and asked if we could meet somewhere. Deceit was not my goal, for I would never advocate her hiding anything from her husband. But she is my friend, not Oliver. What I have to say is for her ears only. Of course, she could take the information and discuss it with him if she wants, but as far as I am concerned, that discussion is between them, and I don’t need to be involved. I hadn’t eaten breakfast yet, so she suggested we meet at the Oak Barrel Bar in town. Apparently, they’re open 24/7 and have good food.
On the way, I received a distressing text from Yasmine, saying she had moved but couldn’t tell me where. The girls’ dad donor found them somehow and sent gifts for their birthdays. She didn’t want to risk being found again, so it’s best absolutely no one knows where they live. She thanked me for being a good friend when I didn’t have to be and said she wasn’t sure if we’d ever see each other again. Though I understood the necessity of her actions, the message still upset me. I hated how she’s been on the run from that wacko this whole time. Her ideologies are a bit off, and she’s not the nicest sim, but she doesn’t deserve what’s happened to her. And I didn’t get to say goodbye. I mean, yes, this message is goodbye, but not a proper one. I tried to take solace in knowing this was the best scenario for her family, but now I can’t help wondering about them. Are they safe? Are the girls still attending school? Wherever they are, I hope they are happy and find peace.
