Train to the City

It is Monday morning, 7:00 AM sharp, and you are sitting on a bench at the railroad terminal. There's not a cloud in the endless sky, and the air of your [[hometown->Hometown Desc]] is crisp and refreshing. This air is all you've known for your whole life. But you won't be here for much longer. Your new life begins today, in the city. You wait for the [[train->train arrival]] to arrive.

You grew up in this poor, sleepy province. You know every building and every neighbor, and they know you just as well. (link-undo:"But as you got older, so did this routine.")

(text-style:"bold","rumble")[#HOOOOOOOOONK.] (live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Your silver chariot pulls into the station with a loud greeting. [[A warm welcome to you too, train!->go on train]] [[How annoying...->go on train]]](stop:)]

The doors slide open. Nobody gets off, and there's no one else in the station to get on. It's like this train is a luxury limo ride just for you. A dapper figure dressed in a tie and vest steps out of the train, an older man with wrinkles lining his square face. This must be the train's (text-colour:cyan)[Conductor.] He seems to eye you for a bit, before saying... (text-colour:cyan)["So, greenhorn. Gettin' on?"] [[Step in.->Inside Train]]

You pass the old conductor, who gives you a nod. The walls are a sleek pearl white, and the black vinyl floor is spotless. Countless rows of blue leather seats line the car, all packed with [[sharply dressed businesspeople hogging seats with their oversized briefcases.->business desc]] It seems that this train was just put into commission with how new it looks. And you get to savor it every day from now on! Only one row in the car is left empty. Which seat do you pick? [[Window seat!->window seat]] [[Awkward middle seat!->middle seat]] [[Aisle seat!->aisle seat]]

Looks like everyone's heading to work in the city. You can see them staring at their phones with earbuds in and bags under their eyes. This train ride is their only moment of peace in the day, after all. You look a bit out of place in such a pristine, formal setting. (link-undo:"Your casual clothes are definitely not as fancy as their suits...")

You shuffle into the snug, cozy corner of the window seat and gaze out the window for a last look at your hometown. (set: $firstseat to "window") You hear the conductor shout, (text-colour:cyan)["ALL ABOOOOARD!"] The train's doors begin to slide closed, (link-reveal:"until...")[= (text-style:"rumble")[(text-colour:magenta)[#"Ah! Waaaaaaait!!"]] (live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[[[Turn around.->olliereveal]]](stop:)]

You shuffle into the middle seat, comfortably settling in by placing your satchel in the seat to your left. (set: $firstseat to "middle") You hear the conductor shout, (text-colour:cyan)["ALL ABOOOOARD!"] The train's doors begin to slide closed, (link-reveal:"until...")[= (text-style:"rumble")[(text-colour:magenta)[#"Ah! Waaaaaaait!!"]] (live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[[[Turn around.->olliereveal]]](stop:)]

You pop onto the first unclaimed seat you see closest to the aisle, locking down the whole row as your territory alone, you absolute alpha. (set: $firstseat to "aisle") You hear the conductor shout, (text-colour:cyan)["ALL ABOOOOARD!"] The train's doors begin to slide closed, (link-reveal:"until...")[= (text-style:"rumble")[(text-colour:magenta)[#"Ah! Waaaaaaait!!"]] (live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[[[Turn around.->olliereveal]]](stop:)]

Rushing through the doors just as they slide closed is a [[bright-eyed young person.->olliedesc]] Everyone turns to eye the disturbance. The conductor sighs. (text-colour:cyan)["'Nother greenhorn, hm? First day jitters?"] The mystery greenhorn smiles. (text-colour:magenta)["Y-yes, sir! Sorry for, uh, holding up the ride..."] The conductor nods and gestures toward the [[crowded aisle.->olliesit]]

They're just about your age, and oddly dressed in a hoodie stained with (text-colour:#ffec99)[bright] (text-colour:#96f2d7)[paint] (text-colour:#ffc9c9)[splotches]. They pant as they adjust the rounded (text-colour:#adb5bd)[silver glasses] adorning their face, which is red with both exhaustion from running, and embarrassment. (link-undo:"You feel a little interested in them.")

The greenhorn cautiously walks through the aisle, both scouting for an empty seat and staring in awe at the sea of business in front of them. They look down for a moment at their overtly casual clothes and frown. They finally notice the only empty seats next to you, and take a deep breath before asking: (text-colour:magenta)["Excuse me, um, would you mind if I sit here?"] [[Don't mind at all.->olliesitsdown]] [[Yeah.->ollieconfused]]

They smile. (text-colour:magenta)["Thank you--"] The train suddenly starts up with a rumble, ready to go. The greenhorn gives a quiet startled yelp and scrambles to a seat next to you. (if:$firstseat is "aisle")[They end up landing on your lap before stepping over to the window seat in a hurry. You both pretend that didn't happen.] (text-colour:magenta)["Sorry...] [[First day too, huh?->ollieconvo]]

The greenhorn's face scrunches up a tad, looking a bit puzzled. They seem to be overthinking the situation. (text-colour:magenta)["Ah, s-so "yeah" as in I can sit, or "yeah" as in you do mind--?"] The train suddenly starts up with a rumble, ready to go. The greenhorn gives a quiet startled yelp and scrambles to a seat next to you. (if:$firstseat is "aisle")[They end up landing on your lap before stepping over to the window seat in a hurry. You both pretend that didn't happen.] (text-colour:magenta)["Sorry...] [[First day too, huh?->ollieconvo]]

(text-colour:magenta)["Yeah! I was super excited, but then nervous, so... I don't know. I sure hope I'll do well."] (link:"What's your job?")[Their eyebrows raise a little. They seem a bit taken aback that you want to know about them. (text-colour:magenta)["I just became a fashion designer in the city! I've always loved to draw and sew, so..."] You inadvertently eye their (link-reveal:"very unfashionable clothes.")[ They chuckle. (text-colour:magenta)["Heey! Art's separate from the artist, you know? "I guide others to a treasure I cannot possess" and all. Haha!"] Seems like [[you eased their nerves a little bit.->train start]]] ]

The train rumbles and, with a last parting HONK, begins smoothly sailing along the track, chuffing along the way. Your hometown shrinks in the distance. You see your (text-colour:magenta)[seatmate] fidget with their fingers a bit in anticipation. You check your phone. It is 7:05 AM. The train ride should last [[one and a half hours.->trainhub]] (set: $hubturn to 1) (set: $olliename to false)

It is (if:$hubturn is 1)[''7:05''](if:$hubturn is 2)[''7:15''](if:$hubturn is 3)[''7:30''](if:$hubturn is 4)[''7:45''](if:$hubturn is 5)[''8:05''](if:$hubturn is 6)[''8:25''] AM. (if:visits <= 5)[The train is running smoothly.](else:)[ The train is pulling in to its destination...] (if:$olliename is true)[(text-colour:magenta)[Ollie]](else:)[(text-colour:magenta)[Your fellow greenhorn]] is sitting in the (if:$firstseat is "aisle")[window seat next to you.](else:)[aisle seat next to you.] (if:visits <= 2)[ (if:$olliename is false)[[[Talk to your acquaintance.->ollietalkhub]]](else:)[[[Talk to Ollie.->ollietalkhub]]] [[Head to the bathroom.->bathroomhub]] [[Check your phone.->phonehub]] [[Glance out the window.->windowhub]] ](if:visits is 3)[The conductor strolls through the aisle. He arrives at your row and, with a tired face and rehearsed monotone voice, says, (text-colour:cyan)["Tickets, please."] (link:"Here you go.")[//Clip, clip, clip.// The conductor punches three precise holes into your ticket in rapid succession. You don't know why he didn't just punch one. Your seatmate's ticket follows suit. [[Talk to the conductor while he's here.->conductortalkhub]] [[Check your phone.->phonehub]] [[Glance out the window.->windowhub]]]](if:visits > 3 and visits < 6)[ (if:$olliename is false)[[[Talk to your acquaintance.->ollietalkhub]]](else:)[[[Talk to Ollie.->ollietalkhub]]] [[Head to the bathroom.->bathroomhub]] [[Check your phone.->phonehub]] [[Glance out the window.->windowhub]] [[Think about what the conductor said to you.->conductorthink]] ](if:visits >= 6)[The train comes to a stop. [[Exit.->train exit]]]

(if:visits is 1)[(text-colour:magenta)["This train is so comfy and clean, "] they start. (text-colour:magenta)["Ah, I don't think I asked you about your job yet."] (link:"My job...")[(text-colour:magenta)["..." "...Oh! A ''trading firm''? Cool...! So like, reports and paper and things! That's... very helpful! You must be ultra smart to do those things." "So, are you excited?"] (link:"...")[=(text-colour:magenta)["Yeah, I understand. First day jitters. I know that just having the job is proof that I'm skilled enough, but will I be able to keep up with everything? Oh well, guess we'll be able to figure it out along the way."] [[...->trainhub]]](set: $hubturn to it + 1)](if:visits is 2)[Your seatmate has pulled out a small sketchbook with stickers of cute characters and intricate patterns on it. The front cover has the name (text-colour:magenta)["OLLIE"] spelled in bubble letters on it. (link-reveal:"What's that?")[=(text-colour:magenta)[ "Huh? Oh, n-nothing! Just my idea book. ''Ollie's'' what my friends call me. Y'know, like skateboard ollie. Whenever I get inspired by something, I just pick up my pencil and marker and let something happen."] Their doodles of pastel dresses with floral designs and sharp suits with gilded cufflinks are (link-reveal:"striking.")[= (text-colour:magenta)["...I just have this dream, you know? Making things anyone can wear and show off. That's what I wanna do. ...Ah, I'm rambling, sorry! Nevermind."] [[...->trainhub]](set: $olliename to true)(set: $hubturn to it + 1)](if:visits is 3)[Ollie jolts up in realization. (text-colour:magenta)["Oh! wait! We boarded on the same station! You're from my town!?] (link:"I suppose so.")[=(text-colour:magenta)["I thought nobody but old people lived where I lived! You must be on the other side. Hey, let's make our little province proud, huh!? Promise!"] [[Promise.->trainhub]] (set: $hubturn to it + 1)](if:visits > 3)[(text-colour:magenta)[ Ollie] is attentively doodling designs in their sketchbook. They seem to be so absorbed that they (link-undo:"couldn't hear you.")]

(if:visits is 1)[You stand up to use the loo. You forgot to use the bathroom before you left the house. After walking through the isle through a sea of robotic businessmen, you come to the vacant bathroom stall and enter. It's as sleek and clean as the rest of the train, albeit a bit small. There's a mirror, sink, and (link-reveal:"toilet.")[= You sit down and do your business, afterwards washing your hands thoroughly. You take a moment to wonder where all the waste goes when you flush the toilet on a moving train. Hm... (link:"Look in the mirror.")[You stare into the mirror. (live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Something stares back.](stop:)](live: 5s)[(goto: "voicetrainhubflash")]]](else:)[(if:$olliename is true)[(text-colour:magenta)[Ollie]](else:)[(text-colour:magenta)[Your seatmate]] nods as you stand up. (text-colour:magenta)["Ah, going to the bathroom again? Yep, I getcha. I get days like that. Lactose intolerant and all."] You go to the bathroom, but you don't have to use it. (link:"Look in the mirror.")[But you couldn't bring yourself to look.] (link-undo:"Return to your seat.") ]

You pull up your phone. (if:$hubturn is 1)[You received a text from your elderly neighbor congratulating you on the new job. You text back thanks.](if:$hubturn is 2 or $hubturn is 3)[You browse Tik Tok. Nothing but stale memes. (if:$olliename is true)[(text-colour:magenta)[Ollie]](else:)[(text-colour:magenta)[Your seatmate]] notices one and tries stifling their laughter. They seem to have a simple sense of humor.](if:$hubturn >= 4)[You play a quick level of your favorite mobile game. (if:$olliename is true)[(text-colour:magenta)[Ollie]](else:)[(text-colour:magenta)[Your seatmate]] notices and sneaks a glance. They're silently cheering you on.] (link-undo:"Hmm...")

(text-colour:cyan)["Y'know, it's been a long while since anyone got on this line from that tiny, shabby shack of a station,"] the conductor rambles. (text-colour:cyan)["Usually it's some dead-eyed businessman, not one-- let alone two-- greenhorns."] (link:"Really now?")[= (text-colour:cyan)["Aye. You two're young, lotsa dreams. Savor it. I'd do anythin' to be in my glory days again, heh. Enjoy the ride."] You and (if:$olliename is true)[Ollie](else:)[your seatmate] glance at each other for a moment as if to say, //Huh. [[That happened.->trainhub]]// (set: $hubturn to it + 1)

From the looks of it, the conductor's been in this job for decades. Even though the train is completely new, the staff is old. Behind those jaded eyes, does he hide a sense of comfort in routine, misery in the unchangeable, or both? You feel as though you can relate to him a bit. Your hometown was a bit stuffy after living your whole life there. That's why you're starting a new one. Will this new life in the city suffer the same fate? (link-undo:"No. It can't be that bad, right?")

You look through the window. (if:$firstseat is "aisle")[(if:$olliename is true)[(text-colour:magenta)[Ollie]](else:)[(text-colour:magenta)[Your seatmate]] thinks you're staring at them in the window seat and tries to act cool.] (else:)[(if:$olliename is true)[(text-colour:magenta)[Ollie]](else:)[(text-colour:magenta)[Your seatmate]] notices and curiously takes a glance too. ] (if:$hubturn is 1)[Your hometown is still well in sight.](if:$hubturn is 2)[You can see your hometown in the distance, before it disappears behind rows of trees.](if:$hubturn is 3)[The trees blur by... Skyscrapers can be seen in the distance. The air looks a little bit smoggy.](if:$hubturn is 4)[The train is passing through a dark tunnel. You can't see anything...](if:$hubturn is 5)[There's a little light showing at the end of the tunnel. You seem to be arriving in the city's underground station.] (link-undo:"Hmm...")

=><= (text-colour:red)[=(text-style:"bold","smear","mirror","expand","shudder")[=(text-colour:red)[= Do you know what you've gotten yourself into? (live:0.5s)[You're taking a train straight to Hell.] (live:0.8s)[You're going to wither away hunched at your office desk like all the others.] (live:1.1s)[You're trapping yourself within another dead-end routine.] (live:1.4s)[Get out while you can, or die as you lived.] (live:1.7s)[As one average cog in one average machine.] (live:2s)[(goto: "bathroomvoicecont")]

You exit the bathroom and return to your seat. (set: $hubturn to it + 1) (live:2s)[(goto: "trainhub")]

Businessmen file outside like a school of sardines. You and (text-colour:magenta)[Ollie] wait until the car is cleared before hopping off, passing the Conductor along the way. (text-colour:magenta)[Ollie] gives a half-bow to the (text-colour:cyan)[Conductor]. He tips his hat. You two walk up the stairs and are hit with rays of (text-colour:#ffe066)[morning light] guiding you into the [[big city.->bigcity]]

(text-colour:red)[(text-style:"bold","smear","expand","shudder")[GO ON. SAY IT WITH ME.]] (force-input-box:2bind $voicetaunt,"=XX=","I should just die.") (link:"There. I said it.")[(if:$voicetaunt is "I should just die.")[(text-colour:red)[(text-style:"bold","smear","expand","shudder")[YES. GOOD PUPPET. (live:2s)[(goto: "rub it in")]]]](else:)[(text-colour:red)[(text-style:"bold","smear","expand","shudder")[NO. SAY IT. SAY IT.]] (live:2s)[(goto: "voice force type")]] ]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:navy)+(bg:#f8f9fa))The light outside is disorienting. Once your eyes adjust, you are greeted by huge buildings spanning the sky. Ollie taps you first, seeming a bit disappointed. They cock their head in the other direction. (text-colour:magenta)["The boutique I work at is that way. Guess I'll see you another time... It was nice meeting you, though!"] They beam at you before whirling around and trotting on their way. You can't help but wonder when you'll see them next. Now, it's time to [[head to work!->go to work or eat]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:navy)+(bg:#f8f9fa))(text-style:"shudder")[//Grrrrrrrr...//] ...But your stomach protests. You've forgotten to eat breakfast today. Luckily, there's a small (text-colour:#40c057)[café] right outside the stairs. You can probably grab something before heading to the trading firm for work, but you might run a bit late on your first day... [[Grab grub!->grub]] [[Jet to work!->gotowork]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:navy)+(bg:#f8f9fa))You relinquish your will to your hunger and storm into the (text-colour:#40c057)[café.] The barista greets you with baggy eyes. (text-colour:#40c057)["Hello, welcome to our shop where the coffee is as black as my dying soul. What can I get you?"] [[Wait, what?->barista what]] [[Order something small and quick.->small food]] [[Order something bigger and satisfying.->big food]] (set: $gotfood to true)

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:navy)+(bg:#f8f9fa))(text-colour:#40c057)["I mean, where coffee is always served with a smile."] They force a rehearsed, tired smile. It looks like they're the one most in need of coffee... [[Order something small and quick.->small food]] [[Order something bigger and satisfying.->big food]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:navy)+(bg:#f8f9fa))No, you mustn't falter! You must make your boss proud and be there on time! You march past the café and down the avenue with a rumbling stomach, until you reach the [[office building.->buildingdesc]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:navy)+(bg:#f8f9fa))You ask for whatever you first see on the menu: A small croissant and regular coffee. The barista nods. Unfortunately, they seem a bit jaded today, and take ten minutes working the coffee machine and chatting with coworkers while you impatiently wait. Once your order is ready, you sprint out the door with your croissant in your mouth. Maybe you can still make it on time for [[9:00!->buildingdesc]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:navy)+(bg:#f8f9fa))You ask for a ham and cheese sandwich, extra cheese, with a tall caramel machiatto, two pumps of whipped cream and sugar, low fat milk. The barista gives a pained nod. Unfortunately, your order was so demanding that the barista takes ten minutes just to get everything ready; once it is, you sprint out the door with your ham n' cheese in your mouth, dashing to make it on time for [[9:00.->buildingdesc]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:navy)+(bg:#f8f9fa))You make it to the office building: A (text-colour:#495057)[completely nondescript rectangular prism with vertical windows], almost appearing like prison bars... (if:$gotfood is true)[You swallow the rest of your food and down your coffee hard.](else:)[Your stomach growls in desperation one last time.] Your hands clam up as you [[approach the transparent glass door...->go inside office]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:#ced4da))//Ring.// You are immediately met with the smell of crisp, stuffy air that burns your nose a little. Fluorescent lights hum around you as a ceiling fan lightly blows upon stacks and stacks of papers. Telephones beep. People are speaking in monotone. You can barely see anyone behind their cubicle walls. A stern voice booms, ''"I want those reports done by tonight."'' A large figure notices your entrance and[[ hulks towards you.->bossreveal]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:#ced4da))''"So, you're the new recruit?"'' The [[figure->bossdesc]] eyes you. (if:$gotfood is true)[''"Tsk, tsk. Running ten minutes late on your first day, not a good start. That's coming out of your pay, you know."''](else:)[''"Right on time and not a second late!"'' He turns to the mass amount of cubicles and calls, ''"See? Try to be more like the rookie here."'' Your stomach grumbles as if its sacrifice was worth it.] A large stack of documents, forms, and records is dumped into your arms, nearly knocking you over. ''"Welp, welcome to the office, greenhorn! Here's your papers. Need 'em done by five."'' It is 9:10 AM... Guess you should get started with [[your new life..->workhub]] (set: $workturn to 1)

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:#ced4da))The figure is a bald middle-aged man, with a pink face. He seems to always hold his two chins up in high regard for himself. This must be your new (link-undo:"Boss.")

(if:$workturn < 6)[It is (if:$workturn is 1)[''9:10 AM. 5 stacks''](if:$workturn is 2)[''11:00 AM. 4 stacks''](if:$workturn is 3)[''1:00 PM. 3 stacks''](if:$workturn is 4)[''3:30 PM. 2 stacks''](if:$workturn is 5)[''4:55 PM. 1 stack''] of paperwork (if:$workturn < 5)[remain.](else:)[remains.]] (if:$workturn is 1)[(enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:#ced4da)) [[Get started on that paperwork!->paperworkhub]] [[Converse with coworkers.->coworkerhub]]](if:$workturn is 2)[(enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:#adb5bd)) [[Continue paperwork!->paperworkhub]] [[Converse with coworkers.->coworkerhub]]](if:$workturn is 3)[(enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:#868e96)) [[Do more paperwork.->paperworkhub]] [[Converse with coworkers.->coworkerhub]]](if:$workturn is 4)[(enchant:?page,(text-colour:white)+(bg:#495057)) [[Paperwork.->paperworkhub]] [[Coworkers.->coworkerhub]]](if:$workturn is 5)[[[Paperwork.->paperworkhub]]](if:$workturn > 5)[It is ''5:00 PM.'' You've managed to get everything done today. All of your coworkers begin packing up their bags. [[You follow suit.->endofwork]]]

(if:visits is 1)[(enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:#ced4da))You enthusiastically begin reporting stocks. You can do this [[all day!->workhub]](set: $workturn to it + 1)] (if:visits is 2)[(enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:#adb5bd))This time, you record some clients' stocks while on the phone with them. You can barely understand them. But hey, look at you, you accountant! [[...->workhub]](set: $workturn to it + 1)](if:visits is 3)[(enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:#868e96))You fill out some reports. It takes a while. But hey, it's better than being in that stuffy town, right? [[...->workhub]](set: $workturn to it + 1)](if:visits is 4)[(enchant:?page,(text-colour:white)+(bg:#495057))Paperwork happens. [[...->workhub]](set: $workturn to it + 1)](if:visits is 5)[Paperwork. [[...->workhub]](set: $workturn to it + 1)](if:visits > 5)[Paperwork... [[...->workhub]] (set: $workturn to 6)]

(if:$workturn is 1)[(enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:#ced4da))You try breaking the ice with a coworker in an adjacent cubicle by cracking a joke. They can't hear you. (link-undo:"...")](if:$workturn is 2)[(enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:#adb5bd))You get up for some coffee, and so does a coworker. When you reach the lounge, the machine isn't working. You two express frustration before silently returning to your seats. (link-undo:"...")](if:$workturn is 3)[(enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:#868e96))It's your lunch break. Nobody goes to the break room because they have too much work on their plate to miss. (link-undo:"...")](if:$workturn is 4)[(enchant:?page,(text-colour:white)+(bg:#495057))Somebody sneezes. You say bless you. They say thanks. That's been the most meaningful conversation you had since you came to this office. (link-undo:"...")](if:$workturn is 5)[You're so tired that you can't bring yourself to speak. (link-undo:"...")]

''"Hey greenhorn, great job today! I knew you'd be a good fit for this office,"'' the Boss compliments. ''"Now be sure to be on time tomorrow, there's plenty more work I've got for you."'' ... You [[exit->coworkerbarinvitation]] the building quietly.

Before you make it out of the parking lot, a coworker calls out to you, surprisingly. He and a bunch of other coworkers seem to be getting ready for an outing. "Hey, newbie. Tough first day, huh? Boss always likes to put the hard work on the new recruits. Wanna hit the bar to loosen up? It's pretty much our weekly routine." [[Sure.->bar]] [[Nah.->nothanks]] [[Uh, I don't drink...->dont drink]]

"Nice, it's just down a few blocks. Meet you there." It is ''5:30'' PM, and after a long first day of work, you and some coworkers hit up a round of booze at the bar. You feel a bit warmer and calmer. ''Maybe you should do this more often.'' After an hour of sharing stories and cracking jokes that you completely forget once the liquor hits, you remember you need to [[return home->afterwork train station]] for the day...

"Heh, honestly neither did I, until I started this dead-end job." Another coworker high-fives him in solidarity. "So?" [[Alright.->bar]] [[No, thanks.->nothanks]]

"Suit yourself. It really does take a load off of us after a long day, especially after working //here//. Damn Boss works us half to death every day." ''"But hey, you get used to it after a few years."'' [[...->afterwork train station]]

You trudge towards the train station as the sun sets behind skyscrapers, and wait for the (link-reveal:"7:00 PM headed back home...")[= (text-style:"bold","rumble")[#HOOOOOOOOONK.](live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[...Which pulls in with a loud greeting once more. [[...->afterwork think ollie]]](stop:)]

Upon boarding, you think about (text-colour:magenta)[Ollie] and if their first day was any better than yours. You wonder if they will board this specific train back to your hometown... ...But they don't. Even the (text-colour:cyan)[Conductor] from earlier isn't on. Maybe his shift ended a while back. You sit in your row alone. The train runs smoothly on its way back... (link:"Check your phone.")[ Nothing but celebrity drama and stale memes.] (link:"Glance out the window.")[ The sky is an inky black. You can't see anything out there...] [[Take a nap.->nap]] [[Go to the bathroom.->afterwork bathroom]]

The light movement of the train lulls your tired eyes to sleep. (live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[But you are not at peace. [[I am not at peace.->voicebuildup]]](stop:)]

You stand up to use the loo. You don't have to go. You pass the aisles and enter the tight, claustrophobic bathroom. You stare into the mirror. (live: 3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[And something stares back again. [[Something...->voicebuildup]]](stop:)]

(text-colour:red)[(text-style:"bold","smear","expand")[Something]] is eating away at you, and you know it. The (text-colour:cyan)[Conductor's] advice. (text-colour:magenta)[Ollie's] dream. Your ''Boss''' demands. Everything is buzzing through your mind like mosquitoes. Something's not right. This was supposed to be your happily ever after. But (link-reveal:"are you happy?")[ (live:0.5s)[Why aren't you happy?] (live:1s)[Why aren't you happy?] (live:1.5s)[Why?] (live:2s)[''Why why why?''] (live:2.3s)[''Why why why why why why why''] (live:2.5s)[(text-style:"bold","expand")[(text-colour:#ff6b6b)[Why why why why why why why]]] (live:2.6s)[(text-style:"bold","expand")[(text-colour:#fa5252)[WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY]]] (live:2.7s)[(text-colour:red)[(text-style:"bold","smear","expand","shudder")[WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY(live:2s)[(goto: "voicereveal")]]]]]

=><= (text-colour:red)[(text-style:"bold","smear","expand","shudder")[(text-colour:red)[You. Do you know what you've gotten yourself into? You have dug yourself into an inescapable tomb.]]] (live: 3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[(link-reveal:"No. I haven't. This job is the best thing to have ever happened to me.")[= (text-colour:red)[(text-style:"bold","smear","expand","shudder")[How longer are you going to lie to yourself? (live:2s)[You know that every single "new life" you begin always ends up with you wishing it never started.] (live:4s)[This job. This train. This city is no different.] (live:6s)[You are going to waste away your life doing menial tasks you never wanted in the first place.]]] (live:8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[(link-reveal:"Screw you, whatever you are. Go to Hell.")[= (text-colour:red)[= (text-style:"bold","smear","expand","shudder")[I would, but... You're already there, aren't you? (live:2.5s)[(goto: "aftervoice")]]] ]](stop:)]

The train stops at ''8:30 PM'' at the train station terminal you started at. You are back in your hometown for the night. Your new life as an office worker has begun. (live:2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[And it is [[never going to stop.->day2]]](stop:)]

It is Tuesday morning, 7:00 AM sharp, and you are sitting on a bench at the railroad terminal. It is your (link-reveal:"second day as an office worker in the city...")[(text-style:"bold","rumble")[#HOOOOOOOOONK.](live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Your silver chariot pulls into the station with a loud greeting. [[Good morning, train...->go on train 2]] [[Is this gonna happen every damn morning?->go on train 2]]](stop:)]]

The doors slide open, and the old (text-colour:cyan)[Conductor] greets you again. Just as you prepare to step on, a (text-colour:magenta)[blur] dashes by you and claims a seat before you can. There you see an excited (text-colour:magenta)[Ollie] beaming at you from one of the train seats, beckoning you over to [[sit with them.->sit with ollie]] (text-colour:magenta)["Heeey train-buddy! Good morning, I actually got here early! Won't be late again!"]

(enchant:?page,(bg:#fcc2d7)) The day brightens a little. You take a seat next to (text-colour:magenta)[your friend. "You won't //believe// the first day I had! It went so well!" ] They recount their little successes, from how good the coffee was to how nice their boss was and how their first client loved their designs so much. For some reason, you feel a bit (text-colour:magenta)[''happier''] around them... (text-colour:magenta)["So, how was your first day?"] [[Great.->greatfirstday]] [[Er...->badfirstday]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:#fcc2d7))(text-colour:magenta)["I'm glad! See, look at us little province people crushing it in the big city. We'll take over that place in no time, haha!"] [[Yeah...!->ollie contact exchange]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:#fcc2d7))(text-colour:magenta)["...It wasn't what you were expecting at all? Aw, I'm sorry... But hey, the first day's always the hardest, they say! It'll be smooth sailing once you get used to it, I know it!"] [[Yeah...->ollie contact exchange]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:#fcc2d7))(text-colour:magenta)["Ah! You know what, gimme your phone!"] (link:"W-why?")[= (text-colour:magenta)["I wanna exchange contacts, silly!"] (link:"Oh, okay.")[= (text-colour:magenta)["Boop bop bap, and there ya go! Can't guarantee I'll answer all the time 'cause of my new job, but I'll always try for my train-buddy!"] [[Ollie has been added to your contacts.->day2 rest of train ride]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:#fcc2d7))You two spend the rest of the train ride chatting about various topics. The Conductor punches three holes in each of your tickets, smiling upon seeing such a lively pair amidst a train of business, and goes on his way. [[Maybe you can get used to this routine, after all.->day2 gotowork]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:#ced4da))But the real day begins at work, where you are greeted with another huge stack of paperwork on your desk. [[Maybe you'll get used to this routine, eventually...->timeskipping]]

And so the cycle had begun: Take the (text-colour:cyan)[train]. Talk to (text-colour:magenta)[Ollie]. Go to (text-colour:grey)[work]. [[Repeat.->transition]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:#ced4da))It has a long time since your first day on the job, and today is as miserable as ever. As the days grow harder, you... [[...Begin to slack off a bit.->slackoff]] [[...Remain diligent.->diligent]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:#ced4da))You begin getting distracted more, playing mobile games and texting (text-colour:magenta)[Ollie] instead of completing paperwork. It's a nice break from the constant writing and typing, but your Boss thinks otherwise. ''"Slacking again? Tch, one more slip-up and I'll have to [[give you the boot."->continuetrain]]''

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:#ced4da))Despite the workload, you remain true to your job and slave away at your desk, much to your Boss' delight. ''"Very good job, rookie. Keep this up and maybe I'll even [[give you a promotion!"->continuetrain]]''

//''A whole year passes by...''// (live:2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[[[...->repeat]]](stop:)]

(enchant:?page,(bg:#faa2c1))But even though work is the same as always, there's one part of your life that you don't mind staying the same: (text-colour:magenta)[Your best friend.] Over the past year, you two have grown much closer, always sitting next to each other on the morning train and texting each other good night on your separate ways home. You can't help but feel like... [[You want to be their friend forever.->realization of best friend]] [[You want to be more than friends with them.->realization of feelings]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:(gradient: 0, 0,#faa2c1,0.5,#e68019,1,#ffec99))) Each morning with them makes the sun shine brighter. Despite your different professions, you manage to stay as close as peas in a pod. You promised to make your hometown proud with them, and you hope to honor that oath. You and (text-colour:magenta)[Ollie], together forever. [[Forever...->ollie disappears]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:(gradient: 0, 0,#faa2c1,0.5,#e68019,1,#ffec99)))Huh? That's weird... You feel a little flutter in your chest. Your heart pounds a little faster when you think about their smile, their laughter. From their simple sense of humor to their unfashionable clothes and big dreams, everything about them is pure. You want to be something more with them. But how should you go about your feelings? [[Confess!->confess]] [[Surprise them with a gift first!->gift]] [[Nothing.->dont confess]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:black))...But nothing lasts forever, does it? One day, (text-colour:magenta)[they] don't show up to the morning train. Or the next day. Or the day after that. After a week of not responding to your text messages, (link:"they finally write back...")[= they finally write back... (text-colour:magenta)["train buddy!!! soz for not responding, ive been so busy since ive had a big promotion! ive spent all this time moving into the city for good now. lifes gonna get waaaaay busier from here on out lol. ill miss ridin the train with u tho :("] [[Ollie has begun a new life.->morningtrain lonely]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:(gradient: 0, 0,#faa2c1,0.5,#e68019,1,#ffec99)))You decide to confront your feelings head-on. You can't hide it any longer! Once morning comes, you see them sitting on a bench at the railroad terminal, (link:"like always...")[= like always... (text-colour:magenta)["Hm? Hey, bestie! Did you run here? You're all red, haha!"] [[Ollie...->ollie rejection]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:(gradient: 0, 0,#faa2c1,0.5,#e68019,1,#ffec99)))You decide to prepare a small gift for your crush: A bouquet of lillies and a shining necklace that's worth a week's salary of your job. But it's worth it for them. Once morning comes, you see them sitting on a bench at the railroad terminal, (link:"like always...")[=like always... (text-colour:magenta)["Hm? Hey, bestie! Did you run here? You're all red, haha!"] [[Ollie...->ollie rejection]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:(gradient: 0, 0,#faa2c1,0.5,#e68019,1,#ffec99)))...But you can't tell them. Of course you can't. You can't ruin your friendship, you need to do everything you can to ''keep things the way they are.'' You try to still your aching heart when you sit next to them. At least you two will be together forever, even without romance, right? [[Forever...->ollie disappears]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:(gradient: 0, 0,#faa2c1,0.5,#e68019,1,#ffec99)))(text-colour:magenta)["Oh!! Wait wait, before you say anything, I have a biiiig announcement!"] (live:2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[(link:"...Yeah?")[= (text-colour:magenta)[''I have a boyfrieeeeeend!'' Look at him! Isn't he a cutie?"] They show off a picture of themselves smiling alongside someone else. Someone who ''isn't you.'' [[You feel jealous.->ollie its nothing]]](stop:)]

The morning train is lonely. The rumbling of the train gliding upon the tracks is the only sound against the silence... The same old (text-colour:cyan)[Conductor] trudges through the aging train car, clutching his hole-puncher. (text-colour:cyan)["Ticket, please."] Three holes are snipped into your ticket. The Conductor notices your long face and perches his elbow on the top of your seat to inquire. (text-colour:cyan)["Hm, usually you and that other greenhorn would be sparkin' up a storm by now. But I guess you're not much of a greenhorn anymore, hm? You're one of us businessmen with a job and a routine. How'zit feel?"] [[Lonely.->conductor lonely]] [[Annoying.->conductor annoying]] [[Worthwhile.->conductor worthwhile.]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:(gradient: 0, 0,#faa2c1,0.5,#e68019,1,#ffec99)))(text-colour:magenta)["So, what didja wanna tell me?"] (live:2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[(link:"Nothing. Congrats.")[= Ollie beams as they gush about their new boyfriend in the city. Your love has gone to waste. But it's okay, at least you still have them. You can still be friends with them forever! [[Forever...->ollie disappears]]](stop:)]

He nods. (text-colour:cyan)["Aye. The path of success is a lonely one. I've seen 'em all come and go in my job, makin' friends with people like you only to watch 'em fly by with their own lives. Meanwhile I'm stuck here, on a train." "The years pass me by, but I'm still the same old me in the same old routine."] It seems he was right. You needed to savor being a bright-eyed young person; because growing up, you relinquish yourself for the sake of routine. [[You relate to the Conductor.->Another timeskip]]

He nods. (text-colour:cyan)["Aye. Tedious is the well-earned path. No matter how hard we work, it's just never enough for some people. Bet you got a jerk of a boss, so you know the feeling." "Nothing good comes from these routines we have to set fer ourselves, eh?" "The years pass me by, but I'm still the same old me in the same old routine."] It seems he was right. You needed to savor being a bright-eyed young person; because growing up, you relinquish yourself for the sake of routine. [[You relate to the Conductor.->Another timeskip]]

He raises an eyebrow. (text-colour:cyan)["Now, whenever I ask a businessman that question, the answer is never positive. You sure you ain't lyin' to me?" "Listen, now. We always try to make the most out of nothing, but sometimes there ain't nothing good in the routines we make fer ourselves." "The years pass me by, but I'm still the same old me in the same old routine."] It seems he was right. You needed to savor being a bright-eyed young person; because growing up, you relinquish yourself for the sake of routine. [[You relate to the Conductor.->Another timeskip]]

//''And so the lonely years pass you by...''// (live:2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[[[...->workclimax]]](stop:)]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:#ced4da))Life is gray without a friend to talk to, and so the only thing left for you to live for is your job. As the years pass by, work piles up and piles up until you are overwhelmed with exhaustion. You... [[...Continue to remain diligent!->work promotion]] [[...Take a rest and slack off just a little bit.->work fired]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:#ced4da))Even when your eyes feel like falling out, you still power through your daily paperwork. You quickly become the trading firm's best employee. One fateful day, your Boss approaches you, wearing a smile spanning his ears. ''"Listen, you've been such a valued asset of this company, and you always are so punctual with your work! I'd like to proudly nominate you for a PROMOTION! You'll make a worthy successor indeed!"'' (link:"Promotion?")[= ''Yep! (text-colour:red)[(text-style:"bold","smear","expand")[You're the new Boss now]], and I'm finally going into retirement after 50 years! Finally taking that dream vacation in Fiji! Welp, have fun!'' Oh god. What do you do now...? [[Graciously accept the promotion.->unfulfillment ending]] [[...I need a drink.->bigdrinking]] (set: $stillhasjob to true)

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:black)+(bg:#ced4da))You fall asleep at your desk often, and fail to meet the daily quotas of paperwork. You underperform from sheer fatigue. You're in desperate need of rest, but unfortunately, (link:"that doesn't seem like an option for your Boss.")[= that doesn't seem like an option for your Boss. ''"Tsk, tsk, tsk. You know, you've been wasting this company's precious time far too much lately. I'm afraid (text-colour:red)[(text-style:"bold","smear","expand")[we're gonna have to let you go.]] Clear out your desk. Hey Sandra, bring in the next rookie!"'' (live:2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[[[You can't believe it. Your life in the city has suddenly ended.->bigdrinking]]](stop:)] (set: $stillhasjob to false)

You decide to hit the bar downtown to take the edge off of your stressful day. Everything has changed, and for the worse. (if:$stillhasjob is true)[(text-style:"rumble")[You're supposed to dedicate the entire rest of your life to paperwork!?]](else:)[(text-style:"rumble")[You just lost the job you worked so hard for!?]] The Bartender notices your scrunched-up face and tries to ease the tension. "What can I get for you?" [[A glass of wine.->you drink]] [[A punch of rum.->you drink]] [[A shot of vodka.->you drink]]

You become the new Boss of the trading firm in the city, perpetuating a cycle of endless paperwork unto bright-eyed young people like you, making sure the folly of loveless routine continues until the end of time. (live:3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[The last time you heard, your old friend (text-colour:magenta)[Ollie] eventually did pursue their dreams and made it big in the city as a fashion designer. But you weren't ever there to support them. You were always too busy with work.](stop:)] (live:5s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[One day, you die, insignificantly. As one average cog, in one average machine.](stop:)] (live: 7s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[(text-colour:red)[(text-style:"bold","smear","expand")[Congratulations. Is this what you wanted? [[ENDING ACHIEVED: "UNFULFILLMENT"->Main Menu]]]] [[Continue from the time-skip.->timeskipping]]](stop:)] (set: $unfulfillment to true)

You down your drink in a flash. You feel a bit warmer. (link:"One more drink.")[=One more drink. You ask for another round, and you drink it just as fast. You start to feel fuzzy. (link:"One more drink.")[=One more drink. Round three, bottoms up! Your problems are melting away. (link:"One more.")[=(text-style:"fidget")[One more. Your fourth drink is the kicker. You begin feeling mellow. Nothing here can hurt you. Nothing and nobody.] (link:"More.")[=(text-style:"buoy")[More. Please. You're bobbing up and down. You can't think straight, but you don't mind. Your face is hotter than the sun. You feel beautiful in this moment. You don't want to leave.] (link:"More.")[=(text-style:"sway")[More. You drunkenly try texting your old friend. No response. You are no longer in control of yourself...] [[More.->voicedrink]]

(text-style:"buoy")[Why? Why can't you control yourself? You can't help but reach for another drink. You need it. It's the happiest you've felt in years.] (text-colour:red)[(text-style:"bold","smear","expand","shudder")[More. More. Drink until you disappear.]] You aren't in your right mind anymore. You're slurring your words. Your vision is blurry. You can't hear a word the Bartender is saying, but he seems annoyed. What does he know of annoyance? He hasn't spent years doing paperwork like you have. Nobody's wasted as much time as you. Nobody else would (text-colour:red)[(text-style:"bold","smear","expand","shudder")[waste their entire life away for nothing.]] No one but [[you->voice control]].

The Bartender shooes you away before you can muck up his floor with your vomit. You realize it is ''11:30 PM.'' You missed your train home. But maybe you can still make it in time for the ''midnight ride,'' the last one of the day. You stumble out of the bar, nearly tripping onto your face. Your mind is buzzing as everything you've ever thought resurfaces. [[It's time to take the train again.->midnighttrain]]

You rely on muscle memory to guide you through the night. Eyes stare at you in disgust as you drunkenly soldier your way to the train station. (text-colour:red)[(text-style:"bold","smear","expand","shudder")[Look at you. A drunk failure, with nothing going on in life. I bet they're thinking the same thing.]] You turn a corner. (text-colour:red)[(text-style:"bold","smear","expand","shudder")[What are you going to do now? You're already in too deep. Might as well just give up. There's no hope for people like you.]] You descend some stairs. (text-colour:red)[(text-style:"bold","smear","expand","shudder")[Go ahead. Take the train like you always do. Never change anything about your life, always wanting a routine but never being satified with it. You're pathetic.]] [[You reach the station.->midnighttrain 2]]

The city station is the same as it has been for years. You can hear faint rumbling of the tracks in the distance. The train must be pulling in soon. Waiting for the midnight train beside you is a ''bright-eyed young man.'' They are wearing business casual clothes and a bright smile. You eye him. (text-colour:red)[(text-style:"bold","smear","expand","shudder")[Look at him. What is he so goddamn happy about? There is no happiness for anyone in this city.]] The man continues beaming. (link:"He receives a phone call...")[=He receives a phone call... (live:2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[(text-colour:yellow)[//''"Huh? Hey, hon, you're awake? Yeah, I really did it! I got the job! At the office! Yeah, I'm super excited! I'll be home soon, okay? Love you."''//]](stop:)] (live:5s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[[[...->voice murder rationale]]](stop:)]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:red))You feel an indescribable rage build up within you. An unspoken terror that has been kept inside for too long. From losing Ollie to (if:$stillhasjob is true)[being forced into taking over your job](else:)[losing the job you worked so hard for], anger has taken over you. All you can see is red. (text-style:"bold","smear","expand","shudder")[It's like looking into a mirror. This idiot doesn't know what he's getting into. He's just like you when you were younger. You should warn him. You should grab him by the shoulders and shake him. Wake him up and tell him that this routine in the city is not worth it. But then again, why must he have found love while you are left alone? You worked so hard, to be met with nothing. Life just isn't fair, is it? Is it?] [[Is it?->you should push him]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:red))(text-style:"bold","smear","expand","shudder")[YOU JUST HATE IT, DON'T YOU? THEN END IT. GO ON. PUSH HIM ONTO THE TRACKS. END HIS MISERY BEFORE IT CAN BEGIN. STOP YOURSELF FROM HAVING TO LOOK INTO A MISERABLE MIRROR ANY LONGER. PUSH HIM.] [[PUSH HIM->you push him]] (if:$endingachieved is true)[[[''Never.''->you dont push him]]](else:)[[[I can't.->push him spam]]]

=><= (text-colour:red)[=(text-style:"bold","smear","expand","shudder")[=(text-colour:red)[= DO IT DO IT NOW (live:0.5s)[PUSH HIM PUSH HIM PUSH HIM] (live:0.8s)[SPARE HIS LIFE FROM THE MISERABLE MACHINE] (live:1.1s)[LET HIS SOUL DESCEND TO HELL WHERE IT IS SAFER] (live:1.4s)[KILL HIM AND SET HIM FREE PUSH HIM AND SPARE HIS LIFE] (live:2s)[(goto: "you should push him")]

(text-colour:red)[(text-style:"rumble")[#HOOOOOOOOONK.]The train is pulling quickly into the station. It's not slowing down soon. (live:3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Without thinking, your arms rear up...](stop:)]] (live:6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[(text-colour:yellow)[(text-style:"rumble")["Huh!? Hey! What are y--"]]](stop:)] (live:8s)[(text-colour:red)[(text-style:"bold","smear","expand","shudder")[#CRUNCH.]]] (live:10s)[(goto:"murder aftermath")]

=><= (text-colour:red)[(text-style:"bold","smear","expand","shudder")[(text-colour:red)[WHAT...? NO NO NO YOU MUST DO AS I SAY.]]] (live: 3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[(link-reveal:"I will not.")[= (text-colour:red)[(text-style:"bold","smear","expand","shudder")[YOU IDIOT. (live:2s)[YOUR LIFE IS GOING TO GO ON WITHOUT ANYTHING CHANGING.] (live:4s)[YOU WILL DIE WITHOUT EVER HAVING LIVED.] (live:6s)[IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT!?]]] (live:8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[(link-reveal:"No. I won't die unfulfilled. Not if I stop living a lie. I will continue. I am alive. And I am not your puppet.")[= (text-colour:red)[= (text-style:"bold","smear","expand","shudder")[... (live:2.5s)[(goto: "conquered voice")]]] ]](stop:)]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:red))Blood. So much blood, and screaming. The station was painted a deep crimson. You did this. A terrified woman in the station quickly calls the police. [[Run.->running]] [[Turn yourself in.->arrested]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:red))You dash out of the station, cursing under your breath, unable to process the unfathomable horror of what you had just done. You hear police sirens behind you. [[Keep running.->caught]] [[Hide in an alleyway.->alleyway]]

You are quickly subdued. Red and blue lights blind your eyes. You are taken into the police station. You have nothing to defend yourself and plead guilty. You are sentenced to twenty years in [[prison.->20 years later]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:red))You try to outspeed your pursuers, but they quickly corner you before [[taking you down.->arrested]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:red))You take refuge in a dark alleyway by a dumpster as the police pass you. You land in a puddle of grime, tripping over yourself. There is nothing you can do, but... [[Call somebody.->call ollie]] [[Pray.->pray]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:red))You desperately need to hear somebody's voice. You try calling your old friend... There is nothing but static. You are left [[alone.->the news]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:red))You've never been a very religious person. But there's nothing to lose. In your stricken panic, you clasp your hands in an attempt to grasp at peace. (link:"Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name...")[But nobody was listening. (live:2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[[[...->the news]]](stop:)]]

You awake ay the crack of dawn, sitting in a puddle of mud by a dumpster. The city feels on edge, and you are suffering from the worst hangover. You hear the buzz of a TV radio. All over the networks of various window displays are breaking news, warning of a murderer loose in the streets of the city. //…One man dead after being pushed onto the tracks of a downtown railroad station in a random attack, perpetrator unknown. The 22-year old victim…// [[And suddenly you remember.->sheer guilt]]

The Voice tormenting your head quiets. The (text-colour:yellow)[beaming man] notices you. You smile at him. He smiles back. You both board the train in separate seats. [[You ride home.->ollie call good]]

Suddenly, your phone rings. It's a call from... (text-colour:magenta)[your old friend? "Ah!! Train-buddy! Is that you? It's been so long! Please tell me you're alright!"] (link-reveal:"Ollie!? Why'd you call?")[=(text-colour:magenta)[ "Some bartender called me using your phone. He said you were hella drunk and needed help, so he called the first person he could find on your contacts. I wanted to check in."] (link-reveal:"Everything's fine now. Thanks.")[=(text-colour:magenta)[ "Phew! By the way, I finally found some free time! Let me know everything that's been going on with you, alright?"] [[Well, first off...->ollie good talk]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:red))The last you heard, what was left of him was ''splattered back along three hundred feet of track. Chunks of him gummed up the underside of the train, his blood fusing with the rusty wheels. The rails outside were so hot the next day that his flesh practically cooked and stuck to it.'' The train you had ridden for years was suddenly put out of commission forever. They couldn’t even recognize the victim when they recovered his head. You couldn’t even know who you had killed. Nobody knew. But he had a name, a life. And now you're both just tragic headlines on a news channel. You did this. [[I did this.->sheer guilt 2]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:red))(text-style:"bold","smear","expand","shudder")[THERE IS NOTHING FOR YOU LEFT HERE ANYMORE. YOU HAVE NO FRIENDS. NO LIFE. NO FULFILLING JOB. AND NOW... YOU ARE A MURDERER. YOU SHOULD JUST DIE. THERE IS NO PLACE FOR YOU HERE. YOU SHOULD JUST DIE. THERE IS NO HAPPINESS ANYMORE. YOU SHOULD JUST DIE.] [[...->voice force type]]

(link:"I did this. There's blood on my hands...")[=I did this. There's blood on my hands... (link:"There's nothing left for me to live for anymore.")[=There's nothing left for me to live for anymore. (link:"So I should just die, after all.")[=So I should just die, after all. (link:"That'll bring me to justice.")[=That'll bring me to justice. It should've been me. [[Now it will be.->train tracks]]

The years pass you by, ticking ever so slowly. Prison life is a worse routine than your job. But finally, eventually, you are released and free to go live out the rest of your life. (live:3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[(text-colour:red)[''But there is nothing for you to live for anymore, is there?''] [[No. Nothing is left for me here.->sheer guilt 2]] ](stop:)]

You make your way to the train station, not even bothering to cover up your bloodstained clothes. Instead of waiting at the bench, you hop on down to ''stand on the train tracks themselves.'' If you're going to live by the train... You should [[die->no happiness ending]] by the train as well.

The tracks begin rumbling. A low growl grows into a roar. Metal screeching and wind blasts through the station. Your heart is still. But your body is tense. (live:3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[(text-style:"rumble")[#HOOOONK.]](stop:)] (live:5s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Your train to Hell has arrived.](stop:)] (live:8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[(text-colour:red)[(text-style:"bold","rumble")[#HOOOONK.]]](stop:)] (live:10s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[It screams for your reckoning.](stop:)] (live:13s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[(text-colour:red)[(text-style:"bold","smear","expand","rumble")[#HOOOOOOOONK.]]](stop:)] (live:15s)[(goto:"no happiness ending 2")]

It's okay. There is no happiness left for you here, anyways. (live:3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[(text-colour:red)[(text-style:"bold","smear","expand")[[[ENDING ACHIEVED: "NO HAPPINESS"->Main Menu]]]]](stop:)] (set: $endingachieved to true) (set: $nohappiness to true) (live:8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[...Something has [[shifted.->a second chance]]](stop:)]

This can't be it, can it? (live:2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You admit your terrible mistakes, your mortal sins, and you repent.](stop:)] (live:4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You can't undo the past.](stop:)] (live:6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[But if you could, you would take it all back. You would ''take control'' of your own actions, and your own life. And you wouldn't let anything; not some voice, not some routine, take your freedom from you.](stop:)] (live:10s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[''You just need [[another chance.->voice control]]''](stop:)]

(enchant:?page,(bg:#faa2c1))You two spend the next hour chatting about your lives, making up for lost time. (text-colour:magenta)[Ollie] is doing well, they have a boyfriend in the city with whom they have begun their own fashion line that's been taking the industry by storm. You feel proud of them. You don't have much to say about your job, but... right now, you feel like (link-reveal:"it doesn't matter.")[= (text-colour:magenta)["Hey, I'm pretty proud of you too, you know. No matter how hard it got, you're still here. I just wish you'd put yourself first sometimes. It's your life, you know? I know it's hard-- money and stability and things steer us towards what we have to do instead of what we want to do. But maybe there's a balance somewhere in the chaos...?"] [[A balance...->ollie hangup]]

(text-colour:magenta)[Ollie] is dozing off from how late it is, but they want to keep talking to you. After promising to meet up in the city again, you both hang up for now. You feel a little lighter. There's still some time left on the midnight train ride before you arrive at home. [[Go to the bathroom.->bathroom good]] [[Stand up and stretch.->conductor good]]

You stand up to use the loo. The bathroom's gotten a bit dirty over the years, but it's a bathroom nonetheless. After doing your late-night business, you thoroughly wash your hands. (link:"Look into the mirror.")[=You stare into the mirror. You see your tired eyes. Your face is still a little red from the alcohol. You look older than you thought. But even so. It is still [[you.->go back home]]

You take a moment to stretch your legs. Something catches your eye. A few seats up, there's a (link:"familiar figure.")[=familiar figure. Who else, but the very (text-colour:cyan)[Conductor] who introduced you to this train so many years ago. He looks like he hasn't aged a bit since then. But he looks relaxed, in a casual outfit instead of his usual dapper uniform. [[Hello!->conductor hello]] [[Tickets, please!->conductor tease]]

The train comes to a stop. You glance out the window, and there you see your hometown, lit by lamposts. You are back where you started. But (link-reveal:"you don't seem to mind it.")[=(text-style:"rumble")[#HOOOOOOOONK.] (live:2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[The train gives one last parting honk, as if to say its farewell to you. [[And a warm goodbye to you too, train.->a bright future ending]]](stop:)]

The (text-colour:cyan)[Conductor] looks up, a bit puzzled, but quickly recognizes you. (text-colour:cyan)["Ah, the ol' greenhorn! It's been a while, hasn't it?"] (link:"So, you're a passenger now?")[= He chuckles. (text-colour:cyan)["Aye. I'm retirin'. Finally saved up enough money to do so." "It was a good run. But I felt like I wasn't living for me anymore. Just living for the money. Wish I realized that sooner."] He smiles at you, seeing your solemn expression. (text-colour:cyan)["You look like you've realized just that, haven't you? Good on you, greenhorn. Good on you."] [[Thank you, sir.->go back home]]

Life went on. (live:3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[The last time you heard, your old friend (text-colour:magenta)[Ollie] eventually did pursue their dreams and made it big in the city as a fashion designer.](stop:)] (live:5s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[The Conductor went on to have a happy retirement, vowing to live for himself.](stop:)] (live: 7s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[And you... (if:$stillhasjob is true)[You quit your job at the trading firm.](else:)[Even though you lost your job in the city, plenty of more opportunities have been opened to you.]](stop:)] (live:9s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You have no idea what will happen next. But whatever happens, as long as you live for yourself...](stop:)] (live:11s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You are bound to have a bright future.](stop:)] (live:13s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[(text-colour:#eebefa)[(text-style:"bold","smear")[[[Ending achieved: "A Bright Future."->Main Menu]]]]](stop:)] (set: $abrightfuture to true)

#Train to the City. A story about routines. [[Begin.->START]] Unlocked Endings: (if:$unfulfillment is true)[[["Unfulfillment"->unfulfillment explanation]]](else:)[[[???->unfulfillment hint]]] (if:$nohappiness is true)[[["No Happiness"->no happiness explanation]]](else:)[[[???->no happiness hint]]] (if:$abrightfuture is true)[[["A Bright Future"->a bright future explanation]]](else:)[[[???->a bright future hint]]]

You did your job, and you did it well. Too well. (link-undo:"...")

''Do your job and do it well'' to achieve this ending. (link-undo:"...")

You listened to the (text-colour:red)[(text-style:"bold","smear","expand")[Voice]] and let it consume you, going out as a murderer brought to justice. (link-undo:"...")

''Do exactly as (text-colour:red)[(text-style:"bold","smear","expand")[it]] tells you to, and make the worst mistake of your life'' to achieve this ending. (link-undo:"...")

You conquered the Voice and vowed to live your own life, guaranteeing yourself a bright future. (link-undo:"...")

''Take another chance and conquer your worst enemy'' to achieve this ending. (link-undo:"...")