The Snow Immortal Dynasty - Chpt 17: Now There Are Two Kinds of Snow

[Scalec]

I think what I like most about this story is the growth that I'm seeing in your main character. America is rather bossy, rather distant, and rather wrapped in her life, but I can see her changing and molding to be a better friend, a better partner, and a better mother.
It's so lovely to read.
I'm so eager to see where this is going.

[Antalia]

Thank you, Scalec!

Here comes the next part, finally-

[Antalia]

Chapter 14: Misery

America: Christopher looked at me like I might be crazy. “Kara is right there,” he said, pointing up at the open upstairs window, behind me. Kara was grinning and waving down from it. “Hi, Daddy!” she called in a sweet voice, as I turned around. I waved up at her and her grin seemed to fade.

She must have run outside earlier, and then gone back into the house to hide somewhere, staying a step ahead of me in my search.

“I need to talk to you,” I said to Christopher, and he let me tug him into the house. When he got inside, he shook me off and headed for the empty living room. I followed him.

Christopher flipped on the cooking channel, sat on the couch, and appeared to instantly, completely absorb himself in it.

“Unh-uh,” I said, and reached for the remote. He snatched it and held it away from me.

“Christopher, please don't watch television right now,” I said.

“You're making me miserable, you know,” he said, still holding the remote away from me.

“I have to tell you something horrible!” I exclaimed.

“Did Tiffany die?” he asked, still looking at the TV and holding the remote out of my reach.

“No,” I said. “It is even more important than that.”

He laughed. “Did Kara see another teen movie?”

“Christopher, can we please go somewhere private?”

He sighed, but at least he got up and followed me to the bedroom.

I locked the door behind him. That got his attention.

“Christopher,” I whispered, keeping myself between him and the door. “You are not going to be immortal.”

“Why are you whispering?” he asked loudly. He looked up at the ceiling for a moment, almost an eyeroll.

“You knew?” I whispered.

“Agnes told me years ago,” he said loudly.

I felt as though I had been struck by lightning. My legs went out from under me, and I fell. He started to catch me and I sat down heavily on the floor.

“Are you all right?” he asked, less loudly, but with a hint of a small, bitter laugh in his voice.

“Why are you still here?” I asked. I was in total horror.

“Don't make me say it again,” he said, that hint of bitterness still in his voice.

I just stared at him. Then he added, “You know, it really hurts sometimes, to care a lot more than you do, America. And I don't just mean that about myself.”

I was lost for words.

“You don't have to say anything,” he said, and chuckled bitterly. “I do think I'm entitled to watch my TV show, after a few truly miserable days, though,” he finally said.

“I agree,” I replied, completely chastened.

He offered to help me up, but I didn't want to get up. Christopher stepped around me carefully, and let himself out.

Soon, somehow, I put myself back together again. I went to the living room to watch the second half of Christopher's favorite cooking/fantasy show with him. The show is about “extreme” cooking, and sometimes it takes on very unrealistic themes. There is always a lot of fire involved, which Christopher loves. Tonight's episode focused on how to cook a dragon.

Kara soon came in to join us. I couldn't help raising an eyebrow at her outfit. She was wearing black for mourning, she explained. She asked matter-of-factly whether Sophie would become fertilizer for my garden.

I assured her Sophie wouldn't, and reminded Kara that we loved her.

When the credits rolled, I took Christopher aside while Kara was distracted, and we quietly discussed how we might help Kara deal with her grief. I explained that I felt the children needed to see adults and others comforting each other.

Christopher quietly pointed out I hadn't particularly followed my own advice. He also suggested I try talking to Kara.

So after the show, I tried to talk to Kara about death and grief. I am afraid I became too demanding of her. It seemed like I could envision the right thing to do, but carrying it out was much more difficult.

I tried to tone it down.

But Kara suddenly started to throw a tantrum like she had as a baby, flailing her fists around, shouting that it was my fault that Sophie was gone, that there were ways we could have saved her.

It was true. But to save Sophie, I would have had to give up my immortality.

“You have to calm down,” I told Kara. “We can't have a normal discussion if you aren't calm.”

Eventually Kara did calm down, but I felt that was only because it was well past her bedtime.

I wanted some time to think after a very hard day, and went to bed when Kara did. Christopher went out to Sophie's grave, alone, and mourned. I was relieved not to face him for a while.

When Christopher came inside, everyone was in bed but Agnes. Agnes told him that she was not sure how to behave for the children, but she was really upset about Sophie. They talked for a long time. Later she told me Christopher was very supportive.

Meanwhile I lay awake in the master bedroom, thinking long and hard about what I would do next.

On Saturday morning, after Sophie died, Kara woke up pouting and carrying on. I fantasized for a brief moment about locking her in her room all day. But that would be cruel, and cruelty was exactly the opposite of what she needed. I took a deep breath, told her good morning, gave her a hug, and told her I loved her, on my way out to the garden. She let me.

Christopher had reminded me yesterday that Kara was only a child, and could not possibly look up to someone who was afraid of her. I tried to keep that in mind.

Christopher had gone to the Old Pier beach early. He phoned me while I was gardening. I put him on speakerphone while I worked, listening as he told me about the nice day, the fish, and the cool water.

That helped make up my mind. “Stay there. I'm coming up there,” I said, and hung up the phone before he could say he had to go to the market or something.

I waved to Agnes on my way out, told her to have everyone pack swimsuits and dress clothes, and ran out the door before anything could go wrong.

“Christopher!” I called when I got to the beach. He was wading in the water. He came up to meet me.

“I have something I need to say to you,” I said. “To ask you, I mean.”

[Trip]

This story needs more comments. Your screenshots and writing are spectacular, and am I correct in assuming you're doing this only with the base game and Pets?

[Antalia]

I'm sorry for the long delay in updates--a major life event sort of threw a wrench in the works! I should have the next chapter up around the weekend.

This story needs more comments. Your screenshots and writing are spectacular, and am I correct in assuming you're doing this only with the base game and Pets?

Thank you! Yes, I just had the base game and Pets when I did this. I have Ambitions now too--I don't really know what I'm doing with it yet, but that should help spice things up a little after the next update!

[Eldridge]

I just found out your story and I find that your story is interesting. I love how you capture those screenshots and wrap them up into a collage with a closer and detailed look and I also agree with MissPlumBob and Trip, this story deserved more love!

Here are the comments:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

1
That was a funny moment when Agnes comment about America current state. I hope America will have her own house soon. Just looking at the bed only wanna make me cry. Of course that Cornelia is unhappy, Agnes just sold her house and car to a totally stranger, but at least that she has a goodnight sleep. It’s also fun to see more of one different character view in your story. I love the screenshot where I can see Gus Hart in your story! Well, I guess that will be worked out somehow. Poor, Chris!

2
That was a nice thought and conversation between Agnes and Cornelia. Harvesting plant in Gobias house is a nice idea also because he has some interesting plant there. I just wonder about that myself, how can be a puppy tugged something like THAT big. Nice, other townies! Thornton Wolff! I just wonder that why you didn’t build house and I just found out why, you want to make this story is as realistic as possible. You’re pretty clever writer!

3
Ah, full of townies face in the screenshot! You don’t know about how happy I am pointing that I knew that person. You played out their traits nicely. The way that you’re remodeled the Old Pier Beach Park is quite amazing. I love how it looks! It has country feel and you’re a pretty good builder yourself. I just wonder how people can build the house so good, so yeah I kinda envy them as well as you
Well, happy birthday America!

4
That was another funny moment there, seeing America half-naked! It’s nice to see that you cherished them. Well, usually from story I read a few of them didn’t really care about helper birthday and just let them alone like that. It’s really a nice touch to the story and I really love to see that. It’s nice makeover to both Agnes and Chris, they’re looks good with their new looks. Ahh, who doesn’t love Mortimer Goth?

Sandi French, hmmm… I ever seen her once in my game, she looks so absorbed with her cake. For having the same clothes that they wear that would be a worst thing ever happen in the party. That was very detail how you put missing Sim who didn’t attend the party. It’s a nice touch, indeed. 

Agnes is unhappy, well so many things happened to her life unexpectedly and it’s all America fault. She just missed her old home, her old car and everything

5
That is really nice touch for the screenshots for explaining each moment that happens step by step. Haha… Poor Agnes, but at least that she had something to do. I just hope that she will found her love at least. I love an edited version of your screenshot for such special moment. That adds more feel.

6
Looking at the beginning what a nice way to describe something. The dog has two different eyes color! Is that even possible? What a nice way to put thought bubble icon with different Sim pose and facial expression in one Screenshot. I think this is… so original.

7
“I am not into a cult” thing that Cornelia and Agnes talking about have been amused me for quite awhile, haha and the name “Abomination” just crack me up! Well, welcome to the world Kara! You add so many details to the story; I’m enjoying every bit of it. You seem having fun writing this as this is your personal diary. And the decoration is just looks good, you’re got skill and yet here I am just wondering again when I can be a good builder and decorator. It’s good to see that everyone loves Kara

8
What a best birthday gift for Agnes! You capture the screenshots really well! This chapter is pretty short compared to the rest, but it has lot of good screenshot and I enjoy every bit of it

9
I can see another newcomer here. But, having Mortimer here never dull moment anyway! Let’s see that was Holly Alto and Sandi French, am I right? I can’t recognize the elders thought. Interesting when you Goth and French dancing together, now my question is: Where’s Bella? Haha, probably she was taken away by alien!
Or… That just Thorntorn excuse for playing games *grin*
What is “Maerka” mean? Is that word has any meaning of something? Sound fishy to me.

10
The line that Kara transformed into real girl makes me laugh. So what do you think about Kara all this time, America?
You’re very good at capturing moments! The screenshots about Kara, Eldritch and a Sophie was pretty good; it looks like a real photo. Oh, RIP Gus Hart even that I only play you once and edit you in CAS after that.

11
Agnes with VJ…? That was interesting pair. Too bad that she become Elder already, if not she can have his child! I knew that woman that was Victoria Andrews in the bottom right in Eldritch & Agnes screenshot! Seeing Agnes in your story, she seems have a lot of fun. Well, at least she is enjoying her life!

12
Another nice building and decoration! I really loved how you put that together! It’s nice to see some humor here. Garden shed? Interesting way to describe the problem!  I have ever seen that glitch (Nick Alto) in my game, he looks like bring something but actually don’t and that was strange.

Look what you write here about Kara and America discussion, it’s like parent-children real conversation. Well, kinda remind me of my Mum. Especially when I look at “bad behavior won't get her what she wants, at some point.”
That was a nice way what Chris say. I believe that America was evil as she pick her target, but it seems living together with them has soften her heart.

13
That was an amazing house. Wow. Just. Wow.  Hey! I know that man in the library who helping Kara doing her homework! That’s Beau Andrews! Aww, goodbye Sophie! It ‘s always sad to see the death part, but life must go on, right? Oh, boy I sense some trouble between Kara and America. I hope that will not last long.

14
It’s very well written like other chapters. I can’t say much but I just wonder do you have some experience with children and these situations? How to put it? You seem know how to tell such a situation with right words. I love to see how America changes from her old self and develop more into motherly figure and not only that I can see everybody around growing too.

Also, thank you for the story. I learned so much from your story, so much value in the story that I read from yours. Well, I don’t mind read lengthy stories as long it’s a good one! It’s one of unique dynasty that I have read that brings up family themes. Well I just learn new words added to my dictionary from reading yours! I just hoping that you’ll reach through all generations because I want to read yours until it finished! Wish you luck & see you in the next chapter

~ Eld

[Luna]

I also agree with all of people who comments above me. This is a wonderful story, indeed. Very well-written and has a lot of meaningful thing that we can learn from the story and the part that I love to see is development of each family member. The only problem that I can see, maybe because the story is too lengthy and the progress of the story is kinda slow, but nevertheless I'm glad that you're choose to be yourself!
 
I am a silent reader myself, but it's never hurt to come out, right
I'll be waiting for the next chapter

[Antalia]

Thank you for your comments Eld - that really made my day. My more detailed reply:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Maerka - When I wrote that, I was just thinking of how a baby might mispronounce 'America'. 'Maerka' is a nonsense word--there is no meaning intended. Later, I realized her name would probably come out more like 'Mega' or 'Medda' (also nonsense).

Architecture - I'm glad you enjoy my buildings! Since I got this game last Christmas, I have wanted to get good at building. I watched every building tutorial I could find on Youtube. I studied other people's Sims 3 houses and rooms I liked, and figured out how to build those myself. This was not easy. And, probably the most important thing is, I read architectural and photography journals and websites (not Sims 3 ones--real ones). Some of those can't be viewed online, and not without paying, and I'm poor. So I thought like a Sim. My doctor has lots of great architecture journals in his waiting area. Whenever I have an appointment, I go really early and read them all. He doesn't mind.

None of these things will make someone great overnight, but they all really help.

Also, I get good color schemes from photographs and color blogs. Sometimes I use websites that generate random colors for inspiration, too. And, there are lots of websites that help precisely calculate hex color triads/squares/etc. Those are very helpful when creating rugs and textiles.

And about children/family things - I grew up with a pretty tragic family life in my childhood/youth (lots of loss). I remember being a child very well, and I've always loved to write about families, relationships, and emotions. I particularly enjoy character writing, and trying to capture real human moments with words. So, those are some reasons I thought this project would be fun. I've never tried the style of writing/storytelling in this story before, and it is a LOT harder for me than I ever would have guessed. I'm glad I tried it, though.

My main personal goal with this story is to stick to some good advice from the late author Iain M. Banks. He once suggested we should improve our writing by forging straight ahead, instead of going back to perfect what we've already written. In real life, I have serious problems with perfectionism, and it normally prevents me from sharing my writing and art. So, this project is an effort to follow Banks' advice and see what happens.

Also, thank you, Luna! I know there are some issues with the story dragging, and too many details that don't add to the vibe. I am a new-ish player, and very easily fascinated. I also absolutely love taking photographs. When this game gave me a great 'virtual' camera and the ability to build sets and stop time...oh boy! Look out! Keeping my fascination with the camera under control, and staying on track to write drama (rather than a long series of "Oh! Look at this!" moments) is the biggest challenge for me in writing this!

Chapter 15 should be up in a few minutes...

[Antalia]

Chapter 15: Ultimate Party Crash

America: To heck with it. When Christopher reached me, I dropped down on one knee in the cool, wet sand.


I showed him I'd brought a box with me.

That got his attention.


I popped open the box.

I silently hoped the diamond would be big enough to convince him that I really wanted to put our turbulent past behind us—that I was truly ready to start a new chapter. I took a deep breath.


“Wanna get married?” I asked.


“Uhhm,” he replied, staring at the ring. “I cannot believe this.”

I held steady, still grinning up at him, hoping our forgiving, fast-moving universe would be on my side today.

“Okay,” said Christopher. “Yes.”


“I do love you,” I said. “I thought about it and realized I would forever.”


He picked up a handful of sand. “This is nuts,” he said. “Can I show you something? I'm freaking out.”

“Sure?” I said. Whenever Christopher wants to show me something, I've learned I should probably look the other way. I fought back the impulse.


He shoved the handful of sand in his mouth and appeared to swallow at least some of it.

“Do you know what you're in for?” he asked.

Once I recovered from my revulsion, I told him, “Yes.”

“What about your immortality?”

“I will keep going if I can. But it's not my top priority right now.” It's just...almost my top priority, today.

“All right, then,” said Christopher.

“I want to get married today,” I said.

His eyes widened. “It's your birthday,” he reminded me.

“It's my birthday present, to myself,” I explained. “And a present to you.”

“Hmm,” he said.

“Just agree,” I urged. “And go home and get your suit.”


I phoned Agnes and told her to bring the kids and dogs to the beach, with packed bathing suits and formal wear.

And, ha! I knew Agnes would have an easier time than I ever would, getting Kara to do anything.

Once at the beach, the kids and dogs started mourning Sophie some more.

Meanwhile, I phoned to make arrangements for guests. I decided not to close the beach to outsiders, thinking a less predictable wedding would be better. I'd been struggling for ways to make our wedding unique and special, to prove our union would be different, unique, and strong. The extra-large diamond was a step in the right direction, I think. Maybe an unpredictable wedding would be, too.

Really I should have hired a party planner to take care of “unique and special”. My architect was telling me the other night that she dabbles in cut-rate party planning.


Well, I got everyone to put on their swimwear, and showed off my rarely-seen bikini.


Then I realized that in all my anticipation and excitement, I had forgotten my gown. I went home to prepare, leaving the rest of the family to relax at the beach.

As I dressed, I realized I would be saying farewell to all my youth as well, that day.


At the beach, some old dudes did synchronized wading, or something. Bella fetched, Tiffany dug, and Agnes tried her hand at one more hasty portrait of me, even though it was pretty clear the lighting hadn't worked out.

I planned to hold the wedding early in the afternoon, and then take some nice pictures around sunset. That would leave us some time to have fun before I aged up in the evening.

Note to self: That word I just used, “planned”--and the phrase “less predictable wedding” that I used earlier—do not mix!

Most of the guests I invited left about five minutes after arriving, for whatever reason. Maybe they felt the beach was too crowded? Maybe the wedding was too plain for them? I don't know.

We had some minor delays, and it was mid-afternoon as we were just getting into place for the wedding.

Then Beau Andrews, who was not even a wedding guest, sat down to a picnic nearby and died.


Died.

That's right, died!

Right as I was about to get married, Beau passed on, not even fifteen feet away from where Christopher and I were right about to say our vows.

Everyone scrambled to help Mr. Andrews. It was chaos. It was also too late.


There was just one guest I really did not ever want crashing my wedding, and there (s)he was...the Grim Reaper.


Christopher seemed to be struggling to hold back his amusement.

Fortunately, Grim didn't see anything (s)he wanted to play with, and had the courtesy to disappear efficiently, so that the wedding might resume.


Agnes finished the last-minute beach portrait, and it was a dud. So I phoned my architect to run by and hang the backup portrait on the garden shed. Ahem! The museum, I mean.

I hope it doesn't rain before the builders complete the museum upgrade. Perhaps I should pick up some plastic sheeting on my way home tonight.


Several wedding guests who hadn't already left, did so after the death. I couldn't blame them. That was really traumatic.

It was twilight by the time the chaos over the death of a non-wedding-guest resolved, and we could start our vows.

Christopher was totally relaxed as we began the ceremony. I envied him.

But, soon he was as nervous as me.

We got to the rings and I felt panicked for a moment that we might drop one and lose it in the sand. (Mental note: If any of my descendants get married on the beach, I'll bring something for them to stand on!)


As the sun dipped, Agnes brought over the lights we use for painting portraits. I'm thankful she's always thinking of capturing the moment.

Above are photos of the few guests that stayed through thick and thin. Eldritch wasn't very interested in the wedding, and went off to chase a butterfly. He returned eventually.


The exchange of the rings finished without a hitch, thankfully. We kissed as bathers continued to enjoy the water behind us.


Once we were married, we had a little time left for everyone to celebrate and enjoy the sunset, before the birthday magic would come for me.

I always wanted to do some dignified stuff in a long white gown. We had a quick game of beach football so I could try a tackle.

The moon rose and Sandi gave us a lovely speech about her best wishes for our family, as the last grains of sand in the hourglass of my youth drained away.

Agnes brought the lights over to me. “It's time!” I cried, and for some reason I felt excited instead of sad.


The Elder birthday magic transformed my body, twisting and bending and reshaping. It was not pleasant!

I felt like a zombie after the transformation.

For a moment I questioned whether I really wanted to live forever, if it had to be in this form.

It was an effort, but I pulled myself together. I had to put on a brave face, at least for the kids' sake.


When all the guests had left, the family sat down to a nighttime picnic. I rushed to the bathroom to dye my hair before I joined in.


When we finished our late dinner, Christopher, Kara, and I piled into my limo. Agnes took Eldritch and the dogs home separately so that we could have a little time to ourselves.


The limo took the long way. When we arrived home, Agnes was speaking with her young man, VJ. He left quickly when the limo pulled up.

I realized that VJ might have noticed I hadn't been very charitable toward him before now. I made a note to be nicer in the future.


We entered the house and I could hear gushing watery sounds from the kitchen.

“Oh! Crud. Christopher, the sink broke this morning before we left. I forgot to tell you,” said Agnes.

“It was an eventful day,” said Christopher. Suddenly, the sense of wonderment and magic that had seemed to fill the day faded, like it had never been. Now it was just another normal evening. Christopher fixed the sink as everyone got ready for bed.

[Luna]

It's funny to look back that you have changed your profile photo/avatar several times until you're fixed with Agnes as your final choice. She must be your favorite!

To know that you’re happy with your progress is enough for me. It's important to have fun with the thing that we do and usually after such effort that you made never lie to you about the quality. As usual the thing that fascinate me and I love. I really love the scenery, and look! You capture them well.

[Eldridge]

Thank you for explaining things, Antalia!

I also happy to received your reply! That must be a lot of work to get in there and bravo! You did! Also, thanks for the tips ^^

Now for the comment:

I love the scenery that you capture there! I also love how many peoples that you had in your screenshots. I happens to know them all. Too bad that Beau must be dead in your party. Well, I guess it's just about his time. Congratulations for America & Chris!

Now, for non-story related things:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

I have read a book that creativity also related with unfortunate events; there's a quote that says:

The Creative Adult is The Child Who Survived

You can be that example!

Ah, I also happen to be a perfectionist person in real life and it's bugging me to share my stories or something that I want to show to my friends. I love telling stories but I'm admit that I'm not good at writing. There's grammar mistake, spelling mistake, lack of better words because I hate studying lol (I only love to learn about what I love) and there is so many people stories that wonderfully written and super duper amazing, I feel intimidated somehow and I'm lack of confidence, but now I just focus just to be true to be myself, to be comfortable with myself

[Antalia]

Author's note: Well, the good news is, a family member liked my story and screenshots so much that I was given Ambitions as a gift! (Thank you!) Fantastic! I finally had some time to try out Ambitions recently, and I've been busy besides, causing a delay in my updates.

I took a break from the Snows briefly and used a separate file to learn new things, without putting my dynasty or my precious mansion at risk. If you're curious what I got up to...

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

This is my short picture summary (on Flickr).

In addition to the events in the photos, I have to say, I nearly died of happiness when Ambitions provided those modern style couches, new hair, a nice new dining and bedroom set, some more curtains and windows, and some new wall styles. The couches alone will provide hours of entertainment with retexturing. The washer/dryer sets were also a great bonus, even though I don't particularly like doing laundry. It's a lot of fun to color them in bold colors that I cannot have in real life!

The bad news is, I made a big mistake as I was learning about all my great new items and activities. (The mistake was not a dynasty-ender, thankfully, but it was still very disappointing.) Ambitions added some things I was really eager to use for my Dynasty house (blinds that fit my small windows, white hydrangeas especially, new terrain paints, and some trees). I liked the new things so much that I forgot to apply common sense, and check the rules about what to do (or not to do, in this case) when I got a new expansion. So, some days ago I opened my Dynasty file, built some new rooms and my museum, knocked down the Snows' ratty old garden shed (finally!), and did about 1/3 of my landscaping. I figured I had to be safe, since the game never came off pause from where I left it.

Then I realized I wasn't safe. I stupidly ruined my own future fun with Ambitions in this dynasty! From Ricalynn's post about Edit Town:

When I get a new expansion, can I place the new buildings into my town or do I have to wait?
 -- You have to place the buildings at the exact moment you load up the game after you receive the expansion.

In my eagerness to place the colorful new trees and bushes and the nice new blinds--I crushed my own dreams of someday making Christopher a firefighter, and having my very own Consignment Shop in this file. I just had to jump the gun and place those silly white hydrangeas on the dynasty lot! Darn it!

I've been really upset with myself over this, and it's taking some time to get over it.

While I get over it--Elizabeth Meade, the Snows' mail delivery specialist and alleged peeping Sim, has been poking around the mansion. She'll provide a snooper's update shortly, while we await a proper one from the Snows.

[Eldridge]

Good to know that I can see your update again. I missed to read your story, you know
Okay then, I'll see you again for your next surprises!

[Trip]

Aw, sorry to hear about your dreams of added Ambitions fun being squashed. But I love the pictures you posted on Flickr, and it's great to see that you love the EP! It's one of my favorites too.

[Antalia]

Chapter 16: Adventures of Elizabeth Meade, MDS


Elizabeth Meade: They're up to something, up on that hill. The people all look normal, but there's something really strange about their ringleader, the woman with the purple eyes. She's really charismatic, and nobody else seems to think she's creepy. But I do. I am on to her. I think she is leading a cult.

I have taken it upon myself to investigate her, for the public good. Well, the public curiosity. Err, my curiosity. Well, whatever the reason, inquiring minds need to know what's going on up there.

Most people would just call the police. Not me, Elizabeth 'Curiosity' Meade, woman of action! I take curiosity into my own hands. Earlier today, I went to the store and bought a ladder, tall enough to reach the second floor of the Snow residence.

You see, something has been going on upstairs, at the back of the house. I heard hammering when I delivered the mail this morning. It's time to find out. Nobody I know has ever been upstairs in that house. And I know everybody--I'm a mail delivery specialist!

I think upstairs is where America Snow keeps the bodies!

After dusk, I made my way to the back of the Snow residence with my ladder. The nice thing about mansions is, they're so big, the owners can't be everywhere or see everything at once. And, this mansion doesn't have any kind of proper security, such as a gate or fence. It's easy to sneak around the lot!

--------------------

Lots of things had changed at the Snow house since the morning! Landscaping transformed the yard. Measurement markers still remain. So I know the Snows are cult is not finished with whatever they're planning. I had a look around on my way to the back of the house.


I saw a young man through the window of the blond woman's room. He is one of the Snow cultists, I think. He was styling his hair in the mirror. I watched him carefully for any suspicious actions. He didn't make any.

The young man was totally engrossed with the mirror. My heart was racing. It was as good a time as any. I set up my ladder and climbed to the rear upstairs balcony.


Nice view, eh? I'm pretty sure that only evildoers can afford a view like that.

The glass door leading from the balcony to the house was unlocked! I let myself in. On the other side of the door was a large but simple bedroom. Everything smelled brand new, and there were no pictures or personal belongings to be seen. The dresser and desk were empty.


Try as I might, I didn't find any bodies, nor anything interesting in that room. Definitely suspicious.

Then I realized, with a shudder--either these people waste a lot of electricity, leaving all the lights on...or the occupant of that room was only gone for a moment!

I thought I heard footsteps. I slipped out to the balcony and power-slid down my ladder! AHHH! Splinters!

I looked toward the children's room and the kitchen. The whole house was lit up like the Las Fegas strip! What were the Snows doing in there?



Next I thought I heard someone coming out of the upstairs balcony door—the one I'd just exited! I panicked and ran the wrong way, toward the kitchen. I tumbled and hid inside a large azalea bush, but it was next to a rosebush, and I got some nasty scratches. Now I'll really need to use the first aid kit when I go home!

The Snows' empty Las Fegas kitchen glowed silently and relentlessly, like a star going supernova, into the night.

Now, no matter which way I went, I would have to cross a glowing pool of bright light. I waited a while to calm my pounding heart. Then I crawled past the kitchen and dining room, and peered into the new downstairs wing.

A window was unlocked. I let myself in, and stared in wonder for a long time. The large space was a private art museum! But it was mostly empty.



The walls weren't completely finished in the private art museum. This must be the Snows' newest work.

I heard sounds in the next room. It sounded like the Snows' dog, Bella—my mortal enemy! I slipped back out the open window, accidentally crushing some marigolds on my way. Oops! I crept around the front of the house next, where there were more hiding places.



Soon, I made a terrible mistake. I know the area around the Snows' mailbox so well. I was really appreciating the lovely new plants. For a moment, I felt warm and fuzzy. Maybe the Snows had done this lovely landscaping just for my enjoyment while I delivered their mail! Ahh, so lovely! In my reverie, I must have become careless.



I looked in the front window. There was that man Christopher Steele, who thinks he has eyes in the back of his head for peeping Sims (how wrong he is, ha ha!). He was talking to a visitor--a prospective cultist, I bet. Meanwhile, that woman America was using the computer. I just knew they were up to no good in there—cultist recruitment and registration, no doubt! But I couldn't hear anything. I tried to climb up to the first-floor balcony above their pond. Maybe I could slip into the nursery to listen...

“Slip” was right. I slipped in the mud and fell into the Snows' pond, complete with a gigantic splash and a reflexive scream. What kind of location is that for a pond, anyway? Really!

When I fell into the pond, a massive black fish immediately attached itself to my rear end! It tried to pull me down. I screamed some more, got a lungful of pond water, and thrashed around.

But death in the Snows' pond was not on the menu tonight, thankfully.

Once I put my feet down, I was able to escape the pond. It wasn't really that deep. From my hiding spot against the house, I wrestled and finally removed the huge, madly biting black fish from my clothing. It wasn't so tough, out of water! And so, soaking wet, covered in mud, grass stained, splintered, scratched by rose thorns, and with a gaping hole in the back of my trousers—I decided I had had enough of peeping for tonight. What an adventure! I sneaked to the road, as much as a miserable and wet person can sneak--and I hailed a cab home.

Only then did I realize I left my ladder behind!

I wasn't going back for it. The taxi driver was really giving me the stink eye. His cab would need a serious cleaning, to deal with the pond muck all over the back seat.

Well, somehow, I'm going to find out what those Snows are up to, if it's the last thing I do!

America: ”Christopher!”

Christopher: ”Yeah?”

America: ”You know this app you installed for me? The one that monitors the security cameras in the corner of my screen while I work?”

Christopher: ”I know the one.”

America: ”I cannot believe what it just captured! Come and see! You were right all along!”