Daddy and I arrive in Tomarang the next morning, right in the middle of a scary thunderstorm. It’s awful. We can barely see a few feet ahead of us, and my umbrella is already broken by the time we reach the vacation rental.
Tambara: Did you check the forecast before you booked the trip?
Wade: No, but I guess I probably should have.
Tambara: You think?
Wade: Let’s just go inside.
Not only are my dreams of a sexy getaway dashed, but now it’s turning into a soggy one. I can only hope we find some indoor things to do.
The disappointment follows me inside as I look around the place Daddy rented for our vacation. It looks like a regular house — tiny, and I guess you’d call it… traditional. Not exactly the type of vibe I would’ve chosen on my own.
Wade: I’m so sorry about this weather.
Tambara: It’s fine. But weren’t there any resorts or hotels we could’ve stayed at?
Wade: Of course, but I wanted an authentic Tomarang experience.
I glance around, trying my best not to let the displeasure show on my face. This place looks exactly like the kind of rental my mom would’ve picked. It feels very out of character for Daddy. He seems to sense my hesitation.
Wade: Believe me, this place will be fine. And we’re right on the beach. There are three bedrooms, so go pick the one you want.
Tambara: *not enthused* Okay.
I open a few doors and check out the bedrooms before choosing mine. The first is a kid’s room with a bunk bed. The second and third are identical, but I go with the one that has the light-colored bedspread. At least I can tell it’s clean.
Finally, I enter the only bathroom in the house… which, by the way, is a problem in itself. At least I think it’s the bathroom, but there’s a major appliance missing.
Tambara: Daddy! Come here right now!
Daddy hurries into the room.
Wade: What’s wrong?
Tambara: There’s no freaking toilet! What are we supposed to do, go outside and use a bush?
Daddy’s eyes land on the strange contraption in the corner. And I can see a flash of concern on his face. Is he finally questioning his authentic Tomarang experience? I sure as hell am.
Wade: That is the toilet.
There’s no way.
Tambara: How are we supposed to use it? Why is it in the ground like that?
Wade: It’s a squatting toilet. It’s common here.
Tambara: So I’m supposed to squat and risk peeing all over my feet?
Wade: I’m sure you’ll get used to it.
I most definitely will not. And where the hell is the toilet paper? I’m ready to pack up and go home.
Daddy tries his best to convince me that I’ll get the hang of using the toilet. And maybe I will, but this is supposed to be a birthday trip, not punishment. I escape to my room, trying to come to terms with everything so far. First there’s the storm, and now a squatting toilet. I thought this trip would be about hanging out on the beach in a skimpy bathing suit, flirting with the locals, and sipping nectar. So far, Tomarang is giving squatting and squalor.
Daddy knocks on my door and steps into the room a few moments later.
Wade: Did you pack any rain gear, besides just an umbrella?
Tambara: Yeah, I did.
Wade: Well, put it on. We’re going to get something to eat.
Food might help save the day. The rain can’t ruin that… can it?
I dig through my suitcase and pull out a raincoat I borrowed from Mom and packed at the last minute. It’s not cute and doesn’t match the style I was going for on this trip, but it’ll do—at least until I can buy a better one.
The restaurant is within walking distance of the rental. We spend the next fifteen minutes being assaulted by heavy raindrops, dodging and dashing through puddles large enough to swim in. I’m practically blind from my half-closed eyes, which my lids automatically try to shield from the rain. We’re soaking wet by the time we spot what looks like a restaurant a few blocks away. We pick up our pace and practically run towards it.
I don’t realize how hungry I am until we pass the kitchen and the scent of ginger and spices wraps around me. The host shows us to our table, and we sit down to look over the menu.
Tambara: I can’t read any of this. I wonder if they have a Simlish version.
Wade: Rule number one of travel, never ask for the Simlish version of a menu. The prices will be seriously inflated.
Tambara: I don’t care about prices. I want to know what I’m about to eat. I don’t even know what to choose.
Wade: Use the pictures.
When did Daddy become a so-called travel expert? I do my best to pick something, using my phone to translate a few words, then we set our menus aside.
Daddy looks at me with a strange expression.
Tambara: What? Is there something on your mind?
Wade: Yeah, actually. I have some news I wanted to share.
Here we go. I’m sure that whatever he’s about to say is what this entire trip is really about.
Tambara: What’s up?
I can’t even imagine what he might say. Did he lose all his money? Is he broke now—is that why we’re staying in a vacation dump instead of a five-star hotel? I brace myself, feeling my back stiffen against the chair.
Wade: I met someone.
That’s not what I expected to hear. But it’s a lot better than poverty. I feel my lungs deflate as I allow myself to breathe again.
Tambara: How?
Wade: Have you ever heard of Blow Out the Candle or Find Love?
Tambara: I’ve seen shorts on Simstagram…
Why would he randomly mention that show? I put two and two together.
Tambara: No, you didn’t. You actually went on there?
Wade: I did.
Tambara: And you matched??
I’m about to pull out my phone and find the episode on SimTube, but Daddy’s expression stops me.
Wade: I did… at least, I think I did. Her name is Kalani. We went out after the show, but I said something that might have completely ruined the moment. And she’s been so busy that we haven’t spoken since. I don’t know where things stand.
I honestly don’t know what to say. I never considered that my parents might date other people. Do I want them to date other people? Do I even have a say?
Tambara: Wow
Wade: How do you feel about that, about me… dating?
Tambara: I don’t know. I have to think about it. But if she’s not interested anymore, then it’s her loss.
Wade: Thank you!
I excuse myself to go to the restroom. I’ve been holding my pee for hours because I didn’t want to use the squatting toilet, but I see I have no choice when I step into the bathroom upstairs at the restaurant. Because there, mocking me in the corner, is the same type of toilet.
The idea of squatting to pee sounds horrific. I do not want to accidentally ruin my boots. I try to get my position right a few times while still fully clothed before I go for the real thing. I even consider pulling out my phone to search for instructions, but seriously—who’s dumb enough to need instructions to pee?
But I have so many questions. Do I just pull my pants down and go for it, or do I take them off completely? Peeing should be so much simpler than this.
I return to the table with dry boots and an empty bladder. I’m feeling triumphant about something I shouldn’t have to celebrate. Even so, I’m glad I managed to use the toilet without destroying my outfit.
By the time I make my way back down the stairs, our food is waiting for me. I quickly forget my pee journey and examine the beautiful dish in front of me. I can tell I made a good choice—it looks delicious.
Daddy sits across from me, looking over his bowl with that expectant expression. I’m sure he wants to continue our earlier conversation, but I’m not interested. In the short time I was in the restroom, I decided I don’t care if he dates, as long as he doesn’t end up with some gold digger closer to my age who spends all his money.
I focus on my food, and he eventually takes the hint and does the same. We eat in silence, and I’m glad. Because it would be only natural for him to start asking me about Enzo and my dating life. And believe me, he wouldn’t like what I’d have to say about that.
Daddy fumbles with his chopsticks like a toddler with a spoon for the first time, but eventually manages to get some food into his mouth. I watch his reaction as he swallows, and then his eyes begin to tear up.
Tambara: You okay?
Daddy doesn’t respond. Instead, he opens his mouth wide, practically shooting out flames.
Wade: Hot, hot, hot!
This is exactly why we should’ve asked for a Simlish menu. Daddy’s meal is too spicy to enjoy. He stares helplessly at his empty glass, fanning his mouth, until his eyes land desperately on my Boba tea.
I can’t just let him suffer.
Tambara: Do you want my drink?
Luckily, the waitress walks over before I’m forced to sacrifice my delicious drink.
Waitress: Can I get you anything else?
Daddy asks for the closest thing they have to milk and manages to finish his meal, sipping heavily between each bite.
My meal is perfect, and I enjoy every bit of it. So much so that I look down in mourning when I realize I’ve eaten it all.
Wade: You want to order another round?
I do, but I notice the rain has stopped, and the sun is slowly peeking out from behind the clouds. It’s time to go and enjoy some pleasant Tomarang weather. Our vacation might be saved after all.
Daddy pays the check, and we get up to leave.
(Generation 5 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. 🥰
