#md4

Alex: [Smiles warmly] Hi Coraleye…

Coraleye: [Smiles back] Hi Alex…

Alex: Ready for one last take before we officially call it a wrap?

Coraleye: I guess so! Alex: So how’s life treating you now? You adjusting okay?

Coraleye: Oh… well it's been a whirlwind, to say the least, heh. But I’m finding my footing again. Finally finishing up school. Just barely keeping my head above water some days, but yeah, I’m getting by. Trying to find my new normal.

Alex: [Nods thoughtfully] I want to talk about that a little bit. You’ve had to deal with the aftermath of everything that happened on election night. Do you remember when Cam and I came out to visit you in Brindleton Bay?

Coraleye: Mhm. I sure do. You interviewed some girls I went to school with.

Alex: So, Mackenzie, Briella, Logan… I’m not sure how much you’re aware of, especially with how quickly the media coverage was shut down after election night. But I’ve gotta ask—have you reached out to Coraleye at all since then? Offered any kind of support?

Logan: [Quickly glances at Mackenzie] I’m not sure if we got the chance to reach out yet, have we? Mackenzie:[Feigning innocence] She hasn't filled us in completely, but we’ve heard bits and pieces... Briella: We heard about her and her boyfriend. They broke up, right? [Big grin] Life has a cruel way of teaching us lessons!

Mackenzie presses her lips together, appearing to hold back a laugh, but finally cracks as a sharp cackle spills out.

Mackenzie: Oh my mod, Briella, stop! You can't say that! I just love you. So sorry about her, she's so crazy. Anyways, yeah. We wish her the best. I hope it all works out for her, I really do.

Cam: Well, I think that will probably do it for now, thank you ladies. Alex: Cam's right, thank you for your time. We'll be in touch. Have a happy Harvestfest.

Several weeks later, Britechester-

Alex: Cam and I try not to get too involved with work matters, but I'll be honest, that interview was upsetting. I wonder if they'd still be snickering if they saw what you've been through in these past few months.

Coraleye: Nah, they're the least of my worries. Pretty sure I got the last laugh when it comes to them. [Mischievous grin]

Alex: I'm in awe of your optimism, Coraleye. After all this, you’re really not bitter? I mean, look at Tycho—he lied, tried to erase your memories. And you still take the high road?

Coraleye: Oh no, please don’t get me wrong, Alex! I definitely went through—and sometimes still go through—my naughty phase, from time to time. Alex: [Leans in] You have my attention... Coraleye: Maybe it was for revenge, or a way to cope, or maybe deep down I was just really lonely and had a void to fill. Either way, it got me through some dark times. Perhaps you should book a follow-up interview with Briella, ask her if she found my panties in her boyfriend's room yet. [Waves at camera, winks, and mouths, ‘Hey, Pierce!’] Alex shakes his head amusedly and softly chuckles.

Alex: Damn! You really don't mess around. I'm guessing this doubles as punishment for Tycho as well?

Coraleye: Nope. Actually, his punishment is even better. I'm giving him exactly what he wants. After this documentary is over with, I'm erasing all of our shared memories together. He wanted to mess with my mind so badly, I'll do it for him. Alex: And how do you do that?

Coraleye: Through a spell, of course. You didn't forget that I'm a spellcaster, did you? I'll put the memories in an amulet and give it to our sage of untamed magic. They'll perform a ritual to destroy the memories. Alex: Wow. Remind me to never break your heart... Coraleye: [Smiles] Oh, I will. Alex: [Sighs] Well... Last question we're asking everyone else: Is there any question that you have, after all of this, that still haunts you?

Coraleye: [Tilts head, as she pauses to think] Hmm… I’ve still got to write that paper on my ten-year plan, and somehow I feel even more lost than before. I guess it’s time to start figuring that out now.

hah...

I see now...

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Thank you to the absolute legend @kari-sims for tagging me, your whole post was a magical treat ♥

-> tagging @ravingsockmonkey @lilamausmaus @beebeesiims @bananzerssims @echoweaver @simgnomeful @cinamun @salemssimblr @nova-kim @myopiccc @surely-sims @pixelsinmyveins @pixelshary and anyone else seeing this, don't let the the confines of tags stop you from joining in on the fun ^.^

obvs no pressure to participate, just for fun <33

January

From this chapter from Many Moons Ago- Erik and Agnes Darling 🥺

February

Oh god, it has to be this one. You know the one. My heart sinks seeing it. 😭

March

I really love all the shots from this post— Erwin's close call. I'm very proud of how they turned out, despite how his fate turned out 😥

April

This is when we were introduced to Mackenzie and his very short and very... brutal arc, but it was fun while it lasted. I also loved building a vampiric office lol

May-July

VOID August

Ahhh, the Salient Recollection documentary. By this point I had finally gotten access to a working computer and my creative juices could no longer be contained. It was time for the season 10 finale, and we were going out with a baaaang 😫 This post introduces two new characters interviewing Tycho as he reveals his alien identity in the documentary. September

Hopefully this isn't too much of a spoiler right? Lol hoping everyone is all caught up at this point 😄 But seriously this entire scene was so much work. Working with Coraleye's dress and hair alone, plus trying to capture movement during action shots like this? took hours to edit— plus multiple different versions of the same shot all merged together to get what we see here. It was really important that I captured the fear and desperation and also drama! of the moment though

Also another favorite of mine personally, is this one from this post! By this point I had made probably a million individual glove/suit wrinkles, tears, and hair strands in these edits alone and I think this edit reflects that lol— I also love the lighting and the eeriness of the glow from the TV static behind them, and the desperation and frustration they're both feeling, definitely one of my favorites probably of the year.

October

Oh geez lol October is always a big year for me creatively, so expect a bit more than just one :p

This whole post was so hearbreaking to make for me. Coraleye and Tycho (while incredibly toxic and problematic at times) were my favorite couple I've ever written, and breaking them up was so incredibly painful 😢 I loved how all these shots came out and I'm super proud of them. Take note of how Tatiana's winning the election was foreshadowed in that last shot 👀

Somewhat separately (although stay tuned for season 11, js 👀) from the main story, there's no denying this gifset was undoubtedly my most popular post. I've been in a liminal spaces kick for months now and needed to bring that to my safe space, and let's be honest, the most liminal space of all- the sims!

November

In the finale of season 10, the very last post- Coraleye recounts her mental breakdown. The flashback of cutting her hair at her bathroom sink, tear stained cheeks, bloodshot eyes, and then lying on the ground mourning her friend in front of the house the whole group used to room together at in Britechester—I felt—was pretty powerful. Then the juxtaposition of her months later, seemingly bounced back to her regular flirtatious self while interacting this filmmaker, clearly having him wrapped around her finger, I found quite eerie but also just compelling. Another very proud moment for me. I genuinely just love writing and exploring this character.

December

4 Months After Election

Filmmaker: So forgive me if I'm speaking out of turn here, but now that everything's pretty much said and done, what's left to hide?

Tycho pauses, breaking from his dazed stare, and looks up at the filmmaker quizzically. Filmmaker: You know… what's the purpose of your disguise now? Doesn't pretty much everyone know the secret at this point?

Tycho: [Shrugs] Yeah, Alex, guess you got me there.

Alex: There's been somewhat of a movement going on amongst the extraterrestrial community; an advocacy to reveal their true identities, since the election. You know— live freely? Have you—

Tycho: ...Considered removing my disguise? Actually, Alex, yes, I have. For good. I've… I've considered it a lot. Hiding who I am has cost me everything.

Alex: Well, this doc seems like as good a time as any, if you ask me.[Quietly, off to the side] Cam, are you getting this?

Cameron nods silently, while swiftly adjusting the lens and checking over the sound levels, his attention locked in. Alex: I know this isn't easy, but sharing your true self could be a real turning point for so many others like you. So if you're comfortable, we're here to support you every step of the way. Whenever you're ready.

Silence fills the studio as Tycho anticipates a reaction from the documentarian, but there is no sign of shock or a gasp from him, only an enthusiastic air of rehearsed professionalism.

Alex: I want to thank you for your vulnerability, Tycho. I know just how incredibly difficult this whole ordeal must be for you.

Tycho takes a deep breath and exhales slowly.

Tycho: Yeah, well, I don't really have anything left to lose anyway.

Alex: Walk me through that. What happened the night of the election?

Following the final moments of Erwin’s abduction, Jill Smith ordered an immediate halt to all live media coverage.

Desert CAHR Productions was granted special permission to film on the rooftop during this critical moment.

Jill Smith, her security, and the members of the SWAT team do their very best to be respectful, allowing Coraleye the space to process her shock, while also keeping their weapons drawn and remaining vigilant for any signs of returning spacecraft or any other potential threats. Tycho pushes through the crowd to reach Coraleye, who is collapsed in despair on the ground, wailing incoherent sobs toward the sky. Only barely cushioned by mascara-stained gloves, her clenched fists pound relentlessly against the cement. Tycho grasps her wrists firmly, desperate to pull her back from her anguish.

Tycho: Coraleye! Please, stop! You’re going to hurt yourself! Are you okay? Are you hurt? Talk to me, baby, please!

He cradles her face in his hands, smudged with mascara and tears. She locks her gaze onto his, searching deeply into his eyes—into his soul, really—her voice emerging in a guttural growl that shakes him to his core.

Coraleye: DO SOMETHING.

More than a plea, she demands it, her voice raw.

Coraleye: Let go of me, and fucking— [attempts to yank her arm away from his grip] —do something to HELP HIM. QUICKLY!

He freezes. This is it—his only chance. With a grand audience and everything being filmed, there’s no way to erase anyone's memory. There’s no backing out now. He takes a deep breath.

Tycho: Listen to me! Fuck, honey— I never imagined I'd be telling you this surrounded by guns and cameras and helicopters. I... I don't really know how I'm going to say it, so I'll just come out with it. Coraleye: Just say it, Tycho. Tycho: I am, I promise. Just… please don’t rush me. He’s gone. Erwin is gone. [Breath hitches as he watches her furiously shake her head in denial] For good. There’s nothing anyone can do to save him, alright? And I’m so, so sorry.

Coraleye: No, no, NO! Why? Why would you say that, Tycho? Tycho: Darling, there’s something I need to tell you.. There’s a reason I know—[voice cracks]—that he won’t be coming back.

Coraleye: Stop! Just stop! We don’t have time for this! [Voice cracks, sobs tear from her throat] You and I both know you could have done something to stop this from happening... I know exactly who you are, Tycho. Tycho goes still, his body rigid with disbelief as he tries to discern whether the words she just uttered were reality or a demented figment of his imagination.

Tycho: W-what? What did you just say? I don't understand. Coraleye, what are you saying? Seeing her shaking uncontrollably, Tycho instinctively reaches for her hands, but she shoves them away. After a deep breath, she speaks, her voice unnervingly calm compared to the turmoil displayed moments before.

4 Months After Election

Tycho: What else is there to say? This is pretty much done, right? You got what you needed?

Alex: I did have one more question for you; one that I had saved for both you and Ms. Darling. Is there anything you’re still asking yourself, after this whole ordeal? Tycho: ...How did she answer that? Alex: Haven’t asked her yet, man. You’re up first.

Tycho: [Long pause, glances over and points his head at Cam] Has Coraleye tried anything with Cam, yet? I'd be surprised if she hasn't. He seems like someone she'd go for. She never could control herself.

Cam: Me? Ha. [Jokingly brushes hand over beard] So you admit you think I’m cute? Seriously though, we keep things professional with work clients man, no need to worry about me crossing any lines.

Alex: [Calm but firm] I don’t think you really meant that, Tycho... I think you’re just pissed off. Maybe you should walk that back.

Tycho: [Sigh] Yeah, you’re right. She didn’t deserve that. I’m sorry. Honestly, I still have plenty of questions that still keep me up at night, you know? Like, what if I’d followed her to the rooftop when Erwin wanted to talk to her alone? If I’d been with Erwin when that ship came, would they still have taken him? Should I have gone to Sixam with Coni to be by Erwin's side when they executed him? [Winces in pain from the mental image] ...Could I have done more?

Alex: [Nods thoughtfully] Those are some pretty difficult questions. I can see how much they're weighing on you. Any theories?

Tycho: I hate to say it because Erwin would have a solid theory to rationalize every one of my questions by now, but I just… can’t make sense of it. I wish I had better answers—any answers, really. No matter how many times I replay those moments in my head I just... I don't know. Nothing.

Alex: Can I ask you something kind of personal? And if you don't want to answer, by all means— Tycho: Go ahead, Alex.

Alex: Right, okay. Do um, have any regrets—I guess what I’m really asking is, do you regret not being there for the funeral? If I remember correctly, you were invited but ultimately decided against going, right?

Clementine: [staring at the screen in disbelief] This doesn't make any sense. She won… it's official. Kirsten: [with a heavy sigh] Well, I’ll be damned. You kids see the power you wield? You resurrected that Salas bunch, and now we’ve got a damn vampire in office. I'm telling you, it's that Darling family curse, it's no joke.

Salem: Yeah, no one's fucking laughing, mom.

Yellow: [Starts pacing, checking cell phone] Has anyone heard from Coraleye? It’s nearly 4 AM, and she hasn’t checked in. That’s not like her—especially after this long.

Donna, anxiously knitting on the sofa, turns to give her husband a loving glance, striving to keep her tone light and comforting. Donna: We needn't fret, love. She's likely off with Tycho, helping him get his mind off things like lovebirds do— hehe! Yellow: [Sighs] You’re probably right. I’ll give her more time before trying again. I do remember how it felt, being young and utterly smitten. [Grins and cheesily winks at Donna]

Salem: Disgusting.

Donna: You are! [Playfully sticks out tongue]

Seymour, thought to be asleep, croaks a laugh. Salem groans and leans forward, burying her head in her hands.

Out of nowhere, the Darling family landline rings, breaking the silence with a jolt. The unexpected sound causes even the family dog to yelp in surprise. Donna: Oh, heavens! It's alright, Mimsy, that's just the phone. Gave me a scare too; it hardly ever rings. Excuse me, I'll answer it.

Donna gently sets her knitting kit aside, then carefully maneuvers around the jumbled feet and dog, making her way to the foyer to tend to the ringing phone. Yellow tries his daughter’s cellphone once more, as Clementine nudges Salem with her leg. Clementine: What's wrong? Having doubts about resurrecting them? Salem: Of course not. Don’t be stupid. That was the only way I'd get you back. How was I supposed to know it'd get lead to this? She was so different all those years ago.

Donna, usually known for her bravery, suddenly cries out in distress from the foyer, causing Yellow to rush to her side, alarmed. Yellow: Donna, sweetheart! What's wrong? Who called? Donna: That was an officer from the city. We have to go pick up Coraleye right away! There's been a terrible accident. Yellow: What? What happened to her? Is she hurt?

Donna: She's safe, but it sounds like others may have been hurt, and she's rather quite shaken. They wouldn't elaborate, so I guess we'll learn more when we arrive. Oh! Let me just fetch my slippers!

Clementine: Shit, I’m pretty worried… should we tag along? Yellow: We’ll manage. Maybe you all stay here in case anything comes up here. Thanks, Clem. Mom— we'll be right back with Coraleye. Will you be alright getting Dad to bed? Kirsten: Yes, of course, hun. Just get my baby girl back home safe and soon.

Clementine: Ditto. Give her hugs and kisses for me. [Waits for Donna and Yellow to leave] What a crazy night. What do you think went down?

Salem: How should I know.

Clementine: Think it’s connected to Salas winning?

Salem: Most likely. And now that a psychotic vampire is in charge— this is just the beginning. Who knows what she's capable of?

Kirsten: You can say that again. How long is it gonna take before someone addresses that none of us mediums have been able to make contact with Jay Salas? I think the bitch killed her husband. Salem: Mom please, not now. Kirsten: Sorry! Just saying... I have my suspicions. Guess we'll save it for a later season.

Salem exhales heavily, clutching her scalp. Her gaze drifts to the glowing TV screen, where Tatiana's unsettling grin beams back, mocking her hesitation.

Salem: Ugh, fuck! I can’t believe I’m responsible for this fucking shitshow.

Clementine: [Brief silence, eyes transfixed on the screen] …You brought her into this realm.