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simstationdance
Dr. Glarn Curious, acclaimed scientist and beloved family man, has a dark secret. But he tries not to think about it most days, putting all of his focus on what’s right in front of him.
Of course, the recent encounter with his alien abductor from years ago definitely didn’t shake him up at all. It didn’t bring back any memories he’d rather forget.
He’s fine. Everything is fine.
Of course, the recent encounter with his alien abductor from years ago definitely didn’t shake him up at all. It didn’t bring back any memories he’d rather forget.
He’s fine. Everything is fine.
Vidcund calls his friend Circe over to hang out. Together with Pascal, they have a great time on the monkey bars until night falls and Circe has to leave.
As night fell upon Nowhere, the Curious kids dutifully got ready for bed in preparation for the school day. Jenny reads to her little brothers as she does every night, and Kitty tucks baby Lazlo into his crib.
Everyone is winding down to sleep…
Everyone is winding down to sleep…
Except for one man.
Locking himself up in his office for the night was becoming a worsening habit. For years, Glarn has been pouring exhaustive research into a highly classified document on the topic of extraterrestrial flora and parasites. The file featured numerous anonymous accounts of ‘traumatic alien pollination’, including his own. The knowledge and experiences contained within are so harrowing that, even now, they still weighed on Glarn’s psyche.
There were secrets within it that he and other top-level government-funded researchers would sooner take to the grave than let slip. But with that alien fugitive having moved in down the road, this fragile privacy could be in serious jeopardy.
He had a bone to pick with the General for allowing such a thing to happen at all. But for now, he had to focus on finishing this paper and passing it on to the higher-ups. He couldn’t allow himself to get distracted by petty drama or lost in his own mind.
Locking himself up in his office for the night was becoming a worsening habit. For years, Glarn has been pouring exhaustive research into a highly classified document on the topic of extraterrestrial flora and parasites. The file featured numerous anonymous accounts of ‘traumatic alien pollination’, including his own. The knowledge and experiences contained within are so harrowing that, even now, they still weighed on Glarn’s psyche.
There were secrets within it that he and other top-level government-funded researchers would sooner take to the grave than let slip. But with that alien fugitive having moved in down the road, this fragile privacy could be in serious jeopardy.
He had a bone to pick with the General for allowing such a thing to happen at all. But for now, he had to focus on finishing this paper and passing it on to the higher-ups. He couldn’t allow himself to get distracted by petty drama or lost in his own mind.
In the past, preparing breakfast was almost always a two person effort. Either Glarn or Jenny would be setting the table, while Kitty prepared the meal.
Today, however, was different. It was just Kitty doing all of the work this time, with the room itself being eerily quiet. She’d be lying if she said the disruption in this morning routine didn’t make her at least a little worried.
Today, however, was different. It was just Kitty doing all of the work this time, with the room itself being eerily quiet. She’d be lying if she said the disruption in this morning routine didn’t make her at least a little worried.
Glarn, sleepless and looking a little dazed, quietly snuck out of his office to bring Lazlo down for breakfast with the rest of the family. When he stepped foot into the dining room, he felt everyone’s eyes on him. And Kitty quickly noticed that something was off.
Kitty: Good morning, dear. Are you okay? Did you sleep… at all?
Glarn: Sorry, what? Um… I’m fine. I’ve just been very busy with work, I had to stay up late… you know how it is.
Kitty: Well, that’s not good. Maybe you should take today off?
Vidcund: …If dad takes the day off, can we take a day off from school?
Glarn: Sorry, what? Um… I’m fine. I’ve just been very busy with work, I had to stay up late… you know how it is.
Kitty: Well, that’s not good. Maybe you should take today off?
Vidcund: …If dad takes the day off, can we take a day off from school?
Vidcund: …Nevermind.
While the kids left their half-finished breakfasts behind to head straight to school, it was as if Glarn didn’t even hear Kitty’s question, following right behind them as soon as he heard the carpool roll up outside.
Pascal was shaping up to be an absolute prodigy, excelling in just about every subject in school.
Between Jenny’s inquisitive nature, Pascal’s straight A’s, and Vidcund’s fascination with studying plants, Kitty could not be more proud of all of her little geniuses.
Between Jenny’s inquisitive nature, Pascal’s straight A’s, and Vidcund’s fascination with studying plants, Kitty could not be more proud of all of her little geniuses.
Homework and babysitting.png
Tonight, Kitty was lucky enough to get her workaholic husband into bed for some much-needed rest - and what better a time to discuss your concerns than at the end of the day, when all of the children were asleep?
Kitty: Glarn… are you sure you’re doing alright? You’ve been working yourself to the bone quite a bit these last few weeks.
Glarn: I assure you, I’m fine. Just… a bit overworked, I suppose. This research project I’m part of is very important.
Kitty: Can I at least ask what it is?
Glarn: Aw, you know I can’t tell you that, Kitty. It’s, uh, highly classified stuff. And - sad to say - as far as I know, there’s no legal clause that allows family and friends to know about it.
Glarn: I assure you, I’m fine. Just… a bit overworked, I suppose. This research project I’m part of is very important.
Kitty: Can I at least ask what it is?
Glarn: Aw, you know I can’t tell you that, Kitty. It’s, uh, highly classified stuff. And - sad to say - as far as I know, there’s no legal clause that allows family and friends to know about it.
Kitty: If you insist… just, promise you won’t get up and sneak off to your office this time? Just for tonight?
Glarn: I–… I promise. I’ll stay right here.
Glarn: I–… I promise. I’ll stay right here.
Vidcund: Ugh… Do we have to go to school today?
Pascal: Yes, Vidcund.
Vidcund: …But why?
Pascal: Yes, Vidcund.
Vidcund: …But why?
Jenny was dancing her way to the kitchen to help her mother set the table. Upon coming downstairs, Vidcund had the urge to voice some strong opinions on… whatever that dance move was.
Vidcund: You look stupid doing that. You know that, right?
Jenny: You’re just jealous that I’m a better dancer than you, Vidcund.
Kitty, already tired: Kids, come eat your breakfast before it gets cold…
Jenny: You’re just jealous that I’m a better dancer than you, Vidcund.
Kitty, already tired: Kids, come eat your breakfast before it gets cold…
Jenny: Hey dad, can I, uh… take a peek at your alien research? Just a little bit? It’s for a school report and it’s going to be, like, over half of my final grade.
Glarn: We’ve been over this, Jen, the answer is no, as that would be highly illegal. And you know I don’t do ‘alien research.’ I do botanical research on extraterrestrial flora. Very important difference.
Jenny: But… don’t you talk about aliens all the time? I’ve heard you talking on the phone about it.
Glarn: Okay, Jen - two things. First of all, you really need to stop eavesdropping on me while I’m in my office. Secondly, this should never be something you just casually bring up during breakfast.
Jenny: Sorry…
Glarn: We’ve been over this, Jen, the answer is no, as that would be highly illegal. And you know I don’t do ‘alien research.’ I do botanical research on extraterrestrial flora. Very important difference.
Jenny: But… don’t you talk about aliens all the time? I’ve heard you talking on the phone about it.
Glarn: Okay, Jen - two things. First of all, you really need to stop eavesdropping on me while I’m in my office. Secondly, this should never be something you just casually bring up during breakfast.
Jenny: Sorry…
Although Lazlo struggled a little bit with the nuances of learning to talk, he eventually pulled through in the end.
Kitty was so proud of her little guy.
Kitty was so proud of her little guy.
baby lazlo dancin :)
Later that day, Vidcund decided he wanted to read a physics textbook with his little brother and best friend - only to remember that it was his birthday today. And by that I mean, I forgot it was Lazlo’s birthday until the very last second.
He’s so precious… his outfit could use some work though.
He’s so precious… his outfit could use some work though.
There he is! There’s my boy!!!
It was the same dream every time. Glarn would wake up in the night in a cold sweat, rise out of bed in a frenzy, dress himself like he did every day, and stare up at the sky - as if expecting something to be there.
He hadn’t had this dream in a long time. But it was always there, ready to resurface if the circumstances were just right.
He hadn’t had this dream in a long time. But it was always there, ready to resurface if the circumstances were just right.
Kitty: Glarn, did you… sleep well last night? Are you sure you’re doing okay?
Glarn: Again with this…? For the last time, Kitty, I’m fine. I’ve just been working very hard on my research. It’s taking up a lot of my mental energy.
Kitty: Well, yes, but… the reason I ask is because… You sleepwalked for the first time in months last night.
Glarn, genuinely surprised: Wh-… what?
Kitty: That project of yours must be taking a lot of mental energy… Are you sure you don’t want to take a break? Or a simple day off?
Glarn: Again with this…? For the last time, Kitty, I’m fine. I’ve just been working very hard on my research. It’s taking up a lot of my mental energy.
Kitty: Well, yes, but… the reason I ask is because… You sleepwalked for the first time in months last night.
Glarn, genuinely surprised: Wh-… what?
Kitty: That project of yours must be taking a lot of mental energy… Are you sure you don’t want to take a break? Or a simple day off?
Glarn: I can’t afford to take any days off right now. You know that.
Kitty: I know. I’m just… I’ve been worried about you, Glarn! If nothing else, I think you should lay off the coffee. I’ve been reading about different flavors of tea, and I think–
Jenny: What are you guys talking about? Is dad… sick, or something?
Glarn: It’s nothing, Jen. Don’t worry too much about it.
Kitty: I know. I’m just… I’ve been worried about you, Glarn! If nothing else, I think you should lay off the coffee. I’ve been reading about different flavors of tea, and I think–
Jenny: What are you guys talking about? Is dad… sick, or something?
Glarn: It’s nothing, Jen. Don’t worry too much about it.
Once Jenny was well and truly out of earshot, Kitty decided to ask the real burning questions.
Kitty: One more thing… Glarn, would you have any idea why we’re 400 simoleons shorter than we were yesterday? Again?
Glarn: The bills were a bit expensive this week-
Kitty: The bills were 263 simoleons, Glarn. Being home alone all the time gives me a reason to keep track of these things.
Glarn: …Maybe Jenny bought something expensive…? Clothes, maybe?
Kitty: She hasn’t gone shopping in three months.
Glarn: Well, I don’t know, Kitty. Maybe 400 simoleons just disappeared while we weren’t looking?
Glarn: The bills were a bit expensive this week-
Kitty: The bills were 263 simoleons, Glarn. Being home alone all the time gives me a reason to keep track of these things.
Glarn: …Maybe Jenny bought something expensive…? Clothes, maybe?
Kitty: She hasn’t gone shopping in three months.
Glarn: Well, I don’t know, Kitty. Maybe 400 simoleons just disappeared while we weren’t looking?
Kitty: What, do you think 400 simoleons just grew legs and walked out of your wallet? We’re not rich, we can’t just throw around that kind of money whenever we please! This isn’t the first time this amount of money has vanished, either. I’m starting to get suspicious of where our money has been going, and the fact that you’re so dismissive and apparently don’t know what’s happening only makes me more suspicious.
Glarn: You’re right. I’m sorry. I should… keep better track of our funds. To prevent this from happening again.
Kitty: And I’m sorry for getting heated, but… we’ve got several mouths to feed, you know. Like I said, we can’t just throw around that kind of money like it’s nothing.
Glarn: You’re right. I’m sorry. I should… keep better track of our funds. To prevent this from happening again.
Kitty: And I’m sorry for getting heated, but… we’ve got several mouths to feed, you know. Like I said, we can’t just throw around that kind of money like it’s nothing.
Glarn didn’t want to tell her - or anyone, for that matter - that he did, in fact, know where that money was going.
After that confrontation with Kitty, Glarn was starting to feel a bit guilty for not spending as much time with his family as he used to - having been putting all of his focus onto his work - and so he decided to change that once the kids were home from school.
Glarn: …And that’s how you know Train B makes it to the station approximately 76.9 seconds faster than Train A.
Lazlo: …Um. I don’t get it. Can you explain it again, please?
Pascal: It’s not that hard to understand, is it?
Lazlo: Well, I mean… I just- I kinda got lost halfway through.
Glarn: it’s alright, Lazlo. We can go over it again, just listen up this time.
Lazlo: …Um. I don’t get it. Can you explain it again, please?
Pascal: It’s not that hard to understand, is it?
Lazlo: Well, I mean… I just- I kinda got lost halfway through.
Glarn: it’s alright, Lazlo. We can go over it again, just listen up this time.
A few days after their little escapade out of town, which Jenny worried might’ve put Lyla off from hanging out with her, Lyla surprises her with an unannounced visit.
Also, she has a new look. Again.
Also, she has a new look. Again.
For once, it seemed Lyla didn’t want to go anywhere, so they opted to just hang out in Jenny’s room. All the while, Lyla seemed troubled by something, but Jenny wasn’t one to pry… until their conversation took a very personal turn.
Lyla: So, are you… excited to grow up soon?
Jenny: Hm… I haven’t really been thinking about it, but I guess I am kind of excited to go to college and see what it’s like. Why? Are you excited?
Lyla: …No, I’m not. My parents - and now, even my boyfriend - keep bringing up the fact that I’m “going to be an adult soon” and I’m sick of it! It’s like everyone’s expecting me to just… know what I’m doing with my life as soon as my birthday rolls around, and I hate it!
Jenny, very confused: …Okayyy. Not really sure what to say to that, to be honest.
Lyla: Sorry. I shouldn’t drag you into my problems. I guess I’m just stressed. I should… probably… leave–
Jenny: Wait!
Jenny: Hm… I haven’t really been thinking about it, but I guess I am kind of excited to go to college and see what it’s like. Why? Are you excited?
Lyla: …No, I’m not. My parents - and now, even my boyfriend - keep bringing up the fact that I’m “going to be an adult soon” and I’m sick of it! It’s like everyone’s expecting me to just… know what I’m doing with my life as soon as my birthday rolls around, and I hate it!
Jenny, very confused: …Okayyy. Not really sure what to say to that, to be honest.
Lyla: Sorry. I shouldn’t drag you into my problems. I guess I’m just stressed. I should… probably… leave–
Jenny: Wait!
Feeling awkward all of a sudden, Lyla stood up and trudged towards the door. To her surprise, Jenny quickly stopped her, turning her around and grasping both of her hands. She reassured her that Lyla had nothing to apologize for, and that her feelings were perfectly reasonable to have.
…In a lot more words, and with a lot more stumbling, that is. Lyla couldn’t help but smile.
…In a lot more words, and with a lot more stumbling, that is. Lyla couldn’t help but smile.
Jenny, trying her best: Hey Lyla, I just want you to know that… when you grow up, I think you’ll be alright. I know the future seems scary right now, but… uh… just try to look on the bright side, and… um… don’t be afraid to ask for my help if you need me, okay? Because, you know, uh… friends look out for each other, right? …We are friends, right?
Lyla: Aww, Jenny… thank you.
Jenny: …Oh wow that worked? I was just kinda winging it there-
Lyla: You know, I’m really glad I’ve got someone like you in my life.
Jenny: Wait– you are?
Lyla: Aww, Jenny… thank you.
Jenny: …Oh wow that worked? I was just kinda winging it there-
Lyla: You know, I’m really glad I’ve got someone like you in my life.
Jenny: Wait– you are?
Lyla: Yeah! You may not always know what to say, but you’re always so… kind and thoughtful. I really admire that about you.
Jenny, her brain visibly short-circuiting: HHHHHH-
Lyla: Jenny? Are you okay?
Jenny: …YES. I am so… incredibly… okay! And you know what else? I’m really glad I’ve got someone like you in my life too, Lyla. Because… um… you’re really pr- I mean, you’re really cool. And I think you’re cute– I mean, cool. And I just. Um. You know. Really admire– really appreciate– really–
Lyla: …You really like me, don’t you?
Jenny: …Maybe a little bit.
Jenny, her brain visibly short-circuiting: HHHHHH-
Lyla: Jenny? Are you okay?
Jenny: …YES. I am so… incredibly… okay! And you know what else? I’m really glad I’ve got someone like you in my life too, Lyla. Because… um… you’re really pr- I mean, you’re really cool. And I think you’re cute– I mean, cool. And I just. Um. You know. Really admire– really appreciate– really–
Lyla: …You really like me, don’t you?
Jenny: …Maybe a little bit.
And then this just kinda…
…happened.
Meanwhile, in the other room…
GUESS WHO FORGOT ANOTHER BIRTHDAY.
The first thing Pascal did after growing up - aside from changing into some new clothes - was head out to the balcony to stare up at the night sky.
Perhaps he’d get lucky someday and encounter a spaceship floating past the stars.
