Crestfallen

Your browser lacks required capabilities. Please upgrade it or switch to another to continue.

Loading…

<img src="Crestfallen Logo/Crestfallen Logo [Small].png"> <center>[[Start|Home 1]]</center> <<set $scene_progress to 1>>

<<if $scene_progress is 1>> <<audio "music" loop play>> I love my daughter to the moon and back. [[And now, she's actually going to the moon.|Home 1][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 2>> "You sure you want to help dig through this, Mom?" Wanda asked, putting her hand on the doorknob. "There's a lot of stuff." "Of course I'll help, sweetie," I said, smiling. I walked forward and put a hand on her cheek. "My sweet star. [[I can't believe you're all grown up.|Home 1][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 3>> Mooom," Wanda fake-growned, laughing. "Stooop." "Alright," I said teasingly, letting go of her. "Ok." Wanda smiled. She puffed out her chest dramatically. "Let's do this!" [[She opened the door, and we entered her room.|Home 1-2][$scene_progress += 1]] <<endif>>

<<if $scene_progress is 1>> "[[No!|Flashback 1][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 2>> Wanda folded her arms across her chest, giving me a heavy, pouty look. Her Mars Rover shoes were still untied, and it seemed she wanted them to stay that way. I wanted to laugh at her adorably stubborn face, but [[I forced myself to maintain a flat expression.|Flashback 1][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 3>> "Now sweetheart, you have to tie your shoes for us to walk," I said patiently, pointing at my own laces. "Do you want me to show you how to do it?" "But I don't wanna, Mommy!" Wanda cried, frowning. "Can I not tie my shoes today? [[Please?|Flashback 1][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 4>> I sighed. This was the sixth time she had asked this. Usually she would have relented by now, but my daughter was proving to be quite stubborn. [[Well. . .|Flashback 1][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 5>> [[Let her do it--she might have to learn her lesson the hard way.|Flashback 1][$scene_progress += 1; $choice_1 = true]] | [[Insist she tie her shoes.|Flashback 1][$scene_progress += 1; $choice_2 = true]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 6 and $choice_1 is true>> I sighed. "If that's what you want," I said slowly, "I suppose I can't stop you." Wanda's eyes lit up. "But," I added, "you're more likely to trip when your laces are untied. Wanda had already stood up and ran to the door. "C'mon Mom, let's go!" she said. I sighed, and obliged her, [[grabbing the soccer ball as we left.|Flashback 1][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 7 and $choice_1 is true>> As we walked to the park, it happened. Wanda stepped on her laces and tripped. I was able to catch her before she hit the ground, [[thankfully|Flashback 1][$scene_progress += 1]]. <<elseif $scene_progress is 8 and $choice_1 is true>> "That's what happen when we don't tie our laces," I said firmly. "Understand?" She nodded, and [[a minute later, her shoes were all tied|Flashback 1][$scene_progress += 1]]. <<elseif $scene_progress is 9 and $choice_1 is true>> Wanda seemed thoughtful as we finished our journey to the park. But when we got there and she saw our bench, her eyes lit up with that familiar look, and she ran to it. I laughed. "Alright sweetie, go play," I said, smiling. "[[We can watch the sun set soon.|Flashback 1][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 10 and $choice_1 is true>> She played with the soccer ball, and when it was time, I called her over. We watched the sun set down over the horizon, bringing blues and purples into the sky, hints of the night to come. Wanda snuggled next to me as we watched. [[I put my arm around her with a smile.|Home 2][$scene_progress = 1; $choice_1 = false]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 6 and $choice_2 is true>> "Sorry sweetie," I said, shaking my head. "[[We don't leave unless you tie your shoes are tied.|Flashback 1][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 7 and $choice_2 is true>> After three more attempts, I finally got her to do it. I breathed a silent sigh of relief as she pulled the laces through, and stood up from the ground, grabbing the soccer ball. "Alright. [[Let's go for our walk!|Flashback 1][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 8 and $choice_2 is true>> She was pouty the whole way there--wouldn't talk to me at all. But once we reached the park, I saw Wanda's eyes light up, and she dashed over to our bench. I laughed. "Alright sweetie, go play," I said, smiling. "[[We can watch the sun set soon.|Flashback 1][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 9 and $choice_2 is true>> She played with the soccer ball, and when it was time, I called her over. We watched the sun set down over the horizon, bringing blues and purples into the sky, hints of the night to come. [[Wanda snuggled next to me as we watched.|Home 2][$scene_progress = 1; $choice_2 = false]] <<endif>>

<<if $scene_progress is 1>> "Mom? Moooom, hello!" I jumped back into the present, blinking. "[[Yes, dear?|Home 2][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 2>> "Which one do you think I should bring?" Wanda asked, showing me her soccer shoes. "The red pair, or the black pair?" [[Hmm. . .|Home 2][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 3>> [[The red pair.|Home 2][$scene_progress += 1; $shoe_pair = "red"]] | [[The black pair.|Home 2][$scene_progress += 1; $shoe_pair = "black"]] | [[Why not bring both?|Home 2][$scene_progress += 1; $shoe_pair = "both"]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 4 and $shoe_pair is "red">> "The red pair," I said. "Alrighty." Wanda put down the red shoes and [[placed the red set into her suitcase.|Home 2][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 4 and $shoe_pair is "black">> "The black pair," I said. "Alrighty." Wanda put down the black shoes and [[placed the black set into her suitcase.|Home 2][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 4 and $shoe_pair is "both">> "That way, if one gets dirty, you have the other one," I suggested." Wanda shrugged. "Yeah, that's true." She stuffed the two shoes into her suitcase. "Alright. [[Now that those are out of the way. . .|Home 2][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 5>> She dove back inside the closet, pulling out old pairs of shoes and tossing them into the garbage bag. Then, unexpectedly, she came up with an old pack of pads. I couldn't help but laugh. "[[Why are those in there, Wanda?|Home 2][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 6>> She shrugged. "I put some in here for when I needed them right away? That was back when we put the pads in the basement, and didn't store them upstairs." "That was a long time ago," I said, chuckling. "Yeah." Wanda grinned. "[[It's good to have them now, though.|Home 2][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 7>> She threw it in her suitcase. I looked over at the pads--[[they were even the same brand from back then. . .|Flashback 2][$scene_progress = 1]] <<endif>>

<<if $scene_progress is 1>> When I was a kid, my mother bought me a book called "Your Body Is Changing", handed it to me without explaining anything, and expected me to know what puberty held. If there was one thing I learned from the experience, it was that I did not want to do that [[to my daughter.|Flashback 2][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 2>> So, one Saturday morning, I told her we were going to have a special Mother-Daughter Day, just the two of us, because there were some big changes coming pretty soon. "[[What kind of changes?|Flashback 2][$scene_progress += 1]]" Wanda asked as the two of us sat down on the couch together. <<elseif $scene_progress is 3>> "Well, your body is going to be changing soon," I explained to her. "As you get older, your body has to make changes to become a more grown-up body for you. It's a process we call 'puberty'. And since you're going through puberty, we're going to have to make some changes in the house, too." "[[Like what?|Flashback 2][$scene_progress += 1]]" Wanda asked. <<elseif $scene_progress is 4>> "Well. . ." I idly ran my hands through her hair, making a french braid as I talked. "Do you know how I can be in pain sometimes, right at the beginning of the month. That's because girls get something called a "period" that hurts their stomach." Wanda wrinkled her nose. "So why would I want that?" I laughed. "Well, it makes it so girls can have babies when they're older. You'll probably learn more about it in class. But I want you to learn about it from me, [[so we can go through it together.|Flashback 2][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 5>> Wanda frowned. "So what else does a period do?" "It basically makes your underwear bleed," I explained, "so that the womb, where the baby is, can get cleaner." "Eeeew!" she exclaimed, scrunching her nose. "That's gross!" I figured she'd react like this--I knew by now that my little girl hated [[the sight of blood|Flashback 2][$scene_progress += 1]]. <<elseif $scene_progress is 6>> "Well, it's what a period is," I said. "But what if I don't want a period?" Wanda asked. She sounded angry. "Well, all girls get them." "But I don't wanna!" She started crying now, which flustered me--I hadn't anticipated she'd react so strongly. "I don't want to bleed!" [[What do say next . . .?|Flashback 2][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 7>> [[It's ok, there there.|Flashback 2][$scene_progress += 1; $choice_1 = true]] | [[Sorry, but you're getting one, sweetheart.|Flashback 2][$scene_progress += 1; $choice_2 = true]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 8 and $choice_1 is true>> I put an arm around her an smooched my daughter's forehead. "[[There there, it's alright, sweetheart.|Flashback 2][$scene_progress += 1]]" I said. <<elseif $scene_progress is 8 and $choice_2 is true>> I put my arm around my daughter, letting her cry. "I'm sorry, sweetheart," I said. "This is just part of life. [[Sometimes you get things you don't want.|Flashback 2][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 9>> I let her cry in my arms for as long as she needed. Then she wiped her tears, sniffing, and [[looked up at me|Flashback 2][$scene_progress += 1]]. <<elseif $scene_progress is 10>> "Can't I just skip puberty?" she asked me. I laughed. "Well, we'll have to see about that. But if you don't go through puberty, you can't get my present." Wanda turned to me. "There's presents?!" I nodded. I reached into my pocket, and handed her the little jewlery box. "[[Open it.|Flashback 2-2][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<endif>>

<<if $scene_progress is 1>> [[And she had grown up to be quite the young lady.|Home 3][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 2>> "I wonder what the gravity's like up there," she said, rumaging through the closet. "Well, the moon's gravity is under 20 percent of what it is here," I explained, watching her toss a few teddy bears into the trash bag. "So everything's pretty light. They do try to simulate Earth's gravity as much as possible, but there are still kinks in the system." Wanda smirked. "Wow, you actually knew that, Mom? That's awesome." "[[It's just my job!|Home 3][$scene_progress += 1]]" I said, laughing. <<elseif $scene_progress is 3>> "Speaking of jobs. . ." She pulled out a piece of paper from the closet. "[[Check this out.|Home 3][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 4>> I looked down. At the center of the paper was a logo that said, "Hudson Lab's Take My Child To Work Day 2074." Around it were prints of the photos taken that day, and the date written with the scrawl Wanda had as a child: 04/26/74. "I remember that!" Wanda exclaimed, during to me. "[[Do you, Mom?|Home 3][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 5>> I smiled. "[[Oh yes, I certainly do. . .|Flashback 3][$scene_progress = 1]]" <<endif>>

<<if $scene_progress is 1>> Wanda's elementary school had been quite strict before about Bring Your Child To Work Day. They tallied absenses quite carefully, and even the famous holiday wasn't enough to excuse a missed day. But now she was in intermediate school, and it was much more understanding on absences for this holiday. So I made plans with Wanda, and [[we headed to my workplace that morning|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1]]. <<elseif $scene_progress is 2>> "I didn't know you had to drive so much to get to work," Wanda said near the end of our seventy-minute drive. "I used to live closer," I explained to her, making a right turn. "But then, well, I had you, sweetheart. My apartment was pretty small for just the two of us, so I found our house." "Oh, ok," Wanda says. "[[So you must really like your job.|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 3>> "Oh, I love it," I said, smiling. "It's a lot of fun." "Because you're a nerd?" I laughed. "Did you learn that word at school?" "Yeah." "Well, there's nothing wrong with being a nerd," I told Wanda. "I'm a nerd and proud of it." "[[Oh, cool.|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 4>> After getting cleared by the gate, I pulled into the parking lot. "We're here~!" I sing-songed, pulling into my section (Labratory Employees) and picking a spot. "Come on. Let's go." One elevator trip later, we reached my floor. There was a banner hung up that said, "Welcome, New Employees!" which made me chuckle. And on the table, next to our regular badges, were ones made just for the kids. I smiled. That was a such [[cute touch|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1]]. <<elseif $scene_progress is 5>> I pinned my badge (Robin Nicholas, Astrophysicist) to my lab coat, and then pinned Wanda's (Wanda Nicholas, Take My Child To Work Day 2074. Parent: Robin Nicholas, Floor 2B) to her shirt. "So if we get lost, they know who you are, and how to get you back to me," I explained, holding her hand. "So do I work here now?" Wanda asked. I laughed. "For today, sure!" When we reached my laboratory, I knelt down in front of my daughter. "But that is a big responsibility. You can't touch anything without my permission, understand?" She nodded, a staunch look on her face. "Alright," I said. "[[Let go.|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 6>> Before we went upstairs, I decided to stop inside the lab, and I was greeted by my coworker Julian. "Good morning!" they said, waving. They gestured to their twelve-year-old son, Marcus, who I had met before. "Marcus is so psyched to be back this year! And who is that I see?" They waved at Wanda, who waved back. "Wanda, this is Julian, and that's Marcus," I said. "Do you want to say hi?" "Hi. I couldn't come before 'cause my school wouldn't let me," Wanda told them. Julian laughed. "Well, we're certainly glad you're here today, aren't we? We're taking a look at lunar crystals--[[won't that be exciting!|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 7>> "Lunar crystals?" Wanda frowned. "What's that?" "You'll see soon enough," Julian said cryptically, rubing their hands together. At that moment, Miranda walked in. "I hear we have some new employees today," she announced, smiling at the kids. She walked up to each one and shook their hands, bending down to meet Wanda's eye. "I'm Miranda. I'll be your boss today." "I'm Wanda," my daughter said, smiling. "I'll be your worker today." Miranda burst out laughing. "I love it." She turned to me. "Robin, you never mentioned your daughter was so funny!" I laughed too. "Well, it's more something to be experienced." My boss chuckled. "[[Good one.|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 8>> "And speaking of working, I'd better head upstairs," I said. "It was good to see you, Julian. And nice to meet you again, Marcus!" "Aw, Mom!" Wanda moaned we walked of. "We're not going to see the moon crystals?" I shook my head. "No, my day is upstairs in the observatory. [[Don't you want to come?|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 9>> "I do," Wanda said. "I'm just bummed we're missing the crystals." I laughed. "Me too. I'm excited to see what Julian will discover with those. Did I tell you why he's studying them?" Wanda shook her head. "Well, we've been commissioned by the government to study the moon because of the colonies up there--I think I've mentioned that before. They want to see if they can mine resources up there to help with power, because right now, we have to get it from Earth." Wanda nodded--I was pleased to see she was invested. "But anyway," I said as we reached the top of the stairs, "my job is a bit different. The government wants to know if the moon's physics have changed as a result of our colonization. So I've been monitoring the situation for quite a while now." "And has it changed?" Wanda asked as we reached the door. "A little," I told her. "[[But not enough to be significant.|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 10>> We walked inside. My coworker Janet was already there, and she smiled as we approached. "Well well, you must be Wanda," she said, holding out a hand. "Robin's told me a lot abot you. You ready to calculate some velocities?" "Uh, I guess," Wanda said with a shrug, shaking Janet's hand. I brought over a chair for my daughter, and then [[we got started|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1]]. <<elseif $scene_progress is 11>> Before I had Wanda, I would see these days as a waste of a perfectly good work day, slowing down productivity for the sake of children. But now I understood: this was about preparing them for their future, by not only showing them possible careers, but giving them a chance to mature and grow in an adult setting. This was giving Wanda a chance to see her future. [[And in turn, I got to see hers.|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 12>> Unfortunately, it was not a career in astrophysics. Wanda already disliked math at school, and no matter how fun I made it sound here, she could see right through it and realized this was all math, as interested as she was in the subjects surrounding it. [[Though she did enjoy the constellation dot puzzles I had in my drawer.|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 13>> At the cafeteria, we sat down for lunch together in the special "Kids Day Corner", which had some stickers, papers, and pens. There were also nice pamphlets about the careers in the facility, for kids who were interested in pursuing them further. Wanda picked up the "astrophysicist" one, but also grabbed the "scientist" pamphlet. I saw her look over at Marcus, who was sitting at the other end of the table, and wave shyly before sitting down. Now, I knew my daughter, and she didn't do anything shyly. I resisted the urge to smile as [[Wanda sat down|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1]]. <<elseif $scene_progress is 14>> After we finished eating, we still had time to relax. Wanda stood up and said, "I'm gonna talk to Julian and Marcus." I nodded. "Ok, go ahead." As I sipped my tea, I watched her walk over to the two, waving. They chatted for a few minutes. [[Then Wanda came back.|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 15>> She sat down, and looked up at me. "Mom?" "Yes, sweet star?" She spun her hair around her finger as she said. "After lunch, do you think I could look at those moon crystals with Julian and Marcus? They said I can come if you're ok with it." I stopped. "You're not having fun with me? [[I thought this was going to be our day.|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 16>> She shrugged. "I just don't like math." [[I thought for a moment.|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 17>> [[Ok, you can go.|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1; $choice_1 = true]] | [[Sorry honey, but I'd rather if you stayed with me.|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1; $choice_2 = true]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 18 and $choice_1 is true>> I nodded. "Ok, you can go." I quickly added, "But do everything Julian says and be safe, understand?" Wanda quickly nodded, smiling. "[[Thanks, Mom!|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 19 and $choice_1 is true>> After lunch, I wrote down my cell phone number and gave it to my daughter. "If anything happens, call me at that number, ok?" I said. "I'll pick you up from the lab after my work is done, so just wait around there for me, ok?" Wanda nodded, pocketing my number. "Ok, I will, Mom," she said. I watched her walk to Julian and Marcus, talking to them for a moment, and then the three left the cafeteria. As they left, Julian turned around and gave me a thumbs up (were they saying, "Good job,"? Or "I got this,"? Or something else?). [[And then they turned the corner and went out of sight.|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 20 and $choice_1 is true>> I took a deep breath. Then I cleared my tray, and walked back upstairs. "Hey Robin, hey Wan--" Janet stopped. "Wait, where's your kid?" "She wanted to go downstairs with Julian," I said, sitting down across from her. "Wanted to look at the lunar crystals." "Ouch." Janet cringed. "That hurts. I'm sorry, Rob." "It's alright," I said, forcing a smile. "It's what she wants. Though I suspect she might just be doing it to spend more time with Marcus." "Oh-ho!" Janet said. "She's into boys already? Man, your daughter is growing up fast." I nodded. "Yes. "[[Yes, she is.|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 21 and $choice_1 is true>> We continued our calculations until I had to leave at 4pm. Normally at this time I'd be going off to get Wanda from aftercare, so it was a nice change to just go downstairs to pick her up. She waved at me from the lab door. "Wait, stay right there!" I said, taking out my camera. She looked too adorable in that little lab coat and goggles. "[[Alright, you can move now, kiddo.|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 22 and $choice_1 is true>> "Thanks." Wanda stopped at the door, placing her goggles in the bin and the coat on the rack. I leaned inside and waved at Julian. "Everything go alright?" "Absolutely!" Julian said cheerfully. "I have two excellent assistants today." They chuckled. "I wish I had you kids every day--it would make my job a lot easier!" I laughed. "I'm glad. Alright Wanda, [[let's wave goodbye!|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 23 and $choice_1 is true>> We both waved at Julian and Marcus; I noticed my daughter paid special attention to Marcus. Yeah, she definitely had a crush on him. [[It was pretty cute.|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 18 and $choice_2 is true>> "Sorry honey," I said, "but I'd rather if you stayed with me." Wanda frowned. "Why?" "Well if something happened to you, [[I'd rather it be on my watch|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1]]," I explained. <<elseif $scene_progress is 19 and $choice_2 is true>> My daughter nodded, but didn't say anything. She looked disappointed. [[Well, that was to be expected.|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 20 and $choice_2 is true>> After lunch, we went back upstairs to 2B to make some more calculations. This part of the day was actually a bit more exciting, thanks to the visual photos of the moon that had come back from the printer. I was able to show Wanda what it really looked like, and pointed out the dot-like colonies in the smaller pictures. When math came into the picture, I pulled out more dot puzzles for Wanda, and when we were back to more visual things, I beckoned her over. I was even able to show her the observatory's powerful telescope, and she got a first-hand glimpse of how much stronger it was than the ones we had at home. [[That was a highlight of my day, for sure.|Flashback 3][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 21 and $choice_2 is true>> We continued our day together until I had to leave at 4pm. Normally at this time I'd be going off to get Wanda from aftercare, so it was a nice change to just be leaving with her. "Did you have fun?" I asked as we went downstairs. Wanda grinned. "Yeah! I still don't like math though." I laughed. "That's ok, kiddo." I gave her a side-hug. "I'm just glad you gave my job a chance." "[[Thanks, Mom.|Flashback 3][$scene_progress = 24]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 24>> We walked out of the building and back to the car. "What do you say we stop for dinner on the way home?" I said. "We can go to Arby's." "Arby's, yes!" Wanda exclaimed, quickly getting in the car. I smiled as I backed out of the spot. [[Today had been quite a good day, even if things didn't go as expected.|Home 4][$scene_progress = 1; $choice_1 = false; $choice_2 = false]] <<endif>>

<<if $scene_progress is 1>> "I remember that," Wanda said, laughing. "That was so much fun. I'm glad we got to do it more." I smiled. "[[Me too.|Home 4][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 2>> She placed the paper on her desk, then walked back to the closet. "Let's see what else we have. . .[[Hey Mom, check this out!|Home 4][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 3>> Wanda pulled out a big, bulky thing from the closet, wrapped in paper. She stripped it, and revealed her old telescope underneath. Wanda grinned. "You remember when we used to go stargazing, Mom?" I smiled. "[[Oh yes, I remember. . .|Flashback 4][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<endif>>

<<if $scene_progress is 1>> "Come on, Mom!" Wanda dashed forward, holding her telescope in its black case, waving at me from the path. "I'm coming," I called, closing the locking the car. I was tickled that this is what she wanted to do for her 13th birthday--[[it made me proud, really|Flashback 4][$scene_progress += 1]]. <<elseif $scene_progress is 2>> I walked up to the gatekeepers at Tawny Park. "That's $15 for the night, $7 for children," the elderly lady said to me. I paid the fee, and she passed me two tickets. Then, we were allowed in. "[[Let's go!|Flashback 4][$scene_progress += 1]]" Wanda said, running through the gates as they opened. <<elseif $scene_progress is 3>> Whoa, wait right there, young lady," I said, jogging to catch up to her. "We can't run like this at night, alright? I don't want you to trip." Wanda rolled her eyes. "Fine, Mom, if you say so." That was her favorite phrase. One she didn't use nearly as much, if at all, a few years ago--it seemed teenagehood had brought my daughter a sassy tongue. If it got too wild, I tamed it. [[Otherwise, I tried to ignore it.|Flashback 4][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 4>> "Alright," I said, scanning the area. "Let's find a good place to stargaze. . ." I pointed down the Owl Path. "That one leads to the best spots." We walked together down the path, with Wanda skipping ahead of me, and I walking behind. The night sky above us was lit up with stars, and barely any clouds--it was the perfect conditions for this sort of thing. [[The forecast, thankfully, had been right.|Flashback 4][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 5>> "How about over there?" Wanda asked, pointing to a spot of the path, a clearing in the woods. "That looks perfect!" But it was hardly perfect--the light pollution of the city was leaking into the sky at that spot, and I knew a better one just up ahead. She'd love seeing the stars clearly there. [[But it was her birthday . . . should I indulge her?|Flashback 4][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 6>> [[That spot looks good!|Flashback 4][$scene_progress += 1; $choice_1 = true]] | [[I have a better spot--come on!|Flashback 4][$scene_progress += 1; $choice_2 = true]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 7 and $choice_1 is true>> "That spot looks good!" I called, [[walking over to her in the grass|Flashback 4][$scene_progress += 1]]. <<elseif $scene_progress is 7 and $choice_2 is true>> ]"I have a better spot--it'll be clearer this way," I said, motioning for her to follow. "Aw, Mom," Wanda said. But she walked after me, trudging her legs forward as we walked on the path. Finally, we reached the clearing. I knew from experience that the light pollution wasn't as bad over here--[[it made a great spot|Flashback 4][$scene_progress += 1]]. <<elseif $scene_progress is 8>> "Let me help you set up the telescope." She took it out of her case, and I adjusted the tripod-like base so that it was standing just right. "There we go," I said, [[standing back to view my handiwork|Flashback 4][$scene_progress += 1]]. <<elseif $scene_progress is 9>> "Let's look inside!" Wanda exclaimed. "Hold on a sec, kiddo," I said. I looked through the telescope, adjusting it a bit more as I went, unti I finally said, "Ok. Now look. [[You'll love this.|Flashback 4][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 10>> She looked inside--and gasped. "Whoa, what is that?!" she asked. "[[That's Mars. It's visible tonight|Flashback 4][$scene_progress += 1]]," I explained. <<elseif $scene_progress is 11 and $choice_1 is true>> Sure, the light pollution made it a bit hard to see, [[but it was still our 3rd planet, alright|Flashback 4][$scene_progress += 1]]. <<elseif $scene_progress is 11 and $choice_2 is true>> You could see it quite clearly thanks to the lack of light pollution. Well, as possible as it is [[to see a planet clearly|Flashback 4][$scene_progress += 1]] from down on the ground, anyway. <<elseif $scene_progress is 12>> "That's so cool!" Wanda exclaimed. A pause, and then, "Do you think we'll have colonies on Mars someday, too?" "I'm sure we will!" I exclaimed. "Someone's going to invent something to help deal with the harsh climate up there. And things will probably take off from there." "Cool," Wanda said. [[I smiled.|Flashback 4][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 13>> "Want to see the moon?" I asked. "Yeah!" We always saw the moon--that was our tradition. I adjusted the telescope, and stepped back for Wanda to view. "Awesome," Wanda said, [[looking in|Flashback 4][$scene_progress += 1]]. <<elseif $scene_progress is 14>> I leaned in and kissed her on the top of her head. "I love you to the moon and back, you know." Wanda laughed. "Mom, you always say that!" "[[Because it's true.|Flashback 4][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 15>> "Stop!" She giggled. The necklace jingled around her neck. I was pleased she still wore it from time to time. [[And I'd imagined she'd worn it today because of our star-seeing tradition.|Flashback 4][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 16>> "You know, when I was a kid, I really loved the moon," I told Wanda. She turned away from the telescope. "Because of the colonies?" I shook my head. "No, I wasn't much interested in them. They weren't as advanced as they are now." "So why did you like the moon?" Wanda asked. "Well," I said, "I liked to imagine it was an angel floating up there, watching over me. [[Protecting me.|Flashback 4][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 17>> "That's weird, Mom," Wanda said. I laughed. "I know. But it was a nice thought." "Cool," Wanda said. Then, "Can you help me find some constilations?" I smiled. "Sure, sweet star. "[[Let's have a look.|Home 5][$scene_progress = 1; $choice_1 = false; $choice_2 = false]]" <<endif>>

<<if $scene_progress is 1>> "We did a lot of stargazing, didn't we?" Wanda said, staring at the telescope. "We sure did." "[[Why did we stop?|Home 5][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 2>> I paused. "Well, when you got older, you weren't really interested in going to the park anymore, so we celebrated other ways." "[[Oh.|Home 5][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 3>> "Which was fine with me--I wanted to make you happy," I said. Wanda nodded. "[[Do you remember when I turned 16?|Home 5][$scene_progress += 1]]" she asked hesitantly. <<elseif $scene_progress is 4>> I laughed. "[[Oh yes, I certainly do. . .|Flashback 5][$scene_progress = 1]]" <<endif>>

<<if $scene_progress is 1>> "[[I'm going.|Flashback 5][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 2>> Wanda was determined. So was I. "Young lady, that is enough," I said firmly. "We've been discussing your birthday party for the past month. The family wants to see you." "But I want to go out with my soccer friends!" Wanda exclaimed. "I'm just going to hang out with them before the party!" "You've been late the last three times you've been out," I said. "And you will not be late for your own party. [[So you're not going out with your friends.|Flashback 5][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 3>> Wanda stomped off upstairs. I sat down at the kitchen table, sighing. Goodness, things were tense around here. After I'd taken the car keys from Wanda it seemed like the pressure in the house rose higher and higher. [[I knew if would dissipate eventually, but it was quite exhausting.|Flashback 5][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 4>> [[But maybe I was being too hard on her. It was her birthday, after all.|Flashback 5][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 5>> I went upstairs and knocked on her door. "What is it?" Wanda called, sounding irritated. "Can I come in?" I asked. When she didn't answer, [[I opened the door|Flashback 5][$scene_progress += 1]]. Wanda was sitting at her desk, surfing the web. <<elseif $scene_progress is 6>> "I've been thinking a bit," I said slowly. "Yeah?" Wanda said, turning to me. "I'll tell you what," I said to her. "You can go out with your friends tomorrow morning." Wanda's face lit up in delight. "But I'm not letting you take the car. One of your friends will need to come get you. Ok?" Wanda thought for a moment, then nodded. "[[I promise.|Flashback 5][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 7>> "And you cannot be late. Understand?" "[[Of course.|Flashback 5][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 8>> <center>. <<timed 0.75s transition>>. <</timed>><<timed 1.25s transition>>. <</timed>></center> <<timed 2.25s transition>><<replace "#timed">>[[If Wanda didn't arrive in ten minutes, she would be officially late.|Flashback 5][$scene_progress += 1]]<</replace>><</timed>> <<elseif $scene_progress is 9>> I waited for her at the front of the house, while the family waited at the back, keeping the food hot. Where was she? I was at least hoping she'd be here early. But maybe I was foolish to hope that. Then I saw a car pull up in front of the house, and saw Wanda inside. [[Through the window I could see her soccer friend Julia.|Flashback 5][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 10>> [[And as I watched, Julia leaned over and kissed my daughter.|Flashback 5][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 11>> [[Oh. So that's why she wanted to go out so much.|Flashback 5][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 12>> Wanda stepped out of the car, waving at Julia as she drove off. Then she turned around, and saw me sitting on the porch. "Mom!" she said, jumping. "Geez, I thought you'd be waiting in the backyard." "I wanted to make sure you got back safe," I said, standing up. "Oh, ok. [[Thanks.|Flashback 5][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 13>> [[When she reached me, I put an arm around her and kissed the top of her head.|Flashback 5][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 14>> [[Ask about the kiss|Flashback 5][$scene_progress += 1; $choice_1 = true]] | [[Let it be her business|Flashback 5][$scene_progress += 1; $choice_2 = true]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 15 and $choice_1 is true>> "So . . . you and Julia?" I asked, smiling. Wanda blushed. "Yeah," she muttered. "I'm happy for you." She looked over at me. "Really?" "Of course! Julia's a great girl." I put an arm around my daughter. "Let me know how that relationship goes." Wanda laughed. "[[Sure, Mom. Ok.|Flashback 5][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 15 and $choice_2 is true>> She's probably keeping this a secret from me for a reason. [[I'll let it be her business.|Flashback 5][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 16>> "[[Come on, let's go the party|Flashback 5][$scene_progress += 1]]," I said. <<elseif $scene_progress is 17>> We walked to the back, and Wanda was swarmed by family. I smiled and watched her greet everyone. [[My little girl was really growing up.|Home 6][$scene_progress = 1; $choice_1 = false; $choice_2 = false]] <<endif>>

<<if $scene_progress is 1>> "[[How's Julia doing these days?|Home 6][$scene_progress += 1]]" I asked Wanda. <<elseif $scene_progress is 2>> She shrugged. "She hasn't really been talking to me since I told her I'm heading to the moon." "Oh, I'm sorry, sweetheart." "It's ok. I know it's not my fault, not really." I smiled. [[That was something I wouldn't have known when I was her age, that's for sure.|Home 6][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 3>> And then, just like that, we were all done cleaning. The closet was cleared, the room was cleaned, and Wanda was all packed. "Phew," I said, wiping my forehead. "That was quite a journey." "Feels good though," Wanda said, smiling. I laughed. "[[I agree, kiddo. I agree.|Home 6][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 4>> I took out my phone and checked my calendar. "So your shuttle arrives in two days," I said, smiling. "[[How do you feel?|Home 6][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 5>> Wanda shrugged and sat down on the bed. I sat next to her. "[[You alright, dear?|Home 6][$scene_progress += 1]]" I asked. <<elseif $scene_progress is 6>> She shrugged again. "I'm, like, kinda scared of going to the moon," Wanda admitted. She groaned. "I mean, the gravity's gonna be so different there, so it's gonna be harder to play soccer! And if that makes me lose my scholarship. . .!" It had been a long time since I'd seen my daughter this nervous. [[What could I say to reassure her?|Home 6][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 7>> [[You'll charge through it.|Home 6][$scene_progress += 1; $choice_1 = true]] | [[I'm sure you'll adjust.|Home 6][$scene_progress += 1; $choice_2 = true]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 8 and $choice_1 is true>> I put a hand on Wanda's shoulder. "Hey, you're strong," I said to her. "So I know that even if things get hard up there, [[you'll charge through it, and find a solution|Home 6][$scene_progress += 1]]." <<elseif $scene_progress is 8 and $choice_2 is true>> "I'm sure you'll adjust to whatever's up there," I said to her. "You're adaptable, sweetheart. You're willing to change if you need to. [[So I know that even if things get tough up there, you'll adapt to your environment.|Home 6][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 9>> ]"Really?" Wanda said, doubtful. "Really." I smiled. "You're a tough nut to crack." She laughed. "[[Thanks, Mom.|Home 6][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 10>> "Of course, sweet star." I ran a hand through her long hair, making a french braid. "I can't believe you're all grown up now, sweetheart. Things can seem tough when you become an adult. [[But I know you're going to be just fine.|Home 6][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 11>> I finished with her hair and looked at her with a smile. "Now, let's both get some sleep. The next few days are going to be a lot, so we both need our rest." "Ok Mom," Wanda said. She stood up, and gave me a hug. "I love you." "Love you to the moon and back." "When I'm there, you'll have to start saying 'love you to the earth and back'." I laughed. "I suppose I will, sweetheart. "[[I suppose I will.|Home 6][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 12>> <<timed 2.0s t8n>>[[That was one of our last conversations before Wanda went to the moon.|Home 6][$scene_progress += 1]]<</timed>> <<elseif $scene_progress is 13>> It turned out we'd gotten the date wrong, and the shuttle was scheduled to arrive the next day. We were eating breakfast when the doorbell rang, and the next few minutes were scrambling and shouting and good-bying and speeding off. [[Certainly not the departure I had been hoping for.|Home 6][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 14>> I've watched the holo-memory of Wanda leaving over and over since the day, asking myself so many questions. Could I have said things differently? How could I have changed? All the doubts and fears of a mother, I suppose. But they've been especially strong since she went to the moon. Outside communication is harder from there to here. You have to conserve energy on the moon colonies, so at the college, they only allow calls to Earth once per month, for an hour. The schedule is given in advance to students and parents. And the day for our phone call is finally here. [[At long last.|Home 6][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 15>> I'm waiting with my phone fifteen minutes before Wanda is scheduled to call. I can't wait to hear what she's been up to--I wonder how much has changed about college since I was there? Probably a whole lot, considering the world we're in. Things are-- [[/Ring ring!/|Home 6][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 16>> I immediately grab my cell and press the Accept key. "[[Hello?|Home 6][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 17>> "Hey Mom!" Wanda's voice is a bit crackly; I hear the reception up there isn't the best. But it's definitely her. "Hey sweetheart!" I say, smiling. "How's college?" "Oh, it's great!" she exclaims. "Way better than high school for sure." "And is soccer going well?" "Yeah, soccer is great! I have some great friends on the team, and we're even to play holographic matches with teams on Earth! It's pretty cool." "That does sound cool." I can't help but smile--technology has come so far since I was born, and I wonder what the future holds for my daughter. "Now, [[tell me everything about life on the moon|Home 6][$scene_progress += 1]]." <<elseif $scene_progress is 18>> Wanda gushed in all sorts of directions: how the food tastes processed ("I miss your cooking, Mom!"), how the dorms are pretty nice, how some of her classmates are rich snobs. She tells me she's even met an astrophysics major ("just like your job, which was kinda cool") and there are quite a few scientists on the soccer team. My phone beeps with a 10 minute warning. "Well, we only have a little time left," I tell Wanda. "[[Is there anything else you'd like to talk about?|Home 6][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 19>> She thinks for a minute. "I wish we had a better goodbye," she said. "The day I had to leave, I mean." "I do too, sweetheart," I told her. "It wasn't anyone's fault though. You don't have to worry." "I know, Mom." A pause, and then, "[[I really like it here, but I miss home.|Home 6][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 20>> "I know, sweetheart," I told her. "I'll tell you what. I have a friend who's heading up to the moon next week. I can ask if she's willing to bring up a care package for you." "Really?" "Of course. I'll ask her." "[[Thanks Mom.|Home 6][$scene_progress += 1]]" <<elseif $scene_progress is 21>> My two-minute timer beeped. "Alright, our time's almost up." "Aw, already?" Wanda sighed. "Ok. I love you, Mom." "[[Love you to Earth and back, sweet star.|Credits][$scene_progress = 1; $choice_1 = false; $choice_2 = false]]" <<endif>>

<center> <<timed 3.0s t8n>>Storysinger & Norbez Presents: Crestfallen<</timed>></center> <<timed 6.0s t8n>> <center>Written by Norbez</center><</timed>> <<timed 10.0s t8n>> <center>Programming & Music by Eliana, founder of Storysinger Presents</center><</timed>> <<timed 13.0s t8n>> <center>[[More of Storysinger Presents' Games|https://storysinger-presents.itch.io]] | [[More of Norbez's Games|https://norbez.itch.io]]</center><</timed>> <<timed 16.0s t8n>> <center>Thank you for playing!</center><</timed>>

Lorem ipsem Lorem ipsem Lorem ipsem Lorem ipsem Lorem ipsem Lorem ipsem Lorem ipsem Lorem ipsem Lorem ipsem Lorem ipsem Lorem ipsem Lorem ipsem Lorem ipsem Lorem ipsem Lorem ipsem Lorem ipsem Lorem ipsem Lorem ipsem Lorem ipsem Lorem ipsem Lorem ipsem Lorem ipsem Lorem ipsem Lorem ipsem

<<if $scene_progress is 6>> Finally, we got to the closet: the last monstrocity to tackle. By then we'd filled three garbage bags with [[things to get rid of|Home 1-3][$scene_progress += 1]], and I prepared a fourth. <<elseif $scene_progress is 7>> Wanda reached inside--and pulled out her soccer sneakers. "Can't forget these!" she exclaimed, reaching down and snagging the shoes. I laughed. "Do they let you keep your scholarship if you forget the gear?" "Very funny, Mom," Wanda said, stucking her tongue out. I smiled, and [[looked over at her shoes.|Home 1-3][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 8>> [[They were dark red. Just like the first pair I bought her. . .|Flashback 1][$scene_progress = 1]] <<endif>>

<<if $scene_progress is 4>> I hadn't been here for a while. Sure, I glimpsed her room when I spoke to her upstairs, but stepping inside it, I found myself appreciating how different it looked. Things had reached its final evolution: rock bands and soccer players lining the walls, holo-figurines (most for anime) lining the tables, laptop and papers at her desk. [[My little girl was an adult now, and there was no better evidence than in here.|Home 1-2][$scene_progress += 1]] <<elseif $scene_progress is 5>> Wanda handed me the garbage bag and she charged inside, plopping the suitcase down on her bed. Then we began sorting through. I was sad to see most of her things go in the trash. [[Old toys, books, games: all fell inside of the bag to be sold or dumped.|Home 1-3][$scene_progress += 1]] <<endif>>

<<if $scene_progress is 11>> She opened it, and inside was a cresent moon necklace. "Can you read it for me?" I asked. "[[Love . . . you . . . to . . . the . . . moon . . . and . . . back|Flashback 2-2][$scene_progress += 1]]," Wanda said, squinting at the tiny letters. <<elseif $scene_progress is 12>> "That's right," I said. I threw my arms around her, bringing her in for a hug. "No matter what happens, I love you so much, my sweet star." "Even if I get a period?" Wanda asked. "Of course," I said. "[[I love you so much, my dear.|Flashback 2-2][$scene_progress += 1]]” <<elseif $scene_progress is 13>> "[[I can't wait to see who you grow up to be.|Home 3][$scene_progress = 1; $choice_1 = false; $choice_2 = false]]" <<endif>>

<<cacheaudio "music" "Crestfallen Music/Crestfallen Music Track.wav">>