43. WORK BUILDS CHARACTER

In Chestnut Ridge, winter had already fully set in, even though according to the Sim calendar it was only November… Bas, Sofia, and Olimpia were debating Olimpia’s future…

Olimpia: Listen, I’ve seriously thought this through, and it’s actually a pretty solid option.

Sofia: I’m not convinced…

Olimpia: But Mom, come on! Great-Grandpa Filip basically did the same thing! Or well, same vibe, whatever. He worked, followed his passion, and only later sorted out college. And Grandma Maja started as a teen. She literally cooked! Now she’s famous and has simoleons!

Sofia: But they both finished high school first! I really think you should at least complete some kind of part-time schooling. We could look into it properly and...

Olimpia: Mom, you know no school is going to accept me mid-term. And honestly, I’d rather start earning my own simoleons now.

Bas: I don’t think it’s a bad idea, as long as you’re not completely writing off education later on. Your mom is right, school matters, and part-time classes do exist. I don’t see anything stopping you from working now and continuing your education when you’re ready.

Olimpia: For real, Dad? You’re actually okay with this? Because I really wanna do it.

Sofia: But you do realize work means responsibility? You won’t be able to slack off, it’s not homework where the worst that happens is a bad grade.

Bas: Are you sure you’re ready for that?

Olimpia: Literally, yes! I’m telling you!

Olimpia: Mom, trust me. I know you’d want me to follow your path - school, university, all that. But that’s just not me. This, though? This is literally my thing.

Bas: Sofia, let’s give it a try. This might be the best option for Ollie right now. Especially since she clearly wants it.

Sofia: I can see you’ve made up your mind. Alright. I’ll talk to Don. I think he mentioned recently he needs someone to help out. But don’t think I’m dropping the school topic entirely. We’ll come back to it. Later on.

Olimpia: Okaaaay, fine, have it your way.

Bas: Well then, that’s settled!

Olimpia: You’ll see, I’m gonna be, like, a top-tier horse girl! Wren said I’ve got a natural knack for it. I’ll put in some time at the equestrian center and in a season or two I can lowkey start competing… and then who knows, maybe I’ll even snag a medal!

Olimpia: This is so lit we work together! I’m literally dying to start working with horses!

Wren: Yeah… you need to chill on that. It’s not easy to earn Don’s trust, especially when it comes to his horses.

Olimpia: Come on. You said yourself I’ve got the vibe for it. I’m about to rock this place!

Olimpia: Good morning, sir! I’m Ollie. I’m here to help with the horses.

Don: Ah, yes. Sofia’s daughter. Good. We could use some help with cleaning.

Olimpia: I can do way more than that, I know horses.

Don: We’ll see. Wren, show Olimpia around.

Wren: Yes, sir!

Olimpia: So where do I start? Hoof cleaning? Brushing coats? Maybe some barrel training?

Wren: Whoa there, cowgirl. Don’t get ahead of yourself. Don said you’re starting with cleaning the stalls.

Olimpia: You’re joking, right?

Wren: Not even a little. Shovel and rake are over there, brooms here. Good luck!

This was not the dream job she had in mind. She hated cleaning stalls. But if it got her closer to working with horses - real work with horses - then fine. She wasn’t about to quit now. Not after convincing her parents to let her do this.

Just scoop the manure, add some hay, and...

Olimpia: Oh hey, little guy. You want something to eat?

Olimpia: Here you go. Dang, you were hungry.

Don: I see you’ve met Cayenne. He likes attention. A bit stubborn, but a brave foal. He’ll grow into a fine horse. Seems like he likes you.

Olimpia: And I like him right back, sir.

Don: Wren mentioned you’ve got a good way with horses. If you prove yourself, I’ll let you work with them.

Olimpia: That would be lowkey amazing! I can’t wait! What do you say, horses? Smile for Simstagram?

Don: Now, go back to work.

Olimpia: Yes, sir!

Don: These kids…

Ollie came home, and even though it had only been four hours, she felt it in every muscle. Meanwhile, Sofia looked more relaxed than ever.

Sofia: So, how was your first day, sweetheart? Was it everything you planned?

Olimpia: It was… okay. Everything hurts though. I’m gonna lie down.

Sofia hoped Ollie would get so tired of the hard work that she’d decide on her own to go back to school. But she had other worries too. Not just as a mother, but as a woman. She wanted more from life, yet still felt unsure. And a certain cowboy wasn’t giving up.

Since the fire and the house repairs, Clayton has still been helping around the ranch. And although his intentions were clear, and honestly flattering, Sofia didn’t feel like it was the right time for romance.

Clayton: My offer for dinner still stands, Sofia.

While Ollie stayed with her dad, Sofia and Clayton had shared a few moments. Long conversations while tending animals. Meaningful looks. Occasional brushes of hands that felt full of promise. But could she really allow herself that? For now, the answer was no.

Sofia: And I’ve told you many times, this isn’t a good time. Ollie lives with me full-time now. Her father’s relationship already complicated things enough for her. She came back hurt, feeling pushed aside. I can’t do that to her too. Not now. It’s too soon.

Clayton: Sofia, I get that you care about your daughter. But I’m not asking you to marry me, just dinner. And I’m starting to wonder if there will ever be a right time for you.

Sofia: You can’t expect me to just jump into something new. I need to figure things out first. For Ollie.

Clayton: And for yourself? Where’s the space for something good for you in all this? You’re an amazing mom, Sofia. Ollie would want you to be happy too. You don’t have to give anything up.

Sofia: Don’t tell me what to do. I know what’s best for my daughter.

Clayton: You know what I think? I think you’re just scared. And that’s not a bad thing, I understand. It’s hard to trust someone, especially after you’ve been hurt before. Just remember, I’m patient, Sofia… but I’m only human. I can’t wait forever.

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