Dissociative Identity Disorder
A person with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), has a fragmented personality and experiences themselves as having separate identities, known as alters, or alternate identities. Alters take over control of the person's body or behavior at various times. Alters typically develop from dissociation caused by prolonged early childhood trauma (neglect in early childhood is also a known factor). Gaps in memory or amnesia, are a necessary symptom for a DID diagnosis.
Source: traumadissociation.com/alters
Disclaimer:
The authors of this game do not have personal experience with DID and despite efforts to be true to the condition, there may be inconsistencies. We apologize for any wrongful portrayals and are open to feedback and criticism.
[[Continue->Exposition]] (font: "Open Sans")[Tuesday, April 9, 2019 1 PM]
Coming back this time feels different, the air is thick and confusion takes hold, this isn't the usual space, there are no tall buildings framing the street, no busy shoppers, instead Nolan comes to curled up in the bathtub with the curtain drawn. Their phone is nearby, its not nearly his time to be out yet, they should be at work! Irvin should have been taking care of this.
[[Check Notes on the Phone->Phone Rising A]]
[[Check for injuries->Injuries Rising A]]
[[Leave the bathroom->Leave Room Rising A]] (font: "Open Sans")[Saturday, April 13, 2019 5 PM]
Nolan opens his eyes in the parking lot of their usual Supermarket, blinking against the setting sun painting shadows across the asphalt.
It's a little later than he would have liked but he still has enough time to do fulfill his role.
[[Check Notes]]modified version of the planning a vacation mess can fade out at the switching outof MC making a good suggestion that they're hapy with / sorta a closing statement / monologue
CUT CONTENT:
It looks like its gonna rain today and Deacon's not gonna like that. But he didnt plan out anything for the day so I guess we're staying inside. Charlie on the other hand would love this, but she hasnt fronted in a long time. Her role was always a managing-everyone-from-the-inside one anyways. Lyne is still calmed by the dinosaur plushie whenever she surfaces.
The boss groped me during work once but I've forgotten and maybe that's why Noah has surfaced.
'Well, this makes things easier to understand'
A very important part. And we're willing But we would like to get to know you better. But you also need to understand that we can't just make decisions like this just because you want to. Decisions have consequences, and all of us face the consequences of just one person's decision. "
Contradicts with earlier dialogue so i cut it:
"I wanted to experience something good and familiar again so I waited till we were back home."
Co-operation is what makes living like this possible, and you need to understand that.
"Sorry you got the blame for the bar thing."
I thought you only surfaced when absolutely needed."
"I do, but this is a special occasion. I would like to commend you. You handled the situation really well dear."
"Oh, I don't know. Could have handlded it better."
"Yes, you could have. But you still gave it your best, and thats all that matters. You learnt from this experience, and it will help all of you later down the line."
"I guess. Thanks. You wanna read some books while we wait for Oliver?"
"I think I will. I've been wanting to read a particular Sherlock Holmes story for quite a while now."
Charlie's prescence gave Nolan some nice warmth, that he didnt know he needed. But its gone now.
"Oh. First of all, I'm so sorry that you had to go through that, Irvin and even everyone else. And Noah, I apologize that I didn't realize sooner. Did you like the ice cream I made? I can make more, you know. Oh, what am I doing? I should introduce myself first. Hello, I'm Oliver, nice to meet you Noah. I look forward to getting to know you more!"
"Uh, hey, I guess. I'm Noah. Nice to meet you. And yeah, the ice cream was nice." Noah
"Oh your accent is quite similar to Nolan's, you know?" Oliver
"Is it? It might be, I don't know" Noah
"This went by quite smoothly, but as expected with Oliver." Adam inside head
"Yep, I'll see myself out now." Irvin inside head
"Me too" Deacon inside head(text-color: (rgb: 179,229,150))["So, how is everyone doing? We rarely get time to talk during the weekdays."], Oliver asks while unpacking all the ingredients.
(text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))["I'm doing well. Everyone else seems to be fine from the looks of it. Although (text-color: (rgb: 249,141,143))[Robin] wants to watch a movie later, probably something dog themed, but make sure it's ok for them to watch, we don't need the 7-year-old to have any more fuel for their nightmares. (text-color: (rgb: 199, 23, 0))[Bo]'s... well, Bo. Still fronting through a lot of nightmares. I think (text-color: (rgb: 144,217,244))[Adam] broke part of the cabinet by changing the way it now opens, even though we've been telling him to keep it to the workspace. Its a lot harder to break metal than wood. (text-color: (rgb: 200,200,200))[Irvin] ordered a 1:20 replica of the Bugatti Chiron, and wanted to get a tattoo of the new McLaren 720S or something. We understand it's his body but we all live in it too and are against it."]
(text-color: (rgb: 179,229,150))["Yeah I don't think you wanna find out the truth behind that, but I'm glad to hear everyone's doing well. Can you pass me my knife, please? Let's get some food ready!"]
[[Pass him the knife and make sushi.->ExpositionC]] In the middle of cooking, Nolan hears a voice inside his head. It's Robin. They want to talk to Oliver so Nolan lets them.
(text-color: (rgb: 249,141,143))["Hey is it lunchtime already? I saved a recipe on the phone that I got from a friend the other day. They say it tastes really nice!"]
(text-color: (rgb: 179,229,150))["Oh Robin, is that you?"]
(text-color: (rgb: 249,141,143))["Yes its is! I'm hungry!"]
(text-color: (rgb: 179,229,150))["Oh you're hungry?"]
(text-color: (rgb: 249,141,143))["Starving! I want the new recipe!"]
(text-color: (rgb: 179,229,150))["I'd love to try your recipe, but I already blew most of this month's food budget on this tuna that we're preparing for lunch." Oliver replies.]
(text-color: (rgb: 249,141,143))["Ah, that's a shame. I like sushi too! How much longer is it going to take? I'm so hungry Ollie!"]
(text-color: (rgb: 179,229,150))["Just 5 more minutes and we're done."]
(text-color: (rgb: 249,141,143))["Thats so long!"]
(text-color: (rgb: 179,229,150))["Keep your hands off the knives please, they're very sharp. You're too young for the big ones."]
(text-color: (rgb: 249,141,143))["Charlie says I'm really good with my hands!"]
(text-color: (rgb: 179,229,150))["Well Charlie isnt here right now and uncle Ollie says no."]
(text-color: (rgb: 249,141,143))["Can we watch 101 Dalmatians today?"], Robin exclaims.
(text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))["That one's fine, I already know its G rated."] supplies Nolan.
(text-color: (rgb: 249,141,143))["Nolan said yes too"], cries Robin.
(text-color: (rgb: 179,229,150))["Well if Nolan says so, then we can watch it together after dinner."]
Trusting Oliver to look after the little rascal, Nolan feels himself [[stepping back for some much-needed rest.->ExpositionD]] (font: "Open Sans")[Sunday, April 7, 2019 11 PM]
Coming back to the body, Nolan finds himself in the living room. It's already dark outside. He checks the note app. 4 notes:
(text-color: (rgb: 128,211,162))[07/04 13:38 <br>"Oliver starting talking about the trip we're planning to have. No going north for me, I heard it snowed there recently. I want to avoid that." - Deacon]
(text-color: (rgb: 144,217,244))[07/04 16:14 <br>"There's an engineering conference in a city about 1200 km south of here. I'm not implying anything, just stating some facts." - Adam]
(text-color: (rgb: 200,200,200))[07/04 19:27 <br>"I'm fine with anything as long as I get to drive. It's the part I look forward to the most anyways. And we're NOT traveling via public transport." - Irvin]
Nolan finds Oliver. (text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))["I assume you know what the others want for the trip? I'm not interested in going somewhere in particular, but Bo and Charlie would like the west more due to the weather."]
(text-color: (rgb: 179,229,150))["I'm interested in the west as well. Shall we finalize the plans then?"]
(text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))["I say we wait a bit before booking the hotels, maybe someone changes their mind."]
(text-color: (rgb: 179,229,150))["Fair enough. I'll go to sleep now, I think. Goodnight!"]. Oliver heads into his bedroom.
Nolan gets himself ready for bed, writes his notes and [[falls asleep.->ExpositionE]](font: "Open Sans")[Thursday, April 11, 2019 8 PM]
The mood upon return isn't pleasant. They're not at home this time, judging from the light it must be either early morning or early evening. He can hear someone moving around in the back of his mind.
[[Ask who is around->Ask for others]]
[[Look around->Attempt Movement]]
[[Check Phone->Rising Phone B]] (font: "Open Sans")[Friday, April 12, 2019 6 PM]
The next thing Nolan knows is opening the apartment door, home. He is finally home, breathing a sigh of relief.
The fridge notes remain untouched. He got them home, but he's so tired and ready for his part of the day to be over.
[[Someone else goes to sleep]]
(font: "Open Sans")[Sunday, April 7, 2019 11 AM]
Nolan gains consciousness and notices that the body feels refreshed. Looks like Deacon took care of the morning duties well. He looks at the time. 11 AM on a Sunday. Perfect time for him to be out. He checks their phone for notes. There's just one new note: (text-color: (rgb: 128,211,162))["Oliver said he was gonna go out for groceries although knowing the guy he probably just gets more cooking supplies." - Deacon].
Hearing the doorbell to their apartment ring, he goes to the door. That must be their roommate. Indeed it is and he has a sparkle in his eyes.
(text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))["Hey Oliver!", said Nolan.]
(text-color: (rgb: 179,229,150))["Oh hey Nolan! How're you doing? Nevermind, answer that later. First, look at what I got at the supermarket! They had bluefin tuna on sale imported directly from the North Honshu area and its exactly like that youtuber I like ate in that one video I watched and I've been wanting to make sushi out of it ever since then and even though it was expensive I just couldn't stop myself", Oliver stopped] but it seemed like if the guy didn't need to breathe, he'd go on and on about this for hours. But such was his passion for food and cooking.
(text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))["You know how much I like fish, especially sushi! Lucky for you, you caught the right alter. Just be careful about the expenses, we would like to have a roof to sleep under next month."]
(text-color: (rgb: 179,229,150))["Yes yes, I know. No more impulse purchases this month. Anywho let me get started with this. I could use a hand with the rice, would you like to join me in the kitchen?"]
[[Go to the kitchen with Oliver->ExpositionB]] Despite its low brightness setting the glow of the phone hurts his eyes, no new notes, the last one was from Bo. This in itself was nothing too concerning, nightmares and insomnia were commonplace. While they were rather infuriating if someone decided to stay up, it wasn't anything Nolan couldn't deal with, some occasional bitching about it aside.
Bo's note simply read: (text-color: (rgb: 199, 23, 0))[09/04 <br>"Someone has been having nightmares"] accompanied by a timestamp dating it to 03:20 AM.
[[Check for injuries->Injuries Rising A]]
[[Leave the bathroom->Leave Room Rising A]]His breath smells like alcohol. Focusing on it sends a wave of nausea through the body, Nolan's hands start to shake. There is a rather nasty bruise on his stomach, which has already started to take on a black-ish hue, another on his ribs. He's uncertain of how long they have been wearing the binder but he knows from experience that it isn't a good idea to keep it on much longer, especially when injured. As his hands start to move to undo it, someone cries out in anger, its loud and sudden and makes him jump, before he feels himself being pushed [[away.->Rising Action New]]
Getting up turns out to be unpleasant but possible with a little effort. There is a dull pain in his stomach and his head doesn't feel right. Opening the door to the hallway makes him wince, furniture is strewn about, there is an empty bottle that rolls over as his foot makes contact with it. A dull clinking echoing throughout the apartment, it makes him feel small, brings back memories of nights spent cowering under blankets, fears, and memories that aren't his own. In his head, he can hear Lyne whimper. She was the one who laid in bed most nights. His heartbeat quickens. Lyne hasn't been out in nearly a year.
The bottle bumps into the wall, making her flinch, forcing them both to sink against the door.
[[grab the stuffed animal for support->Plushie]]
[[check the phone ->Lyne Phone]] Silence. Before a gruff voice bites (text-color: (rgb: 155,115,165))["Yeah. I'm here."]
It's not a voice he recognizes.
[["Who are you?"]]
[["Do you know how we can get home?"]]The second he lifts his foot a voice chimes in.
(text-color: (rgb: 155,115,165))["Stop that"]
It's not a voice he recognizes.
[["Who are you?"]]
[["Do you know how we can get home?"]]
[["Why?"]]Out of Battery, it seemed to have shut down.
[[Ask who is around->Ask for others]]
[[Thy to just move into a direction ->Attempt Movement]] Sniffling loudly Lyne nods and reaches to the back pocket, but her hands grab at nothing. Nolan makes an angry growling noise, which is probably not helping but keeping a comfort object on their person is rule number one. He can feel Lyne panicking.
[[Tell Lyne to check the phone -> Lyne Phone B]]
[[Try to calm her down-> Lyne Phone B]]
[[Let someone else handle this -> Fade out]]Nolan's hands won't move. Instead, they move in front of his eyes as Lyne sinks even lower. Next to Nolan other voices bubble up in distress, he can clearly make out Robin, trying to understand what is happening. There is Deacon, concerned and angry that their rhythm has been broken.
[[Tell Lyne to check the phone -> Lyne Phone B]]
[[grab the stuffed animal for support->Plushie]]
[[Let someone else handle this -> Fade out]]She doesn't listen, much too caught up in her panic as a myriad of disorganized voices speak, Noah feels himself slipping into the [[ background ->Rising Action New]] to a more secure, quiet place.
Over all the voices someone cries out in anger, its loud and sudden and makes him jump, before he feels himself fading [[away.->Rising Action New]] to a more secure, quiet place.
(text-color: (rgb: 155,115,165))["Someone who doesn't answer to you."]
[["Do you know how we can get home?"]](text-color: (rgb: 155,115,165))["It's depressing at home. I don't like it. Too dark, not enough air. Some girl keeps crying for her dumb plushie, so I threw it away. Shut her up for a while."]
[["Thats not very nice"]]
[["She needs that to feel safe shitstain"]]
[["We have to get home, there is a routine."]]
The question is answered in a disapproving huff, before the voice answers.
(text-color: (rgb: 155,115,165))["Don't want to go home."]
[["Why not?" ->"Why?"]]
(text-color: (rgb: 155,115,165))["Nice is weak and useless. We didn't get here by being nice. Every time I look into the mirror I feel sick, this isn't my face! Now leave me alone, this is my walk, I didn't invite you."]
Nolan feels the body start moving again, where to he doesn't know.
[[Let the person go where they want and wait]]
[["Where are we going?"]](text-color: (rgb: 155,115,165))["Oh does she now? I need to not be in that place to feel safe! Now leave me alone, this is my walk, I didn't invite you."]
Nolan feels the body start moving again, where to he doesn't know.
[[Let the person go where they want and wait]]
[["Where are we going?"]](text-color: (rgb: 155,115,165))["I don't give a shit about your routine, and it's not like I was invited to it anyways. Now leave me alone, this is my walk, I didn't invite you."]
Nolan feels the body start moving again, where to he doesn't know.
[[Let the person go where they want and wait]]
[["Where are we going?"]](font: "Open Sans")[Thursday, April 11, 2019 11 PM]
A few steps later Nolan blinks and they're at a Bar, he doesn't recognize the people they're with, he feels different, unsure of who he is, but there is a grim safety and satisfaction to this surrounding.
[[They take another sip -> Disaster C]]
(text-color: (rgb: 155,115,165))["We're just going ok, stop interrogating me!"]
Nolan lets out a disapproving grunt, he doesn't like this.
[[Let the person go where they want and wait]](font: "Open Sans")[Friday, April 12, 2019 8 AM]
Opening their eyes there is an unfamiliar ceiling, they feel lost, confused. Not knowing where they are they find themselves lying in someone else's bed. They're not alone, their binder is gone. Panic rising in their throat they get up, as quietly as possible, stifling a sob.
Upon getting dressed they feel a bit better, the choking feeling of a binder closed too tightly keeping them grounded. [[They do not recognize the face of the other man. ->Rising Action D]]
The sepia coloured rendition of the Wizard of Oz flashing over the screen, Nolan feels himself play with the laces of his hoodie. Slowly Adam settles into his mind space. They share a few moments of silence before Adam asks:
(text-color: (rgb: 144,217,244))["You were there too, when we woke up in that bed, yea?"]
[["Yea."]] Nolan echoes. (font: "Open Sans")[Wednesday, April 10, 2019 5 PM]
Blinking awake Nolan finds himself back in his routine, the only change to his list being a request for differently smelling dish soap and some beer, both in unfamiliar handwriting.
[[Check notes-> New Notes]]
[[Buy dishsoap and beer]]
[[Only buy dishsoap]]
[[Only buy beer]]There are several new ones:
(text-color: (rgb: 249,141,143))[09/04 19:31 <br>Robin drew a picture of a mouse.]
(text-color: (rgb: 199, 23, 0))[10/04 02:33 <br>"Stop drinking coffee before bed, it keeps us way too hopped up!" - Bo]
(text-color: (rgb: 128,211,162))[10/04 07:31 <br>"Whoever was fronting on Monday morning, did you take the T? Its important" - Deacon]
(text-color: (rgb: 250,184,143))[10/04 16:51 <br>"Irvin hasnt been able to front for work, so I took over." - Charlie]
[[Go to get groceries]]
The funds are there, why the hell not. Buying it he feels a happy approval coming from Deacon, mixed with a bit of concern, probably Irvin.
In their teen years, Nolan was the one who had tried to drown their problems at the bottom of several bottles, unsuccessfully.
[[Nolan returns home, after that he doesn't remember much->Rising Action Insert]]In their teen years, Nolan was the one who had tried to drown their problems at the bottom of several bottles, unsuccessfully. Best to stay away.
[[Nolan returns home, after that he doesnt remember much->Rising Action Insert]]Buying it he feels a happy approval coming from Deacon, mixed with a bit of concern, probably Irvin.
In their teen years, Nolan was the one who had tried to drown their problems at the bottom of several bottles, unsuccessfully.
[[Nolan returns home, after that he doesn't remember much->Rising Action Insert]]There is only one new note:
(text-color: (rgb: 128,211,162))[12/04 19:31 <br>"Nolan was that you who went to the bar? I found the receipt in our wallet. We agreed that you wouldn't do that anymore!" - Deacon]
[["That wasn't me"-> NO]]
[["You're wrong, I think we have someone new around"-> Someone new]]
[["I was there." -> Kinda]]
[[Ignore it and write a note to whoever has been derailing the system -> Note derail]][[Buy dishsoap and beer]]
[[Only buy dishsoap]]
[[Only buy beer]]Annoyed at being blamed for something that wasn't his fault Noah decides to [[sulk.-> Go watch TV to calm down]]No point in bringing up the new one without addressing them directly.
[[ Write a note to the new person -> Note derail]]Even though he's not sure he could have kept it from happening, Nolan feels responsible.
[[ Write a note to the new person -> Note derail]](font: "Open Sans")[Saturday, April 13, 2019 5 AM]
The next thing Nolan sees is a spilled cup, cocoa from the looks of it, with a sigh he cleans it up, a glance at the watch tells him that it's barely morning yet. They can't have had a lot of sleep
[[ Write a note to whoever has been derailing the system -> Note derail]]
[[Check Notes-> Notes D]](text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))["Dear grumpy person.
I get that this sucks for you, really I do. It kinda sucks for all of us. But it sucks a lot less when we have enough money to keep an apartment, and food and other nice things. But to do that we need to keep our job. We can include you into the routine but to do that we need to know that you can keep your shit together.
Sincerely, Nolan
P.S. would be nice to know your name at least."]
Now all that's left to do is waiting for a response.
[[Go watch TV to calm down]](text-color: (rgb: 144,217,244))["Were you there during?"]
Taking a deep breath, he nods slowly, the memories are blurry but [[he definitely has them.]]
(text-color: (rgb: 161,156,205))["Buddy, I get that you need to feel close to people, but we agreed that you need to be smart and safe about it."]
Another deep breath, this time accompanied by a sigh
[["I don't think it was me this time."]]
[[hold up the message ]]The sepiacoloured rendition of the Wizard of Oz flashing over the screen, Nolan feels himself play with the laces of his hoodie. Slowly Adam settles into his mindspace. They share a few moments of silence, before Adam asks.
(text-color: (rgb: 144,217,244))["You were there too, when we woke up in that bed, yea?"]
[[ "Yea."]] Nolan echoes. (text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))["Buddy, I get that you need to feel close to people, but we agreed that you need to be smart and safe about it."]
Another deep breath, this time accompanied by a sigh
[["I don't think it was me this time."]]There is a breath of silence as Adam reads the message.
(text-color: (rgb: 144,217,244))["You could've phrased it nicer."] Is what finally comes as an answer.
[["It's not like they were nice to me"]]
[["You write it then!"]](text-color: (rgb: 144,217,244))["Its not like you were nice to me either when we met."]
That gets a smirk out of Nolan. (text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))["I was a bit of a nightmare."]
(text-color: (rgb: 144,217,244))["A total nightmare."]
(text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))["Remember when you were scared to let me front?"]
On screen Judy Garlund starts following the yellow brick road.
[["Fine you can write the message." ->"You write it then!"]]Nolan feels Adam reach for the Phone and together they rewrite the note.
It now reads :
"Dear new person,
We understand how hard this is for you, it was very hard for all of us when we first popped up. We would love to get to know you and carve you out your own niche in our daily plan, but to be able to do that we need to know more about you.
Unfortunately, we really have to stick to some of our routine, because without our job we won't be able to have nice things, like a home or food. Please make sure to keep the plushie on you, even if it isn't to your liking, its scented and it helps out little ones when they are in a scary situation.
Sincerely, (text-color: (rgb: 144,217,244))[Adam] and (text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))[Nolan]."
[[Save old version->Adam saves this version]]
[[Save new version->Adam saves this version]]Adam hits save, [[satisfied with the outcome.->Falling Action]]There are a few new entries from today and several replies to his message to the new Person.
[[Check entries]]
[[Check reply]]
[[Ignore both, go inside and then leave to go home ->Go inside and then leave to go home]](text-color: (rgb: 199, 23, 0))[13/04 02:27 <br>"Theres a spider under the glass in the living room. Someone please kill it." - Bo]
(text-color: (rgb: 128,211,162))[13/04 09:21 <br>"Someone ate all of the cereal last night, please get some more Nolan" - Deacon]
(text-color: (rgb: 250,184,143))[13/04 16:44 <br>"Smoothed things over with the boss, he acted real weird though, anybody know anything?" - Charlie]
Attached is also a picture of a horse, presumably drawn by Robin, although the T-rex arms it has remind Nolan more of Lyne.
[[Go inside and then leave to go home]]
[[Check reply]](text-color: (rgb: 199, 23, 0))[13/04 1:38 <br>"Welcome to the club buttercup, just try to go to bed on time and we'll get on well" - Bo]
(text-color: (rgb: 128,211,162))[13/04 10:03 <br>"Was that what happened at the bar?" - Deacon]
(text-color: (rgb: 155,115,165))[13/04 19:46 <br>"I don't know a lot. I know that creep at work came onto us and tall dark and working got freaked out so I shoved the guy and ran. Can do the plushie. The smell is ok I guess." - Noah]
[[Check entries]]
[[Go inside and then leave to go home]]Nolan enters the apartment. It seems like Oliver is working another late shift. (text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))['So, Noah is their name'], he says to himself. (text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))['We should ask them to open up more, we need them to trust us.']
(text-color: (rgb: 144,217,244))["So, you read the note?"] Adams voice asks, making Nolan jump.
(text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))["Shit that scared me! Yeah, I assume you did too? Do you know what he's talking about in the first part?"]
(text-color: (rgb: 144,217,244))["I don't know. But there's a way to find out."]
Nolan writes a note for Noah:
(text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))["Dear Noah,
I'm glad you like the plushie, and I, and I'm sure the others as well, would like to get to know you more. We'll be going by our regular schedule for 3 more days till the weekend arrives, and would like to give you your time to get comfortable with it.
Also, what do you mean by the creep from work? If you can explain the situation to us, we will do our best to help you.
Deacon, we'll answer your question later.
- Nolan"]
(text-color: (rgb: 144,217,244))["Thats much better than last time"], says Adam.
(text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))["Oh so thats what you were really here for?"]
(text-color: (rgb: 144,217,244))["It was one of the reasons, yes."]
(text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))["Well it looks like Oliver isn't coming home anytime soon. I'll [[have dinner and prepare us for sleep afterward->EndB]]."]
(text-color: (rgb: 144,217,244))["Sounds good, the body definitely needs more rest than we've been getting"], says Adam.
(font: "Open Sans")[Monday, April 8, 2019 5 PM]
Nolan wakes up on their way back from work the next day. He checks the notes:
(text-color: (rgb: 199, 23, 0))[08/04 02:14 <br>"Stop drinking coffee before sleeping goddamnit" - Bo]
(text-color: (rgb: 128,211,162))[08/04 07:38 <br>"Tram pass is expiring soon. Someone be sure to renew it after work" - Deacon]
(text-color: (rgb: 200,200,200))[08/04 16:45 <br>"Work went by as usual. Boss was coming by the cabin and giving me weird looks, but except that everything was fine." - Irvin]
Nothing unusual. Nolan gets off the tram a couple of kilometers earlier to get some walking in and does some finance calculations on the way back.
Reaching home, he realizes that Oliver isn't back yet. Must be working another late shift. The extra money will be needed, they're cutting it really close with this month's budget.
Nolan checks the sticky notes on the fridge. They say (text-color: (rgb: 128,211,162))["Need toilet paper, Oliver left it up to us to get it."]
Nolan postpones it for tomorrow, prepares for bed and [[is happy to be done with his part.->Rising Action]](font: "Open Sans")[Monday, April 15, 2019 11 AM]
Nolan comes to on the way back from work. Looks like he skipped the whole of Sunday, but it seems like it isn't even noon yet. He checks the time and sure enough, its 11 AM. He wonders if Noah had a hand in it.
[[Check Notes ->EndCheckNotes]](text-color: (rgb: 128,211,162))[15/04 07:36 <br>"Hey Noah, welcome to the system. We'll do our best to fit you in. Take your time with the answer for now. But I do want to know eventually. Nothing needed from the supermarket today." - Deacon]
There's now a new section in the notes, labeled "Adults only", although they have never been sure if the littles can read in the first place.
(text-color: (rgb: 250,184,143))[15/04 09:53 <br>"Irvin hasn't been around for work lately, so I was forced to take his place, Noah has a problem with it too. They were co-conscious while I was working and explained the situation to me. Apparently, someone did things to us and Noah was forced out to deal with it. I called in sick for the rest of the week. We need to deal with this first." - Charlie]
(text-color: (rgb: 155,115,165))[15/04 10:41 <br>"Workplace, doesnt work for me. We either stay at home or find a new job." - Noah]
[[Head back home ->EndHeadBackHome]]Having the whole day ahead of them, Nolan decides to use this as an opportunity to get to know Noah more.
(text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))["Dear Noah,
Thank you for trusting us enough to share that information. We should have a vote to decide if we leave the current job or not. I vote for leaving the job ASAP and finding a new one. - Nolan"]
As he's writing the note, he feels Noah's presence in his mind.
(text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))["Oh, Noah. I was just writing a note for you."]
Nolan lets them read it.
(text-color: (rgb: 155,115,165))["Good decision. I told you I'm not fucking going back there again. He touched us."]
(text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))["Yea I get that. Glad you didn't punch the guy, I would have. But then Adam would be up my arse again about consequences and decisions." ]
(text-color: (rgb: 155,115,165))["Yeah, yeah, got it. Schedules and whatever, right?"]
(text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))["Schedules are a part of it, yea. We'll find a spot for you on it. Co-operation is what makes living like this not a complete nightmare."]
(text-color: (rgb: 155,115,165))["Okay, I guess."]
Nolan writes down what he said in the notes and starts to [[fade away.->EndLaterHome]](font: "Open Sans")[Monday, April 15, 2019 10 PM]
Nolan gains consciousness and sees that its dark outside.
He checks the notes app:
(text-color: (rgb: 155,115,165))[15/04 15:03 <br>"I guess I don't hate the apartment anymore. Thank you to whoever covered up the mirror, makes me feel better. The walls are a nice color. Is there someone else living here? I've seen their stuff around but haven't met them. I'm 17. And I vote to leave the job." - Noah]
15/04 18:24 <br>
There's a picture of a teenage person and a younger girl. They're on opposite edges of the picture but it looks like they're walking towards each other.
(text-color: (rgb: 144,217,244))[15/04 21:10 <br>"Glad you're coming around on it Noah. I changed the cabinets back to normal again. We need a new screwdriver though. Please add it to the list, Nolan. Irvin, your car model arrived today. We definitely need to leave this job." - Adam]
(text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))['That's progress, I guess']
(text-color: (rgb: 179,229,150))["Hey Adam! Who ate the ice cream I had stored in my section of the fridge?"] shouts Oliver from the kitchen.
(text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))["About that, I think I know the answer but you'll need to wait a while before I tell you"] Nolan replies as he walks towards the kitchen.
(text-color: (rgb: 179,229,150))["Hey Nolan. What do you mean by that?"]
(text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))["Just trust me."]
(text-color: (rgb: 179,229,150))["Oh, well. I trust you. What would you like to have for dinner?"]
(text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))["Think you can make some curry?"]
(text-color: (rgb: 179,229,150))["Some? I can make four different kinds of curry with what I have here."]
(text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))[ "I dont think we need fou-"]
(text-color: (rgb: 179,229,150))["Oh we absolutely do, you just wait. Give me an hour and I'll be right there with 4 mindblowing curries. Or do you wanna help?"]
[[I think I'll help.->EndHelpCurry]]
[[I think I'll pass this time.->EndHaveDinner]]Oliver is his usual excited self while cooking. He's guiding Nolan step by step as he wants things done his way. It's a bit annoying, but it's worth it in the end.
(text-color: (rgb: 179,229,150))["So I was thinking, I could book the hotel soon. Otherwise, they'll get more expensive the longer we wait."]
(text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))["Yeah about that. Just wait a bit more, trust me on it."]
(text-color: (rgb: 179,229,150))["Ah, okay."]
.
.
.
(text-color: (rgb: 179,229,150))["Oh well we're almost done with the curry. You can go sit down at the table, I'll get stuff plated up and ready to eat."]
[[Go to the dining table ->EndHaveDinner]]Nolan waits for Oliver to set the dining table up. His cooking smells delicious as usual.
(text-color: (rgb: 179,229,150))["Itadakimasu!"], exclaims Oliver as he digs into the curry.
As they're eating, Oliver asks, (text-color: (rgb: 179,229,150))["Hey about that thing earlier, I trust you and all but everything's okay, right? I'm always here if you need any help. And by you I mean everyone."]
(text-color: (rgb: 201,196,245))["Everything's... fine. It's gonna be a while before its okay again but the worst has passed, hopefully. And we know, thank you."]
Oliver decides to call it an early night and goes to bed.
Nolan writes a note about Oliver's ice cream and his private fridge section to Noah and asks for everyone's vote on whether it's okay to tell Oliver about them. [[fades away.->EndNextDay]](font: "Open Sans")[Tuesday, April 16, 2019 12 PM]
Nolan wakes up and sees its the middle of the next day. He checks the notes.
(text-color: (rgb: 199, 23, 0))[16/04 01:43 <br>"Woah what an asshole. We leave, no question. No wonder we've been unstable. We can trust Oliver." - Bo]
(text-color: (rgb: 155,115,165))[16/04 07:59 <br>"Fine I'll stay off the ice cream. It's your fault though! You guys should give me more information! If I'm gonna live with him, he's gonna find out about me sooner or later, might as well tell him." - Noah]
(text-color: (rgb: 200,200,200))[16/04 09:37 <br>"We leave, I almost blacked out when I saw the place again."- Irvin]
(text-color: (rgb: 250,184,143))[16/04 11:21 <br>"I forgot I didn't need to go to work today, but this explains why I was needed back out here. I made the call and we have officially quit our job. We should tell Oliver. I'm sure he'll understand and I don't want him to be worried any more than necessary." -Charlie]
Although the future of job hunting and setting up a new routine seems daunting, Nolan tries to remind himself that they have done it before and can do it [[again. ->optional Epilogue]]After Nolan enters the apartment, he hears a soothing, motherly voice in his head.
"It seems like everything's working out with Noah."
He hadn't heard this voice in months.
"Charlie? It's been so long. "
"It has been. BUt it seems you needed me back."
"We did. You wanna read some books while we wait for Oliver?"
"I think I will. I've been wanting to read a particular Sherlock Holmes story for quite a while now."
[[Read the book and wait for Oliver->EndReadBook]]A couple of hours pass and Nolan hears a doorbell.
"Ah, that must be Oliver." There is no reply from Charlie.
" I suppose its my task to carry out."
Nolan opens the door and welcomes Oliver in.
Nolan feels his headspace getting busy, people starting to talk over eachother in nervousness.
"Dont worry I wont take actions without asking" Noah
"Oliver, we have something to tell you."
"Its about what I said earlier" Nolan
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried about that. It's been on my mind since."
"We have a new alter around. So if you meet someone new it's probably Noah."
"Dont worry it's not my first rodeo. Have they been communicating with you or do you need me to coax out some information?"
[[Noah keeps talking to Oliver coconsciously with Nolan->EndNoahCry]]"And I'll start making some Ice Cream right now! What's your favorite flavor?" Oliver
"I just wanna say, thanks for understanding, Oliver." Nolan
"Its nothing, Nolan. It's the least I can do. Now I have one more friend to play and live with, so I couldn't be happier!" Oliver
(i need help with this whole scene btw)
"A friend" whispers Noah to himself
"I guess I've never really had a friend up until now, and suddenly I have multiple, who are willing to accept me and understand me." Noah in head
Noah starts to cry, and the body also starts to cry.
"Oh, no! Did I upset you? I'm so sorry if I said something inappropriate"
"I think it was indeed something you said, Oliver. But not inappropriate at all. It was needed, in a sense." Nolan
Noah keeps crying.
"I'll leave you to your emotions, Noah" Nolan in head
[[Nolan writes the events in the notes and fades away.->EndNolanFades]]Nolan comes to be the next day and sees that Noah's already there.
"Hey" Noah in head
"Hey. A nice surprise to find you here, it's usually my time of the day. I suppose we still haven't given you a spot in the schedule. What do you like to do?" Nolan in head
"I don't know. I like to be outside, I guess." Noah in head
"Oh would you like to do some sports everyday then? I usually try to atleast get some walking done everyday but even I get tired with all my other tasks." Nolan in head, as he goes through the notes
"Thanks guys." - Noah
"Looks like the new bean will fit in nicely. Need them to work on their sleeping habits though." - Bo
"You're welcome Noah. I'm sure you have a lot of questions, as do we. So feel free to ask away." - Deacon
"Again forgot we don't have work. But I searched for and applied to 3 new jobs. And you're welcome, Noah. In both meanings of the word." Irvin
Nolan closes the notes app
"It could work. I'm not promising anything though. If I don't like it, I'll interrupt during something else." Noah in head
"Noah, you need to understand one thing. That we all live together in one single body. And we need that body to perform some function such as going to work. We've all split up those functions between ourselves and that's how we make it work. It's not ideal but its something." Nolan in head
"Hmph." Noah in head
[[Continue->EndOliverNoah]]"Hey Noah, what would you like for lunch?" Oliver's voice came from the kitchen.
"Hey Oliver, I'm here too. You didn't go to work today?" Nolan
"Hey Nolan! Nah, I decided to skip work and cook a nice lunch for the new guy, kinda like a welcome lunch, you know" Oliver
"You didn't need to...." Noah
"True, I didn't. But I wanted to." Oliver "Now tell me, what do you like?"
"I don't know, hamburgers, I guess?" Noah
"Oh, great! I have just the ingredients to make a great one!" Oliver
"Say, Noah, would you happen to have an interest in cooking?"
"I actually dont know but I'd like to give it a try... if you dont mind" Noah
"Ofcourse I dont! We'll make a great hamburger together!" Oliver
[[Nolan fades out->Epilogue]] as Noah goes into the kitchen with Oliver.(text-color: (rgb: 144,217,244))["Do you know who it was?"] The concern is back in Adam's voice, but its not enough to break Nolan's annoyance.
(text-color: (rgb: 144,217,244))["We should write them a note."]
[["You write it then!"]][[The End.->Credits]](text-color: (rgb: 255,255,255))[(font:"Trebuchet MS")[(align: "==><==")[(css: "font-size: 400%;")[(link: "The System")[(goto: "Intro")]]]]]Credits:
Story written by Isabel Kütemeyer, Shivi Vats
Read more: traumadissociation.com/alters
Dispelling the myths of DID: youtube.com/multiplicity-and-me
Thank you for playing our game.
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