When She Was Finally Alone In That Tiny Trailer, It Was As Though She Could No Longer Hold Back The Grief.

When she was finally alone in that tiny trailer, it was as though she could no longer hold back the grief. She sobbed violently, the sound echoing around her new bedroom. This was her senior year - it was supposed to be the best year of her life. Instead, she had a funeral to attend in five days; the same day that she was supposed to go to the homecoming dance at school.

She remembered Ms. Barbara's words; Stay in school. It was important. And while she had made a promise to her own mother that she would do whatever it took to graduate, it just seemed like that was a pipe dream at this point. The only way she was going to be able to afford the rent on this tiny trailer was if she got a job - a real one. Not the babysitting gigs that she had picked up in her old neighborhood to bring home a little extra pocket change.

She felt guilty for being angry at her mother, but she was. She felt ill-prepared to survive in the world, and she didn't really have anyone that she could turn to for advice. Her mother hadn't had any family. She had been an only child and Lyla's grandparents had passed away early on in her childhood. As for her father's family; she knew as much about them as she did the man himself, which was absolutely nothing at all.

She didn't know how long she sat there on the edge of that bed crying before she felt her body laying down. She had remembered what Barbara said about the mattress, but she was too tired to really care much about it. In the morning, she would try and find a second hand shop in town to see if she could find a new mattress, and some new clothing. She couldn't return to her mother's home; it was likely she would be taken away into foster care if it was discovered that she was living on her own and that was the last thing she wanted.

It was a little after midnight before she finally succumbed to sleep, and, unbeknownst to her, she was being watched...

END OF CHAPTER ONE

Just a little bonus moment from my last story post, that happened autonomously after I pressed play on the game. 🐰

the wedding ♡

As Barbara lead her into the living room of the little trailer, Lyla was shocked. She had expected it to be completely empty, with the way that it had been described to her. But, she had a stove, and a fridge! That was more than she had thought she would have.

"There's also a bed in the bedroom, but I'm not sure if I would recommend sleeping on it. At least not until you change the mattress and the sheets. The frame should be fine. The last tenant was....not the best at keeping the place clean. I had to pour so much money into redoing the carpets and the bathroom tiles."

Lyla was barely listening to Barbara, as she began to feel excited about having a place to call home. She knew that she would need to find a job, and fast, but hopefully that wouldn't be very hard.

"Do you know of anywhere that is hiring?", Lyla asked the older lady curiously.

"Oh, everywhere downtown is hiring. There's shop after shop with help wanted signs in the window. I also know that Portsim is always looking for people, but I wouldn't venture too far into that city.", Barbara cautioned, which peeked Lyla's interest

"Why do you say that?", she asked, titling her head to the side to try and get a read on the lady. She only seemed to chuckle at Lyla's question, as if should be obvious to her why she should avoid the town.

"If you think the gang problem is bad here....go to Portsim alone.", Barbara said, shaking her head. "But, please, don't actually do that. I've lost a few of my tenants that way. They went away for the weekend and never came back. Really sad."

Lyla glanced back over towards the hallway, wanting to go and explore the rest of the trailer.

"I'll leave you to look around." Barbara says as she reached out to hand the key to Lyla. "I left my phone number on the business card on the fridge. If you need anything, let me know."

Unprompted, Lyla reached over to hug her. Barbara flinched, not expecting such a reaction from someone that was a perfect stranger to her. Still, she ended up gently patting the girl's back. Lyla had been through a lot, and she knew that what she probably needed right now was a hug - even if it came from a perfect stranger.

"Have a good night, dear.", Barbara said as she exited the trailer, and back out into the crisp October air, leaving Lyla alone to figure out what she was going to do next.

Family Dynamics Challenge 2.0

henlooo, so the family dynamics challenge is originally by pastellapixels and standingsimmer and all the credit goes to them! However I just changed it here and there because it's been so long since the challenge was updated and there are a few new additions to the game, career and aspiration wise. if you guys have any suggestions, or if you wanna correct me on some stuff please do let me know!

General Rules

Begin with a single sim

No cheats or mods that serve to enhance gameplay over other simmers (MC Command Center is permitted for baby gender/number control and risky woohoo only)

May use “freerealestate on” when starting the first generation ONLY

Custom saves are allowed, and encouraged, to add an infusion of new gameplay opportunities

Each career and aspiration must be completed unless expressly stated otherwise (if a career branch is not specified, then the choice is completely up to you!)

Have fun! Don’t let the rules of this challenge confine you and inhibit your creativity. Unless the rules explicitly direct you, we encourage you to make the gameplay your own

Generation One: “White picket fence”

From the time that you strike out on your own as a young adult, you dream of cultivating loving familial relationships as rich and unique as the dishes you love to create. You marry younger than some of your friends, raise a bundle of children, and enjoy gardening and entertaining in your spare time. Yet, you still devote a portion of your life to your hidden dream of becoming a master chef.

Traits: Outgoing, Foodie, Family-Oriented

Aspiration: Successful Lineage

Career: Culinary (Master Chef branch)*

Rules:

Complete at least five (5) gold-level dinner parties

Master cooking skill and gourmet cooking skill

Marry as a YA and stay happily married until “death do us part”

Have 3-4 children

Maintain a garden and take up canning as a hobby

Simple living should always be on

Complete at least ¾ levels of aspiration

*Upon completing level 5 of the Culinary career, you may also choose to leave the career and open a restaurant instead. (optional because we know that Dine Out suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuucks)

Generation Two: “Why ever leave?”

You were raised to believe that “home is where the heart is.” And because of this, you rarely venture into the outside world unless given a really good reason to do so. You choose not to leave your parents’ home to pursue your own path at the same time that a lot of others do. Video games and programming became your passion while holed up in your basement bedroom, and thankfully your career of choice doesn’t require a lot of socialization. Leftover pizza, anyone?

Traits: Lazy, Slob, Geek

Aspiration: Computer Whiz

Career as Teen: Streamer

Career as YA: Tech Guru (eSport Gamer branch)

Rules:

Win a GeekCon competition while cosplaying

Master programming and video gaming skills

Play the guitar as a hobby (no skill requirement)

Order a pizza delivery or something on Zoomers every night of the week

Never move out of childhood home until parents have died

Generation Three: “Top of the World”

Being raised by a parent with an affinity for keeping close to home never quelled your sense of adventure and love for the outdoors when growing up. After a trip to Komorebi with a few friends during your highschool you find that there is more to the world other than your hometown and there’s more people to meet along the way. Being made a single parent at a young age only helped to build the desire within you to remain free of the clutches of a conventional job or relationship. And so, you devote your heart to reaching the peak of Komorebi and sharing to the world your process of getting there.

Traits: Cheerful, Unflirty, Adventurous

Aspiration: Extreme Sports Enthusiast

Career: Self-employed (Vlogger, with Get famous use the drone to create videos and upload them through the video station)

Rules:

Have a two-night stay at a rental in Mt. Komorebi as a teen with friends and explore the town

Become a single parent as a young adult

Master rock climbing and snowboarding skills (snowboarding is optional)

Totally optional but you can compete the simmies collection

Reach the peak of Mt. Komorebi

Get the Adrenaline seeker lifestyle

Generation Four: “Work away the pain”

Let’s be honest: you had a pretty good upbringing. Even though there were some rough patches, you know that your parent did the best they could to raise you alone. But, deep down, being alone is the very thing you fear more than anything. So, you cover it up with work. You work 10x harder than anyone else in your family probably. But deep down you still crave stability and so as a desperate attempt to fill the emptiness that drives you, you marry a close friend only to find later that your spouse hasn’t been faithful. Eventually, you break down and take things lightly with the help of your family. They teach you how to have a healthier outlet for your frustrations. Who knew flower arranging was so relaxing?

Traits: Insider, Romantic, Perfectionist

Aspiration: Academic

Career: Lawyer (Private Attorney branch)

Rules:

Master Research and Debate Skill and Charisma Skill

Earn a degree of Language and Literature from Britechester University (you can stop aging while in University)

Reach level 5 of the flower arranging skill, start when you’re an adult

Marry first GF/BF as a YA

Turn blind eye to spouse’s cheating

Eventually divorce spouse; never remarry

Get the workaholic lifestyle and try to lose it later in life

Generation Five: “Struggling in Los Simgeles”

You come from a broken home. Growing up, you witnessed first-hand the havoc that infidelity can bring on a family. You determine from a young age that you will pour your soul into forging close relationships with your spouse and children. The city draws you, and it is there that you decide to make your home. However, despite your best efforts as an actress later in life, tragedy claims one of your children long before their time. You wear a shroud of sadness from then on, but find that the love of your remaining child(ren) and your ability to immerse yourself into your roles might just pull you through in the end.

Traits: Gloomy, High maintenance, Vegetarian

Aspiration: Super Parent

Career: Actress

Rules:

Master acting skills

Reach level 10 acting career

Live in Del Sol Valley from YA

Have twins

Get nominated for your works (I would add winning just as an option here because we know the game is kinda dumb)

Lose one child to death

Visit child’s grave at least once per week; leave their bedroom untouched

Generation Six: “Living with a broken heart”

You lost a sibling at a very young age and witnessed your parents’ grief while still trying to process it yourself. Rather than trying to pick up the pieces, you let the sadness consume you. And at the same time you have this whole 'This bloodline ends with me' thing going on because of what you've went through. At first you have been recruited to become a secret agent, but after finding out how corrupt the system is, you decide to screw it because if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em! Am I right? Theft and criminal activity become appealing to you, and eventually you give yourself over to that lifestyle. Even though you’re more at home in your contemplative solitude, you take comfort with a woohoo buddy who eventually gets you pregnant/or you get pregnant. So now you're wanted criminal caring for a child that you have no idea how to take care of. But there’s a surprising side to you; the raging in your heart is only calmed by the time you spend painting.

Traits: Kleptomaniac, Loner, Genius

Aspiration: Painter Extraordinaire

Career: Secret Agent (Villain)

Rules:

Run away from home as a soon as you become a teen & never speak to parents again

Do not “inherit” any money from parents

Paint as a coping method

Develop mischief and logic skills

Create a club of sims who are kleptomaniac

Pull a heist: Steal at least 10 items over the course of the generation

Have a woohoo buddy that results in pregnancy

Completing your aspiration is not necessary

Generation Seven: “Here to make a difference”

There is only one word to describe your childhood: lonely. You knew from a young age that the parent you lived with took no pleasure in your company, and you’ve always felt that you were the “mistake” that resulted from a careless decision. As a result, you pour effort into building relationships with those who truly care about you, and even attempt to mend relationships with those who don’t. You have a core group of people who mean the world to you, and you spend as much time with them as you can. Becoming a teacher was an obvious choice, as it provides you with the tools you need to reach others. And while you’re a social creature by nature, you never turn down the opportunity to curl up with a good book.

Traits: Good, Geek, Bookworm

Aspiration: Friend of the World

Career: Teacher (Professor branch)

Rules:

Attempt to mend relationships with estranged grandparents and parent

Maintain a club of “besties” from YA onwards

Have a movie night with club once per week

Master the charisma and wellness skills

Marry a club member

Read at least 10 unique books over the course of the generation

Have at least two biological children and adopt at least one child

Volunteer with family at least once a week

Generation Eight: “Archaeology is my passion”

Growing up, you were constantly surrounded by family and close friends who loved you. But you desire more than just the daily interaction with your family. Exploring the jungle is your passion and so is digging up old relics. You eventually create a store where you sell the things you have collected from your journey. Even though starting up your own business means you have to live with your parents longer than most of your friends, you don’t mind because it means you’re close to the people you love. In fact, closeness and similar interests cause you to fall in love with someone who accompanies you during your trips to Selvadorada, and they don’t mind that you can’t yet afford a place of your own. In your “spare time” (hah!), you enjoy photographing places near and far, searching for that perfect shot. Between trying to run a successful shop and your photography hobby, you’re not able to spend as much time with your children as you like. But that’s okay; you’re out there living your dreams.

Traits: Cheerful, Self-Assured, Cat Lover OR Dog Lover (player chooses)

Aspiration: Archaeology Scholar

Career: Self-Employed (runs a store)

Rules:

Live with parents until they die while trying to get retail store off the ground

Have a child as a YA with a Selvadoradian local

Marry the father/mother of their child once parents die

Master archaeology skill, and photography skills

Must take at least one photo in every world

Generation Nine: “Business-minded and musically-inclined”

Your parents worked hard for every penny that they earned, but you were just left feeling like they didn’t care about you as much as the expensive relics in their shop. Your grandparents are your closest friends while they’re still alive. After all, they practically raised you. As a young adult, you desire the family you feel you never had and start a family quickly…only to find out that you’re married to someone you don’t love as much as you should. You have a “responsible” 9-5 interior decorator job, but you also possess real musical talent. Even though you would never consider leaving your job, investing in your music is something you do quite regularly. You eventually remarry after finding real love, and enjoy the rest of your life mediating a mixed family. Will you find true happiness amidst the wealth and your demanding job?

Traits: Creative, Ambitious, Clumsy

Aspiration: Musical Genius

Career: Interior Designer

Rules:

Become good friends with one or both grandparents

Marry and have at least one child; divorce spouse

Later remarry and have at least one child (think “Yours, Mine & Ours”)

Master violin and piano skills

Achieve level 5 of either the singing or guitar skill

Hire and keep a butler

Eat out at a restaurant at least once per week

Generation Ten: “To the stars”

Objectively speaking, your life is great. You never really wanted for anything as a child. The overactive imagination that you possess lends itself perfectly to your love of space. You create a group with people who love the same things as you. The stars fascinates you, but more than anything you desire to find true love. So you find one in your club. You and your significant other would do anything just to discover the worlds unknown to simkind. It was your dream together. But when your significant other suddenly dies while tweaking with the rocket ship when you were young adults, you were devastated. You couldn't finish the rocket ship that you and your loved one had started. As you mourn, drinking becomes your method to quiet a broken heart and provide a false sense of peace. But at a time when your hope begins to lag, your decision to adopt a child despite your own childlessness is the final push you need to persevere. You eventually create the rocket ship and go to Sixam, bringing the love of your life's urn and placing it there as their final resting place. You go back to earth, and live the rest of your life in peace as you have succeeded in creating your own bittersweet ending following a long line of sims with odd stories: some happy, and some not.

Traits: Hot-Headed, Genius, Erratic

Aspiration: Nerd Brain

Career: Astronaut

Rules:

Master rocket science, handiness and logic skill

Find true love at a young age, significant other dies through electrocution

Successfully travel to Sixam and place the urn your beloved there

Adopt a child or children

Retire from the astronaut career and spend the rest of your living days writing 10 stories about you and your ancestors

@maxismatchccworld

Chapter One: A Place to Call Home

Millhaven had been Lyla's home for as long as she could remember, but it was only recently that she had found herself without a home. Tragic circumstances had lead the seventeen year old girl to the entrance of the trailer park with nothing but the ratty and torn clothes on her back and her entire life savings - a whole 500 dollars - in the back pocket of her cargo pants, and she wasn't even sure if she would be able to afford the rent in this place. Anything had to be better than where she was coming from, and she wouldn't go back there - not for anything in the world.

"It looks like there is someone inside the office.", Lyla thought to herself, as she peered over her shoulder, trying to gather the courage to approach the office. She knew that she had to do this, and the truth was that she didn't have a choice. She had to take care of herself, because no one else was going to do that for her. Her mother was gone, and there was nothing she could do to change that reality.

As Lyla made her way towards the little building by the front entrance, she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with the anxiety of her new life. She would have thought she would have been more prepared for this. Mama had been sick for a long time. It should have been such a relief that she didn't have to suffer anymore. But, the reality was that she had been taking care of her mother for so long that she hadn't really ever learned how to take care of herself. She had always been a fast learner, however, and she knew she would tackle this situation head on.

"Breathe, Lyla. Everything is going to be okay.", she said to herself as she approached the front door, knocking gently.

"Come in.", the gruff voice called out from the other side, and she took them up on the offer, doing everything in her power to remain calm despite the chaos that raged inside her mind and her heart.