@MarianT : The awful thing about naming Cowabunga is that theme song simply won't leave my head! Oh, for the simpler days of Howdy Doody.
@oshizu : The last three updates and the next two all happened in ONE day of game play. By the end of the day my poor sinuses were so swollen up from crying over these silly Sims I thought I'd never be able to breathe again. Of course I knew it was going to happen but it just was so much more tragic to me because they were such a spontaneously loving couple. It was and endless death scene. I promise, the rest of the deaths to come won't be as long or as soppy dramatic.
On to the next bit of melodrama.
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Kieran felt as if all his insides had been ripped out and shredded. Believing he would never breathe easily again, he gasped for air as he raged against the Fates and those beings who had somehow put him in this position. It wasn't just that she was dead and gone. Death happens to everyone, doesn't it? It was that he was cursed to continue to live for eternity, or at least what felt like eternity. Briefly he thought of destroying all the potions, death flowers and angel fish the family had acquired and just ending it all. That would at least make the amount of time he would have to suffer much shorter. Unfortunately, that would also condemn many more generations who would have to start over. Cursing the ancestors who had brought this down upon the family, he knew he would have to continue. He would somehow find the courage to carry on and to instill the need for this horrible thing to continue till the last heir was born in his children. With all the love and courage he could muster, and taking as deep a breath as possible, he did the only thing he could do for his beloved. Working feverishly he built her a memorial garden in the place where she died.
This would be a peaceful and beautiful place of meditation. A place where he could sit among the flowers Dina had loved so well and listen to the gentle splash of a fountain while mourning her loss. He made it her special place. A place that would be just for her. A place where, as the many years passed, he too would find repose."Ohhh, beautiful. You did a really good job Mr. McCloud. Mind if I come in?"
"Dad? Dad? Who's that there with you? Clyde who's in there?"
Yes, dear friends, it had happened. Dina's garden had barely been completed when suddenly, Kieran realized he wasn't alone. Exclaiming with joy, he took her into his arms, holding her so tightly and promising to never let go! She had come home.
"Dina! Oh my Dina! I thought I'd never see you again."
"I'm not sure how long I can stay, dearest. This is all rather new to me. I just couldn't bear how much you were grieving. I had to come back, even if only for a wee bit. Uh, Clyde? A moment please? Why don't you go get a bite to eat?"
"Oh, sure thing Mrs. McCloud. Sorry about that."
"Kieran love, this is absolutely beautiful. I think I'll be quite happy here. Thank you for building this for me."
"For us. I had to show how much I love and honor you and always will. Will you be able to come often? I'll visit a lot. My job with the family is basically done. I just need to be here for the girls for a bit."
"I don't know, my love. Being dead is pretty strange and being a ghost is even stranger. But I'll come as often as I can. It really is quite pretty. Thank you."
"Now, you listen to me. You have to be strong. I know it's hard and that you are really grieving, but don't keep on too long. You and the family have to move on. I know you'll never forget me and I know it will take a long time before it doesn't hurt as much, but you can't continue with this deep a grief forever. Maybe one day you'll even find someone else to love, to marry, to be a companion to you."
"Never! You are my one and only soul mate. No one could or will ever take your place. I promised to always love you and I always will. As for not grieving, seeing you here, hoping to see you more, will make it easier. Thank you for coming back to us."
"I love you Kieran. Now you figure out how you can help our daughters. This curse has to end."
"One more hug, beloved?"
"Of course, one more, and not the last. Not ever the last."
True to his word, Kieran went back to the house. There were things to be done, plans to be made. The deep sadness that permeated the air here was going to be very difficult to work around. How could they all resolve the awful grief they felt when every step they took led them to another place reminding them of Dina and how she would no longer be there. Finally, they all agreed to leave this place for awhile. There had been just too much pain. Packing up the tents and all their camping gear, the family headed to Granite Falls. Maybe in the peace and tranquility of the deep forest they would find a way to ease their sorrow.
At first it seemed it would not go well. Aislyn and Airynn were deep in sadness. They trudged along slowly, head down, halfheartedly searching for herbs and collectibles.
Eventually, the younger members of the family began to heal a bit. The lodge had so many wonderful things inside. It was comfortable and cozy. A good place to meet and discuss things. A place that wasn't as full of memories. The two sisters decided it was time to go inside and talk to their men.
"Ais, I'm not sure this is working. Kieran just walks around like he's not really here. We all miss Mom but Dad is just taking it too hard."
"She was the love of his life, hon. I would feel the same way if it were you."
"It seems the only thing still keeping him going is cooking. Dad sure knows his stuff. It's a good thing. If it were up to us we'd all starve."
"Maybe I can get him to swipe some bug or other for me. That always cheers him up."
"Yeah. Kinda rude though."
"I don't care. If it will perk him up then it's worth it. I'll suggest I haven't found one of these guys yet and he's sure to take the hint."
"Ok, good plan. Meanwhile, I'm going to run and dig some more rocks. See what I come up with. He'll have more stuff to transform then when we get back home."
"Jogging, jogging, jogging. Keeping the fitness up. Gotta max the career! At least it's a great place for it. Now where did I see that rock I wanted to dig?"
"I can't keep up like this. It's just too much. Ok, Kieran....get a grip. Back to the lodge for you my boy! No more creeping around all sad in the woods. Dina would not want this."
Back at the lodge, things did not seem that much better. With everyone sleeping it just was too empty and lonely. 
Hearing a noise outside, Kieran went out to investigate. Maybe it was a bear. No, just that guy they had met before, Daxon was his name. A good looking, cheerful fellow. With the house so empty, Kieran figured this might just be the guy to add to the household. After all they needed someone to fish and garden, didn't they?"Oh, hey there Kieran! Just needed a rest room. Hope you don't mind my using the new ones you guys added. The other "facilities" were pretty bad."
"Hi, Dax. No, no problem at all. Feel free. Say, didn't you say you were a gardener or fisherman? Loves the outdoors and all?"
"Yeah, that's me. Anything I can do outside is perfect for me. It's a good thing too because right now I'm between jobs and don't have a place to live yet."
"You don't say. Hey, we have plenty of room at our house and if you were willing to chip with some fishing and gardening you could live with us as long as you like. As a matter of fact, for the rest of your life. You ever hear about a "dynasty"?"
"Oh, you're one of those Watched Sims, eh? Yeah, I heard. Always wanted to be a part of something like that. Sounded like a pretty cushy gig."
"Great! So, when we get back to Willow Brook, you just come along, pack up your stuff and move in with us. Ok?"
"Ok! Wow! You just made my life a whole lot easier! Thanks, man. I'll see ya there then."
With that small item taken care of, Kieran began to feel a bit better. For the first time in what seemed forever he once again felt like he had a purpose in life. He'd help Dax, and Dax would help the dynasty. With this load off his shoulders, Kieran began work on some more things for the house. Dax would need his own tub after all.
Yessiree. Things were looking up. Dina would be pleased. Kieran actually found he could once again, smile.
