Banks Dynasty – Day 57.4 (Part 3)

It’s a beautiful day—the kind that makes me grateful to have relocated to San Sequoia.

Since the lake isn’t far, I decide to take advantage of the weather and head that way for a walk to clear my head. As I’m crossing the street, a notification pops up: one of my investments has paid off. I’ve earned an extra 43,000 simoleons, which will make my new house even more affordable.

I’m almost a millionaire. But even the thought of my growing wealth doesn’t bring me as much joy as expected.

My mind drifts to Maia—and to the choice I need to make: work to improve our relationship, or accept that it’s time to move on with my life.

Moving on…how is that even possible? I’ve known Maia for almost my entire adult life. She’s been my friend and my lover for so long. We have a child together. How am I supposed to move on from that?

As I cross the bridge, I pass a woman also enjoying the beautiful San Sequoia weather. We lock eyes—just briefly—but her gaze lingers as we pass one another. Finding someone new to spend time with wouldn’t be that hard. I could approach her, ask her name, maybe even ask her out. Would that count as moving on?

Getting to know someone else would be a big step toward something different. And who knows—maybe it could develop into something meaningful. Maybe one day that person could keep me warm at night. But for now? They’d just be a placeholder. No one could ever replace Maia.

And then there’s the perfect date I wanted to plan. The therapist practically laughed in my face, insisting that nothing can be perfect. Maybe she’s right. Maybe planning a date would be a complete waste of time. Maia and I could sit across yet another dinner table from each other and still avoid talking about the hard things. What would that prove? How would it change anything? Should I even go through with it?

She also said that relying on Maia to tell me what to do to improve our relationship is childish. But I just want to know what she wants from me. Isn’t that fair? Then again, maybe Maia’s been telling me all along—in unspoken truths that I ignored.

I look around at these beautiful surroundings. This is where Maia grew up—where she spent her entire childhood. And yet, we met across the country in Brindleton Bay. Why did she leave? Was she running from something? Maybe she was trying to escape her father or painful memories of her mother.

Was I wrong to insist we buy a house here? Who knows what ghosts have haunted her since our return. And the truth is…I never really asked how she felt about being back.

After looping the park, I find myself standing outside the rec center. I could keep speculating about everything I don’t understand, or maybe it’s better to try enjoying what’s left of the day. It hits me that I haven’t connected with my YouTube and Simstagram followers in a while. Maybe this is a good time for a new video—or even a stream. My life’s been in chaos lately, but some of my followers might be facing similar struggles. If I can use what I’m going through to lift someone else up, why not try?

A solid idea pops into my head, and I grab my drone.

Wade: *on camera* Hey SimTube, it’s your boy, Dub! Sorry I’ve been away for so long, but a lot’s happened since I last checked in. I won’t get into the details, but everything I’ve experienced recently made me wonder: What do you do when your life hits rock bottom? Do you stay there and suffer—or do you rebuild? I say rebuild. The first step? Try something you’ve never done before. I’m going skating, and I want you to come with me!

With the drone rolling, I head over to the park’s skating rink and borrow a pair of skates.

I’m a high-level athlete, so I foolishly assume it would translate to being a talented skater. I’m so wrong about that. With my drone trailing me, I slowly bumble my way around the rink, slipping and stumbling the entire time. Eventually, the skates slide completely out from under me, and I land flat on my back.

That gives me a second point to share with my viewers.

Wade: *on camera* The second thing you do is get back up when you fall!

I push myself to my feet and attempt another loop around the rink.

Skating is tough—especially when you’re no good at it. I work up an appetite, but I’m not quite ready to head home yet. That’s when I remember the time Maia and I took Tami to the rec center. Maia told me about her favorite restaurant, the one located right across the street from the lake. She explained why it mattered to her—it was a place her father could only afford to take her on special occasions. She tried to tell me the significance of the spot, and even shared her favorite meal. And what did I do? I ordered grilled plantains instead.

She was trying to share something meaningful with me. Would it have killed me to choose the dish she loved so much? She’s not here with me now, but maybe I can make up for it in a small way.

The waitress arrives.

Waitress: What can I get for you?

Wade: Can I get the rib plate and a Barley Bale?

A woman approaches me while I’m waiting for my food.

Juniper: Hey there! I’m sorry to bother you, but you’re Dub from SimTube, right?

I’m still not used to random people approaching me, but with over three million followers, it probably shouldn’t be a surprise.

Wade: Yeah.

Juniper: I’m Juniper, and I just saw your livestream.

Wade: The one I posted just now?

Juniper: Yes, and I wanted to let you know how inspirational it was. I’m an actress.

Wade: Oh yeah! I’ve seen you in The Game of Llamas. That’s one of my favorite shows—I’m a big fan!

Juniper: Likewise! I’ve been following your channel for a while. Remember how my character got killed off on the show? Well, I’ve had a hard time landing new gigs ever since. I was ready to give up on auditioning completely—until I saw your stream. I loved what you said about doing something you’ve never done before, and I’m totally applying that to my auditions. I don’t know what that thing is yet, but I’m gonna do it. Thank you so much for the inspiration.

What I said felt so simple to me. I never imagined it could mean that much to someone else.

Wade: I’m glad to help.

Juniper: I’ll leave you alone now, but please keep doing what you’re doing. It matters.

Juniper walks away, leaving me with a lot to think about. But those thoughts are interrupted when my food arrives—and it looks incredible. I can see why Maia was so excited about it.

My first bite of the tender, juicy rib almost brings a tear to my eye. I pause as the flavors settle. The sauce, the meatiness—everything is fantastic. If only I could go back in time and share this first taste with Maia. I polish off both ribs and my sides before I know it. I can see why Maia loves this place, and I almost missed out on what makes it so special.

I vow to do better in the future. Maia’s favorite restaurant is now my favorite, and maybe one day I’ll get the chance to let her know that. This is just a step toward becoming a better me, but Juniper’s words come back to me: Keep doing what you’re doing—it matters.

It may seem small, but maybe that’s what it takes—small, deliberate steps. I don’t know what comes next. I’m still figuring it out. But today, I skated like a fool, spoke from the heart, and ordered Maia’s favorite meal. It’s not everything, but it’s something.

I look around to make sure no one’s watching before I lick the plate clean, then pay my bill, leave a huge tip, and walk out the door. I make it across the street—and receive a devastating message from Maia.

While Dub is eating his meal, Maia steps into the hallway, drawn by a series of mournful meows from Majesty. At first, she doesn’t see what has Maj so upset—but then she spots Hiro lying still and lifeless. Her heart sinks as she realizes that Dub’s beloved dog and longtime companion has passed away.

Maia pulls out her phone but hesitates. This is yet another loss for Dub, and she hates to be the one to deliver the news. She can assuredly count herself among those losses, and adding to his burdens feels cruel. But it has to be her—there’s no one else.

Maia takes a deep breath and presses the call key.

Losing Hiro adds another heavy brick to my house of grief. They say bad news comes in threes, but I’m on four or five by now. I stand in front of my stoop bawling my eyes out. What am I going to do without my sweet Hiro? He’s been with me since Brindleton Bay.

I try to compose myself enough to enter Maia and Tami’s house to collect my dog’s urn. Maia is the first person I see. She hurries into my arms, her eyes full of sympathy.

Maia: I’m so sorry, Dub! I just came into the hallway, and there he was. He was already gone. There was nothing I could do.

I squeeze her tight and cry into her shoulder for a while.

Once the tears slow, I pick up Hiro’s urn. Maia’s arms are warm, familiar—with their own weight and history. I’m not sure if her comfort soothes or stings. Either way, I need to be alone.

As I walk toward the door, the words come out before I can stop them—just as loaded as everything I’m feeling.

Wade: I found a place. If I get it, I’ll be moving out soon.

I wipe away one stray tear and step out the door.

(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)

Thanks for reading! Please hit the “like” button if you’ve enjoyed what you read! Keep scrolling if you’d like to leave a comment. 🥰