It feels like a miracle after the heavy thunderstorm—the sun is out, and the beach is calling. As soon as Daddy and I arrive at the rental, I change into my swimwear and head out to the water. This is the part of Tomarang I’ve been looking forward to experiencing, and it doesn’t disappoint.
After the rain, everything smells fresh, as if the entire island had been deep-cleaned. I pause and appreciate the view across the impossibly blue water. Tall hills rise in the distance, dotted with foliage in every shade of green. It’s like paradise, and I’m happy to be part of it.
I pull out my towel and lie down on it for a few moments in the sun.
Daddy joins me on the beach a few moments later. I can feel his presence as he hovers nearby. I open my eyes into slits to take a peek. He’s standing there, rubbing his face, looking distressed.
What’s his problem? Does he have an issue with me in my bikini? Whatever… this one is the tame one. Just wait until he sees the other one I brought.
I wait for him to say something, but he doesn’t. He eventually walks away and heads toward the water.
Although relaxing in the warm sun feels good, I’m not exactly trying to tan. I don’t really need to—because not even money can buy my milk chocolate skin tone.
I get up and take out my phone to snap a few selfies. Some of these are definitely going on my Simsta page. I can already see Enzo thirsting over them. I smile just thinking about him, longing for something he can’t have. At least not now. I haven’t decided where he fits yet.
There’s more to do at the beach than just lie around, anyway. I spot a few sus-looking patches in the sand and decide to dig them up. I find a souvenir tassel in one, which is cool, and a few pretty shells in another.
But I don’t love the feeling of sand under my nails, and I’m definitely not trying to ruin my manicure. So, I head into the water for a swim instead.
I approach the water expecting it to be bone-chillingly cold. I dip my toe in and I’m surprised by the warmth. Without hesitation, I wade through the shallow end until it’s deep enough to lift me off my feet. The water is calm, with no gigantic waves tossing me around. I move my arms and legs in a gentle swim.
After a few laps in the water, Dub leaves the ocean and returns to the beach to enjoy some sun. He slathers on sunscreen and relaxes on his towel. He doesn’t intend to nap, but the warmth of the sun feels so good, and the beauty of his surroundings soothes him like a warm hug.
Nothing matters in this moment—not his past mistakes or questions about his future. His mind is at ease, and before too long, he’s dozed off, unaware of the quiet buzzing of his cell phone as a call from his father goes unanswered.
I step out of the water and see that Daddy has fallen asleep on his towel, evidenced by the even rise and fall of his back as he breathes. Good. Time to make my escape.
I pull out my phone and check the list of must-do things in Tomarang. I love Daddy, but I’m begging for some time to experience a bit of the town on my own.
The first thing on the list is to light incense at a shrine. That’s easy to check off because there’s one right in front of the house. I head over and knock that goal off the list.
Next up: the night market.
Daddy finally wakes up looking a few shades darker. I pass him on my way out.
Tambara: I’m heading to the night market. Want to come?
I add that last part just to be nice, but in my head, I’m begging, please say no, please say no.
Wade: Nope, I’m heading inside to relax. That long swim actually wore me out.
Tambara: Okay, see you later! Don’t wait up!
Moments later, I take one of the tiny taxis—the driver called it a Tuk Tuk—to the other side of town. He drops me off in a quiet neighborhood near a park. I stop and ask a few people for directions to the night market until I find someone who speaks Simlish. Turns out I’m only a few blocks away.
I turn a corner and cross the street, where I spot the many brightly lit booths of the night market. Mom would have loved this. I feel a slight tinge of regret that she’s not here with me. But that fades quickly as the scent of delicious, spicy food fills the air.
There aren’t many people out yet, but there’s plenty to buy. I see booth after booth lined with food in every color. Some merchants are cooking right there on the street, while others stand proudly among their fresh produce. There are merchants selling beads, bracelets, t-shirts, and souvenirs. Each one comes to life, calling out to me as I pass by. I’ll definitely be spending some simoleons tonight.
I finally stop at a booth, drawn in by a cute redhead vendor who offers me a few free samples of her food. Even though I think she’s being a little flirty, I don’t turn her down. I sample a few things and buy others for later, eating so much that I’m full enough to skip dinner. As I walk away, I sneak a selfie with her in the background.
Next up is a booth with a guy selling all kinds of souvenirs. And of course, the wallet comes out. I grab a few things for myself and a couple of items I think Mom would love.
The next few booths are also selling food. I stop at one advertising the best drink in Tomarang, so of course I want to try it. The sign is in Simlish, so I can already tell it’s probably a tourist trap. But I fall for it and buy one anyway.
It’s made from sugarcane, so I expect it to be very sweet. And it doesn’t disappoint, but there’s something more than the sweetness that makes it special. It tastes earthy, fresh, and natural—like the sugarcane was harvested from the vendor’s backyard just moments ago. If you could capture sunshine in a glass, this is what it would taste like.
After a few hours of exploring the market, the day starts to catch up with me, and I’m ready to rest my feet. I wrap up my little market tour with a few more selfies before heading back to the rental.
Despite the rough start, day one of my trip to Tomarang has been amazing. Still, I wish I weren’t returning to a shack with a squat toilet. Staying at a resort would be so much better.
(Generation 5 Chapter Summaries)
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