#sam cabral

[paintbrushinacoffeecup]

Sometimes you want to go

Where everybody knows your name

And they're always glad you came

[verdantsims]

Sam didn’t move until the door closed behind Carissa and Bobbie. He then leaned back and left out a great sigh. “How did I never notice?” he asked. “I thought I knew what was going on with her! I thought we were open with each other. How did I miss that she got a tattoo, of all things!?”

“Sam, you are her brother, not her father,” Riya said. “Even if you were her father, there are things that kids don’t tell their parents. Look at everything I didn’t tell my parents!” Sam groaned as he rubbed his face. “And even the most open of siblings still have things they keep to themselves. Sage told me that.” 

Sam turned to look at Riya at the mention of their late wife. They shared the same forlorn look. “I know, Love, I know.” Riya paused. “The fact that you’re both her brother and her guardian just complicates that. Add in that she’s always been a very outspoken and independent girl and it’s just the perfect storm.”

“So you’re saying that there was nothing I could do to prevent this,” Sam said. Riya simply shrugged.

“I think that’s the question a lot of parents and guardians ask themselves in this position.” They sighed in unison. After a paused, Riya continued. “But Sam? Don’t forget that I’ve been raising her, too.”

“Oh! Riya, I didn’t mean-”

“I know you didn’t, Love. Just remember that we’re in this together, and together, we have a little niece or nephew to start planning for.”

[verdantsims]

Baby time came unexpectedly early for Carissa, and right before her work shift even! Delivery progressed so fast that Sam and Riya had to deliver their niece at the dock.

Despite the surprises, baby Jaylah Heaton was born safe and healthy.

(On a side note: Does anyone know why all babies would be born ale regardless of their parent skintones? I’ve long removed all of the invisible crib nonsense and custom baby outfits.)

[verdantsims]

“So what your saying is,” Sam said, “Once our son moves out I’ll never have this again.”

“I’m sure we could figure out a way for Zaza to prepare this,” Ethan said. He turned to Riya. “We could work it out I’m sure. Or...” He then turned back to his dad. “You could always learn how to cook it, yourself.” This earned a hard laugh from Riya.

“Your father would sooner burn the kitchen down then manage to make anything edible,” they said. Sam briefly feigned hurt before nodding in agreement.

“I’m hopeless,” he said. “Though, I would not be above trying. If I can learn how to fix that damn dryer, I’m sure I can learn how to cook something decent.”

[verdantsims]

The first one to respond to Carissa’s cries was actually Milo. The ghostly kitty had appeared for a visit that night. It was almost like his visit was fated as his would now watch his old friend join him in the beyond. 

Riya and Sam burst through the front door next. Riya moved to join Carissa and comfort Toby while Sam waited at the top of the stairs. Ethan only just joined to see what the commotion was about as Doodle’s spirit was lifted from her.

[verdantsims]

The pool was installed very soon after Summer had begun. Sam and Riya were eager to christen it. Since the kids were away, they had a little fun with the new pool sans clothing.

[verdantsims]

Winter passed by and into Spring with little to say for the Carpenter household. The family actively continued to work on moving forward with their lives from their heartbreak while continuing their work and schooling. Some days were better than others. 

On the days where it was hard, Sam and Riya found that a leisurely walk with the dogs helped them to work through it. The added greenery that Spring brought with it was a welcome addition. Of course, being on an island with ready views of the ocean wasn’t half-bad, either.

[verdantsims]

When Ethan finally loosened his grip Sam took the chance to gently pull him away. “Ethan, please talk to me,” he said. “Tell me how you feel.” Ethan sighed.

“I hurt,” he said. “I’m so sad and I miss Mom so much and everything reminds me that she’s gone! I don’t know how to make the constant, stabbing pain stop!” His words turned to agonized shouting as he spoke, prompting Sam to quickly jump in.

“Ethan, Ethan...” He rubbed his son’s shoulders as he said his name soothingly. “Ethan, calm down, I understand, I do.” Ethan lifted his head slightly to look at his dad. “Reminders of your mother are everywhere, and we’re all feeling the painful reminders everywhere we go and with everything we do.”

“When will it stop?” Ethan asked. Sam shook his head.

“It may never,” he said honestly.  Ethan threw back his head, rolling his eyes in disbelief. “I promise, however, that it will get better,” Sam said then. “Loss takes time to work through.”