My Sims Blogs

Apocalypse Tales Chapter Fourteen: Klara Escapes

2008-10-25T16:53:00.000-07:00

(Uggh.) Me Klara. Boy Bud. He nice boy. Me like Bud. (Errr)

Evil lady (Arrr) Blossom. She marry professor.

She kill professor. (Urrg) Then make zombie. Me zombie too. Professor leave.

Evil Blossom (arrg) has baby. Twig nice baby. Blossom bad mother. (Uhh)

She bad Bud mother. He sad. (Err)

One day me hear. (Urrg) He talk someone. Tell deaths.

He tell (arrg) zombies.

He talk families. He leave. (Uhh) Me never see.

Me hold Twig. She sweet. (Err) Me get idea.

Me leave.

Me take Twig. (Errr) Me look professor.

Twig need (arrg) nice professor.

Zombies live (ugg) mountains.

Caves in mountains. (errr)

Me find professor. Me like (uhh) professor.

Me give professor Twig. (Err) Professor happy.

Professor (arrg) good father.

Live nice (uhh) cave.

Professor ask me stay. (Uggh) Me happy.

Professor like me.

Me (uhh) like professor.

Me want brains. Brains!!

Me learn (arrg) cook.

Me cook (uhh) other thing. Not brains. Sticky things.

Good father clean baby. (Err) Zombies stinky: baby stinky.

Many baths. (Uggh)

Twig birthday. (uhh)

Twig happy (arrg) girl.

Twig pretty girl. (Err)

Me Twig mommy. (Uhh) Me love Twig.

Me play Twig. (Err)

Twig love (uhh) me.

Me teach Twig. Twig (ugg) walk.

Twig love Daddy. (arrg)

Daddy teach Twig. Twig (err) talk. Hard zombies teach. Zombies no talk: groan. (ugg) Zombies no walk: lurch. Twig smart, she learn.

Twig birthday. Twig happy. (arrgh)

Pretty Twig. Look like (uhh) Daddy. (But not zombie.)

Twig play with Daddy. Twig (uhh) smart. Good chess.

Zombies tricky. Zombies (arrgh) cheat.

Sweet Twig happy. (Err) Family happy.

Apocalypse Tales Chapter Thirteen: Tragedy Strikes

2008-10-24T19:36:00.000-07:00

[When we left them last, Geoffrey Chatain had obtained this safe house after the apocalypse struck, and married this lovely lady, Katerina, after he reached the top of his medical career. They had two children, Kitty and Geoff, while she held down a career in the culinary field. One night she returned home with the announcement that she'd finally made it to Celebrity Chef!

She and Geoffrey celebrated. (He's now an old man, whom she still considers hot!)

However, they need to address the situation with their now teenage daughter Kitty, who seems to be attracted to the local thief Amin!]

Hi folks! I'm Kitty Chatain, and let me tell you all about my great mom, Katerina! After eating jello my whole childhood, we finally get to eat hamburgers made on this grill, thanks to my mom learning lots of cooking techniques and teaching everyone!

Here she is, making dee-lish-ous hamburgers! Can't eat enough of them!

It really gets tiresome, staying in this house day after day, with nothing to do now that I can't go to school anymore. I know my dad has something against him, but I like getting calls from Amin and chatting with him. And I'm sorry but I'm not going to be rude to him and not let him stop by just because my dad's being annoying!

Yeah, here I am playing a game I used to play when I was little: pirates. (Don't know how this picture got in here...)

Mom and Dad are always giving us suggestions on what we should do to help out society when we grow up. I tell Geoff he should work on getting us some good entertainment around here. I'm really sick of chess, swimming and smustle-dancing. That's all there is to do around here! (And I'm already an expert on all three of them.)

See, look at my expert dive.

Geoff comes home really proud of his A+. Yeah, I remember how thrilled I was with my first A+, but you know what, Geoff? Won't do you any good, because in a couple of years you won't be able to go to school anymore, and that will be the same as getting Fs every day. (I didn't tell him that, though.)

I still have some friends from school days that stop by sometimes, and I can't help telling one of them about how angry my dad is about my visits from an older man who's a thief too! (Have to admit all of this impresses my friends!)

When I was younger, all my friends were impressed that my dad was the Geoffrey Chatain, but now they're all impressed that an older, good-looking thief (that's probably robbed their homes too) is calling me every day and stopping by to see me!

My mom's going to have another baby. I'll admit this is kind of exciting! (At least something different happening at this place...)

Wow! Geoff is getting good at swimming too!!

My dad is still trying to convince me to get a legitimate job. Jeez, get off my case already. I'm really getting tired of these conversations.

"C'mon, dad. I'm not going to wind up in jail, ok? Now can I finish my hamburger in peace?"

You know, my mom is a really hard worker. Even while pregnant, she continues to work on the book she's writing, and finally finishes it.

I don't talk much with my parents, but I can't help telling my mom how excited I am that she's going to have a baby. (I can't quite bring myself to compliment her on the hamburgers or publishing her book though. Don't know why, but, you know...)

Hey, Dad! How about scolding Geoff for chatting up the older ladies, huh? Or is it just me you have to criticize all the time??

See! He even invited her upstairs, in her swimsuit! How come you're not all snarling and yelling at him, huh?

Pretty soon, one night, Mom had her baby. While she was pregnant, she'd taught me how to be a good coach, and now I helped her through the whole process.

Good thing, too, cause Dad was still asleep.

Oh, look! How cute!! It's a little sister! Mom and Dad decide to call her Trina. She is sooo cute!

Then a really weird thing happened. Mom put little Trina in her crib and then totally wacked out. She just sat on the floor and made weird noises and paid no attention to any of us trying to help her. Dad and I had no idea what to do. Seemed like she totally lost it.

When I think back on it, I wonder what caused it. Did she not want to have a baby? Dad told me later that she'd never done that when Geoff and I were born. And I remember she'd always been a really good mom to Geoff and me, always competent and confident and in control and really nice to us.

After a couple of hours, she pulled herself together and seemed to snap out of it.

Or maybe. She danced the smustle for a few hours, although it looked more like a weird chicken dance to me.

Dad took over, and took good care of sweet little Trina. (I can't get over how cute she is!)

After a while Mom seemed fairly normal and took care of Trina too. Pretty soon we forgot all about Mom's breakdown and life was really busy taking care of the new baby.

One day while I was swimming I saw a boy my own age passing by and ran up to meet him. Maybe I need to meet some guys nearer my age...

But of course I couldn't resist telling him all about my old man and his annoying treatment of me all the time. Why is that, anyway? Cause I'm the oldest?

My dad is always getting on my case about learning as much as I can and getting a good job that "contributes to society." Always the "contribute to society." What's society ever done for me, huh? Only brought this apocalypse, so I had to grow up with nothing that Mom and Dad had when they were little, like TVs and Pane-ting and Bow-ling (or whatever. Dad once said he first met Mom when they were Bow-ling, but couldn't explain to me what that was.)

Now all we have is chess. Always chess. Jeez it's boring.

Mom is much more accepting of the friends I invite in, and always makes a tasty meal for us.

Not like Dad, who's always talking with Mom about me and Amin. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

At least Mom and Dad have gone back to their snuggling. I gotta admit, it's kind of cute how they're always hugging each other.

Aw, see? Aren't they cute? Dad just better watch out that Mom doesn't have another baby. I wouldn't risk it, seeing what happened last time...

Next morning Mom went off to work as usual, in her cool car. I'll never forget how she looked leaving for work that morning,

Because that night, her carpool just drove by the house, without stopping. She wasn't in the car.

That very night, Geoff had a birthday. He was supposed to have a surprise party, with a cake even, now that we knew how to make cakes. But Mom wasn't here, so we didn't have a party.

But he grew up anyway, into a dorky-looking teenager.

Yeah, hi doofus.

For the next few days, we didn't know what to think about Mom's disappearance, but one night Dad said he felt Mom's ghost sleeping in the bed next to him.

Her ghost? But that would mean she's dead. I can't believe that she's dead! She's just taking a break, staying with some friends maybe? Staying at work, being a chef? Maybe she left because she didn't want to take care of her kids any more? But I can't believe she's dead!

But somehow Dad knew in his heart that she was dead.

She was his soulmate, they'd been together for years, ever since the beginning of this dreadful apocalypse. And now some strange occurrence had torn her from him, from her family.

After a while I felt it too. She was gone.

***

Geoff woke up and learned that Mom was dead, and wept.

I don't know how our family will be able to go on, with Mom gone.

But we had to go on, at least for little Trina's sake. From this point, Dad poured all his love into sweet little Trina.

And little Trina looks just like Mom.

I don't think the thought of Mom ever left Dad's mind for the rest of his days.

He couldn't sleep in their bed any longer, so he took to sleeping in that bed that had always been in the corner of the kitchen for whatever reason.

Their old bed was unused.

I couldn't stand hanging around this place anymore, it was really getting on my nerves.

I took to leaving home and just wandering around. I didn't care if there were zombies and other dangers.

I'd come back home late at night. (And find the trash can had been picked up, so I'd kick it over again.)

Surprisingly enough, Geoff was really great with the baby.

And good thing too, because Dad had taken to meditating all the time, and would forget to take care of Trina.

And Geoff didn't seem to mind feeding her and cuddling her and changing her diaper.

One night it was Trina's birthday, but Dad didn't seem to know how to help her with that. He'd try, and then just give up and lay her on the floor. These days he seems kind of hopeless.

But Geoff came along and gave her a dextrous twirl, and she grew up into an even cuter toddler!

Geoff was her favorite, and she just loved to have him snuggle her and read to her and teach her everything!

He helped her learn to use the potty, and taught her how to speak.

We took turns teaching Trina how to walk.

And I'd give her a daily bath. Got to hand it to Dad, it's nice having a bathtub.

Good thing Geoff and I were on top of things, because Dad just kept meditating, for longer and longer hours each day.

Pretty soon nothing would disturb him while he was meditating, even if we were smustling in the same room.

Little Trina spent hours playing with my old favorite toy. I can vaguely remember spending hours with that toy too, right in the same spot...

One day Trina grew up from a toddler into a cute little girl. Dad has gotten so out of it, he didn't even seem to notice. Geoff and I are getting a little worried about him.

When he's not meditating, he wanders vaguely around the house, wearing his pjs all day or his underwear (kinda gross!) or his swimsuit when he's not swimming or in the hot tub. About the only way he takes care of Trina is tucking her in at night.

Trina has inspire Geoff and me to take more interest in chess again. It's kind of fun to see someone playing who's never played before, and we enjoy teaching her all about it. Geoff especially, as he's always been interested in intellectual types of stuff like that.

I remember a while back when we were hanging out in the hot tub he told me he wished he could go to college like Dad did, a place where you just learn, learn, learn all the time. I didn't argue with him, but I gotta say I don't understand wanting to do something like that all the time. Boooring!

Trina and Geoff are still really close, and it's nice to see that Trina feels like she can share everything with Geoff. I overheard her talking with him about Mom once. Strange as it sounds, she can remember Mom, and wonders, like we did, whether or not she's really dead.

She got really animated during this conversation, and told Geoff that she had a dream once that Mom was still alive, wandering around crying, like she was trapped somewhere.

She said that in the dream she knew Mom wasn't dead because she looked like a live person, not like a ghostly dead person.

She doesn't seem to realize how upsetting this is for us, who remember Mom more than she does. But she just started excitedly asking Geoff all about ghosts and what they're like and what they do.

Geoff calmly told her that there's no such thing as ghosts. People just think that there's ghosts because they remember or dream about the person who died, sometimes very vividly, and so they can't believe that the person has really died. But they did really die, and they can't and won't come back.

I remember Trina's first day of school, and I felt as proud as if I were her mom! Too bad I only ever learned one hairdo, so she has the same style as mine.

When she gets home from school, she does stuff with Dad like dancing and chatting, and she doesn't notice all the problems he has that Geoff and I notice. (Dad and the rest of us never did solve the question of why wolves hang around in our house, wandering right in sometimes. They never do that in other people's houses that I've visited!)

The night I realized that Dad has really lost it was when I overheard him helping Trina with her homework, and he gave answers that were totally wrong and really out there. I didn't want to interrupt them and confront Dad about how he's losing it. It's really too sad and disturbing...

Trina doesn't see all this, and didn't notice the wrong answers. That's another reason I don't really want to confront these problems with Dad, because I don't want Trina to feel like she doesn't have a normal dad. It's hard enough for her to grow up without a mom without other difficulties.

I invited my "boyfriend" Pao over for supper one day, but these days I'm feeling so much older than I was. I feel like I finally need to make a change in my life, get a job, maybe even assume the position of "head of the household" now that Dad's getting... well, senile I guess you'd call it. So I don't feel like spending time on frivolous kinds of activities any more.

Even though I didn't tell him "Good-bye" straight out, I knew I wouldn't be hanging around with Pao much any more.

I kissed him good-bye instead. I'd never kissed a boy before, but it came pretty easily!

I know he's attracted to me, but Pao really needs to look for a girl closer his own age.

Speaking of which, Geoff still chats up the attractive older women over chess games!

Later that afternoon I invited Amin over, and told him all about Mom's disappearance and how Dad has declined lately. He was very sympathetic.

I really feel close to him. He's a really nice guy.

I think maybe Dad senses that I really like Amin, and he tried to chat with Amin that afternoon. Of course all he could think of to talk about is his worn-out subject of the causes of the apocalypse. I think everyone is tired of that topic by now...

Just before supper I remembered it was my birthday today!

Amin congratulated me, and so did Geoff's "lady friend".

I suddenly realized that not only do I think Amin is nice and friendly, he's also really sexy!!

I'd really like him to move in with us, and spend the rest of my life with him! (Um, excuse me lady? A little privacy please?)

Umm, this is fun!

We move into the kitchen, and keep on smooching!!

I decide then and there to ask Amin to marry me!

I'd never thought I'd get married, but I really like Amin. He's always been really sweet to me and my family (except when he robbed us way back when.)

That night I decided that the old double bed needs to be put to use.

Mmm, being married is lots of fun!

Amin fits right into our family. He's making good friends with Geoff and Trina.

He doesn't even mind if two of us are chatting together in the same room where he's sleeping. He sleeps like a log.

I asked Amin to find a job in another career, because I'm afraid it would really disturb Dad if Amin continued being a thief. Amin said it'd be easy enough to get a job in law enforcement, as these days cops and thieves are pretty much the same. But at least to my Dad, cop is definitely more acceptable.

Every evening he works on his fitness, as being physically fit is necessary in his career.

I decided I need to get a job too. Much as I always hated Dad haranguing us about "contributing to society" when we were little, I do feel like I should take a little responsibility for my own family at least.

I found a job in the military career, and really love the work outfit they gave me!

Dad continues his constant meditating, and all I can do is just shake my head. He rarely talks with any of us anymore, and doesn't even interact with his little daughter Trina. Really sad.

He's taken to meditating outside even, on the frozen ground. But the cold doesn't seem to bother him, so I just let him be.

It's kind of embarrassing though, when he meditates out in by the street, when anyone passing by can see him and wonder what the heck this old, senile man is doing sitting out in the snow.

Speaking of people walking by, much as I love Amin, and how much he's contributing to our family, I have to admit that he's not beloved in our neighborhood.

He has a lot of enemies in town, and many of them walk by our house and kick over our garbage can. It's starting to get on my nerves, plus we can't afford to risk getting diseases from the garbage.

I told Amin he has to start making amends with the people in town that he's wronged. He said he'd get right on it, and one night he befriended one of them, a charming young lady who lost her parents and is raising her younger sister on her own.

Amin made friends with the younger sister too. Sometimes I forget how much more difficult life is for other families than it is for us.

I've taken to inviting these girls over frequently to help them out a little.

One day Dad's old college friend Randy stopped by for a visit. I'd never liked him much, he seemed really strange to me.

Dad remarked on how Randy still looked as young and healthy as the day he graduated college, and Randy complimented Dad on aging well.

Dad then thanked him for something (I didn't quite catch for what) and invited Randy in for hamburgers.

Dad finally told Randy about how Mom had disappeared and we believe she's dead. Dad spoke wistfully about how she was the love of his life...

Later, over a chess game, Randy promised Dad that he'd look into what happened to Mom. He'd ask around among his friends to see if they knew anything. They talked over theories about her death long into the night.

I've changed my mind about Randy. His visit really perked Dad up, and he seems less lost and senile these days.

Dad mentioned that he's thinking over the mystery of Mom's disappearance, and trying to figure out what may have happened.

Privately, I don't see the point in pursuing that. I think it's better to move on with our lives. But it's good to see Dad more alert, with something occupying his thoughts and time.

He's started having more conversations with all of us, and even though he's gone back to exhorting us about what jobs to get and now adding advice on how to raise our kids, I'm just glad that he seems happier now and not at all senile.

We have a happy, pleasant home these days!

Trina's birthday rolled around, and this time Dad was alert enough to notice and participate.

Yay, Trina! Such a lovely young lady! And nice outfit!

Here's what I've noticed about Trina, watching her grow up: she's very confident and self-assured, just like I remember Mom being. And she's also very sweet and friendly (most likely won't be the rebellious teenager that I was!) I really think that of all of us, she'll probably succeed the best in life! At least I hope so, because she really deserves it, and has been the best little sister anyone could have.

Dad still goes outside and meditates for hours, but now he balances it with time spent with the family, so I don't worry.

Even when he's out there meditating at night during a snowstorm! Oh well, nothing I can do about it. He's my dad, after all. Not like he's going to listen to me!

Geoff keeps inviting the same lady over for supper, and I wonder if he has the same idea I had: to make friends with a really nice, attractive older person, and then propose as soon as he's old enough! Gotta admit I'm smart about certain things, huh Geoff?

One night, when Dad was meditating (inside for once), his meditation was interrupted.

We were downstairs, and didn't know what happened. It was the evening of Geoff's birthday, and we were getting ready. We didn't notice Dad's absence until it was time to celebrate.

When we went upstairs to tell him it was time to party, we only found this urn in a corner. I'm filled with regrets, that I never told him that Mom was right, that he was a great man who changed things around for everyone. That he was right, we should continue what he started and try to improve things even further. I didn't even tell him that I appreciated him. I can only take comfort that he seemed happier in his final days, knowing that someone was trying to figure out what happened to his beloved wife. And I know no one will forget the great contributions of Geoffrey Chatain.

[Ed: never try to anticipate what time an elder will die! I thought they died after dark, and so Geoffrey would have time to see his son age into adulthood, and then go meditate outdoors in the corner of the lot. But no. The grim reaper came before six! And now I have an urn in the kids bedroom... Argghh!]

Apocalypse Tales Chapter Twelve: Jay Sylum's Asylum

2008-10-23T21:22:00.000-07:00

Hi, please allow me to introduce myself. My name's Jay Sylum, and I recently moved to Viper Canyon because I'd heard the apocalypse hit pretty hard here, and I wanted to help out. Since I was little I'd heard stories of the great Geoffrey Chatain and how he was a talented medical person who helped out everyone by bringing good hygiene, clean water and medicine to everyone. I've studied medicine and when I moved here I was assigned a safe place to stay and some people with severe problems to help.

I've discovered the greatest medical need is helping people cope with the depression and anxiety of living in post-apocalyptic conditions. Here I am looking over our safe house. It's in a remote location where we won't be bothered by many zombies or the mob. I'm living here with seven people of varying degrees of PASD (post-apocalyptic stress disorder), all of them unable to cope with the reality of life during the apocalypse.

Here are the patients assigned to me. First Laura, a lovely young lady whose only want, it appears, is to meet the right guy and have a big family. However, under current conditions she hasn't been able to meet "Mr. Right", so of course her lifetime wish can't be fulfilled.

Next is Angie, who since she was a kid wanted to excel in sports. But of course, since the apocalypse struck, there aren't any sports teams anymore, and she can't seem to handle this blow to her lifetime goal.

Now here's a challenging patient: Treesa. She wishes to meet as many men as possible, and woo them all (to put it in polite terms.) Not only is that difficult these days, but it's also dangerous. It will be hard to convince her to change her desires to match reality.

Here is Mallory, who is quite active and physically fit, and desires to get out and face the challenges of life in an apocalypse. However, she was brought up by very paranoid and strict parents, who themselves could not cope with current conditions, and so all her coping mechanisms have been warped. A very unfortunate case. She has much potential, but has to relearn her "world view" in order to use her gifts and get out and deal with life. (Note how she's not "dressed for success" for someone who wants to face life's challenges head-on.)

Here's Sandy, a fairly simple case of someone who is bored of the mundane daily life during the apocalypse. She wants to pursue life's "simple pleasures" (basically have fun all day) and can't seem to cope with lack of material goods. She may be easy to turn around...

Here's Samuel, a fairly straight-forward guy, who wants to make a lot of simoleons. Not an unreasonable want, except that in these apocalyptic conditions, there are not many jobs, and furthermore, a lot of one's simoleons are taken by the mob. So he's not very happy.

And finally there's Thomas, who just wants to meet the right girl to settle down with. Actually, I'm not sure why he's here. He's not as difficult a case as Laura (who wants to not only meet Mr. Right, but have lots of children, which is difficult under normal circumstances, but is *very* difficult under the cramped and deprived conditions of our post-apocalyptic society.) Thomas here has simple wants: the right girl and just a few kids. And he seems pretty normal. We'll have to explore his condition further.

So here's what our safe house looks like: A small kitchen, and only six beds -- not enough for all eight of us, but there's no one to complain to, so we'll have to make do.

Upstairs there's a bathroom with only one toilet and one shower for eight people. But I guess I should be grateful we can have showers at all, thanks to the great Geoffrey Chatain. For entertainment we only have the post-apocalyptic usual: a chessboard and a small radio. I hope people don't do too much smustle-dancing though, or they'll be monopolizing the shower.

First things first: everyone seemed very hungry, so I got busy and made them some cereal.

People seemed happy to meet others, and quickly made each others' acquaintance and began interacting.

They all chatted happily over the cereal.

I guess this place is not as remote as I'd thought, because some people stopped by to meet us.

This fellow is some kind of explorer with the task of searching out where the area's zombies are hiding out. Hopefully what I'd been told, that our house is safe from zombies, will turn out to be true.

This first evening, I tried my hand at making some macaroni for everyone.

So far everything's going smoothly. Maybe this will work out fairly well, and I'll be able to help these people. I noticed how some of them had already staked out their beds, no doubt aware that we're short a couple. I'll have to be sure to get a bed myself, because I'll need my rest to be at my best if I'm to help others.

Later that night things took a turn for the worse. Someone tried making their own meal and started a fire. Everyone panicked, as of course there are no emergency services these days.

I quickly and efficiently put out the fire, and then made a dash for the shower, as I knew everyone else would want to use it themselves. I'm rather proud of how I handled the crisis.

Some of the residents didn't handle the fire well, and poor Mallory completely fell apart.

I can't say I'm impressed with our guest's reaction to Mallory's breakdown. I would think that people who are living through these stressful times themselves would be more sympathetic to others.

Poor Samuel went outside to beg for some simoleons, perhaps to try to get enough money to move away from this place.

Things began winding down for the evening. Some residents still needed to clean themselves, some were still hungry, but most everyone grabbed a bed and went to sleep.

A couple evenings later, I was astonished to receive a visit from Geoffrey Chatain himself! I told him how honored I was to meet him.

I was a bit tongue-tied and will admit I took refuge in the usual conversational topic of the post-apocalyptic weather.

The great man didn't seem to mind, and informed me of the latest theories of what caused the original apocalyptic event.

After awhile I got him to speak about medicine and his medical contributions to society. I gradually became aware that his work was quite different from mine. He worked mainly in the lab, recreating medical knowledge that had been lost, reinventing medicines, and contributing to the current conditions of improved hygiene and water quality.

My job is in medical psychology and helping those whose mental state is impaired due to the stresses of current conditions. Hopefully I'll be able to make some contributions in this area. I came to realize that, great man as he is, he couldn't help me in my current work, except as an inspiration of course.

As to that, I was a little shocked later in the evening, when I caught him "making eyes" at some of our residents. Huh, is he a dirty old man? Come on, even a relative neophyte as myself knows not to cross the strict line between physician and patient!

We had a pleasant meal with Dr. Chatain, and then he headed back to his own safe house. I never saw the legendary man again.

Things settled into a pattern in our little house. Frequent fires...

Which I always had to extinguish myself. I need to work on helping these people become self-sufficient. I don't think they're ready yet to go out and get jobs (I'm the only one with a job here because we do need to pay the bills), but they need to be able to better handle these incidents.

They also need to develop better "self-care" such as personal hygiene, and even dressing themselves.

Hmm, maybe they also need to develop better personal boundaries. Thomas, please don't stick your arm through Samuel's abdomen.

I decided I needed to up the one-on-one time with each patient. Each needs guidance with their individual difficulties and they all need lots of work. For example, I'm not sure how to delicately suggest to Treesa that she needs to be more careful in her dress, because it would actually be dangerous for her to go out on the post-apocalypse streets in such inappropriate garb, both due to the criminal element wandering about and due to the perpetual nuclear winter.

I'm not sure she even thinks about such abstractions as the "apocalypse" or "predatory criminals". This seems to be true of many who grew up after the apocalypse struck. Surprisingly, they were raised in very sheltered environments because their parents were afraid of any harm coming to the child, many wouldn't even allow their child to go to school and wouldn't let the child leave the house, and as a result many have grown up with no coping mechanisms and little comprehension of what the world is really like. So Treesa here chatters on about the attractive males she meets and whether or not they respond to her charms.

And Mallory, for example, spent her childhood deprived of learning opportunities and with no outlet for her drive to confront life's challenges, and now she has no idea how to cope with daily life.

She has frequent breakdowns, and although she has great native intelligence her intellectual growth is very stunted and she has difficulty with the simplest of tasks.

Most post-apocalypse families have the rudimentaries of at least a bookcase and a chessboard. (I've even heard of weekly "chess parties" as the latest form of entertainment at social gatherings.) But some parents don't even bother with supplying the basics to their children, and they spend their *whole* childhood with zero stimulation. Such is the case with my patients. They have no skills, no creativity, no basic knowledge whatsoever. It's very sad.

Mallory finds the challenge of a chess game overwhelming. I know I will have to work with her a lot.

I've discovered what Thomas' difficulty is: over-sensitivity. The slightest problem or change in the routine throws him and he can't deal with it. He needs more work than I'd anticipated.

It's hard to schedule so much individual time for seven patients when I also have to hold down a job, but it's necessary for their improvement.

We also have group therapy sessions, discussing the skills they'll need to develop to function in the outside world.

It's good to see them helping each other with their social skills.

It's too bad Mallory is doing so poorly, because she could really help the others with hygiene issues and appropriate dress.

Always with the fires. Even though I make many meals, all large enough to feed the whole group, the patients will insist on cooking their own food, and needless to say, they are not well-equipped to handle the stove.

Angie, for one, seems to be improving quite well. Although she can't achieve her childhood wish to be a sports star, she's content to make friends with the others here, and will probably be able to leave our "hospital" soon.

Sandy (standing) is also doing fairly well. She's a bit listless and bored; she tends to spend too much time outdoors playing catch and snowball fighting and has almost become frostbitten on a number of occasions. But otherwise she's coping well. Now Laura (on the left) is not doing as well. She is chronically depressed, and although she hasn't had a breakdown on the scale of Samuel and Mallory, she still needs lots of attention.

Ah, Samuel. He, like Mallory, seems to have a breakdown daily. I don't know why his delusion takes this form -- expecting that someone will come by and offer him simoleons.

Mallory's "Professor Ball" seems to make more sense to me, but perhaps that's because I can understand her longing for intellectual stimulation.

The poor man spends day and night outside in the cold, begging for simoleons. He has me worried, wondering if I have the capability to help such an extreme case.

One night he spent so long outside on the street that he got frostbite.

He was either panhandling, or building an evil snowman.

Or perhaps he was trapped outside, because Sandy has a tendency to take multiple sponge baths (even when the shower is available.)

She forces people out of the room (even waking them up to shoo them out) while she "bathes". I'll have to put a stop to this practice. (Maybe she's in worse condition than I thought?)

Overall, I'm optimistic though. As long as I keep improving my understanding of how to handle these difficult psychological cases, I'm sure I'll be able to help these people.

I believe that each day I'm getting better at my chosen profession.

Apocalypse Tales Chapter Eleven: Blossom's Conquests

2008-01-10T11:41:00.000-08:00

(Note: Blossom moved from college into a safe house, and found the apocalypse a hindrance to her life plans, which got her a bit down. But she rallied and took the first couple of steps toward her goal: she invited old college "friend" Klara over, and after Klara took Chompers' cake, Blossom raised her from the dead to become a zombie "pet" (read: slave.) Then Blossom invited over a fellow she'd met downtown because he was wealthy and powerful. She seduced and married him, and "suggested" he take the cowplant cake so she could drink his powerful essence. After raising him as a zombie, she suggested he move out, because she had no more use for him. A successful start on her life plans, one small setback was she became pregnant. However, she can always have Klara do all the work with the baby!)

Well, I better get moving on the next step of my plan. I'll invite over Klara's handsome old professor as soon as the phones work.

Mmm, though if I'm honest with myself, I still lust after William. I wish I knew his number. Too bad Klara's pretty much brain-dead, or I could ask her.

Klara! Where are you? Oh, at work. Well, she better hurry back, because that stinky baby has been wailing for at least an hour now.

Ah, good. Take care of that brat, would you?

Oh looky. Poor, tired zombie.

Aw, silly thing. Of course you can go to bed. You can do the cleaning before you go to work tomorrow.

Oh my god, what's this?

Aaaggh! Who are you? I raised all my dead! Whose ghost is this? What do you want from me?!

Oooo! Eevilll!!

Waa! What do you want?! I don't understand! Just go away!

Get that cleaned and repaired already, you stupid zombie.

Uh, yeah, you can mop that up too. Don't know how that got there, heh, heh.

Look here! Geoffrey's clever wife has brought cooking back to society, so now we can eat proper meals.

And clever Klara can cook on that grill, although she still wants brains.

Tonight I drank a gypsy potion and invited the professor over. Come here, lover boy!

Mmm, you're quite the yummy old man!

He's actually very proper, dignified and old-fashioned, doing little things like caressing my hand over supper.

I follow his lead and go slowly with my seduction, feeding him a tidbit off my plate.

Meanwhile, Klara gives Bud his birthday twirl.

I'm glad she keeps the brat off my hands, so I can work on the professor.

Good! Make sure he doesn't make any messes.

I really don't care how tired you are. Listen: I'm the one who raised you from the dead after you foolishly ate Chomper's cake. So you literally owe me your life, meaning you work for me your whole life, bringing in money daily, and doing the cleaning, cooking and childcare. I don't think that's too much to ask.

So keep that kid from squalling!

Next day an incredible thing happened! I peeked out the window and saw my dear William walking by! I raced down and greeted him, and he sadly told me he's searching the neighborhood for his lost love Klara, who'd disappeared one day. "Oh, William," I crooned while gently holding his hands in mine. "I'm so sorry to hear about your loss."

I give him a consoling hug while murmuring sad sounds in his ear.

Then I carefully give him a tender kiss, very delicately, putting just the right amount of longing into it but not too much lust. I've already learned something from the professor, and took it slowly. It was perfectly done; I've become quite talented at this!

He made the next move, longingly pulling me close and moving his hands over my body.

I believe he's quite forgotten Klara, hmm? I love it when a man can't help himself and puts his hands all over me!

I pretend I simply can't control myself and kiss him passionately.

And he responds with total lust, kissing and pawing me uncontrollably!

Then I feign sorrow and regret and tell him that I can't continue while his dear wife is lost, and he should be true to her. But please come visit me again, and tell me how the search is going!

Part of what fueled my lust was knowing that the whole time Klara was working inside, cleaning, and caring for Bud. But Klara, please don't be thinking about brains while approaching my child!

Oh, o.k. I guess you're really very fond of him, and won't be eating his brains.

Today's the day! I invite my dear professor Thomas over, and I'll be marrying him! What can he do for me, you ask? Well, I've decided I could use some of his dignity, composure and self-assurance. I'll admit I'm often rather awkward, clumsy and self-conscious. Not usually as smooth as I was with William the other day, and I think that's why I lost William in the first place. Who'd want a clumsy, awkward, goofy wife?

Ah, but the professor here can help me with that. I want to be as calm, dignified and refined as professor Thomas.

He's such a dear and says such cute things, like "I feel so close to you, darling" as if to make up for his lustful feelings!

He likes to follow a certain protocol in our relationship, so at this point he's supposed to give me a gift (before jumping into bed with me!) So kind of him.

I was so right to choose the professor! See, I'm making the change to a "proper lady" due to the professor's sweet gift.

While we're eating hamburgers, that annoying brat is wailing upstairs. Darn it, Klara, if you can't do your job, there's going to be consequences!

Especially since the professor interrupts his meal to give the kid a bath. And look at that filthy bathtub!

Mmm! I love this stage in the relationship, when I know I've got the man under my spell. I've invited the professor to move in with me, and invite him into my bed.

But he's still very slow in moving to the next step, so I secretly down another gypsy love potion. I really want to get this moving.

Oh yes, professor, I love you immeasurably! I can't wait to get even closer to you!

Mmmm, I want to take you completely!

Darling professor, I have such plans for you!

See what I mean? Because we've "done it" he feels obliged to say he's so completely in love with me. That's the proper thing to do after all!

Dammit, Klara! The brat's yowling again!

And the dishes aren't getting done.

Come off it, Bud. I have no desire to "snuggle" you, or "play" with you, or "tickle" you, as you seem to want. You were quite unwanted, and I have other plans, other things to do than take care of a brat. (That's what I should have named him since that's what I've ended up calling him.)

Although good thing is that since Klara's too tired to take care of him and I ignore him, Bud eventually becomes quieter and more content. Now he'll sit quietly in his crib for hours, even if no one comes to him or interacts with him.

Even when he's filthy. So that's an improvement.

Even so, I need to have it out with Klara. I storm upstairs and confront her. "Get this straight. You get no more meals, no food at all, until you get your work done. Get it? You clean, you care for that brat, you cook the food but you don't get to eat it till you've done everything that needs to be done. Then you get to eat, then you get a meal, when I see that it's been done."

I will not put up with this insubordination any longer! I'm sick of my life being interrupted by filth and a filthy brat!

Now get busy!

I mean what I say.

(It's rather amusing to see the once cleanly Klara scrounging for food in the garbage! Hee, hee!)

Ah, professor, I know what's on your mind! I'm pleased to fulfill your desires, as I know you'll fulfill mine.

See, I'm wearing your gift! Don't I look sexy?

Hope I don't wear you out, old man!

All I have to do is have a strong psychic wish, and he does my bidding while I sleep.

Oh yeah, the woohoo was worth it, wasn't it old man?

I'm worth it, aren't I professor?

Thought so.

But don't think I'm callous. I dreamt about my dear professor that night.

Darn wolves keep howling outside all night.

I couldn't wait, so I went out to my dear Chompers the same night.

Yum, so good! This stuff is addictive, but what do I care? There are plenty of fish in the sea, as they say.

And I'm always kind and thoughtful, and bring back my "victims" (if we want to call them that) so it's not as though it was a sacrifice on their part. (Or at least, they may not come back fully human, but geez, at least they're alive, right?)

Now I ask you, why does it take flames and smoke to bring someone back from the dead?

Hey, prof, just keep yourself clean and you'll be as dignified as you ever were. Just a bit of a head wobble and some lurching and groaning, but you still have your dandy suit! (Hee, hee!)

Uh, mistake. Maybe I shouldn't have joked around, because now he's looking at me quite furiously.

He comes up to me and shoves me quite hard. Hey, knock it off! I brought you back to life, right away too, so it's not like you lost anything (except your essence, but you couldn't know that.)

What? You're free to leave and get on with your life. And was it my fault you came out here and took that cake?

(He stares at me in complete silence.)

Oh, I'm sooo sorry, professor! I didn't know that you would take that cake. I should have warned you. And I love you sooo much! I was heartbroken to find out you died, that's why I brought you back! I'm sorry that I'm completely broke and couldn't afford the full price. Please, professor! *Sob!*

He wasn't buying it. He never said a word, but it appeared as though he was looking forward to whatever he was going to do next.

Oh my god! Let me out of here! He's really going to murder me!

First he struck me hard (zombies are quite strong)

Then he attacked me!

Aaggh! Help, help! He's choking me!

I literally had to fight for my life. I did not want to die at the hands of a stinking zombie!

Phew! Good thing I built up my body strength back in college.

No, I didn't love you, you disgusting thing! I totally used you and I'm glad of it!

Now, get out of my life, you horrid zombie! Yeah, now you're a zombie, forever, ha,ha! Live with it!

Oh no, not again? It better not be true!

$#it! I can't believe it!

I go out and consult my fountain. "Oh mystic spirits of the fountain, what's up with pregnancy all the time?"

The fountain tells me: Each time I take the essence of one who loved me, I must pay it back, balance it out, by putting his essence back into the world in the form of his child. I can't just keep it for myself. This isn't the case with any person who happens to take the cowplant cake, but it's true if the person loved me and I could have influenced him, I could have prevented him from taking the cake. Otherwise, I'd be using him, and that would be a karmic violation.

O.k. hmmm. I guess I'll have to think about this very carefully before making my next move.

Klara seems to have taken my orders seriously, and is more attentive to her duties. And little Bud is grateful, I think. Fine with me.

Although, eww, Bud, really? A kiss from a zombie?

That night Klara was on hand for Bud's birthday.

He didn't grow up very happily, but hey. Can't have everything.

(Note: I've never had a toddler grow up badly before, and it's actually very hard to do, as their wants are so easily fulfilled. At the last moment I realized I couldn't have him use the potty, as it might fill his want to be potty trained before he grew up. As it is, I don't think he fulfilled a single want his entire toddler years. Blossom never held him once since the night he was born. I never saw a sadder little toddler. :(

Good girl, Klara. You'll get a meal soon.

Bud had a big tantrum next morning when Klara left for work. Seems he's sooo attached to the stinky zombie!

Um, let's get this straight, Bud. I don't want you ever to eat at the same table with me. As you might be able to see, I'm pregnant again with another totally unwanted child, and the sight of you might make me sick. So get out of here and do something else. You can eat later.

That's better.

I felt pretty down about being pregnant, and about the fountain's answer, so I invited William over.

Oh, William, I've always wanted you! You're the love of my life!

Mmmm, come here you!

Oh, yes! What I've always wanted!

(Too bad I'm pregnant. This baby's already getting in the way.)

Oh, soo wonderful! I feel completely fulfilled!

Um, Bud? You might want to go somewhere else.

William, I gotta know. Am I better at kissing and all that than Klara was?

Oh yes, darling, you're much better than she ever was. I kinda liked her and all, but I much prefer you. You're better in every way! We should get married, Blossom!

(Yes! Yes! I'm so good!)

Yeah, William. Maybe we should. But after this baby's born.

Oh hi, Klara! Yes, that's William sitting in his underwear at our table. Yes, William, that's Klara. But just a little deader than when you saw her last.

Oh yeah, Klara. He's mine now! I can take anything of yours: your essence, your work and your wages, and now your husband.

Uh, oh! Watch out, William!

Geez, zombies are so touchy.

Oh dear, be careful William! Zombies are vicious and attack with terrible strength. And they're murderers!

Oh, I can't look!

Ha! Good going, William! Zombies are such wusses. Take that, Klara! (To think I've so completely ensnared William that he'd beat up his former love.)

Yeah, I guess you should be going, William. See you soon though!

Yeah, you're a loser, Klara.

Can't even keep your lover.

Guess you better just get back to your cleaning. That's what you're good at.

Aw, poor thing.

Well, here's something else you're good at.

You can come take care of this baby while I finish my meal.

You seem to like that kind of thing.

Her name's Twig, and I'll warn you, I don't want to hear a peep out of her.

Glad to see you'll be caring for her, though, because I'll be busy with your husband.

Apocalypse Tales Chapter Ten: Apocalypse Babies

2008-01-09T22:06:00.000-08:00

Let me introduce my family. We're Genevieve and Pierre Bonté.

We moved into a tiny home in Viper Canyon a couple of years ago. Here we are, in love, under our oak tree that died when the apocalypse struck.

Although it's a little bigger than current regulation size for homes, since it's not too big and we bought it before the apocalypse, we weren't fined or forced to move. It has a living room/ kitchen, small bedroom, and small bath.

My husband is quite smart, as well as adventurous. He works very hard for the Ambassador, even working from home sometimes.

And I study cooking and cleaning. My lifetime wish has always been to have a big family. However, we can't because for some reason one of us is infertile. Perhaps caused by radiation from the apocalypse? Or perhaps hereditary: my mother had trouble conceiving, and I'm an only child. Maybe because I was always a bit lonely as a child, I've dreamt of having a big family, maybe even ten children!

Come on, Pierre, let's try again!

Whenever I discuss the idea of adopting, Pierre says we really can't afford it. And that's true. Our place is so tiny we'd have to expand our home before we can even consider it.

I continue the discussion, though, over our nightly game of chess. But Pierre gets very wrapped up in the game when he plays chess, so he gives me monosyllabic answers.

There goes my handsome husband off to work for the Ambassador!

After he left, I went out to pay the bills,

When I saw out of the corner of my eye what I took for one of the usual stray animals you see practically every day; so many were abandoned by their owners when the apocalypse struck.

But this wasn't a stray at all! A little baby had crawled onto our property from who knows where! I'd read about lost children of course, left helpless either by abandonment or the death of their parents. And I'd always wanted to help them somehow, but I never thought I'd find a poor, lost child crawling on the frozen, irradiated ground!

I ran over and picked the child up and discovered it was a sweet, pretty girl who could speak a bit and told me her name is Amy.

I cuddled the poor, dear child.

She seemed happy and playful though, and not a frightened wretch, like I'd imagined such a child would be.

Since she already knew a few words, I took her inside and began to teach her some more.

She's very smart and learned quickly!

Pierre arrived home at 4 p.m. as usual, and I'll admit I was a little nervous about how he'd react to the surprise of a little child in the house. But this poor, abandoned girl needs our help; we can't ignore that!

He sat down to our usual evening chess, and asked where was his welcoming kiss! Silly hubby, he's almost the stereotypical knowledge-oriented man, with his nose in his books or work and not noticing anything around him. Not only did he not notice the baby in the house, he didn't even see the crib and changing table!

So I responded, "Well, why don't you get a kiss from your new baby girl?"

He was amazed, of course, but I was so happy that, after I told him about how she arrived, he sat right down and talked and played with her! (As you can see, each talked about their own favorite subjects.)

They played and chatted the whole evening. I'm so relieved, and happy beyond imagining!

Just what I'd always hoped for: a baby girl and a doting father.

I knew that once he held a child in his arms, all his arguments about when and whether to have a family would evaporate, and he'd just love that child to pieces! (He's such a kind and loving person anyway, what else could possibly happen?)

Poor Amy was so exhausted that night that she went to sleep without an argument.

The next morning I was, if possible, even fonder of our dear little girl than I was yesterday.

We spent the whole day playing and studying.

Then I gave her an afternoon bath. I'm so glad that baths and showers are now available. When the apocalypse first struck, they weren't, and it was so unpleasant to have to take sponge baths all the time!

When I snuggled Amy after our naps, I realized we've become very close. I can't imagine life without this dear girl!

Pierre must have realized that, now that we have a little girl, he had to work hard for a promotion.

He told me, over our nightly game, that he'd done just that' he'd got a promotion. He no longer works for the Ambassador.

When he told me later the details of his newest assignment, I was amazed! He will be exploring underground caves nearby Viper Canyon, because it'd been rumored that's where the zombies hang out. I found this fascinating, if a bit scary. But I trust Pierre to keep himself safe.

I'll never tire of seeing this: my sweet husband embracing our dear daughter.

Tonight it began snowing, which it often does these days (even though Viper Canyon is a desert.)

By morning, the snow was quite deep.

Here goes my handsome husband, cave explorer!

I went out to get the paper, and saw something almost buried in the snow.

It was another little child, and I was horrified to see her not only almost buried and frozen, but eating the snow! This snow is undoubtedly radioactive!

This is very worrisome. How many abandoned, desperate children are wandering this frozen, radioactive area, prey for wolves and zombies?

You poor, precious dear! She seems younger than Amy, and couldn't (or wouldn't) speak and tell me her name. I've decided to name her after my mother: Rebekka (or Bekka for short.)

Hmm. What will Pierre think? One little girl is one thing, but now we have two little toddlers!

I took Bekka inside and immediately took her to the potty. She's little enough that there's a lot that she needs to learn, and first things first!

Sweet Amy woke up, and I sure won't be ignoring her, just because another beautiful girl has entered our family.

Today I had an upper floor added to our little home, with the bonus Pierre had earned from his promotion.

I needn't have worried about Pierre's reaction. He came home and seemed subdued, even sad and worried for some reason. But he picked up little Bekka without comment and snuggled and played with her.

He seemed to enjoy Bekka's company and spent the evening playing with her, and watching them, they seem naturals together.

Little Amy was unfazed by the newcomer, and spent the whole afternoon and evening playing with her rabbit.

Later that evening I walked in just in time to see Amy growing up into a beautiful young girl.

Yay! Way to go, Amy!

I celebrated Amy's birthday by using our new stove. Recently someone solved the cooking and food supply difficulties that had come up since the apocalypse struck. Now we can finally cook good food, so I made some yummy spaghetti for the family.

I told Amy that she's so lucky, because tomorrow she gets to go to school and meet other kids.

And then Pierre sat down and they talked about their favorite topic: aliens.

The next morning Amy cheered because it was a snow day and she didn't have to go to school. Doesn't she want to go to school? Or is it just an innate part of children, that they don't really like school?

She seems to enjoy learning, though, and spent the whole day studying.

Except when her daddy encouraged her to join him in a smustle dance.

I spent the day teaching dear little Bekka to walk.

And our evening chess game has become a time to discuss family matters with my husband, just as I'd always dreamed!

Later I indulged Amy with conversation on her favorite topic, over a game on the upstairs chess set.

Next morning she checks to see if it's snowing again.

It's another snow day, and this time she spends it exercising. Such an energetic, industrious child!

That afternoon little Bekka grew up into a young girl.

(Privately, I'll share with you: not quite as pretty as her sister, but just as sweet!)

The two little girls get along beautifully, Amy congratulating Bekka on growing up. I think she'd been looking forward to having a sister close to her age.

Bekka has to think hard to keep up with Amy in their chess games.

Um, Pierre dear, did that zombie follow you home? Will you please chase it out of our house before it gets to the children?

Certainly, darling!

Next morning I saw something even more horrifying than the previous occasions when I'd found abandoned children. A wolf sniffing a lost child! What if I'd come out a moment later? Would it have torn the child apart in our front yard?!

I raced up to the child, and snatched it away from the wolf, just in time.

This time, Pierre was home when I found the dear boy, and was as horrified as I was to hear of the wolf. He held the baby close and comforted him, and told me we'll call him Charlie.

The whole family was happy at our new child, and relieved that we'd rescued him.

That evening, as we played our chess game near our sleeping boy, Pierre told me I need never worry. If either of us finds any more poor, lost children, we'll take them in and care for them, no matter what. Maybe this is the way we were meant to have a family? Caring for the abandoned, helpless children of the apocalypse.

Apocalypse Tales Chapter Nine: Stella's Worries

2008-01-09T14:11:00.000-08:00

(Note: Stella had moved into a secret society bomb shelter after college, and got a job as a teacher. She didn't quite enjoy that job, though, as her students and colleagues began to betray anti-alien prejudice toward her, blaming aliens for the apocalypse. When Geoffrey had finally lifted the pervading feelings of hopelessness of the populace, Stella immediately invited over her boyfriend from college and proposed marriage. But she may be having second thoughts, because after marriage Randy up and told her they have to move to a large secret bunker and she has to quit her job.)

This bunker Randy has moved us into is huge! Here's the living room...

The kitchen...

The view from the other end of the kitchen...

The way Randy has furnished our bedroom, it looks very bare.

Here's the third floor bedroom...

And here are the various bathrooms, situated in separate outbuildings...

(The other two bathrooms.)

Well, first thing I had to do upon moving in was quit my job. Randy was a little annoyed that I hadn't done that before we moved in, because he was worried that the call might be traced.

I went upstairs to lie down and think a bit. Why didn't Randy tell me before we got married that he wanted us to live in this isolated place? And that I'd have to quit my job? At least that way I could have made a choice. Not that I particularly enjoyed my job, but I would have preferred a choice in the matter. And why won't he tell me about his job, what he's doing? His secrecy, paranoia even, kind of scares me.

After a few minutes, Randy joined me upstairs, and when he hugged me close, I promptly forgot my worries and fears.

But after a short time in bed, the doorbell rang, and Randy said he had to answer that, because it was a colleague.

This guy named Gieke and Randy discussed the pervasive criminal element in today's society.

But when I tried to join in the conversation, Gieke and Randy immediately shut up. Maybe I'm the one starting to get paranoid, but it seemed like they'd wanted a private conversation, and didn't want me to hear them or join them.

They continued their conversation later, over a game of chess. From overhearing them while doing the dishes, it was all about worldwide criminal cabals,

And corrupt politicians controlling all the businesses.

Even though his secrecy, his scary bunker, and his strange friends have me worried, at least I feel assured of Randy's love.

When I finally asked him about all this the next morning at breakfast, Randy simply told me not to worry about anything. His work was secret, but it was all about ending the apocalypse. (Needless to say, I was not really satisfied with that vague answer.)

I'd hoped to wait a while before beginning the family that Randy wants, but I guess that fling on moving day got me pregnant. At least I know Randy and I can have a family together!

Randy was quite pleased!

I asked him again if we really needed to live in this huge isolated place. It's only the third day, but I miss my friends, and Randy doesn't want me to phone them, in case the calls are traced. I asked him, "Aren't the other safe houses safe enough? They're called safe houses because they're safe, right?"

He said, "I've already answered all of these questions." And then he sat there studying, refusing to talk about it any further.

I'm really getting more and more depressed and worried and lonely. I'm beginning to hate this house.

Don't get me wrong, I really love Randy and trust him completely, but I wish he'd just talk honestly with me and answer my questions. I'm his wife and he should be able to trust me, too. Does he think I won't understand what he's doing, or that I won't approve of his work? Or does he just want me to be a quiet, supportive wife who never questions what he does, barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen?

Some days he comes home from work looking worried and upset, but I can't be helpful and supportive, since he won't share his worries with me.

And some days he's thrilled and happy. But again, he never shares with me what he's doing , so I can't join with him in his happiness.

The only bits of information I glean is from overhearing conversations he has with colleagues. This guy mentioned names of people I'd never met, and I gathered these people were investigating some problem but getting nowhere.

I think the problem had something to do with security for people living in caves? No idea, really. (And just like with his other colleagues that visit, Randy did not properly introduce me to him or include me in their conversations.)

The one time I got a break from my lonely, isolated life in the bunker was when Randy accepted an invitation from Geoffrey for us to visit, although I saw that he withheld information about his work and our lives from them as well.

And I was so physically and mentally worn out, I couldn't really enjoy our visit anyway.

But one thing I'm sure of, Randy loves me and even already loves the unborn child. At least I feel secure in that!

One morning after Randy left, and I was repairing the shower, I felt a sudden wave of pain, like nothing I'd experienced before.

I barely made it back to the bedroom before the child began to be born. Why did this have to happen now, when Randy isn't here to help me? This is too much pain for me to bear!

I turned around, and there was Randy! This was completely unexpected, as he'd left for work just a few hours before. But I was so glad he was there, as he helped me immensely with the birthing process.

And then praised me highly for how well I'd handled it! He was so excited and happy, I forgot all the worries I'd ever had, and was just glad to have these wonderful children with him.

Yes, children. As I handed the little baby to Randy,

I felt another one coming! Whew, this is a surprise!

There's Randy with his with his newborn son, Saturn.

And here I am with little daughter, Gaia.

Oh, they're so sweet and precious! I decided to focus all my energy and love on these beautiful children, and not indulge in unfounded fears and worries.

Randy is the perfect father! He loves the babies so much, he doesn't even mind when they get a bit messy.

Mmmm! I've given up my negative thoughts, and have decided just to trust Randy, and love him unconditionally!

Even though I didn't voice this decision, he seemed to know it and be pleased at the change.

However... the change lasted only about two days, until I felt the unmistakable signs that I was pregnant yet again! So soon?! I'm not sure I can take this.

Good thing Randy is such a good father, and takes care of the children every moment that he's home.

He focuses so much attention on little Gaia,

And little Saturn, that he quite ignores his wife.

Not that I don't understand that, because the children take a lot of time and energy, but I've gotten lonely again, and even more than before, because now I don't even have Randy's attention or conversation, and I never get to meet with old friends anymore. There he goes, off to "work" again.

I almost feel as though... But never mind. I'd decided that I'm not going to be negative or indulge in those fears.

I'm so weak and tired, hungry and lonely and depressed, that I sleep all day. Unfortunately, the children seem to get their proper care and attention only when Randy's here.

He's so sweet, he not only takes care of the children, but also the housework. Didn't I tell you I shouldn't have any negative ideas about him? He's wonderful!

But I've been having these strange nightmares lately, as though because I'd made this conscious decision not to be negative, the fears and worries have become buried in my subconscious and now come out in my dreams. I have these vague, dark nightmares about some secret lair where Randy works, as a kind of mad scientist or criminal mastermind, in the center of a web of his "colleagues" working their sinister plots on helpless people.

During the day, I bury these fears, refuse to even acknowledge them, and lose myself in frivolous fun to get my mood up and keep being "positive."

That's hard to do, because Randy and I can't keep up with both the babies and the housework, and I can't even keep up with my hygiene. I get so tired and hungry, I can barely get a bite to eat before I have to crawl back into bed. And I've gotten so huge, I'm afraid it may be twins again. Maybe that's the result of alien/human breeding -- not only is it possible, it's prolific!

One morning, after another of my nightmares, I decided I really need to try again to gain Randy's confidence that he can trust me and tell me anything. So I asked him again about his work. He was short with me, and only told me that he works nearby, that his work is not dangerous and it's important, and above all I shouldn't worry about it. "I've provided for us, haven't I?" he almost snapped at me. "I've provided us a large, safe house with everything you need. I can't imagine what else you want from me." He looked sternly at me, as if I were a child that had disappointed him.

"Randy, I've never wanted a big house or wealth or lots of things. Yes, I'm glad we're safe, but we were safe in the secret society safe house. I just don't like secrets or mistrust between us, and I'd like you to trust me and include me in your life!"

He answered me only with silence, and all our meals were silent after that, as if neither of us dared bring up that subject, or any subject, dreading that it would lead to a real fight between us, maybe even a falling out and loss of our love.

One night he suddenly burst out, "Do you want me to quit my job? Is that it?" He was quite angry.

I was very angry myself, as I'd never said that, and I didn't answer. Better to have that unpleasant silence than a bitter, hateful fight.

I am so tired of everything: this house, this pregnancy, the endless snow, the endless plates of jello, my loneliness and despair, the crying babies, and (I might as well admit it) especially Randy.

That night Randy was gone, and the little babies had their birthdays. First precious Gaia,

Who I cuddled close, repenting of feeling so tired of dealing with the children. All of this isn't their fault, and they don't deserve to have depressed, angry, quarreling parents.

What will I do, though, if I can't get over this depression? I've tried simply ignoring it, and I don't think that works.

And dear Saturn had his birthday as well.

Since I've no other ideas on how to deal with my problems, I guess I'll ignore them yet again! I'll put on a cheerful face and just play with my dear children and be a "happy mom".

Right, little Saturn? That's what children need, happy, cheerful, fun parents.

Next morning I was so exhausted from the effort of being cheerful, on top of my hunger and chronic fatigue, that I passed out in Saturn's room. He didn't know what to think of that.

Good thing Geoffrey's dear wife, Katerina, came up with new cooking methods for people, as I think I would have starved to death toward the end of this pregnancy without omelets and hamburgers.

When I explained to Randy how exhausted I was, he said tersely, "What? Are you sick? Should we take you to the doctor? What do you need?" I didn't know how to answer that, as I know we can't really bundle the children in the car and venture out into the snowy night, so we went back to our silence.

Randy seemed to become quite angry again, and stalked off. "Randy, please!" I called out, overwhelmed with how bad things seem to be getting, but he didn't answer.

This is too much! Maybe the only thing I can do is take the children and go back to my old bomb shelter? I can't believe I'm even thinking that, but what else can I do?

That evening, during another silent meal, I felt those pains again. Randy was startled out of his silence, and suddenly became the kind, concerned, supportive husband he was before, helping me through the whole process.

He smiled lovingly at me as I handed him his little son, Tersil.

And gave birth to the twin daughter, Vespa. Yes, twins again.

He'd been so loving and kind yet again, the perfect husband and father, that I couldn't believe I was feeling thoughts of love and attraction to him again, wanting to be close and loving with him, even if it means more babies. I feel as though I'm falling into a deep pool, wondering if I'll be able to swim or I'll drown, if I'll ever be able to climb out.

Apocalypse Tales Chapter Eight: Katerina's Success

2008-01-09T07:46:00.001-08:00

(Note: Last time at the Chatain safe house, Geoffrey swore to his love, Katerina, to work to lift her sense of despair in this apocalypse, which he did by reaching the top of his medical career, thereby bringing clean water and medicine to society. He then proposed to Kat, who accepted even though she never thought she'd get married. They promptly had a baby girl, Kitty, as soon as Kat, a chef, had some days off.)

I never would have thought it, but I love my little girl so much that I don't mind changing diapers!

Sweet little Kitty, I see great things in your future!

I quit my job (I trust the others on my team to solve more of the medical problems we face) because I'll be taking care of the baby while Kat continues in her culinary career. (And I guess I need to take care of the house cleaning as well. *Sigh*)

And here she is! Successful as usual. She's now owner of her own restaurant, and it seems she only needs to finish up her book before reaching the top of her career.

We celebrated by snuggling close in our hot tub.

That same night was Kitty's birthday, and Kat dexterously helped her make the change.

Such a little cutie!

There are my two dark-haired beauties.

Kat makes use of the other item I brought back from college (along with the thinking cap) which are no longer to be found anywhere: she gives Kitty some smart milk.

Then she teaches Kitty to talk.

Most important, Kitty learns how lucky she is that this lovely lady is her mother!

And Kat has her priorities: she teaches Kitty to use the toilet.

I congratulate Kat on her promotion, and we plan when to have our next child.

Next day I finish the potty training.

The one thing that makes me sad and worried is how uncomfortable Kat gets when she's pregnant.

When we have our next child, I'll have to be careful not to play favorites, because I can't help thinking that Kitty is the most precious child ever born!

And I think she knows she has the most wonderful mother ever!

(Needless to say, I do too.)

Here's one reason I'm glad our team solved the sanitation/water problem. I can't imagine trying to keep our little girl clean using just a sink!

Come to Daddy, Kitty! I know you can do it!

Yay! Such a smart girl.

Now that she's learned just about everything she needs to, Kitty just plays, plays, plays all day.

In the meantime...

This time, of course, I'm here while Kat gives birth, but I'm afraid I wasn't much help.

Aaaah! Breathe, breathe!

Oh! The baby's born already.

Yay Kat! Oh look, it's a boy. Let's name him Randy, after my good friend in college.

No way. We're naming him after the great Geoffrey Chatain. Geoff, for short.

So, here's my darling son, Geoff. He also has Kat's looks.

Who's my little boy? Who's a good little baby? Gootchie, gootchie, goo!

*Pphhhbbbtt!*

Unfortunately, with the new little guy in the family, for the next couple of days Kitty was a bit ignored.

But she took advantage of the time to maximize her skill with rabbits.

She makes a pit stop, while reflecting on her talent. Then, deciding there's nothing left to do as a toddler...

She promptly grows up into a cute young girl.

Now she can maximize some more skills!

She loves to spend her spare time learning to swim, which is good because it builds up her body strength, and that'll be needed during these apocalyptic times.

The night after her first day of school, Kitty asks for my help with her homework. Although she's very playful, she's also hardworking, just like her mom.

Next day she gets an A+!

Every day we play chess when she gets home, and she tells me about her day at school.

And then runs down to hug her mom as soon as she gets home.

What did I tell you, she's such a playful girl! Always makes time for fun.

Hey, careful with the mattress, though!

One night, over a supper of jello, Kat tells Kitty about the importance of marrying well, if she's going to get married.

"Married!" Kitty was quite shocked. "I'm never getting married!"

That night we had another visit from a burglar, this time a guy instead of our pretty friend. He took our hot tub to Kat's consternation.

Kat does another of her dexterous tosses,

And here's our little boy, in the only little kids' outfit we could find at the market. Sorry, Geoff!

I tell Kitty, one day over breakfast, all about the problems everyone faces due to the apocalypse. I figured it was about time she learned about it. She'll have to endure living under these conditions, probably her whole life, and she'll have to get a good job and help solve some of society's problems, I tell her.

"No way!" she informs me. "I'm going to be a criminal when I grow up! I'm going to be a thief because they don't have to work to get things, they just take other people's money and their stuff."

I don't want to quench Kitty's playfulness, but I impress upon her the importance of making a contribution to society, maybe solving the problem of rampant deadly diseases or something. I know there are people who take advantage of this horrible situation to get money or power, but I don't want her to lead a life like that! I'm not at all sure I got through to her.

Seems Kat's conversations with her only involve techniques on how to catch guys. In the past, Kat tells her, a lady could use such things as make-up and pretty outfits. But those things are no longer available these days, so now she has to rely solely on her charming personality.

Well, I decide to put more focus on Geoff for a while. I'll admit, I have a few qualms about how good a father I can be, since I grew up an orphan and don't remember my own parents. The good thing is, I spend all day at home with my kids, so we can become pretty close. Maybe that'll make up for my lack of parental skills.

I teach little Geoff how to walk. He's another quick learner, like Kitty.

And also really playful, just like Kitty. Or like Kat, really. Chip off the old block!

Now look at this. Lately our house has been visited, almost every day or night, by wolves. I don't know quite what to make of it. They come right into the house, but never cause any problems. Maybe they're here as protectors, rather than marauding dogs? No idea.

Here's one checking out the kids' room,

And howling at the radio!

Next night a rather scary one stopped by. Fortunately, Geoff wasn't in his crib at the time. But like I say, I don't think they'd attack the kids; they seem very protective.

Kitty is so fond of her mother! Every night, no matter how late she gets home, Kitty runs out to greet her.

Over her next long weekend, Kat spends her time finishing her book, which also helps improve her creative talent.

Are you sure you're concentrating, Kat?

She succeeded! (And also burned out the thinking cap in the process. No more of those around!)

And I spent the time teaching Geoff to talk.

Who's your daddy? That's right!

While going downstairs to get some jello, I suddenly felt old and creaky. Can I even make it down these stairs?

I didn't feel bad, though, because Kat assured me that she loves me more than ever before.

Don't tell me an old guy like me still has a cute tush...

Kat is as playful as ever!

Good thing we can't see each other's dreams!

Kitty woke up in the middle of the night to see if it was snowing, which it was.

She gets excited every time it snows, and I hope she never gets over that, considering that it will probably snow just about every day for the rest of her life.

She just dances with joy every time it snows!

That Tuesday I invited over Stella and Randy. Kitty was quite pleased to make friends with our sweet alien friend!

Poor Stella seems quite uncomfortable and exhausted by her condition. I wonder if pregnancy hits aliens worse than humans?

Randy and I continued the same discussions from college days. He's the same as ever, except if possible even more serious. Stern even; never seems to crack a smile.

Meanwhile, on the downstairs chess set, the ladies made friends over the usual apocalypse topic of conversation: the weather.

I think that later, over leftover jello, Kitty decided she was unimpressed with dad's old friend, Randy.

Geoff kept himself occupied the whole day with the rabbit toy. And just before he maximized his rabbit skill,

He grew up into a young man.

Kitty wasn't impressed. She decided the new bed was merely another toy for herself.

Next day, Geoff informed Kitty that he's going to be best friends with everyone in school.

And Kitty retorted that she was able to maximize the rabbit skill and he didn't! She's always been a little jealous of Geoff.

But they made friends over that chess game anyway.

Kitty applauded herself for winning the game,

And decided this was the time to grow up!

She became less jealous and more indulgent toward her younger brother,

Cheering him on while he showed off by doing a cartwheel dangerously close to the open stairwell.

Here is our beautiful young lady!

I gave Geoff a hint: it's a good idea to keep a cheerful, positive outlook on life, and not let the daily stresses of our living conditions get to you. That way you'll grow up happier and live a longer life.

Talk about daily stresses. Run Geoff! A zombie's coming!

Kitty is a typical teenager: gets lots of phone calls and hangs on the phone chatting for a long time. Who's she talking with now?

I try not to eavesdrop on her conversations, but I can't help wondering if she still holds on to her childhood desire to become a criminal when she grows up!

Geoff leaves for his first day of school.

And I'm happy to help him with his homework that night.

Aw! Any time, son!

Geez, Kitty! Would you get off the phone already? Who are you inviting over now?

Oh my god! Not the thief who stole our hot tub!

What?! He's smitten by our daughter??!! Kat! I know you can't miss any days of work, but why aren't you ever here when there's a crisis with the kids?

Aaaggh! He's hugging her, Kat! Oh, why didn't I do better by our daughter? I should have been a better influence, introduced her to more appropriate men or something.

At least he apologized for stealing the hot tub, but that's not going to get him into my good graces.

Kitty buys it, though, and forgives him with quite a dramatic flourish.

He's too pleased, and I don't like the look he's giving our daughter. Kat, hurry home, would you!

Kitty's showing too much interest in his job. I think she thinks it's glamorous.

He tells her it's just a job. All in a night's work.

Aagghh! Kat! They're in the hot tub now! I can't believe our teenage daughter would get into a hot tub with a grown man! It's not appropriate.

At least they have the sense to get out when they get too hot. And I can't believe the lines he's giving her: "I've seen beautiful ladies, but you take the prize!" (Although I'll admit I've used that one in the past.)

Really, Kitty, I don't see what the attraction is.

Too sneaky. Kitty says good-bye right before you get home, Kat.

Finally! Kat, hurry up here, would you? We really need to discuss this!

Kat? Kat? What's the delay, Kat?

Oh!! You got to the top of your career! Hey Kat! Hurry up here, we need to celebrate!

Mmm! Remember how you said you'd be willing to have three kids? Maybe we should get started, eh? Since as celebrity chef, you have a four-day weekend coming up. Hmmm?

Apocalypse Tales Chapter Seven: The Abilard Girls

2008-01-02T17:03:00.000-08:00

Here's my family. I'm Annalea, that's my little sister, Teena, and our Mama.

Our father died when the apocalypse struck, and our home was destroyed. We wandered the streets, scrounging for food, and hiding from zombies at night.

Finally we found an empty house, safe and even raised above the radiated ground.

It was even fairly large, big enough for the three of us.

With a small room for the bathroom.

As you can see, we had only enough money for one bed, a crib and changing table, fridge and chess set. But we could get a shower, because a great man, Geoffrey Chatain, had discovered a way to bring clean, non-radiated water into people's homes.

It was pretty lonely, especially for kids my own age, because these days there isn't any schools for older kids. So I ran out when I saw a girl my own age delivering papers, and chatted with her.

These days people always talk about the weather. Can't have a conversation without it turning to apocalyptic weather.

And speculation about what caused the apocalypse.

Mama made us some jello, and got a bottle for Teena.

Then Teena played with her only toy, and I studied up on mechanics, because these days you have to repair your own stuff. There's no repair people around.

Then Mama swept the place and took out the trash.

I guess while she was out there she succumbed to radiation poisoning,

Or maybe to irradiated insects or something.

Anyway, she died, and I don't like to talk about it. Or even to think about it. Just like I tried never to think about my father's death either, because Mama said we just had to keep going on, and deal with all the problems that come up, especially for Teena's sake.

We didn't even know Mama had died, until I went out to greet some people who had stopped by our new house.

Then I saw what happened, and I wept.

What are Teena and I going to do? How can we live without the care and protection of either of our parents? We have to "keep going on" like Mama said, but I'd always relied on Mama knowing how to keep going on, what to do next. I have no idea how to take care of us.

I just ignored the people who had stopped by, but then I saw an intelligent-looking alien lady walking by, and stopped her and talked with her.

I invited her in for a quiet game of chess, while Teena slept. She told me to be sure to keep learning, and I should be able to figure out how to take care of us. I'm a bit skeptical. How can book-learning help us out at a time like this?

There's sweet little Teena, calmly, innocently sleeping as if nothing bad could happen.

When she woke up, she kept crying inconsolably for Mama.

I hated to have to tell her that Mama was not coming. She was gone from our lives forever.

She kept mentioning Mama, but I think she understood that she was gone.

I just held her and snuggled her for a long time.

I read her a book while the alien lady, Stella, looked on.

After Stella left, while Teena played with her toy, I studied chess and worried and worried. I know I won't be able to take proper care of her.

But next morning, I tried to hide my fears and played with Teena all day to keep her happy.

We snuggled and played, read books and ate jello all day.

I vowed that I will do everything I can to make her life successful, even though our parents are gone, and even if there is an apocalypse.

At one point I looked out the window and saw a zombie stealing our paper. Those creatures send a chill right to my very core. Hey, I don't need the paper, but just don't kick Mama's gravestone.

I taught Teena how to talk. Learning the names of edible foods is important.

I started to feel a bit better. Maybe I'll be able to handle this.

But after her nap, Teena was sad and crying again.

Nothing I could do would cheer her up, and the stress really began to get to me. We'd run out of the jello Mama had made, and I'm not sure I know how to make any more. Teena cried herself to sleep.

Oh god, what am I going to do? I can't get a job because I'm not in school, we don't have any edible food left and we don't have money to get any. If I go out for food, I might get radiated or killed by insects or zombies, and then Teena would be all alone.

I tried that old dance we used to do back before all this, the smustle. But it didn't make me feel any better.

I ventured out to pay the bills, because I don't want anyone to come by and inspect us and find out we're two kids living without any parents. They might take Teena away, and I couldn't bear that.

Next morning, Teena seemed happier. Maybe she's beginning to get over the worst part of her grief.

I decided this day I'd distract her all day, so the grief wouldn't overwhelm her again. I gave her a bath,

And then taught her how to use the toilet.

I told her how proud I was of her, and decided I would treat her as mature child and always speak really honestly to her.

I taught her how to walk, and she's so smart, she was able to learn it very quickly.

Yea!! Good job, Teena!

That night Teena grew up into a young girl, and she seems fairly happy and very intelligent.

I figured out how to make jello, and we had enough to eat.

We played some chess, and Teena told me about toys she'd love to have. But of course she was kidding, because we don't have money for that.

She thanked me for teaching her things, but I didn't mind teaching her because I didn't have anything else to do.

I told her how proud I was of her for learning so quickly.

We then talked about aliens, and how some people think that they caused the apocalypse, but since meeting the alien lady Stella, I'm not sure I believe that.

That night it snowed, and next day was a snow day, so Teena didn't have to go to school.

She spent the day building her body exercising,

Taking a bath and then exercising some more.

I saw a guy my age walking by, and stopped to talk with him. It's been so long since I talked with any guys, and I used to date a lot of them.

This guy's cute, too!

I invited him in, and we played chess. (What else is there to do?) He joked that with all this snow, we could go skiing.

Teena kept herself occupied by dancing and exercising.

Amar told me, "Did you know that the great guy people are talking about, Geoffrey Chatain, used to run down zombies with his truck when he'd go out on a date with his girlfriend, Katerina? Yeah! He'd mow down ten at a time or more!"

I think he's attracted to me, too.

Teena is really sweet and does all the cleaning around the house.

That night, I thought I heard Mama's ghost,

And her gravestone rattling.

But we slept soundly.

Next day, while I repaired the shower,

Teena left for her first day of school.

I studied all day,

And took Teena's example and built up my body.

Then, while Teena was still gone at school, I went on a hunt for something to heat our place. Since it's been snowing so much, and our house is so cold, I knew I had to find some way to keep Teena and me warm. It's a risk to go out like this, but I've got to "keep on", solving each problem as it comes up.

I made it back with this metal drum that we could light a fire in, and even these blocks that we can use to keep it off the floor.

Teena came home really happy after her first day at school,

And was thrilled with our new fireplace. It works like a charm!

We've become really close, always studying and playing chess together.

We really miss our parents, and I'm finally willing to talk about them, but only with Teena.

I called up Amar, to keep up our connection.

I fixed the toilet,

And we went to sleep.

Next morning, after cheering for the snowfall, even though it wasn't a snow day,

Teena then asked me to help her with her homework.

I don't really know much about schoolwork, I'd never done too well at school, but I gladly helped her out anyway.

Teena was really happy to learn, though, and wants to get to the top of her class.

She gave me a hug and ran off to school.

That afternoon she brought home a friend, Buck Grunt.

And Amar stopped by. We talked out on the walk,

And played around.

I finally got to kiss him! It was great, but I couldn't risk inviting him in. I've got responsibilities!

I kissed him once more and said good-bye.

I met another guy walking by, and chatted with him a bit. I enjoy meeting new guys!

I couldn't help bragging about how well Teena's doing at school.

I invited him in for a game of chess. Wow, he's a fancy dresser!

I got a message that weekend that I owed money to the mob, or else they'd take our stuff. I paid them, but found I only had enough money left for a smaller shower,

And a smaller bookshelf, made with the same bricks that I'd found for under the drum fireplace. We also lost our comfy chair, but at least we still have our fridge and beds!

I scrounged up a cheaper chair, and spent Monday studying mechanics.

And that afternoon, Teena came home totally thrilled -- she'd earned an A+!

Yea! Way to go, Teena! I'm so proud of her. I never got A+s, and I was in school before the apocalypse.

I'm really happy now. I feel that if she can study well enough to get an A+, and we have enough to eat even if it's jello, and we're clothed and warm, we're going to succeed. We'll be ok!