We leave the museum and go up the hill to the lighthouse. The day is still grey and dreary, but at least we’ve gotten a bit of respite from the rain. I never thought of a lighthouse as exciting, but I can understand the appeal as we get closer. The architecture of the tall structure is impressive, and it’s not something you see every day.
I turn to Maia.
Wade: Can we take a selfie – to remember our visit?
Maia seems slightly uncomfortable at first. Maybe because my request was unexpected, but she agrees.
Maia: Okay
I pull out my camera and snap a picture.
I don’t realize my slight fear of heights until we climb higher and higher up the lighthouse. Halfway up, I begin to sweat, and I know it’s not because of the physical exertion; I’m in great shape. Three-fourths up, my legs become shaky and rubbery whenever I look down. And then when we step out onto the deck with nothing but a thin rail between us and a terrifying fall to the ground. I stop just short of walking to the edge of the platform. I look around at the sea for as long as I dare, then turn back to Maia.
Afraid or not, the view is breathtaking, and I appreciate her for showing me. I pull out a daisy, picked on the way to the lighthouse, and hold it out to her.
Wade: This is for you – as thanks for bringing me here.
She seems surprised by my gesture, but she accepts the gift.
Maia: Thank you!
I pull out my camera again and snap a picture of her.
We take another selfie, but as I turn to lower the camera, my face gets a little too close to hers. I can see the sunset reflecting in Maia’s eyes and feel the warmth of her breath on my face. She’s gorgeous, and I want to tell her that. My adrenaline is pumping because we’re so high up, or maybe because of other reasons. Either way, I suddenly have a strong urge to kiss her.
She smiles but steps back as if she realizes what I’m thinking.
Wade: I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to impose on your space.
There’s a small smile on her face, and I realize that maybe she doesn’t mind too much. Could I have gotten away with what I was thinking? I put it to the test.
Wade: I really want to kiss you. May I?
Her face says yes, but I wait until she confirms it with her words.
Maia: Okay
I take a step forward, and she meets me halfway. We kiss, and I forget all about the height and the possibility of death surrounding us. Her lips against mine give me a sense of immortality. Nothing can scare or harm me at this moment. The kiss lasts about five seconds. We step apart as the sky begins to darken.
Wade: Maybe we should go before it gets hard to see.
She agrees, and we begin our descent from the lighthouse.
I’m still thinking about our kiss as we return to the museum. It was nice, but now I wonder if I moved too fast. We aren’t on a date; why did I think it was okay to kiss her?
We’re near the museum, and I spot a public restroom. I have to pee, and I have two choices. I can try to hold it until I get home. But that would mean saying goodbye and leaving right now. I just kissed Maia. Suddenly announcing that I need to go would make things very awkward. My second choice is to use the public restroom, although I’ll regret it.
I go with the second choice, holding my breath the entire time, and it’s as disgusting as I thought it would be.
Maia is waiting for me once I step out.
Maia: I have one last thing to show you.
I reluctantly agree and follow her as she turns and continues on our path, which leads through dark woods. I have the odd thought, ‘This is where I die.’ Maybe it’s the spooky story that Maia told about the ghost of the captain and his dog. Either way, it’s a bit unsettling, but Maia doesn’t seem hesitant, so I man up and continue to follow.
The path takes us to the pet cemetery at the island’s edge, the last place I want to be at night. I’m completely freaking out on the inside. I whisper, ‘Please don’t let there be ghosts,’ in my head several times. I don’t even know if I believe in ghosts, but I don’t want to find out right here and now in front of Maia. That would not be a good look. The rain begins again. Using my umbrella as a shield and possible weapon if needed, I tap into my curiosity and bravery and look around, reading a few headstones as I go.
It’s finally time to leave, and I’m glad. Maia tells me more about the cemetery’s history as we walk to the ferry and ride it back across the bay. We end our evening at Pupperstone Park, which is close to her house. We hug before saying good night.
I silently curse myself as I walk away, regretting our kiss. Maia didn’t mention it during our final moments together, so I can only guess how she feels about it. Did she enjoy it? Was it odd? Does she feel like I took advantage of the situation? If I could go back in time, I’d take it back. But I can’t, so good or bad; it’s a permanent part of our story.
Hiro is outside waiting for me to arrive home. At least he’ll like me no matter what I do. I can’t mess up with him. I pick him up and carry him upstairs to the top floor. Work will help get my mind off of my mistake.
It’s time to focus and take another step towards building my Simtube career. I start my capturing program and step in front of the camera.
Wade: What’s up, Simtube! It’s your boy, Dub. I have an announcement to make. I quit my job today and I’m here to tell you why you should, too!
I continue, anticipating the backlash I could get from making that statement.
Wade: I can already hear your outrage. I know you have bills to pay, but hear me out. I’m not suggesting that you just up and quit right away. And this video is not for everyone. But if you wake up every morning, drag yourself to work, and then spend 8 hours there wishing you were anyplace else in the Sim World, Then maybe it’s time to start rethinking your career choice. Yes, you are making money, but what is that job costing you emotionally, physically, and mentally? Maybe it’s time to start reconnecting to your passion. Remember how in school, you were asked – what would you like to do for the rest of your life? Remember your response? Was it writing, acting, being a professional gamer, or becoming an artist? I’m asking you to recall how you felt about the possibility of having that dream job – no matter how crazy it was. Are you doing that job now? If not, why didn’t you pursue it? Was it doubt? Fear? Naysayers? It’s time to pack the negative thoughts away and try to recapture those dreams. Maybe it starts as just a hobby – something you do for only 30 minutes daily. But do it! Who knows what it’ll grow into. And maybe it becomes lucrative, and you can finally quit that job you hate. I did, and you should too!
After delivering my message to the camera, I sit down and edit. I know there’s a possibility that my parents will see this video and consider my quitting a violation of the conditions they gave me to keep this house. But so be it. If they tell me to leave, there’s always the Spice District.
(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)
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