32. CATCHING FIRE

After her recent behavior and a serious talk with her parents, Ollie ended up under pretty strict supervision, especially when it came to school stuff. There were lots of bans and quite a few new chores. Most of it was manageable, but she honestly hated cleaning the horse bedding. Everything itched afterward.

Sofia would have gladly piled on her a few more chores, but some tasks just aren’t allowed for children. Cleaning and feeding the animals was actually kind of cute. But while shoveling horse manure, Sofia found herself seriously considering hiring some ranch help.

Even though Ollie’s new responsibilities took up a lot of her time, she always managed to squeeze in moments to play with Shreeky. Only now she was much more careful not to get caught doing any sneaky mischief.

But Prank Day was just around the corner, and something special had to be planned for that one day when even pranks are allowed. Together with Shreeky, they came up with the idea of throwing water balloons at people. They just needed to practice their aiming skills.

Throwing from a higher spot turned out to be a bullseye, literally. Both of them had pretty good aim, and Prank Day was shaping up to be absolutely amazing. In their imagination, they could already see all those unsuspecting Sims getting soaked. 

Olimpia: I’m telling you, I’m so done with cleaning. I wish all the trash in the world would just evaporate so I wouldn’t have to deal with it anymore. And horse poop is the worst. It smells awful and it’s HUGE. My parents are totally ruining my life with all these chores.

Shreeky: Oh, I’ve got a brilliant idea! Perfect for tomorrow’s Prank Day! I’ll teach you a brand-new trick! Instead of cleaning, we’ll just set fire to whatever’s standing in the way of our fun!

The next day.

Shreeky: Alright, let’s do this.

Ollie: Are you sure this is safe?

Shreeky: Suuure! What could possibly go wrong? Come on, your problems will disappear in no time.

Ollie: Hey, wait, what’s happening?! This isn’t how it was supposed to go! Shreeky! Shreeky! You said this was safe! I didn’t mean to start this huge fire! Shreeky, where are you?! What do I do?! I have to put it out!

Shreeky: Wow, you’re such a wimp. I did say we’d watch the world burn, didn't I?

Sofia: Ollie! Ollie! Where are you?!

Olimpia: Here, Mom! I’m here!

Sofia: Thank goodness you’re okay. But how did this happen?! Where did this fire come from?

Olimpia: I... I don’t know… it spread so fast. I didn’t know what to do.

Sofia: Our whole house… everything!

Firefighter: Please don’t worry! We’ll get this under control right away!

From a distance, they watched as the firefighters worked to save their ranch.

Firefighter: The damage is extensive, but the foundation held. And luckily, no one was hurt. The animals and their pens are safe too.

Sofia: Do you know what caused it?

Firefighter: Hard to say. It could’ve been something like glass in the grass.

Her room. Completely destroyed. All her toys. Her bed. The house. Everything. This wasn’t what she wanted. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be. It was a nightmare. And Mom… Mom was inside when the fire broke out. What if she hadn’t made it out in time? All the thoughts came crashing down on Olimpia at once.

Shreeky: Whoa. What a disaster.

Olimpia: This is all your fault!

Shreeky: Uh, more like yours. You’re the one who wanted to burn things so you wouldn’t have to clean.

Olimpia: But you said it was safe! I didn’t want to burn the house down! My mom could’ve been hurt! And the animals too!

Shreeky: Didn’t your mom ever tell you that playing with fire is dangerous?

Olimpia: But… but you said nothing would happen! Why would you say that if you knew it was dangerous?

Shreeky: Because it’s more fun that way? Hello! We’re evil to the core! Did you forget??

Olimpia: I don’t want to be evil anymore!

Shreeky: Don’t be so dramatic. It was fun.

Olimpia: No! It wasn’t! And you’re not funny at all! I wish I could forget everything that happened today! Or rewind time! But I can’t! So… so…

Olimpia: I think it’s time.

Shreeky: Hey… what’s going on? What are you doing??

Olimpia: I’m sending you back to your realm. I think that’s better. For you, and for me.

Shreeky: Hey, you can’t do that!

Olimpia: Goodbye, Shreeky. Forever.

Sofia: I don’t even know what to say. This is so kind of you. I don’t know how we’ll ever repay you.

Juniper: No problem at all! You need a place to sleep, after all. Neighbors have to look out for each other. We don’t have guest beds, unfortunately, but we do have warm sleeping bags. 

In the morning. 

Sofia: We lost everything.

Umber: Nothing that can’t be rebuilt. Everyone around here will help you. For now, you can stay with us for a while. And eat up, before the pancakes get cold. They’re Wren’s favorite.

Wren: Howdy!

Olimpia: You talk funny!

Wren: I’m a cowboy. I have to talk like that.

Olimpia: A real cowboy?? Do you have a hat? Like, a cowboy hat?

Wren: Sure do! I’ll show you later.

Juniper: Looks like the kids are already getting along. Wren, show Olimpia Starbrite later. You can feed her and play a bit.

Olimpia: What’s Starbrite?

Wren: That’s my horse, still a foal. You’ll see, she’s awesome!

Olimpia: She’s so cute! And so tiny!

Wren: Go ahead, pet her.

Olimpia: She’s not scared of me at all.

Wren: Of course not, why would she be? And once you feed her, she’ll totally love you! Want to play hide-and-seek?

Olimpia: Okay, but you’re seeking first!

Olimpia: No peeking!

So many hiding spots around, and Ollie hid under a box XD

Later they played castaways, then something else, and then something else again. And Ollie might have finally found a real friend, at least one who wasn’t imaginary.

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