3.11 No breath of air

warning: gore, language, nudity, NSFW

     Small birds chirping was a rare occurance so close to the citycore. The birds were there, but most times the sound disappeared under the hoarse coughs of the large crows and pigeons. In addition, the traffic was always loud. This close to downtown a quiet street was a seldom happening. There were restrictions and regulations to traffic, only legal for residents of the street driving through. But no one cared, even if the police sometimes handed out fines.

     The sound was still welcome in the silence. Aino tried having the window open as often as possible, so dad would get some fresh air. Even if it was polluted, which they've learned about in school. She thought dad looked paler every day, but she was afraid to tell mum. Maybe she wasn't giving him enough medicine. Maybe she could ask mum about it if she angled it that way? But dad was always pale, so maybe it was just the sun shining inside the room that made him look whiter than usual?

     A part of her believed it was her own imagination: What do you think Ratatosk? Do you think dad looks paler... or greyer? The doll promptly answered: Daddy doesn't need medication! Mum claimed she was insane, and Aino sometimes believed she was right. Which made her worried that mum would leave her in the asylum with all the other crazy sims. She didn't want to be lobotomized.  
     The girl was completely aware that it was her that talked for the doll. It was just a pretend game after all. If other kids could play dressup, why couldn't she pretend a doll talked?  
     Don't be silly, Aino answered: Mums medication is making dad better. It did make him better, right?

     Stretching her arms out like she wanted to take Ratatosk, the lady changed her mind before touching it. Aino asked her, even if she never talked: Has dad woken up? But she just shook her head: Are you cold? The lady got a bit ethereal before getting back to normal whilst she nodded: Do you want me to close the window? Which made the lady shake her head again. These imaginary friends were difficult... and smelly. Wonder why she had so many of them. Maybe it was since kids didn't want to play with her.

     Stroking Ians forehead, Aino didn't notice any difference in his temperature. That sticky cold sweat that always seemed to cover his face was still there. It was odd to feel, especially since his skin was a tad to warm under. The hospital had decided that he needed to be seen by a real nurse more often, after she hadn't turned him over often enough.
     So dad had gotten bedsores and mum got very mad at her. But the nurse had been pretty nice and said that it was common, and mum wasn't in any trouble. Because everything else about dad was good. He'd said so many nice things to mum; how brave she was, and how well she took care of dad.
     Mum was so perfect and beautiful, and Aino loved her. But mums special medication was a secret, so she hadn't told the nurse about it either.

     Even if dad slowly got thinner it was difficult turning him over, because he still weighed a lot. She made sure he got nutrition to. When the nurse had praised mums ability to take care of dad, Aino had gotten a bit mad since she did most of the work. Then she'd just felt guilty. Poor mum that was so good to her, and then she went and got angry.
     So when she heard Skuld calling, she closed the window and went downstairs. Not before waving to the lady though, even if she didn't wave back.

     What took you so long? Hands on hip, Skuld waited for the girl to come downstairs. It was so rude to let her wait like that: Why don't you respect me?
     I'm sorry mum. Fixing her gaze on the floor, Aino was ashamed of herself. Mum looked so beautiful today, like she did every day.
     Who were you talking to? The girl didn't answer instantly, even if she knew how much Skuld hated asking twice: Aino! Her voice was hard: Who were you talking to?
     Ratatosk...
     Again with that creepy doll? She hated that thing, together with everything that made her daughter smile. She wanted that little brat to be happy, because that made her happy. Everyone should think about her needs first.

     Giving her daughter a short slap, Skuld held her hand out: I'm going to take it and throw it in the river. Smiling at her daughters sadface, it was enough to lighten the mood a bit: And you are going to visit Marea and Efraim. I need a break from you. You're so spoiled and demanding. To think that a small comment about beeing tired made sims offer to babysit. They actually thought that she would stay in the house with Ian. What? Were they worried he'd go anywhere?

     She didn't really have a lot of toys left. Mum threw them out little by little, saying they weren't suitable for little girls. Even Dragonbow was gone. If she'd been a better daughter, mum might have let her keep the toys. But she was a bad daughter, that's what mum said, and she was always right. Aino loved her doll and didn't want to loose it, but her love for Skuld was bigger. That's why she let her have it.

     Snorting and slobbering the girl sat inside the box, loudly playing with a seamonster. Kicking the wooden inside made it a very loud experience to stay in the small room. But still; they had a whole room only with toys in it. A whole room dedicated to the children. And they were allowed to play as loudly as they wanted in there, even if it weren't soundproof. It was even a glassdoor that led straight to the garden. Because Stein and Aino was there, the toddler was allowed to, because the grown ups trusted them to keep her safe. What a thing to do. They trusted them to keep a toddler safe. It was probably the locked door they trusted, but details details.

     Aino had never met the boy before, but he talked like they knew eachother. It was a bit odd: So, what do you like to play? Stein had been told by his parents to be on his best behaviour, or he was grounded until he was an adult. She seemed okay, even if she was a bit on the strange side. Her dad was very ill though, so that was probably why.
     Someone had just asked what she liked to play, and she didn't even have an answer! She didn't know what she liked playing, because she always played alone: ...uhm. I don't know. It was probably the right answer.
     Stein found it strange that someone didn't know what they liked to play. But she might be shy or afraid to do something wrong. He was pretty sure girls liked playing the same things boys did: We can play pretend. I... We... dad had said that the toys in the playroom weren't his alone, they had to be shared with his stupid sister: We have a costumechest.

     This was so awkward, how was she supposed to fit into a costume? Mum said she was to fat to wear anything: I don't think I'll fit into a costume. 
     He'd never believed girls were odd before, but this one made Stein change his mind: You'll fit. They're for kids our age. 
     Mum says I'm to fat to fit into clothes that's for my agegroup. It had fallen out of her mouth before she had the chance to think. And mum said that was their little secret! What if he told mum that she told?       
      Your mum's wrong. Stein knew she was wrong, if the costumes fit him, they'd fit her to. She was a tad smaller than him. He wished she was a lot smaller though, because he was older, so then it wouldn't have been embarassing.

     That was the worst thing Aino had ever heard, but she didn't want to be rude. And she worried that Marea would get mad if she said anything: No, mum's always right. Kids were supposed to listen to grownups.   
     Stein had a different point of view: No, she's wrong. He was right. Grownups were stupid anyway; all kids knew that: And there's a princessdress in the chest, so then only the top has to fit. And it fits me, so then it'll fit you.
     Had he just indirectly, and without any embarassment told her that he'd used a dress? That was strange. Or maybe it wasn't. It was just a pretend game anyway, so why would it be bad that a boy pretended to be a girl? Aino liked beeing a girl after all, so why wouldn't others?

     The dress fit! Now she looked the girls on the shows she watched on tv, that said all girls wanted to princesses. Actually Aino had never really wanted to be a princess; they were a bit dull. But it wasn't that bad. And she felt very pretty, especially with the shoes. She kind of liked nice shoes, and when she grew up she was going to wear high heels all the time! Just like mum did! The best was that the dress wasn't pink; it was red. Secretly that was her favourite colour, but when she'd told mum she'd said that only whores liked red. She still wasn't sure what whores were.

     MUUUUM!!! We're playing outside!!! Stein yelled as they passed the closed door to the livingroom. From the other side, a rather slow shuffling of grown up sims huffing as they had to move their butts of a cozy sofa, was heard. Aino had never deared yell at her mum like that. She bet Stein would be yelled at, but for now she was to busy pretending to be a princess. Maybe she looked as pretty as mum.

     Beeing busy feeling as pretty as her mum, Aino also did her best to avoid bumping into anything with the ginormous skirt. Beeing a lovely princess was a lot more work then it seemed on the tv- shows. But she'd completely forgotten about the veil that came with the stupid hat, that grabbed on to the flowers in a vase, who in turn fell straight onto the floor... and broke.

     She heard Marea grabbing the knob of the door, opening it. Aino didn't know what to do. It was so typical of her to ruin everything! She was such a failure! And Marea was going to be furious with her! And then she'd tell mum.... She'd tell mum that her clumsy daughter broke stuff around her house. What was she going to do? But it was to late, as Marea was standing in the doorway looking down at the vase. It wasn't crushed to tiny pieces, but a few chunks had broken off. Aino breathed heavily in through her nose, trying not to make a sound whilst doing so. Mum hated when she could hear her, so she chewed on her nails instead. They tasted like dusty old, unwashed fabric because of the gloves.

     Marea took a short look down on the floor, to see the vase lying there. Taking a hand up to her face, pulling hair behind the ear, the girl jumped and covered her face at the same time. Poor kid, beeing so on edge. It was probably because of her father: You're both wearing shoes? Good. A long break later, she said: You two just go out and play, and I'll take the glass away. 
     I'm so sorry... Aino was heartbroken, and terrified. Why wasn't Marea doing anything? She didn't even seem angry. But it wasn't better if mums weren't angry, because then they'll usually be angrier later. Or tell her how stupid and useless she was; and she was, so that was okay.
     It's okay. Marea had just wished it had been the two other vases in the hallway. They were so ugly: Glass tends to jump abit around, so I'll need to vacuum the hallway.

      Stein had come back inside when he'd heard the vase went down. He didn't understand why dad kept insisting having something on that table. Someone always bumped into it: Come on Aino. I wanna keep playing! He'd decided that this girl really was strange, but he still wanted to play with someone. And she was better than nobody.
     Aino on her hand wasn't sure what to think. Why wasn't Marea angry? Mums got angry over stuff like this. All kids had it like that, didn't they? But she hadn't yelled, or grabbed her arm or hair, or even made her picking it up. She'd just checked that they wore shoes so they wouldn't get glass in their feet. That was strange.

     It was great when sims felt sorry for you. Efraim and Marea was babysitting Aino the entire day, and they believed that she stayed with Ian the entire time. Why would she even do that? He wasn't going anywhere. But that also meant that they were going to deliver the kid at her doorstep right before bedtime. She still had a pretty decent ammount of time before she had to get home. Which made sure there were plenty of time to do what needed to be done.

     Some sims were to nosy for their own good, so she'd waited for darkness before throwing that creepy doll in the river. It was a joy hearing the splash as it hit the water, surprisingly sinking like a rock. Finally that thing was gone! It felt like a burden had been lifted of her shoulders. Kids didn't need all those toys. She had drowned in them as a child, but that was different. She'd deserved it.

     She was so ready to continue the journey; ready to fetch the second last of her needed essences: third last if she included her daughters. Ofcourse, she once again knew what she was getting herself into. It was something sweet about copying someones key, sneaking in and hiding there until he got home. A beautiful little surprise for a ginger. For some odd reason he wasn't single, but the wife and kids were out of town, luckily. Less work for her.

     Skuld figured it was a low chance he'd take friends home, because married men with children were dull and got tired easily. It was already way past his bedtime. To think that someone wanted to hump that pale, strawberry blond guy, yuk. And have his babies! Eew! Completely ignoring the fact that she's slept with a redhead and had his baby. She had a good reason after all. Shings wife had done it by her own free will. Gross.     
     She didn't mind waiting for such a long time in their closet. Even if it got a bit boring, she knew it was just a wait before the fun part came along. And she had no worries about him peeping into the closet; he was a bloke, and they threw their jackets on the floor or the nearest chair anyway. Men were so predictable.

     Shing was a witch, Skuld remembered him shooting fire out of his hands; mainly because it was twinklepink. But that also meant that if his mannapool was exhausted, he couldn't do shit. So when she snook out of her hidingspot, a potion was already prepared to evaporate and cloud him; effectively emptying him of magic powers.    
     Though it was a bit surprising that he got what had happened before he even tried casting any magic. With a dead genie, a missing werewolf and a healthy fairy dropping dead; he'd clearly been able to figure out what two and two was.

     With a surprising calmness, the ginger just stood there even if he had to know how it would end. Her last victims just hadn't screamed or begged enough for Skulds liking. She liked it when they begged, and to destroy pretty things. Atleast Shing was pretty, even if he was ginger.   
     He wasn't showing the slightest sign of panick about imminent death beeing close: Wait. He also sounded completely uninterested: I just want to know why. No one hates us supernaturals so deeply, that they take their time killing us off one by one. We're not that interesting.

      Supernaturals were filthy and dirty, and didn't deserve life like her. But would she have gone specifically after them if it weren't for the prospect of eternal life? Shing had a point in them not beeing interesting. She'd though they were interesting on the inside, but they were just as boring as everyone else. Unsure of why, Skuld answered: I need the essence of one supernatural each, for a potion that will keep me young and everliving. It was about time she told someone what she was working at.

     The ginger looked startled: What? You're not a supernatural, you can't live forever. And no one can concoct something like that. Seemed like Shing knew more about this than good were. Though it wasn't the first time she'd heard: Besides, how are you supposed to use an essence in a potion? Actually, it seemed like he knew a hell of a lot more about this than she'd thought.
      It's not for me, it's for her. She smirked as she said it, even if it might not be smart to tell him, she really wanted to gloat. And he wouldn't live to tell the tale anyway: Well, it's not really a "her", it's a manifestation of my grand intelligence.

      He looked like he'd just heard the dumbest thing ever: Excuse me: what?
     My grand intellect. Clearly Shing was a complete idiot: My grand intellect manifested itself as a woman, that called me in my dreams. And this "woman" said she knew how to make one. But I needed essences for a potion that she'd help me make.
      Seemingly searching his mind, Shing finally said something: Was this a dead sim by any chance? He still sounded calm, clearly not fearing death or hoping for escape.
      Why did he care: Yes. But it's not actually a dead sim. He understood that right? She didn't mention that she'd seen the manifestation at the henge. They weren't exactely best buddies.

    Hearing nothing than the relative calmness of the outside, Shing finally said something: You answered. It was a statement, not a question. Then the witch rudely sighed at her.
     That's not your problem. Skuld didn't appreciate the little roll he did with the eyes either.
     The only ones that contacts sims in their dreams, demanding essences of supernaturals and other sims; are the hungry dead, starving dead, greedy dead... whatever you feel like calling them. He even managed to slow his voice down before continuing: That's not your intelligence manifesting itself as a sim. If that happens; your crazy.
     Hungry dead? She had an unfortunate tendency of parroting when she got surprised.
     Yes, the hungry ones. When a powerful supernatural dies, and they manage to hide from the reaper, they will try to find a way back to the world of the living.

     They will contact a sim who's capable of doing something more than others, but only the weak willed will answer. They need someone who is easy to manipulate, wether it be greed, a need for acceptance, love or whatever. He sounded like reprimanding a child that knew it had done something wrong.
     Skuld ignored the indirect insult and let him continue: They will promise to give the sim whatever they desire, if they help them back to life. However, if it doesn't happen within a reasonable time, the dead slowly turns into a hungry one and starts corrupting the sims mind. If the sim then dies before the prosess is complete, the dead consumes their soul, thus they turn more powerful. The more souls they consume, the more powerful they get. Someone who hides from Death will always try to come back to life. Or else Death will eventually find them, and capture them. But Death can't claim the living.

     That doesn't make any sense.... Skuld said. He really thought she'd believe it.
      Neither does me shooting fire out from my hands does it? Or pretty blond women murdering... 
      She wasn't satisfied with his explanation: Why doesn't it contact supernaturals? Skuld hadn't even finished before he answered: Because you can't trick us with that. But it can only contact sims with supernaturals abilities, even if they are small. Only someone with a weak will answeres. Think about it. Doesn't what you're beeing offered seem a bit good to be true?

     Thinking about someone not wanting to give Skuld everything she wanted, was unheard of! Ofcourse some undead would want her to live forever. But just to be on the safe side: The sims that gets contacted, they turn insane?   
     The dead will corrupt the mind; it will seem to others that you're turning insane. But you'll be looking into the mind of the dead, locked in your own body as long as you live. Shing talked like this was common knowledge- why hadn't she found anything about this anywhere? Could she even believe him on this? Shing liked interrupting her thoughts: It might not sound to bad, but the world of the dead isn't a place for the living. Neither was the opposite, but blondie could figure it out on her own.

     This had to be a bluff, there was no way he was telling the truth. But why didn't he make up something easier. Just to be on the safe side though: How do I stop it?
     Ginger gave the wrong answer: I don't know if you can?
     Who would know?! Skuld was done pretending she was nice. Why the hell wouldn't the stupid witch answer? Did his brain somewhat stop working because his powers were blocked?
     He answered her dryly: Wolf knew a lot- to bad he's dead. Maybe you're next victim? I assume it's going to be Albert so... It didn't seem like there was a lot of love between them: Guess you did something stupid, huh blondie? Skuld was not stupid. She hated beeing called stupid.

     She'd been so furious that his damned essence nearly got away from her. She was not stupid! He had it coming! Janking the weddingring so violently off his finger, that it dislocated Skuld still saw red. For once she wasn't going to clean up after herself, she wanted the sight of his dismembered corpse beeing the first thing his wife and kids saw when they got home. The fucker had even punched her in the face! Nothing that a little makeup couldn't cover, but he had actually harmed her. Her!! Didn't those bloody supernaturals know that she deserved more than everyone else?!

She hadn't even bothered beeing a bit careful when cutting him open, his corpse now bathing in a pile of his own blood. She'd ripped his instestines out with her bare hands as far as it had worked. Why did they always insist on hurting her feelings? And what if this bag of filth was right about these hungry dead? As much as she hated admitting it, the thought had once and again snook into her mind, wondering if it seemed a bit to good. But everyone would give her what she wanted. Didn't they? She was so amazing that she deserved to live, when every other sim was dead! Why did everything go against her? Everyone was so demanding and insincere!

     Maybe she had exaggerated a bit? Smashing his head against the tvtable might have been a bit overkill. Mentally shaking any doubt out of her glorious mind, Skuld finally felt the anger starting to dissipate. She didn't have time for this. She couldn't doubt herself when she was this close. But Shing had mentioned that this Albert, the nerd- vampire might know more. And she'd make sure she'd get every bit of information about this hungry- dead crap that this fucker had talked about. And if it by any chance was remotely true, she'd make sure there wouldn't be any dead left in the afterlife!

     In the rain, Marea and Aino waited outside the locked door. The girl had told Marea she didn't have to wait with her, but she did it anyway. Aino had liked staying with them, but hadn't been allowed by mum sleeping over. Seeing mum through the window, her heart always felt a bit better- mum always looked so beautiful and she'd missed her so much. Jumping away from Mareas hand, it turned out her "aunt" just put it on her shoulder, and told said she hoped Aino had a good time.

     Hi Aino! Skuld smiled at them: Marea, than you so much for your help. It's so nice of you. It was so good to hear mums voice so sweet, like an icecream.
     It's no problem, she's a dream to have over. Marea smiled at them.
    Skuld kept her smile, not showing any sign of letting them inside: I'm so glad to hear that. After a little while she dropped a hint: Well, it's getting late. 
     Marea thought it was a bit strange the girl stiffened when she hugged her. But not everyone was comfortable with physical contact: You're welcome back any time you want to, she said to Aino: You're a very good influence on Stein. Her son was a big pain sometimes.
    Quietly thanking for having her over, Aino knew Marea hadn't really meant what she said.

     Entering the hallway, a different smell stuck in her nose. Looking around, Aino thought she heard something from the livingroom. Someone was there. Someone heavy moved a bit around, letting out a short, deep cough. It had to be dad, it couldn't be anyone else!
      Dad! She didn't even care that mum tried to stop her, running straight into the livingroom. Finally dad was awake. Things were going to be perfect now.

     The only one that met her was a large, blonde man she'd never seen before. It wasn't the nurse, and it sure wasn't dad. Aino tried to hide the disappointment washing through her body. Then a small sense of anger manifested inside: Who are you? Why was he here with mum, when dad was sick upstairs?
     You're Aino, right? I'm Kenneth. Your mum and I are... friends. Why did he know her name? She didn't like it, or him. So she didn't answer him.
     Aino. Mums voice sounded so different from what she was used to: Be polite to Kenneth. He's our guest. The smile she sent to the blonde guy sent another angry wave through Aino. Why was mum acting so sugarly sweet? Mum wasn't sweet and cute, she was proud and perfect. So why was she behaving so strangely?

     Despite that, Aino didn't want to disobey mum, so she said a short "hi", but that didn't mean she liked him. She really didn't like that man. And it wasn't just because it was wrong that mum had a man- friend. He made her feel sick to her stomach.
     With a way to happy voice, he said: Well, aren't you a pretty little girl. Aino wanted to answer that he looked like a stuffed sausage. But it was best not to drag it further than she had to. It was a relief when mum talked, and told her it was time to go to sleep. But the best was that mum bent down and hugged her. Mum had hugged her, and her skin was so soft and she smelled so good; she smelled "mummy- good".

     Seeing it before putting a foot inside the doorstep, the day got even better when it turned out mum hadn't thrown Ratatosk away. The doll looked like it was smiling, waving it's hand. It was without doubt mum that had done that. She knew mum would forgive her. Since mum had hugged her, and the doll was still here, she'd never felt more sure that mum really loved her. Hugging the doll tight, she beamed whilst sharing the important news: Mum hugged me! And she smelled so good!
 

     Aino often wondered if mum was right about dad. If he really was in bed all the time, unconscious and beyond her reach because of her. Why would mum lie? Mum was perfect; she was tall and pretty, with beautiful skin. She was elegance incarnated. She also said it was important beeing thin and pretty, and Aino wasn't. That's why she liked beeing around mum, and it was so nice when she smiled. She just wished to be a better daughter, so mum would smile more often. That's why she loved her doll, because it didn't care how she looked, or what she'd done. It liked her anyway.

     Dad needed his medication again. But as she found what was needed, she took a closer look at him. He didn't look as pale as the lady in the chair, but he looked worse every day. Maybe mums medications didn't work properly. Then again, mum was perfect, so she couldn't be wrong. As usual the lady in the chair was present, staring at dad this time. Or the floor. As long as he didn't get as pale as her, maybe it was alright? Aino hesitated, still looking at dad and the lady. He looked a bit better than earlier today, didn't he? He always looked so much fresher when it was time for next medication. But when she's just injected him, he looked almost grey.

     Swallowing the small doubt that formed, Aino uncorked the medication. She'd gotten so good at it, that even if mum said she needed gloves, she rarely used them.
     Wait! For once Ratatosk didn't shriek: Don't give dad the medication!!
     Aino was shocked at the dolls suggestion: What? He needs his medication. Mum says he'll die without it. No way she'd let dad die, and just to be sure, she'd answered the doll as quietly as it talked to her.
    It makes dad ill! It didn't matter how shocked she was, the doll kept going: It doesn't make him better. Mums medication makes dad worse.

     Feeling the room sway for a moment, Aino quickly collected herself, letting the dolls words sink in. What a terrible thing to say about mum, she was perfect. She'd never make dad worse, but the doll wasn't having any of it: Mum makes the medication so dad will stay sick. She does it on purpose!
     Ratatosk! NO! That was the worst she'd ever heard: She'd never do that. Mum loves dad, and wants to make him well!
     Then why does she have a man here now? It was so much better when it was the doll saying it, instead of her.       
     He's a friend! Girls and boys can be friends! She had played with Stein after all- and she had to protect mum from the dolls mean words. Why was it beeing so mean to her?
     But mum is pretty and thin, and only thin and pretty girls get loved! So why else would the man be with mum, if he didn't love her? Don't give dad the medication. It was the worst thing Aino had ever heard. How could Ratatosk be so mean to poor mum? Mum would never have another boyfriend than dad.

     But dad did look better now than when he got his medication. And mum said he should always have it on time, but she kept giving him it the wrong time. Yet he was still alive: but what if he dies? And mum will get mad! She asked the doll, but it wasn't the one answering.
     Maybe you should listen to your doll. The voice was hollow and not particularly feminine. It was the lady int the chair that talked; for the first time ever. Because no one else was there: Why don't you just take the same ammount you give him, and empty it out in the sink. Then your mother won't notice and won't get mad.
     Aino was so shocked by everything that she did as they said. And even cleaned the sink properly afterwards. It was her fault that dad was ill, and now it would be her fault that he'd die.

     Aino walked back to the room: What's your name? She asked the lady in the chair, who eventually answered: I... I don't remember. Wow. There were a lot of sims and imaginary friends that didn't remember their names. It was good that Aino was great at finding them: Maybe I can guess? I'm really good with names. 
     She didn't smile, but didn't look negative either: That would be nice
     Aino tried really hard to find a name. She kind of looked like an: Ida! How about Ida? Yeah, that had to be her name.
     The woman looked a bit strange, almost disappearing before looking like usual again: No. That's not it. It sounds familiar... Almost like I know it. But just almost...
     Well, maybe your name was Adelheid, Adelaid or something like that. Aino had no idea if the
names were realted at all. But the lady in the chair looked a bit old, and those were really good names for old ladies.
     No, it's just something about Ida. She didn't disappear this time around before continuing with a small smile: Ida's a good name.

      Why are you always sitting in the chair? She could walk around, she just usually sat in the chair.
     I'm hiding. She barely changed her facialexpression, which made Aino ask from who she was hiding. Maybe it was mum: Are you hiding from mum? 
     No, I'm hiding from someone who wants to take me somewhere else. But I can't go, because I lost something that I need to find first. 
     What is it? I can help, I'm very good at finding things. Aino was, she knew the best hidingplaces.
     It's not so much some thing, as someone. I'm looking for my brother and my husband. My brother disappeared and my husband never came home.

     Would you like to borrow a phone? I'm sure mum would be.... she stopped the sentence, mum wouldn't be pleased, and come to think about it: Are you an imaginary friend?
     No... I'm a sim. 
     Then why can't mum see you? Ida in the chair disappeared a bit before coming back.
     I don't know. 
     But who are you hiding from then? The police? 
     Ida looked confused again: No. I'm hiding from... I don't know. She really didn't seem to know. Hadn't she just said it was someone that wanted to take her seomewhere? Maybe beeing an imaginary friend was confusing. Or maybe it was because Aino hadn't made good backgroundstory for her?

      I see you like I see the others. Ida continued, but she didn't say who the others were. Maybe other imaginary friends? And I saw this house clearly when I got lost. Not like the rest. 
     What about the other house then? She vaguely remembered Ida beeing there to. But then she just looked confused again, before she kept talking like Aino hadn't said anything: But I have to find my brother and husband. She'd already said that, almost like she was a bit stuck in what she could talk about.
     I like talking to you little girl. Ida hadn't even gotten her name by now? That was a bit of a bummer.

     Did the ones you loose have names? Maybe she could borrow the schools computer and search up their names.
     Ida smiled: Yes. My husbands name is Bashir. He has dark brown hair, and light eyes. He's very handsome. Aino had to shake her head this time, she hadn't heard that name before. So Ida continued: And my brothers name is Marco. He's very handsome to, with blond hair and dark eyes. But I lost them, and can't find them again.
     It was a bit of a funny coincidence: My grandpas' name is Marco! He's got dark eyes, but his hair is grey. My mum, Skuld, has the same haircolour as he did before he went grey. My mums hair is blonde, and she's very pretty and tall.

     For some reason Ida in the chair had an odd look on her face, and started to fade a bit before getting more simlike again: My brother had a daughter named Skuld... and a son...
      Aino said: My mums name is Skuld, and I have an uncle named Odin, he's a doctor. And another one named Jarl. He's not really my uncle though, but kind of. He's green and is married to aunt Lucrecia. She's very pretty and has dark hair and light eyes, like your lost husband. Her dad died a while back but I don't remember what his name was. Oh! And they have two babies!! And then there's Efraim, he is very rich and has two kids; I like Stein, I played with him today.

     It was really nice talking to someone about her family. The only one that wanted to talk about them was grandpa, and he'd showed her LOTS of photos: Efraim has a unicorn! But I haven't seen it. My other grandpas name was Dominic, he used to work with my grandfather, but dad lost him to. They think he hunted a woman that did something really bad; and that grandpa Dominic somehow died that night. But they think she died to. It was a lot of dead sims, but she didn't think a confused imaginary friend would mind.

     You have an aunt named Lucrecia, who is married to a green man named Jarl? For some reason Idas voice sounded a bit weaker than before
     Aino nodded.
     And they have two babies? 
     She nodded again: And they aren't green. Dad says that Jarl is the only plantsim that exist as they know of. And that grandads sister made him, but I don't know how she did it. Her name was

     ...Oriana

     As Aino said it, Ida in the chair just disappeared infront of her eyes, and her and Ratatosk was left alone with dad. It had gotten a bit cold in there, so she looked at daddy. He didn't look any better, but atleast he didn't look any worse. Picking up the doll, looking at it, she said: I think you were right Ratatosk. It's not hurting him. It was a bit sad that Ida in the chair disappeared; it felt a lot emptier there now. Wondered why she'd looked so shocked? Maybe she'd gotten that she was an imaginary friend and not a sim, and thus disappeared.

     Still unsure what had happened, and if she'd done the right thing Aino got ready for bed. It was important that she did, because mum would get mad if she knew she was still up. Ratatosk was sitting on the nighttable, because he really wasn't comfortable cuddling in bed. The joints stabbed, and it wasn't soft in any way. But she still liked having it close by. Either on the floor, or somewhere else. And even if it was pink, Aino liked the night shirt she had. It had dogs on it. She really liked cats, but she liked dogs to. She liked dogs a lot. When she was younger, she'd liked cats better, but now she wasn't so sure anymore. Cats were softer, but dogs were funnier. Maybe she could have both a cat and a dog when she grew up.

     She jumped around when the door quietly swung open. Mum was going to be furious!!! But the panick she felt changed when she saw mums stupid manfriend in the doorway. Aino didn't want him there. She didn't like him, and it was embarassing that she was in her underwear. She wanted to ask him what he was doing in her room, but mum got so mad when she questioned her. Kids weren't supposed to question grown- ups.
     Oh, you're still awake. It took a short while before Kenneth kept talking: I thought I heard something. Why did she want to call him a liar? Your mum said you were supposed to sleep now.

     Kenneth closed the door behind him, a barely hearable bang. To Aino it sounded like two cars crashing together. Why did he close the door to her room? That wasn't necessary. Eying him up and down, she started noticing how big he was. He was the biggest grown- up she'd ever seen. He had to tower over dad, and even uncle Odin. His thighs were thicker than her waisteline; no doubt beeing really strong. Why did it make her nervous? Dad was strong to, and he'd never make her feel like this. She wanted to kick him in the knee, but mum would get mad at her if she did: Where is mum? Aino barely heard her own voice, that's how dry her mouth was.
     Your mum had to buy some groceries, and asked if I could keep an eye on you whilst she was away. But why was he here? In her room?
 

      I'm not dangerous. Why was he pointing that out? If he weren't dangerous, wouldn't he have assumed that sims weren't scared of him? I have kids myself, Kenneth still talked: But they are a lot older than you. 
     Aino still didn't answer, she didn't want him in her room. She wanted to call for dad, but he was ill: When is mum coming back? 
     She said it would take quite a while. Maybe an hour or so. He smiled softly at her. Maybe he was kind? He didn't say anything after all. And he didn't really look scary. It was probably something she was imagining. After all, she was wrong all the time. Everything she thought, and her all her feelings were wrong to. That's why she always made mum angry, because all her instincts were wrong. So they were probably wrong this time to.
     Hey, do you like puppies? Kenneth asked her, carefully touching her shoulder, pulling slightly at the strap: I have puppies at home. I'll show you pictures of them. Why don't you sit on the bed and I'll show you?

      Kenneth pulled up pictures of the puppies; they were cute. So were the grown dogs on his phone. Feeling his arm around her back as he pulled her closer, he said: You are a very pretty little girl. I bet you have had lots of boyfriends. Have you kissed someone yet? Did you like it? You know, I have some movies on my phone to. I'll show them to you, it feels really good, and maybe we can try some of it. It's normal to be curious at your age      
     Breathing short and shallow through her nose, Aino focused on a spot on the floor as he kept showing her some other movies of naked sims. She'd seen naked sims before ofcourse, just not doing ...that... Even if she knew what they were doing, but the teached had said it was for grownups.

     This day had been terrible! Poor her. First that fucker Shing had punched her in the face, then when she was getting ingredients for a cooling potion, she'd nearly ran into fucking Odin. She couldn't let him see her out alone! He'd ask questions about where her stupid kid was, and who was looking after Ian! She'd had to settle for a lotion from the pharmacy. The pharmacy! She'd told that moron "what's his name" that she was getting groceries. At this time a night! Wonder where he was. He should've come running to meet her, that piece of shit!

     Getting some closecontact with the floor, didn't really do wonders for her already failing mood. Really? Why her? What had she done to deserve so much trouble? Why did everything go against her today? Turning around, Skuld expected to see a pair of shoes, an umbrella, something she could angrily kick away for tripping her. She's hurt her knees on impact to. Poor her!

     Instead it sat there, with that stupid grin. No. She'd thrown that shit in the river! This was impossible! It had the same burnmarkes, the same part of the face chipped off. Before getting all paranoid, Skuld did her best to try to collect her thoughts. She'd tossed that shit in the river. Ian... Ian was a meresim... And Aino had claimed she was the best swimmer in town... That little piece of shit kid! She was a meresim, and had dived and picked that fucking doll up from the bottom of the river!

     And she hadn't even told her beloved mum that she was a freak! That was the only explanation! That was it. She was going to give it to the kid now, she was going to beat the living daylight out of her and put her in a fucking cage in the basement! Grabbing the doll, she ran quietly up the stair. She didn't care if "what's his name" heard. She'd beat him to a bloody pulp to!

     Skuld dropped the doll on the floor as soon as she entered her daughters room. It landed perfectly on it's feet, that piece of garbage. No one in their right mind would wonder what was going on, even if it wasn't illegal yet. Really? Grooming her fat, ugly daughter when he'd been with her? Who wanted Aino over her? How could he want her? Was it because he was younger than her? The girl had showed off a bit to him.

     Kenneth sealed the deal himself when he said: It's not what you think! It was always what Skuld thought, because she was always right! How dared he question her? She would have to deal with him now, and she'd deal with her daughter later: Aino. Stay here. Skuld didn't raise her voice a bit; the kid would do as she  was told.

     Outside the streets were quiet, the night was long into it's darkest hours. Most sims were sleeping now, and so should she. It had been one of the longest days Skuld could remember, and it still wasn't over. Listening to Kenneth trying to explain himself, it was clear he thought she was stupid: She was just curious. I figured it was better if I showed her adult movies, than her looking for them herself. There's lots of sick stuff out there. Really? He thought she'd buy that: You're beeing overdramatic, he kept on going: I wasn't doing anything wrong! You're beeing overemotional. She hadn't even said anything, he'd just started blabbering as soon as they entered the livingroom. He dared blaming her "mood", Skulds mood was perfect, like the rest of her.

     Smiling at him, Skuld changed tacticts. "What's his name" was a pretty big guy, and jumping him without warning probably wouldn't end good for her: You're right. I'm just beeing oversensitive. I'm sorry, I just worry so much about her. She's my only daughter.

    I get that. It must be hard for you. 
    It is. Thank you so much for looking after her for me. The bruise on her cheek still ached, but the prospect of what was to come made it almost unnoticable. With a promising smile, she continued: How about I get a little surprise for you? Wait here for a second.

     Sliding out of her dress and shoes, grabbing a baseball bat before re- entering, Skuld didn't want to ruin her dress. It was custommade for her after all. "What's his name" didn't seem to even understand what was going on, and that was definitly for the best.
     With a promising smile, Skuld asked: Do you like baseball? 
     I do when it's done by a woman wearing nothing but panties. Kenneth didn't seem so sure at the moment. Did he still think she was to old? Her breast might not be as firm as they once had been, maybe her skin wasn't as soft anylonger? How could he want her daughter over her? She was such a knockout! Wasn't she?
     Do you want to guess what we're going to do with this baseballbat? Skuld gave him a naughty grin, actually seeing his dirty mind working fulltime trying to figure it out. No way would that tiny brain think of it.
     How about you show me instead? He still looked confused.

     I thought you'd never ask... Skuld smiled to herself. She was going to have to clean and repaint the ceiling when she was done. But it was worth it. This was going to do wonders for her bad mood.

     That had been even more satisfying that she'd thought. She'd smashed his face in, and most bones in his body had to be crushed to pieces. Damned man had left quite the mess around here though. So typical, but atleast she wasn't going to be the one cleaning it up. She had to buy a new carpet and curtains come to think about it. And furniture, no way it would be possible to get the blood out. Meh, what did she care, she could afford it. But the best was yet to come. She'd heard the shuffling of small feet, as "What's his name" had cried for a mercy that never came: Look what you made mum do. Still struggling to catch her breath, it barely came out as a whisper. It had been a great workout to.

     I'm sorry... The girls voice wasn't even fearful, just full of regret and even more breathless than her.
     Now, we are both going to jail. The police will put dad in a hospital, where he will die. And you and mum are going to jail. We'll never see eachother again. And they will take you Aino, and execute you. They didn't have deathpenalty in Jericho. She wasn't even sure if any cities still did. But it didn't matter, the girl would believe everything she said.
     ...I don't want you to go to jail mum. Aino didn't want to go to prison either, but mum didn't belong in a place like that. This was her fault. If she hadn't let Kenneth stay in her room, this wouldn't have happened.

      This is your fault. Mum said the same thing she was thinking: I have told you so many times, that you need to stop acting like a whore. If you hadn't flirted with him, Kenneth wouldn't have misunderstood what you wanted. And then I wouldn't have to do this. 

     I'm so sorry mum. She knew better than to start crying, even if she wanted to. She'd seen mum beat him when he was on his knees begging for mercy. But she'd chickened out and closed the door instead. Hiding in the washroom until it was quiet.
     Do you love me Aino?
     Of course I love you mum. She couldn't believe she'd made poor mum do this. Mum was so beautiful and perfect, and now this. This was all her fault.
     I don't want you to go to jail. So I'll help you hide him, and then we'll clean this place up. But it has to be our secret. This was so easy, it almost wasn't any fun: Or else the police will come and take us away. She'd wanted the girl to clean up, but regretfully had to realize it was a bit much for her to do alone.
     Aino nodded, even if the smell of metal and fresh blood slowly decaying made her a bit nauseous. She listened as mum kept talking: I'm going to take a quick shower. You pull the curtains, then get dressed. Then we'll get rid of him. Mum was so good to her, doing something like this just to keep her out of prison.

     The fog lay low over the area, making the bubbling sound of the body sinking slowly even more quiet. Aino had never known it was a bog in the city at all. She felt so close to mum, and so distant at the same time. On one hand, she was so happy that mum would do something like this for her. On the other hand, mum had done something terrible. Even if it was her fault. But mum had protected her. That meant she loved her.
     This is our little secret, isn't it Aino? Skuld knew exactely what she was doing. The girl probably thought she really cared now.
     Yes mum. I won't tell. Thank you. Skuld knew the girl would never tell anyone. She actually believed that she'd be the one going to jail. The girl deserved beeing nervous after taking a mans attention away from her. Aino should bless herself for not beeing the one she used the baseball bat on.
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poses: Sea, aphrodite, pnmai, 77thsim, traelia, simsimi, zhippidy, peacemaker, simswhen 

And Skuld was definitly overcompansating for last chapter. Have to keep the kill- count up. And no, it wasn't Aino that fetched the doll. And I know the rest is a bit thin, but if I write down all the explanations and background I had, this will never end. It's already been chopped down to pieces.

Then just breathe, nothing happened. Insulting Skuld sealed his fate.

Thanks for reading