You approach James, and let him know who you are. You tell him that you want to talk about how he's feeling.\n\n"I know what you're worried about, and just... I need to be left alone for a while. I just need time to myself."\n\n\n\n\n[[Acknowledge his request, but insist he speak with you| JamesFail1]]\n\n[[Nod and agree to leave him alone| JamesSuccess1]]

This is a story about Death.\n\n\n[[Play. | intro]]

You knock on Max's door. There's no answer.\n\n\n\n\n\n[[Knock Again.| MaxVisit 2]]\n\n[[Wait a moment.| MaxVisit 2a]]

Max Atolla was Edna's groundskeeper. Not only was Edna her employer, but also a companion, as he had been working with her for ten years and had gone beyond his duties to also keep her company. With her death comes both a vacancy of death and employment, putting him both emotionally and financially at risk.\n\n\n\n\n<<if $Max is "Alive">>\n[[Visit Max| Maxvisit1]]<<endif>>\n\n[[Return| OfficeHub]]

\n"Thanks, I'm glad you think so. You're off, then?"\n\nYou let her know there's always more work at the office. She smiles.\n\n"Yea, I know how that can be. Take care."\n\n\n\n<<set $Kyla to "Dead">>\n<<set $Completed += 1>>\n\n[[Return | OfficeHub]]

\nJames offers a small smile. \n"Thank you. I know you know nothing about me... no one really did, except for ma. Whenever I was upset with my parents, she'd tell me to just work on my art. So that's what I'm going to do now, what she'd want me to do."\n\n\n<<set $James to "Complete">>\n\n<<set $Completed += 1>>\n\n[[Return to the Office| OfficeHub]]

\n\n"Oh, I will."\n\nYou ask if she needs your card.\n\n"No, no, I know the office number. Worst comes to worst, I'll look it up. I really have to be going, but thank you for stopping by."\n\nYou offer her a smile as you leave.\n\n<<Set $Kyla to "Dead">>\n<<set $Completed += 1>>\n\n[[Return| OfficeHub]]

\n"I'm still not super comfortable talking about it in person. It almost feels like a phase, you know?"\n\nYou nod but gesture for her to continue anyway.\n\n"Well, it sort of just seems like an old phase or a dream, it's not like... real, you know?"\n\n\n\n[[Tell her that's a good sign| Kylavisit4a]]

James Midreck is Edna's grandson. He's an artist, currently unemployed but financially stable based on his savings. According to the report, his parents did not approve of his career choice, but it was Edna's encouragement that helped him become successful. Without her as a presence in his life, he may not be able to work as well, and no longer has a family member that supports what he does.\n\n\n\n\n<<if $James is "Alive">>\n[[Visit James| Jamesvisit1]]<<endif>>\n\n[[Return| OfficeHub]]

Hello.\n\nYou have been contracted by the State to be a specially-appointed grief counselor for this town. Towns don't normally have state-appointed grief counselors, but this one does. This town is currently in the middle of a suicide epidemic. Whenever anyone here dies, it seems that people across the town are affected so much by it, that they in turn take their own life.\n\nThe last person in this position quit, citing "personal emotional safety" as the issue.\n\n\n[[Continue.| Intro1]]

You wait a moment.\n\nFrom inside the house you hear shouting and stomping. You can't make out much, but you can distinctly hear "I don't want anyone to see me like this, they gotta go."\n\n\n\n\n[[Knock Again| MaxVisit 2]]

\n\nRecently, an elderly woman named Edna Midreck passed away. So far, no one has died in reaction to the news, but there are a handful of people in town that are suspected to. We would like you to meet with each of these people and try to work with them, and try to pull them out of a state of crisis. \n\nPlease do not worry about the legality of this, you will not be held legally accountable for any outcome in this situation. You are simply here as an effort to mitigate this epidemic.\n\nCase files on each of these townspeople have been left in your office, I suggest you read over them before meeting with the patient in person.\n\n\n[[Proceed to your office.| OfficeHub]]\n\n<<set $Max to "Alive">>\n<<set $Rita to "Alive">>\n<<set $James to "Alive">>\n<<set $Kyla to "Alive">>\n<<set $Completed to 0>>

"NO!" He shouts. "I'm... I'm comin..."\n\nMax opens the door and struggles to stand straight in front of you. He pushes past you, gets into his car, and drives away, taking out his mailbox along the way.\n\nYou phone the police.\n\n\n<<set $Max to "Dead">>\n<<set $Completed += 1>>\n\n[[Return| OfficeHub]]

You leave and return to your office to prepare some paperwork.\n\n\nA couple hours later, your return to the house and knock. There's no answer. You knock a few more times, still with no answer.\n\nYou decide to return to your office and phone the police, just in case.\n\n<<set $Max to "Dead">>\n<<set $Completed += 1>>\n\n[[Return| OfficeHub]]

Death Watch

Kyle LaBonte\n

\n"You think so? I don't know if that's comforting, or... awful. I mean, I felt alone as an artist, and now I'm alone in how I feel?"\n\n\nYou try to backtrack a little.\n\n\n\n[[Tell him that his artist's heart can help him relate to others better, that's all you meant| JamesFail4a]]\n\n[[Tell him that just because you feel that way, doesn't mean it's the reality of the situation| JamesFail4]]

"I'M COMING! I'M COMING DAMMIT!"\n\nA disheveled older man you presume to be Max answers the door. You introduce yourself and explain your reason for being there.\n\n"Fuck off." Max replies just before slamming the door shut.\n\n\n\n\n[[Wait a moment and knock again| MaxVisit3]]\n\n[[Decide to return to the office and come back later| MaxFail1]]

\n\n"I don't right now, but I'll take your card, this way I can keep in touch."\n\n\nYou ask her to please call her within the week, just to check up.\n\n"Absolutely! Thank you for stopping by."\n\n<<set $Kyla to "Complete">>\n<<set $Completed += 1>>\n\n[[Return| OfficeHub]]

You visit Kyla's apartment. You introduce yourself and tell her why you're here.\n\n"I figured someone like you would be stopping by soon."\n\nYou ask why she would think that.\n\n"I know my own medical record and I know what goes on this town, it makes sense."\n\nYou ask to come in, and you both sit down in her living room.\n\n\n\n[[You ask how she's doing| Kylavisit2]]

"Alright. Sit down, at least."\n\nYou take a seat and ask about how he's feeling.\n\n"Well I'm in pieces, obviously. I loved my 'ma and sometimes it felt like she was the only person who loved me. And now... now that's gone. How else am I supposed to feel?"\n\n\n\n\n[[You tell him that his feelings are valid no matter what they are| JamesFail3]]\n\n[[You tell him that his relationship was unique and that you're sure it has affected him most of all| JamesFail3a]]

\nYou insist you stay for a little while, if only to make sure he's stable.\n\n\n"Listen, I'm not going to make you leave, but I swear I'm fine on my own."\n\n\n\n\n[[Agree that you think he'll be okay, but tell him you still need to stay to record his stability| JamesFail2]]\n\n[[Agree that you think he'll be okay, and leave for the office instead| JamesSuccess1]]

"Honestly? Not great. Edna was a saint, you know? A real special woman, and now she's gone. Granted, I knew she was on her way out, but still."\n\n\nYou ask her if she's been experiencing any depression symptoms.\n\n"It's hard to tell. There's a lot of overlap, you know, between greiving and depression."\n\n\n[[Ask more about her relationship to Edna| Kylavisit3]]\n\n[[Ask more about her mental illness| Kylavisit3a]]

\n"I haven't been back to work, to be honest. Sometimes you just need a break."\n\n\nYou agree, but ask if maybe it's the depression keeping her from work.\n\n"Who's to say? I'm in greiving, you know?"\n\nYou mention that greif this severe isn't typical for employees in this situation.\n\n"I know, but given my situation, I'm sure you know I have my reasons."\n\nShe is silent for a moment and checks her watch.\n\n"Oh, I'm sorry, I have somewhere I need to be. Is there anything else we need to do?"\n\n\n[[Offer to set up more counselor meetings with Kyla| Kylasuccess2]]\n\n[[Let her know there's nothing necessary, but reach out if she wants to| Kylafail2]]

"Alright, I get it. My feelings are mine, the world is different, so on and so forth. Listen, I appreciate the concern, but can you please leave me alone?"\n\n\n\n\n<<set $James to "Dead">>\n<<set $Completed += 1>>\n[[Leave Him Alone| OfficeHub]]

Kyla Arnett was Edna's visiting nurse. She hasn't worked for her for very long, but while caring for Edna, Kyla's grandmother passed away. It's possible that for Kyla, Edna became a sort of "replacement" in her mind. It's noted in the report that previous to becoming a nurse, Kyla had suffered from depression severe enough to be hospitalized. While it's possible that her becoming a nurse was a sign of overcoming her illness, it's possible that a loss like this may trigger symptoms that are in remission.\n\n\n\n\n<<if $Kyla is "Alive">>\n[[Visit Kyla| Kylavisit1]]<<endif>>\n\n[[Return| OfficeHub]]

Rita Fidelis was a life-long friend of Edna. After both of their husbands passed, they relied more heavily on one another for emotional and social support. The report notes that they were virtually inseparable, to the extent that some people thought them lovers later in life. With Edna's passing and Rita's old age, it's likely difficult for Rita to see a reason to keep on living.\n\n\n\n\n<<if $Rita is "Alive">>\n[[Visit Rita| Ritavisit1]]<<endif>>\n\n[[Return| OfficeHub]]

\n"Well, telling me they're valid no matter what doesn't really make them feel valid. I mean, what if I said 'good riddance, I wanted her to die,' would that be valid?"\n\n\n\n\n[[It would be valid because you'd feel that for real, you say| JamesFail4]]\n\n

"You don't think I know that? You know what? I've had about enough of you talkin' down to me. You can see yourself the fuck out."\n\nYou let Max know you'll still be available if he needs you, for anything, and leave your card.\n\n\n<<set $Max to "Dead">>\n<<set $Completed += 1>>\n\n[[Return| OfficeHub]]

\nThank you for playing.\n\n\nI know this game had a heavy topic and sort of took it and condensed it in a way that could be seen as insensitive, but I wanted to convey how people deal with grief and suicidal ideation differently.\n\n\nMax was stubborn and angry and tried hiding his emotions with alcohol and anger, but needed someone to push through that and support him.\n\nJames needed to be left to his own devices. Sometimes people have very personal ways of coping with things, and sometimes talking about one's feelings isn't always the answer.\n\nKyla needed support, and to be questioned even if it seemed like she had a handle on things. Some of the people most at risk for suicide are those who appear outwardly well, and sometimes it helps to offer support even to those who don't seem to need it.\n\n\n\nRemember, if you ever have thoughts of suicide or self harm, the suicide prevention hotline is 1 (800) 273-8255.

"Listen, I know you must have some sort of file on me... You have to know my gran passed while I was taking care of Edna."\n\nKyla remains silent for a moment.\n\n"Edna wasn't- I didn't think of her like a family member. Not even after that. But she was a kind soul and she did help me through what I was going through."\n\nYou say that it seems like the relationship was mutually benefitting.\n\n"In a way, yea."\n\n\n[[Ask how work has been without Edna| Kylavisit4]]\n\n\n[[Ask if she'll be okay without Edna's support| Kylavisit4a]]

There are three files on the table, each labelled with a name.\n\n\n\n[[Read About Max Atolla| MaxDescription]]\n\n[[Read About James Midreck| JamesDescription]]\n\n[[Read About Kyla Arnett| KylaDescription]]\n\n<<if $Completed is 3>>\n[[Your work here is done| EndResult]]<<endif>>

\n\n"You'd do that for me?"\n\n\nYou let him know it's within your abilities as a councilor.\n\n"Hmm, official help. Not a hand out, though?"\n\nYou assure him that it's not a free job.\n\n"Alright. I'll come by your office later this week." He says, with a clear voice.\n\n\n<<set $Max to "Complete">>\n<<set $Completed += 1>>\n\n[[Return| OfficeHub]]

\n"Yea, yea I know. I'm not a kid y'know, it's just... she was a constant. Now she's not. Things are so uncertain now."\n\nYou ask him if his finances make him feel uncertain as well.\n\n"Well... if I'm being honest, yea, yea they are. Edna was a great pal but I need to look after myself too, you know?"\n\n\n\n[[Let Max know you'll help him find other employment| MaxVisit7]]\n\n[[Tell Max that there's more to life than work| MaxFail3]]

Max opens the door.\n\nYou both walk into his kitchen and sit at his dining table. The room smells heavily of alcohol.\n\n"I'm... I'm sorry. I shouldn't be acting like this."\n\nYou tell Max it's okay.\n\n"It's not- It's not like we were lovers or nothin, me and Edna. We were just pals, but... It's like whatever happened, she was there. I was there for her too, when mister Midreck passed."\n\n\n[[You tell him that her passing doesn't diminish the past. | MaxVisit6]]

You hear glass break from inside the house.\n\n"Please," Max wails "I can't..."\n\n\n\n[[You offer to come inside and just sit with him.| MaxVisit5]]\n\n[[You tell him you're calling an ambulance to help him.| MaxFail2]]

You hear shouting and screaming from inside the house.\n\nA few minutes go by, and you hear choking sobs from just within the house.\n\n\n\n\n[[Leave, setting a reminder to return in a few hours.| MaxFail1]]\n\n[[Knock again, softly.| MaxVisit4]]

\n\n"Do you really think I need that?"\n\nYou reply that you're not sure, but you're not willing to risk it.\n\n"I... That makes sense. I'll come, even if it's a formality."\n\nYou smile and hand her your card, and request she call you by the end of the following day.\n\n"Absolutely. I know how important it is to stay on schedule with jobs like yours."\n\nShe escorts you out.\n\n<<set $Kyla to "Complete">>\n<<set $Completed += 1>>\n\n[[Return| OfficeHub]]

\n\nAt the end of the week, you're given an update on your clients.\n\nMAX:\n\n<<if $Max is "Complete">>It seems like your perserverence paid off with Max. He has met with an employment agency and has begun temp work while waiting for what he calls a "real job," in the letter he hand-penned to you. It seems like what he needed most was a place to go to.\n<<else>>Max unfortunatelly passed away in a car accident. It's believed he was heavily influenced by alcohol, and that his crash may have been intentional. Luckily, no one else was harmed.<<endif>>\n\n\nJAMES:\n\n<<if $James is "Complete">>James showed up to the office a few days after your meeting to assure us that he was alright, and to also inform us that he was moving. He stated that he needed a new community and a fresh start to help his art, but that he will be alright. He left contact information for further follow up.<<else>>James took his life a day after your meeting with him. He left a note saying that no one- not even his family- will ever understand him, and that there's no use in staying around.<<endif>>\n\n\nKYLA:\n\n<<if $Kyla is "Complete">>Kyla has been to our office once since your meeting, and has since begun seeing a regular therapist. She stated she's still unsure if she's in an episode of depression, but decided it's best to at least have support until she felt more certain and stable.<<else>>Kyla has gone missing. We received a report that she had not shown up for work at all this week, and a police visit to her apartment shows that she hasn't returned to it, despite leaving it filed with her belongings. Her whereabouts or the state of her health is unknown.<<endif>>\n\n\n\n[[Continue| EndState]]

\n\n"Edna helped me with a lot of my depressive episodes, you know? Sometimes having someone to take care of is what you really need. So even beyond her being so kind, just having her as someone to care for sort of helped me, too."\n\nYou tell her that's a very healthy way of looking at it.\n\n"Well, it's just my way, I'm not really sure if it's the healthy way or not."\n\n\n\n[[Ask if she needs anything from your services| Kylasuccess1]]\n\n\n[[Tell her you think she's fine to handle herself| Kylefail1]]

"Well, this 'artist's heart' is alone now. Look, I know you're here to help, but I really would rather be alone now. Please."\n\n\n\n<<set $James to "Dead">>\n<<set $Completed += 1>>\n[[Leave him alone.| OfficeHub]]