25. NEW BEGINNINGS

The Drozd family gathered together for Harvestfest in San Sequoia. Grandpa Filip is happy to have both of his daughters and all his grandchildren with him. The only one missing today is his beloved great-granddaughter.

Maja: How are you holding up?

Bas: It’s not easy. It was my decision, but... I have doubts sometimes.

Maja: That’s only natural. You two went through a lot together. You can’t just throw away all those shared memories and forget about them.

Maja: But from what you told us, it seems like it was the right step to take.

Bas: I think so.

Maja: Bas, I know it’s a rough time right now, breakups always hurt, but try to look at it another way. If you were always arguing, how would that affect Ollie in the long run?

Bas: I know. I told Sofia the same thing. I’m just feeling a bit down. Probably also because Ollie isn’t here with me today. But that’s how we decided it should be, shared custody. She spends this holiday with Sofia, and Winterfest will be with me.

Maja: Sofia moved back to Chestnut Ridge?

Bas: Yeah. She said she needed the peace of her family home right now. It’s not that far, but I already miss Ollie.

Maja: And how did the little one take it? What did you tell her?

Bas: We told her that from now on she’ll have two very special homes instead of one. That sometimes she’ll stay in Mommy’s special home, and sometimes in Daddy's special home. She seemed to take it pretty well overall.

Bas: She even seemed excited about it.

Maja: Of course she did. She’s still little, she’ll only understand what it really means with time. I think everything’s going to be fine. You don’t have to worry.

Jace: And even if something happens, remember, we’re here for you, son.

Bas: Thanks, Dad. Thanks, Mom. And I’m sorry for being such a disappointment.

Maja: What are you talking about?!

Bas: Well, it’s true. No one in our family had such a pathetic love life. The first heir with a broken family. Maybe I should just stay single, before I mess something up again.

Maja: I don’t want to hear that! Don’t you dare give up and say such nonsense. Maybe your great love is still ahead of you! And actually, you just reminded me of something I should’ve done a long time ago. I’m sorry it took me so long.

Maja: Your great-grandfather Akito made this engagement ring especially for your father and me, to guide us in love. After everything we’ve been through, I think our love is safe forever, so now I’d like to pass it on to you.

Maja: Let it guide you now. And when the time is right, give it to the one who truly holds your heart. This time, it’ll be the right one.

Bas: The right ring for the right love... Thanks, Mom!

Bas: So, how was it at Mom’s place? Did you have fun?

Ollie: Vewy fun!

Bas: Really? Tell me all about it.

Ollie: Mama has a biiiiig hawsey! He jump an' wun like this! An’ the’s a little goaty an’ a sheepy too!

It’s wonderful to watch this little one grow, even if she still prefers eating books instead of reading them. She already knows so much! Bas is so proud, he knows he helped her learn many of these things himself.

Ollie: Look, Daddy! I can use the potty all by myself now! I can do ewyfing!

Bas: That’s my clever girl.

Ollie: Love you, Daddy.

Bas: Love you too, Ollie.

Bas and Ollie went to visit their new little neighbor!

Elisabeth Huntington III is still an infant, but that didn’t stop Ollie, she quickly liked her new friend.

Little Lizzy, on the other hand, isn’t quite sure what to think yet.

Rom: I’ll go put her down for a nap, she’s getting cranky.

Ollie: Why she go nap? It’s day!

Bas: Because she’s still little.

Ollie: Why she little?

Cristian: Because she’s still a baby, like you used to be.

Ollie: Why?

Cristian: You sure ask a lot of questions!

Ollie: Yup!

Ollie is back in Chestnut Ridge again. Bastian is using this time to catch up on work at the Space Center. 

At home, bored, he upgraded a few appliances and completed another aspiration, Nerd Brain this time. Apparently, he can achieve anything, except finding a life partner.

Meanwhile, in the countryside, Olimpia is having the time of her life. Hugging sheep and telling jokes to goats, just what little girls love to do most.

And there’s so much space to run around and play!

Leaving the city was a good decision for Sofia. Returning to her family’s land calmed her and helped her gather her thoughts. She’s using up her remaining vacation days and thinking about what comes next. Maybe she’ll open her own practice? Time will tell.

The Drozds celebrated Winterfest this year at Izi and Enue’s place. Izi’s parents, Piotr and Yuki, have already passed on, as has Enue’s mother, Mele. No one wanted to leave them alone for the holidays.

Euzebia, Izi’s younger sister, also came, she still didn't start a family of her own.

Besides, two little gentlemen, Anthony and Robert, were also there, and everyone wanted to meet them. Barbara didn’t want to say who the father was.

Enue: Everyone, eat up before it gets cold!

Ollie could hardly wait to open the presents!

Filip: Do you want to open yours now? Come on then.

Olimpia was thrilled with her science table, maybe she’ll take after her dad and love science, too.

Right after that, she met Emit, the dog. ;)

Euzebia: Why is it so dark?

Izi: It's a power-conservation day. On holiday, yes!

Bas: We could eat outside, it’s brighter out there. Let’s go!

Maja seems to have had enough food. 

And the late guests from Sulani still made it in time for a family photo, though they’re barely visible in the shot.

And another photo, because I didn't like the first one, so I decided to make a repeat ;) And this time everyone is visible and even more family made it to the photo.

Olimpia: It’s today the day! It’s today the day! Hear that, Snuggly Buggly? It’s my birthday! But don’t be sad, you’ll always be my best friend!

And here are the last photos of little Ollie as a toddler.

Bas still feels sad and hurt when Sofia is around. At the same time, he’s happy that despite their breakup, Ollie has a good relationship with both of them.

Bas: Attention everyone, cake’s here!

Happy Birthday!

Ollie rolled the Adventurous trait! 🥹 From a cautious infant, to an inquisitive toddler, and now to a adventurous child!

I gave her the Playtime Captain aspiration.

Olimpia: See, Snuggly Buggly? Nothing’s changed. I’m just a little bit bigger. But we can still be best friends. And I’ll work on a plan to make sure we always will!

Olimpia: I know! I’ll take pictures of all our adventures! That way, I’ll never forget you, and we’ll always be the bestest friends ever! Starting tomorrow, the plan goes into action. Are you ready, Snuggly Buggly, for all the amazing adventures waiting for us?

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