That night at dinner, Oscar decided to be brave and tell his parents about the grant. His mother nearly choked on her food as the words ‘study abroad’ left his mouth, and he knew at that moment it had been a lost cause. 

“That’s an awfully long way from home, don’t you think?” His father said in-between bites. 

Before responding, his mother questioned, “Are there no satisfactory schools in Ravenwood?” 

It seemed he could hardly get a word in. His arguments on the matter went completely unheard, as his parents went on discussing all the ‘fine’ schools right there in their little town. The longer Oscar listened, the more he realised that even though his father had studied at a university, no one in this family understood how important this was.

As soon as dinner was over, Oscar dismissed himself upstairs to his bedroom; the very same one that he’d spent hours studying in. Surrounding him were books that even his parents, who were not unintelligent by any means, would struggle to understand. But they were of no use to him now, and all those hours he’d spent pouring over his books, and writing essays, felt like a waste. 

It was silly to even imagine himself there in Windenburg, God, how foolish he’d been! As he laid down on his bed, he couldn’t help beating himself up over ever getting his hopes up in the first place.

Oscar sat there brewing in his feelings for most of the evening, moving through sadness and sometimes anger, hardly noticing how much time had passed until Flora came in to check on him, already wearing her pyjamas. Once he’d readied himself for bed, too, Flora took a seat and demanded he talk to her. 

He was reluctant at first, but his sister…boy, she was stubborn as a mule. She refused to leave his room and eventually, he finally broke down and started spewing every thought that crossed his mind.

“He doesn’t even need the money! His father could easily pay for a school like that!” He spat. “I know he’s your friend and all, Flora, but it’s like…he just wants to rub it in my face!” 

Flora hadn’t flinched once, even when he swore out loud, and the longer he ranted and raved at his sister, the better he felt. He thanked her kindly for listening and promised he hadn’t meant all that he’d said; he was just so gosh darned angry. 

“I understand Oz. Mother and Father will see that you deserve it; they’ll let you go. Maybe Ms Hoffman could talk to them,” she told him earnestly. He didn’t know if she was right about their parents, but his face lit up immediately when she added, “And I truly believe you will get it.” 

“Do you really think so? Even though London is your friend?” He asked, unable to keep from smiling as hope began to find him once again. 

“London is smart, you’re right about that…but you’re smarter. Besides, him and Gladys might be my best friends…but you’re my best, best friend, Oscar.”

His sister’s faith in him was all he’d needed to restore his hope. As long as one other person believed in him, he would allow his daydreams to take him to the far away hills and the deep seas of Windenburg; even if it only ever existed in his mind.

Before Flora left off to bed, Oscar wrapped his arms around his sister and pulled her in for a tight hug, reminding her that she was his best friend, too.

Dear Journal,

Daddy and I had a long talk, and last week I had my last day of school. He says I need to be brave and lead by example for my little sisters. He promised that if I do a good job, one of these days me, him and my sisters will do something special, just us four.

I will admit, though, I was quietly gloomy to be leaving. Daddy and Mommy sent me along with a note explaining the situation at home, and Ms Hoffman seemed awfully sad to hear about the news. She even allowed us ten extra minutes of recess on my last day.

I miss all of my friends back at school, but especially my two best friends, London and Gladys.

London is the sweetest boy in class, and the second smartest, next to Oscar. His Daddy is an engineer and is currently living abroad in America, helping build their railways; which London says is a ‘VERY important job’. He also says someday, he’d like to study there but I try not to think about it too much because it would make me too sad to say goodbye.

My other best friend at school is Gladys. She is very funny and she doesn’t even care when Ms Hoffman threatens her with the ruler for talking too much! I think she is very brave for this. Her Mum and Grandad own the most popular bakery in town, Mrs Cole’s Bakery, and Gladys always brings Cozonac bread to share for the holidays.

London always insists on walking me home when Oscar and Atticus want to stay after school to play marbles with the other boys. He says he has no interest in games like that and would rather spend time with me, anyway, even when his friends tease him!

I asked Gladys about this once, and she got even more giggly than usual. She insisted that it’s really because London has a crush on me! Oh, what a thing to say!

Even if Gladys is wrong, though, I don’t think I would be sad. We are thick as thieves, no matter what. Which is why we have agreed to write each other letters and pass them back and forth between my brothers. I am still eagerly awaiting my first. 

- Florence Belle

Lawrence had spent a considerable amount of time flipping through every page of his ledger, accounting for every last penny. As he paged through the worn book, all he could do was pray that there was simply just something he’d missed but to no avail. Eventually, he had to stop crunching numbers and come to terms with the reality that they were facing financial ruin.

He sat down with Winifred to go over the details, explaining that their savings had nearly dried up and their profits were down marginally. At first, Winifred was understanding, but things took a turn for the worst when he mentioned the girls education money.

“There’s no way around it, and believe me, I have exhausted every other option in my head, Winifred,” he explained, trying to ignore the shock on her face as he continued “but the fact of the matter is we cannot afford to send the girls to school.”

It didn’t take long before the blame game started. Winifred insisted this whole mess was Lawrence’s fault for continually cutting costs and giving people a break on their services. After all, they were running a business here, not offering charity. While Lawrence insisted he only cut costs for special circumstances, and despite the fact that, he knew deep down it had gotten out of hand, he refused to admit his fault.

“You don’t meet with these grieving families, Winifred. These people are heartbroken and they need our help!” He insisted. 

“And what about Florence’s heart? Does it not occur to you that her heart will suffer, too?!” Winifred countered. “She has friends at school. She likes school!”

“You act as though I’m keeping her from them; she can see them anytime she likes! And besides, you and I both know it’s a waste.” He yelled back.

The words tasted as bad in his mouth as it felt to say them, and he instantly wished he could take them back; even if there was some truth to them.

Lawrence watched as his wife’s eyes welled up with tears; though with her balled fists and scorned brow, he knew they were not of sorrow, but of anger. “Fine, Lawrence, have it your way. Take her out of school then,” Winifred said, before adding, “but you will be the one to tell her!”

Without another word, his wife rose from the table, ending the discussion. As she headed for the exit, he couldn’t help but to notice the way her shoulders began to slump forward the further her feet carried her away. Almost as though the heaviness of this decision was already weighing her down.

Lawrence didn’t blame her one bit. He, too, wished there was something else to be done to fix this mess, but it just didn’t make sense any other way. Not when so many girls ended up housewives, and with any luck, would be happy with that. He just hoped that in time, Winifred and his girls would come to understand someday, and find a way to forgive him.

With so many birthdays and the birth of their third daughter, Winifred decides to have their portrait taken as a family.

Lawrence celebrating his 30th birthday.

Lawrence hasn’t completed his aspiration yet, so he won’t get a second during adulthood. However, he has completed his Soul’s Journey as a living Sim.

The morning of Lawrence’s 30th birthday arrived, and all he truly wanted was to spend some quality time with his wife. So they put on their fanciest winter attire, and took a walk around the neighbourhood together.

It had been so long since they’d been able to talk without the daily hustle and bustle getting the way. One of them dashing away to their office to plan a funeral or prepare a body; or having to stop mid conversation to change a diaper or help someone with homework; or cook dinner, hang laundry, wash the floors.

Life simply got busy, leaving little time for just the two of them, and although they both admired each other’s work and cherished their children, they enjoyed having a moment just for themselves. 

Just as it was getting to the time they should have been heading back for luncheon, Winifred stopped her husband for a moment and asked if he’d like to see his birthday gift now, or later.

There was a playful glimmer in Winifred’s eye; one that Lawrence only saw when she was lost in thought or scribbling away in her notebooks. A look that told him she was inspired.

They walked to a place they both knew, like the back of their hand - Eternal Hollow Cemetery.

Winifred stood back for a moment, allowing him to take it in. There before him was a grave plot, complete with two headstones, their names carved into the stone in elegant handwriting. When their time came, they would rest there together in the afterlife.

“I hardly know what to say, Winifred…” Lawrence said, unable to take his eyes off his gift. 

After a few moments longer, Winifred wrapped her arms around Lawrence’s torso and snuggled in close before saying, “Just say you’d like to spend eternity with me.”

Lawrence placed his gloved hand on top of hers, squeezing it lightly. “Truly, nothing would make me happier.” He began, nearly choking up as he tried to find the right words. “All my life, Winifred, I’ve dreamt of sharing my life - my success and my failures, my triumphs and my hardships, with someone who understands me. You have given me that, and more."  

Winifred giggled, squeezing him around the waist before teasing, “Your old age has softened you, my dear”, to which Lawrence chuckled. They knew he had always been ‘soft’; never much of a stoic.  

On Easter Sunday, little Atticus celebrated his fifth birthday. It is a small, but cosy affair amongst the family.

Florence, in particular, loved helping to prepare the cake and watching her little brother grow up, while Oscar was excited about going to school together soon!

For his birthday, Atticus receives a moleskin journal from his parents and a new straw hat from Beth.

Atticus is given the Sensitive trait, and ages up with the ‘Top Notch Toddler’ trait as well!

Winifred tells Lawrence that she is pregnant with their fifth child. The news overjoyed both of them, and feel their little family will finally be complete after this newest addition.

Much to Oscar’s relief, but against his father’s better judgement, his parents allowed him to stay home from school the following day.

All throughout the morning, he struggled to take his mind off Dr Jekyll. It seemed no matter what he did to distract himself, his thoughts always circled back to his beloved cat.

First, he had tried Beth’s puzzles, but quickly became flustered by the many pieces and the way none of them seemed to fit just right. He turned to reading, but found that no matter how hard he tried, he could not make sense of the words on the page.

After recognising that waiting inside the house was going to drive him mad, Oscar went to the garden to look for his father, who had been outside the entire morning.

Once there, he saw his father holding a rather large box in his hands. Curiously, he asked his father what was inside. His father hesitated for several seconds before answering, almost as though he were lost in thought.

Silence fell, then his father asked, “Come see?”

They only went as far as the largest tree in the yard. Except that now, there was a large hole in front of it, and what appeared to be two wooden planks attached by nails.

“Do you know what this is, Son?” His father asked, to which Oscar shook his head no.

His father explained that this was where they would bury his beloved cat, and Oscar listened intently. Oscar’s face twisted up in confusion as he looked up at his father. It wasn’t until his father explained that this was a grave. But it wasn’t until his father told Oscar that he could visit it anytime he wanted, and even talk out loud to Dr Jekyll, that Oscar found it interesting.

Oscar sat in front of the grave marker for a very long time, while his father answered all of his questions. They talked about different funeral practices all over the world, and how different cultures had holidays dedicated to honouring their loved one’s like Day of the Dead and Obon.

For the first time, Oscar understood how important his parents’ jobs were, and wondered if he might do it someday, too.

But eventually, he worked up the courage to ask the question he’d been wondering the most - if he’d ever see Dr. Jekyll again. His father sighed, and even in his youth, Oscar could that his father struggled to answer.“I think so, yes. Someday, many, many years from now, you will be reunited in Heaven.”

After a while longer, Oscar picked some flowers and leave them there for Dr Jekyll. He tied them together neatly with a red ribbon, just like the one he wore around his neck. His father told him that people sometimes gave eulogies at a funeral, and Oscar decided it felt right to give one to Dr Jekyll, too.

So, he knelt down in the dirt and clutched the flowers in his hand tightly, not quite ready to part with them yet.

“You were a wonderful cat, no-” Oscar paused for a moment in thought, and corrected himself quickly. “The BEST cat! And I hope there is lots of fish for you in Heaven, like Tuna and Carp…and endless balls of yarn. Someday, we’ll see each other there, just like my daddy said. Keep a spot warm for me, Dr Jekyll. I’ll miss you…”

Once he finished, his father reached for his hand and squeezed it tightly. “Well done, my boy.” His father whispered. “Well done.”

One day after school, Oscar found his parents sitting in the parlour waiting for him and Flora. Once their school bags had been unpacked, Winifred and Lawrence had asked them if they could have a talk.

Both of his parents looked rigid, and neither one spoke for what felt like a very long time; the slow ticking of the grandfather clock echoing throughout the halls.

“My angels, um,” His father began, pausing to clear his throat. “Well, you both know Dr. Jekyll has been getting old. After all, he was your Mum’s cat long before we even met. And, when animals grow old, they die…just as humans do; it’s the natural order of things, you see…”

Even as his father explained the cycle of life and death, and how all living things eventually cease to exist, young Oscar couldn’t bring himself to understand what it had to do with their beloved cat. Not until his father finally stopped beating around the bush and got on with it.

“All this is to say that…I’m sorry, my loves, but Dr. Jekyll passed away this morning. Mummy found him out in the yard, in his favourite sunny spot.”

The terrible words met Oscar’s ears, and for a moment, he was in disbelief. But he knew his parents wouldn’t lie…and if they wouldn’t lie then that meant his favourite kitty was truly gone.

All of Oscar’s precious memories came rushing back. From the way Dr. Jekyll would hiss at his mother’s creepy black bird, and how always beg for scraps of food like a dog, and how he followed him and his siblings around everywhere, even out into the snow as they played! 

He and Dr. Jekyll had always been the closest out of him and his siblings, and every day before school, he found his beloved cat and kissed him goodbye. In fact, he had just that morning. And now…he would never kiss him goodbye or fall asleep together in his bed at night? It just didn’t make sense! None of it made sense!

The next thing Oscar knew, he was running from the parlour. He could hear his mother calling after him and ordering him to come back but still, his legs kept moving. His chest had never felt this way before, as though it were heavy and light at the same time.

Every memory entering his mind demanded he find release in the tears that were stinging in his eyes. But it was not until he got to the safety of his room, and away from the worried look in his parents eyes, that he would allow himself to truly cry.