A Sister is a Gift to the Heart

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About the Images

Valentine’s Day may be over, but the love goes on all month!

This post introduces Serena’s younger sister, Sage (I can’t resist making new characters, so… there you go). Both Serena and Sage are wearing the new Ethereal Essence skins by Glam Affair: Serena’s is Mina, which is available at the Glam Affair mainstore, and Sage’s is Jackie, which you can find at the current round of Collabor88. I cannot stress enough how GORGEOUS these skins are! In fact, I even splurged for a Legacy body for Serena just so she could wear the new Ethereal Essence body skin. Unfortunately, RL is kicking my butt at the moment, so I didn’t have time to properly show off the new skins. But trust me, they’re amazing. Run over and pick up a demo… you won’t be disappointed!

Serena is also wearing IKON’s new heart-shaped Eros eyes. Pick up a pair at The Seasonal Sale until 9 March 2025.

Featured in this post is a fun pose by -Extra- called Heartbreakers. The pose comes with and without facial expressions (not used here), and the balloons are included.

Bad Unicorn’s I Heart Pizza Plushie is also featured. It comes with a hold pose and is resizeable (I reduced the size quite a bit). You can find it at the Bad Unicorn mainstore, on the Marketplace, and in the Seraphim HUD.

Full credits are below the story. Store and event SLurls are available on the Store & Event Links page.

The Story

The scent of cinnamon-sugar pretzels and melted chocolate swirled through the mall as Serena and Sage strolled past shop windows, their arms swinging lightly at their sides. Valentine’s Day displays glowed with shades of red and pink hearts, teddy bears, and bouquets of roses, promising romance and sweetness.

“You’re really getting Gavin a pizza slice plushie?” Sage asked, raising an eyebrow as Serena held up the oversized plush. The yellow triangle, speckled with fabric pepperoni, looked utterly ridiculous.

Serena grinned. “Of course. He loves pizza, and it’s funny. He’ll put it on the couch and pretend it’s an extra pillow.” She squished the plush, nodding in satisfaction. “This is perfect.”

Sage smirked. “You two are so weird.”

“You say that like you’re not my sister.” Serena nudged her playfully before heading toward the register.

As the cashier rang up the plushie, Sage wandered toward a display of heart-shaped balloons floating above a kiosk. Their glossy surfaces caught the light, reflecting back the buzz of the shopping center.

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Serena joined her, clutching the pizza plushie. ‘You getting one?”

Sage hesitated. “I don’t know… feels kind of silly.”

Serena reached out and plucked four balloons from the display, handing two to Sage. “So what? Just because we don’t have the traditional Valentine’s Day setup doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy it. Love isn’t just for couples.”

Sage looked down at the balloon strings in her fingers, then up at Serena’s confident expression. She laughed softly. “You always have a way of making things sound good.”

“That’s because I’m always right,” Serena said with a wink.

With their balloons bobbing beside them, they left the shop, stepping into an unseasonably warm afternoon. The air smelled of damp earth and the faintest hint of blooming flowers, with spring teasing its arrival.

“Let’s walk to the park,” Sage suggested, adjusting her grip on the balloon strings.

Serena agreed, and the two strolled along the tree-lined pathway, their steps unhurried. The park, still recovering from winter’s touch, held a quiet sort of beauty. The grass was patchy but growing green again, and birds chirped busily in the branches above.

Sage let out a contented sigh. “It’s nice to be home for a bit. The university is… intense.”

Serena glanced at her. “You working yourself too hard?”

Sage shrugged. “Probably. But that’s how it is, right? Grad school isn’t supposed to be easy.”

“No, but you’re allowed to take breaks,” Serena reminded her. “Psychology is all about understanding people, but don’t forget you’re one of those people, too.”

Sage snorted. “Great. Now I’m getting life advice from my older sister.”

Serena grinned. “I am wise beyond my years.”

They walked in silence for a moment, enjoying the soft breeze. A group of children ran by, their laughter ringing through the park as they chased after their own heart-shaped balloons.

“You know,” Sage mused, watching the children, “I don’t mind not having a Valentine this year. It’s actually kind of nice spending the day with you.”

Serena bumped her shoulder. “Same. Plus, I think these balloons are better company than some guys would be.”

Sage laughed, lifting her balloon into the sky as if offering it to the sun. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Sis.”

Serena squeezed her sister’s hand. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Sage.”

And with that, they continued their walk: two sisters, four balloons, and the promise of spring in the air.

CREDITS

Sage

Stealthic Hush
Angel Eyes Baby Hair 18 Hairbase (@ Uber)
IKON Impetuous Eyes
Glam Affair Jackie + makeup (@ Collabor88)
Izzie’s Subtle Cheek Freckles
Neve Snugglie Top
Neve Huggie Shorts
Vibing Ara Rings
C’est la Vie Rin Socks #4
REIGN Stormiez Sneakers

Serena

Stealthic Echo
Angel Eyes Messy 20 Hairbase
IKON Eros Eyes (NEW @ The Seasonal Sale)
Glam Affair Mina (NEW @ the mainstore)
Izzie’s Soft Winter Glitter Eyeshadow
Vibing Millie Earrings
AvaWay Letter Necklaces Set
Fashionably Dead Oversized Open Shirt
Fashionably Dead Sporty Tank Top
Fashionably Dead Casual Denim Skirt
Vibing Valentina Rings
Dust Bunny & Con Sneakers
Bad Unicorn Heart Pizza Plushie