He has been running and hiding for at least a year.   He sensed almost immediately after murdering his daughter, Sandi, that something was wrong. He had anticipated instant gratification for his accomplishment. But instead, he became aware that he had failed yet again.   So he ran. And he continued to run, hiding with the rats and the other vermin; sustaining himself on the stuff they left behind.   —   But there is no hiding from something so wicked as Corwin.   He has proved to be spectacularly incompetent, in spite of the advantages he had paid so dearly … Continue reading Chapter 8.25 – Running

Life, even for a sim, has its ups, downs, highs, and lows.   Anna Barimen has experienced events in her life that touch every range of emotion. She had even briefly glimpsed into the afterlife and witnessed the promise of eternal peace, that some sims would claim, it has to offer. But for the first time in her memory, Anna is able to enjoy the tranquility of simple happiness which she derives from being a loving mother and wife.   And while motherhood is no picnic, she has come to cherish both the merits and the trials that are built in … Continue reading Chapter 8.24 – Journey

Ying had warned Luke that Sandi’s fate was intertwined with his. But he would never have suspected this is what she had meant.   Luke is the last to leave the cemetery after Sandi’s memorial. And it isn’t until after he is alone that he sheds his own tears. Out of respect for her firm religious disbelief, there had been no service for Sandi. But Luke prays for her, regardless.   Two graves have been placed at the Barimen family cemetery at Luke’s request. One is for Sandi. The other is for his child, whom he will never have the privilege of meeting. There is … Continue reading Chapter 8.23 – Fate