21. SPRING, SPRING, OH, IT'S YOU!

Spring has finally arrived in Finchwick. Today, the boys have a carnival party at school.

Piotr: I really didn’t feel like getting up.

...So, do you know what you’re dressing up as yet?

Filip: Maybe a pirate? What about you?

Piotr: Not sure yet, but it has to be something original.

The party has started, and the kids are having a blast dancing to the music.

Filip (Huntington): Hey, Drozd! Cool costume, is that CC?

Piotr: Of course it is. And you’re Dracula, Huntington? Nice one! High five!

Teacher: Active Sims... you always have to keep an eye on them...

Kazimierz: Everyone has cool costumes, and I got stuck with a bear suit... a green one... Total fail...

…Excuse me, DJ, could you play something from the Llama Lullabies?

DJ: Sure, kiddo, how about The Old Bear Is Sleeping Now?

Anna: I see you still think you’re the Waves Slayer.

Filip: And what, you’re going to make fun of me again?

Anna: Nope. You look pretty cool as a pirate.

Fairy: Those tiny wings! Such a fail for CC!

Piotr: Take a look in the mirror and check out your busted straps.

Fairy: … (glares hatefully)

Meanwhile, the adults went to celebrate carnival at the The Gnome's Arms bar.

Zoe: Oh my Watcher, Klara, you look amazing! That hairstyle suits you perfectly!

Nicolas: And congrats on the promotion—working at the university is a real gig!

Klara: Thanks, thanks! It just sort of happened.

Akito: Don’t be so modest, honey. You worked hard for this.

Nicolas: Let’s toast! To Klara and to all of us, to our friendship!

Klara: Come on, let’s dance! Let’s make the most of the empty dance floor!

Akito: It’s so empty here today. Have the locals stopped coming to the bar, or what?

Zoe: Nope, look, other Sims are starting to show up.

Klara: Wait a second... Isn’t that the teacher who was supposed to be supervising the kids at Piotr and Filip’s school carnival?

Akito: Even if it is, come on, it’s Sims 4—they’ll be fine.

Nicolas: You’re the most beautiful Sim in the world.

Klara: Be specific about which world—we’ve got several in this game.

Nicolas: “Let me hear the words 'I love you' from your lips once more, so I can carve them in my heart and etch them in my thoughts.”

Akito: I think we’ll leave you two lovebirds alone now.

Carnival tradition complete!

Today, instead of school, the boys went on an outdoor class trip to Volpe Park. Piotr is scheming mischief, while Filip is thrilled with the outdoor activities and takes every opportunity to ask questions.

Filip decided to start a frog collection and headed to the pond. The catch was fantastic—he managed to snag 4 new varieties. The only question is, where will Filip keep them?

Meanwhile, the weather is turning gloomy.

Filip (Huntington): Guys, did you hear that thunder? I think a storm is coming!

Piotr: Seriously? Afraid you’re going to get wet, Huntington?

But suddenly, a full-on storm broke out with torrential rain and lightning. The umbrellas got so bent out of shape that the trip had to end early.

Piotr: Okay, I’ll admit, that lightning was a little scary!

Filip H.: But playing in the rain is kind of fun, though!

Teacher: Oh no, kids, we’re heading back. I had a feeling it was going to rain—my joints were aching all morning.

Filip has been working hard at school to earn as many scout badges as he can. Time to practice on the monkey bars—physical fitness is crucial for scouts!

After school, someone visited the Drozd family.

Anna: Hi, is Filip home?

Piotr: He’s out helping at the senior care home, but he should be back soon. You’ll have to wait a bit.

Anna: Oh, okay.

And suddenly, things got awkward.

Filip did come back quickly, so Anna didn’t have to wait long. The kids went to play on the monkey bars.

Filip: To earn scout badges, I have to do a ton of things. I need to work on my fitness, donate items to charity, catch frogs...

Anna: Frogs?? Eww!!

Filip: Haha, but I love catching frogs! I’m planning to have a whole collection! And, you know, I also have to learn about the stars—come on, I’ll show you.

Filip: That’s the North Star, which points north.

Anna: Wow... You know a lot. And, you know, you’re pretty cool.

Filip: Thanks, you’re cool too.

Klara: Did you see that?! They’re still outside!

Akito: I know, I’m not thrilled either, but we have to remember Filip is about to become a teenager... And really, they’re just stargazing.

Klara: I know, but it’s so hard seeing our kids grow up so fast.

Akito: Believe me, I feel the same way. And I have a feeling I’m the one who’ll have to give that talk about woohoo...

In addition to helping with lecture preparations, Klara has started writing children’s books. She’s using her teaching experience, as well as her parenting know-how. Suddenly, her phone rang.

Klara: Zoe? Hello?

Zoe: WE GOT ENGAGED!!!!!!!!!!!

Klara: OH MY MAXIS!!! THAT’S AMAZING!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Akito finally decided to take on the Original Vampire, the ultimate goal of his lifetime aspiration. With a Vampire Resistance Cocktail prepared and a Protection Ring on, Akito was ready to go.

Vlad: I’ve been waiting for you, Slayer. So, you think you’re ready to fight me?

Akito: I’ll show you just how prepared I am!

Akito shot his crossbow at the Original Vampire, but nothing happened...

Vlad: Oh, looks like you weren’t as prepared as you thought. Got anything else?

Akito: How about a splash of holy water?!

Vlad: Foolish Slayer! Admit it—you didn’t finish reading the Ultimate Vampiric Tome! You can’t defeat me with mere tricks! I AM THE ORIGINAL ONE!

Vlad: If it weren’t for your protection ring, I’d have finished you already. But beware, Slayer—I’m watching you!

Akito hurried away, relieved that dawn was breaking and that he escaped with his life. Still, he couldn’t forgive himself for his amateurish approach. Next time, he’ll be better prepared—and he must finish reading that Ultimate Tome!

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