Days with Shaylin

<u>**Days with Shaylin**</u> [[Play]]

Welcome to "Days with Shaylin"! In this game you'll have the opportunity to get a glimpse of experiences Shaylin may find herself encountering in her day to day life. Shaylin is autistic, like myself. She deals with sensory processing issues, social difficulties, and sometimes she finds herself in a state of meltdown. The idea of this game is to educate players about autism through a fictional character who, like all autistic individuals and everyone else for that matter, is unique. Before you begin, a [[warning]].

In an effort to replicate what myself and others (though not everyone) with sensory processing issues experience this game includes intense and loud audio. If you believe you cannot handle this, then it's advised you mute your device (though this may take away from the experience). Otherwise you may alter your volume throughout if you feel the need (Note that the audio was edited on a computer at 100% volume, another device at the same volume may or may not be suitable). Please recognize that when it comes to life we often don't get this warning or opportunity. It is also possible that content in the game, specifically the day of "Monday", could be troubling to some players. If you're sensitive to bullying and or swearing you may wish to leave this day unplayed. Note: The word "stim" is used a number of times throughout the stories. The word basically means repetetive movements or sounds. [[Begin]]

[[Episode 1]] (Thursday):After some arguing between Shaylin and her little brother the siblings' mum sends them outside. [[Episode 2]] (Saturday): Having undergone a meltdown the day before Shaylin finds herself far more hypersensitive the following morning. [[Episode 3]] (Monday): Shaylin goes to school without her noise-cancelling headphones and finds there to be even more troubling changes from the norm than she had anticipated. [[Episode 4]] (Friday): Still without her noise-cancelling headphones Shaylin joins her mum and brother on a trip to the grocery store.

“Shaylin! Are you up?” Mum knocks at your door. After yesterday you’re feeling absolutely horrible, but you know that doesn’t mean you can hide in your room all day. Mum’s going to make you eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Too bad you can’t just eat in your room; that would be very much preferable. “I’d like you to wear the dress on top of your bureau. Your grandparents are coming for lunch and I don’t want you wearing your pajamas.” The blue dress looks rather uncomfortable. Mum will have already cut out any tags, but you wonder how much good that’ll do. Despite that you feel as though you should be doing as your mum wants, especially after she had to deal with you so much yesterday. “What do you say?” [["Alright."]] [["I'll wear my green dress."]] (unless: (track: 'room', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'room', 'loop', true) (track: 'room', 'play') ]

The school halls are as crowded as the stores were before last year’s blizzard, and everyone seems just as frantic. The older grades have exams today, like really big exams. Some of them don’t seem to care, but the majority are treating the exams like they’re life or death. The reason for the chaos doesn’t really matter. It doesn’t change anything. You’re extremely overwhelmed and not sure what the best thing to do is. Ramona isn’t by the door waiting for you like she normally is. [[You could go find her]], but that would mean having to get through the worst of the crowds all alone. Honestly, you don’t know if you could handle that. Maybe if you had your headphones you could do it, but they're still not repaired and returned yet. If you just [[go to your class early]] you can avoid most of the crowds. It may not be open yet, but you could hide in the doorway and wait for Mr. Faruqi. Near his classroom it’s quieter, but Ramona probably won’t be around there until class starts. (unless: (track: 'schoolhall', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'schoolhall', 'loop', true) (track: 'schoolhall', 'play') ]

The cars rumble past your family. Mum holds you hand tight. The pressure is comforting. The noises vehicles make have always bothered you. Your cousin Nathaniel’s the opposite way; he loves car engine sounds, really just noise in general. You think perhaps you’d prefer that to being hypersensitive to car noise. Jason trails behind you and Mum. You wonder who dislikes shopping more, you or Jason. For you, all the sound, light, and people can just be too much. Jason just finds it boring and would prefer doing something he likes instead. [[Once you get into the store]] she’ll have you hold his hand. Otherwise he might notice something interesting and run off. Jason just thinks Mum wants him to comfort you, but in reality for the most part it’s to keep him from getting lost. (unless: (track: 'parkinglot', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'parkinglot', 'loop', true) (track: 'parkinglot', 'play') ]

“Thank you,” Mum says. Hesitantly you pick up the dress. The fabric’s rough, like the cheap stuff Halloween costumes tend to be made of. That alone would be bad enough, but you can tell the real problem will be the cinched waist. You already said you’d wear it though. [[Pull it on over a tank top]]

“Okay.” You’re pretty sure she’s disappointed, but it’s hard to tell with a door in between. Quickly you [[change into the green dress]]. The soft cotton is pleasant against your skin, loose as it is. You wear the dress quite a bit, sometimes multiple days in a row.

You can feel the roughness on your shoulders and the tightness at your waist. You wonder how long you can bear with it. You know you’ve got to go to breakfast, but you could hesitate a little more if you want. You could pick out a book to read later today; after all, you haven’t got any homework this weekend. Or you could clean your room a little; Mum couldn’t be upset about that. It’s a little chaotic after last night.You probably don't have time to do both. [[Look for a book]] [[Clean your room ]] [[Leave your room ]]

You’ve got a new mythology book that could be rather enjoyable to read. Then again you haven’t read the Ellie and Fawn books for a while. You’re still not sure about the most recent book in the series though; the way the author went with it caught you off guard. You’ve got your Social Studies text book at home, and if you wanted you could read ahead. However, Mrs. Haddington was very clear that she didn’t want you doing that. [[Mythology book]] [[Ellie and Fawn]] [[Textbook]]

You dismantle your closet nest. You needed silence and darkness last night. The closet was the best place to obtain those things. And it made the world seem smaller and less intimidating as well. You place stuffed animal after stuffed animal back where they belong. When you get to putting away the blankets and pillows you hesitate. Even if you do alright today it might make a nice place to read. Then again you’ve already put away the stuffed animals. Might as well finish cleaning up at this point. You’ve got practice building a nest so it shouldn’t take long to make another. [[Leave your room]]

You less than eagerly leave your room. For a moment no one looks your way. Mum’s making breakfast and Jason’s building some Lego spaceship. A normal Saturday morning, and yet it feels nothing like that. You know it’s unusually calm and quiet. And despite that every sound seems louder. It’s like listening to multiple videos on your computer with headphones at 100% volume. And unfortunately you’ve got no way to turn down the sound or remove the headphones. It’s always like this for you after a major meltdown. At other times you’re only somewhat hypersensitive. It’s in these moments that you wish you were hyposensitive like your cousin Nathaniel.Though you recognize there are troubles with that as well. Or maybe hypersensitive in the same way Josie from group is. Simply put, you wish that your senses weren’t like this right now, or ever. Breakfast is pretty close to ready from what you can tell, so [[you sit at the table]]. (unless: (track: 'beforeplane', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'beforeplane', 'loop', true) (track: 'beforeplane', 'play') ]

You set the book on your bureau. [[Leave your room ]]

You know you’ve got to go to breakfast, but you could hesitate a little more if you want. You could pick out a book to read later today; after all, you haven’t got any homework this weekend. Or you could clean your room a little; Mum couldn’t be upset about that. It’s a little chaotic after last night.You probably don't have time to do both. [[Look for a book ]] [[Clean your room]] [[Leave your room]]

You less than eagerly leave your room. For a moment no one looks your way. Mum’s making breakfast and Jason’s building some Lego spaceship. A normal Saturday morning, and yet it feels nothing like that. You know it’s unusually calm and quiet. And despite that every sound seems louder. It’s like listening to multiple videos on your computer with headphones at 100% volume. And unfortunately you’ve got no way to turn down the sound or remove the headphones. It’s always like this for you after a major meltdown. At other times you’re only somewhat hypersensitive. It’s in these moments that you wish you were hyposensitive like your cousin Nathaniel. You recognize there are troubles with that as well though. Or maybe hypersensitive in the same way Josie from group is. Simply put, you wish that your senses weren’t like this right now, or ever. Breakfast is pretty close to ready from what you can tell, so [[you sit at the table.]] (unless: (track: 'beforeplane', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'beforeplane', 'loop', true) (track: 'beforeplane', 'play') ]

You set the book on top of the blue dress. [[Leave your room]]

“Hey, sweetie. Did you manage to get some sleep last night?” Mum asks. It’s hard to hear her over the sizzling eggs but not impossible. You’re not sure you feel up to talking, but maybe you should try. [[Nod]] [["It was fine."]]

“Still having a hard time then? Don’t push yourself too hard, okay?” Sometimes mums seem like they’re all knowing. There’s no need to say anything more; she knows what you’re like in the aftermath of a meltdown. The seam is putting a horrid pressure around your waist. The tank top seems pretty useless now, though you suppose it would be worse without; there’d be more of the annoying scratchiness then. The rough fabric against your shoulders is even more irritating than the seam. You can’t stop thinking about the bothersome dress. Maybe if you [[moved to a different position…]]

No use, now the pressure’s just against another part of your torso. [[Move again]]

Now the neckline is way too close to your neck. There’s no way you can ignore that. It’s like it’s choking you. “Sweetie, you can change. I wasn’t thinking when I told you to wear the dress. I'm sorry. Now’s probably the worst time for it. You can wear whatever you like. If your father’s parents are critical about your clothes we can just ignore them.” [[Change]] [[Keep wearing the dress]]

After changing into the green dress you sit at the kitchen table again. You’re comfortable now. The fabric’s soft against your skin and there aren’t any unbearable seams to deal with. [[Wait at the table]]

“If you’re sure.” She seems hesitant. You’re pretty sure she wants you to change out of it; she’s worried. Mum’s always worried so you’re pretty good at recognizing it. You can do this though; at least you think you can. [[Move again ]]

“I’m always nice,” Mum speaks in an exaggeratedly hurt way. She wasn’t typically like this. Mostly she was pretty strict and always pushing for you guys to do new or scary things. Sure, she was aware of your struggles and did try to accommodate them to some extent, but it was odd for her to be this sensitive. “Normally you’re like broccoli, but right now you’re like honey,” Jason says. At the moment Jason’s class is doing similes. “You don’t like broccoli,” Mum says. It’s clear she’s challenging him. “The taste is kind of annoying sometimes.” Mum looks him in the eye and you’re pretty sure he changes what he’s going to say next. He continues, “But it’s good for me and it tastes awesome in a stir fry. Besides honey’s too sticky.” Mum laughs. “Your sister’s hypersensitive right now. I’m trying to be…more accommodating.” “She’s always hypersensitive.” "[[Confirmed]]," you say.

A rumbling comes from above, an airplane. You don’t typically mind planes, but the noise is just too much today. “Earth to Shaylin. You okay, sweetie?” Mum could always recognize your discomfort. “Why are you being so nice?” Jason asks. “[[Yeah]],” you pipe up. (unless: (track: 'firstplane', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'firstplane', 'loop', true) (track: 'firstplane', 'play') ]

“After yesterday she’s still really stressed.” “Overstep,” Jason says. You wonder when the two of you started saying that. Honestly, you can’t remember a time when you didn’t. You vaguely remember your mum telling the two of you to do that whenever she speaks for one of you, without being asked to. She really didn’t want to be one of those mums. If you had been feeling up to it you might have pointed out to Jason that by calling it out he was kind of overstepping himself. Then again the code word's only really for your mum, you and Jason have a better idea of when to keep quiet and when to provide your voices on the other's behalf. “Right, sorry.” She looks away for a moment. She hasn’t overstepped in ages. You suppose [[the circumstances are a little different today]] though.

You’ve suddenly got an idea. All the noise you don’t like could be tuned out by noise you do like, the radio. If Mum’s being as accommodating as she claims, then she might let you turn it on. She’s got all these rules about technology, like no tech before noon on weekends. It’s kind of annoying, but you suppose there are good things about it too. For example you have a lot of time to read. Right now you’re way too distracted and overwhelmed for that though. Perhaps you could get through this without music. "[[Radio]]?" you question. [[Stay quiet]]

Mum seems to think about it as she doesn’t answer for a bit. Jason is watching intently. “I suppose…if you really think that’ll help. Just until breakfast is ready though.” She reachs up to the radio on the shelf and pulls it down. After plugging it in she sets it to the music station you really like, classical. Your grandmother's a pianist and she got Jason and you into classical before you guys could even talk. Jason’s super smiley. He likes music even more than you, so you suppose he must be quite fond of your mum’s decision. [[Continue]] (unless: (track: 'coj', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'coj', 'loop', true) (track: 'coj', 'play') ]

You’re not sure how much longer you can cope. The clock, the sizzling, and the occasional plane passing over. All the sounds are really bothering you. It would be quiet in your room. Maybe Mum would let you wait there until breakfast. [[Ask to go to your room]] [[Remain silent]]

“If you really need to.” You spend several minutes reading in your room. Apart from the odd plane you just hear the birds. It’s far more pleasant in your room. After all, it is the place you feel safest. Eventually you know you’ll have to leave, but for now everything is fine. [[Continue]] (unless: (track: 'room', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'room', 'loop', true) (track: 'room', 'play') ]

Jason goes back to his Lego building efforts and Mum to her cooking. Eventually all the sound becomes too much. You cover your ears as tears stream down your cheeks. Your thoughts are no longer particularly coherent and you aren’t really processing everything that’s going on anymore, it’s all blended together in a foggy mess. The tears turn to sobs and soon you’re tugging on your hair. Mum comes over to you. There’s nothing you can say at this point. “Sweetie.” You’re pretty sure she says a lot more, but that’s all you recognized in your state of distress. A familiar tune enters your ears. Ode to Joy. Jason’s trying to help. He’s playing your favourite song that he knows on the piano. It helps, overpowers all the other noise. It’ll take you some time to come out of this state, but progress has been made. [[Go back to the Episode Menu]] [[Credits]] (unless: (track: 'cojt', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'cojt', 'loop', true) (track: 'cojt', 'play') ]

“Jason, come get your eggs,” Mum says. Jason doesn’t move, at least not towards his breakfast. Instead he continues building whatever spaceship he’s working on. It was like this most mornings. And just as it normally went you were sitting at the table, [[remaining uninvolved]]. He gets really invested in his Lego. You knew from your own attempts that it could be pretty tough to tear him away from it. “Jason!” Mum calls again. “Coming,” he mumbles, not looking at her. (unless: (track: 'withplane', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'withplane', 'loop', true) (track: 'withplane', 'play') ]

A rumbling comes from above, an airplane. You don’t typically mind planes, but the noise is just too much today. “Earth to Shaylin. You okay, sweetie?” Mum could always recognize your discomfort. “Why are you being so nice?” Jason asks. “[[Yeah,]]” you pipe up. (unless: (track: 'firstplane', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'firstplane', 'loop', true) (track: 'firstplane', 'play') ]

Eventually all the sound becomes too much. The sensation from the dress really doesn’t help either. You cover your ears as tears stream down your cheeks. Your thoughts are no longer particularly coherent and you aren’t really processing everything that’s going on anymore, it’s all blended together in a foggy mess. The tears turn to sobs and soon you’re tugging on your hair. Mum comes over to you. There’s nothing you can say at this point. “Sweetie.” You’re pretty sure she says a lot more, but that’s all you recognized in your state of distress. A familiar tune enters your ears. Ode to Joy. Jason’s trying to help. He’s playing your favourite song that he knows on the piano. It helps, overpowers all the other noise. It’ll take you some time to come out of this state, but progress has been made. [[Go back to the Episode Menu]] [[Credits]] (unless: (track: 'cojt', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'cojt', 'loop', true) (track: 'cojt', 'play') ]

“*It’s not online, so it won’t work to argue that you can’t pause.* I want you coming to have breakfast now.” Some time ago she had settled on that weird phrase and claimed it to be a joke, but you never really understood it or found it funny. Your mum had a sense of humour that neither you nor Jason really got. Dad probably didn’t get her jokes either, but he always laughed as though he did. Jason gets up; he knows this is a battle he can’t win. Mum serves him some scrambled eggs and toast. Next thing you know he’s sitting across from you, kicking your feet. After all, he is your little brother. You [[kick him back]].

“Jason, stop kicking your sister,” Mum says. While being kicked isn’t ideal it is part of the routine. It would be rather disconcerting if he suddenly stopped doing it. Knowing Jason something would have to be really wrong for that to happen. Anyway, he wouldn’t do it if you were clearly agitated by it, but you aren’t. Mum telling him not to kick you is also part of the routine. You [[continue waiting]] for your breakfast as Jason eats his.

“Your oatmeal’s ready,” Mum says to you. You always have oatmeal, every morning, unless it’s a special occasion. And you never have eggs, not boiled, scrambled, or fried. You just can’t stand the texture of them no matter how they're prepared. Just thinking about eggs almost makes you gag and you’d surely gag, maybe even throw up, if you put eggs in your mouth. It took a while for mum to understand that and with some foods she still doesn’t get it. Oatmeal on the other hand has a perfect texture and mixing it with mashed banana is the absolute best. You’re sure Jason wouldn’t agree with you though; he’s not a fan of bananas. [[You begin to eat]]

“Good morning,” Dad says. The three of you echo the statement. He yawns as he sits beside you. “What’s with all these planes today?” [[Answer]] [[Let Jason answer]]

“Wildfire by Silver Creek,” you say. “They’re water bombers then? How do you know that? I can’t tell planes apart for the life of me,” he says. “Nathaniel said.” “That kid sure knows his stuff doesn’t he, planes, boats, anything that transports people really. You kids excited to see your cousins soon?” “Yes!” Jason exclaims. You like your relatives, but they can be a little intense; you’re nowhere near as eager as your brother. [[Continue eating]]

“Nathaniel says they’re water bombers going to the Silver Creek fire,” Jason says. You’d both been video chatting with him yesterday and he’d explained all about water bombers. “That kid sure knows his stuff doesn’t he, planes, boats, anything that transports people really. You kids excited to see your cousins soon?” “Yes!” Jason exclaims. You like your relatives, but they can be a little intense; you’re nowhere near as eager as your brother. [[Continue eating]]

-BEEP- -BEEP- -BEEP- -RUMBLE- -BUZZ- -TICK- -TICK- -TICK- timer plane fridge clock Too many sounds! All muddled. You can’t focus. tick tick tick tick tick tick tick tick tick tick tick tick tick tick You need to distract yourself. But stimming…you don’t like doing it in front of Mum. She doesn’t always get it. You want her to be proud of you for being able to handle it all without [[stimming]]. (unless: (track: 'time', 'isplaying'))[ (track: 'time', 'loop', false) (track: 'time', 'play') ]

“Sweetheart, if you put down your spoon then you can move your hands more freely.” Your family therapist has been convincing her to be more welcoming of your stims. And your mum’s clearly noticed your distress. Your mind’s going a mile a minute. Everything’s muddled and your thoughts are starting to lose their coherency. You’re nearing the edge. [[Stim]] [[Don't stim]]

You place your spoon in the bowl a little awkwardly. The second your hands are free you’re doing one of your stims. Your thumb runs along the inner side of your fingers as you make and unmake a fist. The motion relaxes you. You’re blocking out all the crazy input with an input you control. As soon as you’re [[calm]] enough, you stop the motion. You’re still getting used to stimming in front of people. Over the years you’ve developed a sort of shame that goes with it.

Despite your intentions you move your hands in a repetitive motion and the spoon of oatmeal you’d been holding falls to the table. Your thumb runs along the inner side of your fingers as you make and unmake a fist. The motion relaxes you. You’re blocking out all the crazy input with an input you control. As soon as you’re [[calm]] enough, you stop the motion. You’re still getting used to stimming in front of people. Over the years you’ve developed a sort of shame that goes with it. “Sorry,” you apologize for the mess made by dropping the spoon. “Don’t worry about it,” Dad says as he wipes the table with some paper towel.

After everything’s relatively calm again you realize you don’t have any apple juice. In fact there isn’t even a juice container on the table. Perhaps Mum just forgot. She notices where you're staring. “Sorry, sweetheart. We’ve not got any left. I was going to buy some yesterday, but…” she trails off. Picking you up early from school must have meant she didn’t get a chance to buy groceries. Now you feel especially bad. “What about [[water]] or [[soy milk]]?” Dad asks.

Dad pours some water into your glass. It’s wrong. There’s always apple juice at breakfast. For there not to be…Well, it throws everything out of whack. What’s next? Jason no longer kicking you The house burning down You know neither is particularly likely, but it doesn’t change the fact that there not being apple juice for breakfast is wrong. It's something unexpected; it's the unknown. You feel like you’re being immature, but when things are meant to be a certain way and then they aren’t it messes with your mind. It shows you just how little control you have. It makes an already overwhelming world even harder to cope with. You'll never be in control. The world will always have power over you. Even the little things you try your best to maintain in an effort to have just a little control and peace of mind will be taken. [[You sip the water hesitantly]].

Dad pours some soy milk into your glass. After apple juice it’s your favourite drink. Jason thinks it tastes like cardboard, but you don’t understand how. And yet… It’s wrong. There’s always apple juice at breakfast. For there not to be…Well, it throws everything out of whack. What’s next? Jason no longer kicking you The house burning down You know neither is particularly likely, but it doesn’t change the fact that there not being apple juice for breakfast is wrong. It's something unexpected; it's the unknown. You feel like you’re being immature, but when things are meant to be a certain way and then they aren’t it messes with your mind. It shows you just how little control you have. It makes an already overwhelming world even harder to cope with. You'll never be in control. The world will always have power over you. Even the little things you try your best to maintain in an effort to have just a little control and peace of mind will be taken. [[You sip the soy milk hesitantly]].

It's alright. But it's not apple juice. You can cope with it, at least for now. In a moment you'll escape back to your room and then you can calm down in the quiet expected. You'll be alright. [[Go back to the Episode Menu]] [[Credits]]

It's alright. Well, actually it's great. But it's not apple juice. You can cope with it, at least for now. In a moment you'll escape back to your room and then you can calm down in the quiet expected. You'll be alright. [[Go back to the Episode Menu]] [[Credits]]

**Days with Shaylin** Created by Ann Hoffmann Renditions of *Shape of You* and *Ode to Joy* performed by Brian Hoffmann Thank you to my mentor, Loyd Fairweather. Thank you to all beta testers: Lynnea Glasser Loyd Fairweather AspieD.CJZ Anonymous beta tester Kris Thank you to all interviewees: AspieD.CJZ Willow Anonymous interviewee Anonymous interviewee Boston Anonymous interviewee Anonymous interviewee Kris June Anonymous interviewee For more information on this game's developement you can read about it at: <a href="https://dayswithshaylin.wordpress.com/"; target="_blank">https://dayswithshaylin.wordpress.com/</a> Thank you for playing! [[Go back to the Episode Menu]] (unless: (track: 'sy', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'sy', 'loop', true) (track: 'sy', 'play') ]

“Produce or bakery first?” Mum asks. The answer is always produce, but you notice that section’s quite busy. If you had your headphones you could almost certainly handle it, but they still haven't been sent back. Which is more important, you wonder, routine or environment? [[Bakery]] [[Produce]] (unless: (track: 'entrancebakery', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'entrancebakery', 'loop', true) (track: 'entrancebakery', 'play') ]

The baked goods section is quiet, not for you but certainly in comparison with the chaos the produce section looked to be. There are probably less than ten people wandering about. Mum rushes through the different aisles; you and Jason follow slowly behind. Jason pulls you toward a shelf, chocolate bars. He grabs a huge pack of them. That would cost a significant portion of the money in his piggy bank and you know he's saving for a new lego set. Mum definitely wouldn't be willing to buy them, she only lets you guys have sweets if you or Jason purchase them yourselves. [[Provide advice]] [[Don't say anything]]

In mere moments after entering the produce section, which is horribly loud, you’re bumped into by an elderly lady. The noise, light, smells, and touch are all too much. You can’t bear it. Despite Jason’s attempts to calm you [[the sobbing]] begins. Your mind’s too muddled to think coherently. (unless: (track: 'produce', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'produce', 'loop', true) (track: 'produce', 'play') ]

“Do you have money with you?” you ask. He wouldn’t have grabbed it if he didn’t bring money. Still you ask anyways. “Yeah,” he says. “And you really want to spend 25$ on that? That’s a big chunk out of your savings,” you say. “Hmmm…” He’s thinking hard about it. If he buys it, then it’ll take him longer to get the new Lego set he wants. He wouldn’t have even thought about it if you hadn’t mentioned it. He shakes his head and puts it back on the shelf. “Thanks,” he mumbles and the two of you [[go to find your mum]] who’s ended up in one of the inner aisles.

Having Jason with you is very helpful but you’re still rather on edge with all the sensory stuff around. You hardly notice it, but you’ve started stimming with your right hand. Your thumb runs along inner side of your fingers as you make and unmake a fist. The motion relaxes you. You’re blocking out all the crazy input with an input you control. “Mum, can we get chips?” Jason asks. “Are we out?” she asks. “No, but my birthday party’s coming up.” “We’ll be to the store between now and then. Besides you’ll eat them before your birthday party.” [[Point out the sale]] [[Say nothing]]

Having Jason with you is very helpful, but you’re still rather on edge with all the sensory stuff around. You hardly notice it, but you’ve started stimming with your right hand. Your thumb runs along inner side of your fingers as you make and unmake a fist. The motion relaxes you. You’re blocking out all the crazy input with an input you control. “Mum, can we get chips?” Jason asks. “Are we out?” “No, but my birthday party’s coming up.” “We’ll be to the store between now and then. Besides you’ll eat them before your birthday party.” [[Point out the sale]] [[Say nothing]]

“That is a pretty good sale,” Mum says. “Please,” Jason pleads. “I suppose,” Mum says. Jason eagerly grabs the bag. [[Continue shopping]]

“Please, Mum!” Jason whines. “No, we’ll get more chips next week.” [[Continue shopping]]

By the time you guys get to the produce section the crowd’s mostly dispersed. Going around the store the other way has put you even more on edge than normal, but you’re not sure you could have handled the crowd. You hear a familiar tune. [[Listen]] (unless: (track: 'producesy', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'producesy', 'loop', true) (track: 'producesy', 'play') ]

After a moment Mum gestures for the two of you to [[follow her to the till]], the worst place in the store. The tills make a horrid beep, there’s all the talk from the people, and sometimes the bagging can be pretty noisy.

“Awesome!” he exclaims. You see Mum giving you a pleased nod from a nearby aisle. After a moment she gestures for the two of you to [[follow her to the till]], the worst place in the store. The tills make a horrid beep, there’s all the talk from the people, and sometimes the bagging can be pretty noisy.

“Hello, how’s your day been?” the lady asks. She was always around the store on Tuesdays, so, even though you’d never spoken to her she was something of comforting presence. Jason likes her too because she's always asking him about his Lego. “Anything new built?” “I finished the X72 ship yesterday!” Jason beams. “That’s wonderful!” You're pretty sure she doesn’t know anything about the ship, but she's pretty good at humouring Jason. BEEP “Shaylin, you two can already head outside,” Mum suggests. She’s noticed your discomfort and doesn’t want to risk a meltdown. You’re quite certain you can handle the beeping, but it would still be a great relief to get away from all the sounds of the store. [[Leave]] [[Stay]] (unless: (track: 'till', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'till', 'loop', true) (track: 'till', 'play') ]

You lead Jason outside. You can hear the cars outside, but even that is much more pleasant than being at the till. Better yet it’s cloudy day, some might say dreary. The light of outside is subtle and dull, instead of bright like in the store. It’s better for Jason out here too, not so tempted by the candy bars by the tills. Mum will be outside soon as well and then you can all go home and relax. [[Go back to the Episode Menu]] [[Credits]] (unless: (track: 'parkinglot', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'parkinglot', 'loop', true) (track: 'parkinglot', 'play') ]

The beeping is rather uncomfortable, but you’re getting to be far better at coping with it. Now that Jason isn’t holding your hands you’re subtly stimming with both. The motion helps you cope with all the sounds. Perhaps one day they'd do away with the horrid beeping, or at least reduce its volume. After what feels like ages Mum gestures that you’re leaving. With grocery bags in hand the three of you make your way back to the car, a successful trip. [[Go back to the Episode Menu]] [[Credits]]

Later that day after you’re mostly back to your regular self your mum tells you what went on after you stopped processing everything clearly. Your mum, realizing that grocery shopping was definitely not going to be finished in that moment, brought you and Jason back to the car. If she hadn't, then it probably wouldn't have been long before some member of staff asked your family to leave. [[Go back to the Episode Menu]] [[Credits]]

You put your hood on as you mentally prepare yourself for an epic mission. Would it be like one of Hercules' 12 labours or the story of Leonidas I? The hood wouldn’t block out all that much but it does narrow your field of vision and quiet the noise a tiny bit; it’s better than nothing. [[One step]]

You sit in the doorway reading your book, a new mythology book you found at the library. The book’s really good, but you’re on edge. You always spend mornings before class with Ramona, so it’s weird to be without her. -RING!- -RING!- -RING!- School bells have always been rather difficult, loud and unexpected as they are. A teacher, not Mr. Faruqi, opens the door. You, and your peers [[stream through the doorway]]. You don’t like having substitute teachers. They do things differently and you rarely have enough time to figure them out before they’re gone. That’s the only explanation you can think of for the stanger’s presence. (unless: (track: 'schoolbell', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'schoolbell', 'loop', true) (track: 'schoolbell', 'play') ]

[[Another step]]

Step after step the noise grows louder as though you're entering a thunder storm. Just your luck that Ramona’s locker is around all the super social kids. You suppose it could be worse, Ramona could be upset about her locker location as well. You zig zag through the crowd to the locker. As soon as you see it you see her too. She’s laughing with her locker mate, her black curls bouncing. Ramona wasn’t the most social person, but she was always way better with people than you. She always seemed to know what to say and do. Well, really she didn’t know. She didn’t have to; it all came naturally to her. To her the world of social interactions made sense. She smiled when she was supposed to, made excellent eye contact, and always knew when she was getting on someone’s nerves. When she notices you she says something to her locker mate. The words mix into the stew of voices. She pushes through the crowd [[to get to you]]. (unless: (track: 'ramonalocker', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'ramonalocker', 'loop', true) (track: 'ramonalocker', 'play') ]

“Shaylin! Sorry, I lost track of time,” she says, clearly upset. You’re quite sure it’s not with you though. It’s hard to hear and understand her with all the noise. She seems to notice your discomfort with the crowd and pulls you back the way you came. After what feels like a much shorter trek you find that the two of you are at Mr. Faruqi’s classroom. “Again, I’m super sorry.” [[Tell her not to worry about it]] [[Forgive her]] (unless: (track: 'schoolhalltwo', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'schoolhalltwo', 'loop', true) (track: 'schoolhalltwo', 'play') ]

“It’s not your job to wait there for me. You don’t have to be sorry about it,” you say. “As your friend it’s my duty to be there for you. Just like how you always come to my recitals. I don’t want to be a bad friend, so I feel really sorry,” she explains. “You’re the best friend I know of,” you reassure her. “Thanks, you are too.” She grins at you. “You were awesome! You ventured through the kingdom of dragons! Dodging loads of them to get to me! You’re my hero! My prince charming!” Ramona had recently joined theatre. Her flair for the dramatics made her a natural. [[-RING!- -RING!- -RING!-]] (unless: (track: 'schoolbell', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'schoolbell', 'loop', true) (track: 'schoolbell', 'play') ]

“It’s okay, everything turned out alright,” you say. “True, and you were awesome! You ventured through the kingdom of dragons! Dodging loads of them to get to me! You’re my hero! My prince charming!” Ramona had recently joined theatre. Her flair for the dramatics made her a natural. [[-RING!- -RING!- -RING!-]] (unless: (track: 'schoolbell', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'schoolbell', 'loop', true) (track: 'schoolbell', 'play') ]

Ramona squeezes your hand, calming you with the pressure. School bells had always been rather difficult, loud and unexpected as they are. A teacher, not Mr. Faruqi, opens the door. Ramona, you, and your other peers [[stream through the doorway]]. You don’t like having substitute teachers. They do things differently and you rarely have enough time to figure them out before they’re gone. That’s the only explanation you can think of for the stanger’s presence.

“My name is Mr. Keith and I’m going to be your English teacher today and…” he trails off when he sees Sarah with her hand raised. “Yes?” “Why’s Mr. Faruqi not here?” she asks. “Sorry, that’s not something I can share with you guys. I’ve been told that today I’ll be reading from your textbook of short stories and then you'll be doing a quiz on the stories we read. Get your books out and read along,” he says. You do as he says but you recognize quite quickly that your peers aren’t being as quiet as they are for Mr. Faruqi. It’s hard to focus on reading or listening with all the sounds, the buzzy lights certainly don’t help. You see yourself as having four options. [[One, ask to read in the hall]]. [[Two, Put your head on your desk to block out the small sounds]]. [[Three, stim]]. [[Four, flunk the quiz]]. (unless: (track: 'class', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'class', 'loop', true) (track: 'class', 'play') ]

You raise your hand. “Yes, Miss…O’Reilly?” he questions. “Can I read in the hall,” you ask. “Does Mr. Faruqi typically let you read in the hall?” he asks. [[You nod.]]

With your head on your desk you can focus on the words being read. The little sounds are gone; now it’s just the subsitute teacher’s voice. Mr. Faruqi sometimes lets you do this. “Miss…O’Reilly you’ve got to listen to the book. There won’t be any napping in this class.” [[“I am listening,” you say.]] (unless: (track: 'room', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') ]

You bounce your right leg; the controlled input helps you to block all the outside stuff going on that’s distracting you. Max, the mean boy a couple desks away notices. He’s always watching for something to bother you about. “The story freak you out, spaz?” he whispers. *No, you were quite enjoying the story*. “Leave her alone!” Ramona doesn’t whisper. “Quiet, Miss...Jones-” “Max was bothering Shaylin,” she explains. “She was bothering me, with her leg going like that." Max points at [[you]].

Eventually it’s time for the quiz and you find that you can’t answer almost any of the questions. It was hard to really process what was being read with everything else going on; it all got mixed and muddled. The substitute handed your quiz back with an expression you couldn’t really name. He didn’t understand. “You really are retarded, huh?” Max laughs. He was always bothered you and Ramona, mostly you though. The majority of your regular teachers didn’t let him get away with being mean, but he always tries his luck with substitutes. “Shut up!” Ramona shouts. “Indoor voices please,” Mr. Keith says. “Didn’t you hear what he said?” Ramona’s voice is still at an outdoor volume. [[You want to say something too, but you’re too upset to manage much coherency.]]

It's *Shape of You* by Ed Sheeren. You can't really recognize any of the words, but the tune's easy to hear. The song's one of your favourites. There's no way you can contain your excitement at hearing the familiar tune. You flap your hands in joy and Jason, happy about your happiness, dances to the song. Mum grins at the two of you from a couple aisles over. She really loves seeing you guys so happy. Eventually the song ends and you [[take Jason's hand back in yours]].

It’s your turn to pick out the apples; you could pick [[your favourite]] kind or [[Jason’s]]. (unless: (track: 'producesecond', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'producesecond', 'loop', true) (track: 'producesecond', 'play') ]

“You will not speak to me with that tone, young lady. I did hear what he said and while it wasn’t a pleasant thing to say it did not require that response.” Ramona looks blown away. “If he continues teasing his peers then action will be taken, but I'd also recommend that you pay more attention, Miss...O'Reilly.” Hardly a moment later you feel a sting of pain on your arm. You look down and see an elastic on the ground. When you raise your head you notice Max grinning. Ramona saw what had happened as well. And she looks beyond irate. “You ass! Just because Mr. Faruqi isn’t here doesn’t mean you can torment Shaylin, or anyone for that matter! I won’t let you!” Ramona yells. No one’s surprised, Ramona’s pretty easygoing most of the time, but when it comes to defending her friends she’s got quite the temper. Considering [[you’re not always great about standing up for yourself]] your parents are pretty happy you’ve got Ramona.

“Watched your tongue, young lady. I-” “He shot a fucking rubber band at her!” Your parents weren’t always so keen on her language. “Is that true?” He asks you. [[Answer ]]

You find you can’t speak; you’re far too overwhelmed and the pressure of being asked to doesn’t help. “Can’t talk, spaz?” Max asks. Typically Max is only really awful when teachers aren’t around, but everyone can tell that this substitute is being pretty lenient towards him. You don’t understand Max. How could you hurt someone on purpose? You’ve heard before that bullies are often bullied themselves, you wonder if it’s like that for Max. Either way you can’t take this and the teacher isn’t going to help. [[Leave ]] [[Stay ]]

You stand and make your way out of the classroom. Mr. Keith says nothing and Ramona hesitantly remains seated. She knows you prefer her staying in class when you leave. You'd prefer to stay as well, but right now you just want to [[get out of there]]. (unless: (track: 'schoolbell', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') ]

Trying to calm yourself you start stimming without really noticing it, you rock yourself back and forth. Back and forth, back and forth- “Miss O’Reilly, maybe you should go to the nurse or office or…” he trails off. He doesn’t understand and you’re pretty sure he’s at least a little freaked out, which makes you even more upset. But you don’t need to be told twice; you really want to [[get out of there.]] Ramona gets up to follow, but you shake your head. You don’t really want her to joining. Both of you should really be learning.

You find yourself wandering the hall with no known destination. Your thoughts aren’t entirely coherent at this point; you’re far too upset. “Shaylin,” a familiar voice calls out, the librarian. You want to say hi, but… “Let’s get you to the office and figure this all out, okay?” You nod and walk along with her. Eventually you get to the office; she whispers something to the secretary and [[then leaves you sitting there]]. (unless: (track: 'schoolbell', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') ]

You find yourself wandering the hall with no known destination. Your thoughts aren’t entirely coherent at this point; you’re far too upset. “Shaylin,” a familiar voice calls out, the librarian. You want to say hi, but… “Let’s get you to the office and figure this all out, okay?” You nod and walk along with her. Eventually you get to the office she whispers something to the secretary and then [[leaves you sitting there]].

After a long moment the principal comes out to sit with you. She’s a nice lady; her voice kind reminds you of black berries, sweet if you’re on her good side and horribly sour if you upset her. “What’s happened, Shaylin?” she asks, sugar coated blackberries today. She’s concerned. [[How to explain it all…]] (unless: (track: 'clock', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'clock', 'loop', true) (track: 'clock', 'play') ]

After a long moment the principal comes out to sit with you. You've managed to calm down somewhat in that time. She’s a nice lady; her voice kind reminds you of black berries, sweet if you’re on her good side and horribly sour if you upset her. “What’s happened, Shaylin?” she asks, sugar coated blackberries today. She’s concerned. [[How to explain it all… ]] (unless: (track: 'clock', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'clock', 'loop', true) (track: 'clock', 'play') ]

“Max was being mean,” is all you manage to say. “Can you recount what happened with more details?” she asks. “He called me retarded, Ramona defended me, but the sub didn’t do anything. Then Max shot an elastic at me. Ramona got really mad and the teacher asked me if it was true and I panicked and couldn’t talk. Then Max called me a spaz. [[I couldn’t take it so I left.]]” If you'd stayed any longer you probably wouldn't have managed to explain it all so well.

“Max was being mean,” is all you manage to say. “Can you recount what happened with more details?” she asks. “Retarded, shot an elastic, couldn’t talk, spaz, rocking, sub weirded out, said [[go to the office]] or nurse.”

She seems upset, and at first she doesn’t say anything. Clearly she’s thinking hard. “Okay, here’s what’s going to happen. I’m going to act as the grade 10 English teacher until lunch. Max will be getting detention and be required to write a long essay.” [[“Really?” you ask.]]

She seems upset, and at first she doesn’t say anything. Clearly she’s thinking hard. "Did the sub realize what Max had said and done?" You nod. “Okay, here’s what’s going to happen. I’m going to act as the grade 10 English teacher until lunch. Max will be getting detention and be required to write a long essay.” [[“Really?” you ask.]]

“Yes. This school is supposed to be a safe and accepting place. If teachers or students threaten that status and cause or let harm happen, then there are consequences.” All you can think to do is nod. “I’m going to go teach some English and I think it would be best for you to spend some time in the library, and hopefully as a result you’ll be feeling up to your next class.” You nod and she walks you to the library. [[Go back to the Episode Menu]] [[Credits]]

“You can’t listen like that. Either look at me or look at your book. Is that clear?” You can’t do those things and pass the quiz, but you also can’t explain. The pressure to say something is unbearable, leaving you unable to say anything. “She pays attention better her way,” Ramona says, but Mr. Keith ignores her entirely. “Is that clear?” [[You still can’t answer]] and it probably doesn’t help that you’re staring at the floor. You couldn’t look him in the eye before, but now his whole face is too intense; it causes you discomfort. The floor on the other hand is blank and calm. You used to almost always look at the floor, but these days you tend to be pretty good at looking at someone’s nose or eyebrows to make it look like you’re looking them in the eye. (unless: (track: 'class', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'class', 'loop', true) (track: 'class', 'play') ]

“If you can’t pay attention you’ll have to leave.” *But you could your way*. “Go to the office, Miss O’Reilly.” You can tell he’s quite serious. Silently you leave the classroom and [[make your way to the office]].

You sit in one of the chairs and the secretary goes to get Mrs. North. After a moment she comes out and sits next to you. She’s a nice lady; her voice kind reminds you of black berries, sweet if you’re on her good side and horribly sour if you upset her. “What’s happened, Shaylin?” she asks, sugar coated blackberries today. She’s concerned. [[How to explain it all… ]] (unless: (track: 'clock', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'clock', 'loop', true) (track: 'clock', 'play') ]

“I put my head on my desk to focus on the sub reading.” “He didn’t understand?” “Not at all.” “How about we go back to your class and I have a talk with him?” “No.” “He really upset you? Okay, I’ll go talk to him and get your book then you can read either here or in the library for the rest of this block. “Alright.” That sounded pretty much perfect. [[Go back to the Episode Menu]] [[Credits]]

“Her leg’s got nothing to do with you, mine might in a second if you don’t shut your mouth though,” Ramona says. “There won’t be any threats in this classroom. Everyone please be quiet, and Miss…O’Reilly keep your leg still.” “Shaylin’s leg isn’t distracting anyone and it’s helping her focus.” While sometimes you found Ramona spoke for you far too much there were also times like this where you were ever so grateful for her. “Is that true?” he asks you. There’s no way you can explain right now, but you could make an attempt. [[Try to talk]] [[Remain silent ]]

You look like a fish as you try, and fail to find words. “Miss O’Reilly, I expect an answer.” You can’t explain. In this moment you have no words. That happens sometimes and it’s ever so frustrating. “Perhaps you’d like to go to the office.” It wasn’t a threat; it was an admission of his cluelessness. He doesn’t know what to do or how to deal with you. The office sounds very much preferable, so you eagerly take his suggestion and [[escape the classroom]].

You wouldn’t have been able to speak, but you feel a little disappointed in yourself for not even trying. “Miss O’Reilly, I expect an answer.” You can’t explain. In this moment you have no words. That happens sometimes and it’s ever so frustrating. “Perhaps you’d like to go to the office.” It wasn’t a threat; it was an admission of his cluelessness. He doesn’t know what to do or how to deal with you. The office sounds very much preferable, so you eagerly take his suggestion and [[escape the classroom]].

“Shaylin,” a familiar voice calls out, the librarian. You want to say hi, but… “Let’s get you to the office and figure this all out, okay?” You nod and walk along with her. Eventually you get to the office; she whispers something to the secretary and then [[leaves you sitting there. ]] (unless: (track: 'schoolbell', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') ]

After a moment the principal comes out to sit with you. She’s a nice lady; her voice kind reminds you of black berries, sweet if you’re on her good side and horribly sour if you upset her. “What’s happened, Shaylin?” she asks, sugar coated blackberries today. She’s concerned.[[ How to explain it all…]] (unless: (track: 'clock', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'clock', 'loop', true) (track: 'clock', 'play') ]

“Max was being mean,” is all you manage to say. “Can you recount what happened with more details?” she asks. “I was bouncing my leg and he called me spaz and then complained about me. Ramona defended me, and the sub got upset with her. He told me to keep my leg still. Ramona tried to explain for me, because I couldn’t, but then he questioned me. It was one of those moments when I couldn’t talk. He suggested I come here; he seemed pretty clueless.” You're surprised that you managed to be so coherent. Though, you suppose you have had a moment to cool off. And it's not like you managed to avoid sobbing thoughout that explanation. “I’ll have a talk with the sub.” [[“I don’t want to go back there.”]]

“Okay, I’ll talk to him and get your book. Then you can read here or in the library until your next class.” “What about Max?” “I’ll talk to him as well.” “Alright.” [[Go back to the Episode Menu]] [[Credits]]

“He doesn’t,” Max says. That boy’s always causing you trouble with his lies and teasing. “If you don’t regularly get to leave the classroom then you can’t today.” Of course he believes Max. “Max is lying,” Ramona says. Mr. Keith seems clueless as to how to deal with the situation. “Raise your hand if Mr. Faruqi lets Miss O’Reilly read in the hall.” All but Max raise their hands. “[[You may go]]. I'll call you in for the quiz.”

“Jason! Hurry up,” you say. Mum had decided that the two of you were too full of energy. So, now you were both stuck outside, together. Considering your family didn’t really have a yard you’d both decided that heading to the park was preferable. It was the one thing you’d managed to agree on today. “Why are you running?” Jason asks. “[[The cars are too loud. I want to be away from the road]],” you explain. Jason doesn’t say anything, but he speeds up significantly. Even when he’s upset with you he still tries to be a good brother. Really you could put on your noise-cancelling headphones; they are in your bag. You don’t feel like you need them today though. (unless: (track: 'road', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'road', 'loop', true) (track: 'road', 'play') ]

Before long you’ve reached the park. The grass is a lovely green and the leaves of the giant trees are dancing in the breeze. You can hardly hear the road from here. It’s the perfect sort of day for the outdoors; the sun’s not shining in your eyes, and it’s also not too chilly. The lack of sunshine means that the park's pretty empty, which is always good. Despite all of that, you’d probably have stayed inside reading today. “If you hadn’t taken my Lego we’d still be happy inside,” Jason mutters. “[[If you hadn’t been annoying me I wouldn’t have done that]],” you say. (unless: (track: 'park', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'park', 'loop', true) (track: 'park', 'play') ]

“You’re the annoying one!” “Nope, you’re the younger sibling, so you are.” “Am not!” “You’re immature too.” “Says the girl that reads kids book.” “[[Dude, you play with Lego]].” You actually think Lego is pretty cool, but admitting that wouldn't get a rise out of him.

“Lego is a mature activity! You're just saying that because you can’t even build a lego house.” “I can, I choose not to.” “You should, it’s fun.” As soon as he could play with Lego he was trying to convince you to join him. “[[Maybe]].”

For a moment Jason remains silent. He's thinking about something. “Do you think we’d get along better if we were closer in age?” “It’s only a four year difference. Josie’s got a brother that’s nine years older,” you say. “Race to the oak!” Jason calls out as he starts running. You do the same even though you know you can’t beat him. First of all he has a head start, and secondly he’s way faster than you. It’s still fun though. Besides you’re not competitive like him anyways. He’s within reach. You could just [[keep running]] or you could [[give him a slight push]].

A moment before you reach the tree -BAM- you hit the ground. Your foot got caught on a root. The impact's left you kind of dazed, but you know you didn't hurt your head. "You okay?" Jason asks. You nod. As you move to get up you hear a CRACK. Your headphones, you fell on them. Quickly you open the bag; there's a crack in one of the parts that go over your ears. You press the button. It doesn't turn on. "Your leg's bleeding quite a bit," Jason says. You look down and see he's right. It's not a dangerous amount of blood, but the cut could definitely use a bandage. [["We should head back home."]]

Instead of regaining his balance and continuing to run he shoves you back. The two of you fall into the grass as you pull him down with you. You try to kick him off, but he avoids it. You can see him making the face he does when he's about to spit. You quickly roll the both of you over so that -CRACK- Both of you stare at your bag. It's just your headphones in the bag; that's the only thing that could have broken. [[You open the flap]].

The headphones look fine, but nothing else could have made that sound. Hesitantly you put them over your ears. "What if they electrocute you!" It's not a question. He's just worried. "They won't." You press the button, but nothing happens. There's enough noise that there should be a change. They're broken. "I'm sorry!" Jason exclaims. "[[It's my fault too]]."

"What will we do?" He seems far more freaked out than you, despite the fact you're the one that relies on them. "We've got to tell Mum." "But she'll be super angry! They're really expensive aren't they?" "[[Maybe they can be repaired]]," you suggest.

"I'm really, really, really super sorry." Jason follows you down the sidewalk, his head hung low. "Stop apologizing. I'm more at fault than you." "I feel bad though." "It'll be okay." [[You grab his hand]]. (unless: (track: 'road', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'road', 'loop', true) (track: 'road', 'play') ]

When you reach your doorstep neither you nor your brother reach for the doorknob. After a moment [[Jason reaches towards the door]]. -Crrreeeaakkkk-

"We broke my headphones. We were roughhousing and..." you trail off. Mum looks up at the both of you. She sighs. "Let me have a look." Both of you walk over and you hand the headphones to her. She examines them. "They look fine on the outside." She presses the button and they show no sign of being on, not even the tiny light. Mum seems to be pondering options. "I can send them in to be fixed. It might take some time to get them back though." "[[I can cope]]," you say.

"We," Jason corrects. "We broke my headphones. We were roughhousing and..." you trail off. Mum looks up at the both of you. She sighs. "Let me have a look." Both of you walk over and you hand the headphones to her. She examines them. "They look fine on the outside." She presses the button and they show no sign of being on, not even the tiny light. Mum seems to be pondering options. "I can send them in to be fixed. It might take some time to get them back though." "[[I can cope]]," you say.

"Hey! I'm really sorry and all, but you yourself said that you're more at fault than me!" Jason is undoubtedly quite upset. You feel bad for trying to blame him. "Sorry," you mumble. "Shaylin, you're the older sibling. You need be more mature." Jason sticks his tongue out at you. "Jason, I want you to be mature as well." "Sorry," you and Jason say in unison. "I can get them repaired, but you guys need to be more careful, understood?" "Yes," you both say. [[Go back to the Episode Menu]] [[Credits]]

"Well, we've not got another option. If school gets too tough tomorrow you should call home, okay?" "Okay." You look at Jason, but he's still looking at the ground. You grab his hand again. He looks at you, then Mum, who's still analyzing the headphones. "Sorry," he says to Mum. You echo him. "I want you two to be more careful in the future." "We understand," you say. [[Go back to the Episode Menu]] [[Credits]]

"Do you think Mum will be really mad about the headpones?" you ask as the two of you walk along the side walk. "Probably will be more worried about your leg." "True." "Sorry, I wasn't thinking about your headphones." [["That's fine, I wasn't either."]] (unless: (track: 'road', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'road', 'loop', true) (track: 'road', 'play') ]

When you get back home neither of you go to open the door. Even though Mum will probably be more worried than mad neither of you want to get in trouble. After some hesitation [[Jason opens the door]]. -Crrreeeaakkkk-

"Let's get you cleaned up." You sit down and she goes to retrieve the first aid kit. When she returns you decide that it's probably a good time to bring up the headphones. [["When I fell my headphones broke."]]

[[Saturday]]

[[Thursday]]

[[Monday]]

[[Friday]]

road: ./audio/road.mp3 park: ./audio/birds.mp3 room: ./audio/birds.mp3 beforeplane: ./audio/beforeplane.mp3 withplane: ./audio/withplane.mp3 firstplane: ./audio/firstplane.mp3 schoolhall: ./audio/schoolhall.mp3 schoolhalltwo: ./audio/schoolhall2.mp3 ramonalocker: ./audio/ramonalocker.mp3 schoolbell: ./audio/bell.mp3 class: ./audio/class.mp3 parkinglot: ./audio/parkinglot.mp3 entrancebakery: ./audio/entrancebakery.mp3 produce: ./audio/produce.mp3 producesecond: ./audio/producesecond.mp3 till: ./audio/till.mp3 coj:./audio/coj.mp3 cojt:./audio/cojt.mp3 oj: ./audio/oj.mp3 sy: ./audio/sy.mp3 producesy: ./audio/producesy.mp3 clock: ./audio/clock.mp3 time: ./audio/time.mp3

Mum's sitting on the couch, probably writing an email or something. "Did you guys have some fun?" she asks, not looking up. "Shaylin fell," Jason says. [[You pull your skirt up a little]], so that Mum can better see your leg. (unless: (track: 'clock', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'clock', 'loop', true) (track: 'clock', 'play') ]

Mum's sitting on the couch, probably writing an email or something. "Did you guys have some fun?" she asks, not looking up. [["We broke-"]] [["I broke-"]] [["Jason broke-"]] (unless: (track: 'clock', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'clock', 'loop', true) (track: 'clock', 'play') ]

You take your book and go and sit against the lockers, reading in peace. [[Go back to the Episode Menu]] [[Credits]] (unless: (track: 'room', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') ]

As you [[enter the store]] your senses are immediately bombarded. Endless scents and sounds surround you. The rattling of grocery carts, beeping of tills, numerous conversations going on, it’s all a lot. (unless: (track: 'entrancebakery', 'isplaying'))[ (group: 'playing', 'stop') (track: 'entrancebakery', 'loop', true) (track: 'entrancebakery', 'play') ]

"We'll deal with your leg and then that, okay?" "You're not mad?" you ask. "You should be more careful, but accidents happen. You may need to wait a while for them to be repaired though. Can you handle that?" "I'll try my best," you say. "It'll be alright." She smiles at you and Jason. [[Go back to the Episode Menu]] [[Credits]]

Footsteps That means Dad’s up. Dad’s typically up later on weekends; he’s a night owl. Jason and Mum are both early birds. And you, well… [[You’re an early bird]] [[You’re a night owl]] [[You wouldn’t really label yourself as either]]