Are You Listening?

,,,

(text-colour:white)+(t8n:"flicker")+(link-reveal:"\"Are you listening?\"")[(text-colour:#76a8e8)[ You blink everything into focus. It is your sister's face across the counter that greets your return to the waking world. She's come to bother you at work. You wish you could complain about that, but you haven't seen anyone in hours. This place is always so dead; you have no idea how they can even afford to pay you. You zoned out again. You've been doing that a lot lately. To be fair, your sister's stories aren't exactly the most engaging, but if you told her that, she'd get totally pissed at you. Still, it seems like whatever she was saying was actually important. Or, at least she thinks it is. She will undoubtedly whine about it. $sister["God, honestly, I don't know why I bother. You always do this..."] And there it is.] [["Then don't."]] [["Sorry."]] [[Say nothing.]]]

{(set: $rude to $rude + 1)} $sister["Fine, be that way. I was just trying to help..."] You can't find it in yourself to be that sympathetic about it, whatever it was. It probably wasn't even important. She's always this dramatic about the smallest things. Then again, she's also dramatic about //everything//, so maybe you should ask anyway. [["What was so important?"]] [["Sorry. What were you saying?"->"Forget what?"]] [[Stay quiet.]] [["Just go."->leave.early]]

{(if: $shopping_trip_visit < 1)[(set: $nice to $nice + 1)]} She shakes her head. $sister["Whatever, it's fine. Just don't forget."] ...You have no clue what she's talking about and whether or not it's important. She said it like it was, but [[your definition of serious is often much more realistic than hers.->serious]] [["Forget what?"]] [["I won't."]] [["What was so important?"]] [["I'm way more responsible than you, anyway."]]

{(set: $neutral to $neutral + 1)} She sighs, loud and long, at your lack of a response. But your silence never stops her for long. $sister["You're so unfair. I'm literally talking to myself."] She looks at you, waiting for a response. You make full eye contact with her, and then hold your breath. She rolls her eyes at you. $sister["Real funny. Can we get back to the point?"] Right. What was the point, again? Something you were supposed to remember..? Though, you could just lie to get her off your back. [["What was that?"->"Forget what?"]] [["Jesus, what is so damn important?"->"What was so important?"]] [["I haven't forgotten anything."->"I won't."]]

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{(set: $shopping_trip_visit to it + 1)[(set: $shopping_trip to true)]} One time, she had made you drive to the mall with the excuse that she needed something incredibly important for school the next day. You had assumed, like anyone would, that she needed school supplies, or had a project. Until she had walked back to the car you nearly fell asleep in with shopping bags full of clothes. At the time, you had chewed her out for lying by omission and for the gas money, but honestly? [[The //audacity// of this brat.->"Sorry."]]

{(set: $informed to true) (set: $nice to $nice + 1)} She sighs, overdramatic as ever. Your eye twitches, a reflex. Sometimes you think you have nightmares over the sound of her voice, and that's why it automatically annoys you. Or maybe she has that effect on everyone. $sister["Only you would forget your own birthday party."] She side eyes you, and you're hit with the urge to swat at her like you did when you were both younger. You might get in trouble with your boss for making a scene, if he wasn't definitely asleep in the back. But you won't, that's petty. Then again, she's way worse than you... [["I didn't forget."]] [["I never asked for a party."]] [["Whatever."]] [[Swat her arm.]]

{(set: $neutral to $neutral +1)} She side eyes you for a quick second. You look right back at her, customer service smile fully deployed. She narrows her eyes. $sister["If you forget, I'll put rice in your shoes."] [["Is that a threat?"]] [["Fine, I lied. What's the big deal?"->"What was so important?"]] [["You won't, because I didn't forget."->"I didn't forget."]]

{(if: $explanation_visit < 1)[(set: $rude to $rude +1)]} (text-colour:#0053d9)["Fuck off, you're the worst! You forget everything. You forgot your keys twice this morning. You forget every holiday and birthday, even mine!"] That was //one time//. [[And you had a reason for it.->explanation]] The keys, well...you got distracted. But still, you're right, and she knows it. You forget things often because there's so much you're already keeping track of. She should know that more than anyone. You have half a mind to remind her of that, but you know it won't go anywhere. You still don't know what she was talking about before and whether or not it was important... [["Sorry, I derailed. What were you talking about?"->"Forget what?"]] [["The point is, I haven't forgotten anything."->"I won't."]] [["God, what was so important anyway?"->"What was so important?"]]

{(set: $explanation to true) (set: $explanation_visit to it + 1)} Mom was sick enough to be in the hospital that year. You know it can't have been easy, being a single mom with two kids. You suppose it was only a matter of time before the overworking and lack of sleep caught up with her. She was fine, but at the time, taking care of everything, including your sister, was up to you. You've tried over the years to not resent her for that. You know it wasn't really her fault. Maybe it's your dad's, when you get down to it - he never tried to do anything for you. Most days, you struggle to recall the details of his face. But it could also equally be her dad's fault too. That was the year you forgot your sister's birthday - it was the day after Mom was admitted. You could barely keep a handle on her schedule, your own, your schoolwork, helping her with hers, dinner, calling the hospital, packing lunch... Suffice to say, she threw a tantrum of epic proportions. You //did// feel bad about it, but...[[you were still a kid, too.->"I'm way more responsible than you, anyway."]]

{(set: $nice to $nice + 1) (set: $informed to true)} She laughs. $sister["Sure you didn't. Considering it's your birthday, I'll forgive you."] She smiles at you, that Cheshire grin that always leads to bad things. You frown back at her, and she giggles at you before nudging your arm resting on the counter with her own. [[Swat her arm.]] [["I never asked for a party."]] [["Don't you have some decorating or something to do?"]]

{(set: $neutral to $neutral +1)} She scrunches up her nose at that. $sister["C'mon, I pulled out all the stops! You should be excited."] That's exactly what you're afraid of. Your idea of fun is often vastly different from hers. You're beginning to regret not paying attention more and more, because if you had been, you could have at least tried to nip this idea at the bud weeks ago. But unfortunately, you're here, and your sister's plans are probably almost complete, if not already in full swing. There's not much you can do now but suck it up and endure it. You could always get some payback, though... [[Swat her arm.]] [["Don't you have some decorating or something to do?"]] [[

{(set: $rude to $rude +1)} She huffs, flicking her ponytail over her shoulder. $sister["You know, you could at least //pretend// to care."] Maybe you should, but she's also being pretty annoying right now, so...maybe it's fair, in a twisted kind of way. That could just be your guilty conscience trying to rationalize it, though. All things said, she's clearly been obsessing over this. It might not be a bad idea to give her the benefit of the doubt. {(if: $informed is false)[[["You're right, I'm being mean. What were you talking about?"->smooth.over]]] (else: )[[["Don't you have some decorating or something to do?"]]]} [["If you don't like it, you can leave."->leave.early]] [["Sorry, just not feeling it today. You should go home first."->nice.leave]]

{(set: $childish2 to true)} Her mouth falls open in shock. (t8n:"rumble")[And then she swats you back!] [[Oh, it is //on//.->childish2]] (if: $rude >= 2)[[[This is stupid.->mean.game]]] (if: $rude <= 1)[[[This is stupid.->mature]]]

{(if: $nice >= 2)[(set: $nice to $nice + 1) What was once a childish impulse has now devolved into an equally childish game. The sound of your combined laughter fills the empty store. You had forgotten this feeling. You can't remember the last time you laughed this hard, either. Maybe you have been kind of out of it lately... Eventually, you both quit, energy spent and chests heaving from laughter. There is a smile on her lips when she speaks next. $sister["You're a dork."] [["And you're a dweeb."]]]} (if: $nice < 2)[(set: $rude to $rude + 1)$sister["Christ, cut it out!"] You stop. She huffs and plays with the end of her ponytail, a nervous tick you immediately recognize. $sister["What's your damage?"] You may have gone too far...you could apologize. But she has definitely done worse, many times before. [["I'm sorry, that was mean. What were you trying to tell me before?"->smooth.over]] [["You! You're the problem!"->"You're my problem!"]] (if: $informed is true)[["Don't you have some decorating or something to do?"]] ]

{(if: $nice >= 2)[{(set: $nice to $nice + 1)} You both glare at each other for a moment, and then burst out laughing. Your stomach hurts by the time your laughter dies down. $sister["Anyway,"] She wipes a tear from her eye. $sister["I'm going to head out. Don't be late coming home."] [["I won't."->You are alone.]]] (if: $rude >= 2)[(set: $rude to $rude + 1)You glare at her. She glares back. You hold your ground, and eventually she gives in. $sister["What the hell. I don't know why I even come here. I'm going."] (if: $informed is true)[She looks back at you right before the door swings shut behind her. $sister["Don't forget the party." (if: $informed is false)[She doesn't look back at you as the door slams behind her. The sound of it echoes through the silent storefront. [[You are alone.]]]]] [["Yeah, I know."->You are alone.]]] (if: $neutral > 1)+(if: $rude < 2)+(if: $nice < 2)[(set: $neutral to $neutral + 1)You glare at her. She glares back. You hold your ground, and eventually she gives in. She sighs, then gives you a pointed look. $sister["Whatever. Don't be late."] And with that, she leaves. She doesn't look back as the door swings closed behind her. [[You are alone.]]] }

$sister["Seriously, what is your problem?"] There is a note of something in her voice, something hurt, something fragile. Maybe you've gone too far. [["You're my problem!"]] [["I'm sorry, that was mean. What were you trying to tell me?"->smooth.over]] [["Just go."->leave.early]]

{(set: $rude to $rude + 2)} The words spill out of your mouth, and then they keep going, a waterfall. "I never asked you to be here! You just show up wherever you please, do whatever you want, say whatever you want, and act like you're above the consequences! I hate that about you! I hate that you always get away with everything! I hate that Mom lets you! I hate you!" You can hear the sound of your own voice ringing in your ears. For a moment, everything is still. Each sound is magnified: the ticking of the clock, your heavy breathing, and the beginnings of tears starting in your sister's throat. You made her cry. $sister["I..."] The tears begin to fall, now, and she falters, sniffles, and then tries again. $sister["I just wanted to do something for you..."] And with that, she leaves, the only sound left the twinkle of the shop bells declaring her departure. [[You screwed up.]]

{(if: $birthday_history_visit < 1)[(set: $rude to $rude +1)] (set: $informed to true)} $sister["Geez, why do you have to ask like that?"] She huffs. $sister["It's //your// birthday party. I don't know why you're always so testy about it."] She says that like she wasn't there for the majority of [[the years before]]. You're almost inclined to remind her of them, but you know that won't go anywhere. Still, she's accusing you of being testy...you can be worse. You could also remind her that you had no say in this party occurring, or that you definitely didn't forget, even if you totally did. But really, you're the older one, you should probably just be the bigger person and let it go. ...Right? [["I didn't forget."]] [["I never asked for a party."]] [["Whatever."]] [[Swat her arm.]]

{(set: $neutral to $neutral + 1)} You look at her, expectant. She looks back at you. This might be the quietest she's been since she walked through the door. Maybe even since she came out of the womb, if you're being honest about it. But then she tilts her head at you, and the stalemate is broken much too soon. (text-colour:#0053d9)["I know being like, quiet and brooding is your whole thing, but I am trying to tell you something, you know?"] [["What is it?"->"Forget what?"]] [["It's not like I forgot, anyway."->"I won't."]] [["God, what is so important?"->"What was so important?"]]

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Silence reigns supreme over the store once more. {(if: $informed is true)+(if: $nice is >= 2)+(if: $childish2 is true)[You feel a bit lighter than when you had first walked on. As much as you complain about her, your sister has her moments, if you're patient enough. Your boss hasn't seemed to rouse from your little game earlier, either. At this point, you're convinced he could probably sleep through a hurricane. But that's alright; it's not like you wanted to pretend to do work for the next hour or two anyway. You wait patiently until the end of your shift to go home. Normally, the idea of your sister hosting your birthday party would terrify you, but after today...[[maybe it won't be so bad.->home.nice]]] (if: $rude is >= 2)[It's been a while since you've been that upset with her. Part of you feels bad - she's always pushing your buttons, but you didn't have to escalate things, either. The silence presses against your ears, suffocating. No one else enters during the rest of your shift. When you get ready to leave, your boss is still asleep in the back. You leave a note on his desk and lock the door on your way out. The walk home is cold. Your sister had told you to bring a jacket, and you had ignored her. When you reach your front door, you are shivering. [[Time to go in.->home.rude]]] (if: $neutral is >= 3)[You spend the rest of your shift reading product labels until you get bored and zone out. The two hours pass by entirely uneventful, your boss still asleep in the back. You leave a note and lock the door on your way out. There's a chill in the air that your thin coat doesn't fully protect against. Your hands are icy by the time [[you reach the front door of your house.->home.neutral]]]}

{(if: $birthday_history_visit < 1)(set: $rude to it - 1) (set: $nice to it + 1) (set: $informed to true) (set: $smooth_over to true)} She pauses, studying you. You try to wipe any leftover annoyance off of your face. Whatever she sees there seems to be enough - she blows her bangs out of her face for a second before she speaks. $sister["Yeah, it //was// mean, but I'll let it go. I was talking about your birthday party. You know, the one tonight?"] You blink. Had she already told you about that? God, you probably weren't listening - she talks so much, you zone her out eventually. Nevermind how often you've been spacing out lately. Her complaining might have been a little bit justified, considering this. Well, at least you know what she was going on about now. You're not exactly ecstatic about a party, considering [[the years before]], but it's too late, it's already happening. Doesn't mean you're happy about it, though. [["Yeah, sorry, just tired. You should go ahead first."->nice.leave]] [["Then you should hurry up and leave."->leave.early]]

[["Hellooooo?"->begin]]

{(set: $childish1 to true)} She pauses. Thinks for a moment. And then she grins, far too wide for comfort. $sister["It's a promise."] Shit, you got her started. You need an exit plan, and fast. [[Swat her arm.]] [["Whatever."]]

{(set: $birthday_history to true) (set: $birthday_history_visit to it + 1)} You're far apart enough in years to remember a time when it was just you and Mom. You and your sister are close by necessity, not by choice. You've been told before that siblings that are farther apart in years don't usually talk much. Sometimes you wonder what that would be like now, as an adult. But you still live with Mom, so it probably isn't all that different. You do remember the first birthday you had after your sister was born, and the many ones after that. You remember being old enough to wonder how something so small could cry so loud. Now, you wonder how to get her to talk less. You haven't succeeded in that area, unfortunately. You remember your sister's dad, too. She doesn't - he left before her squealing could become a neverending stream of chatter. You know, logically, that she's probably figured out by now that you were old enough to remember him, but she's never asked. Honestly, there's not much to tell. He wasn't a bad guy, maybe a little too absent at times, but he was never anything but polite to you. You don't know the details, but you know it probably wasn't anything but simple incompatibility that caused Mom and him to separate. But you also know that telling your sister that probably wouldn't make her feel any better, either, if she's torn up about it. (if: $smooth_over is false)[You actually don't know how she feels about it. Maybe she feels [[nothing at all.->"What was so important?"]]] (if: $smooth_over is true)[You actually don't know how she feels about it. Maybe she feels [[nothing at all.->smooth.over]]]

{(if: $smooth_over is false)[(set: $rude to it + 2) $sister["Fine, I will!"] And she does, storming right out of the door, high ponytail violently swinging, bell clanging loudly to announce her departure. The door practically launches itself from the frame from how hard she pushed it open. You watch through the window as she stomps away. And honestly? [[Good riddance.]]]} (if: $smooth_over is true)[{(set: $rude to it + 1)} Her nose scrunches, bunny-like, before she speaks, the annoyance evident in her tone. $sister["Fine, I'm going. Would it kill you to be nicer...?"] She mutters the last part under her breath, and you pretend you don't hear it. Really, you just want her to go - she's already given you the beginnings of a headache. She picks herself up from the counter, turns to the door, and with a rapid swish of her ponytail, is gone. [[Alone at last.->You are alone.]]]

Eventually, the bell on the door settles, and silence returns. The sound of the door nearly breaking off its hinges still wasn't enough to wake your boss. You spend the last hour or so of your shift drifting between reflecting and zoning out. You know that you didn't need to be rude, but you didn't want to sit through more of her whining, either. She's always been dramatic, but your patience for that has only increased so much over the years, and for some reason, she's been hyperfocused in on you these past couple weeks. {(if: $informed is true)[It's probably because of your birthday party, but you never asked her to throw you one, and frankly, just the thought of whatever party she has planned is exhausting, nevermind actually going. ...You'll probably take your time getting home today...]} {(if: $informed is false)[Regardless, the damage has been done. You take your time packing your stuff up to head home, not at all enthusiatic to see your sister again so soon.] [[Time to face the music.->home.rude]]}

She giggles once more before making to leave. There's still a lingering smile on her lips as she turns toward the door, high ponytail bouncing with her every step. You're reminded of the pigtails she used to beg you to braid for her when she was smaller, and how they'd whip around whenever she got rowdy or excited. When the tinkling of the door bell signals her departure, you realize [[you're still smiling, too.->You are alone.]]

Despite all the yelling, your boss is either still asleep in the back, or has the decency to pretend he didn't hear anything, as he never emerges. You spend the next hour of your shift wallowing in a mix of self-pity and regret. The last hour you spend texting your sister, who does not respond. You send one last text before you go. [["I'm sorry."]] [["Fine, be that way."]] [["I'm coming home."]]

{(set: $nice to $nice + 1)} You send it, and you mean it. You're older, and you should have known better than to snap at her like that. Despite the front she presents, you know how sensitive she really is, how deeply she hurts, and you still said it anyway. Eventually, she sees your text, but doesn't respond. You've really messed up this time. You're not sure how great any attempt at smoothing it over would go, but you can try. [["I didn't mean to take my anger out on you, but I did, and I'm sorry. You don't deserve that."->resolution]] [["I've just been having a bad day."->blame]] [[Send her a cute dog photo.]]

{(set: $rude to $rude + 1)} You may not have meant it when you said you hated //her//, but you didn't lie about anything else you said, and she should know that. You've lost so much patience over the last few weeks. For some reason, her pestering has reached an all-time high. It's not surprising you snapped. (if: $informed is true)[The birthday party is probably why, but if that's the case, she could have at least asked what you wanted to do.] She reads the message, but doesn't respond. You expected the continued silence, and you continue on home, undeterred. What else can you do? By the time you reach your front door, your hands are frozen, and you stamp your boots on the steps to attempt to bring your cold toes back to life. Your mood sours even further, the memory of your sister telling you that you'd freeze without a jacket and gloves when you left the house earlier flashing in your mind, taunting. You breathe hot air onto your hands and rub them together before reaching for the door handle. You are not excited about the prospect of whatever is on the other side. {(if: $rude is > 2)[[[Open the door.->home.rude]]] (else: )[[[Open the door.->home.neutral]]]}

{(set: $neutral to $neutral + 1)} She sees it, but doesn't respond. You guess that there's not much else to say; you've said plenty enough for the both of you, after all. You can't help feeling bad - you haven't fought with her that badly since you were children, and even then, you weren't nearly as mean as you had just been. But what can you do? How can you possibly hope to formulate a text response that isn't incredibly lacking? You can't take those words back, and you can't make it better, either. All you can do is send her this, and hope she understands what you're trying to convey, that despite your words, you will still be there, just like always. Because that's what you do, and what you've always done, all these years - been there for her, even when you fought, or she got on your nerves. You hope it's enough. It has to be, because you're already on the front steps, and you've run out of time. {(if: $rude > 3)+(if: $neutral is <= 2)[[[Open the door.->home.rude]]] (else: )[[[Open the door.->home.neutral]]]}

When you open the door, it is to familiar faces scattered around your living room, all turned to the front door upon your arrival. "Happy birthday!" You smile. There's not a single person here that you're unhappy to see. The decorations are plentiful, but the style is modest, how you like it. {(if: $informed is false)[You understand now what all the fuss was about earlier. You can't believe you forgot your own birthday - no wonder your sister was so annoyed with you.] In any case, there's a celebration that you need to get to.} Everyone comes up to greet you with hugs and well wishes. You don't have many friends, but it's a good twenty minutes before you're done greeting everyone, since some you haven't seen in a while due to distance and busy schedules. Eventually though, they filter out to mingle, leaving you to your own devices for a moment. You find Mom in the kitchen, but your sister is nowhere to be found. [[Ask Mom.]] [[Search upstairs.]] [[Look for her later.]]

{(set: $nice to $nice + 1)(set: $dog_photo to true)} You take a screenshot of the cutest dog you can find on your Instagram feed and send it to her. She sees it, and instantly likes it, but sends you an angry face. You can't help but laugh, just a little. You make it onto your doorstep, hands colder than ice. Time to face the music. {(if: $nice > 3)+(if: $rude is < 3)[[[Open the door.->home.nice]]] (if: $rude > 3)[[[Open the door.->home.rude]]] (else: )[[[Open the door.->home.neutral]]]}

{(set: $nice to $nice + 2)}She sees your message right away, but it takes a couple minutes of typing, the little bubble flashing in and out, before she responds. $sister["Hurry up and come home."] {(if: $nice is > 3)+(if: $rude is < 3)[[[You do just that.->home.nice]]] (else: )[[[You do just that.->home.neutral]]]}

It's a cop out, and you know it, but what else are you supposed to say? Sorry I was the worst older sibling ever? Sorry that I've had to put up with you all these years, and I finally snapped? Sorry, I just couldn't stand the sound of your voice any longer? Maybe it's immature, but you never had the chance to be. She's had free reign to do so her whole life, maybe it's finally your turn. Or maybe this is the last straw. Either way, you find yourself standing on the front steps. It's time. {(if: $nice is > 3)[[[Open the door.->home.nice]]] (if: $rude is > 3)+(if: $nice is <=2)[[[Open the door.->home.rude]]] (else: )[[[Open the door.->home.neutral]]]}

When you open the front door, silence greets you. The living room lights are turned off, casting you in darkness when you cross the threshold. You kick off your shoes near the doorway next to your sister's and turn on the first light switch you can reach. Various party decorations are scattered all over the room, but none of it is set up. {(if: $informed is true)[Your sister probably left them out before coming to your work. You imagine there's more hiding somewhere else. You start to feel a little bad for how you treated her today. Nothing looks too over the top in the way she normally is, the way you dislike. It's all simple, not too overstated. You don't see her anywhere, earlier.] (if: $informed is false)[At first, you're confused, and then you realize: it was your birthday today, and this is what your sister was talking about earlier. Your heart drops into your stomach. This is why she's been nagging you so much the past couple of weeks, why she was so hurt by your words today. You feel so stupid. You need to find her.]} [["I'm home."]]

At first, it is quiet and dark. For a moment, you're almost worried, but then all the lights turn on at once, and your sister's wide smile is the first thing you see. "Happy birthday!" A chorus of voices cheer. Your sister takes your hand and leads you, stumbling, into the living room. You almost trip over your feet twice, unable to keep up with her, but there's a pleasant feeling welling up in your chest. You look up to find a handful of familiar faces, pleasant ones, some that you haven't seen in a while. You have no clue how your sister got ahold of all of your friends when some of them live so far away, but they're here. {(if: $informed is false)[You can't believe you had forgotten your birthday. So much about today and the past few weeks clicks into place.] Your sister stands in front of you, expectant.} [["Thank you."]]

{(set: $rude to $rude + 1)} She scoffs. $sister["I would say you should be working, but I don't think the ghosts are interested in the merchandise."] You don't laugh, because it's your job she's making fun of, but she does kind of have a point. You haven't seen a single customer all day, and you doubt you will for the rest of your shift. At this point you're afraid to ask your boss how he keeps the doors open. Still, that was a bratty comeback. Are you going to let that stand? Then again, she's kind of a nightmare once you get her started... [["At least the ghosts stay quiet."]] [["Yeah, yeah. Time for you to go home.->nice.leave]]

$Mom["In here."] It's Mom's voice, ringing quietly from the kitchen. You round the corner to see her sat at the table with only the oven light on. The light casts deep shadows that accentuate wrinkles in her face that you never noticed before. She looks tired, too. The sight makes you uneasy. [["...Is something wrong?"]]

{$Mom["Sit down."] Her tone does not encourage any argument, so you take the seat across from her. Then she sighs, in that way that you know you're about to be in trouble. She starts in without any further delay. $Mom["Are you proud of yourself?"] You stay silent. That is not a question that is asking for an answer, even if the truth is that you're not proud of anything you've done today. $Mom["Your sister comes home to me in tears, barely able to speak, because you couldn't hold your temper."] She leans away from the table and fixes you with a proper glare, crossing her arms over her chest. $Mom["She's spent the past three weeks trying to plan something for you, for //your// birthday, and you still can't be at least a little patient with her?"] There's a lot of things you want to say to that. (if: $explanation is true)[You could start with how ungrateful your sister has been for all the sacrifices you made, and how she held a grudge over something that was out of your control.] (if: $birthday_history is true)[You could say that she's ruined plenty of birthdays for you, and this is simply recompense for all those years.] (if: $shopping_trip is true)[You could tell her about the times you let her get away with so many things, even when she lied to you.] But saying any of those things won't make a difference now. She shakes her head at your silence, though you doubt she was expecting a real response. Slowly, she gets up from the table, with the patience of someone truly fed up. $Mom["Apologize to your sister, and hope she's kind enough to forgive you."] [[You start up the stairs.]]}

The stairway is dark, too, save for one tiny lamp at the top. When you reach it, you can hear something from your sister's room. You creep closer to the door, hesitating. Then you recognize the sound: the soft sounds of quiet sobs into a pillow. If you didn't feel guilty before, you do now, any lingering anger evaporated. At the end of the day, she's your little sister, and you're supposed to protect her from these things. For all of your lives, you've done that the best you could, even when she got on your nerves or did something to upset you. Not to say you haven't had your fights, but this time is different. She was finally trying to do something for you, something you would like, when you've spent most of your life catering to her. Despite how often she talks, she's never been the best at expressing her true feelings. You know how she really is, deep down, because you could remember when she didn't used to hide herself. When she said what she thought, not what she knew people wanted her to say. For her, this act was the best way she could have expressed how much she appreciated you. And you squandered it. Now, you stand outside her door, listening to her tears, and feeling like the worst human being alive. [[Knock on the door.]]

$sister["I don't want to talk anymore, Mom."] She sniffles. Her voice is muffled through the door, but you can still hear how choked up she sounds. You put your hand on the knob and turn it, slowly. Her bedroom comes into view: the excessive amount of pastel colours that always hurt your eyes, the mountain of pillows she keeps on her bed, her vanity covered in fairy lights, and then, finally, your sister, hiding underneath the covers. She hasn't realized it's you yet. Now's your chance to fix this, if it's fixable. [["Hey."]]

She turns to go, but stops at the last second to eye you one more time. $sister["Get more rest. You're tired a lot lately."] And with that, [[she's gone.->You are alone.]]

The cocoon of covers resembling your sister stirs, and then her head pops out, hair wild and full of static. Her eyes are red and puffy, and if you weren't sure she was crying before, that confirms it. She's going to be mad about how she looks later, but right now, she's sad and hurting. She blinks a few times at you, probably not used to the light compared to under the covers, before her eyes narrow. {(if: $dog_photo is true)[$sister["Dog photos don't absolve you of your crimes."] Damn. You had hoped that would soften the blow, at least.] $sister["What do you want?"]} How do you even begin to start this conversation? [["I'm sorry."->rude.apology]] [[Sit down.]] [[Reach for her hand.]]

{(set: $neutral to it + 1)} $sister["Fine, fine, I can tell when I'm not wanted."] You hold in the remark on your tongue that //no, she really can't//, and if she can, she ignores it. $sister["I'm going. Don't be late."] And with that, she's gone. [[Alone at last.->You are alone.]]

$sister["Seriously? That's it?"] She huffs. $sister["That's the best you've got?"] She's right, it's not enough. You need to do better than this if you have any hope of her forgiving you after the damage you've caused today. You know her better than anyone, that's a fact. You should know what to say to fix this. You've always had the words before. There's a vulnerability to that kind of sincerity, but really, what do you have to lose at this point? At least, besides what little dignity you have left. [[Be sincere.]] [[Be placating.]]

You sit down on the edge of her bed, next to one of her stuffed animals, a little pink elephant that you won her at the fair years ago. She named it Ellie, and you teased her for being unoriginal, but it's a fond memory. She's kept it after all these years despite the purging she'd do after every sour breakup (of which there have been many). You trace the edge of one of Ellie's ears, contemplating what to say. She's watching you, eyes drifting down to the stuffed animal with something like nostalgia in her gaze. Maybe a bit of longing, too. You hand her Ellie, and she reaches out her other hand from the covers to take it. She fiddles with the ears, staring at you, waiting, expectant. What does she need to hear right now? [[Be sincere.]] [[Be placating.]]

She draws her hand back under the covers, lightning fast. For a brief moment you're frozen, hand hovering over where her's used to be, before you drop it again. So much for that. $sister["Seriously, what do you want? Haven't you done enough already?"] She tries to sound tough, but her voice cracks in the middle, emotion still heavy in her throat. You know her too well to not recognize it for what it is. You need to say something to reach her. [[Be sincere.]] [[Be placating.]]

{(set: $sincere to true)} You know what she needs to hear, what you need to say. So you say it. "I know how much this meant to you, and I'm sorry I ruined it. It means a lot to me, that you were doing this for me, that you were trying so hard to make me happy. You're my little sister, and it tears me up inside when I know you're hurting, because it's my job to make sure that doesn't happen. The fact that I was the cause of that is just unbearable, in every kind of way." You pause, sigh. "You're allowed to be as mad at me as you need to be, because I deserve it. I've been a terrible older sibling, and that's on me." She sniffles, and you look up to find her face covered in tears and snot. The sight makes you tear up too, and soon, you're bawling in each other's arms like you're children again. Eventually, you laugh at the mess that's on her face and definitely also on your own, hunting on her night stand until you find tissues. You blow your nose obnoxiously loud on purpose to make her laugh. She does, a broken, fragile thing, but that's enough. For once, this is enough. "I love you." $sister["I love you too."] [[You smile.->end]]

{(set: $placating to true)} "I'm sorry I was so mean today." She tilts her head at you at this, waiting. "I'm sorry your feelings were hurt, too. And I'm sorry about the party. I know you like them, even if I'm not so fond of them." She breathes out, heavy. $sister["Screw the party. This was never about a party. You should know that."] She sighs again. $sister["Just...I want to be alone for a while."] That's not very promising, as far as a response to an apology goes, but it seems you've more than worn out your welcome. You're lucky she listened at all, in all honesty. All you can do now is hope that you managed to say the right thing, that your words were enough to convey your intent. [[You leave her be.->end]]

{(if: $sincere is true)[In the end, you managed to patch things up between you two. It's not the first time you've had to, nor will it be the last, but you can't help but feel like this time, it was significant. Before, you gave and she took, but she tried to give something back to you, something meaningful, even if you didn't immediately appreciate that. It wasn't easy, swallowing your pride, but...she's your sister. You've loved her from the time all she could do was cry and make noises, even if she was difficult, even if she was at times too much, because you knew that deep down, all she wanted was the love you were trying to give her, even if she didn't know how to properly accept it. If you thought you were close before, you're even closer now. And it warms your heart every time you think about it. [[End.->thanks.for.playing]]] (if: $placating is true)[In the end, it wasn't enough. For the short term, everything was okay. The next day, your sister rose out of bed as if nothing had happened, unflappable as ever. But there's this distance between you, now. No matter how hard you try, you can't seem to bridge the gap. It's an unpleasant feeling. Up until now, you've always been able to reconcile wiht each other. But this time was different - this was the first time that she attempted to do something for you, a gesture. And you had basically threw her hard work into the trash. At this point, all you can do know is hope that eventually, she'll forgive you. You know that's not easy for her, and it's not easy for you either. But what else can you do? [[End.->thanks.for.playing]]] (if: $neutral_end is true)[The party goes perfectly fine, but the whole time, you can't shake the feeling that something is off with your sister. But every time you attempt to talk to her for longer than a couple sentences, she herds you off to talk to someone else. She's avoiding you. Throughout the next week, you try to bring it up again, but she brushes you off every time. Eventually, you just give up. You proceed on like usual, and so does she, but you can't shake the feeling that something's different. But you also can't decipher whether that's good or bad. But like all things, it fades from your memory soon enough, and things with you and your sister are normal, to an almost boring degree. But that's fine. There's a comfort in the normalcy, too. You just hope you don't regret not pushing her more. [[End.->thanks.for.playing]]] (if: $nice_end is true)[In the end, you and your sister are closer than before, if that's possible. You're glad you were patient with her that day. Despite how much she can get on your nerves, she had meant well, and she did do a phenomal job. You tell her as much in an emotional moment, and instead of teasing you, she cries hapoy tears. It's a good moment. Eventually, you talk about other things, the things that are harder to talk about. But you do, and your relationship is stronger for it. Overall, you did the right thing, and so did she. [[End.->thanks.for.playing]]]}

"Mom," She turns your way, head tilted in question. "Where's our party planner?" $Mom["Hm,"] She hums, tapping her chin as if in deep thought, playful. $Mom["Probably on her third or fourth outfit choice by now. She'll be down by outfit six, though. She was looking forward to this all week."] You blink. You hadn't realized. All you can recall from the past week is an increase in annoying behavior, maybe, but...she was looking forward to this? [["I didn't know that."]] [["Okay, I'll wait for her."]] [["I'll go get her."->Search upstairs.]]

The light at the top of the stairs is off when you make your way up, fumbling and holding onto the railing. The only light in the hall shines from beneath the bathroom door. She's probably in there, taking forever to get ready, like she always does. You approach the door, hand poised ready to knock, but a soft sound on the other side makes you pause. You strain your ears, trying to hear, but then she switches the water on and the noise is drowned out. Odd, to say the least. [[Knock on the door.->bathroom.door]] [[Wait.]]

{(set: $neutral_end to true)} You're sure she'll show up eventually; she always takes a long time to get ready, trying on multiple different outfits every time. With any luck, she'll be on outfit three or four by now. She usually wraps up before outfit seven. In the meantime, you have a party to attend, with your closest friends in attendance. You should [[enjoy it while it lasts.->end]]

The water runs for another minute before she shuts it off. After a few more moments, the door opens. At first, she doesn't see you, and she has the saddest look on her face. You're about to say something about it, but then she notices you and startles. $sister["Jesus, don't scare me like that!"] She huffs, tucking her hair behind her ear. $sister["You're early."] More like she's late, but to her, you probably //are// early. [["Come on, let's go downstairs."]] [["What were you up to in there?"]] [["What's wrong?"]]

$sister["Just a minute!"] Her voice is muffled from the other side of the door, but that's definitely her. There's a note of surprise in her voice, maybe even...panic? A comical array of sounds from the other side of the door ensues - she's probably dropped her makeup bag in the sink again, the contents rolling around in the porcelain bowl. You laugh quietly to yourself. It's endearingly familiar. After a couple more muttered curses, she opens the door and startles at the sight of you. $sister["Jesus, don't scare me like that!"] She huffs, tucking her hair behind her ear. $sister["You're early."] More like she's late, but to her, you probably //are// early. [["Come on, let's go downstairs."]] [["What were you up to in there?"]]

{(set: $neutral_end to true)} She tilts her head at you, inquisitive. $Mom["I can't imagine how you didn't. It's all she would talk about all week."] You shut your mouth before you can out yourself further. You shouldn't let Mom realize you haven't been listening to your sister to this extent. Still, you feel a little bad, but it's already too late to regret it now. You're here, and there's a party happening, so you should appreciate it. [[Time to party.->end]]

{(set: $neutral_end to true)} After a little while, she does show up, making her way down the stairs. She sweeps her eyes over the living room, spots you, and then comes over to greet you. $sister["You're early."] She fiddles with the end of her ponytail. $sister["I invited all of your friends that I could get a hold of. Go mingle, don't just stand here!"] [[And so you do.->end]]

{(set: $nice_end to true)} There's a breathlessness in your tone when you say it, but it doesn't undercut how much you mean it, not at all. You're smiling so hard that your face hurts, and you can't find it in yourself to mind. You find the same joy reflected on your sister's face, and you can feel the happiness rising up in your chest. $sister["Well come on, don't just stand there! Say hi to everyone."] She tugs you further forward into the circle of people. You laugh, following her all the way. [[Time to enjoy your party.->end]]

{(set: $neutral_end to true)} She lets you lead the way, but she's missing the usual bounce in her step when she makes it down the stairs. You notice, but don't say anything. Regardless, you're downstairs now, and you've got a party to attend. [[Time to party.->end]]

She straightens before answering, head held high, defensive. You already know what she's going to say before she says it. $sister["Nothing? Just getting ready."] Her tone is light, but her body language is screaming uncomfortable. You know better. Still, it didn't seem like a huge deal... [[Press her.]] [[Let it go.]]

{(enchant:?page,(text-colour:white)+(background:black))} Thanks for playing. <3

{(set: $neutral_end to true)} She quirks her eyebrow at that. $sister["Nothing? Come on, it's your birthday party, you shouldn't be up here, you should be downstairs mingling."] She starts down the stairs before you can get a word in, and reluctantly, you follow. Her message was loud and clear: she doesn't want to talk about it, and you should respect that. And she's right, there is a party going on. [[Time to enjoy it.->end]]

{(set: $neutral_end to true)} $sister["Can we not do this right now? You should be enjoying your party."] You sigh, but relent, letting her lead the way downstairs. She drew the line in the sand already, and there's not much else you can do about it right now. She pushes you to chat with your friends. [[Might as well.->end]]

{(set: $neutral_end to true)} $sister["Come on, you should be downstairs enjoying your party."] She lets you lead the way, but she's missing the usual bounce in her step when she makes it down the stairs. You notice, but don't say anything. Her message was very clear, and you're going to respect it. Regardless, you're downstairs now, and you've got a party to attend. [[Time to party.->end]]