Meltdown

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{ (set: $hr to 60) (set: $nickname to (either: "Alex", "Pat")) } Your phone lights up [[*buzz*->intro1]]

You pick it up [[*buzz*->intro2]]

It's your spouse [[*open message*->intro3]]

just got off work. we don't have anything in the fridge so I'm heading to the store [[*...*->intro4]]

can you pick out something to eat? I'll pickup the ingredients on the way home. ilu [[sure lu2->browser1-1]]

Let's help them out. Ok. What to make? [[*I'm out of ideas*->browser1-2]]

You open up a new tab [[*type "dinner ideas"*->browser-1A1]] [[*type "easy dinner ideas"*->browser-1B1]] [[*type "quick dinner ideas"*->browser-C1]]

You type in "dinner ideas" and hit enter. [[*About 2,800,000,000 results*->browser-1A2]]

You type in "easy dinner ideas" and press enter. [[*About 2,100,000,000 results*->browser-1B2]]

You type in "quick dinner ideas" and press enter. [[*About 2,450,000,000 results*->browser-C2]]

Billions of dinner ideas. Easy. [[*start scrolling*->browser1-scroll1]]

You scroll down a bit. Nothing looks particularly appetizing. Which is strange. You're hungry. [[*keep scrolling*->browser1-scroll2]]

{ (set: $recipe to "one pot meal") (set: $ingredient to "mushrooms") } Ah hah! A link to a food blog scrolls into view. This could be it! The thumbnail catches your eye. It depicts a one pot meal. [[*click the link*->browser1-click1]] [[*pass*. I'll find something better.->browser1-pass1]]

You click the link. Text and images begin to load. [[*...*->browser1-load1]]

{ (set: $recipe to "pimientos rellenos") (set: $ingredient to "peppers") } A link to a food blog scrolls into view. Ohh! This one looks interesting. You seem to recall reading something by this author in the past. The thumbnail depicts a stuffed pepper. [[*click the link*->browser1-click1]] [[*pass*. I'm not interested in this.->browser1-pass2]]

Ads load [[*..*->browser1-load2]]

Video adds load [[*...*->browser1-load-2a]] [[*huh?*->browser1-load-2b]] [[*oh no we're not doing this (click the back button)*->browser1-back1]]

You just turn the volume down. You can deal with this. [[Please just take me to the recipe->browser1-cont1]]

This isn't nice, but you've been in this sitch before. You stop the videos one by one. It's a media whack-a-mole game that you take pride in winning. [[Ok. Let's get to the recipe.->browser1-cont1]]

You click the back button. The browser struggles to comprehend that action. [[*...*->browser1-back2]]

The browser doesn't understand that world any more. The page consumes all memory. Nothing else exists but this food blog here. Now. [[*better get on with it then*->browser1-cont1]]

You start reading from the top. (link-goto: "~~~", (either: "boys1", "dog1", "family1"))

Of course this happens now. You need to pick a dinner out not play sherrif of scream town. [[Holler back at them->boys-yell]]

They have been working very very hard for just this chance. They dump every last drop of cortisol into your blood stream. [[No->boys-cort-no]] [[Yes->boys-cort-yes]]

Your involuntary bodily functions begin to change. You take a quick breath. Behind the scenes your blood pressure ticks upward and your heart rate kicks into overdrive. Inside your lungs key blood vessels dialate and constrict in the small airways in your lungs called bronchioles. [[But, I just need some find something for dinner. (fight your body)->boys4]]

Your involuntary bodily functions begin to change. You take a quick breath. Behind the scenes your blood pressure ticks upward and your heart rate kicks into overdrive. Inside your lungs key blood vessels dialate and constrict in the small airways in your lungs called bronchioles. [[No, no. I need to get back to finding something to make for dinner->boys4]] [[We can use this.->boys-yell]]

You try to push down these sensations. You can't get distracted. [[Take a deep breath->breath1]] [[Take me back to the recipe->to-browser]]

"Cool it, kiddos!", you holler back. Oof, a bit louder than you wanted, but this might buy you some precious seconds. [[wait to see if it worked->boys5]]

You hold your breath waiting for another scream. (link-goto: "~~~", (either: "boys6", "boys7"))

{(set: $dogName to "Max")} *KNOCK* *KNOCK* There's someone at the door. [[...->dog2]]

Your phone lights up again [[*buzz*->family2]]

Love. Yes. Deep within your brain those words trigger a reaction. Not an avalanche, but the breifest of shifts. [[do I want this?->intro6]]

Yes you do. Just a taste please. A small but measurable release of oxytocin diffuses between billion neurons an echo of thousands of previous connections. You like helping people. Especially this person. [[*cherish this connection*->browser1-1]]

Silence. Did it work? You know you can't count on it to last. [[Let's get back to it->to-browser]]

In. And. Out. You take deep breath. (set: $hr to it - 10) [[Go back to the browser->to-browser]]

*YELLING* floods in from down the hall. [["Give me fifteen minutes. Please!"->boys6]]

Back to the recipe. { (set: _storynames to (a:)) (set: _storynames to _storynames + (cond: ((history:) contains "browser-lifestory-1"), (a: "browser-lifestory-2"), (a: "browser-lifestory-1"))) (set: _storynames to _storynames + (cond: ((history:) contains "browser-fabulous-ingredients-1"), (a: "browser-fabulous-ingredients-2"), (a: "browser-fabulous-ingredients-1"))) (set: _storynames to _storynames + (cond: ((history:) contains "browser-science-1"), (a: "browser-science-2"), (a: "browser-science-1"))) } (link-goto: "~~~", (either: ..._storynames))

The page begins with a spunky introduction <blockquote> (either: "Hi my name is $nickname. Follow me if you want to make the world's best $recipe.") </blockquote> Ok $nickname, just take me to the recipe. [[scroll down->browser-lifestory-2]]

The page begins: <blockquote> (either: "Hi I'm $nickname and what's beautiful about cooking on a slab of pink Himalayan salt is that it infuses ingredients with all-natural salt flavors. If you happen to not have a salt slab, a stove will suffice.", "From $nickname's kitchen: Caciocavallo Podolico(lit. Horse Cheese, Approx. $50/pound) is a type of stretched-cured cheese made out of sheep's or cow's milk. It is produced throughout Southern Italy, particularly in the Apennine Mountains and in the Gargano peninsula. Shaped like a teardrop...") </blockquote> Ok $nickname, just take me to the recipe. [[You have to be joking. (scroll down)->browser-fabulous-ingredients-2]]

*SCREAMS* come from the other room. [[It's the kids->boys2]]

{ (set: $recipe to "ratatouille") (set: $ingredient to "eggplants") } Finally! A link scrolls into view. The thumbnail depicts a colorfull ratatouille. [[*click the link (I really don't want to keep searching)*->browser1-click1]]

The page begins: <blockquote> Every meal is a chance to learn something new. - $nickname </blockquote> Wait, are they quoting themselves? [[What if I just want to eat?->browser-science-2]]

{ (set: $stories to (shuffled: (dm: "quote", "The crisp morning air of Quito, Ecuador cemented my decision to hike the Pichincha volcano. At 15,000 feet...", "angerResponses", (a: "You can't possibly be serious", "$nickname, knock it off. I want the recipe!"), "bargainingResponses", (a: "$nickname, I'm begging you. The recipe"), "depressionResponses", (a: "$nickname, I cannot take it")), (dm: "quote", "Malaria was the last thing on my mind when enjoying my time in ...", "angerResponses", (a: "I'm sorry you got malaria $nickname, but what does this have to do with $recipe?"), "bargainingResponses", (a: "$nickname please just get better and get to the recipe"), "depressionResponses", (a: "$nickname I'm close to feeling as bad as you")), (dm: "quote", "At the hostel cockroaches kept running over my face as I tried to sleep...", "angerResponses", (a: "Why would you put this in a food blog $nickname?!"), "bargainingResponses", (a: "Please $nickname, don't bring this up again"), "depressionResponses", (a: "If this is where the $recipe came from I'm going to vomit")))) (set: $storyAnger to $stories's 1st) (set: $storyBargaining to $stories's 2nd) (set: $storyDepression to $stories's 3rd) (set: $story to $storyAnger, $stage to "anger", $dest to "browser-lifestory-3") } You scroll down looking for a list of ingredients. Some words catch your eye. <blockquote>(print: $storyAnger's quote)</blockquote> At first you're confused, but then the anger sets in. (display: "browser-choices")

{ (set: $stories to (shuffled: (dm: "quote", "That's why I always make my own butter", "angerResponses", (a: "I'm not doing that"), "bargainingResponses", (a: "How long *could* it take?"), "depressionResponses", (a: "I'm a sad buttermaker now")), (dm: "quote", "...so much sodium in the ones that you get from the store. So today we'll be making our own! First you need to pull out the old mortar and pestle (we'll be using it quite a bit so make sure your arms are ready!) and get your...", "angerResponses", (a: "Surely I can buy the store-made"), "bargainingResponses", (a: "I wonder if the kids would do it?"), "depressionResponses", (a: "We grind all day to stay away, from Soo-di-um you surrender yourself to a song you just made up")), (dm: "quote", "If you don't have Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil, consider cooking something less classy.", "angerResponses", (a: "Surely I can use regular olive oil"), "bargainingResponses", (a: "I wonder how much it costs"), "depressionResponses", (a: "It will be a struggle, but we can save in other ways")), (dm: "quote", "I'll only cook this for two weeks out of the year when $ingredient are at their peak.", "angerResponses", (a: "I'll cook it when I please!"), "bargainingResponses", (a: "That's not too far off"), "depressionResponses", (a: "It will be a struggle, but we can save in other ways")), (dm: "quote", "I'll only cook this for two weeks out of the year when $ingredient are at their peak.", "angerResponses", (a: "I'll cook it when I please!"), "bargainingResponses", (a: "That's not too far off"), "depressionResponses", (a: "It will be a struggle, but we can save in other ways")), (dm: "quote", "You'll find the instructions for the marinade here.", "angerResponses", (a: "I don't have time for that!"), "bargainingResponses", (a: "Maybe it's like a 20 minute marinade"), "depressionResponses", (a: "We haven't eaten at nine o'clock lately. It could be fun")), (dm: "quote", "Makes enough for one adult or five toddlers.", "angerResponses", (a: "Just make it serve two to four!"), "bargainingResponses", (a: "Let's get to multiplying"), "depressionResponses", (a: "I wasn't that hungry anyway")))) (set: $storyAnger to $stories's 1st) (set: $storyBargaining to $stories's 2nd) (set: $storyDepression to $stories's 3rd) (set: $story to $storyAnger, $stage to "anger", $dest to "browser-fabulous-ingredients-3") } You keep scrolling <blockquote>(print: $storyAnger's quote)</blockquote> This sounds time consuming! (display: "browser-choices")

{ (set: $stories to (shuffled: (dm: "quote", "Creating a custom water profile is easier than you think. Start with dialing in your calcium(Ca), magnesium(Mg), sodium(Na), sulfate(SO4) chlorine(Cl), and bicarbonate(HCO3) to your desired levels. Calcium...", "angerResponses", (a: "What's wrong with our tap water?!"), "bargainingResponses", (a: "Our water *could* be tastier"), "depressionResponses", (a: "What's the point? It can't make that much of a difference")), (dm: "quote", "While this oven hack will void your warranty and technically increase fire risk, it results in a perfectly cooked $recipe-name every time. First you need a hacksaw, and...", "angerResponses", (a: "I have to do what now?!"), "bargainingResponses", (a: "If I keep scrolling maybe this will end"), "depressionResponses", (a: "I guess we'll just burn the place down")), (dm: "quote", "The Maillard reaction (/maɪˈjɑːr/ my-YAR; French: [majaʁ]) is a chemical reaction...", "angerResponses", (a: "I know! Let's move on"), "bargainingResponses", (a: "Please let's make this quick"), "depressionResponses", (a: "We're going to brown the s**t out of this")))) (set: $storyAnger to $stories's 1st) (set: $storyBargaining to $stories's 2nd) (set: $storyDepression to $stories's 3rd) (set: $story to $storyAnger, $stage to "anger", $dest to "browser-science-3") } You continue to scroll <blockquote>(print: $storyAnger's quote)</blockquote> How much can science speed up getting to the list of ingredients? (display: "browser-choices")

(set: _storynames to (a:)) (set: _storynames to _storynames + (cond: ((history:) contains "boys1"), (a:), (a: "boys1"))) (set: _storynames to _storynames + (cond: ((history:) contains "dog1"), (a: ), (a: "dog1"))) (set: _storynames to _storynames + (cond: ((history:) contains "family1"), (a:), (a: "family1")))  (set: _storynames to (cond: _storynames is (a:), (a: "ending-1"), _storynames)) (goto: (either: ..._storynames))

Scanning the page a sentence jumps out at you. <blockquote>(print: $storyBargaining's quote)</blockquote> You make a pact with yourself. If you can get through this, maybe you can splurge on a nice desert. (set: $story to $storyBargaining, $stage to "bargaining", $dest to "browser-lifestory-4") (display: "browser-choices")

Prose blurs together but from the mass a fragment pops out. <blockquote>(print: $storyDepression's quote)</blockquote> You come to realize your fate. You'll have to travel the world to find the ingredients to this recipe. (set: $story to $storyDepression, $stage to "depression", $dest to "encounter") (display: "browser-choices")

You scroll faster and faster as this roars by. <blockquote>(print: $storyBargaining's quote)</blockquote> Please let this end quickly (set: $story to $storyBargaining, $stage to "bargaining", $dest to "browser-fabulous-ingredients-4") (display: "browser-choices")

*whrrrr* The computer's fans kick into overdrive as you franticly scroll until reaching <blockquote>(print: $storyDepression's quote)</blockquote> You come to realize your fate. You'll never be able to get to the recipe. (set: $story to $storyDepression, $stage to "depression", $dest to "encounter") (display: "browser-choices")

A new block races by. <blockquote>(print: $storyBargaining's quote)</blockquote> Way better idea for the weekend (set: $story to $storyBargaining, $stage to "bargaining", $dest to "browser-science-4") (display: "browser-choices")

Another paragraph attacks you <blockquote>(print: $storyDepression's quote)</blockquote> You come to realize your fate. You'll have to become a food scientist to cook anything. (set: $story to $storyDepression, $stage to "depression", $dest to "encounter") (display: "browser-choices")

The page begins with a ficitious quote: <blockquote> (either: "(upperfirst: $recipe), light of my life, fire of my loins.", "—(upperfirst: $recipe) . . . in a voice that rustled.", "It was love at first bite.", " It was a bright cold day in April, and the dozens were striking thirteen.", "To hell with the $recipe. I'll bring the $recipe with me.", "It was the best of thymes, it was the wurst of thymes", "Of all the things that drive men to sea, the most common disaster, I've come to learn, is $recipe.", " The cold passed reluctantly from the earth, and the retiring fogs revealed a $recipe stretched out on the hills, resting.") </blockquote>

It's your mom calling. [[pick it up->family3]]

"Hi, how are you?" [["Good. How are you?"->family4]]

"I just wanted to let you know we're about to leave so we'll see you in twenty minutes or so" [[...->family5]]

Wait. It's Friday already? I thought it was tomorrow. [[Can't wait to see you guys->family6]]

"Bye. Love you" [["Love you too"->family7]]

*BARK* *BARK* *BARK* $dogName barrels down the hall fast enough that only two paws touch the floor at a time. He's going to keep at it unless we figure out what's going on. [["$dogName!"->dog3]] [[Race him!->dog-race-1]]

*BARK* *BARK* He'll bark for twenty minutes before calming down. *BARK* *BARK* You get to the front door. [[crack the door open a bit->dog5]]

You spot a package on the front porch. *BARK* *BARK* [["It's just a package", you explain to $dogName->dog6]]

He doesn't seem convinced, but he calms down enough to stop. You bring the package inside and place it on the kitchen counter before returning to find a recipe. [[Let's get back to it->to-browser]]

You can't belive you forgot. There is still so much to do. [[Let's get back to it->to-browser]]

(link-reveal: "You stop")[ (link-reveal: "What are you doing?")[ (link-reveal: "This isn't what you want")[ (link-reveal: "You pause")[ (link-goto: "...", (cond: $hr > 105, "ending-help-1", "ending-empathy-1")) ]]]]

{ (set: $hr to 60) (set: $nickname to (either: "Alex", "Pat")) }

{  (set: _choices to (shuffled: (dm: "name", (either: ...$story's angerResponses), "hr", (cond: $stage is "anger", 0, 10)), (dm: "name", (either: ...$story's bargainingResponses), "hr", (cond: $stage is "bargaining", 0, 10)), (dm: "name", (either: ...$story's depressionResponses), "hr", (cond: $stage is "depression", 0, 10)))) } (for: each _choice, ..._choices)[ (link-reveal-goto: _choice's name, $dest)[ (set: $hr to it + (_choice's hr))]]

{ (set: $recipe to "stuffed peppers") (set: $ingredient to "mushrooms") }

(link-reveal: "Your heart is racing")[ (link-reveal: "What am I even getting upset about?")[ (link-reveal: "Some long-winded food blog?")[ (link-reveal: "I don't need to")[ You realize you've been holding your breath. (link-reveal: "*sigh*")[ [[what if...->ending-help-2]] ]]]]]

(link-reveal: "Take care of yourself.")[ (link-reveal: "It was a rough day wasn't it?")[ (link-reveal: "You can take a break")[ (link-reveal: "It's not a rush")[ [[Remember last week?->ending-empathy-2]] ]]]]

[["Hey kids", you ask from the other room->ending-help-3]]

[["What do you want for dinnner?"->ending-help-4]]

"Pizza!" they both yell back. [[*pick up your phone*->ending-help-5]]

mozz, pizza sauce, basil, olives for pizza You text your spouse back. [[~~~->the-end]]

The End [[Play again->Start]]

It's on. Who can get to the door first? [[Run->dog-race-2]]

$dogName loves it. [[Let him win->dog-race-lose]] [[No chance. I'm playing for keeps->dog-race-win]]

You let $dogName reach the door first. He looks vaguely proud. [[Catch up to him->dog4]]

You tag the door first. $dogName gallops with excitement. [[Wait for him to catch up->dog4]]

You stand up. You never had a chance at winning, but, it's not about that. [[walk to the front door->dog4]]

(link-reveal: "You had pizza.")[ (link-reveal: "Let's just do that again")[ [[Ok->ending-help-5]] ]]