Lucy took her first tenative steps from the taxi, tugging her rucksack free from the back seat, then slipping out onto the terrain. She felt the heat of the searing sand rise through her supple brown boots. Overhead the sun was blazing a pure white, rippling the landscape with its raw power. The air was dry, frying her delicate skin. Lucy opened her mouth to yawn, feeling a wave of hot air fill her parched lungs. She winced and stretched her tense muscles. Thankfully her eyes were shielded from the sun by a huge looming shadow. Tall, at least four floors was their inviting apartment.

Lucy's mum, Laurelle had been searching for months, trying to find the place that was just right. A landlord that would allow for cats. But mostly, it was the location that was key to their moving here. An place isolated, calm and quiet. That's why she picked Strangetown.

The town was doing fairly well for itself. After a rough couple of decades, the dust had finally settled. Quite literally speaking; there had been a massive tornado that hit the town about five years back. The town had finally reached a golden age of peace. Families had returned home once all was well. This would confuse anyone else that had never been to Strangetown. They'd ask things like "why return home to that hellhole? It's only a matter of time before the next disaster strikes. What's the point in going back?" but those people were arrogant. No matter where you go, the memory of Strangetown carries with you. Perhaps it was the charm of the locals, or the onset of exploration and adventure that drew its people back.

Lewis Limbinski stood by the cab, rummaging through his wallet for a fifty simoleon tip. He glanced up from under his cap, his weary grey eyes scanning the building, his body rigid. Laurelle met his gaze, concerned for his well-being. She placed her long smooth fingers on his shoulder to reassure him. He mustered a smile, then returned to the back of the taxi, pulling out two cages, each containing a cat. Salt and Pepper were their names. A pair of black cats; twin brothers. The boys meowed and yowled as Lewis tucked them under his lean muscled forearms.

Meanwhile Lucy began skipping along the sidewalk, her wavy brown locks bouncing along until she came to a halt as she took in the sight before her. To the right side of the building, tucked away was a small playground crammed in, speckled with a climbing frame, a roundabout, a slide, a pair of swings and a tall plastic hideout. She grinned from ear to ear. For little Lucy, this assortment of colours and great luxury was like pure innocent heaven.

Lewis set the cages down at the foot of a spiralling staircase,under the canopy of a small shaded spot. He wiped a bead of sweat trickling down his forehead with his sleeve and sighed, "Never thought we'd make it here alive," he joked. Laurelle smiled softly.

"Me too. Am surprised we've been able to keep going this long... without worrying her." Laurelle's features turned grim, her thoughts retreating into a dark part of her mind for a moment. Lewis, having known his wife for many years, wrapped a comforting arm around her, pulling her close. "Doesn't matter how. What matters is that we're here now. We're safe." She bit her lip, but deep down, they both knew that this peace would not last. And so, Laurelle added in her head, for now.