32. FAMILY TIME

The Harvestfest at the Drozd family home begins—this time hosted by Klara and Akito. The whole family is gathered, even Penny and Candy, which doesn’t happen too often. Maja also made it to the family gathering.

Time for the main event of the evening—Bea’s birthday! Happy birthday, Bea! May all your wishes come true.

Bea rolled the First Love aspiration.

Bea: So, you’re my grandma too? Why have I never seen you before?

Penny: Only the Watcher can answer that question.

Maja spends most of the evening feeling sad, which doesn’t go unnoticed by Klara.

Klara: Something’s bothering you, I can tell. Boy troubles?

Maja: How did you know, Grandma? Everything was going so well. Then his cousin showed up and totally messed with his head. And the worst part? EVERYONE saw it.

Klara: I remember when I had a fight with your grandpa and ended up in the arms of a certain vampire. Then your grandpa saved me from him. Not that I’m saying you should go running into the arms of a vampire, or that your situation is the same as mine. What I mean is, love takes many paths. And if this boy is meant for you, you’ll find your way back to each other. Or maybe you’ll find a different path. What’s most important is that you stay true to yourself.

Maja: Thank you, Grandma. You always know what to say. 

The Drozds returned home. While Anna and Filip discovered the aftermath of Maja’s party (and were relieved the house didn’t burn down), Maja finally figured out what to give Bea for her birthday.

Maja: I never really got a chance to wear these because I aged up the day after I bought them. But I think they’ll suit you perfectly.

Bea: They’re perfect!

Sulani is having an unseasonably hot fall—almost winter, but still warm. So the family is making the most of the beautiful Sunday. Bea, of course, takes the opportunity to play a little prank on Maja.

Maja: What a little gremlin! And I gave her ALL my CC clothes!

At school, Maja is focused on training. The effort pays off—she’s now the best on the team and has been named Captain! Meanwhile, she does her best to avoid and ignore Artur at all costs.

Artur: Please, just let me explain! You can’t ignore me forever!

Maja: Actually, I can do whatever I want. And talking to you isn’t on my to-do list.

Enue: You heard her—plumb off, Zest. Nobody wants you here.

Winterfest has arrived. This year, the family is gathering in San Myshuno, at Piotr and Yuki’s place. Everything is set for the holiday.

Piotr: You’re almost here? Great, we’re waiting!

The family starts teleporting over. Aunt Candy even graces them with her presence this time.

Filip: Nice, I bet Piotr set this up so we’d feel like we’re still in Sulani.

Yuki: Where’s Bea?

Anna: It’s her first winter with snow—she wanted to play outside for a bit.

Klara: We’re almost all here—maybe bring out a bigger table?

They set up the table, and finally, everyone is seated together (even if only for a few seconds).

Klara: How’s work, Yuki? Any new games on the horizon?

Yuki: Ugh, no. I’m stuck in that stupid burnout moodlet.

Klara: Oh, I know that feeling. Don’t worry, it passes quickly.

Piotr: Apparently, soon we’ll be able to build apartments for up to six families on a single lot! And with cheats, even more!

Akito: But you probably won’t be able to edit lots in San Myshuno like that.

Yuki: Still, imagine the possibilities!

Izi: I just want them to finally add bands and concerts.

Maja: For real!

The girls sneak off to Izi’s room for a bit.

Maja: And that’s it, whole story. But maybe I’m overreacting? Maybe I should forgive him?

Izi: Probably not a great idea.

Maja: I know! But I really thought he was the one. That it would be him when I woohoo for the first time.

Izi: That’s a big decision. Don’t make the same mistake I did. It’s better to wait for the right person.

Maja: Wait… WHAT?!

Izi: Oh, and by the way... turns out I prefer girls.

Maja: OMW! You have to tell me everything!

Izi: Perla is our neighbor. We went to high school together, though she was in the grade above me. We spent a lot of time together, and, well... things just happened.

Izi: But then she aged up into a young adult and had to roll a new trait or something because she totally changed. She went off to university, and I found out she was cheating on me. And that was basically the end.

Maja: You know what? Let’s make a pact—no romantic relationships until we graduate! We won’t let anyone play us again!

Bea: Where have you guys been? Talking about boys? I know Maja broke up with hers.

Yuki: You’re so nosy.

Bea: New trait obligations! Can we open presents now? Ooooh, new blocks! Plumderful!

Klara: Alright, everyone—we still need some pictures!

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