Dear Diary, over the past couple of years, Myung sent some pictures to her “friends in the company.” It was nice keeping up with her at a distance. She seemed to be happy with her new life in Sunset Valley. She’s married now and has the baby she’s always dreamed of. One could say her life was complete.
Imagine my surprise, then, when she wrote to me, imploring me to visit. Since our affair years ago when she wanted me to father her child, we’d had no contact at all. Of course, when I heard the news she was pregnant, I was happy for her. It also meant there was an opening for me to take her position in the dance company.
To me, it felt like everything had worked out for both of us.
Receiving her letter now meant I had to explain some things to Ellie. I’d never kept my past loves a secret but I didn’t flaunt them either. Ellie and I had agreed that we didn’t need to know every detail about each others’ pasts. What mattered to us was the here and now.
Still, I wasn’t in the habit of hiding things, so I let Ellie read the letter. When I began to explain about Myung, she held her hand up to stop me and said she didn’t need to know.
“We will, of course, visit her, though,” she said.
I couldn’t help but raise an inquisitive eyebrow. “I don’t see why.”
Her mouth curved into a smile as she regarded me. “We haven’t been on a trip in ages. Besides, we have our own child to show off.”
“You want to travel all the way to Sunset Valley to show Bea off to an old girlfriend of mine?”
She laughed and shook her head at me as if to say, Oh, you poor, sweet uninformed man. There was more here than met the eye, I was sure of it, although, I didn’t figure I’d ever know. In any case, I sure wasn’t going to worry about it.
So, I made the arrangements to stay at a nice but affordable hotel. In the meantime, I showed Bea and Ellie pictures that graced the bulletin board at the studio.
The first was a picture of Myung, the second was of her husband whom I’d never met. His name was Dylan McRae.
The next few pictures were of Myung with her son who she had also named Dylan in honor of her husband.
She looked relaxed and content which is all I ever wanted for her. In a way, it was a relief to know her dreams were finally coming true since I couldn’t be the vessel of her happiness. I never felt guilty about my decision because I always knew it was the right thing to do. But in the back of my mind, I wanted her to find the right guy that could make this life happen for her.
There was one picture with her son in the crib in which she was gazing down at him. Her entire body language expressed the immense love she had for him. And that, was my favorite photo of all the ones she sent.
The Fall day was cool when we arrived in Sunset Valley. It was astonishing to see that Myung resided in a mansion! I figured she’d done well, but … wow!
After introductions, Myung informed us her husband Dylan couldn’t be there. She never told us why but I’m kind of sensitive. As I watched her speak, I began to wonder if she’d told her husband we were coming.
Either way, it was none of my business, so I tried to shake it off.
“And who is this darling little guy?” my wife asked. Her voice was dripping with a saccharine sweetness I’d never heard her use before.
Myung’s eyes narrowed a little and her smile tightened. “This is the newest addition to our family. His name is William.”
“How nice! Will you call him Billy or Willy then?” Ellie asked. Again with the sickening sweet tone.
Myung’s eyes became tiny slits and it looked as if she was struggling to maintain her composure. “No, his name is William. Dylan and I don’t like nicknames.”
I felt like a man caught in the Twilight Zone. In the past ten minutes, it seemed like the women had been a part of a conversation I was not privy to. I’d been standing there the entire time yet still had no clue what secret language they were speaking. All I knew was the tension felt thick enough to cut with a knife.
Thank goodness for children! Bea chose that moment to plop onto the floor in front of a toddler, who must have been Dylan II. Within minutes, they were playing a rousing game of peekaboo.
Dylan was laughing so loud, it made us crack up, too.
Once the women turned toward each other again, their “sweet smiles” returned.
“I know it’s been a long time, but would you like to hold William?”
“Dear me, no,” Ellie said. “I’m way past the spitting up stage. This is the only coat I brought with me. But he is a beautiful baby.”
“Thank you.”
“Uh, is everything okay?” I dared to ask.
“Of course,” Ellie said with a small laugh.
As we left Myung’s and walked with Bea toward the park I asked, “What just happened in there? What was that all about?”
“I don’t like her.”
“Yeah, I kind of got that but how can you tell? We weren’t there very long.”
“Women know,” was all she would say.
Women are a mystery to me and I guess there are some things about them I’ll never understand.
Even though Bea was about to have her birthday, I hoped she wouldn’t become a riddle, too. I’d always enjoyed the close relationship we had. But what if that changed?
“What’s up, dad?”
An instant smile crinkled my eyes when she spoke to me. “Hey, let’s get your face painted! What do you want? Something scary? Or, how about a pumpkin?”
Ellie stood a ways from us and I knew she was checking out the shops. She loved boutiques and went shopping with Rosetta often.
“Nooo, I don’t want my face painted.”
“How come? It’ll be fun, Chicken.”
“Will you get yours done, too?”
“You know it!”
A grin spread across her face. “Cool! I’m going to do stars because I’m the star of my birthday tomorrow!”
“Awesome. You pick mine out, too.”
Ellie excused herself with a kiss on Bea’s forehead and told us she was going to hit a few shops. Sometimes, it disappointed me a little that we didn’t spend that much time together as a family. But today, I wasn’t going to let anything get us down. I knew for certain Ellie would spend all the time she could with us tomorrow for Bea’s birthday and if she wanted to shop a little who was I to stop her? She deserved to have fun on this trip, too.
Faces painted, I got my sweet girl a rainbow snow cone and we chatted as she slurped on it.
“You know what I want for my birthday?”
“Well, you might have mentioned it a couple hundred times or so, but hit me with it again.”
She paused to suck some more flavoring from the ice. “Okay, so I want a horse – “
” – And we talked about that already,” I reminded her.
“I know, I know. Well, if I can’t have a horse or any other animal – “
” – We already have Murphy,” I said.
“Yes, yes, dad, let me say it already! I would like – “
” – We’re not getting you a car.”
“Dad!” she exclaimed with extra emphasis on the last d so that it sounded like dad-duh.
“Okay, sorry,” I grinned.
With an enormous sigh, she continued. “I want a stereo that I can play super loud!” Then, as if remembering what we’d discussed about this, she added, “When mom’s home, I’ll play it less loud.”
“Well, I don’t know,” I said. “Last time I went to the store, they were fresh out of stereos.”
She giggled and rolled her eyes. “Yeah, right.”
We walked around for a while looking at flower beds. Bea was into gardening even though we didn’t have an official garden at home. She enjoyed digging in the dirt and growing flowers, though.
“Are you tired?” she asked me. She could read me so well.
Even though I had recovered from the shooting years ago, I still became exhausted after a lot of activity. It annoyed me but I’d learned to deal with it and to rest when I needed to. The good thing about my job was that dance masters are expected to sit and observe part of the time, so it was all good.
While we waited at the benches for Ellie, Bea told me a story.
“Once upon a time,” she began, “there was a little boy and he had red hair. He didn’t like red hair because it made him different than all the other boys and girls in his class at school.
“One day, a boy picked on him and called him a freak of nature. The little red-haired boy wanted to punch the bully but he didn’t. Instead, he ignored the mean boy and did a drawing of a car.
“When the bully saw what the red-haired boy was doing, he realized something.
“You’re good at that! I wish I had that car,” the bully said.
“All at once, they were talking about cars and racing. Before they knew it, they were friends!
“The end!”
“Wow, that was great, Chicken. I’m glad it all worked out that way.”
“That was a story about Jem.”
“I figured it might be.”
Bea’s birthday came with the usual fanfare except that we weren’t home to throw her a party. She was ecstatic we’d gotten her a stereo and she couldn’t wait to get home and set it up.
She was not so thrilled about her room at the hotel, though.
“You slept in it fine last night,” Ellie said.
“That was last night. Tonight I’m not as tired, so the room is bugging me more.”
“What’s wrong with it?” Ellie asked.
“It’s too big and the mattress isn’t right. I want my tiny room at home with my bed in the little nook.”
“This is silly and you’re almost a grown girl. It’s the exact same room you had last night and there’s nothing wrong with it, love.”
As Bea frowned, I knew she was trying hard not to disappoint us.
“Hey,” I said, “let’s go downstairs and sit by the fire for a while. Once your nerves are back to normal, I’ll walk you back up here to your room.”
As soon as we sat down next to the big fireplace, Bea seemed calm again.
“Dad, I was thinking now that I’m older, you shouldn’t call me Chicken anymore.”
My heart sank a tiny bit. I should have expected this. Chicken was a silly thing to call an almost grown daughter. “Ah, yeah, okay.”
“I’m sorry. I know it’s our thing.”
“No, no, it’s okay. You’re growing up now and it’s not strange to drop nicknames at a certain age.”
“I’m glad you understand.”
“Yeah, of course.” I understood, but it was sad for me at the same time.
“I love you, Dad.”
How could anyone be sad after that?
“I love you, too.” It was so hard not to say “Chicken” at the end of that sentence.
Times were changing and so was my girl.
Author’s Note: Happy Saturday! I just wanted to let everyone know the reason I’ve been behind on your stories and also with comments. We have joyous news! On Thursday, October 18th, our daughter was married! It was a beautiful day and ceremony. Thank you, Friends, for being so patient with me.
As always, thank you for reading, liking, lurking, and commenting,
Oh man! What’s up with Ellie and Myung? Ellie was acting so out of character, even refusing to hold the baby. This is not like her at all, and I wonder what’s really going on. Plus, it seemed that she would rather visit the shops than spend time with her family. Not like her at all! Holden is taking it all in stride, but I wonder what’s really going on.
It’s also strange that Bea didn’t want to sleep in the room. I wonder what’s up with that?
They really do grow up so fast. Where did that time go? It’s hard to believe that Holden is actually an adult and Beatrice is almost grown. So much has happened in this generation.
Oh, and congrats on your daughter‘s wedding. I wish them all the best and many, many years of love and happiness together.
Thank you so much! ❤️ We’re so happy for them. We love our new son-in-law to pieces. ❤️
Maybe Ellie is not sure what Myung’s motives might be for wanting to see Holden again. Or maybe she IS sure, and she doesn’t like it. haha
Ellie has changed some since Holden’s shooting. As the years go on (and the story, too), you will notice it more and more probably.
I wish, in a way, Bea had been born sooner in the generation because I didn’t feel like I really got to enjoy her childhood. But, on the other hand, it seemed right that Holden would have waited until he was older to have a child.
Congratulations to your daughter and husband!
Holden, it wasn’t just you confused by Myung and Ellie’s behaviour lmao. I couldn’t understand this grown woman language either 😂 It’s weird how Myung invited Holden over to see her baby but I was kind of taken aback by how nasty Ellie’s tone sounded. I sometimes forget that she can be quite the headstrong!
Bea grew up so pretty! It’s great to hear that Jem and the bully became friends. On that note, I like how Holden is doing as a father. He’s quite laidback and understanding… is Bea closer to him than Ellie?
Thank you, Lila! The wedding was so beautiful!
I think Ellie insisted on going to Myung’s in order to see what that was all about. She claims Holden’s past doesn’t matter but perhaps it does just a little. lol
I think Holden is around more and has taken care of Bea more. Regardless, she is indeed closer to Holden.
That was some showdown! What did Ellie expect, they’d be best friends? 😛 Holden must remind her that this was her idea. Also, I am so glad Holden was up front and honest about Myung contacting him. He’s a great husband!
Bea has grown up so fast! And no longer Chicken, can you believe it? I’m glad the bully became a friend, too.
Oh, yes, a showdown indeed! I think Ellie wanted to check her out. lol Yeah, Holden should have said that: “But it was your idea! I didn’t even want to go!” LOLOL
Bea really has grown up fast. I can’t believe the no chicken thing and wonder how long it will last. LOL
Congratulations to your daughter! The wedding looked beautiful 🙂
Thank you so much! 🙂 It was a wonderful day.
First of all, wonderful wedding pictures, your daughter and your whole family deserved that happiness !
Now come back to the story, I don’t understand why Ellie doesn’t like Myung that she feels bitter at her. She is married for god shake and Holden has got the right to have friends .
I am glad Béa and her parents are stilll in a good relashionship for now.
Thank you. The wedding was really a wonderful day that we were blessed with.
You’re right that there was no need for Ellie to be jealous since she’s married to Holden. I think she was suspicious as to why Myung invited him to visit in the first place.
I really love Bea and her relationship with her parents. 😀
Wow. I never, and I mean never, expected that behavior from Ellie! What are you doing girl? You know Holden is yours for life! 😐
Bea is so cute! I actually laughed when she told her dad that the chicken nickname should end, but poor Holden! I actually felt bad for him. She’s such a beauty though <3 And her personality is still a mystery to me, but I look forward to getting to know her soon! 😉
Congratulations to your daughter’s wedding! <3 <3 She’s so beautiful, you must be so proud! I wish her and her husband all the happiness in the world! <3 <3
Thank you so much 🙂 I think you’re right that Ellie should know Holden is hers for life. Still, I think the situation did something to her. haha
I’m so glad you like Bea. I can’t wait for her generation. Her personality will come out more and more, but she’s kind of a mystery to Holden and unfortunately, he’s our storyteller. lolol
Thank you so much regarding the wedding. Wer’re so proud of our daughter and the man she chose. <3 <3
Congratulations on your daughter’s wedding.
Thank you so much! 🙂
Regardless of how Ellie felt at the start, hearing all this from Holden, Myung set the tone for the visit right away. Had Myung been more welcoming and friendly, Ellie would have responded in kind. I can say that, since she is my sim and I know how sweet she is normally. Did Myung not expect Ellie to come maybe? Perhaps she was hoping for some “wink wink” Maybe her husband isn’t doing it for her. Regardless, she must pull that stick out of her butt, the one that makes her believe that because she is rich, she is so much classy-er and better than everyone else. I saw no class in that visit. Ellie did splendidly putting Myung in her place with the coat exchange.
Bea a teen!! Oh how things are going to change now! I can’t wait to see Jem!
Thank you, Bee 🙂 Ellie is indeed the epitome of sweetness. I think she was acting on instinct. Why, after all, would Myung invite Holden to visit in the first place? You might be on to something when you ask if Myung was expecting Holden to visit alone.
Bea is a teen! Woot! She’ll be taking over soon! Jem is pretty cute. 😀
Congratulations to your daughter! She looked absolutely beautiful!
I’m really surprised Ellie acted that way towards Myung! Of course, she can’t be perfect all the time 😉
Bea is so beautiful! Do you plan on having any more kids this Gen, or is Bea the one and only?
Loved this chapter!
Thank you so much! 🙂 I thought my daughter made a beautiful bride, too, and I thank you for your compliment. We’re so proud of these two.
Was Ellie acting on instinct in her behavior toward Myung? We shall soon find out. I’m glad you think Bea is beautiful. She will be the heir as Holden and Ellie won’t have anymore kids. I was so geeked not to be playing twins this gen! LOL
Congratulations! The wedding looks like it was beautiful 🙂
Uh oh, it’s the teenager stage! It’s already begun. No more chicken anymore! RIP. Holden’s not exercising his dad powers though. It’s his job to embarrass his daughter! Or that’s what mine already did, anyway 😛
Myung has me suspicious. You don’t just invite someone like that out of the blue for no reason… I think Ellie’s instincts are right here!
Bea is beautiful, btw. I wonder why she suddenly changed her mind abotu the room. Just being silly or something more…?
Thank you so much! 🙂 It was lovely and fun. 😀
Yes! The teenage stage! Horrors! lol I think Holden wants to be the cool dad but I agree that he should exercise that dad power! 😀 Mine totally did that, too. lol
Your instincts about Myung are correct. There is indeed a reason she invited Holden to come over which will be revealed soon. Ellie was probably on track with her feelings.
I’m so glad you think Bea is beautiful. Her thing about the room could have been homesickness, silliness or something else. 😀 We’ll find out about that, too.
Aw Bea grew up so fast… will she really turn out like Rosetta? That’s the real question here xD
I’m really happy for Myung but inviting Holden over is a bit weird. Maybe she’s not as happy as she seems. I trust Ellie’s instincts anyhow.
Also, a real life wedding! Congratulations! I hope they are very happy together.
Thank you so much 🙂 Bea did grow up fast. Holden kind of had a later start on family life, I think. Will she turn out like Rosetta? Heaven help us. lol
Myung had a reason for wanting to see Holden. Whether that was good or bad, we will soon see. I think you might be on to something, wondering if she is as happy as she seems.
The wedding was lovely, thank you. 🙂 I think they will see many happy years of joy together.
Congrats on the marriage! What a lovely couple.
As for Ellie and Myung. I guess her husband wasn’t that interested, but if she asked Holden to come, did she have something she wanted to broach to him and the Ellie clash stymied it? Hmmm. I wonder too if Bea has that extra sensory “spidey” instinct that both he and Rosetta have and that’s why the room was not comfy for her?
Thank you so much, Jolie 🙂 We are so proud of the young couple.
I think you might be on to something with Myung. Perhaps she wasn’t expecting him to bring Ellie along. We’ll find out soon, that’s for sure.
You might be right about Bea, too. She may have just already been homesick, but with the relatives she has, you never know.
Congratulations to your daughter and her husband! She’s such a beauty.
Little Chicken has reached the age where nicknames aren’t cool anymore…. It happens with every child, but it’s a tiny bit heartbreaking to see from the parent’s point of view. And goodness, Ellie bringing out the passive agressiveness! I can’t say I would behave any better than Ellie did in that same situation, but jealousy is a dangerous thing…. I think it would be best if Holden and Myueng kept their relationship minimal and very clearly friendly. And if Ellie tried to be civil towards his past relationships
Thank you so much, Raymond 🙂
Yeah, nicknames aren’t cool, especially one like Chicken, I guess. lol I have a feeling Holden might still call her that in his head. 😛 Passive agressiveness is right! LOL What’s up with that? I think you’re right that Holden and Myung shouldn’t have much contact. Ellie also needs to try to accept his past, not just say that she is.
I do not envy you of the past few weeks, but I can tell you it’s something beautiful you will never forget! And you even get a new ‘son’ out of it!! ♥ This chapter is a doozy, with a lot of hints of possibilities! Is Bea a ‘sensitive’, too? What did Myung want from Holden? What is Ellie seeing in Myung that Holden can’t? What is Ellie really doing while “shopping”? And etc. You definitely have our attention, Kymber!! I am really looking forward to next week! =D
Thank you, Marj 🙂 The past few weeks have been crazy, but you’re right about how this beautiful moment will never be forgotten. We are so proud to call him “son.”
That’s a good question about Bea and whether she is “sensitive.” You’ll find out soon what Myung wanted. I can’t wait until you find out more!
Congrats on the new addition to your family .. Army life is both rewarding and challenging <3 It looked like a lovely wedding. UGH Myung .. a blast from the past that need to straight back there!
Thank you so much, Lisa 🙂 You are so right about military life. 😀 It was a lovely wedding and we are so proud of this young couple. Very proud to call him “son.”
LOL @ the Myung comment! 😀 She definitely needs to fade back into the woodwork.
I am the wife of a 26 year career Army veteran … she is blessed to have a family like yours to lean on when he cannot be there <3 I did not have that and had to do it on my own . not easy
No, that wouldn’t be easy at all. <3 I admire how strong you are.
Congratulations to your family! May the newlyweds have a long and happy life together 🙂
As for Ellie and Myung, there are no surprises here. Just two females protecting their territory 😉
Thank you so much, Violincat 🙂 We are so proud of the young couple.
You are so right about the females protecting their territory! lol
Congratulations on the wedding ! The photos are so beautiful! I bet you’re really proud !
Love to see Bea growing up , too!
Thank you so much, CT 🙂 I’m so proud! She has married a very nice young man and his parents are wonderful, too. We couldn’t be happier for our girl. <3
Bea is almost ready to take the reins! Almost! lol
Heh, Myung’s trying to make sure Holden knows what he’s missing LOL. The games women play…
I wonder exactly how much Ellie knows about Holden’s past love life. Like, does she know he used to sleep with dudes? He probably doesn’t think much of it, but maybe she might.
“She laughed and shook her head at me as if to say, Oh, you poor, sweet uninformed man.”
I did too, Ellie. I did too. 😀
So, I made the arrangements to stay at a nice but affordable hotel.
I love how Holden still insists on remaining independent from his parents. I mean, he’s much older now and shouldn’t depend on them, but I’m quite sure Xalen probably still tries to press a few Benjamins in his palm sometimes lol. Or, maybe he does have money saved somewhere but is doing a great job of managing it well.
Something is up with Myung and this Dylan. I don’t think she actually married him. I think at first she made an “arrangement” with him too, but maybe things went a little further than she intended. He wanted more than that and she allowed it…to the tune of another baby! But then she came to her senses and told him he had ta go LOL.
I KNOW Myung was not implying anything about Ellie’s age! LOL, she’s probably twice her age! Cat fight! The whole Ellie vs. Myung scene was GOLD! LOL, see there, guys? If you ever want to see what your sweet little lady is capable of, put her in the presence of a woman she doesn’t like! You’ll see alllll kinds of unpleasant things come out LOL. Sadly, you probably won’t even recognize it LOL.
I also enjoyed the Holden and Chicken scene. Sorry, kiddo you. You can’t tell ME what to do! LOL, you’ll be Chicken for the rest of your life! 😀
I wonder if Holden still works out. Clearly, not as much as he used to, but is he still into fitness? With the recovery, and now his “desk job,” seems like he should have gained a little weight by now.
Bea’s outburst in the hotel was interesting. Not strange, but a bit too particular to miss lol. Is she…what’s the opposite of claustrophobic? Is agoraphobic a word? lol
Sweet little Chicken. I’m looking forward to see what she gets into.
Thank you so much 😀 Yes, the games women play. lol I love your Myung/Dylan theory! hehehe I can’t wait for you to find out. 😀
You’re right about Myung being a lot older than Ellie. haha Ellie was actually the youngest adult in the room at the time. 😛 It’s funny, that language women can have with each other without saying a word. LOL
You’re darn tootin’ this kid will always be Chicken! LOL
Holden runs the treadmill now more than anything else he used to do. He just doesn’t have the coordination he used to for dance. Good observation, btw!
Hmmm… is Bea agoraphobic? No, but does she have the tendency? We shall see. 😀
I can’t wait to hear the real deal with Myung & Dylan. And, the treadmill makes sense for Holden.
I hope the Myung/Dylan thing is as exciting as the scenario you mentioned. 😀 You should totally be writing this story. 😛
HA! You sound like my young friend who’s always giving me more work to do LOL.
LOLOL You’re really good at writing, is why! 😛
smh…you people… 😛
LOL! 😀
Wow, that was one awkward visit. I don’t see why Myung even invited her ex to see her babies o.o weird! I can sort of see why Ellie doesn’t like her… Though Ellie is also behaving a little oddly, I think. A little distant, maybe.
Bea is so pretty, though my heart breaks a little for Holden since she won’t be Chicken anymore. She’s a bit of an odd one, that girl, but I think she’s great. It’ll be really exciting once she’s heir! 🙂
This was a great chapter!
Congratulations on your daughter’s wedding, once again 🙂 It’s pretty understandable that you’ve been busy! <3
Thank you so much, Louise 🙂 We’ll find out why Myung invited Holden along. I agree it’s on the weird side. lol Isn’t it sad that Holden can’t call Bea Chicken anymore? As she said, she knows it’s “their thing.” I’m wondering if that will stick or not. I can’t wait for you to get to know her. 😀 She’ll be the heir before we know it!
Awww. Chicken is all grown up! And no longer Chicken….
I am super curious about the Ellie/Myung confrontation. She totally did not like her to the extent she wouldn’t hold her baby. Is it because she felt like Myung was flaunting her children where they only had the one child? Curious. Maybe it’s no big deal. And why did she go off and leave them during their trip to the fair? I thought her and Holden were doing well. I hope there isn’t something else going on. Ellie doesn’t seem like the type to stray or anything. And Holden just takes it in stride.
Then there was the whole thing with Bea not wanting to sleep in her room away from home.
You have planted so many seeds this chapter!
And thanks for the bonus pics of your daughter! That’s so lovely! Congratulations! ❤️
Thank you so much, Audrey. 🙂 It’s true, Chicken is almost ready to fly the coop. lol
What I can say about Ellie this chapter is that saying you don’t want to know your husband’s past is easier said than done. I think Ellie was curious to see Myung and perhaps became a bit jealous. Ellie and Holden are doing well, but I think she’s more caught up in Rosetta’s world at the moment. Holden takes it in stride, but I’m sure more about this will be coming up.
Can’t wait to grow those seeds into flowers… or weeds. LOLOL
Thank you for the congrats. <3 It was such a lovely day.
Wow, Ellie was really bitter toward Myung. She was so jealous even though they’d said that only the present times mattered. Seems it’s easier said than done.
Bea is so cute and she grows up very fast! Also, Holden looks older. Wow, it’s hard to believe that his generation will soon be coming to an end… Older Bea looks so much like Ellie! I guess we won’t have a poll this time as she’s the only child.
And again, congrats to Amanda and Brandon!
Thank you so much! <3
Thank you, Jowita. You’re right about there not being a poll this time. It was so nice, though, only having one child to worry about. LOL YAY to no multiples! 😛
You are definitely right that only caring about the present is easier said than done. Holden was so confused by this entire chapter. hahaha
Holden is an adult now. I think he looks more like Xalen than ever, the older he gets. I can’t believe we’re nearing the end of this generation, too. It’s so weird to me.
Bea does look a lot like Ellie, it’s true.
Oh, yes, I see the resemblance to Xalen now that you mention it!