Leaves Falling, Autumn Calling – Part I
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About the Images
Today’s post is inspired by the Autumn in the City backdrop from Synnergy.Tavis, a stunning 360-degree scene that captures the charm of fall in an urban setting. With classic brownstones, a cozy café, and tree-lined streets glowing with autumn color, it’s the perfect place for Serena and Sage to enjoy their sisterly adventures. You can find this backdrop at the Synnergy.Tavis mainstore.
Adding a playful twist to the day is Serena’s discovery of Gavin’s pogo stick. Though he might insist it’s his, she couldn’t resist taking it for a bounce! This recent release from [Bad Unicorn] is fully resizable, offers eight customizable colors through a handy HUD, and includes hilarious bounce and fall animations that make it as entertaining as it is nostalgic. You can pick one up for yourself at the [Bad Unicorn] mainstore.
Full credits are below the story. Store and event SLurls are available on the Store & Event Links page.
The Story
Serena had been looking forward to this trip for weeks. She had a work assignment near Sage’s university and decided to leave a day early so she could spend some time with her sister. The trees along the campus streets were bursting with shades of red, orange, and gold, the kind of autumn scenery that made her itch to grab her camera.
But when she arrived at Sage’s apartment, her sister wasn’t exactly enthusiastic.
“I really don’t know if I should,” Sage said, shuffling the thick psychology textbooks stacked on her desk. “I’ve got so much reading, and Dr. Kwon wants my draft by Monday.”
Serena leaned against the doorframe, tilting her head in that persuasive way only an older sister could. “And how exactly is burning yourself out supposed to help you write it? You need a mental health day, Sage. I prescribe sunshine, caffeine, and maybe a little mischief.”
Sage’s lips twitched. “You’re not a doctor.”
“No, but I date one,” Serena countered with a wink.
Sage rolled her eyes. “He’s a dog doctor, Serena. That doesn’t count.”
“Close enough!” Serena laughed.
That finally earned a chuckle from Sage. With a sigh, she closed her laptop and pulled on a sweatshirt. “Fine. But only because you drove all this way.”
They wandered first through the university district, where cafés spilled students onto sidewalks cluttered with laptops and mugs of spiced chai. Serena bought them both pumpkin lattes— with extra whipped cream, against Sage’s protests—and they perched on the steps of a brownstone, sipping as the cool air turned their cheeks pink.
“This is much better than flashcards,” Sage admitted, stretching her legs out in front of her. “Don’t tell my advisor.”
“Your secret’s safe with me,” Serena said, bumping her shoulder.
The streets were alive with the sounds of autumn: the crunch of leaves underfoot, the chatter of friends making weekend plans, the faint hum of a saxophone from a music student busking down the block. Serena snapped a few photos of Sage under a crimson maple tree, framing her with swirls of leaves tumbling through the air.
That’s when Serena remembered something. “Oh! I almost forgot.” She darted back to her car and popped open the trunk. After a moment of rummaging, she returned grinning like a magician about to reveal a trick.
“You didn’t.” Sage’s eyes widened as Serena pulled out a pogo stick.
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“I did. Gavin tossed it in here after his last neighborhood ‘exercise session.'” Serena chuckled. “Which means… today, you are legally obligated to try it.”
“No way.” Sage shook her head, horrified and amused all at once.
“Yes way!” Serena hopped onto the pogo stick, wobbled dangerously, then managed three triumphant bounces before tumbling onto the grass, laughing so hard she nearly spilled her coffee.
Sage doubled over in giggles. “You look ridiculous!”
“That’s the point.” Serena handed the pogo stick over. “Your turn.”
At first, Sage refused, crossing her arms. But Serena started chanting “Sage! Sage! Sage!” loud enough to earn amused glances from passersby. Eventually, Sage sighed dramatically and climbed on. Her first bounce nearly tipped her backward, but soon she found a rhythm, her laughter echoing down the leafy street.
Serena cheered from the sidewalk, clapping like a proud coach. “See? You’re a natural!”
They spent the next hour alternating turns on the pogo stick, daring each other to bounce the length of the block or see who could keep going the longest without tipping over. Children from a nearby playground gathered to watch, their parents smiling at the sight of two grown women acting like carefree kids.
By the time they collapsed on a bench, breathless and sore from laughing, Sage looked lighter; her usual academic tension had melted away.
“You were right,” she admitted, sipping the last of her latte. “I did need this.”
“I usually am,” Serena teased, looping an arm around her shoulders. “Besides, life’s too short not to pogo through the leaves once in a while.”
They sat together as the sun dipped lower, painting the skyline in amber. For the first time in weeks, Sage wasn’t thinking about deadlines or research. She was just a sister, sharing an autumn afternoon with Serena. And that, she realized, was the best kind of therapy.
Serena glanced at the drifting leaves, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. “You know,” she said slowly, “I have an idea for what we should do next. Let’s just say… it involves pumpkins.”
CREDITS
Serena
TRUTH Collective Darcy
Angel Eyes Messy 17 Hairbase
IKON Possibility Eyes
Glam Affair Lune + Lip Toner
WarPaint Opaline Eyeshadow
Tutti Belli Sunkissed Freckles
Vibing Anna Earrings
Friday Allie Hoodie (If Lost)
OSMIA Azalea High Jeans
Kibitz Emily Rings
REIGN September Sneakers
Sage
TRUTH Divinity
IKON Impetuous Eyes
Glam Affair Hanna + Eyeshadow + Lip Toner (NEW @ Kustom9)
Izzie’s Subtle Freckles
Vibing Athena Earrings
Fashionably Dead Cropped Fall Sweater
Fashionably Dead Distressed Boyfriend Jeans
Vibing Electra Rings
REIGN Arianna Sneakers
Poses
Secret Poses Like Sisters (1st photo)
Secret Poses Elani (Sage in 2nd photo)
Scene
SYNNERGY.TAVIS Autumn in the City {360} Background
[Bad Unicorn] Pogo Stick
For items worn regularly, please see About the Characters.
For store SLurls, please visit the Store & Event Links page.
