16. CARPE DIEM

Klara and Akito's days now revolve around taking care of the kids, work, and leveling up their skills.

Akito is getting better and better at woodworking—almost all his creations are now of excellent quality. This hasn't gone unnoticed.

Stranger: "Good day! Are these pieces of furniture for sale? Do you take commissions as well?"

Akito: "Absolutely! Everything you see here is available for immediate purchase, and I have more in my household inventory. I can also take custom orders."

Stranger: "Fantastic! Have you thought about opening your own retail store? You've got the knack for it!"

Akito: "Klara, look! The Watcher finally gave us a makeover."

Klara: "About time! Your birthday was ages ago. All she did for me was grow my hair out. I hope she puts in more effort for my birthday. She’s so lazy, doesn’t even download any CC outfits for us."

Akito: "So, how do you like me now, with this beard?"

Klara: "Come here, I’ll show you—maybe we can sneak in a quick woohoo before the kids wake up."

Unfortunately, their plans were interrupted by a noise outside (which might’ve been for the best, considering a third child would have made their lives even harder). Turns out Filip was already awake and causing trouble in the yard.

Klara: "Filip! What are you doing?!"

Filip: "Mama, Filip make bam-bam!"

Klara: "Apologize, Filip. You can’t make such a mess. Now come on, let’s change your hairstyle. Your brother’s birthday is coming up, and I need to be able to tell you two apart."

And then, Piotr aged up into a toddler. Trait: Charmer. 😉

Having two toddlers in the household is no joke.

Klara organized a school field trip to the Arts Center in San Myshuno.

Klara: "We’re looking at street art and the municipal collection here. Across the way, you can see a prime example of pop art, ironically titled 'Torn for the Otter'—though clearly, we’re looking at four llamas."

Student: "Miss, what about that giant statue?"

Klara: "That’s either a massive human bust or a hat stand. The world may never know."

Student 1: "This clay is fun! Where’d you get it?"

Student 2: "Everyone has it. It just kind of... shows up when you’re bored, and suddenly, you’re playing with it."

Student 3: "Is she still looking? Can I put it down now? Ugh, this is so boring..."

Student 4: "I like it! Look what I made!"

That evening, Klara received some sad news.

Klara: "Yes, hello?"

...

Klara: "Akito, this is awful, you won’t believe it... Zelda passed away."

Akito: "What?! How is that possible?"

Klara: "It must’ve been a Neighborhood Story. She was here just a few days ago, playing with Filip, perfectly fine..."

The next day, Klara held the first meeting of the Bookworms Club, which she’d started for her students.

Librarian: "Welcome, everyone! I’ll set you all up with library cards. Meanwhile, feel free to choose any books that interest you."

Klara: "And so, the great coconut pudding was sent into orbit. Over the next few months, it will gather all sorts of data..."

Student: "What’d you borrow? I got Game of Gnomes."

Student 2: "I grabbed Dusk, the vampire book."

Even though Klara tried her best, she couldn’t shake the sadness from the news about Zelda.

That night, Piotruś had a nightmare and went to wake up his parents. Apparently, this runs in the family, as Filip used to do the same. 😉

Klara: "I have an interview today for the School Department Head position, but I’m so down about Zelda’s death, I’m not sure I can do it..."

Akito: "I know it’s hard, but you’ve worked so long and hard for this. You deserve it, love. I believe in you."

Klara got ready for her interview, choosing a simple, elegant outfit.

Klara: "How do I look?"

Akito: "Beautiful as always. Now go show them what you’ve got. Good luck!"

While Klara was at her interview, Akito worked on new sculptures to sell at the newly opened marketplace in Windenburg. He’s now maxed out his Handiness skill, which opens up so many possibilities. Maybe he could do odd jobs or even open a woodworking store.

The boys returned from daycare, and Filip decided to show Piotr the chickens. They play well together. 😊

Suddenly, a storm rolled in, with rain, wind, and thunder. Akito called the frightened kids inside.

Klara returned home with fantastic news—she got the promotion! She’s now the school principal. Not even the lightning bolt that struck her could ruin her mood.

The next morning was a typical chaotic start in a house with two toddlers. Piotr tore up books while Filip passed gas. Klara firmly expressed her disappointment with their behavior. Piotr thought he could escape the lecture, but his mom caught him as well.

Filip, however, seemed unfazed and went back to making a mess in the yard.

Klara: "Filip, what did I just say?! How many times do I have to repeat myself?"

Filip: "No! No! Filip like paint!"

Klara: "Don't sulk, young man. Clean up this mess right now. Simtastic... now I’ve got a headache."

To take a breath, Klara entered the Chicken and Egg Competition at the Henford-on-Bagley fair. She submitted a chocolate egg and her prized golden rooster.

Klara: "Hello! I’m admiring your entry—it’s a fantastic chicken!"

Contestant: "Thank you! Yes, yes, I’m known for the best chickens this side of Henford."

Mayor: "Let’s see... Oh, Klara, lovely to see you! I have something for you—a traditional Henford gift, as always."

Klara: "Thank you, Mayor. You must join us for coffee sometime if you’re free."

Contestant: "Hey! What’s with these gifts and cozy chats with the judge? Is this contest fair?!"

Meanwhile, Akito prepared a surprise birthday party for Klara.

Akito: "Okay, she’ll be back from the fair soon. Everyone, get in position!"

Surprise! Happy birthday! 🎉

And with that, Klara aged up into a full-fledged adult.

The party was fairly a success. Everyone enjoyed the cake, and Akito gifted Klara a garlic braid to keep vampires at bay (how romantic... ^^). Even the kids joined in to wish her well.

Klara: "I still can’t believe Zelda’s gone. We didn’t get along at first, but she became so dear to me. And then that lightning strike—it made me realize how fleeting Sim life can be."

Zoe: "Look at it this way: you got a second chance. Zelda wouldn’t waste it on sadness. She’d throw a massive party celebrating life."

Klara: "You’re right. I remember how she dragged me shopping and threw a party back in college when I was overworking myself. Carpe diem—that was always her motto."

To Zelda! We’ll always remember her.

<<<Previous chapter: 15. SIBLING

>>>Next chapter: 17. THE VAMPIRE'S VOW