lynzishell

[lynzishell]

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Robin: So, you wanna go to prom? Alex: As in together, or in general? Robin: Erh, either..? Alex: Do you wanna go? Robin: I dunno. Alex: I love that we’re so decisive. Robin: I just thought it’d be kinda shit, but at the same time I don’t wanna regret not going. Alex: Yeah, same. Robin: So..? Alex: Wanna go together? Robin: Do you? Alex: Robin! Robin: [laughs] Why do I have to make the decision? Alex: ‘Cause I’m making you. Clementine: What is prom? Alex: I guess it’s like a school dance. Clementine: Oh, then you should certainly attend together-.. how precious! Alex: Well, if you insist… [Robin and Alex exchanged a glance, trying not to laugh. He hadn’t really thought about the fact that he wouldn’t much privacy when he’d agreed to move into the attic, but at least Clementine usually kept to herself near her favourite window] [Still, Robin made a mental note to figure out how he could encourage her to roam a little bit further, or at least put up a curtain in the meantime…]

[lynzishell]

This Must Be the Place Prologue: 4

It wasn’t too far into our relationship that I started thinking about the future. I was still young, sure, but I knew I’d found the one and I didn’t want to waste any time moving things forward.

Paul was likewise serious about me, but falling in love with his roommate and building a life with him wasn’t something he’d planned for. As easygoing as Paul could be, he’d spent a lot of time thinking about his ideal life and what order things would go in.

First, he’d focus on school and starting his career. He didn’t want to wait until after school to start a relationship, but he did want to be more settled before taking a big step like marriage. Then, he’d want to be married for a couple of years before starting a family. Very traditional and responsible, and not at all what I had in mind.

I was ready for marriage a year in. Paul still had a few more years of school left at that point, and he tried to impress on me the benefits of waiting. I wasn’t buying it. We were in love, what else did we need? Naive, for sure, but what can I say? I’m a dreamer.

Still, I knew I had to be patient. Paul did make some good points, and I had to admit that I had the habit of acting without considering the consequences.

As for Paul, he agreed to consider getting married before he finished school, but he didn’t want to rush things. I would have gladly eloped, but I knew Paul wanted to take time to plan the perfect wedding. 

One thing we agreed on was that we'd like to take some time to enjoy married life before having kids. That didn’t stop me from dragging him to the baby section when shopping “just to look” or giving him The Look whenever we were around his niblings.

How could I not? He was so good with kids; he was very patient and knew how to explain things to them in a way that they could understand. He was even leaning towards working in Pediatrics. Still, we both knew kids would have to wait. 

Previous | Beginning of Story | Next

[lynzishell]

San Sequoia LGBT Center

The San Sequoia LGBT Center is a place for the LGBTQ+ community to come together. Featuring an art room, library, game room, and a spacious patio, it has something for everyone to enjoy. It also includes a medical clinic and a group therapy room for members in need of extra support. No CC!

Details

Lot size: 30X20 (built on Anchorpoint Abode) Packs required (will look significantly different without): Eco Lifestyle, Get to Work, Dream Home Decorator, Businesses and Hobbies Additional packs used (couple of items used): Get Together, Dine Out, Industrial Loft, Backyard Stuff, Perfect Patio

Download SFS | Patreon | Google Drive

[lynzishell]

Soooo hi this is awkward and I don't like doing this but our car is about to shit the bricks.

I've been having panic attacks about this for the past few days. We are a family of 3 with only one car. We are heavily babying it right now wich means my husband is unable to work and thats leaving me as the sole breadwinner for now.

I'm a stablehand and I only make about $900 a month and rent is $850, idk how Im going to do this.

I've already started looking for a 2nd job that I can ride a bike to but living in a rural area it's not looking great

I'm very very thankful for any reblogs.

Here's a list of everything thats in dire need of repair....it's bad

This is my Ko-fi but feel free to dm me for other options

Ko-fi/OccultRadio

I love all of you

thank you for reading💜

[lynzishell]

Music: 🎶🎹🎶

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Transcript below the cut:

Brindleton Bay - Winter

Atlas: Hey pop.

Alexander: I didn’t realize anyone was home. Atlas: Sorry. You don’t have to stop. Alexander: In that case, any requests? Atlas: Surprise me. Alexander: Are you singing or listening? Atlas: Just listening today.

Atlas: I’m going to miss this. Alexander: Shall I keep playing? Atlas: Actually, can we talk?

Alexander: Of course. What’s on your mind? Atlas: I want to tell you how grateful I am for everything you’ve done for us. Alexander: I’m just happy to be in a position to be able to help my kids when they need it. Although, I have no doubt you two would’ve found a way even if I wasn’t. Atlas: Maybe. But I’m not just talking about this last year. Since the day I met you, you’ve been a better father to me than my own ever was, and I don’t think I’ve ever told you how much that’s meant to me.

Alexander: I’m happy I could be here for you. And I probably don’t say it enough, but I love you, Atlas. I love you like you’re my own. And I’m very proud of what you and Asher have accomplished, your determination and drive, your ability to collaborate both in your work and in your relationship. It’s been a pleasure to witness, and it’s been a pleasure having you here. This house won’t feel the same with you gone, so I hope you’ll come back to visit us as often as you can. This will always be your home, and I don’t want this situation with Ezra to keep you away.

Atlas: No. I don’t want that either. I’m going to talk to him, I just… [sighs] I don’t know what I’m supposed to say to him. Alexander: Well, what do you think went wrong the first time? Atlas: [scoffs] He proved himself to be the same arrogant prick he’s always been. Alexander: Mhm. Can you be more specific?

Atlas: He’s always had this grandiose attitude, thinking of himself as some kind of savior or something, especially when it came to our friend Henry. But all he ever did was tear him down. And yes, he helped him out in the end, got him out of that place, but it’s like he wants recognition and praise for that without taking any responsibility for the ways that he hurt him, and it just makes it clear to me that despite what anyone else thinks, he hasn’t really changed that much.

Alexander: I see. Tell me, Atlas, is the reason you all decided he shouldn’t be allowed in our home while you’re here because you’re upset about how he treated Henry? Atlas: Well, no, of course not.

Alexander: In that case, perhaps it would be better this time to focus on yourselves. What happened between Ezra and Henry is between them. If you’re going to move forward, then you need to work out whatever is between the two of you. Atlas: Right. Sounds obvious hearing you say it. Alexander: [shrugs] It’s much easier said than done, I’m sure.

Atlas: Thank you. Alexander: Anytime. Atlas: … Alexander: Is there something else? Atlas: No. No, I just get the feeling that you don’t think we should’ve asked him not to come here.

Alexander: Well, you know, Megan and I decided a long time ago that we wouldn’t meddle in our kids’ lives, we’d trust them to work things out for themselves, and we wouldn’t get involved unless we were invited to do so. And if this is the solution that you all decided was best, then it’s not my place to say you’re wrong.

Atlas: But it’s not what you would’ve done? Alexander: Probably not. Atlas: Fair enough. I’ll talk to him. Alexander: Good.

[lynzishell]

Time to come up with new fun(?) facts! This time, pick one or some of your newest OCs, and share something about them. Something that you came up with for this ask. It can be something simple like their favourite colour, or their deepest regret, or anything in between. Have fun(?)!

Ooooh thank you so much for this ask!! ✨💖✨

This couldn't have come at a better time because I recently introduced a new character to my story and sadly, we didn't get to learn much about her (yet?)...

So, let's take a moment to get to know Rita...

She was born and raised in Chestnut Ridge, and has spent her whole life around horses.

She spent many years in competitive barrel racing, starting in her early teens and continuing into her early thirties, stopping when her and her husband decided to start a family and she became pregnant with their first child.

She then went to work for her father, who ran a program for equine-assisted therapy. (He has since retired, and she runs this program today)

This is how she first met Joseph. Early on in his sobriety, he went through this program at the recommendation of his sponsor. He had a crush on her even back then, but she was married, so he kept his distance and focused on the therapy.

A few years later, their paths crossed again when Danny became best friends with Rita's son, Cedar. Over time, her and Joe became good friends too.

Today, Rita is a recently divorced mother of two. And while her and Joe are equally enamored with each other, her life has been turned upside down and she's still finding her footing while doing her best to help her kids adjust as well.. so they are taking things very slow.. but I think they both see a future together ❤️

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Transcript below the cut:

San Myshuno - Harvestfest

Atlas: Sounds like things went well in Chestnut Ridge. Dawn had a lot of fun. Phoenix: Yeah, I think we’re going to make it an annual trip. Atlas: Wow. So, things with you and your dad…? Phoenix: [nods] We’re good. Atlas: Hm.

Phoenix: What? Atlas: I’m just surprised. After everything, you’ve really forgiven him? Phoenix: Yeah, I have. Atlas: Why? What changed your mind? Phoenix: [chuckles] It was Asher, actually. Atlas: How so?

Phoenix: He called me out for being stubborn. At first, I was pissed, but that’s probably because he was right. Back then, it felt like forgiving him would be letting him off the hook. And if I’m honest, it was the same with Dawn. Staying angry and keeping my father at a distance became my way of punishing both of them. After all, if I forgave him and we all ended up one big happy family, I’d be giving her exactly what she wanted. Then, what would she have learned by going behind my back the way she did? I couldn’t just suddenly act like it was all okay.

Atlas: I get that. It’s not okay. Phoenix: It’s not. Atlas: So, what changed then?

Phoenix: I realized that it’s not my job to teach them a lesson. Who am I to dole out punishment? To decide what’s enough or when? That’s not my role in their lives, and I don’t want it to be. When I let all that go, when it was no longer clouding everything else, I realized that deep down, I miss my dad, and I don’t want to lose any more time with him.

Atlas: I guess maybe it’s worth it when there’s an actual relationship to salvage. I’d never let my parents back into my life.

Phoenix: And I wouldn’t blame you. But it doesn’t have to mean that. I think forgiving my dad just allowed me to admit that that’s what I wanted. Forgiving someone isn’t for them. It’s for you. So, if carrying the weight of anger and resentment is really affecting you, or if it’s spilling over and affecting those around you, then it’s still worth letting go of it, even if the other person doesn’t deserve it, even if you still choose not to trust them or have a relationship with them.

Atlas: You make it sound easy. Like you just make a decision and flip a switch. Phoenix: No, it’s definitely not, believe me. It is a conscious choice, but it’s not an easy one to make. And let me tell you, as hard as it was with my dad, nothing was harder than trying to forgive myself. Atlas: What did you have to forgive yourself for? You didn’t do anything wrong. Phoenix: Not with my dad, no, I just meant…

Atlas: What? Phoenix: Malcolm. Atlas: What about him? That was an accident. Phoenix: Not entirely.

Atlas: What are you talking about? Phoenix: Things didn’t happen exactly the way I told you. He didn’t slip and fall. Atlas: You…? Phoenix: [nods] I didn’t mean to. We were fighting, and I didn’t realize… but yes, it was my fault.

Atlas: Does Dawn know? Phoenix: She’s known from the beginning. I asked her not to tell anyone. Not even you. Atlas: So, why are you telling me now? Phoenix: Does it change your opinion of me?

Atlas: … [shakes his head] No. I mean, it���s horrible, but you were just a kid. I’m sure you didn’t realize what you were doing before it was too late. You wouldn’t hurt anyone. Not on purpose. I know you. Phoenix: I guess that’s why I’m telling you now.

Li: Hey guys! Happy Harvestfest!

Atlas: Li, oh my god, look at you! Li: I know, I’m enormous. Atlas: You’re stunning. How are you feeling? Li: Like one your angels is tap dancing on my bladder. Mind if we head up?

Phoenix: Yeah, let’s go, the turkey should be ready any minute. And it looks like Pepper needs a bath. Atlas: You worry about dinner; I can take care of the pup. Phoenix: You don’t have to do that. Atlas: I don’t mind.

[lynzishell]

Future Story Snippet

Last time, I shared dialogue with no screenshot So, this time, it seemed fitting to share a screenshot with no dialogue

TYSM for the tag @feroshgirlsims ✨💖✨ your snippet was amazing and i cannot wait for Monster Date Night!!!

It's been a long day and my brain is mush, so I'm not going to tag anyone in particular.. but anyone who wants to do this and hasn't yet (or who has and wants to do it again) then please do and say I tagged you cos I love all the spoilers and sneak peeks!! 👀

[lynzishell]

"Atlas, what the fuck is that?"

[lynzishell]

A little spice for your Sunday -> boop

[lynzishell]

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Transcript below the cut:

San Sequoia – One Month Later

Asher: There’s still a lot to do, but it’s coming together, slowly but surely. How’ve you been feeling? [Iris: Not bad. Considering how sick I was with Spencer, this pregnancy is a walk in the park.] Asher: Thank goodness for that.

[Iris: Are you coming back before the holidays?] Asher: Yeah, we’ll be back there in a few days, but remember, we’re spending Harvestfest at Phoenix and Dawn’s this year. Li is gonna be there too, so in a way, it’s like our first holiday with our twins. [Iris: God, they’re due in, what, like eight weeks? Are you terrified yet?]

Asher: Completely. But honestly, we’ve been so busy that it’s kept us distracted from panicking too much. And we’ve been going to some parenting classes while we’re out here, so we’re feeling more confident now, I think. [Iris: You’re gonna do great.] Asher: Thanks. I hope so.

[Iris: Oh, I almost forgot, are you planning to come to Spencer’s birthday party?] Asher: Oh yeah, I’ll be there. [Iris: What about Atlas?] Asher: I’m not sure, you’ll have to ask him. Hold on.

Asher: Hey, Iris needs to talk to you. Atlas: One sec, I’m almost done. Asher: What are you doing? Atlas: Installing the mobile on Sadie’s crib. Asher: Are you sure you’re doing it right? Atlas: [shrugs] Worked on the other one.

Atlas: Hello? [Iris: Hey, I’m planning Spencer’s birthday party, and I need to know if you’ll be there.] Atlas: Oh, um… Is Ezra going?

[Iris: Yes, he is, so if you decide not to go, that’s up to you, but then you’re the one that will have to explain to my daughter why her favorite person in the world won’t go to her birthday party.]

Atlas: No, I’ll go. [Iris: You’re sure?] Atlas: I’m sure. I wouldn’t miss it. [Iris: Okay. Thank you.]

Asher: I’m glad you’re going. Atlas: I can’t avoid him forever, right? Asher: Right.

Asher: How’d your appointment go this morning? Atlas: I don’t know. Virtual sessions always feel weird, but I guess it was okay. I don’t really feel like talking about it. Can we just focus on putting the nursery together? Asher: Sure.

Atlas: Thank you.

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Transcript below the cut:

Dawn: How’s it going? Have you decided the grass isn’t greener yet? Realized you belong in San My after all? [Atlas: No, we uh, just put an offer in on a house.] Dawn: Already?

Atlas: We had to, Dawn, it’s perfect. It has everything we want, it’s in our price range, in a great neighborhood. It’s like it was built for us. [Dawn: So, this is really happening?] Atlas: Afraid so.

Atlas: How are things in Chestnut Ridge? [Dawn: Oh my god, you’ll never guess what I did yesterday.] Atlas: What? [Dawn: I rode a horse!] Atlas: Oh yeah? How was that?

Dawn: It was… exhilarating! I mean, it was like nothing I’d ever experienced. I miss that feeling, y’know. [Atlas: What feeling?]

Dawn: Just the excitement and the adrenaline. I haven’t done anything that’s made me feel that way in a long time. It’s like, since having Aspen, my whole identity has been reduced to being a mom. Not that I don’t love being a mom, I do. It’s just that I used to be so much more, and yesterday felt like reconnecting with a part of myself.

Atlas: So, what, you want to get a horse now? Not sure how that will work in the city. [Dawn: [laughs] No, of course not. But I do want more. I want my career back. I want to start climbing again. I want to see new places and try new things.] Atlas: And you should. As long as San Sequoia is at the top of your list of new places to see.

[Dawn: Of course it is.] Atlas: Good. Listen, let’s talk more about this when we’re back in the city. I gotta run. We haven’t eaten all day, and I think Ash is ready to leave without me.

Dawn: Okay, I’ll see you soon. [Atlas: Bye.]

Dawn: How are you doing? Phoenix: I don’t know. Am I a terrible person for being angry at a ten-year-old? Dawn: Depends on why you’re angry.

Phoenix: It’s hard not to resent the fact that he gets these moments with him. He gets the childhood I always wished I had. The one I should’ve had. Dawn: You’re allowed to be angry, but maybe it’s not fair to be angry at him. I mean, he has to grow up without his mom, and you had that. So, maybe call it even. Phoenix: Right. See, I am a terrible person. Dawn: You’re not. We both know Danny’s not the one you’re angry at.

Dawn: I know this is hard. Your dad made a lot of mistakes. He missed your whole life. You’ll never get those years back, and that sucks. But he’s here now, and so are you. And no one knows how many years we have left. So, how do you want to spend them? Why did we come here?

Phoenix: I don’t want to be angry anymore. Dawn: Then, what are you waiting for? Get over there.

Joseph: You ready? Phoenix: I don’t know. Joseph: C’mon.

Phoenix: Are you sure this is a good idea? Joseph: You’ll be fine. Just put your foot in the stirrup and pull yourself up, nice and easy. Phoenix: …

Joseph: Phoenix. Phoenix: What? Joseph: Trust me.

Phoenix: … okay.

Joseph: There ya go! Not so hard, was it? Phoenix: No. Joseph: Now, let’s walk. Phoenix: Do what now?

Joseph: You alright? Phoenix: Yep. I’m good.

Joseph: We’re just going across the lot, you can relax. Phoenix: I am relaxed. Joseph: [laughs] Okay.

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Transcript below the cut:

Danny: She likes you. Dawn: I like her too. She’s very sweet. Danny: D’you wanna brush her coat?

Phoenix: Careful. Before you know it, he’ll have you doing all his chores. Danny: You like feeding the goats. Phoenix: I do. But I can’t find Lucky. Danny: She’s probably with the chickens. You can scatter feed for them while you’re over there if you want. Phoenix: See what I mean? Dawn: [laughs] Where’s the brush?

Dawn: Rita, hi. I didn’t know you were coming by. Rita: The kids wanted to see Danny, so I figured I’d take the excuse to see how Sunny is settling in. Dawn: I don’t know anything about horses, but she seems to be doing well. Rita: Good. She seems to have taking a liking to you. Dawn: Well, the feeling is mutual.

Rita: Have you ever ridden a horse? Dawn: No, this is my first time being around them at all. Rita: There’s nothing like it. Would you like to try? Dawn: Really? Rita: Sure. Sunny is such a calm horse, you’ll be fine. C’mon, I’ll help you.

Joseph: Your wife is showing you up over there. Phoenix: I’m used to it. She’s always been better than me at everything. Except maybe snowboarding, but that’s probably because she’s never liked it enough to really try. Joseph: So, you’ll fly down that mountain on your little board, doing your fancy flips and tricks, but you won’t get back on a horse? Phoenix: Like I said, I learned my lesson last time.

Joseph: How many times did you fall on your ass before you got good at snowboarding? Phoenix: More times than I can count. Joseph: Well? Phoenix: Well, my board doesn’t have a mind of its own. Joseph: True. You can’t just make the horse do what you want, you have to communicate. You have to trust each other.

Phoenix: You and Rita seem close. Joseph: Oh, we’re changing the subject now? Phoenix: Mhm. Are you seeing each other? Joseph: Not exactly. Phoenix: Why not? It’s obvious you have feelings for each other.

Joseph: [sighs] I love her. Phoenix: So, what’s the problem?

Joseph: It’s complicated. She just went through a divorce, so she’s not looking to jump into another relationship, and her kids are still adjusting. They don’t need me comin’ in and makin’ things harder. Besides, I haven’t dated anyone since Danny’s mom. Not only has it been a long time, but I’ve never done this sober. Probably why I avoided it for so long. I think we both need to take it slow.

Phoenix: So, you’re saying I should hold off on calling her ‘mom’, then? Joseph: Alright, smart ass, c’mon we got work to do. Did you feed the goats? Phoenix: Yeah, and milked ‘em too. And took care of the chickens. You know, I don’t think Danny did anything today besides play with his dog and order us around. Joseph: [laughs] Phoenix: And he does it in this way that makes you feel like he’s doing you the favor, and you should be grateful for the opportunity. Seriously. I need to take notes.

[lynzishell]

Shoulder Kisses

Happy birthday to lovely lovely @lynzishell!! Lindsey commissioned some poses from me a whiiiile ago, and we've been pen pals ever since hehe 😆She's an incredibly sweet person who's a lot of fun to chat to, and I particularly love her enthusiasm for storytelling. She asked for some shoulder kiss poses for her wonderful boys, Atlas and Asher, and I was super happy to oblige.

Pack contains 6 couple poses plus all-in-ones. There's no height difference and they were made made with masc frames, although I have also added some femme-frame versions because I tried them with Sax and there was way too much floating... there may still be floating/clipping unfortunately, depending on Sim body type or clothing used.

You will need: - Pose Player - Teleport Any Sim

TOU: you may adjust for personal use, but please do not reupload/paywall/claim as your own.

I'd love to see them used! You can tag me on Bluesky, Instagram, or Tumblr. I repost. ❤️

Download here (always free!): SFS | Patreon

You can easily browse more of my posepacks using my Ko-Fi gallery, or by browsing my collections on Patreon. Want to commission me and help support my work? Details here! Want to leave a suggestion for poses you'd like to see? Form here!

@ts4-poses @alwaysfreecc

[lynzishell]

Future Story Snippet

TYSM for the tag @dandylion240, @theosconfessions, and @elderwisp !!

I don't have any screenshots yet, but here's a bit of dialogue from the future...

✨✨💖✨✨

Phoenix: Annie, we don't have time for this. Get in your room and don't come out until you've finished packing.

Aspen: No! I'm not going!

Phoenix: What are you going to do? Stay in this empty apartment alone?

Aspen: I'll stay with Mei. Phoenix: No, you won't. We are your parents. Where we go you go. Now, anything that isn't in a box by morning is going in the dumpster, so I suggest you start packing.

Aspen: This isn't fair!

Phoenix: "Fair" has nothing to do with it. Aspen: [screaming in frustration] I hate you!

Phoenix: You'll get over it.

Aspen: No. I won't.

[Aspen walks past him and grabs the leash, then walks over to Pepper]

Phoenix: What do you think you're doing?

[Without responding, Aspen walks out the front door with her dog]

Phoenix: ANNIE! [yelling as the door slams shut] Fuck!

Dawn: Let her go.

Phoenix: She shouldn't be out there alone.

Dawn: She'll be fine. I'm sure she's going to see Mei. I'll text Li and have her call us as soon as she gets there.

[Phoenix slumps on the couch, burying his head in his hands]

Dawn: You're not really going to throw her stuff in the dumpster, are you?

Phoenix: I don't know what I'm going to do. Dawn: Maybe you should try talking to her. Tell her the truth.

Phoenix: The truth? She's just a kid. What am I supposed to say? That there are [redacted] that will [redacted] unless we [redacted] because I [redacted]?

Dawn: Well, maybe don't say it like that.

✨✨💖✨✨

I'm going to tag: @honeyjars-sims, @madebysimblr, @zosa95, @igotsnothing, @weirdosalike, @wolkentage and @likelyamused and anyone else who wants to give it a try!

(ofc feel free to ignore if you've already done it or just don't want to as per)

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Reference Post: What happened last time

Transcript below the cut:

Joseph: So, how’s the city treatin’ ya? Phoenix: Uh, yeah, it’s good. Joseph: And work? You still on the council? Phoenix: Yep. It’s a lot of long hours, but it’s alright. Dawn: Are you seriously not going to tell him? Joseph: Tell me what? Dawn: Phoenix is going to run for mayor next year.

Joseph: Mayor? That’s huge. What made you decide to do that? Phoenix: I just want to make the city the best it can be for Aspen as she grows up. Clean and safe with good schools and affordable housing. Joseph: Already pushing her to get a place of her own, huh? Phoenix: [laughs] She can’t mooch off us forever.

Phoenix: No, but… Okay, so when Dawn and I first met, we opened a shelter together. It’s huge, the largest year-round shelter in San My. And it’s not just a safe place to sleep and a warm meal. They offer clothing and supplies, medical care, resources for mental health and addiction treatment, skill building and interview preparation. A lot of people have come to rely on it, especially kids as they age out of the system. They have no family or resources to fall back on, and this place has been somewhere they can go to help them get on their feet. To this day, it’s the project I’m most proud of. And now they want to shut it down. Gut it and turn it into some overpriced loft apartments to add to the growing number of empty units while displacing hundreds, and I can’t just sit by and watch it happen. But every initiative we try to put in place gets stalled or shot down. I don’t know if Feng is in somebody’s pocket or if his priorities are just fucked, but I figure I can either continue fighting with him, which is getting me nowhere, or I can beat him.

Joseph: Wow. Well, you certainly are passionate. Phoenix: Yeah. I mean, we’ve been able to do a lot of good things, but I can’t help but feel like I could be doing more. Joseph: Is it too soon to tell you I’m proud? Phoenix: [scoffs] I haven’t won yet. Haven’t even started campaigning. Joseph: I know. I’m just glad to know you’re doing so well for yourself. You’re a good man, despite my failings. Your mom really raised you right, not that I ever doubted she would. Phoenix: Don’t let it ease your conscience. Mom was great, no doubt about that. I still needed my dad though. Joseph: I know. I’m here now.

Aspen: Mommy, look! A horse! Dawn: I see it. Pretty, huh? Aspen: Uh-huh. Danny: Rita!

Rita: How are ya, kid? Danny: Good. How are you? Rita: Much better now that I know Sunny is going to such a good home. Danny: Can I go say hi to her? Rita: Of course.

Danny: Hi Sunny, do you remember me?

Danny: You’re gonna come home with us today. I hope you’ll like it. There’s lots of other animals and room to run.

Rita: Joe, it’s so good to see you. Joseph: You too.

Joseph: Rita, this is my son Phoenix and his wife Dawn, and the little one is Aspen. My granddaughter.

Rita: [gasps] You didn’t tell me you were a grandpa. It’s nice to meet you, Aspen. Aspen: Is that your horse? Rita: She was. She’s going to be Danny’s horse now.

Danny: Is Cedar here? Rita: No, the kids are with their dad today. But they’ll be home in time for the festival tonight if you’re going. Danny: Oh yeah! Can we go? Joseph: Yeah, sure. If you guys are up for it. Dawn: Sounds fun.

Rita: Great. We’ll see you tonight then. Joseph: Can’t wait. Danny: Can I ride Sunny home? Joseph: Sure, just take it easy. Danny: I will.

Joseph: So, when are we getting you on a horse? Phoenix: Not happening. I learned my lesson last time. Dawn: What happened last time? Joseph: [laughs]