#hemlocksims

Stranger Ville had once been a place of wonder for Chaya. She had always loved her curious little town and its quirky residents. What she loved most was how her father saw it. Boulders became mountains for them to conquer, lizards became dragons they would tame... with him everything was wonderful and full of life. 

It didn’t matter how old she got, he always found a way to turn each day into it’s own exciting adventure. They had little money and Chaya had always dreamed of traveling, going on as many adventures as she could, just like the cowboys would in all of her bed time stories. He was the best father to her, despite her mother walking out on them. He was all she had, until two years ago.

Chaya lifted her tired head. Thinking about how much time had passed since he passed away. The days felt longer and colder even under the blazing sun. She lost him after a freak storm had passed through. Not long after she lost their home too. All the wonder and love had left her, but she was still alive and had to keep surviving. Life waits for no one and she didn’t wait either. She picked herself up and managed to get a part-time job. After seven months, a lot of favors and deal hunting she was able to get a trailer. 

Life wasn’t easy, it never was, but she was thankful to have made it this far. She couldn’t imagine herself surviving without him, but somehow she has managed. 

A heavy sigh escaped her. “I miss you Daddy. I’m so tired, I don’t know how I’m going to keep this up.” Chaya frowned as she looked at his urn. “I dropped out of school... I know I said I wouldn’t, but I gotta work if we’re gonna stay here.”

She let the silence sink in. Her thoughts replaying their little adventures. All of it pulled at her heart, but she couldn’t cry anymore. Her eyes fell, taking her further from reality, back to the storm that took him from her. 

“We never got to go on our adventure that day did we?” She remembered being excited that whole week. He was going to bring her to the lab and show her all of the amazing things they had been working on. A smile tried to creep its way upon her lips. “You were so excited to show me your big secret.” Her frown came back. “It’s still closed. I don’t think they are ever going to open it back up.”