It’s snowing when the train begins to make its way through Copperdale, the next town over. Maia pulls two brown paper bags out of her backpack.
Maia: I made lunch if you’re hungry. There’s veggie with hummus and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Which would you like?
I’m not hungry right now, but I appreciate Maia’s thoughtfulness.
Wade: I’m more of a peanut butter and jelly person.
Maia pushes one of the bags my way.
Wade: Don’t they serve food here on the train?
Maia: Well, there’s a dining car, but everything there tends to be overpriced. And believe me, my sandwiches are better.
I don’t doubt that to be true.
Maia: Okay, so it’s my turn to ask questions.
Wade: I’m ready to answer.
Maia: What are your plans for your SimTube career?
It’s a good question, but I’m hesitant to answer.
Wade: Well… I have this crazy idea that I never told anyone.
Maia: Now I have to know what it is.
Wade: I want to travel to different towns and cities, live in each one for a week, and do videos about the best things to see there.
Maia: Oh, like the ones you did for Henford and Batuu?
Oh wow! She watched those, too.
Wade: Yes, exactly.
Maia: That’s not crazy at all.
Wade: It’s not?
Maia: No, I think it’s marvelous! Who wouldn’t want to live in different places?
I wonder if that ‘who’ includes her? Would she come with me?
Wade: Now I ask you – what are your plans for your career?
Maia: I wouldn’t call what I do a career. I’ve already lived out my crazy idea, and that’s my frog collection.
Wade: I see. But what now? There are always more crazy ideas out there. Dig deep-
Maia: Okay. I’d like to own and operate a food stand.
Wade: So you’re that good?
Maia: I’d like to think so. But I haven’t cooked for anyone else who could tell me. That’s what makes it so crazy.
Wade: I’m a willing guinea pig.
Maia: *smiles* Yeah?
Wade: You can cook for me anytime you want to.
Before we know it, we’re finally making our way to Chestnut Ridge, and I discover the biggest problem with a long train ride. I have to pee, and there’s no way I can avoid using the train’s bathroom. I take care of that and return to my seat, traumatized.
Wade: I thought Chestnut Ridge was a desert. Why is it snowing?
Maia: It’s not really a desert. It’s more like a transitional town, like a connection between Copperdale, where it’s cold, and the deserts of Strangerville and Oasis Springs. But even deserts sometimes have snow high up in the mountains.
Wade: Oh, I didn’t know that. I’ve never actually been to a desert.
Maia: Maybe you can make it one of the places you live when you begin your travels.
And just like that, she’s turned something that I’ve only lightly considered into something that sounds feasible.
Wade: Yeah, maybe I’ll add it to my list.
There’s a slight pause in the conversation. I’m hoping we’ve gotten to know one another enough to delve into more serious topics.
Wade: Can I ask you something else? I don’t know- it might be a bit more personal. Is that okay?
Maia: Sure. What is it?
Although she says ‘sure,’ her demeanor seems to be a bit more guarded.
Wade: What do you think about marriage and having children? Is it something that’s in your plans for the future?
A pained expression crosses her face. I regret asking. But to my surprise, she answers.
Maia: I don’t know. It’s hard to say because I’ve never seen a healthy marriage or been a part of a complete family.
Oh no. Does her answer have something to do with her mother’s death?
Wade: I’m sorry for asking. I wasn’t trying to bring up bad memories.
Maia: No, it’s nothing like that. I just –
Maia’s phone suddenly buzzes. It’s a welcomed distraction for us both. She pulls it out and smiles down at a text message. I can’t help but wonder if it’s another guy. I remember her saying she’s single, but that doesn’t mean she’s not seeing someone. I could be just another contender.
She types a response, and her smile widens when she receives one back. Finally, she puts her phone away.
Maia: Sorry about that. But guess what? We’re almost in Del Sol!
I suggest we take a selfie to commemorate my first train ride and she agrees.
Finally, we arrive in Del Sol Valley. We take a S-Uber from the train station to Studio PBP Hotel & Lounge. My eyes are glued to the window the entire time as our driver gives us his version of a tour. Del Sol is everything I thought it would be, but at the same time, it makes me feel more like a small-town boy than I ever have before.
We step out of the car, and I look up at the hotel where we’ll be staying with my mouth wide open. This time, Maia suggests we take a selfie, and I’m happy to oblige.
(Note: Deco sims were created by super talented xldkx-cc)
(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)
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