The sim-world is a colorful aggregate, where rich and fascinating cultures have developed over the centuries; each culture with its own beliefs, values, customs, and practices. When two or more of these cultures come into contact, the result can be a dynamic sharing of history and identity that produces an amazing new fusion of ideas. A marriage of their traditions is the best possible outcome any sim can hope for. And when those who participate in the exchange find that they have grown as a result of the experience, it makes the effort that much more satisfying. — Mark nervously bows … Continue reading Chapter 3.18 – Cultures

In the days that follow his  birthday, Mark makes the decision to begin his career in law enforcement. He had considered it in the past as well, but he would have done it for all the wrong reasons then. Mark has come a long way since his early teens, and he feels like his mind and heart are in the right place for this. He knows his father will be disappointed that he did not choose a medical career, but Jacob and Deirdre are much better suited for medicine than he is.   Mark gains his first promotions easily as the … Continue reading Chapter 3.17 – Balance

Author’s Note: The Barimens return from China to an incredible new home. It is as close to a mansion as they have ever seen. Looking back through the legacy, it is kind of remarkable considering how David grew up in the old cabin. The household income is simply astronomical, with David earning nearly 6000 simoleons a day, plus the 30,000 a week from properties. My goal is to get Mark a level 3 visa in China and purchase a mansion there as well.   —   — The funny thing about happiness is that some sims treat it as a … Continue reading Chapter 3.16 – Happiness

Some days are better than others. Today is a good day. The pain that had been a constant companion has finally subsided, and the noise in her mind seems to be subdued. She is able to begin moving her arms and legs. Her internal injuries have somehow healed, and she can once again flex her abdominal muscles without causing more damage. She still has no recollection of how she ended up here, but the name of her doctor seems to cause some reaction deep in the recesses of her jumbled mind. David Barimen; the name seems like it should be … Continue reading Chapter 3.?? – Voices

Mark arrives at the academy early in the morning, just as he had been instructed.   When he approaches the academy entrance, he can hear Mei’s voice drifting on the quiet morning air and speak the word “Grandfather”.  Upon entering, he finds her bowing toward Jiang Xi as she prepares to leave.   When they pass each other in the courtyard, Mei shoots a weary and distrusting glare toward Mark. He ignores both and makes his way to the training floor where Jiang Xi waits for him. Remembering his lesson on respect from the day before, Mark bows to his instructor and greets him good … Continue reading Chapter 3.15 – Grandfather

Mark spends the next day training with the other students in the Academy. Jiang Xi had told him that he must master his silence; whatever that means. He is paired with a young local girl named Mei. She regards him coldly and speaks only to let him know when he is doing something wrong.   For the first part of the morning, Mei has him hitting a wooden dummy. She is very pushy about exactly how his feet, arms, hands, and body should be positioned. When he laughs at her request to shout when he hits the dummy, she frowns … Continue reading Chapter 3.14 – Dummy

Unhappiness has become status quo for Mark Barimen.   It has been with him since his earliest memories. He knows there is no justification for it. He lives a charmed life in every way, and has every reason to be the happiest sim in Sunset Valley. But his happiness drains away like water through a sieve, and he has no explanation as to why. He has learned to accept it, and the detriment that comes as a result. But truly, Mark can remember no time he has been more unhappy than now.   He feels as if he has been … Continue reading Chapter 3.13 – Conflict

Claire is awake early to check on Mark after a very restless night’s sleep.   Deirdre should have realized that inviting both Melissa and Charlotte to come with their dates was going to cause problems; she can be so dense about these things. But what really kept her awake was the fact that she also didn’t notice Mark’s discomfort, until the damage was done. He had been talking to Aunt Yuki, when the next thing she realized he was gone and wasn’t answering his phone. After the party, Deirdre seemed not to care one way or another where Mark had gone, only that … Continue reading Chapter 3.12 – Respect