Ramblings of a Sim Addict

“Derek, get off the phone,” Roslynn yelled into the living room. “Your brother will be calling soon to wish your dad a happy birthday.”

“Mom, I’m talking to Amy,” Derek said in a huff, “I’ll be done in a few minutes.”

“I said now, Derek,” Roslynn said, stomping into the room, “plus I need you to set the table.”

“Jeez mom,” Derek said with a frown. “Amy, I will call back you after my dad’s birthday party. There mom, happy.”

“Don’t give me that tone,” sighed Roslynn, “just get in the kitchen and get those dishes out.”

“Why can’t Anna do it,” Derek said pouting.

“Your sister is busy packing her stuff,” Roslynn said, taking the cake out of the refrigerator. “She’s leaving for college tonight.”

“Is dad taking her,” Derek asked, as he clanked the last dish into place.

“Yes,” Roslynn said, glaring at the disheveled table settings, “that’s why we are having just a short, family party for him.”

“Oh okay,” said Derek, backing out of the kitchen, “I’m going to play a video game until he gets home.”

“Derek,” Anna said, coming up behind him, “I just heard dad’s car pull into the garage, so you might as well stay here.”

“Dang,” Derek muttered under his breath.

“What was that,” Anna said, smiling angelically at him. “I don’t think mom heard you.”

“Oh be quiet, Anna,” Derek jeered.

“The two of you knock it off,” Roslynn said exasperated. “This is a celebration, not another sibling battle. Anna, light the candles and Derek, shut out the lights.”

“Anyone home,” Thomas called, pushing in the front door.

“SURPRISE,” the three Malorys’ called.

“Oh goodness,” Thomas said, wiping a tear from his eye, “you guys certainly did surprise me and that cake looks beautiful.”

“Blow out the candles, dad,” Derek said impatiently, “I’m starving.”

“Okay,” Thomas said, bending close to the cake, “but first I have to think of a wish.”

After a few moments of contemplation, Thomas bent lower and filled his lungs with air. Blowing softly, he extinguished all the candles propped in the cake. He looked around the warm kitchen and his throat caught as he aged into an elder.

“Aww you guys,” Thomas said, with emotion dripping his voice, “this was a wonderful surprise. I just wish we didn’t have to leave right away, but I have to get Anna to her dorm.”

“Okay dad,” Anna said, kissing Thomas on the cheek, “I’ll go load my stuff in the car.”

“Oh baby,” Roslynn said, pulling Anna into a tight embrace, “call me when you get there and stay safe. I love you.”

“Mom, I’ll be fine,” Anna said, burying her face into Roslynn’s shoulder, “and I love you too.”

“Bye sis,” said Derek, breaking the emotional tension.

“Bye little bro,” Anna said, grabbing her bags, “I’ll meet you in the car, dad.”

“She’ll be fine, Ros,” Thomas said, comforting his wife. “We raised her right.”

“I know,” Roslynn sighed, starring out at the garage. “I just hate seeing them leave home.”

“I understand, but they have to grow up and leave at some time,” Thomas said, softly kissing Roslynn’s cheek. “Thank you for the wonderful party.”

“Oh your welcome, I just wish I could have done more,” Roslynn said, wrapping her arms around Thomas’s waist. “I do have a surprise for you, though.”

“What’s this,” Thomas asked, taking the large envelope Roslynn handed him.

“Open it,” Roslynn said with a huge smile.

“It’s a deed to a lot downtown,” Thomas said questioningly.

“Yes,” Roslynn said with a giggle, “now you can open that bakery you’ve always wanted.”

“Oh Ros,” Thomas said, scooping her up in a tight embrace, “you are the most wonderful wife in the world.”