The Checkered Life of Erik Cantrell

Chapter Twenty: Recovering Slowly


Erik James Cantrell had always been a Sim who pushed himself to the limits. After his attack, however, he found himself horribly exhausted all of the time, shying away from most other Sims and his chickens. Deep in his heart he knew he couldn't allow fear to consume him. He had a wife and six children to be an example for. He also had therapy to help him rebuild the muscles which atrophied during the time he was flat on his back in the hospital for six weeks.

Slowly, he took over the duty of caring for the chickens. He even attempted to make friends with the remaining flock. Admiral Halsey was less than friendly, however. He had already traded the other hostile rooster. He had no desire to be rid of any more of them. The roosters played a vital role, they were great at heading off any foxes that dared trespass. Erik had seen several since they moved there, in fact. When he found himself challenged by the black rooster who came out from behind the coop, he drew in a breath. "Okay, okay, ease off there a bit." Taking a chance he leaned down to gently pet the bird. "There, see? That's not so bad, is it? Nice clucky cluxim." After a moment of petting, he said, "Do you mind if I give you a hug?" Carefully he picked up the feathered beastie and gently hugged him to his chest. "There, that wasn't so bad, was it?"

Erik was under orders to keep out of the sun as much as possible to keep his scar from growing dark, the skin tough. With spring and summer around the corner, this was going to be challenging. He had come to learn he was a very active Sim. Plus, he enjoyed playing tag and other silly games with his children. They wouldn't be young for long. In fact, Peter's birthday was almost here. Then they would only have one Toddler left.

Erik got up from his nap so he wouldn't miss this moment. Because he was still on the weak side, Kayleigh assisted their youngest son, so he could blow out the candles. This was emotionally hard on Erik, who preferred to be the one. Kayleigh carried them for nine months, this was the least he could do. Candles out, the Toddler spun in the air a sparkly mist swirling about him, just like the other three before him. All were smart Toddlers, always asking "why?". Erik smiled to himself. And there he was, all forty pounds of himself. And a bit tall for his age. All the Cantrell men were tall. This wasn't a surprise, really.

Throughout this time of healing, Erik was very happy to have visitors. As tightly knit as both families were, he never knew just who was going to pop over, unannounced. He didn't mind. They were just saving him from some rather morose thoughts that tried to get a stranglehold on him.
Aaron stopped over about the time Erik was to begin his physical therapy. He stood and watched, cheering Erik on, helping to push himself just that little bit farther.
Out in the backyard, Erik took on the Military Grade Battle Bot, designed to aid in the Martial Arts training. "Come on, give it the what-for, you can do it. Come on, Erik. Tear it apart."
Erik was grateful. Aaron really was a great older brother.

Joey also came by after he finished his evening rounds at the hospital. "Hey, big brother, how are you doing? You look good."
"Thank you, I'm doing, I'm coming along. I hired a Body Guard today."
"Really? I hear you're doing really well, working out. I know, too, that you have your own personal physician, but do you mind if I give you a quick once over?:
"Sure, I supposed Mom and Dad will feel better once you report back to them."
"So glad you understand."

Spock stopped by as well. "Live Long and Prosper," he greeted his brother-in-law.
"Peace and Long Life to you. So glad you stopped by."
"Keep up with the workout, it's bringing the color back to your face."

"Sandi," Erik laughed, "so good to see you. How is that brood of yours?"
"Getting big. Same as yours. I'm so glad you're doing better. You had us all worried, you know. Oh, good luck on Sunday evening."
"Thanks."

The next day his Body Guard showed up. Erik went outside to greet him. Since, he discovered two more Obsessed Fans were starting to come around, having Forrest Vanhorn on duty allowed Erik to sleep more at ease. Erik went outside to meet him. "Hello, I'm Erik Cantrell. I'm so glad you agreed to take me on as a client." The dark-haired Body Guard was a Sim of girth. Sturdy, strong-looking, and affable.
"I'm very happy to be of assistance, sir."
"No need for that, I'm just Erik."
"Aw, the reason behind the name of your first and tenth albums."
"Yeah, I'm that transparent," Erik quipped. "Won't you come inside and I'll introduce you to my wife." Kayleigh joined them in the Music Room. On the wall behind the piano, on both sides of the fireplace were short shelves strategically and aesthetically placed. Three to a shelf, he counted nine Starlight Accolades on the left, with one full shelf on the right, plus a lone trophy on a second shelf. The four Meet & Greet trophies dotted the mantel.

Kayleigh was all smiles as she breezed into the room. "Mrs. Cantrell, I'm pleased to meet you."
"And I'm pleased to meet you, too, Mr. Vanhorn." She offered her hand to shake.
"It's just Forrest, Ma'am." He gave Erik a quick glance with that. Erik smiled in return.
"Please, call me Kayleigh."
"Kayleigh."
"May I get you some refreshments? Some juice, perhaps?"
"Thank you, that would be very nice. It's certainly hot today, no?"

With Forrest on duty, Erik didn't mind interacting with the few fans who hung around after dark.


"Erik, oh, Erik, I'm your biggest fan! Take a Selfie with me, please?"
"Sure, I'll be happy to." Erik said.
"Cheese," Erik said as he snapped the photo.

Sunday was a busy day. Forrest was only too happy to accompanied Erik and his family to Church. They even stayed a short time afterwards to enjoy Coffee Hour with their family and friends. Erik's exhaustion crept into his voice. "So good to see all of you," Kayleigh said, setting their coffee cups in the kitchen of their Fellowship Hall. "Thank you for the many flowers, cards and well wishes, but as you can see, he's running out of steam. I have to get him home so he can rest."

Erik relaxed on the bed. Once he felt sufficiently recharged, he got up, gussied up and made himself ready for the Starlight Accolades. Maybe he would be lucky and bring home yet another trophy. Maybe he would just applaud those who did win. At any rate if you don't get moving you won't make it there in time.

Ready at last, Erik emerged from the Master Bedroom. He sat down at his grand piano and began to play. He felt so calm earlier but as the time grew near, the pre-jitters attacked him. Pretty soon, the sound of his playing brought little Cadence into the Music Room. She just stood there, watching. Erik smiled. Don't grow up too soon, my little peanut.
"Erik, did you need me to accompany you to the Starlight Accolades tonight?" Forrest Vanhorn said.
"No, but thank you. Go home to your wife and kids and watch it on TV."
"Thank you, sir."
"Uh-ah. Erik. Have a good evening, Forrest."
"Best of luck, Erik."

"Okay, it's time to go. Kids, after the show I want you to brush your teeth and crawl into your beds. You have school tomorrow."
He received a collective "Awww."

Erik beamed into the parking lot of the PBP Studios. He smoothed the front of his jacket, sprayed himself with cologne and used his breath spray. You can never be too careful. At last, he entered the building. He took his usual seat. Thorne Bailey sat next to him, scooping up the air. "What is that aftershave you're wearing?" the Proper Celebrity teased. "I think I'm in love."
":I think I should warn you, Kayleigh isn't willing to share." Erik winked.

"And now, for bringing such aural beauty to ears around the world, the Accolade for Best Song goes to …Erik Cantrell!"
"It's always you, isn't it," Thorne muttered. "How am I supposed to get ahead? No wonder I'm stuck at Proper Celebrity. You owe me a star, you know."
"Sorry, Thorne," Erik said as he got up and approached the microphone. Holding up the heavy trophy, To You, O Lord. Gazing at the audience, he said, "I would like to thank Taygeta Studios, Orion Entertainment, Limited, my parents, my siblings, my beautiful wife, Kayleigh, all six of our children and my steadfast fans. You inspire me, each of you, you spur me on to greater heights. I could not do this without all of you. Thank you." Once again, his left eye began to tear. Erik carefully wiped it away with his left forefinger. Catching the look on some in the audience, he quickly said, "No, it's all right, I can still see out of this eye. I'm just a tad overwhelmed. I am still in disbelief I'm standing here. Thank you for this honor."
The audience began to applaud. "I'm the happiest Sim in the universe. And, no, these things haven't gotten any lighter. Let me see, I think this makes number thirteen. Baker's dozen. How cool is that?" he said, smiling brightly. "And there's the music. Thank you. Goodnight, Everybody. Kids go to bed."

When Erik got home again, he quickly changed out of his suit and went upstairs to tuck in his children. He could hear the patter of their bare feet across the wooden flooring, as they scrambled to get to their own rooms and into their beds. Erik smiled. He stood at the top of the stairs for a moment. No, fourteen, one more than a baker’s dozen. After making the rounds, he went to his own room. Worn out it wasn't long before he was fast asleep.