**“Whenever people talk to me about the weather, I always feel quite certain that they mean something else. And that makes me quite nervous.”**
*Oscar Wilde*
=><=
Choose Game Mode
[[Hard Mode->Adult]]**January**
[[Sleep in]]
[[Wake early]]
You gently shake your partner's shoulder.
==><=
"What?"
=><===
"Breakfast is ready. Come eat."
==><=
"Fine."
<==
They head to the bathroom, and you return to the kitchen.
Your partner was curt this morning, but they're always a bit gruff when they wake up.
You think over last night.
You burned dinner and had to order take-out from your partner's favorite restaurant. On your way home from picking up dinner, you rented a movie your partner wanted to see. Neither of you enjoyed the plot. Your partner mentioned having a stressful day at work, but they didn't want to elaborate.
The weather today is (either: [[Clear Skies]],[[Light Rain]]).
You pop your head in the bedroom.
=><==
"Hey! Breakfast! Time to get up!"
<==
You wait only long enough to see them toss off the covers and then hurry back to the kitchen.
You think over last night.
You burned dinner and had to order take-out from your partner's favorite restaurant. On your way home from picking up dinner, you rented a movie your partner wanted to see. Neither of you enjoyed the plot. Your partner mentioned having a stressful day at work, but they didn't want to elaborate.
The weather today is [[Unknown->Unknown-made-breakfast]]#Clear Skies
Your partner seems calm and happy right now.
Depression: 10%
Anger: 10%
Anxiety: 2/10
[[Good job!->Work-clear-skies]]#Light Rain
It seems your partner is feeling down.
Depression: 35%
Anger: 10%
Anxiety: 4/10
[[You need to be extra understanding.->WORK-light-rain]]#Snow
Your partner seems quietly upset.
Depression: 40%
Anger: 35%
Anxiety: 6/10
[[You should leave them alone.->NEWS-snow]] #Blizzard Warning
Your partner is very depressed.
Depression: 100%
Anger: 25%
Anxiety: 10/10
[[You need to remind them how much you love them.->talk1]]
[[Evacuate]] #Thunderstorms
Your partner is angry.
Depression: 85%
Anger: 85%
Anxiety: 6/10
[[You've upset your partner with your thoughtlessness. You need to be extra cautious that you don't disappoint them again.->Happy Diet is not happy 3]]#Tornado Warning
Your partner is enraged.
Depression: 90%
Anger: 90%
Anxiety: 9/10
[[You've seen them like this before, but it never gets any easier.->talk2]]
[[Evacuate]] #Heat Wave
Your partner has been upset lately and doesn't show signs of letting go of their anger.
Depression: 10%
Anger: 78%
Anxiety: 4/10
[[You need to be extra cautious that you don't anger them anymore. You should do something nice for your partner to help them feel better and prove you love them.->gift1]] #Hurricane Warning
Your partner is enraged and shows no signs of calming down.
Depression: 100%
Anger: 100%
Anxiety: 10/10
[[You need to calm them down before someone gets hurt ->talk3]]
[[Evacuate]] #Microburst
Your partner had a moment of anger.
Depression: 85%
Anger: 85%
Anxiety: 6/10
[[Your action led your partner to blow up at you. You need to be extra cautious that you don't set them off again.->Happy Diet is not happy 3]]The front door slams as your partner leaves for work, waking you.
You think over last night.
You burned dinner and had to order take-out from your partner's favorite restaurant. On your way home from picking up dinner, you rented a movie your partner wanted to see. Neither of you enjoyed the plot. Your partner mentioned having a stressful day at work, but they didn't want to elaborate.
You woke too late to check the weather today.
[[Proceed without weather report->No weather report-slept-in]]Your alarm clock is going off.
[[Turn it off]]
You have enough time to make a quick breakfast, wake your partner, and comfortably get ready for work.
You microwave a bowl of oatmeal and butter a few slices of toast.
When the coffee is ready, you go wake up your partner.
[[Check weather ->January Weather Report]]
[[Proceed without weather report->no weather report-breakfast]]Making a large breakfast won't leave you much time to get ready for work, but you know how much your partner appreciates a good meal.
You fry up bacon, eggs over-easy, hash browns, and start the coffee. You drop a couple slices of bread in the toaster and go wake up your partner.
[[Check weather ->January Weather Report]]
[[Proceed without weather report->no weather report-breakfast]]Good. They're still sleeping. They need their sleep.
[[They've been under a lot of stress lately.->Good. They're still sleeping]]You need to make breakfast for yourself and your partner.
[[Quick breakfast]]
[[Large breakfast]]As you get ready for work, you think over last night.
You burned dinner and had to order take-out from your partner's favorite restaurant. On your way home from picking up dinner, you rented a movie your partner wanted to see. Neither of you enjoyed the plot. Your partner mentioned having a stressful day at work, but they didn't want to elaborate.
Instead of taking care of your partner this morning, you stayed in bed--forcing them to fend for themselves.
The weather today is [[Unknown->Unknown-slept-in]]#Unknown
You don't know how your partner is feeling right now.
Depression: ?
Anger: ?
Anxiety: ?
[[Proceed with caution.->January-no report-breakfast]]#Unknown
You don't know how your partner is feeling right now.
Depression: ?
Anger: ?
Anxiety: ?
[[Proceed with caution.->January-no report-slept]]At work, there is a new project.
Your boss has tasked you with overseeing the production schedule. This may require you to put in overtime, but you're passionate about the topic. All your hard efforts are starting to pay off.
[[The workday ends with you feeling excited.->workday ends-rain]]At work, there is a new project.
Your boss has tasked you with overseeing the production schedule. This may require you to put in overtime, but you're passionate about the topic. All your hard efforts are starting to pay off.
[[The workday ends.]]You arrive home before your partner and--after last night's disaster--are extra attentive when cooking tonight's dinner.
When you hear keys rattling in the front door, you hurry to let your partner inside.
[[You can't wait to share your good news!->News-Happy]]You arrive home before your partner and--after last night's disaster--are extra attentive when cooking tonight's dinner.
When you hear keys rattling in the front door, you hurry to let your partner inside.
[[You can't wait to share your good news!->News-Mopey]]At work, there is a new project.
Your boss has tasked you with overseeing the production schedule. This may require you to put in overtime, but you're passionate about the topic. All your hard efforts are starting to pay off.
[[The workday ends with you feeling excited.->workday ends-unknown-breakfast]]At work, there is a new project.
Your boss has tasked you with overseeing the production schedule. This may require you to put in overtime, but you're passionate about the topic. All your hard efforts are starting to pay off.
[[The workday ends with you feeling excited.->workday ends-unknown-slept]]You arrive home before your partner and--after last night's disaster--are extra attentive when cooking tonight's dinner.
When you hear keys rattling in the front door, you hurry to let your partner inside.
You can't wait to share your good news!
=><==
"Welcome home, sweetheart! Guess what? Remember that new project I was telling you about last week? The boss assigned me the production lead!"
<==
(link-goto: "You take a quick survey of your partner's face and body language.", (either: "Snow", "Light Rain2"))You arrive home before your partner and--after last night's disaster--are extra attentive when cooking tonight's dinner.
When you hear keys rattling in the front door, you hurry to let your partner inside.
You can't wait to share your good news!
=><==
"Welcome home, sweetheart! Guess what? Remember that new project I was telling you about last week? The boss assigned me the production lead!"
<==
(link-goto: "You take a quick survey of your partner's face and body language.", (either: "Snow", "Light Rain2"))You greet your partner with a big smile and a kiss.
==><=
"What's got you in such a good mood?"
<=
You help them take off their coat.
=><==
"Remember that new project I was telling you about last week? The boss assigned me the production lead!"
==><=
"That's great news! See. I told you if you just applied yourself more, you would finally start getting noticed at work."
<==
You don't tell your partner that you've been "applying yourself" since the company hired you.
[[You also don't tell them that you may need to put in overtime for this project for the next few months. No reason to upset them with negativity that might not come to pass.->Act 2]]
You were hoping to greet your partner with a kiss, but you can see they look weary.
You help them take off their coat.
=><==
"How was your day, sweetheart?"
==><=
"I don't want to talk about it right now. What's for dinner?"
=><==
"Lasagna. Why don't you come sit down? I'll get you something to drink."
<==
[[Once you have your partner settled at the dining table with a cold drink and a hot meal, you decide to tell them your news.->Mopey-news]]=><==
"Remember that new project I was telling you about last week? The boss assigned me the production lead!"
==><=
"Why do you always have to do this?"
=><==
"Do what?"
==><=
"You know that new guy at work is causing me problems. For once, I would like to come home and have a nice quiet dinner. Why do you have to bring up work at the table? Why can't we just relax?"
<==
You apologize and drop the subject.
[[You decide not to tell them that you may need to put in overtime for this project for the next few months.->Act 2]]
#Light Rain
It seems your partner is feeling down.
Depression: 35%
Anger: 10%
Anxiety: 4/10
[[You need to be extra patient and kind.->be extra patient2]]==><=
"Why do you always have to do this?"
=><==
"Do what?"
==><=
"I'm barely in the door. Could you wait until I've at least taken off my jacket and settled in before you bombard me with stuff?"
<==
You apologize and drop the subject.
[[You decide not to tell them that you may need to put in overtime for this project for the next few months.->Act 2]]
==><=
"Great."
<==
From their tone, it seems they feel it is anything *but* great.
=><==
"Dinner will be ready in a few minutes."
==><=
"Good."
=><==
"How was your day?"
==><=
"Fine."
=><==
"How about I run you a shower? Dinner will be on the table by the time you're out."
==><=
"Yeah. Sure. Whatever."
<==
You hurry to get the shower started.
[[You decide not to talk anymore about work to your partner. At least not tonight.->Act 2]]
“When all is said and done, the weather and love are the two elements about which one can never be sure.”
*― Alice Hoffman, Here on Earth*
[[May]]Your partner has grown increasingly unhappy with the weight they've put on this past year.
[[Time to diet]]You partner has set a few rules for their diet and has asked for your help.
0. They have decided to stop drinking soda and alcohol, so there is not to be anything in the house besides water.
0. They don't want you to feed them any more snack food, so you're not allowed to bring any junk food into the house.
0. They need you to prepare healthier meals with smaller portions.
It's been a few weeks since you started these changes.
You need to go buy groceries today.
[[Check weather ->March Weather Report]]
[[Proceed without weather report->no weather report-diet]]Your partner is on the computer trying to de-stress.
They didn't have a good week at work. A co-worker disagreed with how to handle a client, and the bosssided against your partner.
You don't want to be a bother, but you know your partner will get upset if you go without checking in with them.
=><==
"Sweetheart, I'm going to the store. Do you want me to pick anything up for you?"
<==
The weather today is (either: [[Clear Skies->Clear Skies-Diet]],[[Heavy Rain]]).Your partner is on the computer.
You don't want to be a bother so you quickly let them know you're heading out to the grocery store and will be back soon.
The weather today is [[Unknown->Unknown-diet]]#Heavy Rain
It seems your partner is depressed.
Depression: 65%
Anger: 50%
Anxiety: 6/10
[[You need to be extra attentive to their needs.]]==><=
"Just pick me up something good."
<==
You pause. Past experience has taught you that "good" usually means sweet.
=><==
"Like what?"
==><=
"It doesn't matter. You know what I like."
<==
You give your partner a quick kiss and head out. You're relieved that your partner seems to be feeling better.
While picking out items at the grocery, you have a choice:
[[Stick to the diet rules->STICK TO DIET-Heavy Rain]]
[[Break the diet->BREAK DIET-Heavy Rain]]As you drive to the store, you think about your partner. They didn't have a good week at work. A co-worker disagreed with how to handle a client, and the bosssided against your partner.
While picking out items, you have a choice:
[[Stick to the diet rules->No Report-STICK TO DIET]]
[[Break the diet->No Report-BREAK DIET at the store]]#Clear Skies
Your partner seems calm and happy right now.
Depression: 10%
Anger: 10%
Anxiety: 2/10
[[Good job!->Clear skies is a lie]]==><=
"Nope. Have fun at the store. Do you have enough money?"
=><==
"Yep. I'll see you when I get back."
<==
You give your partner a quick kiss and head out. You're relieved that your partner seems to be feeling better.
While picking out items at the grocery, you [[stick to the diet rules.->False happy]]#Unknown
You don't know how your partner is feeling right now.
Depression: ?
Anger: ?
Anxiety: ?
[[Proceed with caution.->March-diet-no-report]]You know how much your partner depends on your support to stick to their diet. You aren't going to sabotage their efforts by buying items they've told you not to bring into the house.
Later that evening, after you've cleaned up the dinner plates, your partner decides to watch a movie.
You don't have any interest in the plot, but you know they appreciate your company. Instead of reading that new book you bought last week, you join your partner on the couch.
Before you can get settled, your partner speaks.
==><=
"How about some popcorn?"
<==
You tense.
You're not sure what kind of mood your partner is in today.
=><==
[["Um...well, we already had dinner--"->No-popcorn-on-diet]]You decide to buy a few things that are off the diet.
Your partner's stress is high, and you know when they get like this it's only a matter of time. It's better to have a few things in the house, just in case.
[[Besides, you won't tell them the items are there so they won't go looking.->Later that evening]]
"When you are in the eye of the storm, you are often not aware of the whiplash around you."
*-Hugh Bonneville*
[[September]]
=><==
[["What about your diet?"-> MF2]]
=><==
"There may be a bag in the cupboard. How about you get the movie started while I get the bag?"
==><=
[["Sounds good." -> Thunder]]You know how much your partner depends on your support to stick to their diet. You aren't going to sabotage their efforts by buying items they've told you not to bring into the house.
Later that evening, after you've cleaned up the dinner plates, your partner decides to watch a movie.
You don't have any interest in the plot, but you know they appreciate your company. Instead of reading that new book you bought last week, you join your partner on the couch.
Before you can get settled, your partner speaks.
==><=
"How about some popcorn?"
<==
You tense.
=><==
[["Um...well, we already had dinner--"->microfight1]]#Flash Flood
Your partner is depressed to the point that they frequently talk about how you wouldn't care if they were dead.
Depression: 85%
Anger: 50%
Anxiety: 8/10
[[You need to be extra cautious that you don't further hurt their feeling. You should do something nice to make-up for the fact that you've been neglecting them lately.->gift2]]But...
If you leave, where will you go?
[[Evacuate->are you sure1]]
[[Stay with your partner->Adult]]Later that evening, after you've cleaned up the dinner plates, your partner decides to watch a movie.
You don't have any interest in the plot, but you know they appreciate your company. Instead of reading that new book you bought last week, you join your partner on the couch.
Before you can get settled, your partner speaks.
==><=
"How about some popcorn?"
<==
You tense.
=><==
[["Um...well, we already had dinner--"->microfight1]]==><=
"How about some popcorn?"
<==
You tense.
You're not sure what kind of mood your partner is in today.
You have two options:
[[Remind about diet->Remind about diet]]
[[Offer popcorn->Offer popcorn]]Later that evening, after you've cleaned up the dinner plates, your partner decides to watch a movie.
You don't have any interest in the plot, but you know they appreciate your company. Instead of reading that new book you bought last week, you join your partner on the couch.
[[Before you can get settled, your partner speaks.->your partner speaks-no report-break diet]]
Later that evening, after you've cleaned up the dinner plates, your partner decides to watch a movie.
You don't have any interest in the plot, but you know they appreciate your company. Instead of reading that new book you bought last week, you join your partner on the couch.
Before you can get settled, your partner speaks.
==><=
"How about some popcorn?"
<==
You tense.
You have two options:
[[Remind about diet->Remind about diet]]
[[Offer popcorn->Offer popcorn]]=><==
[["There isn't any. You said you didn't want me to buy any more junk food--"->microfight2]]
==><=
"Oh, Christ! Are you serious? I know what I said, but popcorn is a healthy snack. Use your brain!"
=><==
"I'm sorry! I can go buy some tomorrow."
==><=
[["Well, that doesn't do us any good now does it?"->Microfight3]]=><==
"I said I'm sorry."
==><=
"You're always sorry. I'm so sick of hearing you apologize."
=><==
[["Can we just watch the movie, please?"->microfight4]]
==><=
"Great! Now you're telling me to shut up--"
=><==
[["I didn't say tha--" ->Microfight 5]]==><=
"I don't even know why I'm here. It's clear you don't even want to talk with me. Why the hell would I want to be around someone who doesn't want to be around me?"
=><==
"Sweetheart--"
<==
[[You touch their arm, trying to calm them.->microfight6]]
==><=
"Don't touch me!"
<==
Your partner shoves past you.
You don't bother trying to ask where they're going.
[[The front door slams as they leave.->microfight7]]Your hands are shaking as you try to understand what just happened.
The weather right now is [[Microburst]].==><=
"Oh, Christ! Are you serious? Popcorn is a healthy snack. Use your brain!"
=><==
"I'm sorry! There may be a bag in the cupboard. I'll go check now."
==><=
[["You know what? Don't bother."->Mf3]]==><=
"I don't even know why I'm here. It's clear you're in a mood. Why the hell would I want to be around someone who doesn't want me around?"
=><==
"Sweetheart--"
<==
[[You touch their arm, trying to calm them.->microfight6]]
==><=
"I know that. I was there, wasn't I? How about a bowl of popcorn?"
=><==
[["There isn't any. You said you didn't want me to buy any more junk food--"->accusation]]==><=
"Oh, Christ! Are you serious? Did you really only buy things *you* like at the store today?"
=><==
"Of course not! But you said--"
==><=
"I know what I said, but popcorn is a healthy snack. Use your brain!"
=><==
"I'm sorry! I can go buy some tomorrow."
==><=
[["Well, that doesn't do us any good now does it?"->Microfight3]]Your partner seems to appreciate the snack.
In fact, they appreciate it so much that half-way through the movie, they ask you to pop another bag.
You tense.
You have two options:
[[Remind about diet->Remind about diet]]
[[Offer popcorn->Offer popcorn2]]The popcorn seems to be helping them de-stress, so you make them a second bag.
For the next several days, they ask for a bag of popcorn every night while the two of you watch TV.
At the end of the week, your partner hops on the scale.
[[They are angry to find they have gained three pounds.]]
Your partner accuses you of sabotaging their efforts.
Nothing you say will change their mind.
The weather for the next several weeks is expected to be [[Thunderstorms]].You did so well on the last big assignment at work that your boss has tasked you with full oversight of a new project and team. They hint that if this goes well, it could lead to a promotion and a raise.
The first few weeks are hectic and require you to stay late several times.
Your partner has grown increasingly sullen and has already accused you several times of neglecting your relationship.
The weather today is (either: [[Heat Wave]],[[Flash Flood]]).You stop by the bookstore on the way home.
Your partner mentioned wanting to get back into an old hobby a few days ago.
[[A few magazines on the topic will be a nice surprise for them and will show that you support them.->gift-choice-2.1]]“There's a phrase, *"the elephant in the living room"*, which purports to describe what it's like to live with a drug addict, an alcoholic, an abuser. People outside such relationships will sometimes ask, *"How could you let such a business go on for so many years? Didn't you see the elephant in the living room?"* And it's so hard for anyone living in a more normal situation to understand the answer that comes closest to the truth; *"I'm sorry, but it was there when I moved in. I didn't know it was an elephant; I thought it was part of the furniture."* [[There comes an aha-moment for some folks - the lucky ones - when they suddenly recognize the difference.->Begin]]”
*― Stephen King*=><=
##The Beginning
"You can look at my palm and see the storm coming. Read the book of my life and see I've overcome it."
*-Mary J. Blige*
[[Get help or learn more->The National Domestic Violence Hotline]]If you or someone you love is in an abusive situation, The National Domestic Violence Hotline may be able to help.
While you can learn more at www.thehotline.org, *please beware: abusers can (and often do) monitor computer use, and it is impossible to completely clear the browsing history.*
If you fear your internet usage might be monitored, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at **1−800−799−7233** or TTY **1−800−787−3224**.When your partner arrives home, they find the magazines waiting for them on the counter.
[[They are pleasantly surprised by your thoughtfulness.->gift-choice-2.2]]
The two of you talk for almost an hour about your partner's hobby.
At one point, you suggest they could even sell their projects once they've made enough.
Your belief in their talent pleases your partner.
The weather today is [[Clear Skies->Clear skies-gift]].[[You wake up the next morning so relieved that your partner liked the gift you bought them. You hate it when they are mad at you.->Lies2]]
#Clear Skies
Your partner seems calm and happy right now.
Depression: 10%
Anger: 10%
Anxiety: 2/10
[[Good job!->lie1]]=><==
"Sweetheart--"
==><=
"I'm so sick of this! I've been thinking about it all day, and I'm so sick of how you treat me! I bend over backward for you, and you expect me to be grateful when you toss me a few scraps of your attention!"
(link-goto: "You take a quick survey of your partner's face and body language.", (either: "Tornado", "Hurricane", "Wild Fire"))=><==
"Sweetheart--"
<=
Your partner grabs one of the dinner plates off the table.
You flinch when it hits the wall opposite you, exploding into a dozen tiny fragments.
==><=
"I'm done! I've had it up to here with you!”
(link-goto: "You take a quick survey of your partner's face and body language.", (either: "Blizzard", "Hurricane", "Wild Fire"))=><==
"Sweetheart--"
<=
Your partner grabs the dinner table and flips it over--dining set, silverware, and all. dining set, silverware, and all.
A shout escapes you.
=><==
"Stop it! What's wrong with you?"
==><=
"You! You're my problem! I'd crawl through hell and back for you, but when I need your help, you're always too busy. I beg and I beg you. After all that I do for you, you can't be bothered. I could kill myself in front of you, and you'd just walk over my body!"
=><==
"That's not true!"
<=
Tears are flowing freely now. Your whole body is trembling. You can't figure out what to do with your hands to hide the way they are shaking.
==><=
"Great! You want to cry now? You want to be a drama queen? I'll give you something to be dramatic about."
<=
[[You take a quick survey of your partner's face and body language. ->Wild Fire]]You'll be homeless.
You're not sure if you can make it on your own.
[[Evacuate->are you sure2]]
[[Stay with your partner->Adult]]But what will everyone say?
Your parents didn't always get along, but they taught you that a relationship is about hard work.
It's about loving each other despite your faults.
It's about staying and fighting for your love when things get tough.
Love is about never giving up on the person you love.
Isn't it?
[[Evacuate->are you sure3]]
[[Stay with your partner->Adult]]Your partner has said before that they would kill themselves if you ever left them.
They were just exaggerating. Weren't they?
Oh God! What if you leave and they really do kill themselves.
It would be your fault. Wouldn't it? Everyone would blame you.
[[Evacuate->are you sure4]]
[[Stay with your partner->Adult]]No.
You are not responsible for your partner's actions.
You are not responsible for their emotions.
You are not their keeper.
[[You are not their keeper.->You don't care anymore.]]
You have to get to work early, but you want to help your partner start the day in a good mood.
[[Made a breakfast burrito for them.]]
[[Make a sandwich for their lunch.]]
[[Make them breakfast and lunch. You'll be a little late to work->Make them both.]][[You're more focused at work now that your partner isn't mad at you.->lies4]]You're so focused that you breeze through all your tasks.
[[You're actually able to leave work a bit early today.->lies5]]
You arrive home and immediately start tackling the chore list.
Your partner loves coming home to a clean house.
[[Maybe the two of you could go out for dinner and a movie tonight.->lies6]]You're folding towels in the bedroom when you hear your partner arrive home.
==><=
"Hey! Get out here!"
<=
[[Your breath catches.]]
Your breathing is quickly becoming uneven.
By the time you enter the living room, you're actively fighting not to hyperventilate.
You alternate between clenching your teeth and biting the inside of your cheek. If they see your lips quivering it will only make things worse. It's bad enough that your eyes are already glossy."
(link-goto: "You take a quick survey of your partner's face and body language.", (either: "Blizzard", "Tornado", "Hurricane"))#Wild Fire Warning
Your partner is in a berserker rage.
Depression: 100%
Anger: 100%
Anxiety: 10/10
[[Oh, God! They've never been this mad before. You need to Evacuatefor your own safety->Blackout]] [[You can't keep doing this.]][[You can't stay here.]]
[[You can't stay with them.]]
[[If you stay...you're going to die.]]
[[In an instant, you know the truth.]]
If you stay, their rage is going to continue to grow...
Until, eventually...
They either kill you...Or you kill yourself to get away from them.
[[Evacuate->walkout]]You've made up your mind to get out, but before you can walk away...something happens.
[[Your vision goes black.->floor]]You're--you're lying on the floor.
You can hear your partner screaming at you to get up.
Your head hurts, and your breath is coming too fast.
What happened?
Did--did they hit you? Did you fall?
[[You can't think straight.->help]]
[[You feel your body move.]]Oh, God!
Your partner is pushing you around the floor with their feet.
They keep screaming for you to "Get up!" and that they will "Give you something to be dramatic about."
You believe them.
[[You're scared, but you stay down and pray the neighbors call 911 soon.->help me]]You grab your car keys, and you run.
[[You don't look back.->Stephen King]][[Please...]]
[[What if the neighbors have gotten too used to your partner's fits of rage?->the neighbors won’t help]]
[[What if no one is coming to help you?]][[If you get up to run, your partner is going to hurt you. You know they will.->If you get up to run]]You don't know how long you lie there, praying for help, but eventually, your partner leaves you.
A new, calm voice speaks to you.
They need you to sit up.
[[Ask for the police.]]
[[Say you want to leave.]]=><==
"I need to leave. I can't stay here."
<=
You thought you'd seen the extent of your partner's anger before, but their rage tonight scared you like nothing ever has and you can't be certain how they'll react next.
The EMT doesn't even pause while taking your pulse.
==><=
"Listen, sometimes families argue."
<=
Their words shock you.
=><==
[["I don't feel safe."->wanttoleave]]
==><=
"If you get the police involved, that's stuff you can't take back. I don't want you to do anything you'll regret."
=><==
"Fine. Then I'll leave. Will you just wait for me to grab a bag?"
==><=
"I can't let you drive like this. It's not safe for you to be on the road."
<=
This cannot be happening. Not to you.
[[This is the kind of 1950's nightmare you read about on the internet. ->Leavingnow]]You finally convince the EMT that, one way or another, you *are* leaving.
They agree to let you ride in the ambulance so that a friend can pick you up at the hospital.
They say you’re "not hurt" and tell you to just refuse treatment when you arrive at the ER.
As you wait for your friend to arrive, a nurse stops by to check on you.
You haven't stopped crying.
==><=
[["Hey, there now. Shhhh. Everything will be okay. You're safe here." ->Stephen King]]#Warning!!!
*The Weather Report* is an interactive fiction game where the player is a person living in an abusive relationship. Be aware that this game may be triggering to some people, as it depicts various situations of abusive behaviors such as: gaslighting, verbal, emotional, and physical abuse.
The goal of this game is to help players empathize with sufferers and survivors of abuse and to understand how abuse can build slowly. This game aims to teach the player why some people choose to stay past the point of their physical safety and that no one chooses to be in an abusive relationship. It may also offer friends, family, survivors, and people still in abusive relationships insight into the fact that abuse is more than just a physical act of violence.
It's structured as three acts that take place over the course of a year. Each act focuses on a seemingly everyday event that could occur to anyone at one time or another, and how an abusive partner can twist that situation.
[[Play The Weather Report->Choose Game Mode]]"You take a few minutes to cook a breakfast burrito for your partner.
[[You leave it wrapped in the refrigerator.->lies3]]""You take a few minutes to prepare a turkey sandwich for your partner's lunch.
[[You leave it wrapped in the refrigerator.->lies3]]"It takes you extra time, but you fix up breakfast and lunch for your partner. You'll be a little late to work but it's worth it to ensure your partner's happiness.
[[You leave the meals wrapped in the refrigerator.->lies3]]=><==
"I want the police."
<=
You don't waste time. What just happened...It's not okay.
The EMT doesn't even pause while taking your pulse.
==><=
"Listen, sometimes families argue."
<=
Their words shock you.
=><==
[["I don't feel safe."->WantPolice]]==><=
"Misunderstandings happen. You're upset now, but I don't want you to do anything you'll regret."
=><==
"I don't feel safe. Will you just wait for me to grab a bag?"
==><=
"I can't let you drive like this. It's not safe for you to be on the road."
<=
This cannot be happening. Not to you.
[[This is the kind of 1950's nightmare you read about on the internet. ->Leavingnow]][[Go to the grocery->gift-choice-1]]
[[Go to the bookstore->gift-choice-2]][[Go get tickets to a movie->gift-choice-3]]
[[Go to the bookstore->gift-choice-4]]You stop by the grocery store on the way home.
A few days ago, your partner mentioned craving their favorite food.
[[The homecooked meal will be a nice surprise for them to come home to and will show that you want them to be happy.->gift-choice-1.1]]
You get home from work and book seats for a movie your partner has mentioned wanting to see.
[[The movie's plot and genre aren't really interesting to you, but your partner hates the movies you tend to like.->gift-choice-3.1]]You stop by the bookstore on the way home.
Your partner mentioned interest in a book that's been popular lately.
[[The book will be a nice treat for them to help get their mind off of their stresses and will show that you listen to them.->gift-choice-4.1]]When your partner arrives home, the table is set and the meal ready to be served.
[[They are pleasantly surprised by your thoughtfulness.->gift-choice-1.2]]The two of you enjoy a long talk about the future as you eat dinner.
You partner apologizes for being short-tempered lately. They tell you work has been extra stressful, and your understanding means a lot to them.
The weather today is [[Clear Skies->Clear skies-gift]].After your partner arrives home and settles in, you mention booking seats for this weekend at the fancy movie theater they like.
[[They are pleasantly surprised by your thoughtfulness.->gift-choice-3.2]]The two of you cuddle on the couch, watching TV until bedtime.
At one point, a trailer for the movie plays, and your partner thanks you for treating them with tickets.
Your attentiveness pleases your partner.
The weather today is [[Clear Skies->Clear skies-gift]].When your partner arrives home, they find the book waiting for them on the counter.
[[They are pleasantly surprised by your thoughtfulness.->gift-choice-4.2]]
After dinner, your partner sits on the couch to read while you wash the dishes and clean the kitchen.
Your partner reads until you mention going to bed.
Your thoughtfulness today pleases your partner, and they give you a kiss before you turn in for the night.
The weather today is [[Clear Skies->Clear skies-gift]].
↶↷Warning!!!
The Weather Report is an interactive fiction game where the player is a person living in an abusive relationship. Be aware that this game may be triggering to some people, as it depicts various situations of abusive behaviors such as: gaslighting, verbal, emotional, and physical abuse.
The goal of this game is to help players empathize with sufferers and survivors of abuse and to understand how abuse can build slowly. This game aims to teach the player why some people choose to stay past the point of their physical safety and that no one chooses to be in an abusive relationship. It may also offer friends, family, survivors, and people still in abusive relationships insight into the fact that abuse is more than just a physical act of violence.
It's structured as three acts that take place over the course of a year. Each act focuses on a seemingly everyday event that could occur to anyone at one time or another, and how an abusive partner can twist that situation.
Play The Weather Report