#sims4nsbstraud

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Today's (1/9/2026) Episode: The Other Thing I Always Wanted

After Noemi and Luigi’s memorial, Skye did xir best to rally, throwing xemself into homelife and work with a kind of desperate focus.

Unfortunately, this left xir burning the candle at both ends and burning out in the process. "Some things stay terrible forever," xe complained to Elyse, coughing violently as xe sampled the latest line of bubble flavors for a review at a karaoke bar downtown. "It’s comforting, really.“

Xe laughed weakly. "An Expert Epicurean, reviewing novelty sludge at a karaoke bar. What’s the reward for all my hard work? A stomachache.“

"Did I tell you Walrus Books offered me a job? Probably Sullivan’s doing." Xe shook xir head in disbelief. "Wild how we went from me catching him cheating, with my boss no less, to him sending me job leads. I was this close to just saying yes and texting in my farewells to the paper."

“You are allowed to quit The Times if you’re over it,” Elyse replied, patting the seat beside her. “I make enough to keep us going, and if you focused more on the kids, I could take extra gigs.” She hesitated. “Have you put any more thought into trying for a baby?” she trailed off as Skye shook xir head.

“I’m not ready.” Xe looked down at xir hands. If my body fails again, it’s over. “Anyway,” xe added with a strained little laugh, “I didn’t come this far just to give up before I get promoted to Curator of the Finest Flavors. Which, yes, is an actual position and not something out of a culinary fever dream.”

Elyse reached for xir hand. “We’ll all love you either way, you know.”

Skye nodded. “I know. Sometimes I just wish my career had gone a different direction entirely.” Xe sighed, xir dream of running xir own restaurant surfacing briefly before xe pushed it to the back of xir mind.

Skye had never stopped believing in xir ability to climb the ranks at The Times, but the idea of running a restaurant felt like a fairy tale. Which was why, when the opportunity to turn that fairy tale into reality landed in xir lap, xe hardly knew what to say.

“I invited you guys over because this place,” Beau gestured around the dining room of Whimsy Kitchen, the restaurant he’d run since Skye was in high school, “Takes far too much of my time for the tastes of my lady love.” He grinned, clearly still besotted with his new bride.

“I’ll be honest,” he continued, “business hasn’t exactly been booming, but I figure a fancy food critic like you knows a few tricks to turn that around.”

Skye took a bite of the grand breakfast in front of xem and summoned every ounce of xir journalistic neutrality to keep from flinching. Step one, xe thought grimly, serve something edible.

Oblivious to the near miss to his pride, Uncle Beau continued, “Skye, you’re the obvious choice to take this place over from me, if you’re willing.”

“I don’t know…” Skye replied slowly, though xir imagination was already at work. Strip the wallpaper, replace these battered chairs… Xe ran xir finger along the torn upholstery as xe pictured a better version of the room. Invest in high-quality ingredients, change up the menu. I always thought an Italian place would suit me. I could teach the chefs my recipes, if I can get them to stop overcooking literally everything.

“Earth to Skye,” Elyse laughed softly. “Its obvious you’re silently redecorating this place in your head already. Whatever it takes to make what you’re envisioning work, we’ll figure it out together.”

Skye turned toward her, hesitation giving way to hope. “Are you sure?” xe asked. “If I jump into this, I won’t have much bandwidth for… other things.” Xe didn’t say ‘the baby,’ but xe didn’t have to.

“This is something you’ve wanted for a long time,” she said softly, her gaze drifting toward the middle distance as she thought of Skye’s eulogy for xir parents and the unconditional love xe had praised them for showing xem.

It’s my turn, finally, to give you that, she thought. Even if it means we never get our baby. “I think it’s time you take this leap of faith.”

Skye nodded to xir uncle, a grin spreading across xir face. “I’m in, let’s do it!”

Xe wasn’t finished critiquing other sims’ restaurants, but now Skye finally had one of xir own to defend.

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Today's (11/7/2025) Episode: Bumps, Beats, and Breathing Exercises

Greyson was grateful when his class schedule let him spend an afternoon like the one at GeekCon with his wife and friends. When it didn’t, knowing Skye and Elyse were there to support her made it easier to walk out the door and attend classes without worrying.

“I’m sorry I can’t go with today,” he said, stuffing an omelet into his inventory “I really wish I could, but I’ve got to stay late for that presentation.”

“I’ll bring back all the educational materials,” Betty promised. “Grim! Skye, these eggs are exactly what the babies wanted.” She patted her bump.

“Happy to serve,” Skye replied with a mock bow, then turned to Greyson. “If they let me, I’ll set Giggles to hover around and record the session. That way, it'll feel like you were there.”

“Shoo, spouse!” Betty grinned, waving him toward the door. “Higher education waits for no sim!”

Skye was able to make xir and Betty’s outing a "working lunch" for them both. After dropping the girls off in Sulani, they headed to the Promenade with plenty of time to spare before their appointment at the medical center.

“Sigrid wants me to check if the new owners can live up to the legacy of the original Mrs. Elephant House Café” Skye said. “The fact they have live music now guarantees them a few extra points. I’m excited to hear the new piece you’ve been working on.”

“That makes three of you,” Betty grimaced, rubbing her belly. “These two have been kicking up a storm since breakfast.”

“We’ll feed them a delicious lunch after your set,” Skye promised, laying gentle hands on her bump. “Put them in a food coma before class. Can’t have your spawn doing backflips during breathing drills.”

The day was unseasonably warm for late fall, with golden sunlight settling gently over the cobblestones. Betty headed toward the music setup while Skye placed their order and pulled out xir laptop to finish a few obits.

That’s beautiful, xe thought, listening to the layered chords winding out from her melody. She could’ve gone pro if she’d wanted. She really has the ear for it.

Betty turned toward the table just as their food arrived. “These waffles aren’t half bad,” she said, chewing theatrically.

“Serviceable, at best.” Skye replied as xe typed. “Spiced well enough to distract from middling ingredients, but the wait time was pushing it.”

Betty grinned as she swallowed her bite. “Tell me what you really think.”

The pair made it to their Llamaze class just as the instructor was getting started. Betty grabbed a front-row seat while Skye slowed, frowning at the sim seated just behind her.

Seriously? Gabe’s taking Llamaze? He’s getting a C-section. What’s he hoping to breathe through, the epidural?

Skye’s brother-in-law caught xem staring and gave a cheerful wave before turning his attention back to the lesson.

To xir surprise, much of the breathing guidance focused on deep belly expansion and progressive muscle release, techniques xe recognized from yoga and asthma management.

Skye made a mental note. We should try some gentle yoga together. She might like it. When labor hits, she'll appreciate anything that makes it a little less awful.

“Trade me?” Gabe asked as class ended, whistling as Betty rose.

“Grim, I’m glad I’m not having twins! Compared to how big poor Cole got, you’re practically petite, but wow, girl. Second trimester, right?” As Betty nodded, Gabe grinned wide and called out to his sibster-in-law,  “Skye, get our picture, mate! This is a moment.”

Skye glanced at Betty, who gave a helpless shrug, equal parts amused and mortified. Xe snapped the shot as they posed back-to-back.

“See what I mean!?” Gabe crowed. “It’s about time to evict my little darling, and our bumps are almost the same size. I want this framed.”

Once they’d all resettled, Skye asked Gabe.  “So what are you doing here, anyway? You do know that kid has to come out via C-section, right?”

“I’m aware,” Gabe said cheerfully. “Surgery’s scheduled. This,” he waved his hand around the classroom, “is me not taking any chances. After what happened to you? I’m prepping for everything.”

Skye nodded. “Can’t argue with that. I didn’t prep at all. It was terrible.”

“Oh!” Gabe said suddenly, laying a hand on his belly. “Someone’s kicking. I think they want Entle Skye to say hi.”

“I feel good about labor after that class,” Betty told Aunt Megan at her next check-up. “The techniques seem straightforward. I really want to try delivering naturally.”

“Well, let’s take a look and see what the babies think,” Megan said with a smile, spreading gel across Betty’s belly before beginning the scan. “There’s still time for things to change, but right now everything looks good. Their positioning should allow for a vaginal delivery, assuming they cooperate. The only thing I’m a little worried about is the size of Baby A, they’re much larger than their twin. I’ll be keeping an extra close eye on them.”

Betty nodded. “We’ll do what we can to help them out.”

“You’re doing great,” Megan said, giving her arm a reassuring pat. “Now get out of here.”

“I’m glad you could come today,” Betty told Greyson as he helped her down from the table. “Skye’s been amazing, but it’s not the same.”

“I'll make more time for you,” Greyson promised, steadying her. “I choose you, Betty. Always.”

“You’ve proven that,” she said, smiling. “Ever since that ridiculous jungle proposal. I choose you too. I know school matters. Just don’t miss the big day, I need someone to yell at while I push.”

“It’s a deal,” Greyson agreed, grinning as he pulled her close and walked with her toward the exit.

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Today's (7/16/2025) Episode: Fracture Point

“You know…” Skye said once they’d shut the guest room door behind them, “with Gabe holding down the fort, we don’t have to rush to sleep. I’d love to have a little fun before bed… we haven’t woohooed since before I gave birth, and I miss you.”

“Skye, no! Not HERE” Elyse gestured wildly around them. “This is my sister’s house! What if they hear us!?”

“The door’s locked. Gabe’s downstairs. Their bedroom’s at the other end of the hall.” Skye smiled softly. “I’ll be quiet. They won’t hear a thing.”

Elyse shook her head, pulling away. “I’m just… not in the mood. Can we please go to bed now?”

Skye’s smile faltered. “No. We need to talk.” Xe took a breath, bracing xemself. “I know we held off after my surgery, and sure, it’s harder now with Sabrina… but you’ve turned me down every time since she was born.”

Xir brow furrowed as Octavia’s cutting words at dinner replayed in their head. “Elyse… is it because of how I look now? Octavia said…”

Elyse closed her eyes and turned away. “Why would you think that?” Her voice cracked. “We did “it” when you were massively pregnant! You had ‘chest pillows’, as my sister so gracefully put it, back then too. Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Elyse, look at me.” Skye gently turned her chin toward them. “Yes, we did it a couple times in Selvadorada… but…”

Xir thoughts drifted. Once they’d started cohabiting in the bed xe had shared with Betty xir discomfort had blotted out everything else. Now, thinking back to those moments, Skye remembered how Elyse’s eyes had been clamped shut the whole time, how it had felt like her body was there, but she wasn’t.

“My Grim.” Xir voice dropped to a whisper. “Is that why you didn’t want me getting pregnant? Why you stayed away once I was?” When instead of answering Elyse hung her head, tears leaking out of her eyes, Skye saw it as plain as if she’d said it. Elyse didn’t want someone like xem in her bed.

“Teddy, I…” Elyse stepped forward, but Skye held up a hand. “Don’t.” xe ground out, xir voice low and raw. “I thought we’d moved past this. I had no idea…” Xe began pacing, hands pressed to xir temples as Elyse watched helplessly.

“All this time… you’ve said you don’t enjoy woohoo much, but that’s not it, is it?” Skye’s voice rose, trembling. “You just don’t enjoy woohoo… with someone who isn’t a MAN.”

“Skye, that’s not…” Elyse tried, but xe cut her off sharply.

“Stop.” Xir words sliced the air. “You don’t need to lie anymore. You told me the night I came out to you that you liked boys. I should’ve listened.”

With that, xe spun on xir heel and stormed out, leaving Elyse standing alone, quietly sobbing as the door swung shut behind xem.

Want To See More?

View The Full Story of My Not So Berry Challenge Here

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Today's (1/14/2026) Episode: End of an Era - Blue Gen

A couple months ago my Reddit account got hacked and banned.

Reddit refused to respond to any of my requests to restore my years of content, which was incredibly disheartening. My first few Gens of NSB ONLY existed there as I didn’t start backing the episodes up and posting them other places until later, so I can't ever rebuild all that was lost.

I had finished the NSB challenge when this happened, but not finished writing up the episodes from the screenshots and stories I had taken during gameplay. The Reddit disaster destroyed my motivation, but I couldn’t leave anyone who had followed the story of my little sims family without closure.

So I polished up all the episodes I had written but not posted, and made this special abridged summary version of the events following the last written episode. Thank you to everyone who came along with me on this journey, it meant the world to me to share it with you.

Following the opening of xir restaurant Skye threw xemself into doing it right, spending time working all sorts of tasks directly as xe managed.

In the end however, even xir all consuming new business venture could not extinguish Skye and Elyse’s desire for another baby.

On Winterfest, after baby Hannah aged up, Skye gifted Betty and Greyson with xir parents' old home on the island and headed off to Peppino’s fertility clinic full of holiday hopes for one last attempt at expanding their family with Elyse’s final retrieved embryo.

To their delight their last chance was successful! Skye gave birth to a healthy baby girl, who they named Miriam.

During xir pregnancy Skye struggled with xir changing body, and after Miriam was born took an insta lean potion like xir mother before xem.

Sabrina followed in her mother Elyse’s footsteps, finding herself struggling in school. Aging up to a teen and entering high school did nothing to improve Sabrina’s outlook and she quickly found herself ditching class regularly.

Her daily trips off campus had a fortunate turn for her future, when she became the eager apprentice of Vanessa, the friendly young owner of a tattoo studio. The idea of making her body a living canvas was fascinating to the young sim, and she embarked on her new career immediately.

She was not surprised that her parents, her teddy in particular, were not pleased about her decision to drop out of school but she refused to let their disappointment turn her away from her dream.

Sabrina threw herself into learning the ropes of her new job with all the zeal she’d never been able to muster for books and papers.

Her new adult responsibilities further distanced her from her peers, but one of her oldest friends stayed close. Theo’s son Blaine wasn’t much of a student himself and though he didn’t feel he could follow in her footsteps, he seemed to understand her choice like no one else.

The two young sims childhood friendship quickly blossomed into something more, much to the dismay of Sabrina’s Teddy, who remembered xir own blind young love and felt she was moving way too fast. This did nothing to improve their already fraught relationship.

Worried about Skye and Sabrina’s deteriorating relationship, Elyse and Betty banded together and dragged everyone to a family vacation on Mount Komorebi in hopes of smoothing things over between the pair.

Time to think and a little gentle encouragement from xir loved ones prevailed, and Sabrina reconciled with her aging Teddy.

After earning xir final promotion Skye had left the paper and devoted xemselves full time to running xir restaurant. Now that the pair were on speaking terms again Sabrina was happy to come help out part-time at Skye’s soon to be 5-star restaurant.

Sabrina cared deeply for Blaine, but things between the pair never seemed to “click” the way she had hoped in the romance department. When she found herself bedazzled with her new colleague at the tattoo parlor, Alexandra, she thought she’d finally figured out why.

The girls mutual crush soon blossomed into more, and Sabrina decided to break up with her boyfriend and dive headfirst into her new relationship. At the same time the newly teen Hannah found herself falling for classmate Cecil after he surprised her with an invite to the prom.

Sadly, Sabrina and Alexandra didn’t work out, with her girlfriend choosing to break things off and get back together with her ex. Heartbroken and unable to bear seeing her former love everyday Sabrina left the tattoo shop and her mentor behind. 

On her birthday her family surprised the sad young adult by turning the old nursery into a small tattoo studio, allowing her to open her own home business. She hoped to open her own shop someday, and this was a great place to start. She even ended up giving her teddy and grandpa Luigi their first tats!

Skye and xir family had a lot to celebrate when xir Black and White Bash rolled around.

Hannah aged up on the same day as her Teddy, and as soon as xir “golden girl” spun her way into adulthood Skye completed xir lifelong goal to become a 'Super Parent'.

Looking around at the banquet hall filled with numerous friends and family Skye blew out xir own candles feeling truly blessed.

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Today's (1/12/2026) Episode: No One Cries Over Garlic Noodles

Skye had finally decided to chase xir dream of running a restaurant. First, though, xe needed enough simoleons to buy Uncle Beau out.

"I can’t believe it took us this long to sell the rental property" xe told Elyse as they left Spring Steppes behind. "Neither of us ever liked being landlords. I’ve blocked most of the plumbing incidents out of memory just to save my sanity.“

Elyse chuckled. "I haven't forgotten that time you tried to bribe the tenants with homemade pizza so they wouldn't revolt. Still, Joe’s crew kept things running, rent came in. Not the worst setup." She nudged xir shoulder. "Now you’re giving up a solid income stream for cranky customers and prep line mishaps. You sure about this?“

"Of course not," Skye said cheerfully. "My brain’s been playing disaster bingo since I signed the contract. I’m just choosing not to listen."

“Congratulations, Mx. Lawbourne, Mr. Ramano” the business broker shook hands with Skye and Beau. “Best of luck to you both.”

“You’ll have to swing by the restaurant sometime,” Beau said with a grin. “Xe’s turning the place into a fancy Italian joint. The kind of place where your artisanal pasta is hand-rolled and all the nectar is finely aged.”

The broker smiled as he held open the door. “Sounds intriguing. I’ll consider it.”

“Are you sure I can’t hire you as my personal hype Sim?” Skye asked as they made their way toward the teleporter.

“Tempting, but no,” Beau replied with a chuckle. “I’m officially, irrevocably retired. I’ll hook you up with my old advertising firm, though. They’ll treat you right. We can sort the details after I introduce you to your new staff.”

“Gather round, people!” Beau’s voice boomed across the dining room as the last customers left. “Your new boss is here to meet you.”

“It’s a pleasure,” Skye shook hands all around, trying xir best to commit to memory the names and faces of xir new front-line troops. Xe would have to press Uncle Beau for more details about them later. “Thanks for staying late to see me, I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, but maybe Nora could stick around so us chefs can talk shop a bit?”

Nora nodded warily as the others left and Skye stepped closer, arms loosely folded. “I was here last week. Had the Grand Breakfast.”

The other sim winced, no longer able to hide behind her friends. “Yeah… probably not your favorite meal, it’s never been one of my better dishes.”

“No,” Skye agreed, “but I was impressed when I saw your technique. You’re fast, focused. That’s a good start. Now we just need to build your skill.”

“I like cooking,” she said quickly. “I just… haven’t had much training yet.” She glanced at Beau, then back at Skye.

Skye nodded slowly. “Then we’ll start there. I’m enrolling you in Newcrest Institute’s culinary certification program. If you’re willing to attend on your own time, the restaurant will be happy to cover the cost.”

“I… yes. Absolutely.” She didn’t sound sure whether to be excited or terrified. “Thank you. I won’t waste the opportunity.”

With xir head chef set on a path of improvement, Skye turned to focus on the restaurant itself, closing temporarily for remodeling.

“Until Nora’s skills catch up, we’ll stick to the basics,” xe told Elyse as they sat together in the newly renovated eating area. “Lucky for me, Italian food understands compromise.”

“So garlic noodles now, meatballs once no one cries making them?” Elyse teased as Skye nodded. “The place looks great,” she added, glancing around. “I thought you’d reopen the upstairs, though.”

“Not right now,” Skye replied. “I’d rather keep the place small, intimate. Besides, I’d like to make that a space for us. You can work there, the girls can play or do homework, and I’ll feel a little less like a ghost in my own life with my loved ones right upstairs.”

Elyse leaned in to kiss xem. “Sounds like you’ve really thought of everything.”

Skye had done all xe could. The paint was dry, the staff prepped, the menus printed. It was time.

Guests trickled in, then arrived in waves. Conversation rose, chairs scraped back, and someone asked if the new owner was really named after the sky. Xe stood near the entrance for a moment, just watching it happen.

Somewhere in the back of xir mind, xe heard Elyse’s voice. Whatever it takes, we’ll figure it out together. Skye breathed in deep, smiled, and made xir way around the room with calm precision.

There would be hiccups, there always were, but tonight all that mattered was that xir restaurant was officially open for business.

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Today's (1/7/2026) Episode: The Party He Wouldn't Miss

"Yep, it’s really me," Luigi said, grinning and waving as all his mourners filtered past him toward the party Skye had arranged in the gardens. "Did you really think I’d skip my own sendoff?“

Once the crowd thinned, he drifted beside Skye, shadowing his child with an ease the living couldn’t quite manage. "You nailed that speech, kid. Got me all misty eyed for a minute.“

He tilted his head toward the sky. "Your mom’s going to regret skipping this. Now come on. Let’s go raise a glass or five."

"I told Skye I expected drinks as good as I could mix myself," Luigi grinned. "Looks like he picked the right sim for the job.“

"How could I say no?" Don smirked from behind the bar, tossing a bottle to show off. "You did steal half your moves from me, remember?“

Beau shook his head as Luigi settled beside him. "Of course you’d crash your own funeral. When we’re done with these cocktails, you’re coming to the gaming pavilion, and don’t expect any mercy just because you’re dead.“

Rhys gave an exaggerated sigh. “Is this my afterlife already, eternal third-wheeling?“ At Luigi and Beau’s solemn nods he chuckled. “And why are you so sure I’ll stick around for that?"

"Because we’re so charming," Luigi smiled, lifting his glass. “or maybe so relentless… okay maybe a bit of both."

"Hey, little lady." Luigi floated over to Sabrina after the game, scooping her into a tight hug. "How you holding up?“

"I miss you," she muttered shyly, seeming stuck between tears and resentment at being abandoned.

Luigi nodded. "I get it. My papa passed when I was about your age. It’s tough. If you ever want to talk, or just need a little company, you have Grandpa Candor summon us. All right?“ As Sabrina nodded, Luigi thought back to how rarely Jack had come around after his death. It had hurt, even after he came to understand the reasons. I’ll do things differently, Luigi promised himself. No one I love will ever feel alone if I can help it.

"Now," he continued, letting her go with a smile, "how about we go stir things up on the dance floor?“

Sabrina hugged herself, shrinking a little. "Can I just watch? I don’t feel much like dancing.“

"Of course," Luigi said, offering his hand. "Come with me, kid. You’re not going to want to miss this."

"What are you doing all the way out here?" Elyse asked, snuggling close as she settled beside Skye.

"Just needed some quiet," xe sighed. "Dad’s having a great time, which is good, but I’m not really in the mood to pretend I am.“

Elyse nodded. "What you put together today was beautiful. I thanked Betty already, she handled the whole thing like a pro. I know I’m not much of a party planner, but I can be decent company, unless you'd rather be alone...“

"I wouldn’t," Skye said, kissing her softly. "Please stay.“

Elyse leaned into xir open arms, letting the distant sounds of the party wash over them as the last of the light settled over the city far below.

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Today's (1/5/2026) Episode: To Be Remembered

“I really miss them,” Sabrina said quietly to Gretchen’s brother Blaine near the front row of her grandparents' memorial. “Sulani was fun. Grandpa let me win at video games, and Grandma was teaching me to ride Roach. Teddy says xe’ll let me visit their ghosts sometime, but it can’t be the same.”

“I’m sorry,” Blaine replied softly. “I never met mine. I think I would’ve liked them.”

Sabrina sniffed, eyes glassy. “They probably would’ve liked you, too.”

Elyse's illustrations for Sullivan’s book had drawn attention, and soon she was getting steady work through Theo at Plumbob Pictures. The more the families crossed paths, the closer their kids got, until Blaine had quietly become Bree's favorite playmate.

“I’ve got nothing against Israel,” Skye had told Elyse, “but I'll take Bree bonding with Theo’s boy over Bruce’s any day.”

While Sabrina was inside with Blaine, Skye remained outside, welcoming the last few stragglers to xir father’s funeral.

Xe had just seen Adelaide and Cole through the door when a familiar voice drifted from the shadows. “You got room for one more? The guest list looked a little thin without me.” Luigi’s grin nearly split his face in two.

“Dad?” Skye’s eyes went wide. “What are you doing here? Is Mom…?”

He shook his head. “She said showing up was ‘undignified.’ I told her it was good manners. Guess who won?”

He clapped Skye on the back, urging xem toward the chapel doors. “Let’s keep this our little secret for now. I’ll sit in the back, stay quiet, and enjoy the glowing eulogy I know my kid has prepared.”

Skye was smiling faintly as xe left the man of the hour in the vestibule, Betty’s music heartening xem as xe headed toward the front of the room.

Betty set her instrument aside and froze as she spotted the ghostly figure in the back row. “Is that your…?” she whispered, clutching Skye’s shoulder.

Skye nodded. “I should have expected that he wasn’t going to miss his party, but he wants it to be a surprise to the guests.”

Betty snorted softly. “Yeah, that sounds like him all right.”

“Most of the world knew my parents as stars,” Skye began, voice trembling. “Lightning Lu, the gamer who built a world in Watcher Tales, and Noemi, his brilliant programmer wife, a woman who loved her code and her horses in equal measure.”

Xe drew a shaky breath. “To me, they were just Mom and Dad. They expected a lot, but they were fair, and I always knew they loved me.”

“I’ll never forget how fiercely they stood by me when I came out, no questions asked.” xe continued, wiping at xir eyes “Their unconditional acceptance carried me through some dark times.” On the far side of the chapel, Elyse shifted, eyes on the floor, Skye’s words pressing on an old wound that still ached whenever xe spoke of unconditional love.

“They taught me to be true to myself, to fight for what matters, and to love with everything you have.” Skye’s voice broke as xir eyes swept the crowd, landing briefly on xir father’s ghostly silhouette “I can only hope I’ll live up to the legacy they left behind.”

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Today's (1/2/2026) Episode: Grief in Motion

After losing xir parents and a failed attempt to conceive, Skye and xir family began the slow work of coming to terms with their grief.

"I knew Mom and Dad’s time was coming. I just didn’t think it would be now." Skye’s voice caught as xe leaned into Betty’s arms. “…and the baby.“

Xe curled tighter into her side. "We only have one more shot. Even if Elyse was willing to do another extraction, Peppino isn’t sure it would help, not after what he found last time." Xe let out a long breath and slumped further. "It’s like the universe is out to get me.“

Betty pressed a kiss to xir temple and pulled xem closer. "You're never ready to lose the sims you love. When my mom died, I ran halfway across the world to keep from drowning in it." They shared a look, the memory of Selvadorada stretching warm between them.

“Running away isn’t really on the table for me,” Skye muttered. “Although the idea of vanishing into the woods is getting more appealing by the hour.”

Xe pressed the heel of xir hand to xir forehead. “Sort out their house. Deal with Roach. Book a venue for the memorial…” Skye let out a small, rueful laugh. “Dad was very clear that he expected ‘a last hurrah fit for the superstar I am.’ He made me promise there’d be dancing, cake, and drinks as good as if he’d poured them himself.”

Betty chuckled and bumped xem with her shoulder. “Of course he did. You don't have to do this alone, you know. Let me help. I’ve got some ideas.”

Skye exhaled hard. “I have no motivation, but I need to start anyway. Let’s hear what you’ve got.”

Betty’s plan started with Skye’s childhood home and xir parents’ well-loved hoofed companion. “Thanks again for agreeing to stay here awhile,” xe said, wrapping Beau in a long hug. “I have no idea what to do with this place yet, but I couldn't just leave it abandoned.”

“No problem, since you’re not asking me to bond with the horse.” Beau chuckled. “Bruce treats moving out like an urban legend, so having a house to myself? That’s living the dream.” He winked. “Maybe I’ll even try dating again, although I doubt I’ll find anyone as … experienced as your mother.”

Betty gagged dramatically. “TMI, Dad. I support your love life... in theory. In practice, I prefer to remain blissfully ignorant.” She gave him a quick squeeze, then jogged after Skye and Roach toward the teleporter.

“I don’t know what he has against giving this old fellow a chance,” Betty said. “Greyson and I are already planning our horse era.” She gave Roach an affectionate pat. “I always thought your parents had the right idea. A stable on the beach? That’s elite coastal living.”

Skye chuckled. “Mom used to say sims gave her the strangest looks when she told them she had a horse in Sulani, but Roach never minded running rings around his little island. I think he liked the ocean views.”

Roach’s new home was, unsurprisingly, in Chestnut Ridge. “Thank you for taking him,” Skye said to Amaya and Miguel, brushing a bit of straw from xir sleeve as Roach settled into his stall.

“Of course,” Amaya replied, voice warm. “I loved your mom, and she adored this big guy. We’ll make sure he’s spoiled and in exchange he’ll keep our old boys company.” She turned toward the house. "Now, come inside and relax. Greyson and Elyse should be here soon with the tiny tornadoes, then we’ll order pizza. I figured we’d earned a drama-free dinner after the last time."

“Thank you,” Skye told Betty hours later, as they left the ranch in the soft golden light of evening. “I don’t know why I didn’t think to ask Aunt Amaya and Uncle Miguel about taking in Roach.”

Betty bumped xem lightly. “You’ve had a lot on your mind. Next up, a memorial worthy of Uncle Lu. Loud, shiny, and mildly irresponsible.”

Skye smiled, feeling lighter than xe had in days as they peeled off toward the noise and laughter of their spouses and small humans, heading for the teleporter that would take them back to the bay.