Chapter 2: Dead or Alive?

Strangetown. 2am. Police respond to a call from neighbors that a vagrant woman has been sleeping in the bushes, eating out of trash cans and panhandling at a nearby highway rest stop. When two officers arrive on the scene the woman is flustered, unresponsive, and obviously in a state of shock. An ambulance rushes her to the nearest community hospital.

♣ ♣ ♣

Three days later, in the psych ward of County Hospital, the as yet unidentified woman is unable to remember her own name. The Resident Physician, Dr. wong, as well as the Cheif of Staff have asked for the Police Department's help.
Sergeant Stanley Beanman, head of the Strangetown Police Force Missing Person’s Department, paid the hospital a visit in hopes of a lead. After following Dr. Wong down several antiseptic corridors in silence, the Sergeant found himself looking through a two-way mirror into what appeared to be the re-creation of a residential living room. There were colorful pictures, books neatly placed around the room, a small television stood in one corner and a shabby country quilt hung on the wall. It reminded him of his grandmother’s house when he was a child. The warm atmosphere was almost alien in contrast to the environment he and the Doctor had just wandered through for the last ten minutes.

“It provides a safe, neutral environment for our low security patients,” Dr. Wong said softly, noticing the inquisitive look that crossed his face.

They hadn’t even spoken when she met him in the lobby of the hospital. Now, at the sound of her voice echoing off the cold tile walls, Sergeant Beanman stiffened and quickly plunged into the matter at hand. “So, what’s the word on Jane Doe.”

Pretending she hadn’t heard the curtness in his voice, Dr. Wong shook her head disappointedly, “I wish I had good news for you Stan, but I don’t…”
It had been months since they had both agreed to end it and the familiar shortening of his first name only made him anxious. “Just tell me what we’re lookin’ at,” he said, a bit irritably.

So he wants to keep it impersonal, does he? Dr. Wong quickly discarded her relaxed manor for a painfully professional one. “The patient is suffering from a form Post Traumatic Stress Reaction, most commonly know as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Symptoms can range from nightmares, insomnia, depression and no appetite, to more severe effects like loss of memory, and emotional detachment.” The textbook definition tumbled effortlessly from her lips. She sighed resignedly, “She’s got ‘em all.”

“So was she drugged, kidnapped, tortured?”

“Actually, no. There’s a long list of traumas that could potentially trigger PTSD including physical and psychological abuse or hallucinogenic drugs. But in her case, the rape kit came back negative and there aren’t any marks on her body that would indicate torture. Also, her blood screen came up negative for drugs. Actually, the bruising and small abrasions on her body are consistent with accident wounds. She also appears to have also suffered from a slight concussion. Possibly a car accident.”

“…Or maybe a plane crash?”

Skepticism darkened her face for a moment. “Well, even if it was a small charter plane, the survival rate is almost nil. Have there been any reports?"
“I’m not positive. One of my buddies over at the county air-strip heard there was a private plane that took off a few days ago from Pleasantview that never reached its destination. I’ll have some of my guys look into it. What sort of time frame do you think we’re looking at?”

“Judging from the looks of the bruising and cuts on her body, probably anywhere from six to twelve days. Considering her head trauma and the fact that she’s been out in the elements for so long, it’s nothing short of a miracle she’s even still alive.”

“You think the concussion caused some sort of amnesia?”

“Her concussion was minor, and usually amnesia is linked to severe head trauma. One of the major symptoms of PTSD is emotional detachment and memory loss. Whatever happened, the experience was so painful that she’s chosen to either block it out, or to simply disassociate herself from the incident. Unfortunately, in an effort to block out the traumatic events, the brain can sometimes block other, more personal memories with it. If a loved one was also involved in the accident, this could have been even more devastating to her psyche."

He had managed to keep from looking directly into her eyes. Now he had no choice. “So what your telling me is…”

She took this opportunity to firmly hold his gaze. “…what I’m telling you is, it’s a strong possibility that there are others out there hurt or even dead.”

Blushing a little and looking away, the Sergeant muttered, “I’ll get the guys on the missing person’s reports right away. How long do your think before she’ll be able to talk?”

“Its possible, that within a few weeks her memory could start to return in patches. Sometimes psychotherapy and antidepressants help.”

Remembering the job ahead of him he momentarily forgot his discomfort, “A few weeks!? This case is already running cold Kim. You gotta’ give me better than that.”

He could call her Kim but she couldn’t say “Stan” without him getting all bent out of shape. Yes Sir, anything for you Sir! “I wish I could help you more but this kind of thing can’t be forced. Any pressure to relive traumatic events could push her farther away from reality.”

This encounter was too much to take. He had to get away from Kim before he lost his reserve. He was walking away before the words were even out of his mouth. “Just keep me posted if there’s any change, any at all. I’ll see what I can come up with on my side.”

“Good luck.” She called after him, with more than tiny falter in her voice.

The elevator bell rang. As Sergeant Stanley Beanman stepped briskly through the opening doors, letting his guard down for a split second he looked back with a sheepish smile. “Thanks, Kim. We’re gonna’ need it.”

To be continued…

Text Copyright © 2007 by Peter Alexander Pappas

Neighborhood Bloopers & Glitches

The life of a Sim is virtually idyllic. When the Summer sun shines, the sky is blue. You never need washing machines or lint brushes to keep your clothes looking perfect. Staying out in the rain too long won’t make you sick, the lawn never needs to be mowed and babies are always cute. But, as in real life, sometimes unexpected things happen. And with the advent of each new Expansion Pack, its inevitable that some bloopers should arise from the mix. Here are a few that I find especially entertaining…


Good conversation with dad makes Buck feel like he’s walking on air…literally.



Who knows what traffic’s like between a community lot and home when all you can see is a blue loading screen, but apparently something about the commute has gotten Maria bent out of shape…



Here things are back as they should be…except for the cool, semi-invisible minivan.



Titania is about to become the brunt of the oldest prank in the book, attempting to sit on a chair—that isn’t there!



Orlando was harmlessly watching TV when a new Expansion Pack was installed. Now his knees are stuck in a sofa cushion.



The chilly autumn night has made Mr. Tyler restless in his grave. What’s funny is that he’s wearing a winter coat! Virtual ghosts have feelings too, I guess.



Animals do the darndest things…and Sim Pets are no exception. They're virtually impervious to not only furniture and doors, but time and space as well!


Here it seems that this Toy Shop is having a slight problem with its doors not working properly.



Sometimes returning to a college dorm after all of the students have vacated can find things in complete disarray. Here, these chairs have yet to magically slide back into their places.



Whereas, occupied college dorms are constantly haunted by the presence of disembodied roommates. This roomie must be REALLY hungry.



A Young Adult Sim never lets anyone get in the way of doing something he or she truely loves to do!



Different strokes for different folks. After using the communal phone, not everyone agrees on the right way to return the receiver to its base.



This is not a glitch, just a dorm stove that is in desperate need of cleaning. Those messy teenagers!



…when pigs fly! Oh—well, I guess in the Sims 2 they really do!



That’s all for now. Check in next time to hear all about the Summerdream Farm!

Meet the Zhangs!

Trevor Zhang met Daphne Beaker at a college party and after just a few dates they decided to move in to a little off-campus rental.
Tonight’s not just any date. Trevor is planning to pop the question and from the looks of the date meter, Daphne is sure to say yes!
The ring is so beautiful! And lucky for Trevor, Daphne accepted!
Cut to a story book wedding…
Cut to a swanky loft downtown…
The Zhangs are having no trouble fitting in in their new neighborhood, but their doberman Bach is still a little uncomfortable with the new mail carrier…
Looks like Bach needs to learn the difference between an chew toy and an arm chair.
This will be Trevor and Daphne’s first winter in their new home.
The winter brings all kinds of fun activities for playful Sims. Trevor’s decided to build a snowman in the back yard.
Trevor spent so much time in the snow he’s turning positively blue! If he doesn’t get in soon, he might freeze to death.
The Weatherman says that this winter's gonna’ be a snowy one…
…wonder when it will stop…
If Daphne keeps running out to get the paper in her PJs, she’s gonna' catch a nasty cold. Maybe some hot chocolate will warm her up.
Daphne and Trevor share some cozy conversation over a warm cup of cocoa.
Sometimes, when the thermometer is blue and the snow is deep a trusty snowman keeps vigil for a visit from a wise arctic creature...
Apparently the penguin likes to discuss his algebraic theories with the snowman.
Daphne just happened to be home and decided to come say hello to the slippery little fella.
And of course, winter just isn’t the same without holiday festivities. Trevor and Daphne decided to have a private gift exchange before heading out to a Christmas party.
That's all for now. Stay linked for more on the families of Veronaville!

Chapter 1: The Days of Wine and Roses

Isabella Monty placed the cluster of shopping bags on the table beside the dresser and proceeded to strip a pair of long sleek gloves from her hands. Peering into the vanity, she calmly inspected the tiny gossamer-like streaks around her eyes, the gentle lines that framed her thin lips, and the tiniest creases forming across her forehead. She had always been fair skinned and very youthful looking, but this last year’s upheaval had really taken its toll. After fifty-two years, she was beginning to look her age.

She exhaled heavily and shook her head at the reflection in the mirror. Thank God its finally coming to an end. Now if we can all just put this behind us and get on with our lives. The image of Consort Capp loomed before her. She remembered his face the way it looked the last time they had spoken: that terrible scowl; those thick black eyebrows knitted together like two sparring demons.

The last time they had spoken. It had actually been the first time they’d even occupied the same room in many years. Considering the crisis at hand though, there had been no other choice but for both families to hold a meeting. It seemed almost foolish that after so many years it took a disruption like this for them to finally agree on something. The last thing either family wanted was another tabloid melodrama. Were the Capps shaking their heads and wishing things back to normal too? For sure, Consort had plenty of other problems to be worrying over. He’d taken some serious hits in the news recently. She could still recall the latest headline: Capp Fortune Squandered! Full story on page five.

She sighed again as she glanced at the clock. Half past three. The boys would be getting home from school soon. Patrizio would need their help finishing up the day’s pruning on the east embankment before dinner. Isabella had been keeping a close watch on her sons of late. They had always shared the strongest sense of loyalty; but since Romeo’s foolish episode, a gulf had grown between the two. She hadn’t realized how badly the recent circumstances had effected Mercucio until he came home from school one day. He was completely disheveled, with cuts, bruises and torn clothing. Though he had obviously been in a fight, he refused to discuss the details. Since then, his relationship with Romeo hadn’t been the same.
After the family’s decision, Romeo had been moody and morose. For a short time Isabella wondered if maybe they had make a mistake, but lately he seemed to be acting as if nothing had ever happened. He was eating again, whistling in the shower and going out with his friends. But still, she worried. It pained her to think that her son might be secretly devastated, but the more she mulled over it, the more she was sure they had made the right choice.

Romeo was their first born and he was going to need a woman who could support him, bear children, keep a home, and help maintain the integrity of the Monty name for the next generation. No redheaded impetuous brat from across the river could ever possess that kind of commitment. Of course, most girls these days knew nothing about grapes or wine, and it was a bit of a disappointment that Romeo had chosen not to take over the family vineyards.
Mercucio though, had begun taking a greater interest in viticulture and was going much more often to the vineyards with his father. She and Patrizio were secretly relieved. It would be no small consolation if at least one of their boys would carry on the family tradition. The Monty vineyards were legendary. Turning them over to the care of strangers was never an option.



Hermia Capp wandered through the second floor gallery alone. The hostility of the meeting had become so intense that she had quietly slipped out through a side door to escape. The sounds of her grandfather’s restrained voice and the guarded tones of the others still lingered outside the library doors, intermingling like poison before idly floating up the winding stairwell. She moved toward the far end of the hall, away from the voices, pausing before the portrait of a lady.
The hair was modestly sculpted and there was very little color in the cheeks. The lips were pursed purposefully and the young woman’s eyes were aflame with pride. There was the slightest hint of a smile. A diamond necklace lay draped across her sleek white neck. Her whole demeanor suggested a regal, austere confidence. The woman’s face seemed to possess a pervading sense authority and self-control. There was no doubt that this was the legendary Capp Family Matriarch: the woman Hermia had heard so very little about from her parents except that she had been honored, revered, and feared.

The sound of a door slamming echoed from somewhere downstairs and she was startled out of her reverie. Since they’d come to live here, she and her siblings had spent very little time together. It seemed as if a whirlwind of events had been set in motion, from which they were unable to escape. Grandfather seemed to be drinking more frequently than ever now and Tybalt had dropped out of school, spending most of his days and nights downtown. And of course there was Juliet, who had made an even bigger mess of everything with her foolish scheme.
Hermia looked again to the stunning portrait, unable to take her eyes away from the gleaming cluster of diamonds. They lay there, shimmering against her grandmother’s alabaster skin, a sparkling blossom of royalty. Like the beautiful necklace, the Capp Family Honor had rested upon this woman’s shoulders for decades. It seemed that since her death, no one had been strong enough to bear up under its weight. What lay before Hermia was only too obvious. If the Capp family name was ever going to be returned to its former glory, it would be a task for the one truly levelheaded member left…herself.

Text Copyright © 2006 by Peter Alexander Pappas