Dray wakes up in a panic after dreaming that his acne grew so big that it covered his entire face in a big white pus ball until you couldn’t distinguish it from his hair. He gets up, immediately washes his skin, and applies concealer – still a little scared, although he knows it was all a dream.
Me-Me is up early on birthday cake duty, while Kai sleeps in for a little longer. It’s Mase’s birthday, so it’s time for cake. But Dray doesn’t get to stay and celebrate – he’s almost late for school. Mase is glad that his high school days are finally over.
I arrive downstairs on time to see Mase blow out his birthday candles. I almost can’t believe my younger brother is now a young adult. After the candles are out, Ma, Dad, and I go in, making as much noise as possible. Ma blows the birthday horn, I shake the noisemaker, and Dad sings while doing his ‘It’s your birthday’ dance.
(Mason’s Aspiration: Country Caretaker/Collector Traits: Animal Enthusiast, Loyal, Jealous Aspiration Traits: Happy Toddler, Fear of Death, Morning Sim)
And the last part of our family birthday tradition – birthday selfies. Mase snaps a few pictures and then walks off with a smile after reading a text. It has to be from a girl – I know it. Mase is a good-looking Banks Boy, after all, but which girl?
Mase and I are at the table eating birthday cake when I check my phone to see my work assignments, which include leveling up my video game and charisma skills. I sit on the couch and turn on our video game console.
Once again, my job is too good to be true because I receive a promotion and a slight raise on top of my easy assignments. I’m now a clickbait writer.
Kai is in the garage working out when suddenly he becomes exhausted. His heart is pounding dangerously in his chest. Terrified, he stops immediately.
He’s never felt this before. Is this what getting older is like? Kai doesn’t want to believe it. He remembers his Ma and how she always talked about ‘the end’ as she began to age. Is this what she felt like when her hands wouldn’t stop shaking as she held a paintbrush? Will there come a time when he’ll be too old to work and care for the animals on the farm?
Kai can’t imagine not being able to do the things he’s used to doing. But suddenly, he can begin to see that time approaching very quickly, and the idea of it makes him feel worse than he’s ever felt before.
Meanwhile, Me-Me is working on a new project at her robotics station. She’s indeed made it to the top of her career, but there are still so many things she has left to learn, and she’s never really explored the full potential of her robotics skill level.
Now that I’ve increased my video gaming skills, it’s time to work on my charisma skills. I pull out a charisma skill book and try to take in as much as possible. Dad is behind me, fumbling around in the kitchen. It’s important that he sees me working hard if I’m ever to earn that house in Brindleton Bay.
Mase comes over and sits beside me on the couch while I work. I may have to consider setting official office hours, so I’m not disturbed when completing my assignments. Then again, it doesn’t matter because I’ll be moving out soon anyway.
Mason: When you applied for college, how long did it take you to receive your acceptance?
I close my book and give it some thought.
Wade: I don’t know – maybe a week. Why?
Mason: I was wondering if I should check my application status.
Wade: Why wouldn’t you?
Mason: If I check and I’m not accepted yet, then the likelihood that I got in decreases.
Wade: That’s not true! Just go check. I’m working here.
Mase nervously goes upstairs and checks his applications. He has been accepted to both colleges and earned a spot in a few distinguished programs at Foxbury Institute. He makes his choice and enrolls in four classes.
Meanwhile, Kai approaches Dray in the kitchen.
Kai: How did it go at school with the new hair?
Drake: The dumb principal tried to tell me that I was still breaking the rule.
Kai: Please don’t call your principal dumb.
Drake: Okay, whatever, but she is dumb.
Kai: Drake!
Drake: Sorry, Dad. Anyway, she pulled out the rule book and everything, but guess what – it didn’t say anything about white hair. It specifically said no bright, unnatural colors, but nothing about white. She didn’t have a leg to stand on, so she was forced to let it go.
Kai: So you won the battle?
Drake: I did. But now I’m thinking I’ll try red next time. What can she say about that? It’s bright, but it’s also natural.
Kai: Let’s stick to white for now. Don’t push your luck.
Drake: Okay Dad.
Kai: I’m serious, Dray!
Dray nods but has a devious look in his eyes.
(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)
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