Sophia and I were only a few blocks from Dad’s house, and it was only fitting that he be the first to hear our news. I wouldn’t have gotten engaged if not for his guidance. We hurried there, half walking, half running, fueled by unbridled glee. Kooper didn’t appreciate the accelerated pace, but Rosie was totally here for it and ran in front of us as if to lead the way. When we arrived at the house, I knocked once to alert him, announced myself so he wouldn’t get up, and let myself in. That’s how I dealt with the weirdness of going back home. I still had keys and a room. I felt that knocking and waiting to be let in was kind of pointless. But I didn’t live there anymore, and my parents deserved privacy, I guess.
“Two days in a row?” he said. “Must be my lucky week.”
“I asked Sophia to marry me!”
I think the shocked faces were my favorite part of sharing news this big. Seeing their eyes grow as large as saucers and mouths drop to the floor filled me with such joy. And the best part about it was I knew they felt it, too.
“You did it?? Wait…she said yes, right?”
I laughed. “Of course she did!”
Dad’s face turned red, like he was about to cry, but then he laughed. But it wasn’t a laugh. It was more like…a holler? However you’d classify that utterance, it was most definitely pure, unadulterated joy.
“Congrats, son! Oh, I’m so happy! And proud! That’s such great news! When did this happen?”
“Just now! We were at the marina. There’s a house right across the street that I want. That’s where I did it.”
“What a great idea. So you’re moving back, huh? It’ll be nice to be neighbors. Say…where is she?”
“Oh, she’s outside watching the dogs. She always watches them so carefully, like she’s afraid they’ll hurt each other or something.”
“That’s just her motherly instincts. Speaking of…let’s sit…”
He lowered himself onto the sofa, slowly and carefully. Watching him and my mother get older was a fascinating process. Before, when I saw an older sim, I always thought they’d been old for a while and were used to it. But going through it with my parents, and listening to them complain about new ailments and struggling to do common things, I realized we were all on the same journey. They, like me, were experiencing everything for the first time. They struggled to see themselves as old, just like I did. Maybe one day, when they’re even older, they’ll find acceptance and live with their new normal.
“At the risk of sounding like your mother, how do you feel about children? And what about Sophia?”
“Heh, well, she wants children yesterday.”
He chuckled. “Sounds about right.”
“I’m actually looking forward to it, too.”
“Your mother will be thrilled to hear that, ha ha. I’m glad too. Having children is such a rewarding experience. I always wanted that for you.”
“I think I always wanted kids. At least I always assumed they’d be in my future, despite not knowing how I’d actually have them.”
“Well, you certainly have a worthy partner now. I wish you two all the best. I’m so very proud of you, Luca.”
“Thanks, Dad. I mean…thanks for all your advice and stuff. I don’t think I would be here without it.”
He shrugged.
“That’s the job. When your children come, I’ll have all new material for you.”
“Ha! Good.”
