Bound By Blood Game Upload 43.0

<div class = "Image"> <img src="IMG_Car.png" alt="green sedan car" height="100%" width="100%"> </div> <div class = "Start">$Emph2[Bound By Blood] Credits: Jessica Gates [[Start Game->Introduction]] <img src="IMG_Logo.png" alt="Bound By Blood logo. A red, blood soaked sanitary pad sitting on a gold two dollar coin." height="80%" width="80%"> </div>

<div class = "Centred">Welcome to $Emph2[Bound By Blood]: a short interactive narrative about a woman named Beth and her experiences getting her menstrual period while homeless. Play through a day in the life of Beth, and decide how she will spend it. A quick note, fullscreen is recommended for this experience. [[Click here to wake up->Car-1]] </div>

{(set: $beth_location to "dropping Ryan at breakfast club") (set: $time to "7:40am") (display: "Info-Screen")<script>audio.pause();</script><script> var audio = new Audio("400329__tabook__door-open.wav"); audio.play(); </script>}<div class = "Story">As they approach, Ryan runs ahead and thrusts open the doors. "Bye, Mum!" Ryan yells, heading straight for the toasters. All sorts of cereals are set out on the other table, and other breakfast club students are already helping themselves. A teacher checks Ryan's name off the list, and gives Beth a friendly nod and a wave. Beth smiles back and begins to walk (link: "towards the health clinic.")[(goto: "Walk-To-Clinic")]</div>

{ (print: "<script>$('html').removeClass(\)</script>") (if: (passage:)'s tags's length > 0)[ (print: "<script>$('html').addClass('" + (passage:)'s tags.join(' ') + "'\)</script>") ] (if: $makeshift_leave_count > 0)[(set: $big_leak to true)] (if: $pad_leave_count > 1)[(set: $big_leak to true)] (if: $none_leave_count > 0)[(set: $big_leak to true)] (if: $wearing is "makeshift pad")[(set: $leak to true)] (if: $pad_leave_count is 1)[(set: $leak to true)] }

(set: $Emph1 to (text-color:"#FFFF00")) (set: $Emph2 to (text-color:"#FFFF00"))

{(set: $beth_location to "walking to the clinic") (set: $ryan_location to "at breakfast club") (set: $time to "7:57am") (display: "Info-Screen")<script> var audio = new Audio("205817__yuval__footsteps-pavement-street_shortened.wav"); audio.play(); audio.loop = true; </script>}<div class = "Story">The sun shines brightly, hiding evidence there ever was a thunderstorm. Beth enjoys the sun as she makes her way to the clinic. She knows they sometimes have extra pads there for those who need it. Asking is a whole different story, though. The thought of saying aloud that she needed a pad makes Beth's heart pound. Nobody talks about that stuff. Beth shivers and (link: "quickens her pace.")[(goto: "Walk-To-Clinic-2")]</div>

{(set: $time to "8:24am") (set: $beth_location to "at the health clinic") (display: "Info-Screen")<script> var audio = new Audio("398750__anthousai__door-open-01.wav"); audio.play(); </script>}<div class = "Story">A stern-faced woman sits behind the clinic desk. Beth remembers her name is Irene, and that she is famed for her irritable glares. The waiting room chairs are filled with people. The room is quiet, as Beth knows it would be. Magazine pages turning, seats creaking and Irene's keyboard taps appear uncomfortable intrusions in this space. (link: "'Can I help you?'")[(goto: "Health-Centre-1")]</div>

{(set: $toilet to $toilet + 1)}(if: $pads > 3)[(display: "Put_Fresh_Pad_On_Choice")](else:)[(if: $pads > 0 and $pads < 4)[(if: $wearing is "pad")[(display: "Put_Fresh_Pad_On_Choice")(display: "Leave_Existing_Pad_On_Choice")](if: $wearing is "makeshift pad")[(display: "Put_Fresh_Pad_On_Choice")(display: "Leave_Nothing_Choice")](if: $wearing is "none")[(display: "Put_Fresh_Pad_On_Choice")(display: "Leave_Nothing_Choice")]](else:)[(if: $wearing is "pad")[(display: "Leave_Existing_Pad_On_Choice")(display: "Fashion_A_Makeshift_Pad_Choice")](if: $wearing is "makeshift pad")[(display: "Fashion_A_Makeshift_Pad_Choice")(display: "Leave_Existing_Makeshift_Pad_Choice")](if: $wearing is "none")[(display: "Fashion_A_Makeshift_Pad_Choice")(display: "Leave_Nothing_Choice")]]]

<div class = "Indent">(link: "Put a fresh pad on")[(set: $wearing to "pad")(set: $pad_leave_count to 0)(set: $makeshift_leave_count to 0)(set: $pads to $pads - 1)(goto: "Toilet-Choice-2")]</div>

<div class = "Indent">(link: "Leave the existing pad on")[(set: $wearing to "pad")(set: $pad_leave_count to $pad_leave_count + 1)(goto: "Toilet-Choice-2")]</div>

<div class = "Indent">(link: "Fashion a makeshift pad")[(set: $wearing to "makeshift pad")(set: $pad_leave_count to 0)(set: $makeshift_leave_count to 0)(goto: "Makeshift-Item-Choice")]</div>

<div class = "Indent">(link: "Leave the existing makeshift pad on")[(set: $wearing to "makeshift pad")(set: $makeshift_leave_count to $makeshift_leave_count + 1)(goto: "Toilet-Choice-2")]</div>

<div class = "Indent">(link: "Just forget about it")[(set: $wearing to "none")(set: $none_leave_count to 1)(set: $makeshift_leave_count to 0)(set: $pad_leave_count to 0)(goto: "Toilet-Choice-2")]</div>

{(display: "Info-Screen")}<div class = "Story">(if: $wearing is "pad")[(if: $pad_leave_count is 0)[<script> var audio = new Audio("188203__splicesound__opening-cheese-slice-packet_shortened.wav"); audio.play(); </script> Beth puts on a fresh $wearing.(if: $pads is 0)[ She's got none left now.](else:)[(if: $pads < 3)[ She's only got $pads left now.](else:)[ She's got plenty left.]]](else:)[Beth tidies herself up, and leaves the cubicle wearing the existing $wearing. (if: $pads is 0)[She's got no pads left now.](else:)[She's still got $pads left now.]]](if: $wearing is "makeshift pad")[(if: $makeshift_leave_count is 0)[Beth fashions a $wearing, made from $makeshift_item.](if: $makeshift_leave_count > 0)[Beth cleans herself up, and leaves the cubicle wearing the existing $wearing of $makeshift_item.]] { (if: $wearing is "none")[Beth cleans herself up and leaves the cubicle.](if: $pad_leave_count > 0)[The pad feels heavy.] (if: $pad_leave_count > 1)[] (if: $makeshift_leave_count > 0)[It feels heavy.] (if: $none_leave_count > 0)[] } (link: "Exit the toilet")[(if: $toilet is 1)[(goto: "Toilet-HC-Finished")](else-if: $toilet is 2)[(goto: "Toilet-L-Finished")](if: $toilet is 3)[(goto: "Toilet-Shops-Finished")](if: $toilet is 4)[(goto: "Toilet-Servo-Finished")]]</div>

{(set: $time to "8:27am") (display: "Info-Screen")}<div class = "Story">"Do you have any pads, please?" Irene lets out a heavy sigh and reaches down behind the counter. When she emerges, she hands Beth two pads, wrapped in bright blue plastic. Beth takes the pads, her mind calculating. Her periods always start heavy, and two pads would barely last a few hours. Beth decides to: <div class = "Indent">(link: "Ask if she may have any more")[(set: $Ask2 to true)(goto: "Health-Centre-2")]</div> <div class = "Indent">(link: "Thank Irene and head for the toilet")[(set: $Ask2 to false)(goto: "Health-Centre-2")]</div></div> <img src="IMG_Pads.png" alt="Two small blue sanitary pads." height="20%" width="35%">

{(display: "Info-Screen")}<div class = "Story">(if: $Ask is true)[(if: $Ask2 is true)["Do you have any more?" "More?" Irene looks at her in shock. "Our stock doesn't come in 'til Thursday. You're lucky I have those to give you," Beth's face reddens, and instant guilt cascades through her. Quickly muttering thanks, ](if: $Ask2 is false)[Beth mutters thanks. She places the pads in her bag and turns, remembering with each step that these won't last the day. ]](if: $Ask is false)["Can I have the toilet key, please?" Irene sighs. Making each step appear an agonising effort, she rises from her chair and stretches for the key, and hands it to Beth. Beth mutters a thanks, mentally hating herself for her cowardice. ]Beth hurries into the (link: "toilet.")[(goto: "Toilet-HC")]</div>

{(set: $time to "8:29am") (display: "Info-Screen")}<div class = "Story">Beth sits on the toilet, taking advantage of this moment of privacy. She looks down at her blood-stained knickers, and attempts to rid the excess with toilet paper. (if: $Ask is true)[She opens her bag. Two pads. She knows that won't be enough. ](if: $Ask is false)[Fill with self-hatred for not being brave enough to ask, she opens her bag and rummages inside. ] Beth contemplates her options. Beth will:(display: "Toilet-Choice-1")</div>

{(set: $time to "8:32am") (set: $ryan_location to "at school") (display: "Info-Screen")<script>audio.pause();</script><script> var audio = new Audio("274448__polytest__toilet-flushing.wav"); audio.play(); </script>}<div class = "Story">Beth washes her hands, and leaves the toilet. Handing the key back to Irene, Beth feels the eyes of the waiting patients upon her. (if: $Ask is true)[They know her now. The one with "the pads". ](if: $Ask is false)[She shivers for a moment, imagining if they all knew. She'd be "that girl on her period". Somehow lesser, just because of a little blood.] Beth pushes the door open, and walks out. She has many more places to be today. [[Keep walking->Centrelink-1]]</div>

{(set: $time to "8:58am") (set: $beth_location to "outside Centrelink") (display: "Info-Screen")}<div class = "Story">{<script>audio.pause();</script><script> var audio = new Audio("205817__yuval__footsteps-pavement-street_shortened.wav"); audio.play(); audio.loop = true; </script>}After the long, arduous trek up Threadwood Road, Beth reaches the grey Centrelink building with the neatly-trimmed hedges out the front. Beth enters. (click-append: "enters.")[{<script>audio.pause();</script><script> var audio = new Audio("398750__anthousai__door-open-01.wav"); audio.play(); </script> (set: $beth_location to "inside Centrelink")} Dozens of people mill around the waiting area, clutching numbers and papers. Beth approaches the touch-screen and takes her number. Looking around the chaos for a seat, she strides towards a lone free chair in the back row, carefully takes a seat, and (link: "waits.")[(goto: "Centrelink-2.1")]]</div>

{(set: $beth_location to "using the toilet in the library") (display: "Info-Screen") <script> audio.pause();</script>}<div class = "Story">The librarian gives Beth a strange look as she hurries to the back. Once safely inside the toilet cubicle, Beth sits on the toilet and stares in desperation at the state of her knickers. (if: $wearing is "pad")[The pad within them is lined with red, and dips heavily.](if: $wearing is "makeshift pad")[The makeshift pad made from $makeshift_item is scrunched over, covered in blood.](if: $pads > 0)[She sighs. She still has a pad left, but only one. Her heavy early flow means she'll be out of luck by lunchtime, and that's if she's lucky.] Beth will: (display: "Toilet-Choice-1")</div>

{(set: $time to "10:28am")(display: "Info-Screen")<script>audio.pause();</script><script> var audio = new Audio("274448__polytest__toilet-flushing.wav"); audio.play(); audio.loop = false; </script>}<div class = "Story">Beth washes her hands and leaves the bathroom. The librarian mutters under his breath about the 'youth of today', watching Beth leave. Beth ignores him, but a pang of guilt washes over her. Some days, she truly hated periods. Beth walked down the street towards the large white doors of the (link: "supermarket.")[(goto: "Supermarket-0")]</div>

{(set: $time to "11:24am") (display: "Info-Screen")<script> var audio = new Audio("63523__florian-reinke__money4.wav"); audio.play(); </script> <script> var audio = new Audio("343462__rocotilos__real-coin-drop.wav"); audio.play(); </script>}<div class = "Story">Beth heads to the register. The young man behind the counter makes generic small talk as while processing her shopping. (if: $pads_buy is true)[Beth's face reddens as he picks up the pads.] He totals the items. Handing over the cash, she takes her items and (link: "leaves the register.")[(goto: "Supermarket-4")]</div>

{(set: $time to "12:14pm") (set: $beth_location to "near the bus stop") (display: "Info-Screen") <script>audio.pause();</script>}<div class = "Story">Gripping her bag tightly in one hand, Beth spots the public toilets opposite the bus stop. If she is quick, she can go before getting on the bus. (if: $wearing is "makeshift pad")[ The $wearing rubs against her skin as she quickens her pace.] Beth finds a queue outside the Ladies, and joins its rear. The line shuffles forward slowly. A toilet opens up, and Beth hurries inside. (if: $pads < 4)[She contemplates her options.] Beth will: (display: "Toilet-Choice-1")</div>

{(set: $time to "11:13am")(display: "Info-Screen")}<div class = "Story">Looking at the range of items before her, (if: $big_leak is true)[Beth senses a sagging heaviness across her pants. ]Beth decides to buy: (link: "Food: a tin of tuna and a loaf of bread")[(if: $money is not "`$`5.90")[(goto: "No-Money")](else:)[(set: $food to true)(set: $bag to $bag + (a: "some bread"))(set: $bag to $bag + (a: "some tuna"))(set: $money to "`$`1.90")(set: $returntime to true)(goto:"Supermarket-1")]] (link: "Pads: a packet of 10")[(if: $money is not "`$`5.90")[(goto: "No-Money")](else:)[(set: $pads_buy to true)(set: $pads to $pads + 10)(set: $money to "`$`0.35")(set: $returntime to true)(goto: "Supermarket-1")]] (link: "Painkillers")[(if: $money is not "`$`5.90")[(goto: "No-Money")](else:)[(set: $painkillers to true)(set: $money to "`$`0.45")(set: $returntime to true)(goto: "Supermarket-1")]] (link: "Paper towels")[(if: $money is not "`$`5.90")[(goto: "No-Money")](else:)[(set: $papertowels to true)(set: $bag to $bag + (a: "some paper towels"))(set: $money to "`$`1.65")(set: $returntime to true)(goto: "Supermarket-1")]] (link: "SPF 40+ sunscreen")[(if: $money is not "`$`5.90")[(goto: "No-Money")](else:)[(set: $sunscreen to true)(set: $money to "`$`0.10")(set: $returntime to true)(goto: "Supermarket-1")]] <div class = "Right">(link: "Finish shopping?")[(goto: "Supermarket-2")]</div></div>

{(set: $time to "11:22am") (display: "Info-Screen")}<div class = "Story">Clutching her basket tightly, Beth edges her way through the crowded aisles to the counters. A pulse of blood rockets through Beth's knickers as the young checkout attendent calls: "Next, please," Beth heads (link: "towards the counter.")[(if: $big_leak is true)[(goto: "Big-Leak")](else:)[(goto: "Supermarket-3")]]</div>

{(set: $time to "12:16pm") (display: "Info-Screen")<script>audio.pause();</script><script> var audio = new Audio("274448__polytest__toilet-flushing.wav"); audio.play(); </script>}<div class = "Story">Hurrying past an even longer queue (and whether her dawdling in the cubicle had been the cause), Beth spies her bus pulling up outside. Gripping her bags tightly, she breaks into a run. Her feet steadily pound the pavement(if: $wearing is "makeshift pad")[, and $makeshift_item awkwardly shifts in her pants]. Breathing heavily, Beth steps onto the bus and swipes her transit card, and takes a seat a few rows from the front. (link: "The bus rolls on.")[(goto:"Bus")]</div> <img src="IMG_BusStop57.png" alt="A bus stop sign with the words 'Bus Stop 57' on it." height="20%" width="35%">

{(set: $time to "12:23pm") (set: $beth_location to "on the bus towards Wireframe") (display: "Info-Screen")<script>audio.pause();</script><script> var audio = new Audio("379379__13fpanska-sychra-petr__bus-engine-running-inside.wav"); audio.play(); audio.loop = true; </script>}<div class = "Story">The bus rattles along. (if: $big_leak is true)[Beth looks down at her skirt, and see a mess of blood splayed across the front. Her heart sinks.](else:)[Beth's nerves run raw as she thinks of the upcoming interview.(if: $wearing is "pad")[(if: $pad_leave_count is 0)[](else:)[ She tenses as another pulse of blood occurs. She hopes her knickers will hold out until she reaches her destination.]]] The bus pulls to a stop as requested by the old Pakistani couple seated at the front(if: $big_leak is true)[, and Beth seizes her opportunity to run.](else:)[, and Beth tries to distract her with the scenery.] (if: $big_leak is true)[Barely acknowledging the driver, she darts off the bus in a flash. Looking around hopelessly, she spies a sign for toilets in a public park down the road. She starts to walk, slowly, (link: "feeling her knickers sag with every step.")[(goto: "Big-Leak-3")] ](else:)[Eventually, the bus reaches Highland Station and (link: "Beth disembarks.")[(goto: "Get-Off-Bus")] ]</div>

{(set: $time to "1:12pm") (set: $beth_location to "getting off the bus") (display: "Info-Screen")<script>audio.pause();</script>}<div class = "Story">The majestic blue Wireframe building stands tall in the distance. Beth eyes it warily, wondering what lies inside. She feels her knickers sag after the long bus ride. Glancing around, she spots (link: "a service station across the road.")[(goto: "Toilet-Servo")]</div>

{(set: $time to "1:16pm") (set: $beth_location to "in the service station toilets") (display: "Info-Screen")}<div class = "Story">The man behind the counter glances up at Beth as she enters, before returning to his crossword. Beth heads for the back of the shop, and finds the toilet. Locking the door behind her, Beth decides to: (display: "Toilet-Choice-1")</div>

{(set: $time to "1:19pm") (display: "Info-Screen")<script>audio.pause();</script><script> var audio = new Audio("274448__polytest__toilet-flushing.wav"); audio.play(); </script>}<div class = "Story">Giving a brief nod to the attendant, Beth leaves the service station and walks back up the road towards (link: "the Wireframe building.")[(goto: "Reception")]</div>

{(set: $time to "1:30pm") (set: $beth_location to "Wireframe reception") (display: "Info-Screen")<script>audio.pause();</script><script> var audio = new Audio("325585__cbenci__sliding-noise-v2.wav"); audio.play(); </script>}<div class = "Story">The automatic doors of the building gave way as Beth approaches, revealing an impressive interior. A clattering hum is heard from the receptionist typing at the lone desk at the end. As Beth approaches, the receptionist looks up. He's wearing a button-up shirt with the Wireframe logo emblazed on the right. He looks at Beth with a bored expression. "Can I help you?" "I'm Beth, I'm here for the interview," He hands her a clipboard, and waves down the hall. Beth walks down the hallway, each step creating a deafening echo, and pushes open the door of the (link: "interview room.")[(goto: "Interview-1")]</div>

{(set: $time to "1:35pm") (set: $beth_location to "in her job interview") (set: $job to true) (display: "Info-Screen-2")}<div class = "Story">Upon entering the room, Beth is faced with two interviewers: a middle-aged man, and a slightly younger-looking woman. They greet her warmly, and (link: "indicate she take a seat.")[(goto: "Interview-1")]</div>

{(set: $time to "1:55pm") (display: "Info-Screen-2") <script> var audio = new Audio("378398__13fpanska-stranska-michaela__walk.wav"); audio.play(); </script> }<div class = "Story">The woman takes Beth past many offices to a small photocopy room, and quickly puts the documents through the machine.(if: $wearing is "pad")[(if: $pad_leave_count is 0)[](else:)[ Beth shifts awkwardly from one leg to the other.(if: $wearing is "none")[](else:)[ The knickers she is wearing feel heavy, and she fears for the worst.](if: $wearing is "makeshift pad")[The wet, sodden material twists itself annoyingly.](if: $wearing is "pad")[The pad feels very full, and is making walking a slow and careful process.]]] The woman hands back the documents, and wishes Beth good luck. Beth thanks her, and heads (link: "back to the bus stop.")[(goto: "Bus-Stop-Return")]</div> <img src="IMG_BusStop23Return.png" alt="A bus stop sign with the words 'Bus Stop 23' on it." height="20%" width="35%">

{(set: $time to "3:10pm") (set: $beth_location to "on the bus back") (set: $ryan_location to "at a friend's house") (display: "Info-Screen-2")<script>audio.pause();</script><script> var audio = new Audio("379379__13fpanska-sychra-petr__bus-engine-running-inside.wav"); audio.play(); audio.loop = true; </script>}<div class = "Story">Once on the bus, Beth breathes a sigh of relief. The interview was over, and it had gone okay. She settled into her seat, and catches her breath. Beth looks down at her skirt,(if: $leak is true)[and sees a small, dark stain on her front. Her brows furrow, and she takes a closer look. Her stomach turns over. (link: "What if that had been there during the interview?")[(goto: "Bus-Return-2")] ](else:)[ glad she is wearing a pad now. The bus arrives at her stop, (link: "and Beth disembarks.")[(goto: "Walk-To-Friend-House")]]</div>

{(set: $time to "4:16pm") (set: $beth_location to "walking to collect Ryan") (display: "Info-Screen-2") <script>audio.pause();</script><script> var audio = new Audio("205817__yuval__footsteps-pavement-street_shortened.wav"); audio.play(); audio.loop = true; </script>}<div class = "Story">While Beth had been at the interview, Ryan had gone home from school with a friend. Beth walked down the busy streets to get there(if: $leak is true)[ holding her bag in front of her skirt to hide the stain]. She arrived, and knocked on the door. Ryan came, Beth thanks the father for minding him, and Beth and Ryan (link: "started to walk back to the car.")[(goto: "Conversation")]</div>

{(set: $time to "4:39pm") (set: $makeshift_leave_count to $makeshift_leave_count + 1) (set: $pad_leave_count to $pad_leave_count + 1) (display: "Info-Screen-2")}<div class = "Story">Ryan appears in a much happier mood, and happily tells Beth about Riley's racecar rug and the many races they had on it. "Mum," Ryan turns to Beth, taking a break from describing the layout of the speedway track. (link: "'What's for dinner tonight?'")[(if: $food is true)[(goto: "Uncomfortable-Ending")] (else:)[(goto: "Hungry-Ending")]]</div>

{(set: $time to "4:42pm") (display: "Info-Screen-2")<script>audio.pause();</script>}<div class = "Story">"Oh no," Beth muttered. Ryan looked up at her. "What, Mum? What is it?" Beth averted her gaze. She couldn't face him. How could she explain? There was no food. Waves of guilt and shame flooded her as she searched her handbag for spare change, a packet of crackers, anything. The rustle of plastic packaging jerks Beth back to reality. With a faint spark of hope lit, she quickly pulls out the source of the sound. A pad. <div class = "Ending">$Emph1[(link:"This is not a win.")[(set: $hungrykid to true)(goto: "Thanks")]]</div></div>

{(set: $time to "4:42pm") (set: $beth_location to "at the car") (display: "Info-Screen-2")<script>audio.pause();</script>}<div class = "Story">"Tuna sandwich, bub. That's what we're eating," The words roll off Beth's tongue as they walk. (if: $leak is true)[Beth continues to hold her bag in front, as awkward as it is.] Ryan seems excited by this news. Beth listens to the chatter to distract herself. He certainly has a lot to say. (if: $foodsteal is true)[DIALOGUE] Just as they round the corner to their car,(if: $big_leak is true)[ she feels a slow, singular drop of blood run down her leg.](else:)[ she feels her pad sag and swing with the weight of her blood.] <div class = "Ending">$Emph1[(link:"This is not a win.")[(set: $uncomfortable to true)(goto: "Thanks")]]</div></div>

{(display: "Info-Screen")}<script>audio.pause();</script><div class = "Story">In the safety of the cubicle, Beth sits on the toilet and cries, overwhelmed by embarassment and shame. She thinks about the rest of her day, now a faded dream. A dream destroyed by the mess of thick, clumping blood currently splattered across her skirt like a child's messy artwork. She can't (if: $toilet is 1)[go back to Centrelink now. And, she can forget about that interview. She's a mess. A repulsive, blood-stained mess. ](if: $toilet is 2)[go to her interview now. Her good clothes are absolutely ruined. She's a blood-stained mess.](if: $toilet is 3)[go to her interview now. The bus is long gone, and her good clothes are soaked in blood.](if: $toilet is 4)[go back in there now. She's a mess. A repulsive, blood-stained mess.] <div class = "Ending">$Emph1[(link:"This is not a win.")[(set: $bleedingend to true)(goto: "Thanks")]]</div></div>

{(display: "Info-Screen")}<div class = "Story">Beth rummages through her bag, and finds: <div class = "Indent">(print: $bag.join(" ")) </div></div> <div class = "Story"> Beth decides to: <div class = "Indent">(link: "Use paper from the notebook")[(set: $bag to $bag - (a: "a dog-eared notebook of Ryan`'`s"))(set: $bag to $bag + (a: "a dog-eared notebook of Ryan`'`s with a few pages left"))(set: $makeshift_item to "scraps of paper")(goto: "Toilet-Choice-2")]</div> <div class = "Indent">(link: "Use some of the tissues")[(set: $bag to $bag - (a: "several tissues"))(set: $bag to $bag + (a: "a few tissues"))(set: $makeshift_item to "wadded-up tissues")(goto: "Toilet-Choice-2")]</div> <div class = "Indent">(if: $bag contains "a dirty handkerchief")[(link: "Use the handkerchief")[(set: $bag to $bag - (a: "a dirty handkerchief"))(set: $makeshift_item to "dirty handkerchief")(goto: "Toilet-Choice-2")]]</div> <div class = "Indent">(if: $bag contains "some bread")[(link: "Use bread")[(set: $makeshift_item to "slice of bread")(goto: "Toilet-Choice-2")]]</div> <div class = "Indent">(if: $bag contains "some tuna")[(link: "Use tuna")[(set: $makeshift_item to "layers of tuna")(goto: "Toilet-Choice-2")]]</div> <div class = "Indent">(if: $bag contains "some paper towels")[(link: "Use paper towel")[(set: $makeshift item to "paper towel")(goto: "Toilet-Choice-2")]]</div> <div class = "Indent">(link: "Use toilet paper")[(set: $makeshift_item to "wrapped-up toilet paper")(goto: "Toilet-Choice-2")]</div> </div> <img src="IMG_Handbag.png" alt="A large yellow handbag." height="20%" width="35%">

{(set: $time to "7:16am") (display: "Info-Screen")}<div class = "Story">As Beth shifted, she becomes aware of something wet down below. A quick peek at her knickers confirms her fear - it's that time of the month. Beth rolls over and checks the carseat, thankfully finding it clean. "Mum?" Ryan is awake, staring blearily at (link: "the world around him.")[(goto: "Car-4")]</div>

{(display: "Info-Screen")<script> var audio = new Audio("398736__anthousai__birds-01.wav"); audio.play(); audio.loop = true; </script>}<div class = "Story">The early-morning sun beams down on the sedan's metal roof, and Beth cracks open one eye lazily from the passenger seat. The night seemed too short. Beth rolls over to (link: "look at Ryan.")[(goto: "Car-2")]</div> <img src="IMG_Car.png" alt="green sedan car" height="50%" width="65%">

{(set: $time to "7:12am") (display: "Info-Screen")}<div class = "Story">Ryan was still asleep, a contented expression resting on his face. His body fit snugly across half of the backseat, allowing Beth to recline the front passenger for herself. Beth's stomach growled. She sighed. They'd had canned minestrone last night, but that was the last of it. She'd have to get some food today. Beth looked at the time. Nearly time to leave. Beth reached for (link: "Ryan's schoolbag.")[(goto: "Car-3")]</div>

{(set: $time to "10:01am") (display: "Info-Screen")<script> audio.pause(); var audio = new Audio("405423__straget__wall-clock.wav"); audio.play(); audio.loop = true; </script>}<div class = "Story">Beth shifts in her seat, feeling another surge of blood pass. She looks down at her lap,(if: $wearing is not "pad")[ conscious that the blood (if: $wearing is "makeshift pad")[is being held back by $makeshift_item. She can feel it rubbing against her legs, scratching at her skin. She yearns to rip it out, but restrains herself.](else:)[isn't being held back by anything. A wet sensation sits through her pants.]](if: $wearing is "pad")[ and breathes a sigh of relief as she remembers she's wearing a pad. The relief is momentary, as she remembers she only has $pads left now. Not enough to last the day.] Beth's number is called, and she approaches the (link: "counter.")[(if: $big_leak is true)[(goto: "Big-Leak")](else:)[(goto: "Centrelink-3")]]</div>

{(set: $time to "10:10am") (display: "Info-Screen")<script>audio.pause();</script>}<div class = "Story">Beth meets with the Centrelink staff. Much time passes. (click-append: "Much time passes.")[(set: $time to "10:24am") Beth walks out Centrelink's automatic doors. Her business here is done. Her knickers moan under the weight of bloodloss, and she heads into the public library next door to use their (link: "toilet.")[(goto: "Toilet-L")]]</div>

{(display: "Info-Screen")}<div class = "Story">A powerful burst of blood rockets through Beth's knickers as she moves, destroying their slim chance at maintaining her dignity. As she steps slowly towards the counter, Beth feels the knickers sag and sway, and blood begins to roll gently down her leg. Her skirt clings to her backside as she continues the awkward, uncomfortable walk. She is halfway there when she feels her knickers (link: "begin to fall.")[(goto: "Big-Leak-2")]</div>

{(set: $time to "11:13am") (display: "Info-Screen")}<div class = "Story">Beth places the item back on the shelf. She has no money for it today. <div class = "Indent">(link: "Return to shopping")[(goto: "Supermarket-1")]</div> <div class = "Indent">(link: "Go to the checkout")[(goto: "Supermarket-2")]</div></div>

{(set: $time to "11:07am") (set: $beth_location to "doing her shopping") (display: "Info-Screen")<script>audio.pause();</script><script> var audio = new Audio("398750__anthousai__door-open-01.wav"); audio.play(); </script>}<div class = "Story">Beth pushes open the heavy doors, and enters the supermarket. The security guard gives her a nod. The brightly lit aisles are filled with shiny products and flashy signs sales bargains. Chirpy store attendants greet the customers, and irritating music erases any chance of quiet. Beth weaves her way through the maze of shopping trolleys, and scans the (link: "shelves.")[(goto: "Supermarket-1")]</div>

{(display: "Info-Screen")}<div class = "Story">Beth's stomach convulses with panic. She hoists her knickers up again, and makes for the door as quickly as possible (if: $toilet is 2)[, leaving her shopping basket and items behind]. Heading right, she enters the (if: $toilet is 1)[public library next door](if: $toilet is 2)[hallway outside] and (link: "races for the toilet in the back.")[(goto: "Bleeding-Ending")]</div>

<div class = "Info">It is $Emph1[$time], on $Emph1[Friday the 25th of May.] Beth is $Emph1[$beth_location]. Ryan is $Emph1[$ryan_location]. Beth has $Emph1[$money] in her purse. Her next payment is $Emph1[4] days away. (if: $job is false)[At $Emph1[1:30pm], Beth has a job interview at $Emph1[Wireframe].] (if: $steal is true)[Beth has $Emph5[stolen] $stolen]</div>

{(set: $time to "9:12am") (display: "Info-Screen")<script> var audio = new Audio("405423__straget__wall-clock.wav"); audio.play(); audio.loop = true; </script>}<div class = "Story">And (link: "waits.")[(goto: "Centrelink-2.2")]</div>

{(set: $time to "9:26am") (display: "Info-Screen")}<div class = "Story">And (link: "waits.")[(goto: "Centrelink-2.3")]</div>

{(set: $time to "9:51am") (display: "Info-Screen")}<div class = "Story">And waits. (click-append: "waits. ")[{<script>audio.pause();</script><script> var audio = new Audio("52293__xxbirdoxx__stomach-growl-pish-01.wav"); audio.play(); </script> }Her stomach snarls loudly, causing the woman next to her to shoot a concerned look. Beth (link: "averts her gaze.")[(goto: "Centrelink-2")]</div> ]

<div class = "Thanks"><div class = "Centred">Thank you for playing through my short interactive narrative: $Emph2[Bound By Blood]. While this story is a piece of fiction, the choices and struggles presented within it are faced by people who menstruate, particularly those who are homeless or struggling financially. In Australia, sanitary items such as pads and tampons still incur the Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10%^^1^^. This is because they are classed as "non-essential" items^^1^^ - despite the fact they are essential for managing menstrual periods hygienically and with dignity. There are three possible endings. You have obtained (if: $uncomfortable is true)[the Uncomfortable End](if: $hungrykid is true)[the Hungry Kid End](if: $bleedingend is true)[the Bleeding End]: an ending which was not a win. You are welcome to play again by (link: "clicking here")[(goto: "Pre-Start-Game")]. Or, if you'd rather make some more meaningful choices around the issue of homelessness for people who menstruate, <a href="https://www.sharethedignity.com.au/"; target="_blank"> click here</a>. Thanks for playing! <div class = "Indent">[[References]]</div> <div class = "Indent">[[Credits]]</div> </div></div>

{(set: $time to "7:17am") (display: "Info-Screen")}<div class = "Story">Stashing a few extra tissues into her own bag, Beth turns to face Ryan. "You ready?" Ryan nods. Dark circles hang from his eyelids. Rain pounded the roof last night, making sleep near impossible. "I'm hungry," Ryan yawns. "We'll get you to breakfast club. C'mon, let's go," Beth hands Ryan his schoolbag, and the two start walking down the street, (link: "towards Milbank Primary.")[(goto: "Breakfast")]</div>

{(set: $time to "8:14am") (display: "Info-Screen")}<div class = "Story">The atmosphere is always deadly quiet in there, too. Anything said bounces around the clinic, springing to every ear. Beth turns the corner onto Fireball Drive, willing her ever-soaking underwear to hold out for just a bit longer. The modest, nondescript, beige-coloured building sits neatly (link: "at the end of the road.")[(goto: "Walk-To-Clinic-3")]</div>

{(set: $time to "8:23am") (display: "Info-Screen")<script> audio.pause(); </script>}<div class = "Story">Beth reaches the building and breathes a sigh of relief. She made it. She pushes open the door, and (link: "walks inside.")[(goto: "Health-Centre-0")]</div>

{(set: $time to "8:26am") (display: "Info-Screen")}<div class = "Story">Irene's bored drone scrawls across the room, her eyes regarding Beth with contempt. Beth hesitates mid-step. Beth decides to: <div class = "Indent">(link: "Ask if the clinic has any pads")[(set: $pads to $pads + 2)(set: $Ask to true)(goto: "Ask-1")]</div> <div class = "Indent">(link: "Spare herself the embarrassment and ask for the toilet key")[(set: $Ask to false)(goto:"Health-Centre-2")]</div></div>

{(display: "Info-Screen")}<div class = "Story">After what seems like an eternity, Beth reaches the park and spies the toilets across the grass. She heads towards them, blood trickles slowly down her leg in the process. She carefully unlatches the door and (link: "enters.")[(goto: "Bleeding-Ending")]</div>

{(set: $time to "11:45am") (display: "Info-Screen")<script> var audio = new Audio("205817__yuval__footsteps-pavement-street_shortened.wav"); audio.play(); audio.loop = true; </script>}<div class = "Story">Beth walks the two blocks back to her car. The dark green Elantra used to run quite well, but lacks petrol and a charged battery at present. Nonetheless, it makes a sound makeshift home for Beth and Ryan while they get back on their feet. (if: $food is true)[Beth unloads her supplies into the car, ](if: $pads_buy is true)[Beth places a few more pads within her handbag, ]and sets off towards (link: "the bus stop.")[(goto: "Toilet-Shops")]</div> <img src="IMG_Car.png" alt="green sedan car" height="384" width="480">

{(display: "Info-Screen")}<div class = "Story">Beth takes a breath, and asks where the toilet is. The man points her down the hallway, and Beth quickly hurries (link: "from the room.")[(goto: "Bleeding-Ending")]</div>

Reference List: 1: BBC 2015, *'Tampon tax': Australia decides not remove controversial levy*, viewed 26 May 2017 from: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-34013354 2: Share the Dignity 2017, *Share The Dignity*, viewed 24 May 2017 from: http://www.sharethedignity.com.au/ [[Back->Thanks]]

{(display: "Info-Screen-2")}<div class = "Story">The interview gets underway, and Beth begins answering questions about her sales and IT experience. All the while, Beth can feel (if: $wearing is "pad")[the pad getting heavier. (if: $pad_leave_count > 0)[She wonders whether it will handle the load.]](if: $wearing is "makeshift pad")[the $makeshift_item taking on more and more blood. It shifts around, rubbing against her skin.](if: $wearing is "none")[her knickers getting soaked.] The interview wraps up, and the woman asks if she may take photocopies of Beth's paperwork. Beth stands up, and(if: $big_leak is true)[ instantly (link: "notices her underwear sag.")[(goto: "Big-Leak-5")] ](else:)[ follows the interviewers into (link: "the next room.")[(goto: "Interview-2")]]</div>

{(set: $time to "3:34pm")(display: "Info-Screen-2")<script>audio.pause();</script>}<div class = "Story">Beth thought back over her day, trying to remember whether she'd seen the stain earlier. But she couldn't be sure. Beth started to worry. She'd met with those interviewers for nearly 40 minutes. Had they noticed? The bus pulls up to her stop, and she disembarks, feeling very self-conscious. She begins to (link: "walk back.")[(goto: "Walk-To-Friend-House")]</div> <img src="IMG_BusStop57Return.png" alt="A bus stop sign with the words 'Bus Stop 57' on it" height="20%" width="35%">

{(display: "Info-Screen")}<div class = "Story">She looks down in horror and sees a dark, messy stain on the front of her skirt. The slow trickle of blood creeps down her thighs, only inches from her legs. Beth turns, and notices the interviews expectantly waiting for her. (link: "Why did this have to happen here?")[(goto: "Big-Leak-4")]</div>

{(set: $pads to 0) (set: $pad_leave_count to 0) (set: $makeshift_leave_count to 0) (set: $none_leave_count to 0) (set: $wearing to "none") (set: $ending to "none") (set: $beth_location to "waking up in her car") (set: $ryan_location to "`with` Beth") (set: $money to "`$`5.90") (set: $time to "7:09am") (set: $toilet to 0) (set: $bag to (a: "a dog-eared notebook of Ryan`'`s", "several tissues", "a dirty handkerchief")) (set: $discomfort to false) (set: $leak to false) (set: $big_leak to false) (set: $job to false) (set: $uncomfortable to false) (set: $bleedingend to false) (set: $hungrykid to false) (set: $pads_buy to false) (set: $food to false) (set: $other_item to false) (set: $painkillers to false) (set: $papertowels to false) (set: $sunscreen to false) (set: $stolen to (a:)) (set: $stealsteal to false) (set: $steal to false) (set: $returntime to false) (set: $foodsteal to false) (set: $padssteal to false) (set: $Ask to 0)} (goto: "Start-game")

{(display: "Info-Screen")} <div class = "Story"> The shop assistant continues to hum along to the radio while they stack the nearby shelves. Looking at the range of items before her, Beth decides to: (if: $food is false)[(link: "Steal a tin of tuna and a loaf of bread")[(set: $food to true)(set: $steal to true)(set: $stealsteal to true)(set: $foodsteal to true)(set: $stolen to $stolen + (a: "a tin of tuna"))(set: $stolen to $stolen + (a: "a loaf of bread"))(goto: "Steal-2")]] (if: $pads_buy is false)[(link: "Steal a packet of 10 pads")[(set: $pads_buy to true)(set: $steal to true)(set: $padssteal to true)(set: $stealsteal to true)(set: $stolen to $stolen + (a: "a packet of 10 pads"))(goto: "Steal-2")]] (if: $painkillers is false)[(link: "Steal some painkillers")[(set: $steal to true)(set: $stolen to $stolen + (a: "a packet of painkillers"))(goto: "Steal-2")]] (if: $papertowels is false)[(link: "Steal some paper towels")[(set: $steal to true)(set: $stolen to $stolen + (a: "a roll of paper towels"))(goto: "Steal-2")]] (if: $sunscreen is false)[(link: "Steal a bottle of SPF 40+ sunscreen")[(set: $steal to true)(set: $stolen to $stolen + (a: "a bottle of SPF 40+ sunscreen"))(goto: "Steal-2")]] <div class = "Right">(link: "Go to the checkout")[(goto: "Supermarket-2")]</div> </div>

{(display: "Info-Screen")} <div class = "Story"> Beth places the item in her bag, taking care to make sure no one sees. <div class = "Indent">(link: "Return to the shelves")[(goto: "Steal-1")]</div> <div class = "Indent">(link: "Go to the checkout")[(goto: "Supermarket-2")]</div

Sounds from: splicesound, yuval, polytest, 13fpanska-stranska, straget, tabook, anthousai, cbenci, xxbirdoxx, florian`_`reinke, rocotilos, 13fpanska-stranska-michaela, hargissssound. Art: Jessica Gates Narrative: Jessica Gates [[Back->Thanks]]