(font: "Times Old Attic")[''(text-colour:orange)[Halloween Junction]''
//by Dominic Zullo//
<img src="assets/pumpkins.jpg">
[[Trick->next]] or [[Treat?->next]]
[[View credits.->The End.]]](font: "Times Old Attic")[You walk through the rows of Halloween costumes, not sure what kind of outfit to go with. Everything is here though, every movie monster, every superhero, every villain, cowboy, astronaut, and wizard.
As you debate what to choose, Michael, a friend from school, saunters over. He's wearing his signature letterman jacket, black chest, white sleeves, and red lettering. He eyes a werewolf costume.
"What're you thinking of wearing chief?" Michael asks.
"Hadn't decided yet," you say.
A clatter at the far end of the isle draws both of your attention. A redhead girl, your friend Jordan, scrambles to pick up a collection of plastic swords and replace them on their shelf.
When she stands, you get a good look at what she's wearing, a tight red dress and purple gloves. On top of that, she has donned makeup of red lipstick and purple eyeshadow. Not for the first time that day, your breath catches as you look at her.
"Have you boys decided what costumes you're getting yet?" Jordan asks, approaching you.
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[["Not yet,"]] you reply.](font: "Times Old Attic")[Michael nods his head, as if making the decision on the spot. He reaches for the werewolf costume and holds it out for Jordan to inspect.
"Since the school mascot is a wolf..." Michael says.
Jordan gives the costume a criticizing eye, then shrugs.
"School mascot's a wolf," says Jordan. "Kinda unoriginal for the captain of the football team."
Michael shrugs, then replaces it on the shelf. He picks out a black wraith costume next. Jordan approves it.
"What about you," Jordan asks.
"I-I haven't decided," you say.
"Well, I have an idea for a costume," Jordan says, looking you up and down. [["Follow me."]]](font: "Times Old Attic")[Jordan stops a few isles over with you in tow. The costumes along these shelves are all rather furry. She pulls out a white rabbit costume with red overalls.
"What's this?" you ask.
"It'll go with what I'm wearing," Jordan says. "Trust me."
"It looks ridiculous," you say, thinking of what Michael's reaction would be. He'd tease you for weeks.
The [[superhero->super hero]] costumes a few isles back would be cool.
Or you could go classic movie monster by donning a [[zombie]] or [[vampire]] costume.
Lastly, the ridiculous [[rabbit suit]] that Jordan wants you to wear.](font: "Times Old Attic")["I'll wear the rabbit costume," you say, mentally preparing yourself for Michael's teasing.
"Yay!" Jordan says, practically rupturing your eardrums.
Michael walks around the corner, carrying the wraith costume in a shopping bag. He stops and guffaws as he sees the costume in your hands.
[["Let's go,"->leave the store]] you say, your face reddening.
(set: $rabbitCostume to 1)](font: "Times Old Attic")["I'm gonna wear a superhero costume," you say.
"Oh, okay," Jordan says with a note of disappointment.
"It's just there was that cool movie last month, ya know," you say. "Remember, we went to see it together."
"Yeah, that was a lot of fun." She looks back up at you, cheerful again.
You and Jordan walk back to Michael. You get the superhero costume off of the shelves.
"Nice choice," Michael says. "Probably my favorite hero right there."
"You say that about every hero whenever a movie comes out," Jordan says.
[["Let's go,"->leave the store]] you say, then chuckle as Michael and Jordan bicker.
(set: $heroCostume to 1)](font: "Times Old Attic")["I'm gonna wear a zombie costume," you say. "It's Halloween, so I feel like being in the monster spirit."
"Just don't go overboard creepy, okay," Jordan says with a note of disappointment.
You and Jordan walk back to Michael. You get the zombie costume off of the shelves.
"Nice choice," Michael says. "Movie Monster bros."
You and Michael high-five and you playfully chomp at Jordan.
"Sorry, just getting into character," you say, causing Jordan to giggle. [["Let's go."->leave the store]]
(set: $zombieCostume to 1)](font: "Times Old Attic")["I'm gonna wear a vampire costume," you say. "It's Halloween, so I feel like being in the monster spirit."
"Just don't try to suck out my blood," Jordan says.
You and Jordan walk back to Michael. You get the vampire costume off of the shelves.
"Vampire?" Michael asks. "I'd go for the blood drenched demon look if I were you."
"I think a sexy vampire costume would be cool," Jordan says.
"I'll forgo the fake blood," you say. [["Let's go."->leave the store]]
(set: $vampireCostume to 1)](font: "Times Old Attic")[You all exit the store and pile into Michael's car, an expensive sports car bought by his parents. You sit in the front passenger's seat and Jordan gets the back all to herself.
"Compass Street has a lot of good stuff going on tonight," Michael says. "We'll head over there, then decide where to go next."
[[Drive to Compass Street.]]](font: "Times Old Attic")[The car ride from the Halloween costume store to Compass Street takes a little over half an hour. Along the way you look at your watch, which reads, 8:30.
"We've got plenty of time to trick-or-treat," you say.
"And we can see a movie," Jordan says. "They're decreasing ticket prices so more people will go tonight."
"Don't forget about Miss Audrey's Diner," Michael says. "She always comes up with great recipes during the fall."
Michael parks the car on South Street, next to the town's graveyard. You all get out of the car, then you and Michael don your costumes over your street clothes.
As a trio you all walk up the road to the Compass Street intersection, which isn't actually called that, but named for the four roads it connects, North, South, East, and West.
You stop at the [[crossroads.->hub world]]](font: "Times Old Attic")[(if: ($northStreet is 0) and ($eastStreet is 0) and ($westStreet is 0))[As you all gaze around at the three other joining streets, a child followed by his parents walks by you.
The child is dressed as a can of spinach. The father, a burly sailor with tattooed arms. The wife, wearing a simple black skirt and red shirt.
(if: $rabbitCostume is 1)[The child stops and laughs at the ridiculous rabbit costume. You feel your cheeks redden.
The parents chastise their son.
"Sorry about our boy," the father says. "Your costumes are great."
"Y'all are such a cute couple," says the wife.
"We're not..." you say as the parents walk away, dragging their son.]
(if: $heroCostume is 1)[The child stops and marvels at your awesome superhero costume. He asks to take a picture with you, which you oblige.
The parents dote over their son as they take the pictures.
"Thank you, young man," the father says. "You're a real hero."
"You're really good with kids," says the wife.
"Yeah, he is," says Jordan, giving you a look you have a hard time deciphering.
After a few more pictures the family bids their farewell.]
(if: $zombieCostume is 1)[The child stops and stares at your creepy zombie costume.
"What kind of zombie are you?" the boy asks.
"Um..." you say, not too sure how many types of zombies there are.
"Charlie, leave the poor young man alone," says his mother.
"It's alright ma'am," you say. "Charlie, I'm a zombie from that game where they battle plants. You played it?"
"Yeah!" says the boy, his eyes now alight.
You high-five the boy, then the family leaves.]
(if: $vampireCostume is 1)[The child stops and judges your vampire costume. Appearing unimpressed, the child continues on his way. You look around the square and see at least half a dozen other vampires, all of which are gruesome looking.
The parents hurry past and chastise their son for the rude look he gave you.
"Ouch," Michael says. "Tough crowd."
"Ignore the little ankle biter," Jordan says.
"Besides," says Michael. "The kid was dressed up as a can of spinach; he doesn't have room to judge."]]
"Where do you guys wanna go?" asks Michael.
(if: $northStreet is 0)["[[North Street,]]" you say. "Let's go trick-or-treating at the big houses."]
(if: $eastStreet is 0)["[[East Street,]]" you say. "I'm hungry and Miss Audrey's cooking sounds great."]
(if: $westStreet is 0)["[[West Street,]]" you say. "Let's catch a movie while they're still open."]
(if: ($northStreet is 1) and ($eastStreet is 1) and ($westStreet is 1))[The street is now nearly empty. Even the other high schoolers are getting into their cars to leave. It is really late.
"[[South Street,]]" you say. "I'm ready to head out."]
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</script>}](font: "Times Old Attic")["Great," Michael says. "Let's load up on free junk food!"
"North Street always has great decorations," Jordan says.
"Last year Mr. Barns had that huge inflatable skeleton, remember?" Michael says.
"Yeah," you say. "And it could move its arms and head. Talk to people who passed by."
"I wonder what he's got planned this year," Jordan says.
I don't know," Michael says. "But Mr. Mackie seems to be throwing a party."
Michael points up the street, to a house with several costumed teens milling around in the yard.
"Looks like Mr. Coleman is trying to outdo the whole neighborhood," says Jordan, pointing to the end of the road.
Several orange spotlights shot into the air from the house at the far end of the street. On the front of the house a black and white movie is projected. A few families sit in the grass watching the movie. Other families admire the collection of carved pumpkins, of which there are close to fifty.
"Where do ya wanna go?" Michael asks.
{(if: $mrBarns is 0)["Let's see what [[Mr. Barns]] is doing at his house," you say.<br>]
(if: $mrMackie is 0)["Let's see why [[Mr. Mackie]] has so many people in his yard," you say.<br>]
(if: $mrColeman is 0)["Let's see those pumpkins at [[Mr. Coleman's]] house," you say.]}
(if: ($mrBarns is 1) and ($mrColeman is 1) and ($mrMackie is 1))[(set: $northStreet to 1) Go to [[the crossroads.->hub world]]]](font: "Times Old Attic")["Let's blow this popsicle stand," Michael says.
"Yeah, tonight has been great," Jordan says. "But I need to sleep for a week after all this excitement."
Michael leads the group back down South Street, passing several houses as they turn off their porch light, signaling the end of Halloween at their doorstep.
You pass the front gate of the graveyard, as spooky as ever.
As Michael's car draws near, you feel like you need a private word with each of your friends.
You quicken your pace to speak with [[Michael]].
You fall back to speak with [[Jordan]].](font: "Times Old Attic")["Yes it does," Michael says. "What do you think she's made special this year?"
You all walk down east street, on the opposit side of the graveyard. Many of the houses down this road are decorated, but without their porch lights on. A lot of families live here, so they'd be on the other streets trick-or-treating.
"Something crazy good with pumpkin in it, I bet," Jordan says.
"Yeah. She adds pumpkin to something every year," you say. "She normally makes around four themed desserts. "
You all enter the warmly lit diner, a bell chimes to announce your arrival, and find a table. The place is decorated wall to wall with Jack-O-lanters, paper skeletons, and candles light the place, rather than the usual overhead lights.
<img src="assets/diner.jpg">
A woman walks out from a door behind the bartop. Mrs. Audrey, wearing a witches hat and black apron.
"How're y'all doing tonight?" Miss Audrey says in a sweet Southern accent.
[["We're having a great time,"->diner]] you say.
(set: $eastStreet to 1)
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</script>}](font: "Times Old Attic")["Good plan," says Michael. "I hope they've got some new movies with those low ticket prices."
"What genres are you guys interested in seeing tonight?" you ask.
You all walk down West Street as the conversation continues. There's an abundance of houses to trick-or-treat at, but you pass them all as you discuss movie options.
"I'm all about horror on Halloween," says Michael. "But I wouldn't say no to that new superhero movie, or that blockbuster action movie that huge actor starred in."
"I'm down for action too," says Jordan. "But I'd prefer a romance or comedy."
"We'll just have to see what they have," you say.
You arrive at the movie theater and walk up to the [[ticket booth.->movie theater]] (set: $westStreet to 1)]As you approach Mr. Barns' house you see that it is covered in cobwebs; the windows look boarded up; and on the porch, an old man dressed like a mummy sits in a rocking chair.
You approach the mummy.
"Hey, Mr. Barns," Michael says.
The mummy says nothing but raises a hand and gestures at the front door.
(font: "Times Old Attic")["You want us to go in?" asks Jordan.
"Ring," says the mummy, then lowers its hand.
You walk past Mr. Barns, to the door.
Ring the doorbell.
(click:"Ring the doorbell.")[The door opens.
Inside, just beyond the threshold, is an old woman, who you recognize as Mrs. Barns. She too is dressed like a mummy, with a gold headdress.
"Enter the haunted house," Mrs. Barns croaks.
You follow her instructions and walk past her, to the living room, which is lit by candlelight alone. A small wooden table is in the rooms center and a witch sits at it, gazing into a crystal ball. The witch glances over at the three of you.
"Come," says the witch, and from her voice you recognize the woman as Alice, Mr. and Mrs. Barns' daughter.
You sit at the table across from the witch, while Michael and Jordan sit on either side of you.
"I offer two choices to you, my visitors," says the witch. "A [[Trick]] for those seeking adventure and a [[Treat]] for those seeking sweet treat. Be warned, those who guard this realm will not allow you to make the choice again this year. Which will you choose?"
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(set: $mrBarns to 1)](font: "Times Old Attic")[As you approach Mr. Mackie's house you realize that you recognize many of the teens in the yard as friends from school. You approach the first guy you recognize, your football teammate, George.
"Wazzap?" says George with a wide smile. He embraces you and Michael. "Y'all ready for the game tomorrow night?"
"Hey bro," Michael says. "Yeah. I'm ready to crush the Catamounts."
"Here. Here," George says, raising a red plastic cup to his lips.
"What's that?" Jordan asks.
"Don't worry, Davy only has soda and punch behind his bar," George says.
"Let's go get drinks," you say and lead Michael and Jordan to the front door.
Ring the doorbell.
(click:"Ring the doorbell.")[The door opens.
Inside, the party is just as crazy as outside. Costumed kids from school socialize, some on the couch while watching football, and others in the kitchen while gorging themselves on sweets.
You walk into the kitchen where you find Davy, surrounded by a gaggle of girls.
"Davy!" you shout as you near him.
"Dude!" Davy says. You both exchange a fist bump.
"How did you pull this off?" Jordan asks. You notice that she seems a little uncomfortable around the other girls.
"My parents are outta town, but they gave me the go ahead," Davy says. "You guys want some drinks?"
"Please," you, Michael, and Jordan say, then take sodas from the refrigerator.
Davy also gives the three of you a few fistfuls of candy. "Something to gamble with if you play any games," he says.
"Nice costumes, btw," Davy says.
"Thanks," you say." We didn't have too many choices because we got them last minute."
"Except for me," Jordan says. "I ordered my costume months ago."
"And it fits you perfectly," Davy says, causing Jordan to blush.
"Well," you say, stepping closer to Jordan. "I think we're gonna explore the party a bit more. See what's happening [[upstairs]], or back [[outside]]."
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(set: $mrMackie to 1)](font: "Times Old Attic")[As you approach Mr. Coleman's house you get a better look at the pumpkins and movie. The movie playing is a classic monster movie and it looks like it only just started. The pumpkins each look like a work of art from afar.
"Let's get candy first," Jordan says. "Then I want to look at the pumpkins more closely."
"If we have time, I'd like to watch the movie," Michael says.
"Let's go ring the doorbell first," you say.
(click:"ring the doorbell")[The door opens.
Mr. Coleman opens the door to the three of you. He's dressed like an old wizard, in blue robes and a star-spangled wizard's hat.
"Trick or treat," the three of you say in unison.
"I love the costumes," Mr. Coleman says. From within his robes he pulls out a bad of candy and drops the sugary goods into your outstretched hands.
"Thanks' Mr. Coleman," you say.
"Ditto," says Michal.
"Thank you, Mr. Coleman," Jordan says too.
"Y'all have a good Halloween," Mr. Coleman says. "I hope you enjoy the movies and pumpkins. It took my wife and I all of the past week and a half to get those [[pumpkins]] carved. There's three movies on a loop, so you can catch a few of the [[classics]] if you have the time."
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(set: $mrColeman to 1)](font: "Times Old Attic")["We'll choose a trick," you say.
"I'd rather get candy," Jordan says.
"We can get candy at any of the houses," Michael says. "Let's see what trick Alice-I mean, the witch has up her sleeve."
"Your choice is made," says the witch.
Behind you a loud BANG breaks the silence. You look behind you as a tall monster leaps out of a closet. It is a hulking green creature, with stiches and bolts at every joint, wearing only pants.
Jordan screams and you and Michael leap out of your chairs. Stopping feet away from the table, the monster turns and reenters the closet.
You turn back to the witch, who is barely suppressing her laughter.
"Now go," the witch says. "And leave this realm dormant for another year."
You all leave Mr. Barns house out the back door and go around the sidewalk back to the main road.
"That was not as good as candy," Jordan says, her hair no longer as well brushed as before. The red curls have lost their uniformity.
"Let's go back to [[North Street,]]" you say.](font: "Times Old Attic")["We'll choose treat," you say.
"I'd rather see what trick she has in store for us," Michael says.
"Let's just get some candy and go," Jordan says. "There's still plenty of time to get scared tonight."
"Your choice is made," says the witch.
From beneath the table, she pulls out a bowl of candy and sets it on the table. Within the bowl there are several types of chocolate, some with peanut butter, some with caramel, and some with chunky nuts.
You reach into the bowl and select a piece of candy, but as you pull your hand away, another hand jumps out from the bowl and grabs your wrist. After a second your hand is let go.
You realize that the witch's right arm, sitting on the table, is fake.
"Now go," the witch says. "And leave this realm dormant for another year."
You all leave Mr. Barns house out the back door and go around the sidewalk back to the main road.
"Your face was priceless," Jordan says. "You looked like you'd just become a mummy yourself."
"Let's go back to [[North Street,]]" you say.](font: "Times Old Attic")["I think I want to check out those pumpkins," you say.
Jordan gives you an approving smile and wraps her arm through yours, an unexpected gesture, but you don't pull away.
Michael looks disappointed that he'll miss the beginning of the monster movie, but he follows you and Jordan to the patch of the yard laden with the carved, orange squash-like plants.
"I like that pumpkin," Jordan says as you pass through the rows. She's indicating a carving of a queen surrounded by three dragons.
"I loved that show," you say. "But it felt hard to watch after Ned's death."
"But that was in season one," Michael says.
"That actor dies in every role," you say. "But I liked Ned a lot."
"Check out that pumpkin," Michael says. He points at a carving of the school mascot, a wolf.
"That's awesome," you say.
By the time you look at all of the pumpkins, Mr. Coleman appears outside to turn off the projector, ending the cycle of movies.
"Awe man," Michael says.
"Sorry Michael. Let's go back to [[North Street,]]" you say.](font: "Times Old Attic")["Let's see what movie he's got playing now," you say.
Michael takes the lead and finds a spot in the grass to sit. You and Jordan sit behind him.
"It's Dracula!" Michael says. "Have y'all seen it?"
You nod, but Jordan shakes her head.
"I hope you like it," you say to Jordan. "Dracula's a classic example of a good menacing villain."
As the night drags on a chill creeps over the yard. Jordan begins shivering.
"Wanna..." you trail off, holding an arm out to her. Jordan wordlessly leans into you and you use the bulk of your costume like a blanket.
When the movie finally ends you help Jordan stand up.
"We should get moving. Get some warmth back into our limbs," you say.
"Agreed," Jordan says.
"Let's go back to [[North Street,]]" you say.](font: "Times Old Attic")[Davy's house is massive. Upstairs there are several rooms; a game room, an indoor pool, and a mini bowling alley. You stop briefly in each one, chatting with other members of the football team.
You notice too that several buckets of candy reside in each room.
"Davy didn't want anyone to feel like they're missing out on trick or treating by coming here," you say.
"He really thought of everything," Michael says.
"Davy's like the nicest guy on the team," Jordan says.
You and Michael both look at her.
"What?" Jordan asks defensively.
"Let's go back to [[North Street,]]" you say, not feeling too interested in the party anymore.] (font: "Times Old Attic")[You go back outside, were football players, cheerleaders, and several other kids from school have started to play beer pong, but they are using punch instead of beer.
They're exchanging candy as prizes for the winning team.
"Y'all wanna play?" George asks.
"Sure," Michael says.
"You ready to lose?" you ask.
"I don't think so," George replies.
"I'll pair up with you," Jordan says. Grabbing your hand and pulling you to the other end of the table. Michael partners up with George and you all play several rounds.
After getting thoroughly destroyed by Michael and George, and losing all of the candy Davy gave you, you and Jordan call it quits. You, Jordan, and Michael decide you've had enough of the party after conversing with a few more friends.
"Let's go back to [[North Street,]]" you say.](font: "Times Old Attic")["That's so good to hear," Miss Audrey says. "You three are the first customers I've had today."
"We'll make sure to be great customers then," Michael says.
"Thank you, Michael," Miss Audrey says, pulling out menus for you, Michael, and Jordan. "Y'all look over the specials while I fetch some hot chocolate."
As soon as she leaves the table, Michael looks at you excitedly.
"Dude," he says.
"No," Jordan replies. "It's so weird that you like her."
"But she remembered my name," Michael says.
"She's like 30," you say. "Just stop."
"Come on bro. Have my back on this one," Michael says. "I'm a senior anyway."
"Jordan, what're you gonna get?" you say to change the subject.
"I don't know. Everything looks great," Jordan says. "I'll get whatever you don't, so we can both try something."
You look down at the menu. On it are listed four Halloween treats.
[[Pumpkin pancakes.]]
[[Candy-apple pie.]]
[[Deep-dish chocolate chip cookie.]]
[[Chunky sundae.]]](font: "Times Old Attic")[<img src="assets/marquee.jpg">
The ticket clerk is a skinny teenage boy, who you know from school. He doesn't look pleased to be working on Halloween and has his half-closed eyes cupped in his hands on the countertop.
"Hey, Dennis," you say.
"Wha..." Dennis says, coming out of his stupor. "Oh. Hey guys."
"What movies are Y'all playing?" Jordan asks.
Dennis looks at the computer screen in front of him. Momentarily blinded by its brightness, he squints.
"We've got Love's Crusade, a [[Romance]]; Night Terrors, a [[horror]]; Laughapalooza, a [[comedy]]; Johnathan Winchester, an [[action]] movie; and Superduper Force, a [[superhero]] movie." Michael reads off the list.](font: "Times Old Attic")["We'll go with Love's Crusade," you say.
Dennis raises an eyebrow.
"Weird choice on Halloween, but whatever." Dennis says. "Three tickets for Love's Crusade."
You pay for the tickets. Michael tries to pay for his own, but you assure him that you've got it.
"Thanks, Dennis," Jordan says. To your surprise, she wraps an arm around yours and the three of you head inside.
Michael insists on paying for food and drinks, though you all only eat lightly.
The movie is dull. Probably the worst romance you've ever subjected yourself, to and Michael felt the same. Jordan likes it though. Throughout the film she eyes you expectantly, but you're a little uncomfortable with the pressure. She settles for holding your hand, which is still really awkward.
Two hours later the movie is over and you all head back to [[Compass Street.->hub world]]](font: "Times Old Attic")["We'll go with Night Terrors," you say.
Dennis smiles.
"Classic Halloween flick. Nice," Dennis says. "Three tickets for Night Terrors."
You pay for the tickets. Michael tries to pay for his own, but you assure him that you've got it.
"Thanks, Dennis," Michael says. "You oughta come by the practice field sometime. I've seen you run, and we could use someone with your speed."
Dennis looks grateful at the compliment.
Michael insists on paying for food and drinks, though you all only eat lightly.
The move makes your skin crawl, though you try to impress Jordan by not reacting much. She jumps easily and practically hurls herself at you each time the movie's monster reveals itself. You wrap an arm around her shoulders, not being very smooth about it. Michael keeps up a quiet running commentary, criticizing the characters for their poor choices.
Two hours later the movie is over and you all head back to [[Compass Street.->hub world]]](font: "Times Old Attic")["We'll go with Laughapalooza," you say.
Dennis laughs.
"Not exactly a Halloween pick, but I hear it's funny." Dennis says. "Three tickets for Laughapalooza."
You pay for the tickets. Michael tries to pay for his own, but you assure him that you've got it.
"Thanks, Dennis," Jordan says. To your surprise, she wraps an arm around yours and the three of you head inside.
Michael insists on paying for food and drinks, though you all only eat lightly.
The movie isn't funny. All of the actor's jokes are cringy and the three of you only ever laugh at how bad it is. The lead actor gets outshined by the rest of the cast, but he also gets the only actually funny joke in the film. Michael makes a joke so much funnier than the rest of the film that none of you stop laughing for several minutes.
Two hours later the movie is over and you all head back to [[Compass Street.->hub world]]](font: "Times Old Attic")["We'll go with Johnathan Winchester," you say.
Dennis becomes excited.
"I saw it last night, on my day off. It's awesome!" Dennis says. "Three tickets for Johnathan Winchester."
You pay for the tickets. Michael tries to pay for his own, but you assure him that you've got it.
"Thanks, Dennis," Jordan says. To your surprise, she wraps an arm around yours and the three of you head inside.
Michael insists on paying for food and drinks, though you all only eat lightly.
The movie is indeed awesome. The protagonist barely makes it out alive as each action sequence leaves him more and more injured, but by the end he accrues a huge body count. All that over a dead puppy. The female lead is also stunning. During a steamy scene Jordan leans towards you expectantly, but the scene ends soon, and you avoid an awkward situation.
Two hours later the movie is over and you all head back to [[Compass Street.->hub world]]](font: "Times Old Attic")["We'll go with Superduper Force," you say.
Dennis frowns.
"I've seen some negative stuff about it online, but you should still give it a shot." Dennis says. "Three tickets for Superduper Force."
You pay for the tickets. Michael tries to pay for his own, but you assure him that you've got it.
"Thanks, Dennis," Michael says. "Maybe it's not as bad as everybody's saying."
Michael insists on paying for food and drinks, though you all only eat lightly.
The movie is as bad as everybody's saying. It feels supper rushed, and you and Jordan complain that there should have been origin movies for each hero on the team. The plot is also superduper convoluted, like it had been mutilated in post-production by the studio. The power scaling is also awful, evidenced by the ridiculous death of an immortal character.
Two hours later the movie is over and you all head back to [[Compass Street.->hub world]]](font: "Times Old Attic")["I'll go for the pumpkin pancakes," you say. "I love anything with pumpkin flavor."
"Sweet!" says Jordan. "Literally. I'll go for the chunky sundae."
"And I grab the deep-dish chocolate chip cookie," Michael says.
Miss Audrey returns a minute later with the hot chocolates and takes your orders. It isn't long before she then comes out with the food and serves it.
The pumpkin pancakes arrive at the table piping hot and the diner fills with the aroma. You take a bite of Michael's cookie and Jordan's sundae, but you all agree that the pancakes are the best.
There's a caramel drizzle and baked pumpkin seeds on top of three stacked disks. You decide to experiment and add whipped cream and chocolate syrup too.
After obsessing over the amazing food for half an hour and praising Miss Aubrey's cooking, you all leave, bellies fit to bursting and sleepy.
[[Leave the diner.->hub world]]](font: "Times Old Attic")["I'll go for the candy-apple pie," you say. "It sounds sweet and savory."
"Sweet!" says Jordan. "Literally. I'll go for the chunky sundae."
"And I grab the pumpkin pancakes," Michael says.
Miss Audrey returns a minute later with the hot chocolates and takes your orders. It isn't long before she then comes out with the food and serves it.
The candy-apple pie arrives at the table filling the diner with the aroma of melted caramel and baked apples. You take a bite of Michael's pumpkin pancakes and Jordan's sundae, but you all agree that the candy-apple pie is the best.
The pie is various shades of golden-brown, with pecans mixed in. Red swirls also run through the slice, caramelized shavings from the apple's skin.
After obsessing over the amazing food for half an hour and praising Miss Aubrey's cooking, you all leave, bellies fit to bursting and sleepy.
[[Leave the diner.->hub world]]](font: "Times Old Attic")["I'll go for the deep-dish chocolate chip cookie," you say. "Chocolate chip cookies are my favorite."
"Sweet!" says Jordan. "Literally. I'll go for the pumpkin pancakes."
"And I grab the chunky sundae," Michael says.
Miss Audrey returns a minute later with the hot chocolates and takes your orders. It isn't long before she then comes out with the food and serves it.
The deep-dish chocolate chip cookie arrives at the table in a large metal dish, which Miss Audrey warns is still very hot. You take a bite of Michael's chunky sundae and Jordan's pumpkin pancakes, but you all agree that the deep-dish cookie is the best.
The ooze of chocolate from the cookie flows like a river down your chin. The outside of the cookie is crispy from the metal dish, but the inside is warm and soft.
After obsessing over the amazing food for half an hour and praising Miss Aubrey's cooking, you all leave, bellies fit to bursting and sleepy.
[[Leave the diner.->hub world]]](font: "Times Old Attic")["I'll go for the chunky sundae," you say. "I'm curious why it's called chunky."
"Sweet!" says Jordan. "Literally. I'll go for the candy-apple pie."
"And I grab the deep-dish chocolate chip cookie," Michael says.
Miss Audrey returns a minute later with the hot chocolates and takes your orders. It isn't long before she then comes out with the food and serves it.
The chunky sundae arrives at the table covered in candy corn, crushed chocolate, and hard sour candy. You take a bite of Michael's cookie and Jordan's pie, but you all agree that the sundae is the best.
The mix-match of different candy looks bizarre, but the flavors added by the candy added to the experience of the dessert. The sour candy made the dish tarte and the chocolate chunks were classic. Jordan picked the candy corn off of her bite though.
After obsessing over the amazing food for half an hour and praising Miss Aubrey's cooking, you all leave, bellies fit to bursting and sleepy.
[[Leave the diner.->hub world]]](font: "Times Old Attic")["Hey, Michael..." you say.
"Yeah dude," Michael responds.
"Things between Jordan and I are changing," you continue. "And I don't want things to get weird in our friendship."
Michael laughs.
"Dude," Michael says. "You're good at stating the obvious, aren't you?"
"Apparently," you reply.
"Get in the backseat with her," Michael says. "I'll give you two some privacy."
"Thanks man," you say. (set: $michael to 1)
(if: $jordan is 0)[Talk to [[Jordan]].]
(if: ($michael is 1) and ($jordan is 1))[Get in the [[car]] with Jordan.]](font: "Times Old Attic")["Hey, Jordan..." you say.
"Hey," Jordan responds.
"Are we... you know?" you continue.
She nods.
"It's about time if you ask me," Jordan says. "I was beginning to think you'd never catch on."
"I just think I never figured out how to ask," you say. "It all just felt natural tonight."
"Everything came together perfectly," Jordan says.
You exhale, relived to finally express your feelings. (set: $jordan to 1)
(if: $michael is 0)[Talk to [[Michael]].]
(if: ($michael is 1) and ($jordan is 1))[Get in the [[car]] with Jordan.]](font: "Times Old Attic")[Michael unlocks his car and ducks into the driver's seat. He starts the car and begins playing music, not loudly, but loud enough to make close whispered words hard for him to hear.
Jordan gets into the car from the left and you walk around the car. As you get in though, you see that Jordan has buckled into the middle seat. You squeeze in on her right.
Michael flips up his rear-view mirror, so he can't see the back of the car, and he drives.
You and Jordan stare into each other's eyes for a moment, then close them as you lean closer together.
[[The End.]]](font: "Times Old Attic")[(text-colour:orange)[''Credits:'']
Audio:
dAmbiant. "//8-Bit Loop - Halloween Walz Creepy Walz//". freesound.org. October 19, 2014. Accessed on June 15, 2021.
bennstir. "//Doorbell1.wav//". freesound.org. October 4, 2009. Accessed on June 20, 2021.
Justahand. "//Lv 5.wav//". freesound.org. March 8, 2020. Accessed on June 20, 2021.
Images:
Weston, David. "//halloween 2005 - the pumpkin family//". flickr.com. November 2, 2007. Accessed on June 15, 2021.
Daveynin. "//Garage halloween decoration//". flicker.com. October 30, 2009. Accessed on June 20, 2021.
Melissa Lobach. "//Marquee//". flicker.com. March 7, 2009. Accessed on June 20, 2021.
Font:
Magique Fonts. "//Times Old Attic Font//". 1001fonts.com. Accessed on August 15, 2021.
{
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audio.src="assets/8bitwave.wav";
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(set: $heroCostume to 0)(set: $zombieCostume to 0)(set: $vampireCostume to 0)(set: $mrMackie to 0)(set: $mrColeman to 0)(set: $mrBarns to 0)(set: $rabbitCostume to 0)(set: $westStreet to 0)(set: $northStreet to 0)(set: $eastStreet to 0)(set: $michael to 0)(set: $jordan to 0)}
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