Game book

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It is break time at school. Everyone is in the cafeteria to get the lunches prepared by the cooks. When everyone has already gotten their lunches, Chido, a short boy in a wheelchair, comes to get his lunch. Like every day, Chido gets out of his chair and uses his crutches to slowly walk to the counter to collect a juicebox. [[When he is about to get back to his wheelchair, there is someone else sitting in there.]]

The girl replies: “No, I like your wheelchair. I am only going to play with it for a bit. You can always play with it. You can wait for a bit, you’re already standing anyway.” [[Chido clutches his crutches tighter out of annoyance...]]

A girl is sitting in his wheelchair, snuggled up in the comfy pillows and slowly driving the chair back and forth with a happy smile on her face. Chido, who needs his wheelchair as he can’t stand up for long, calmly asks “Can I please have my chair back? [[I can’t stand too long and I really need it."]] <center><img src="https://www.dropbox.com/s/w0gl5ymz6yhg4if/chido%20and%20tylyr%20small.png?dl=1" alt="Chido and Tylyr"></center>

Yet, he remains calm and responds “No, I can not stand, don’t you see my crutches. I have to lean on them to stand. I am getting really tired now. [[Can you please let me back in my wheelchair?”]]

“No.” says the girl, “It is my turn to sit in it. There are enough other chairs for you to sit in. How did you get in a wheelchair anyway? I bet it was because of something stupid.” [[Chido seems upset.]]

He gets a frown on his face and looks to the floor. Chido does not know what to say anymore and he’s scared that nothing he says or does will convince the girl to return his wheelchair to him. ''You notice all of this from a distance. Would you like to do something?'' [[Start discussion]] [[Seek help]] [[Do nothing]] [[Use force]]

You go to the girl in the wheelchair and talk calmly to her. “Chido wants his wheelchair back. He has it for a reason, I think you should give it back.” You say. [[The girl doesn't seem to be convinced]]

You decide that the best strategy is to seek help. After looking around quickly however you realise that there are no teachers in the canteen.. but.. the lunch ladies are pretty nearby! On the other side of the canteen however, you see your friend sitting. You could also ask her for help. What do you want to do? [[You run to your friend]] [[You run to the lunch ladies]]

As you start to walk away, Chido tries to reach for his wheelchair while the tall girl is flicking him on the forehead. (display: (either:"option A", "option B", "option C", "option D", "option E"))

As you reach for the chair, the tall girl sitting in it gets up and (text-style: "rumble")[throws you on the floor.] You look up and you see her smiling while snuggling back comfortably in Chido’s wheelchair. The poor guy is shivering, it seems like he is not going to bear standing any longer. (display: (either:"option 1", "option 2", "option 2", "option 3", "option 3", "option 3"))

She responds: “Don’t you see that he’s standing. He doesn’t need his wheelchair. He can wait till I’m done playing. Or he can get another chair. Why must he always sit in the cool chair, it’s unfair. I don’t want to stand all the time either and I don’t have a cool chair with wheels, so why should he?” ''Now it’s your turn to decide. What do you do?'' [[Logical Approach]] [[Sensitive Approach]] [[Risky Approach]]

Perhaps explaining Chido’s situation will convince the girl to get out of the wheelchair. “Yes,” you say, “Chido is standing. But do you see how he’s standing? He’s using his arms to lean on his crutches and his crutches are keeping him upright. His legs really are not strong enough to hold his body. That is why Chido needs his wheelchair, his legs don’t work like ours do. He can’t stand like we can and he can’t walk like we can. Isn’t that right, Chido?” [[Chido nods his head]]

You sigh. Even if you did manage to get the girl out of the wheelchair, she would just try to get in it again next time. You realise that the only way for her to give Chido his wheelchair back is for her to understand why he needs it. So you walk away and grab a chair for Chido. [[“Here, sit on this.”, you say kindly to Chido.]]

“Hey you, you find it funny to steal from disabled people? That’s not fun!” you shout to the girl from across the room. [[“What?!]]

“I agree, I wish that you could understand what it feels like to be bound to a wheelchair, because I wouldn’t wish that to anyone”. [[But the girl doesn't give in.]]

“Well, I wouldn’t have any problem switching places with you. You never have to stand, like, uhh, anywhere.” The girl says it with a light tone, as if she thinks she’s better than Chido. [[Chido laughs cynically]]

“Being handicapped is definitely not the end of the world, and having a wheelchair is kinda cool. But it sucks to have to live with a constant pain that never goes away and prevents you from just standing.” (display: (either:"Good ending", "Bad ending"))

You see that the girl is [[listening]] to you and Chido.

The girl [[isn’t listening]] to you and Chido.

She takes a good glance at Chido and sees that he, indeed, is using his arms to stand. She sees that his legs look really limp. Then, the girl takes a look at her own legs. She sees two strong legs that have no trouble keeping her upright. Then, slowly, the girl [[stands up]] from the wheelchair.

Still she doesn’t come out of the wheelchair. “Can’t he just sit in another chair for a bit? I want to sit in his chair as well.” She says stubbornly. “Besides, he looks like he can stand for a little longer. He says he is getting tired, but he doesn't look that tired. He’s probably lying because he wants his wheelchair to himself.” The girl keeps saying that Chido doesn't need his chair. This is not going to work. Perhaps you should try a different approach. Maybe you can try something else? [[Ask a Question]]

“I’m sorry, boy. I really didn’t realise how much you needed your chair.” The girl rolls the wheelchair towards Chido. Chido quickly sits down in it with a relieved smile on his face. He was [[relieved]] that the girl had given him his chair back, and very thankful that someone had come to help him.

“That is okay.” Chido says happily. “Thank you for understanding.” He gives the girl a friendly smile and she smiles back. Chido seems to think for a few seconds and then he says “My wheelchair is not a toy, but if you find it cool, you can always ask first.” [[“Really?” the girl asks hopeful.]]

“Really. But only if you ask nicely and only if I don’t need it.” Chido says friendly but sternly. “Thanks!” the girl says, smiling happily. “Well, I’ll see you around. Enjoy the rest of your break.”, she says and with a wave she [[walks away.]]

When she’s gone, Chido turns to you. “Thank you, $name” he says gratefully, “I don’t know what would have happened without your help.” [[“You’re welcome.]]

“You’re welcome.” you say back. The two of you sit together till the end of the break and then you both go to your classes, Chido safely in his wheelchair, and you with a happy feeling that you helped him out. ''So everything ended well, good job $name! But what would have happened if you had not come to help? Do you want to go back to find it out?'' [[Start]]

“”Tylyr, what happened to you? Why are you so cruel?” You ask the girl calmly. (display: (either:"She opens up", "She doesn't open up"))

Tylyr freezes. Her body stiffens and her eyes well up with tears. She slightly opens her mouth, but this time [[no words come out.]]

Tylyr freezes. Her body stiffens and her eyes well up with tears. She slightly opens her mouth, but this time no words come out. The girl is obviously [[taken back]] by your question.

Quickly, she bursts out of the chair. She roughly pushes both Chido and you out of the way as tears stream down her face. Chido is caught off guard and falls on the ground while the Tylyr runs out of the cafeteria. You help Chido get back in his chair and you both decide to get some fresh air. ''Chido now has his chair back... But why do you think she was crying?'' If you want, you can go back to [[Start]] and try again!

“What’s wrong?” you ask. “It’s just… I...” She stammers unsure how to continue. You soften your gaze ”Just tell us. We won’t judge”. Tears start streaming from her face “Today is my birthday and my parents can’t afford birthday gifts. I just wanted to have a little fun, just for once.” “But a wheelchair is not a toy, right Chido?” You say [[calmly]].

Chido nods, but he doesn’t seem angry anymore “You know what”, he says to the girl “I understand how you feel. Let’s not make a big deal out of this. You may sit in it for a while, if it makes you feel better.” Chido gives her a small smile. [[“Thank you”]], the girl says. She’s not crying anymore. “I’m sorry for not asking first, I should have thought about that. I’m really sorry, that was wrong of me.”

For the rest of the lunch break the three of you sit together. The girl in Chido’s wheelchair, Chido and you on a normal chair. You discover that the girl is actually quite nice and you spend the remainder of time talking and having fun! ''Is this the ending you wanted? Remember: you can always go back and explore a different path.'' Go back to [[Start]]

(text-style: "rumble")[“What?!] She responds and stares at you from her place in the wheelchair. “You’ve taken the wheelchair of someone that can’t walk just because you can. I bet you steal from poor people as well, just so you can buy something fun with the money.” You say back. [[“Excuse me?"]]

“Excuse me? How dare you?” The girl says louder, “How dare you assume something like that about me?” “Well, you’re not disabled, are you?” you say. [[“No"]]

“No, of course I’m not.” she responds back with disgust. “Well, then you’re stealing.” you quickly respond. The girl gets angry and stands up from the wheelchair. “How dare you!”, she shouts angrily and walks [[towards you.]]

You slowly back away. It is working. The girl is getting away from the wheelchair. In the meantime, Chido is slowly making his way back to his chair. He’s moving very slowly, tired and weak as he is from standing the whole time, but eventually he manages to safely sit down in his chair again. ''The girl is coming after you. Oooops you didn't think this far ahead did you? What do you do now?'' [[Run for dear life]] [[Use smoke bomb]] [[Try and calm her down]]

[[Run towards the lockers]] [[Head to the hallway]]

(text-style: "smear")["POOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOF"] you yell out, imitating the noise a smoke bomb would make if you had one... ''The girl doesn't seem impressed'' [[Run for dear life]] [[Try and calm her down]]

Once you see that Chido is safely back in his chair, you slow down. You look around and see that some students are staring at you and the girl. They must have heard you two shout. Some of them are laughing, others look concerned. But most of them have a curious look on their face. They want to see what happens. All this attention gives you a boost of confidence and you stand still, waiting for the girl to approach you. [[The girl looks taken back that you decided to stop.]]

One of the lunch ladies immediately jumps up to help. She goes to Chido and the girl. “Hey”, she says, “[[give the boy his wheelchair back.]] Wheelchairs are not for playing!”

The girl is taken by surprise and with a guilty look on her face, she quickly gets out of the wheelchair. “Sorry” she quietly mumbles and with a head like a tomato she walks away. Chido quicky goes to sit back in his wheelchair. “Thank you $name” he says and he smiles at you. ''Is this the ending you wanted? Remember: you can always go back and try another path.'' Go back to [[Start]]

You run with the speed of light to the kitchen and scream at the lunch ladies: “Can't you see what's happening?? DO SOMETHING!!!!” (display: (either:"one", "one of", "one of", "one of", "one of", "one of", "one of"))

One of the lunch ladies looks up at you, with a look of annoyance on her face. With a low voice, she says “First of all, I do not appreciate your tone, second of all, this seems like harmless playing to me.” [[WHAT??]]

You stare at her with disbelief in your eyes. Is she serious?! She walks back to the kitchen, shaking her head. “They don't pay me enough for this job”, you hear her mumble as she closes the kitchen door. ''What do you do now?'' [[Start discussion]] with bully [[Look for a teacher]]

If the lunch lady doesn't want to help you, maybe a teacher will. You turn away from the cafeteria and start running. The situation is escalating quickly and Chido is at the verge of breaking. “I will be back soon!” you yell at him while leaving the cafeteria and turning left, heading to the hallway. ''Where do you go now?'' [[door 1]] [[door 2]] [[door 3]] [[Look for the student's counselor]]

''Ehrm...This seems to be the janitor's closet… :/ Maybe look somewhere else for help?'' [[door 3]] [[door 4]] [[Look for the student's counselor]]

You burst through the door and see one of your favorite teachers working behind his desk. You go up to him and explain the situation quickly. When you finish your story, [[the bell rings.]]

You keep running through the hallway until you find the door of the student's counselor. She will know exactly what to do. Through the small window you see her sitting behind a desk talking to a student. You knock on her door politely but she gestures that she is busy. ''It seems like she is in an important conversation and can’t leave. The bell rings, telling you that your next class is about to start. What do you do now?'' [[Hurry to class]] [[You wait]]

“I got this, $name” your teacher says “Go to your class and I will personally make sure that Chido gets his wheelchair back and that girl will get a detention” You thank the teacher and with a feeling of relief you hurry to your next class. ''The teacher seems to have solved the problem... but what happened to Chido? And the girl? Maybe explore what happens if you use another strategy'' Go back to [[Start]]

You leave the student's counselors office and head to the stairs. Your next class is on the other side of the school so you have to hurry. Completely out of breath, you open the door. The teacher gives you a stern look, but doesn't mark you as too late. You sit down at your desk, wondering what happened to Chido. ''Is this the ending you wanted? Remember: you can always go back and explore a different path.'' Go back to [[Start]]

‘She probably won't take that long to finish the conversation’, you think as you decide to wait. [[A couple minutes]] pass and you start to grow inpatient.

..... ..... [[hmmmm]]

.... .... You are now too late for class without a doubt. As you look anxiously at your watch, [[the janitor]] comes up to you.

“What are you doing? You shouldn't be wandering the halls while you have to attend class. Hurry up or I will send you to detention.” ''What do you do now?'' [[Follow instructions]] [[Sneak to the cafeteria]]

You leave the student's counselors office and head to the stairs. Your next class is on the other side of the school so you have to hurry. Completely out of breath you open the door. The teacher gives you a [[stern look]].

“Yes of course, Sir!” you say. You apologise to the janitor and smile while you start walking to the stairs. You turn your head and see that the Janitor has [[walked away]].

“Since you are 10 minutes late, I have marked you as absent, $name”, your teacher says, “That means your parents will be informed as well.” You apologize and sit down quietly. 'Luckily you’re not in any serious trouble', you think, but the situation doesn't seem resolved yet. ''Is this the ending you wanted? Remember: you can always go back and explore a different path.'' Go back to [[Start]]

This is your chance! You sneak back to the hallway and run to the cafeteria. But when you arrive, Chido and the girl are nowhere to be found. The situation seems to have been taken care of already... You sigh from relief and want to walk to your class but as you turn you bump into something… or into [[someone.]]

It's the janitor and he does not look very happy. “Didn't I tell you to go back to class earlier?” He says, fuming. He grabs you harshly by the arm and walks you to the detention room. ''$name is this the ending you wanted? Remember: you can always go back and explore a different path.'' Go back to [[Start]]

The girl looks back to check on the kitchen ladies to make sure she has not been spotted. This is your chance! As you get up, you tackle the girl, making the chair flip over. She starts screaming but you finally get the chair back and give it [[to Chido.]]

The girl looks back to check on the kitchen ladies to make sure she has not been spotted. This is your chance! As you get up, you tackle her, making the chair flip over. She falls on the floor and starts screaming but you finally get the chair back and give it to Chido. The boy [[collapses]] in the chair.

The girl looks back to check on the kitchen ladies to make sure she has not been spotted. This is your chance! As you get up, you tackle her, making the wheelchair flip over. She starts screaming but you don’t mind, because you finally have the [[chair back.]]

You give the wheelchair to Chido, who collapses in the chair immediately. He gathers his senses and says: “Thank you so much $name, I couldn’t have lasted one more minute.” You look around to see if any of the staff has noticed what happened but no one seems to [[have.]]

“You got what you deserved!” you say to the girl, “Let’s go, Chido”. You walk out of the cafeteria, pushing Chido who gives you a grateful smile. ''Chido has his wheelchair back, but maybe there was another option that would have worked better? Maybe you can try another path!'' Go to [[Start]]

The boy immediately collapses in the chair. He gathers his senses and say: “Thank you so much $name, I couldn’t have lasted one more minute.”. At this moment, you receive a [[violent punch]] in the back.

You fall on the ground out of pain and look up. The girl is back up and now she’s kicking you in the ribs. Chido yells “Someone help, please!!”. (text-style: "blur")[''Your vision turns b l u r r y'']. Luckily, a lunch lady rushes towards you and pulls the girl away from you. Another lunch lady picks you up and carries you straight to the nursery. ''Hmmm... Is this the ending you wanted? Remember: you can always go back and try another path.'' Go back to [[Start]]

He gathers his senses and says: “Thank you so much $name, I couldn’t have lasted one more minute.”. You hug it out but suddenly you feel [[a hand]] pulling at your collar.

“What have you done to this girl?” the enormous lunch lady shouts. “ This is extremely inappropriate behaviour! You are coming to the principal with me immediately!” ''Oh oh... What do you do now?'' [[Passionate answer]] [[Calm answer]] [[Keep quiet]]

“I did nothing wrong. This poophead stole Chido’s wheelchair! Can’t you see he’s bloody disabled too?! Are you all blind or do you have a pile of shit in your eyes?! She should be the one getting punished, she’s an asshole!” you reply while removing yourself from [[her grip]].

“I know what it looks like but I only tried to defend my friend Chido. He is disabled and cannot stand without his wheelchair for very long. He was trying to get a juice box since nobody was handing him one and this girl had the nerves to steal his chair for fun. We asked her nicely to give it back but she refused, and Chido was about to faint. I had to do something.” [[“I see”]] answers the lunch lady,

“It was an accident I did not mean to! I am so sorry!” you say, helping the girl, who is now abnormally silent, to get up. “It won’t happen again, we were [[just playing]]”.

“You watch your tone and your language!!! You are both coming with me to the principal and I do not want to hear one more word!” says the lunch lady, grabbing you both by the arm and dragging you towards the headmaster’s office. ''Is this the ending you wanted? Remember: you can always go back and explore a different path.'' Go back to [[Start]]

“In that case... You did well." Then she turns to the girl: "And you, young lady, you better stop complaining. As a punishment, you will clean the whole cafeteria for a week. That will remind you how wrongly you have behaved today! You should be ashamed of yourself.” ''Is this the ending you wanted? Remember: you can always go back and try another path.'' Go back to [[Start]]

“Yes it was just a game” lies the girl. “It’d better not happen again, a wheelchair is not a toy!” says the lunch lady. The lady walks away and so does the bully. 'The girl got away too easily', you think but at least you were not blamed for the situation. ''Is this the ending you wanted? Remember: you can always go back and try another path.'' Go back to [[Start]]

Chido’s knees start shaking and he collapses on the floor, crying. You rush to his help and give him a hand to get back on his fragile legs. ''Now it’s your turn to decide, what do you do?'' [[Seek help]] [[threaten bully]]

“STOP!!! I can’t take it anymore! Get up!” Chido yells at the girl. He is on the verge of breaking. She laughs in his face "And what if I don't?" That is it for Chido. He punches her right in the face. (display: (either:"Bleeding", "Rises"))

Chido falls down, exhausted, and looks at you: “Why are you standing here like this?! Do something!” [[Everyone in the cafeteria is now looking at you expecting your reaction]]

Chido falls down, exhausted, and starts crying. “What are you looking at loser?”, the girl now says to you, “Beat it or I’ll beat you up! You are so pathetic, both of you! I am the one who deserves this chair and it’s mine from now on!!”. She flips her hair back and starts rolling away with the chair. ''Hmmm... this didn't work. Maybe try something else!'' Go back to [[Start]]

The girl gets bored and realises that everyone is staring at her. She lifts herself out of the wheelchair, pushes Chido to the side and leaves the cafeteria. ''Is this the ending you wanted? Remember: you can always go back and explore a different path.'' Go back to [[Start]]

She gets off the chair, flabbergasted by what you have just told her. The girl runs off. She is not coming back anytime soon. ''Is this the ending you wanted, $name? Remember: you can always go back and explore a different path.'' Go back to [[Start]]

“No need to be so aggressive, I am sorry I won’t do it again” she says getting up and leaving with her head low. ''Is this the ending you wanted, $name? Remember: you can always go back and explore a different path.'' Go back to [[Start]]

She starts bleeding from her nose and rushes out of the cantine towards the bathroom. She has been defeated for now. You walk away. ''Is this the ending you wanted? Remember: you can always go back and try another path.'' Go back to [[Start]]

You give the bully a death stare and say: “Now you get your filthy ass out of his chair or I am gonna knock your teeth out and then you will have to eat your fries through a [[straw]]!”.

(display: (either:"123", "456"))

She rises off the chair and throws Chido on the ground, insulting him: “You hit me!! You chimpansee! I am gonna make you pay!!” ''Do you intervene?'' [[Seek help]] [[threaten bully]]

When you walk closer to the door you hear voices. You open the door slowly... the voices go silent and suddenly thirty pairs of eyes stare at you. "Ehhm..." you stumble "Where is your teacher?" "At your mom's" One of the kids says and the whole class starts laughing and clapping. You close the door as quickly as possible. ''Where do you want to go next? Remember, Chido needs your help!!'' [[door 1]] [[door 4]] [[Look for the student's counselor]]

This must be the right door, you think as you confidently turn the knob. It takes you a second to realise, but when the smell hits you, you know exactly where you are. This is the bathroom. [[Go to the toilet]] [[door 1]] [[door 3]] [[Look for the student's counselor]]

Oh come on $name! You don't have time to empty your bladder, Chido needs your help!!! [[door 1]] [[door 3]] [[Look for the student's counselor]]

{(live:250ms)[Hello, what is your [[name?]](stop:)]}

(set: $name to (prompt: "Your name, please:", "Write your name here")) {(live:250ms)["Hello, $name , welcome to your very own Game Book!(stop:)]} [[M...My what?]]

{(live:25ms)[ "Your Game Book, $name! This is not a normal book, but one that allows you to create your own story."(stop:)]} {(live:5000ms)[(link: "That sounds AmAzInG")[(goto: "Hmm... okay!")passagename] [[Hmm... okay!]] (link: "cool cool")[(goto: "Hmm... okay!")passagename](stop:)]}

Exactly! Do you want me to explain the concept for you? [[Yes]] [[Nah]]

Gamebooks allow readers to participate in the story by making choices. The narrative branches along various paths, each with their own different outcome. We believe that the explorative features of gamebooks stimulate critical and reflective thinking. Tell me more about: [[Choices]] Tell me more about: [[Critical and Reflective thinking]] Tell me more about: [[Audience]] Begin story: [[Titlepage]]

{(live:250ms)["Are you sure $name? Well... Okay, have fun and ''explore'' as much as possible!"(stop:)]} (link: "TO INFINITY AND BEYOND")[(goto: "Titlepage")passagename] (link: "Thank you m' lady")[(goto: "Titlepage")passagename] (link: "Oh wait please explain the concept!!")[(goto: "Yes")passagename]

Three types of choices are most commonly used in gamebooks. Exploratory-, reflective-, and didactic choices. Exploratory choices do not strongly affect the narrative events, but they do offer a novel way to travel through a text. Reflective choices have a strong impact on the story, but there is no obvious correct answer. The last type is the didactic choice. For this type, the author has a choice in mind (a true solution) that leads to a desirable outcome. Tell me more about: [[Critical and Reflective thinking]] Tell me more about: [[Audience]] Begin story: [[Titlepage]]

Becoming a critical thinker is a gradual process that starts when children are around seven years old. One of the most powerful tools that aid this development is asking questions. That is why we chose to do a gamebook; the reader is forced to consider multiple choices and has to think about the consequences of these choices. After making a choice, there is immediate feedback: a bad or a good continuation of the story. Good endings serve as a reward for making the right choices and are at the end of a long chain of good choices. While reading the story, readers constantly have to reflect on their choices by deciding if they like the outcome or not. If they do not like the outcome, they can go back and make another decision. Tell me more about: [[Choices]] Tell me more about: [[Audience]] Begin story: [[Titlepage]]

Stories greatly influence and shape the perceptions of young children by conveying values, beliefs, attitudes and social norms. But children should not just be taught what to think, it is far more important to be taught how to think. Our book is aimed at childen aged 7 to 9 as this group is at the age where critical thinking skills start developing. [[more]]

When not thinking critically, it is easy to get stuck in our own bubble, thinking we are right and that the people disagreeing with us must be wrong. This leaves us in a vulnerable state, suceptible to all kinds of biasses. Not only is reinforcing critical thinking important we also hope that children take from this book that you cannot control other people's beliefs and ideas, but that your behaviour can have influence on their reaction. At the same time, you cannot always behave in the correct way, and sometimes there is not even a correct way. Everyone has another perspective and you should consider both perspectives before acting. Tell me more about: [[Choices]] Tell me more about: [[Critical and Reflective thinking]] Begin story: [[Titlepage]]

(text-style: "blink")[[Start]]

Chido looks at you with a look of confusion on his face, but soon sits down in the chair. “See! He can sit in a normal chair. He doesn't need his wheelchair.” the girl says triumphantly. “Yes, I can sit in a normal chair.” Chido speaks up, “But I do need my chair.” [[“For what?” the girl says.]]

“For playing? Cause I also want to play sometimes and yet I am not always in a wheelchair.” the girl accuses Chido. “No, my wheelchair is not a toy.” Chido responds, “Without my wheelchair, I would be stuck on this chair and in this canteen forever. I can’t walk that far.” he says with a sad tone. [[“Yeah right.”]]

The girl still doesn't believe Chido. “Yet you always look happy in your chair and I’ve seen you show off cool tricks to your friends. That definitely counts as playing.” “Yes, of course I am more happy in my wheelchair. Without my wheelchair, I am stuck in one spot, but with my wheelchair, I can do so many things. I can go to school, go to class and make friends. And yes, I show off cool tricks sometimes, but don’t you do the same? I’ve seen you do football tricks during PE. You’re really good.” Chido explains. (display: (either: "Really, you think I'm good?" , "Bad ending"))

[["Really, you think I'm good?" the girl asks surprised.]]

“Yes, really. I wish I could do that.” Chido says. The girl is quiet for a while. She seems to be thinking. She has a frown on her face, that’s how deep in thought she is. “Can you really not move around without your chair? That’s awful. I can’t imagine what it would be like if I couldn’t play football. That must be awful.” the girl says with a sorry tone. [[next]]

“No, I can’t move around without my chair. Well, not really. I can go a few steps with my crutches, as you saw me do earlier.” Chido answers. Then, he smiles, “But it’s not always awful, you know. I might not be able to play football, but I don’t really like football that much anyway. Besides, I can do a lot of cool tricks in my wheelchair. I bet you can’t do those.” he says. [[“Yes" the girl answers.]]

"I did see you do that, and then I took your chair. I didn’t mean it that way, that wasn’t okay.” the girl says with regret in het voice. “If I let you back in your chair, would you mind showing me one of those cool tricks?” “Sure.” Chido smiles. [[“But we should do that outside of the cafeteria. I don’t want to get in trouble.”]]

“Thanks.” The girl smiles too. Then, she gets out of Chido’s chair and wheels it towards the chair he’s sitting on. As Chido is about to climb back into his chair, the bell rings and the break is over. “Um, I have to go to class. I’ll see you around sometimes, okay?” the girl says. She waves and then leaves to go to her class. [[“Bye.” Chido waves back to her.]]

As you put back the chairs you had grabbed for you and Chido, he rides up to you. “Thank you $name. That was really helpful.” he says. Then, he too, wheels away to go to class. ''Is this the ending you wanted? Remember: you can always go back and explore a different path.'' Go back to [[Start]]

You do not want to get in a fight with that mean girl. For that reason, you help Chido to get back up on his fragile legs and tell him: “Come Chido, she is not worth it. Let’s go sit down.” He faintly nods and you walk with him to a nearby bench. He is exhausted. You both sit down. “I am sorry I didn’t help you to get your chair back but she scares me a lot. Are you ok?” you say. [[“I couldn’t fight it any further either. My legs hurt so much.” Chido sighs.]]

“I never dared to ask you but why are your legs like that?” Chido starts talking: “I was in Zimbabwe with my sisters for the holidays to visit my cousins who are still living there. We were playing in a mud patch that we thought was safe but suddenly Shona, my little sister, started sinking rapidly. I jumped in and pushed her out but I got stuck in her place. She ran to get our family and when they pulled me out, my back cracked super loud and broke. We had to fly back to Australia right away with my mum and I was in the hospital for three weeks. The doctors tried their best with surgeries and scanners and medication but they still don’t know if I will ever walk properly ever again.” Chido utters. [[“Wow you saved your sister! Mate you are a hero!! And I am sure you will walk again” you say.]]

“Hahahah, thanks $name it makes me feel good to hear that!! I am never going to stop fighting!! My mum told me that I was lucky to have survived and I should be proud of myself because I have already made so much progress with my recovery. She also said life goes on and has so much to offer still. But well I wish I would not have to fight over my wheelchair. She just makes me feel like I don’t matter.” “Mate you are so right…” you admire. ''Do you want do defend Chido?'' [[Start discussion]] [[Seek help]] [[Use force]]

For a split second, you see a confused look on her face. But then, she looks angry again, and this time she’s more determined than before. Quickly, she walks towards you. “How dare you speak to me like that!” she says angry. Her voice seems so low it’s almost a growl. [[She’s now standing very close to you and, intimidated as you are, you start doubting your choice to stand still.]]

“Well? Speak to me! Now you’re not so tough anymore, are you?” the girl sneers. You still don’t answer her as you are not sure if there’s anything that would not upset the girl further. This fuels the girl’s anger even more. She slaps you in your face with force and it hurts. Around you, you hear the excited yells of the other students in the cafeteria. [[“Fight! Fight! Fight!”, they yell.]]

But you don’t fight back, even though your cheek stings and your eyes are filled with tears from pain. “What? You’re too scared to fight me?” the girl tries you. She wants to fight. But you’re not going to let her win. Finally, you decide to speak. “No, I’m not too scared to fight.” you say. You try to sound tough, but your voice is soft. [[“I don’t want to fight you.”]]

“What? You don’t want to fight. First you insult me and then you don’t want to fight?” she looks at you with ridicule. “No, I don’t want to fight. All I wanted was for you to get out of Chido’s wheelchair and that’s what you did.” you explain to her. [[“Oh yeah? Then why did you insult me like that?” the girl accuses you.]]

“To get you away from the wheelchair. You refused to get out, so I tricked you out of it. It worked.” you say again. “So, it was all a trick?” the girl still seems angry, but she now sounds confused. She takes a step back to look at you better. “Yes. I didn't mean any of the things I said. Not really. I’m sure you’re not a thief. I justed wanted Chido to be safe again.” you repeat. [[Slowly, but surely, the girl seems to become a bit less angry.]]

“Oh,” the girl says. Then, she’s quiet. She takes a look at Chido in his wheelchair. He looks pale, he must have gotten really tired from standing. “I’m so sorry, I made a mistake.” the girl says with regret. “I should apologise to Chido. And, I’m sorry for hitting you.” then, the girl walks away. You don’t stay to see the girl and Chido together. Instead, you go take care of your hurting cheek. ''Is this the ending you wanted? Remember: you can always go back and explore a different path.'' Go back to [[Start]]

You are standing in the small janitor's closet. Your heart is pounding in your chest, but you seem to be safe from your pursuer. Just as you sigh from relief the bell rings, indicating that your class is about to start. The bully might be still out there, you think. [[You stay still and wait...]]

.... .... [[Is she gone already?]]

You peak through the door... Luckily the coast is clear, but unfortunately you will be late for your next class! You run down the hall, up the stairs all the way to your next class. Hopefully the teacher will not be mad, you think to yourself. Unfortunately when you open the classroom door the teacher gives you a [[stern look]].

The girl comes closer and closer to you and she looks very angry. Her head is red and if her eyes could shoot fire, you would probably be dead. You walk backwards slowly, looking behind you every once in a while to check for anything in your way. Once you’re past the tables in the cafeteria and near the door, you turn around and bolt out of the door. You run and run as fast as you can through the corridors, taking turns left and right, hoping that the girl isn’t catching up. Once you’ve ran through almost all of the school, you take a quick glance behind you to see if the girl is still behind you. But then, [[you bump into someone…]]

Oh no, not good!!! You think as the girl starts getting closer and closer. Chido now has his wheelchair back, but you are not yet out of trouble. ''"LOOK A UNICORN!!!"'' you yell at the bully. She snaps her head in the direction you were pointing at and you Usain-Bolt out of the cafeteria. As soon as the girl realises that there (disapointingly) is no unicorn, she sprints after you. She has long legs and is closing in quickly. You turn the corner and enter through the first door you see. [[As you slam the door shut behind you, you realise where you are...]]

(display: (either:"Oh oh", "Pfew"))

“Excuse me! What do you think you’re doing, running through the hall like that?” You hear a loud and stern voice coming from above you. It is Mister Pear. Mister Pear is this tall giant with a gigantic beard and very big pointy shoes. The story goes that Mister Pear kicks students out of the window with his big pointy shoes and that he then uses his giant beard as a lasso to pull them back in again. [[So, of course, you’re very scared right now.]]

As you bump into them, you feel strong arms wrap around you, making sure you don’t fall. “Careful, running is dangerous. You could get into some serious trouble if I had been a teacher, or you could have fallen and injured yourself.” You hear the familiar caring voice of your best friend. “Oh, Lenah, I’m so glad it’s you.” you say relieved. You turn around and hug your friend back. [[“I’m glad to see you too.” she says with a smile]]

“I… I’m so sorry, Sir” you mumble and stammer, looking at your and Mister Pear’s shoes. “Sorry’s not enough, young lady. I want an explanation. What makes you think you have the right to break school rules like that?” He responds sternly and you feel his dark eyes burning into your head. [[“I… I was running from this girl.” you begin]]

You are still stammering, “She had stolen Chido’s wheelchair in the canteen. I lured her out of the chair, but now she’s angry at me and she threatened me.” You say with a bit more confidence and you slowly look up to Mister Pear. Surely, he has to accept your explanation. “So a girl who stole a wheelchair was threatening you and coming after you?” Mister Pear responds with disbelief, “And where is this girl now? I don’t see a girl coming after you. You’re making it up.” [[“But… but…” you protest.]]

“No buts,” Mister Pear says, “you’re getting punished for this. Come with me to the detention room. And don’t you dare run away again.” He starts his way to the detention room. You sigh sadly and follow him. When you pass the corner, the girl is standing there, grinning. You glare at her. Thanks to her you’re now getting detention. ''Is this the ending you wanted? Remember: you can always go back and explore a different path.'' Go back to [[Start]]

"Why were you running?” she asks. “It’s a long story. I’m running from an angry girl.” you say. “What? How? Why is she angry at you?” Your friend asks confused. “Well, this girl had stolen Chido’s wheelchair and refused to give it back. So I decided to lure her out of it.” You say with a hint of pride in your voice. [[“Wow, you’re a hero! Well done!” your friend exclaims.]]

You smile at them, they’re always so supportive of you. “She’s a hero? Haha, don't think so” you hear the girl say. She comes from around the corner towards you two. “Yes, she is a hero and you’re bully. It’s not nice to steal someone else’s wheelchair. It’s also not nice to listen in to other people’s conversations. You could get into serious trouble for that.” Your friend accuses the girl. [[next page]]

“What are you gonna do? Snitch to the teachers? Then I’ll tell everyone that you were running in the corridor. You’ll get into trouble too.” The girl points a threatening finger at you. “Go ahead, tell the teachers” Your friend calmly says. “But who do you think they’ll believe? You, or us two and Chido?” The girl think about it for a second. Then, with a frustrated look on her face, she walks away. “Later, losers.” She says. You and your friend smile at each other. ''Is this the ending you wanted? Remember: you can always go back and explore a different path.'' Go back to [[Start]]

You look around and see Lenah already seated at a table and waiting for you. She is your best friend and the kindest person you know: she will have your back and will know how to solve this problem. You run towards the table: “Lenah, I need your help Tylyr has stolen Chido’s wheelchair and she won’t give it back. The poor Chido can’t take it anymore!! Come quick !! We need to make her stop this!!” you say catching your breath. [[In less than a split second she is up and heading towards the girl.]]

“Hey Tylyr!!” she says to the tall girl in a surprisingly sweet voice “You know if you stay in the chair for too long it has been proven that you will become handicapped and will lose all your hair!! It happened to my uncle and you know my uncle”. [[Tylyr turns pale and mumbles: “For real???”]]

“Oh yeah !! didn’t you know that?” you chime in, giving your friend and Chido a wink. Tylyr jumps of the chair and starts running towards the bathrooms, screaming: “I need to check my hair!!!”. “And there you go Chido!” Lenah says while the both of you help him in his chair. “Thank you so much!! I think she won’t be stealing it anytime soon!!” Chido laughs. ''Is this the ending you wanted? Remember: you can always go back and try another path.'' Go back to [[Start]]