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,<div id="header-line"></div>
<div id="header">
<div id="header-button"><span class="fas fa-moon" style="color: white; width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px;margin: auto; transform: rotate(290deg);" title="Toggle"></span></div>
<div id="header-containter">
<div class="header-links"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="story">
<div id="passages"></div>
</div>
<svg viewBox="-80 -80 160 160">
<defs><line id="ray" x1="-5" x2="5"></line></defs>
<g id="sun" clip-path="url(#cp)">
<g id="mover">
<g id="rays">
<use xlink:href="#ray" transform="rotate(315) translate(70)"></use>
<use xlink:href="#ray" transform="rotate(270) translate(70)"></use>
<use xlink:href="#ray" transform="rotate(225) translate(70)"></use>
<use xlink:href="#ray" transform="rotate(180) translate(70)"></use>
<use xlink:href="#ray" transform="rotate(135) translate(70)"></use>
<use xlink:href="#ray" transform="rotate(90) translate(70)"></use>
<use xlink:href="#ray" transform="rotate(45) translate(70)"></use>
<use xlink:href="#ray" transform="rotate(0) translate(70)"></use>
</g>
</g></g>
</svg><<link '<span class="fas fa-cogs" style="color: white; width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px;" title="Settings"></span>'>><<script>>UI.settings()<</script>><</link>>
<<link '<span class="fas fa-save" style="color: white; width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px;" title="Saves"></span>'>><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>>
<<link '<span class="fas fa-power-off" style="color: white; width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px;" title="Restart"></span>'>><<script>>UI.restart()<</script>><</link>><<replace ".header-links">><<include "header-links">><</replace>>@import url('all-b64.css');
/* Colors */
:root {
--sun: #EEC04B;
--darksun: #9dd0e1;
--background: #F2DBDB;
--darkbackground: #001a33;
--accents: #DAA520;
--darkaccents: #0086b3;
--passage: #EAC4B8;
--darkpassage: #36526d;
--text: black;
--specialtext: white;
--darktext: #FFFFFF;
--sansserif: "Josefin Sans", sans-serif;
--display: "Ferrum", serif;
--serif: "Playfair Display", serif;
--serifbody: "Alegreya", serif;
--spec: "Nova Round", monospace;
--opendyslexic: "Open Dyslexic", sans-serif;
}
/* Sunbeams by https://codepen.io/thebabydino/pen/vNGjKo */
svg {
width: 650px;
height: 650px;
position: absolute;
top: -500px;
left: 0px;
right: 0px;
margin: auto;
z-index: -1;
}
#header.toggled ~ svg {
top: -460px;
}
* {
stroke-linecap: round;
vector-effec: non-scaling-stroke;
}
[id=line] {
stroke-width: 3;
}
[id=mover] {
animation: sun-motion 5s cubic-bezier(0.175, 0.885, 0.32, 1.275) infinite;
}
[id=main] {
fill: transparent;
stroke-width: 7;
}
[id=ray] {
stroke-width: 4;
/* stroke: var(--sun); */
}
[id=rays] {
animation: rot 5s linear infinite;
}
@keyframes rot {
to {
transform: rotate(0.25turn);
}
}
/* Choice buttons */
.circle-choice {
border-radius: 50%;
width: 50px;
height: 50px;
background-color: var(--accents);
bottom: -70px;
position: relative;
margin: auto;
}
.circle-choice a {
display: inline-block;
width: 100%;
height: 100%;
text-align: center;
align-items: center;
display: flex;
color: var(--specialtext);
}
.containter-choice {
display: inline;
position: relative;
}
.one-choice {
background-color: var(--accents);
color: var(--specialtext);
width: auto;
box-sizing: border-box;
padding: 0.7em 1.2em;
margin: 0.4em;
transition: 0.5s;
border-radius: 50px;
box-shadow: inset .2em 0 0 0 var(--sun);
}
.one-choice:hover {
box-shadow: inset .9em 0 0 0 var(--sun);
letter-spacing: 0.3em;
}
a:hover {
text-decoration: none;
}
/* Main */
html, body {
max-width: 100%;
overflow-x: hidden;
}
body {
background-color: var(--background);
color: var(--text);
padding:0;
margin:0;
background-image: url("images/clouds.png");
}
#story {
margin-top: 60px;
margin-bottom: 70px;
padding: 30px;
line-height: 1.5;
transition: 0.6s;
letter-spacing: 0.04em;
font-size: 1em;
}
#passages {
background: var(--passage);
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
padding-top: 1em;
padding-left: 1em;
padding-right: 1em;
}
.passage {
background: var(--passage);
text-align: justify;
}
/* Header */
#header {
background: var(--sun);
border-radius: 50%;
width: 500px;
height: 500px;
position: absolute;
z-index: 2;
transition: 0.6s;
margin: auto;
top: -440px;
left: 0;
right: 0;
}
#header.toggled {
top: -400px;
}
#header.toggled ~ #story {
margin-top: 70px;
}
#header-button {
border-radius: 50%;
width: 50px;
height: 50px;
position: absolute;
left: 44%;
top: 444px;
z-index: 3;
text-align: center;
align-items: center;
display: flex;
}
#header-containter {
box-sizing: border-box;
display: block;
overflow: hidden;
position: absolute;
left: 0;
top: 390px;
background-color: transparent;
width: 20em;
padding: 1em;
z-index: 4;
right: 0;
margin: auto;
}
.header-links {
display:flex;
justify-content: space-evenly;
align-items: center;
margin:0 auto;
width: 100%;
max-width: 1000px;
flex-wrap:wrap;
}
.header-link {
display:block;
font-size: 1.4em;
}
#header-line {
background-color: var(--accents);
z-index: -1;
width: auto;
height: 30px;
top: 0;
position: relative;
}
/* Misc */
#ui-dialog-close {
font-style: normal;
font-weight: 400;
font-variant: normal;
text-transform: none;
line-height: 1;
border: none;
}
#ui-dialog-close:hover {
background-color: transparent;
border: none;
color: black;
}
#ui-dialog-title {
margin: 0;
padding: .2em 3.5em .2em .5em;
font-size: 1.5em;
text-align: center;
text-transform: uppercase;
background-color: var(--background);
border: none;
}
#ui-dialog-body {
background-color: var(--background);
border: none;
text-align: left;
line-height: 1.5;
padding: 1em;
}
#ui-dialog-body.settings button[id|="setting-control"] {
background-color: transparent;
color: #000;
border: 1px solid #000;
border-radius: 50px;
transition: 0.2s;
}
#ui-dialog-body.settings button[id|="setting-control"]:hover {
background-color: #131313;
color: #fff;
border: none;
}
#ui-dialog-body.settings button[id|="setting-control"].enabled {
background-color: var(--accents);
border: none;
color: black;
}
#ui-dialog-body.settings button[id|="setting-control"].enabled:hover {
background-color: #fff;
color: #000;
border: none;
}
button {
color: #eee;
background-color: var(--accents);
border: none;
line-height: normal;
padding: .4em;
border-radius: 50px;
}
/* Slider in settings */
input[type=range] {
-webkit-appearance: none;
margin: 0 10px;
vertical-align: text-bottom;
border: 0;
}
input[type=range]:focus {
outline: none;
background: transparent;
}
input[type=range]:hover {
background: transparent;
}
input[type=range]::-webkit-slider-runnable-track {
cursor: pointer;
box-shadow: 0px 0px 0px #000000, 0px 0px 0px #0d0d0d;
background: #000000;
border-radius: 0px;
border: 0px solid #010101;
}
input[type=range]::-webkit-slider-thumb {
box-shadow: 0px 0px 0px rgba(0, 0, 62, 0.67), 0px 0px 0px rgba(0, 0, 88, 0.67);
border: none;
background: #853737;
cursor: pointer;
-webkit-appearance: none;
margin-top: -5px;
}
input[type=range]:focus::-webkit-slider-runnable-track {
background: #0a0a0a;
}
input[type=range]::-moz-range-track {
cursor: pointer;
box-shadow: 0px 0px 0px #000000, 0px 0px 0px #0d0d0d;
background: #000000;
border-radius: 0px;
border: 0px solid #010101;
}
input[type=range]::-moz-range-thumb {
box-shadow: 0px 0px 0px rgba(0, 0, 62, 0.67), 0px 0px 0px rgba(0, 0, 88, 0.67);
border: none;
background: #853737;
cursor: pointer;
}
input[type=range]::-ms-track {
cursor: pointer;
background: transparent;
border-color: transparent;
color: transparent;
}
input[type=range]::-ms-fill-lower {
background: #000000;
border: 0px solid #010101;
border-radius: 0px;
box-shadow: 0px 0px 0px #000000, 0px 0px 0px #0d0d0d;
}
input[type=range]::-ms-fill-upper {
background: #000000;
border: 0px solid #010101;
border-radius: 0px;
box-shadow: 0px 0px 0px #000000, 0px 0px 0px #0d0d0d;
}
input[type=range]::-ms-thumb {
box-shadow: 0px 0px 0px rgba(0, 0, 62, 0.67), 0px 0px 0px rgba(0, 0, 88, 0.67);
border: none;
background: #853737;
cursor: pointer;
}
input[type=range]:focus::-ms-fill-lower {
background: #000000;
}
input[type=range]:focus::-ms-fill-upper {
background: #0a0a0a;
}
html.theme-dark input[type=range]::-ms-thumb{
background: #f8d8c9;
}
html.theme-dark input[type=range]::-moz-range-thumb {
background: #f8d8c9;
}
html.theme-dark input[type=range]::-webkit-slider-thumb {
background: #f8d8c9;
}
/* Dark theme */
html.theme-dark #header-line {
background-color: var(--darkaccents);
}
html.theme-dark #header {
background: var(--darksun);
}
html.theme-dark body {
background-color: var(--darkbackground);
color: var(--darktext);
background-image: url("images/stardust.png");
}
html.theme-dark #passages {
background: var(--darkpassage);
}
html.theme-dark .passage {
background: var(--darkpassage);
}
html.theme-dark .circle-choice {
background-color: var(--darkaccents);
}
html.theme-dark .circle-choice a {
color: var(--darkspecialtext);
}
html.theme-dark .one-choice {
background-color: var(--darkaccents);
box-shadow: inset .2em 0 0 0 var(--darksun);
}
html.theme-dark .one-choice:hover {
box-shadow: inset .9em 0 0 0 var(--darksun);
}<style>
#header.toggled ~ #story {
margin-top: 90px;
}
</style>
<div class="center titleintro">Evanescent Eclipse</div>
<div class="center">
<a class="linksintro"><<link "START GAME" "Start">><</link>></a>
<a class="linksintro"><<link "LOAD GAME">><<script>>UI.saves();<</script>><</link>></a>
<a class="linksintro"><<link "SETTINGS">><<script>>UI.settings();<</script>><</link>></a>
</div><style>.img{width:35%;height:auto;}</style><<if settings.rays is false>><<if settings.theme is true>><<script>>ray.style.stroke = "#9dd0e1";<</script>><<else>><<script>>ray.style.stroke = "#FFCE53";<</script>><</if>><</if>><style>#passages {background: transparent;color: black;}html.theme-dark #passages {background: transparent;color: white;}</style><div class="center"><div class="titleintro">Choose your character</div>
<a data-passage="SunStart"><img src="images/suntarot.png" class="card1 img" alt="The Sun"/></a><img src="images/NOmoontarot.png" class="img" alt="The Moon"/></div><style>
#passages {
background: transparent;
}
#header-line {
display: none;
}
#header {
display: none;
}
.inside {
margin: auto;
}
html.theme-dark #passages {
background: transparent;
}
.mainmenu #passages {
background: transparent;
color: black;
}
.titleintro {
font-size: 250%;
font-family: "Impact";
color: #b10e04;
}
.linksintro a {
color: black;
font-size: 150%;
color: #b10e04;
}
.linksintro a:hover {
color: black;
}
a {
color: #b10e04;
}
a:hover {
color: black;
}
.mainmenu #story {
margin-top: 90px;
}
.startmenu {
display: flex;
flex-direction: column;
outline-offset: 5px;
background: var(--sun);
border-radius: 50% 50% 50% 50%;
margin: 2rem auto;
text-align: center;
padding: 20px;
width: 500px;
min-height: 500px;
}
@media only screen and (max-width: 428px) {
.startmenu {
width: 350px;
min-height: 350px;
}
}
html.theme-dark .startmenu {
background: var(--darksun);
}
html.theme-dark .linksintro a {
color: #b10e04;
}
html.theme-dark .linksintro a:hover {
color: black;
}
</style>
<<script>>ray.style.stroke = "transparent";<</script>>
<div class="startmenu">
<div class="inside">
<div class="titleintro">Evanescent Eclipse</div>
by <a href="https://nikkefort-dev.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">nikkefort</a>
<a class="linksintro"><<link "START GAME" "Start">><</link>></a>
<a class="linksintro"><<link "LOAD GAME">><<script>>UI.saves();<</script>><</link>></a>
<a class="linksintro"><<link "SETTINGS">><<script>>UI.settings();<</script>><</link>></a>
</div>
</div>Mom and dad are arguing again.
Sunlight shines through the open window into your room as you watch Lucy bark at something outside the barn. Even her loud barks don't override your parents' voices on the first floor.
They often say that the house is old, and as their voices seep through cracks and crannies in it until they meet your ears, you can't deny that they're right.
The voices are muffled enough that you don't hear every word, but with time the word farm and money repeated, you know that it's the same topic they're arguing about.
You don't understand it. It wasn't always like that, and you wish everything could go back to normal.
You try to focus your mind on the view outside. The golden farm fields shuffling in the wind. Behind them, far away, the dark forest stands tall. From here, it looks like a wall of trees, but the one time you got close to it, you could see life inside it. You're not allowed to go there, though.
You jolt when you hear something shatter below. Your heart pangs with worry.
<<nobr>><div class="containter-choice">
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>You intend to go down and stop their arguing.</span></div>' 'Sun2-1'>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>In the past, you tried to make them stop arguing. It never works.</span></div>' 'Sun2-2'>><</link>>
</div><</nobr>>
<div class="center"><div class="titleintro">The End</div>
Thank you for playing Evanescent Eclipse!
</div>You intend to go down and stop their arguing. Maybe this time it will work?
It's not the first time they're fighting, and it's not the first time you're trying to stop it. Most of the times it ends with you being shushed out, or they wait until you leave to resume fighting.
But you have to try it again. You don't want them to argue.
As you come down the stairs, their voices become more clear. You can now distinguish what they're saying-no, screaming.
"Don't speak about such things!" It's dad's voice.
Next is mom's voice. "You know we have to think of the future of the farm and our-"
<<nobr>><div class="containter-choice">
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>"boy!"</span></div>' 'Sun2-1-2'>><<set $sun.they to "he">><</link>>
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>"girl!"</span></div>' 'Sun2-1-2'>><<set $sun.they to "she">><</link>>
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>"child!"</span></div>' 'Sun2-1-2'>><<set $sun.they to "they">><</link>>
</div><</nobr>>
<<nobr>><<if $sun.they is "he">>\
<<set $sun to {"kid": "boy","they": "he","them": "him","their": "his","theirs": "his","themself": "himself","Kid": "Boy","They": "He","Them": "Him","Their": "His","Theirs": "His","Themself": "Himself"}>>
<<elseif $sun.they is "she">>
<<set $sun to {"kid": "girl","they": "she","them": "her","their": "her","theirs": "hers","themself": "herself","Kid": "Girl","They": "She","Them": "Her","Their": "Her","Theirs": "Hers","Themself": "Herself"}>>
<<else>>
<<set $sun to {"kid": "kid","they": "they","them": "them","their": "their","theirs": "theirs","themself": "themself","Kid": "Kid","They": "They","Them": "Them","Their": "Their","Theirs": "Theirs","Themself": "Themself"}>>
<</if>><</nobr>>\
"I know that, but-" Dad snaps his mouth shut when he sees you in the doorway. Mom turns around to look at you.
They stand in the opposite sides of the room. Your mom's <<cycle "$sun.colorhair" autoselect>><<option "blond↻" "blond">><<option "brown↻" "brown">><<option "red↻" "red">><<option "hazel↻" "hazel">><<option "black↻" "black">><</cycle>> hair is sticking out of her bun, her <<cycle "$sun.colorskin" autoselect>><<option "light brown↻" "light brown">><<option "brown↻" "brown">><<option "dark↻" "dark">><<option "pale↻" "pale">><<option "olive↻" "olive">><</cycle>> hands are already working on putting it back. Dad's <<cycle "$sun.coloreyes" autoselect>><<option "gray↻" "gray">><<option "blue↻" "blue">><<option "green↻" "green">><<option "hazel↻" "hazel">><<option "brown↻" "brown">><<option "black↻" "black">><</cycle>> eyes on you, and you're not sure if anger in them is from their arguing or from the fact that you interrupted it.
The broken pieces of the bowl are in the middle of the room.
"What are you doing here, honey?" mom asks as she crosses her arms.
<<nobr>><div class="containter-choice">
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>Getting all the courage you have, you make a serious face. "Stop fighting!"</span></div>' 'Sun2-1-3'>><<set $emotional to 0>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>Tears in your eyes, you softly speak up. "Please, no more fighting."</span></div>' 'Sun2-1-3'>><<set $emotional to 1>><</link>>
</div><</nobr>>
<<set $sun to {"name": "Sol","kid": "kid","they": "they","them": "them","their": "their","theirs": "theirs","themself": "themself","Kid": "Kid","They": "They","Them": "Them","Their": "Their","Theirs": "Theirs","Themself": "Themself"}>>
<<set $moon to {"name": "Luna","kid": "kid","they": "they","them": "them","their": "their","theirs": "theirs","themself": "themself","Kid": "Kid","They": "They","Them": "Them","Their": "Their","Theirs": "Theirs","Themself": "Themself"}>>Their eyebrows dip into worry as they look at you. Mom looks back at dad, and they share a brief look. She sighs. "We weren't fighting, things just got a little heated."
"I could hear you from upstairs. You-"
"Don't impede adults' business. Now go feed the chickens," says dad. When you don't move, he repeats it, but now with pleading notes in his voice. "Go!"
You gulp, as your eyes dart from one parent to the other. You open your mouth and close it. Hanging your head low, you mutter "Okay" and leave the room. You can hear a louder sigh from it.
Would you hear their voices from outside the house?<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun3">><</link>></div></label>You breathe in and out. In the past, you tried to make them stop arguing. It never works.
Now all you can think of is to ignore it.
So instead of trying to stop their fighting, you'll just occupy yourself until they stop.
It's dusty in your room, so it's time to clean it. Your bed sheet isn't perfect, so you fix it.
When you're finished all you could think of doing in your room, your parents' voices still boom below.
Maybe you could feed animals.
Maybe outside of this house you wouldn't hear their voices.
<<nobr>><div class="containter-choice">
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>Maybe you will stop crying then.</span></div>' 'Sun2-2-2'>><<set $emotional to 0>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>Maybe you will find peace there.</span></div>' 'Sun2-2-2'>><<set $emotional to 1>><</link>>
</div><</nobr>>
Not wanting to make yourself apparent, you tiptoe down the stairs, avoiding the living room where your parents continue to argue. Even though you can clearly hear what they're saying, you ignore it, pretending that you don't know the language they're talking in.
You stop close to the back door, right in front of the small painting of your parents. On it, mom's <<cycle "$suncolorhair" autoselect>><<option "blond↻" "blond">><<option "brown↻" "brown">><<option "red↻" "red">><<option "hazel↻" "hazel">><<option "black↻" "black">><</cycle>> hair is out of her bun, framing her <<cycle "$suncolorskin" autoselect>><<option "light brown↻" "light brown">><<option "brown↻" "brown">><<option "dark↻" "dark">><<option "pale↻" "pale">><<option "olive↻" "olive">><</cycle>> glowing skin. Dad's <<cycle "$suncoloreyes" autoselect>><<option "gray↻" "gray">><<option "blue↻" "blue">><<option "green↻" "green">><<option "hazel↻" "hazel">><<option "brown↻" "brown">><<option "black↻" "black">><</cycle>> eyes are kind as he smiles.
They both look so much happier in this painting. There is a lump in your throat. They said it was painted before you were born.
Are you the problem?
<<nobr>><div class="containter-choice">
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>Are you a bad son?</span></div>' 'Sun2-2-3'>><<set $sun.they to "he">><</link>>
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>Are you a bad daughter?</span></div>' 'Sun2-2-3'>><<set $sun.they to "she">><</link>>
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>Are you a bad child?</span></div>' 'Sun2-2-3'>><<set $sun.they to "they">><</link>>
</div><</nobr>>
<<nobr>><<if $sun.they is "he">>\
<<set $sun to {"colorskin": "$suncolorskin","coloreyes": "$suncoloreyes","colorhair": "$suncolorhair","kid": "boy","they": "he","them": "him","their": "his","theirs": "his","themself": "himself","Kid": "Boy","They": "He","Them": "Him","Their": "His","Theirs": "His","Themself": "Himself"}>>
<<elseif $sun.they is "she">>
<<set $sun to {"colorskin": "$suncolorskin","coloreyes": "$suncoloreyes","colorhair": "$suncolorhair","kid": "girl","they": "she","them": "her","their": "her","theirs": "hers","themself": "herself","Kid": "Girl","They": "She","Them": "Her","Their": "Her","Theirs": "Hers","Themself": "Herself"}>>
<<else>>
<<set $sun to {"colorskin": "$suncolorskin","coloreyes": "$suncoloreyes","colorhair": "$suncolorhair","kid": "kid","they": "they","them": "them","their": "their","theirs": "theirs","themself": "themself","Kid": "Kid","They": "They","Them": "Them","Their": "Their","Theirs": "Theirs","Themself": "Themself"}>>
<</if>><</nobr>>\
The thought follows you as you slowly open the door. You <<if $emotional gte 0>>fight back new tears<<else>>try to calm yourself<</if>> as you come towards where chickens live.
<<include 'Sun3'>>Even the chicks' peeping don't lift your spirits as they often do. At least you don't want to cry now. Almost.
After being done with feeding chickens, you place the feeding bucket outside and look outside through small window of the barn.
It shows the forest.
You want to go there. You feel compelled to go there.
Not to run away, but for a moment to be away from here. Experience something new. Fill your mind with the forest, not the screams of your parents.
The sunlight warms your skin as you nod to yourself, determined to go to there.
You look around, trying to find Lucy. Lucy's jumping around the cow as the latter eats the fresh grass. You smile at the sight.
You're sure she'll happily bark once she sees you, but you don't want to alarm your parents with that. You're not sure if you want her to come with you, either.
Stinking close to the fence, you sneak away from the house. When you come close to the end of your farm, you cast a glance towards your house. You'll be fast. They won't know.
Because they're still busy with each other.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun4">><</link>></div></label>The closer you come to the forest, the bigger the trees become. The trees on your farms are tiny compared to these trees.
You stop right at the start of the shadow from the forest trees. Hesitantly, you stop on it. Nothing happens. Of course nothing will. You're sure that the forest isn't as evil as your parents painted it.
You can see inside of the forest, the endless rows of tree trunks. It's darker there, less sunlight coming through, but the different shades of green and colorful fruits and flowers almost sparkle. It all beckons you.
In awe, you make more steps towards the forest, the wonder of adventure calling to you.
The grass and fallen leaves crunch underneath your feet as you slowly traverse through the forest. The birds chirp somewhere far above you. You stop when you see a rabbit, and it stops too, its beady eyes looking at you for a moment before it darts into bushes.
You're glad that you come to this wonderful place.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun5">><</link>></div></label>As you come deeper and deeper into the forest, the trees become more dense and the sunlight barely coming through. The awe in your mind slips away, replaced by fear. Overwhelmed, you slump on the stump close to you.
Maybe mom and dad were right, maybe you shouldn't have gotten into the forest. Not that deep into it. But you can always turn around and leave it.
So you stand up and go back. Past the same damaged tree, past the weird looking bush, past the mushrooms. Until you come back to the stump. It looks the same as the one you sat on recently.
That can't be right! No, you went right where you come from. You-
You wipe your head around, left to right, looking at your surroundings. The forest looks the same from any angle. Where did you come from?
You can't believe that you're lost.
<<nobr>><div class="containter-choice">
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>You try to keep your head cool, even as fear grips your heart.</span></div>' 'Sun6'>><<set $heh to 1>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>Your eyes sting with unshed tears.</span></div>' 'Sun6'>><<set $heh to 2>><</link>>
</div><</nobr>>
<<if $heh is 1>>\
<<set $emotional -= 1>>
You try to keep your head cool, even as fear grips your heart. You will get home.
You just have to keep going.
<<else>>\
<<set $emotional += 1>>
Your eyes sting with unshed tears. You want to go home.
But the best choice right now is to keep going.
<</if>>\
When <<if $heh is 1>>your resolve is cracks<<else>>new tears gather in your eyes<</if>>, you see something between two trees.
A house.
A house! Someone must live here, and they could help you!
You <<if $emotional gte 1>>sprint to it, almost falling as your leg catches on a tree root<<else>>walk to it<</if>>, your eyes not leaving the house. It looks small, tiny even, being surrounded by giant trees. The forest greenery grows on its walls, stretching towards the roof. A couple of birds sit on it.
You feel the weight lifting from your shoulders when you see light inside it. The house isn't abandoned.
But as you get close to the house, a figure walks around the corner.
<<nobr>><div class="containter-choice">
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>A young boy.</span></div>' 'Sun7'>><<set $moon.they to "he">><</link>>
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>A young girl.</span></div>' 'Sun7'>><<set $moon.they to "she">><</link>>
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>A young kid.</span></div>' 'Sun7'>><<set $moon.they to "they">><</link>>
</div><</nobr>>
<<nobr>><<if $moon.they is "he">>\
<<set $moon to {"kid": "boy","they": "he","them": "him","their": "his","theirs": "his","themself": "himself","Kid": "Boy","They": "He","Them": "Him","Their": "His","Theirs": "His","Themself": "Himself"}>>
<<elseif $moon.they is "she">>
<<set $moon to {"kid": "girl","they": "she","them": "her","their": "her","theirs": "hers","themself": "herself","Kid": "Girl","They": "She","Them": "Her","Their": "Her","Theirs": "Hers","Themself": "Herself"}>>
<<else>>
<<set $moon to {"kid": "kid","they": "they","them": "them","their": "their","theirs": "theirs","themself": "themself","Kid": "Kid","They": "They","Them": "Them","Their": "Their","Theirs": "Theirs","Themself": "Themself"}>>
<</if>><</nobr>>\
$moon.They stop<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> mid step, the empty basket falls from $moon.their hands.
The two of you look each other, into each other’s eyes, $moon.their <<cycle "$moon.coloreyes" autoselect>><<option "black↻" "black">><<option "gray↻" "gray">><<option "blue↻" "blue">><<option "green↻" "green">><<option "hazel↻" "hazel">><<option "brown↻" "brown">><</cycle>> ones versus your $sun.coloreyes ones. Neither of you blink, and you feel yourself struggling to breathe.
$moon.They look to be <<cycle "$height" autoselect>><<option "the same height as↻" "medium">><<option "taller than↻" "taller">><<option "shorter than↻" "smaller">><</cycle>> you. $moon.Their <<cycle "$moon.colorhair2" autoselect>><<option "black↻" "black">><<option "brown↻" "brown">><<option "red↻" "red">><<option "blond↻" "blond">><</cycle>> hair is unkept, dirt on $moon.their <<cycle "$moon.colorskin2" autoselect>><<option "pale↻" "pale">><<option "light brown↻" "light brown">><<option "brown↻" "brown">><<option "dark↻" "dark">><<option "olive↻" "olive">><</cycle>> and clothes.
The forest is as quiet as you. No bird chirps, no rustle of leaves.
You're first to blinks, and it snaps you from your daze.
Someone lives in the forest? Someone your age?
<<nobr>><div class="containter-choice">
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>You instantly start talking. "Who are you? Do you live here? What is your name?"</span></div>' 'Sun8'>><<set $talky to 1>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>You are quiet as you continue to look at $moon.them with curiosity.</span></div>' 'Sun8'>><<set $talky to 0>><</link>>
</div><</nobr>>
<<if $talky is 1>>\
You instantly start talking. "Who are you? What's your name? Do you live here?"
It's not even all the questions you want to ask $moon.them!
$moon.They reel<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> back from your rapid voice, $moon.their eyes widening more and more with each new question. You bite your tongue from asking more and wait for $moon.them to answer your question.
But instead of that, $moon.they<<if $moon.they is "they">>'re<<else>>'s<</if>> silently look at you, a frown on $moon.their face.
<<else>>\
You're quiet as you continue to look at $moon.them with curiosity. You want to memorize how $moon.they look.
But there are also countless question in your head. Who are $moon.they? What's $moon.their name? Do $moon.they live here?
Maybe you'll ask $moon.them that later.
$moon.They, too, continue<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> to look at you. Unlike you, there is a frown on $moon.their face.
<</if>>\
"Who are you?" $moon.they ask<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> with a low voice<<if $talky is 1>>, ignoring your own questions<<else>> after what feels like forever<</if>>.
"I'm..." <<textbox "$sun.name" "Sol">>
"What's your name?" you <<if $talky is 1>>repeat one of your questions<<else>>ask<</if>>.
$moon.They<<if $moon.they is "they">>'re<<else>>'s<</if>> silent. $moon.They shift<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their feet, accidentally hitting $moon.their basket. But $moon.they ignore it, $moon.their eyes never leaving you.
You're about to ask what's wrong, when $moon.they open<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their mouth.
"My name is..." <<textbox "$moon.name" "Luna">>
<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun10">><</link>></div></label>"My name is... $moon.name." $moon.They say<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> it with such uncertainty that you're not sure if it's their real name. Maybe $moon.they don't like $moon.their name? It sounds good!
"I like your name," you say with a smile.
The tense expression on $moon.their face shifts into a surprise, $moon.their eyebrows rising as $moon.their mouth opens. It doesn't last long: $moon.their frown returns, but it looks less hostile now.
Before you can say more, $moon.name interrupts you. "What are you doing here?"
Your eyes dart around as you remember where you are, what you are doing. You're lost. It was nice to forget that, but now you have to deal with that.
"I got lost," you say, voice small.
"You're from a farm, right?"
You nod. $moon.name chews on $moon.their lip, $moon.their eyes looking around you.
"I don't want you close to my home, so I guess I have to take you out of this forest," $moon.they mutter.
The prospect of getting out of forest, of getting home, is enough for you to bounce on your feet. "Thanks!"
$moon.name gives you a weird look, before bending down to pick up the basket. With it in hands, $moon.they turns around. $moon.They take a few steps and look at you over $moon.their shoulder. You do what you can only assume $moon.they want you to do - to follow $moon.them.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun11">><</link>></div></label>You walk side by side. $moon.name eyes constantly dart towards you, but never stay for long. You, however, barely look away from $moon.them, only when you stumbling into something.
As you walk, you also try to remember the route to $moon.their house. It's hard with how your attention is consumed by $moon.name, but you know you want to come back here. You're too interested in $moon.them, and you want to be $moon.their friend. It's not like there are a lot of kids around the farm, anyway.
You wonder if there are other people in the forest besides $moon.name.
Before you could actually ask this, there's a shout from a distance.
"$sun.name!"
It's your dad. You're both happy that he came for, and you feel dread of what that will entail.
But $moon.name is stiff, $moon.their lips pressed tight together as $moon.they look in where the shout came from.
You open your mouth to explain to $moon.them it's okay. "It's my-"
"You know this voice? Go, then."
Should you go? Without $moon.them? You hesitate, wanting for $moon.them to meet your dad, your family. $moon.name's lips pull down, and $moon.they swiftly back<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> away, barely making any sound, and before you can stop $moon.them, $moon.they<<if $moon.they is "they">>'re<<else>>'s<</if>> already hidden behind the tree.
<<nobr>><div class="containter-choice">
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>"Wait!" you scream after $moon.them, hoping $moon.they will stop and come back.</span></div>' 'Sun12'>><<set $heh to 1>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>You move to the side, trying to see where $moon.name is going.</span></div>' 'Sun12'>><<set $heh to 2>><</link>>
</div><</nobr>>
<<if $heh is 1>>"Wait!" you scream after $moon.them, hoping $moon.they'll stop and come back. $moon.They don't.<<else>>You move to the side, trying to see where $moon.they<<if $moon.they is "they">>'re<<else>>'s<</if>> going. You don't see $moon.them.<</if>>
A gasp pulls you through from $moon.them, and you turn your head to its source. It's dad, wide eyed.
With two big steps, he's in front of you. Dad bends down and scoops you up in a hug, almost crushing you in his grip. You wheeze and he lets you go, leaving his hands on your shoulders. His eyes are shining.
"Why must you scare us like that?"
You didn't mean to make your parents even miserable. Quilt gnaws at your heart. "I didn't mean to..."
"Why did you come into the forest, $sun.name?"
There are two reasons for this, and you would rather tell only one. You drop your gaze to the dirt at your feet. "I wanted to see what's here."
Dad lets out a deep sigh. "I hope you satisfied your curiosity. Now let's get you home."
As you walk through the forest, you contemplate of telling him about that $moon.kid.
<<nobr>><div class="containter-choice">
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>Tell him about $moon.name.</span></div>' 'Sun13'>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>You do not want to tell him about $moon.name. You are not sure if that is a good idea.</span></div>' 'Sun14'>><</link>>
</div><</nobr>>
"Dad, I met a $moon.kid in the forest. And I also saw a small house."
Dad glances at you, his brows dipping into a frown. "You should stay out of this forest, especially from its deep parts."
Your lips pull down. He fully ignored what you said.
"Dad-"
"Did you forget what we told you? Can't you play somewhere else?"
"But-"
"And not only that, you went deep into the forest. We are lucky I found you when I did."
You kick a rock with your foot, huffing. So much for telling him. At least you hope he won't berate you for the rest of the walk home. Then you remember to keep an eye on the path, and now dad's voice isn't as annoying when you have other things to think about.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun14">><</link>></div></label>It's cloudy, no moon in sight. But there is light at the farm, and a figure holds a lantern close to the fence. It's mom.
She comes towards you, and soon you can see her tired face, lit by the lantern. Her eyes are on dad. "Where <<if $sun.they is "they">>were<<else>>was<</if>> $sun.they?"
<<if $talky is 1>>"Forest!" you answer for yourself. Dad sighs.<<else>>"Forest," he answers, his voice as tired as she looks.<</if>>
Mom looks at you, and a slow frown settles on her face. You expect to be berated by her, but instead she turns around and comes towards the house. "Let's go home."
Once you're inside, you're fed and then shushed into your room. It is past your bedtime.
The second your head hits the pillow, the door to your room opens. Mom and dad come in. Their faces are full of worry.
<<if hasVisited("Sun2-1")>>\
Mom sits on the edge of the bed while father stands beside her. "Honey... Why did you go to the forest? Is it because of our argument we had before you left?"
You pull your blanket higher up, half hiding your face, as your eyes look to the side.
"$sun.name, we're sorry. It's-" she stops and looks away to the window. "Just know that we love you."
<<else>>\
Mom sits on the edge of the bed while father stands beside her. "Honey... You scared us both tonight."
You shift in your bed, your eyes looking to the side, unable to look at her. "Sorry..."
"$sun.name... Just know that we love you."
<</if>>\
You blink sleepily. Your parents are weird, but you love them all the same.
Mom places her hand on top of your head and lets it stay there. Shifting closer, she kisses your forehead. The touch of her lips is so slight it’s barely there.
She abruptly stands up and comes to the table. She blows out the candle sitting on top of it. You barely can see the silhouettes of your parents coming towards the door. The door creaks, but you don't hear it closing.
"Sleep well." Dad's voice.
A soft thump of the door, followed by muted footsteps that slowly fade away.
So much happened this day. So much to think about. But you're so sleepy.
As you lay down in your bed, trying to fall asleep, all you can think about is $moon.name.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun15">><</link>></div></label><div class="center">\
//''Next day''//
</div>\
"What do you think $moon.name is doing right now?"
The goats look at you, their mouths full of hay, before trotting away from you. You pout as you watch them go.
<<if hasVisited("Sun13")>>You have asked your parents more about $moon.name, but you didn't get any answers.<<else>>You wanted to ask about $moon.name from your parents, but decided against it.<</if>>
You want to go to the forest and meet $moon.them again. You were repeating how to get to their little house in your mind in the last days. It can't be bad if you do that, now that you know how to get there.
You place empty bucket on the floor. You're doing it tonight once your parents go to sleep. It's good that everyone in this family goes to sleep early.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun16">><</link>></div></label>There's guilt in your heart as you sneak past your parents' bedroom. It's the fact that you didn't tell them this, but you have a feeling they won't let you come if you do.
The world is slowly getting tinted with reds and oranges from the sun. Knowing where to go, you're certain that you'll get to $moon.name house before the night.
You travel through forest, trying to follow the path to $moon.name home. It's harder than you thought it would be, remembering each turn, trying to keep panic at bay.
You stop before the familiar stump. At least you think it is. Most bushes look the same in this forest, but there is motion in one of them. Something shuffles in it. An animal?
Not sure to what to expect, you step away from it. Your legs twitch as you wait for an animal to come out of the bush.
Instead of an animal, $moon.name gets out of it. You both scream.
"What are you doing here?" $moon.they ask, $moon.their eyes as wide as yours.
Blinking away your surprise, you smile at $moon.them. "I wanted to see you!"
$moon.They gawk<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> at you. "Why?"
"Because I want to be your friend?" you say it with a tilt of your head. Isn't it obvious? Why else would you be here?
"I don't-" $moon.they stop<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> and look<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> away. "So what, you want to come to my house, then?"
"I guess? We could talk here, too." It's not the best place, but you do like the forest. When you're not lost.
$moon.name thins $moon.their lips. "Fine. If you steal my food, I'll fight you."
$moon.They turn<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> around and walk<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> off, leaving you to follow after $moon.them.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun17">><</link>></div></label>The house, $moon.name actually calls it cabin, looks smaller from the inside. There is a fireplace, a bed, a table with two benches and a few cabinets.
Wait. One bed that isn't big, barely any free room... How can $moon.they share this space with anyone?
Your brows lower as you turn your head to $moon.them. "How can you live with someone in this house?"
$moon.Their tilt<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their head. "I don't?"
"Uh... What about your parents?" you ask. Maybe there are more cabins in the forest?
"I don't have them."
"What?"
$moon.They glare<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> at you, but there's isn't enough emotion behind it. And $moon.their voice is sounds too serious. "Before you ask, no, I don't know where they're."
"I'm sorry..." To live without your parents? In this place, all alone? You feel your throat starts to hurt. "You live here all alone, then?"
"I guess. Delaira raised me, but they're not my parent, and recently they started leaving me here alone for weeks, so-" $moon.They shut<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their mouth as $moon.their brows jump up. "I shoudn’t have said their name," $moon.name mutters.
That's... You can't imagine how it would feel. Besides the fact that you'll feel incredibly lonely.
"Are you lonely?" you ask $moon.name, voice low.
$moon.They<<if $moon.they is "they">>'re<<else>>'s<</if>> silent. $moon.Their lips quiver before they press them tightly. "Why do you ask?"
You wanted a new friend because you're lonely. It seems that $moon.they're lonely too.
"If you are lonely, then I'll be your friend."
$moon.They turn<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their head to the side, but then $moon.they look<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> at you from the corners of $moon.their eyes. $moon.They drop<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their gaze to the floor.
"What... friends even do?" $moon.name asks, voice small.
"Play games!"<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun18">><</link>></div></label>It turns out $moon.name doesn't know any games. So instead of playing, you mostly explaining how to play. But that's fine, there will be times when you two will play!
<<if $talky is 1>>\
Wanting to take a break, instead of playing, you talk about your farm, about your animals, about your parents. $moon.name listens to you, barely moving as $moon.their eyes stick to you.
<<else>>\
Wanting to take a break, instead of playing, $moon.they ask you about your farm, about your animals, about your parents. You answer $moon.them, and $moon.they listen to you, barely moving as $moon.their eyes stick to you.
<</if>>\
Giggling at how $moon.they look at you, you swing your legs from the bench. It's nice to talk to someone who isn't your parent or a farm animal.
In the middle of telling $moon.them about how to grow a crop, your own yawn interrupts you. How much time has passed? You turn your head towards the window in the house, but it's hard to see what time it is. Better to go home early.
"I should go home," you say as another yawn attacks you.
When you turn your head towards $moon.name, you can see obvious disappointment on $moon.their face.
"I will be back!" you quickly add, trying to reassure $moon.them. At least you'll try to.
"Okay." You can see $moon.them fighting a smile.
You, however, openly smile at your new friend.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun19">><</link>></div></label><div class="center">\
//''Many years later''//
</div>\
Despite the chill in the air, the sun continues to keep you warm. You wipe the sweat from your forehead, momentarily stopping, before you continue working on fields. The time isn't kind to the farm. With being older and being able to help your parents more, you thought it would help it, but it doesn't feel like it made much difference at all.
But you have food on your table, and that's all that matters.
You hum as you finish your work. There isn't anything to do now, and it means now you have free time.
Free time to meet $moon.name.
You have been constantly meeting through the years, as often as you could come to $moon.them. You just wished $moon.they <<if $moon.they is "they">>we’re not<<else>>wasn't<</if>> living in the forest, or that you'll stop getting lost there.
Petting Lucy as you walk past her, towards the forest, you cast a glance at the house. Where your parents currently are. They're not happy with you going there, meeting $moon.name, but you're not a child anymore. If there isn't work to be done, you will do what you want. And what you want right now is to see $moon.name.
<<nobr>><div class="containter-choice">
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>Your dear friend.</span></div>' 'Sun20'>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>Your dear friend, even if you wish for something else. ♡</span></div>' 'Sun20'>><<set $romance to true>><</link>>
</div><</nobr>>
And now you travel through the forest, as you did countless times before, towards $moon.name.
Right before you come to view of the cabin, you hear voices in the distance. Carefully coming towards them, you peer around a tree.
It's a stranger and $moon.name.
You can see only stranger's back, their dark clothes and dark hair in a short tail. $moon.name is tense, $moon.their arms crossed as $moon.they look away from the <<if $moon.they is "they">>other<</if>> person.
"You should stop meeting $sun.them," says stranger, voice grave.
$moon.name scoffs, a quiet sound amongst the noisy forest. "Why?"
"Because $sun.they're just like $sun.their parents."
"You don't know $sun.them as I do." $moon.name voice is louder now, louder than what you used to hear from $moon.them.
"I know $sun.their parents, and the type of people they're. There is no happy ending for you with that $sun.kid."
$moon.name clenches $moon.their jaw as $moon.they refuse to speak up or look at the stranger.
They both stay silent for a moment, before the stranger rolls their shoulders with a sigh. With no more words, they walk away from $moon.name, leaving $moon.them alone.
$moon.They look<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> down, $moon.their arms hang on $moon.their side.
Could that stranger be Delaira? $moon.name never told you how they looked, but the way they talked to $moon.name felt like... Almost like the way you talk with your parents.
You step out of your hiding spot, the sound of your steps makes $moon.name's head bounce up. When they see it's you, they relax, a tiny smile on $moon.their face. You want that smile at least be small, not tiny.
Wanting to lift $moon.their spirits, you do what you always do as your greeting.
<<nobr>><div class="containter-choice">
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>Open your arms and go for a hug.</span></div>' 'Sun20-1'>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>You wait for $moon.them to hug you.</span></div>' 'Sun20-2'>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>Compliment $moon.them while smiling.</span></div>' 'Sun20-3'>><</link>>
</div><</nobr>>
With wide steps and open arms, you come towards $moon.name. $moon.They accept<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> your hands coming around $moon.them.
$moon.They tense<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> for a moment when you make contact, before $moon.their body relaxes and $moon.their arms sneak around you. The touch from $moon.them is so light you barely feel it.
You squeeze them playfully before stepping away.
<<include 'Sun21'>>$moon.They hesitate<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> for a few moments, looking at you, before slowly taking steps towards you. With open arms, $moon.they sneak<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their arms around you, the touch on your back is light.
You sigh and hug $moon.them back, happy from the contact.
$moon.They pat<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> your back a few times before stepping away.
<<include 'Sun21'>>"$moon.name, you look as good as a flower!" You grin at $moon.them. It’s a thing you accidentally discovered not that long ago: compliments instantly cheers $moon.them up. So you compliment $moon.them, trying to come up with new phrase each time.
$moon.They return<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> your smile, small but soft. "Thank you. You look good, too."
<<include 'Sun21'>>$moon.name shoves $moon.their hand into one of $moon.their pouches, and fishes a small object out of it.
<<if $romance is true>>\
$moon.They stretch<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> out the hand that holds it, and you look closely at it. It's a wooden figure, and it looks like a deer!
"It's for you." When you glance up at them, $moon.their eyes are fixated on the ground.
When you move your hand to take it, your fingers brush against $moon.name, and $moon.they almost drop<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> the figure in the dirt.
"Did you make it yourself?" you ask as you flip the wooden figure in your hands.
"Yes..."
"I didn't know you could do that! It's looks so good... Thank you, $moon.name." You hold the deer to your heart, cradling it as the most precious thing in the word.
$moon.Their eyes jump to look at your face, and $moon.they give<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> you a soft smile.
<<else>>\
"Look." $moon.They show you a wooden figure. "It's a gift for you."
$moon.They stretch<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> out the hand that holds it, and you take it in your hands, looking closely. It's a wooden figure, and it looks like a deer!
"I didn't know you could do that. It looks great!"
"It's not gr-" $moon.They bite<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their lip and stop, looking away. When $moon.they look<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> back, $moon.they give you a small smile. "Thank you."
<</if>>\
"I think we should go inside," $moon.they say<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>>, already turning towards where $moon.their cabin is.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun22">><</link>></div></label>You go inside $moon.name cabin. As you close the door, $moon.name goes towards the table and places something on it.
"Delaira was here today, and they left me this."
Stopping before them, you see... pieces of paper? Colorful ones, with pretty drawing.
"They're called cards. People play with them, but Delaira didn’t have time to properly explain how the games work."
"At least they look pretty," you say.
You pick up one that has a sun with a face. It's weird looking, but it's also impressive how many details there is on such a small piece of paper. There's also
You watch them place the card with a moon on top of the sun card.
"Want to play a game of cards?" $moon.they ask<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> you.
"Didn't you said that you don't know how to play it?"
"That's the fun part." $moon.They give<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> you a cheeky wink, and sit at the table, beckoning you. This would be interesting.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun23">><</link>></div></label>It was not. $moon.name got too much into the rules of the game that you're sure $moon.they created on the fly, and half of the time you bickered what you should do.
But it was something new, and it was something you did with $moon.name.
You rub your eyes. It's late now. Too late, when it feels like you haven't slept half of the night. You sigh, and your eyes stop at the bed.
The bed was enormous for you two back then. You used to sleep in that bed together in your childhood.
<<if $romance is true>>\
But now your heart beats faster at the prospect.
<</if>>\
<<if $talky is 1>>You look at the bed. Then you look at $moon.name, tilting your head.<<else>>"Mind if I sleep tonight here? On the bed?" you ask $moon.them.<</if>>
<<if $romance is true>>\
$moon.they look<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> at the bed, and open<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their mouth, but close<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> it instant $moon.their eyes widen.
"You <<if $talky is 1>>want to<<else>>mean<</if>> sleep on this bed together?"
"Yes. If you want..." You trail off and look away, suddenly being aware of what will this entrail. Your cheeks are hot.
"Sure, like old times," $moon.they say<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>>, voice hoarse, as $moon.they come<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> closer to the bed. The last time you did this, you were smaller, but you hope there is still enough space for both of you.
$moon.name sits on the edge of the bed, and you on the other. When you both lay down on it, you are practically dangling from the edge of the bed, trying to keep enough distance from each other. You wonder who'll fall first.
<<else>>\
"Oh, sure. But the last time we did this, it was so long ago. I fear there might not be enough space on the bed." $moon.They glance at it uncertainly.
"Then I'll just lay on top of you. Or you on me?" You wink. $moon.They roll<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their eyes, but a smile grows on $moon.their face.
You both flop on the bed, close to each other.
<</if>>\
"Sleep well," $moon.they whisper<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>>.
"Sleep well," you whisper back.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun24">><</link>></div></label><<if $romance is true>>\
You wake up to the birds singing outside. When you open your eyes, you see $moon.name looking at you.
"Good morning," you say, your voice full of sleep.
$moon.They perk<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> at hearing that, and $moon.they look<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> away, gulping. "Good morning..."
<<if hasVisited("Sun20-1")>>\
You crank your head towards $moon.them, and $moon.they reel<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> back from you with wide eyes. With a smile on your face and a silly plan, you come even closer to $moon.them.
$moon.Their face is close to yours, but it can get even closer. Much closer.
In an attempt to back away from you, $moon.they fall<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> down from the bed.
You roll to its edge to look down at $moon.them, your smile replaced with a frown. "Are you okay?"
"Y-yes..."
Now you feel really guilty for playing with $moon.them. "Sorry, I-"
"Don't worry about that," $moon.they interrupt you with a cracking voice, $moon.$moon.their eyes looking anywhere but you.
$moon.They get<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> up, dust $moon.themself, and continue<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> to ignore you. With a sigh, you get out of bed, too.
<<else>>\
But then $moon.they look<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> back at you.
"You-" $moon.they stop<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> and lick<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their lips. "You look good."
Oh. You would like to thank $moon.them or say that $moon.they look good too, but it seems that your voice isn't working now.
$moon.name blinks at you, before $moon.their eyes dart from you once again, but now there is smile ridden in them. $moon.They slowly get out of the bed, and you follow $moon.them.
<</if>>\
<<else>>\
You wake up to see $moon.name slowly getting out of bed.
When you yawn, $moon.they look<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> at you over $moon.their shoulder. "You snore."
You choke on your yawn. "What? No! No?"
Do you snore? You're fairly sure that you don't. You pout at $moon.name, and with a chuckle $moon.they turn<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their head from you. "Yes, you do."
"If I do, why are you telling me that only know?"
"Because you snore only tonight?" $moon.They hum<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>>. "Or it's the first time I wasn't asleep to hear it."
"Sure-sure," you chuckle as you get out of bed.
<</if>>\
It's hard to say if it's early morning or not, but by the way $moon.name doesn't look<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> or act<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> too sleepy, it can't be early morning. Your parents must have already woken up, and then $moon.they'll see you're that you're not home helping with farm, but spending time here. A deep sigh leaves your lips.
$moon.name glance<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> at you. "Hm?"
"I have to run away to the farm."
"Oh, that's okay," $moon.they smile and open the door for you.
You go out, and as you walk away, you turn back to $moon.name. $moon.They<<if $moon.they is "they">>'re<<else>>'s<</if>> still standing in the doorway, looking at you.
"See you!" You wave at $moon.them with a smile, ignoring the way you almost bump into a tree by not looking where you're going. You can hear $moon.name laughing as you sprint towards the farm.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun25">><</link>></div></label>When you get home, it's in the middle of the day, sun right in the center of the skies. Your parents are already waiting for you. They don't look happy.
<<if hasVisited("Sun13")>>"You should stop meeting $moon.them," says dad, voice devoted of any emotions.<<else>>"We know where you're going. We know that there's a person living in the woods. You should stop meeting $moon.them," says dad, voice devoted of any emotions.<</if>>
<<if hasVisited("Sun13")>>"Why?" you ask. Why they're so against $moon.name?<<else>>So they know about $moon.name. "Why?" you can't help but ask. Why they're so against you meeting $moon.them?<</if>>
"Because that $moon.kid is cursed." Mom's voice is a low hiss.
You sputter. "Cursed? $moon.They're not cursed!"
"What parent would leave their baby? Only if there is a curse. Only if the baby was the curse," says mom, and dad nods along, a grave look in his eyes.
$moon.name isn't cursed... How could mom and dad think so? There's bitter feeling in you from the way they treat $moon.name.
Before you can come up with what to say, dad speaks up. "Stop with these games. You're old enough to know better. Look out for your farm and do your work."
"I do that," you say through your teeth.
"Doesn't look like you're doing enough."
It's not your fault. It can't be. Clenching your hands into fists, you wait for what else your parents would find to scold you about.
"Soon we'll go out for a day from the farm to have a meeting where we hope to secure an arrangement that might help the farm. While we're away, you'll look for the farm. Animals, crops," mom squints her eyes. "If you truly do enough, it wouldn't be a big deal for you. At least one day."
"I can do it."<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun26">><</link>></div></label><div class="center">\
//''Next day''//
</div>\
The only thing that you can think of right now is that you can get $moon.name here, on the farm, while your parents are away.
You spend the whole day and night waiting until your parents leave.
After you feed the animals and milk the cow, with extra energy you go to $moon.name's cabin.
You find $moon.them outside of it, tending to $moon.their own small crops.
"Hey, $moon.name!"
$moon.They startle<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> and twirl around to face you. "Hello $sun.name. You're sooner than I expected."
"Because I have good news. My parents left farm for one day, and I want you to finally see it from up close."
Blinking, $moon.they stare<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> at you in silence. "I- Are you sure that it's okay?"
Your parents aren't here, so it is okay. As unfortunate as it. You nod at $moon.name.
After a bit more silence, $moon.they nod<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>>. "Okay."
The travel towards farm is uneventful, but $moon.name stops when you come close to the end of the forest. You take $moon.their arm and tug $moon.them, an encouraging smile on your face. $moon.They hesitantly follow you.
You look around the farm. It seems Lucy is sleeping right now, thankfully, or she'll be barking at the "intruder" for the whole day.
"What do you think about animals?" you absentmindedly ask as you watch goats eat grass outside.
"Scary." $moon.Their answer is instant.
Scary? That won't do. There are no scary animals on your farm. You think the best option is to introduce $moon.them to your gentle cow. Clover is too sweet to be afraid of.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun27">><</link>></div></label>"Don't worry! Clover won't bite you."
You scratch the cow, enjoying her soft hide between your fingers as she continues to munch on hay. With a smile on your face, you look back at $moon.name, hoping that $moon.they'll be interested in petting her.
Instead of that, $moon.they're looking at the animal with furrowed brows, their free hand clenched in a fist. Your smile falters for a second.
You don't understand why $moon.they act this way around this gentle animal, but you're sure that petting Clover will help with that.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun28">><</link>></div></label>Slowly, you move $moon.their hand towards the cow, stopping just above her hide. You glance at $moon.name and see $moon.them continue worriedly looking at you, not moving or saying anything.
The more $moon.they look at you like that, the more you're unsure of all of this. Should you do something else? Is this a bad idea?
Your thoughts spiral down and down, and the only thing that stops this is when $moon.name ever so slightly dips $moon.their chin in a nod. With hopeful determination, you place $moon.their hand on Clover.
$moon.They startle<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> the instant $moon.their hand makes contact with the animal. You try to ease $moon.them as you move $moon.their hand through the cow's hide. This helps: $moon.their shoulders sag as $moon.they relax. Soon $moon.their hand moves on its own, and you let go of it and step aside, watching $moon.them pet the cow with now two hands.
She even raises her head to look at $moon.name and lets out a happy moo.
When $moon.name looks back at you, eyes wide with wonder, your smile grows until your cheeks hurt. "See? I told you so!"
Now, it's time for $moon.them to meet the chickens! The goats will be happy to see $moon.them, too. And after that $moon.they should see Lucy.
So many animals for $moon.name to pet and so little time.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun29">><</link>></div></label>The sun is hidden behind the horizon when you go to your room. Your movement is sluggish from tiredness from all the activities with animals, but there is a smile on your lips.
Once you come into your room, $moon.name looks around. $moon.Their gaze doesn't stay long on anything until it lands on $moon.their wooden figure.
$moon.They say<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> nothing as $moon.they turn<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> to face you.
<<if $romance is false>>\
<<if hasVisited("Sun20-1") or hasVisited("Sun20-2")>>\
$moon.They look<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> down, a small smile on $moon.their face, before you're enveloped in a tight hug.
"Thank you for doing this," $moon.they whisper<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>>, before quickly taking a step back shortly after.
<<else>>\
$moon.They take a step towards you. $moon.They look down for a moment, before $moon.their eyes dart towards yours.
"Thank you for doing this," $moon.they whisper<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>>, a small smile on $moon.their face.
<</if>>\
Your smile is wide as you look at $moon.them. "Thank you for coming with me."
<<else>>\
<<if hasVisited("Sun20-2")>>\
$moon.They look<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> down, refusing to meet your eyes, and before you can ask what's wrong, you're enveloped in a tight hug.
$moon.name buries $moon.their face into your <<if $height is "medium">>neck<<elseif $height is "taller">>chest<<else>>hair<</if>>, soft words muttered into your skin. "Thank you for doing this."
Too soon the hug ends, and now $moon.they stand<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> a good distance from you.
<<elseif hasVisited("Sun20-1")>>\
$moon.They give<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> you a quick stare, the one $moon.they use when $moon.they want to be hugged, before $moon.their eyes drop to the floor.
So you hug $moon.them, hands curling around $moon.them. $moon.Their hands press on your back.
$moon.name buries $moon.their face into your <<if $height is "medium">>neck<<elseif $height is "taller">>chest<<else>>hair<</if>>, soft words muttered into your skin. "Thank you for doing this."
Too soon the hug ends, and now $moon.they stand<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> a good distance from you.
<<else>>\
$moon.They can't look you in the eyes, instead looking at the floor. $moon.They gulp<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>>.
"Thank you for doing this," $moon.they say<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> with a strained voice.
<</if>>\
Heart beating in your ears, you barely can hear your own voice. "Thank you for coming with me."
<</if>><label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun30">><</link>></div></label>You look around your room as you think about what to do. There is still time to do something else. It's almost nighttime, and-
Nighttime. You remember that you barely saw the sky when you were in the forest... Could it be that $moon.name never stargazed?
"We should stargaze!" you blur out.
$moon.name eyes round as $moon.their brows crunch together. "Stargaze?"
You nod and take their hand, tugging them towards the exit of the room. "It's better to just see it than to explain it."
<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun31">><</link>></div></label>You can feel the summer dying in the cold of this night. The rooftop of the house is often the place you come, or more like sneak out, as a child. To look at the farm or to stargaze. You look back at $moon.name again, to make sure that $moon.they're okay, that your help isn't needed. $moon.They don't take their eyes from the roof, $moon.their steps are careful.
Once you come to the flat part of the roof, you put a worn-out blanket on it, and lay on top of it.
$moon.name comes to a stop before you, gaze full of uncertainty.
You sit up and move your hand in an invitation, a half smirk on your face. It feels silly that $moon.they're afraid of this, after $moon.they come<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> to the roof. $moon.name tugs at $moon.their sleeve, looks at the free spot on the blanket that you left for $moon.them. $moon.They slowly sink<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> to the ground.
Flopping back at the blanket, you put one hand under your head. From the corners of your eyes, you can see $moon.name shifting, trying to get into a good laying position. With a soft chuckle, you let your gaze wander to the sky.
The moon is full, naked in its glory. No clouds in sight, the stars surround it, twinkling. The crickets sing below you.
It’s a good view, peaceful, but it’s nothing you haven’t seen after all these years.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun31-0">><</link>></div></label>You roll your head to look at $moon.name, curious of $moon.their reaction.
$moon.Their mouth is slightly open, $moon.their eyes unblinking as $moon.they look at the sky. You swear you can see stars reflecting in $moon.their $moon.coloreyes eyes.
<<if $romance is true>>\
You feel warm just by looking at $moon.them. You would gladly watch $moon.them instead of skies.
As if sensing your eyes on $moon.them, $moon.they turn<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their eyes towards you.
$moon.They blink<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> once, twice, before $moon.their eyes widen even more. With a gulp, $moon.they look<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> away, but only for a moment, before $moon.their eyes come back to your face. Now rapidly blinking, $moon.their eyes can't settle on one thing. From your eyes, to the blanket, to your nose, to your ear. Until $moon.they stop at your lips.
<<nobr>><div class="containter-choice">
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>You shift closer to $moon.them, your own eyes on $moon.their lips.</span></div>' 'Sun31-1'>><<set $heh to 1>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>After a moment, $moon.They shift closer to you, eyes still on your lips.</span></div>' 'Sun31-1'>><<set $heh to 2>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>You shift to $moon.them with an intent to snuggle close.</span></div>' 'Sun31-1'>><<set $heh to 3>><</link>>
</div><</nobr>>
<<else>>\
It's hard to not to smile at $moon.their reaction, to not mirror $moon.their excitement even if for a different thing.
Making $moon.them happy, making $moon.them experience the nice things with you makes your heart full.
As if sensing your eyes on $moon.them, $moon.they turn<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their eyes towards you. "What?"
"Nothing, just glad that you seem to enjoy this," you whisper, not wanting to interrupt the quiet moment even more.
$moon.They blink<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>>, before a smile grows on $moon.their face. A feather touch on your pinky. You take $moon.their arm, cold against your warm. $moon.They<<if $moon.they is "they">>'re<<else>>'s<</if>> silent, but there is no need to voice what's in $moon.their eyes. You squeeze $moon.their hand and turn your head towards the skies once more.
No more words are spoken between you. You both continue to <<if $heh is 1 or $heh is 2>>lay like that, together<<else>>look at the stars, hand in hand<</if>>.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun32">><</link>></div></label><</if>>\<<if $heh is 1>>\
It's a sudden thought in your head, but it consumes you as if it has been planted in your mind from the moment you met $moon.them. You want your lips on $moon.them.
You move closer, stopping right before your noses touch, your eyes on $moon.theirs with a question. $moon.They nod<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> slightly, and it's all you need.
First your noses brush, then your lips. You both jolt from the touch, and $moon.they exhale through $moon.their nose. You try to follow what feels right, and you press your lips, yourself more firmly to $moon.name. Hand coming towards $moon.their face, you place it on $moon.their hot cheek, $moon.their smooth skin against your rough one. Your lips work sloppily, but as you slowly lose yourself in their warmth, you don't care.
You both breathing heavy when you part. The color of $moon.their eyes fully enveloped in the dark of $moon.their pupils. Pressing your foreheads together, you take $moon.their hand into yours.
<<elseif $heh is 2>>\
It's a sudden thought in your head, but it consumes you as if it has been planted in your mind from the moment you met $moon.them. You want to share a kiss.
$moon.They slowly move<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> closer to you, $moon.their hot breath on your skin.
Right before your noses touch, $moon.they shift<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their eyes towards yours, a question in them. You nod slightly, and it's all $moon.they need.
First your noses brush, then your lips. You both jolt from the touch, and $moon.they exhale through $moon.their nose. $moon.They press $moon.their lips against yours more firmly, $moon.their hands clutching your clothes.
You both breathing heavy when you part. The color of $moon.their eyes fully enveloped in the dark of $moon.their pupils. Pressing your foreheads together, you feel $moon.them grasping your hand.
<<else>>\
It's a sudden thought in your head, but it consumes you as if it has been planted in your mind from the moment you met $moon.them. You want to touch $moon.them, to be close, to feel $moon.their warmth.
You shift to $moon.them, intent to snuggle close. $moon.name stops breathing, and you stop just a short from touching $moon.them.
$moon.They move<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> closer, and that's enough for you to throw your hands around $moon.them, pulling $moon.them close. You <<if $height is "medium">>and snuggle into $moon.their neck<<elseif $height is "taller">>tuck $moon.their head under your chin<<else>>and snuggle into $moon.their chest<</if>>.
"I-" $moon.they gulp<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>>, unable to finish what $moon.they<<if $moon.they is "they">>'re<<else>>'s<</if>> saying. With an inhale, you can hear $moon.them open and close $moon.their mouth.
You pat $moon.their back to ease $moon.them. $moon.They don't have to say anything. "Don't worry."
Your voice has an instant effect on $moon.them, $moon.their breathing evens out, $moon.their heart beat slows down. You can feel $moon.their hands embracing you.
Too soon $moon.they distance $moon.themself from you. There's a small smile on $moon.their face as $moon.they grasp<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> your hand in $moon.theirs, and with a soft squeeze, $moon.they turn<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their head towards the skies once more.
<</if>>\
No words are spoken between you. You both continue to <<if $heh is 1 or $heh is 2>>lay like that, together<<else>>look at the stars, hand in hand<</if>>.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun32">><</link>></div></label>You stretch as you watch $moon.name coming towards the forest. The sun is barely above the ground, only the trees' tops are lit by dawn's light. You wanted to go with $moon.them until the forest, but there's work to be done on the farm. All you can do is follow $moon.them with your eyes.
Right before $moon.name hides behind a tree, $moon.they turn around and look for you. You throw your hand around, waving at $moon.them, and $moon.they wave back.
With a smile on your face, you go to tend to the farm before your parents come back.
It's evening when they do. You see them talking enthusiastically, both with smiles on their faces.
Could it be that they're struck a good deal, that your farm is saved?
Once they're close, you greet them with a smile. "How did it go?"
"Wonderful, $sun.name," says dad as you all come towards the house.
Mom has a bounce to her steps. "We have good news dear $sun.name, such good news!"
Her enthusiasm is contagious, and your smile grows. "What good news?"
"We arranged a marriage for you!"<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun33">><</link>></div></label>A marriage.
All three of you sit at the table: you with your head in your hands, mom fidgeting with her bun, dad drumming fingers on the wood. Rain started outside.
They explain it all to you three times now, and you still don't get it.
It’s winter soon. Your parents think farm won't survive this winter. With help from the spouse's family, there can be hope for more than survival.
The spouse's name is Tenebree, the one you need to marry $moon.them so that the plan will come to pass. $moon.Their family is much wealthier than your family. You'll have to leave the farm with $moon.them, will live in $moon.their mansion, but can visit the farm.
The farm needs help, and you know it. If it dies, you won't have any food on the table, and you don't know what will happen to the animals. You know all that.
What you truly don't understand is how could they arrange a marriage without telling you? Asking you first?
<<nobr>><div class="containter-choice">
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>It leaves you confused, more than anything.</span></div>' 'Sun34'>><<set $heh to 1>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>It makes you feel angry. So angry.</span></div>' 'Sun34'>><<set $heh to 2>><</link>>
</div><</nobr>>
You stand up, <<if $heh is 1>>slowly<<else>>with enough force that the chair almost falls down<</if>>, and all motion in the room stops as you just stand. <<if $heh is 1>>You drag your hand through your face<<else>>You want to smash something. Now you get why they broke vases<</if>>.
"Remember, $moon.they'll come soon," mom adds as you walk away from the living room.
You turn your head to <<if $heh is 1>>look at her blankly<<else>>glare at her<</if>>, and having no desire to answer her, you go to your room.
The soon isn't as soon as you thought it would be. The past week is like a blur. You spend time alone in your room. You spend in the fields. You spend time with animals.
You place feeding bucket on the floor. Footsteps come towards you, and glancing back you see dad coming into the barn. Past him, close to the house, there's some kind of carriage with horses.
"$moon.They<<if $moon.they is "they">>'re<<else>>'s<</if>> here."<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun35">><</link>></div></label>Tenebree is in the living room. You stand rooted in the spot, unable to move. Mom and dad decided to give you space, to be able to spend one on one with $moon.them.
You're not sure how good of an idea it was.
All you can do right now is to just get this over with. Meet $moon.them. Talk to $moon.them. Decide what to do.
You make one step towards the room, and look inside it.
$moon.They<<if $moon.they is "they">>'re<<else>>'s<</if>> sitting at the table, playing with $moon.their perfect short red hair. There's a bored look on $moon.their pale face.
You take another step towards the table.
As soon as $moon.their brown eyes snap to you, a relaxed smile grow on $moon.their face.
"Greetings. You are $sun.name, I presume?" $moon.Their voice is light and smooth.
With slow steps, you come to the table.
"Yeah. And you're Tenebree?"
"Indeed. A pleasure to meet you."
You nod with a small smile, and sit opposite to $moon.them.
Silence. $moon.Their eyes dance on your form. You clear your throat.
"So... Why marry someone you don't know?"
One corner of $moon.their lips jumps up. "I'm tired of getting proposals from people whom I hate. Helping a struggling farmers and getting something out of it sounded like a good ordeal."
"At least to my father," $moon.they add<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> quietly.
"You are also free to be my spouse only on paper," $moon.they trail<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> of as $moon.their eyes go up and down your face. "But I must certainly wouldn't mind the genuine marriage."
Huh. Maybe you could have agreed to this without a problem if not for $moon.name. You can't leave $moon.them alone.
"Where is your mansion from here?"
"A week or so of travel." $moon.They wave<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their hand.
That's... a lot.
"Can my friend come? To the mansion?" you ask, feeling hopeful and pessimistic at the same time.
Tenebree blinks at you, a slight tilt of $moon.their head. "No. I'm sorry."
Oh. So this is it then.
You could travel here, to meet your parents and $moon.name, but you doubt it would be often at all.
You don't want to leave $moon.name all alone. A prospect of marriage out of nowhere isn't appealing to you either. <<if $romance is true>>Especially when it's not with $moon.name. <</if>>But you also don't want your parents' farm, your farm, to die out. You don't even know if your parents can sustain themselves in other ways.
<<nobr>><div class="containter-choice">
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>You have to accept.</span></div>' 'Sun36'>><<set $end to 1>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>You reject the proposal.</span></div>' 'Sun36'>><<set $end to 2>><</link>>
</div><</nobr>>
<<if $end is 2>>\
"No."
Tenebree's smile freezes in its place. $moon.Their eyes narrow as $moon.they look<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> at you, $moon.their gaze searching something, but then $moon.they let<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> out a sigh.
"I see. I don't think your parents will be happy," $moon.they say<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>>, $moon.their smile thin.
"It's my problem, not yours."
"Indeed. Well then, go to your friend." $moon.They stand<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> up, cast<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> a glance at you one last time, and walk<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> off the room. You stand up and follow $moon.them.
<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun36-2">><</link>></div></label>
<<else>>\
"I accept. But before we go, I want to meet my friend," you say.
"I want to leave today." Tenebree tilts $moon.their head to the other side.
"It won't take long. I just want to meet $moon.them one last time. I want to say goodbye," you say, your voice thick with barely contained emotions.
For a moment, $moon.they <<if $moon.they is "they">>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> answer you. "If you think it's for the best."
"It is." You stand up and run out of the room.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun36-1-1">><</link>></div></label>
<</if>>\You sprint towards $moon.name's house, bushes and branches scrapping you and your clothes.
You're out of breath when you see $moon.their house, and with your last powers, you open the door.
$moon.name is here. And close to them, a stranger laying on $moon.name bed. There are bandages around $sun.their leg. $sun.They<<if $sun.they is "they">>'re<<else>>'s<</if>> the first who sees you, and $sun.they wave<<if $sun.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $sun.their hand at you, a crooked smile on $sun.their tanned face.
You just stand and gawk at $sun.them. $moon.name turns around with a frown on $moon.their face, but it's evaporates into a surprise when $moon.their eyes fall on you.
"$sun.name? Why are you- What's going on?"
"I-" you gulp, your throat suddenly dry from all running. You take a deep breath. "We need to talk."
$moon.name frowns. $moon.They turn<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their head towards the stranger who watches you with interested, and then $moon.name moves towards the exit. As you close the door behind you, you can feel the stranger's eyes burning on your back.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun36-1-2">><</link>></div></label>You both stand outside the cabin. You can't stay in one place, pacing around $moon.name.
"Who was that?"
"I saved $sun.them," $moon.they mutter<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>>. "But that doesn't matter. What did you want to speak about?"
You take another deep breath and stop. "My parents want me to marry someone, or else they fear the farm will not sustain itself. I agreed. I'll be moving out far away from here. I don't know when I'll be back, so I came to say goodbuy."
"Huh?"
$moon.They search<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>es<</if>> your face. You press your lips into a thin line and look away. "I'm sorry, $moon.name."
"That's..." $moon.they trail<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> off. "When?"
"Today."
Neither of you says anything more. Even the forest is silent around you.
You know nothing about that stranger, but maybe with $sun.them $moon.name won't be lonely. Then you won't be leaving $moon.them alone in the woods. And you need to remember that you could always visit, even if rarely.
It feels like you made the right choice.
Why are you crying, then?
"I-" $moon.name sniffles, too. "Thank you for everything."
"Dummy, I'll visit you!" you sniffle, trying to wipe away your tears.
<<if $romance is true>>\
"I don't- I don't think this"-$moon.they gesture<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> between at $moon.themself and then at you-"will work out."
"I'm going to be $moon.their spouse only on paper," you say.
"I meant the fact that you'll be so far away." $moon.They smile bitterly, and wipe<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> away $moon.their tears.
You open your mouth, but then close it. $moon.They're right. You have nothing to say to that.
Then there's only one thing that you should say.
"I love you."
$moon.name is silent. With each passing second $moon.they stay silent, your heart hurts more and more.
"Won't you be late?" $moon.They look<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> you straight in your eyes, and for the second time since you meet $moon.them, you feel unwelcomed.
<<else>>\
"I can only hope for that."
<<if hasVisited("Sun20-2")>>\
You see $moon.them coming towards you. In an instant, you're enveloped into a hug, $moon.their hands around you. You hold on to $moon.them, tightly, as if $moon.they'll run away.
But it's you who'll run away.
The way $moon.they hold you bring you calmness and it's easy to forget why you're hugging. Until $moon.they let<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> out a sob.
$moon.They hold you close as you two shake.
When you part, $moon.they look<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> like a mess. You feel like a mess. With last look into $moon.their puffy eyes, you turn around, and walk away.
<<elseif hasVisited("Sun20-1")>>\
Not wanting to waste more time, you come at $moon.them with your arms wide open. $moon.They huff when you hug $moon.them, tightly, as if $moon.they'll run away.
But it's you who'll run away.
You feel $moon.them wrapping their arms around you. This is peaceful, and it's easy to forget why you're hugging. Until $moon.they let<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> out a sob.
Holding $moon.them close, you shake from your own tears.
When you part, $moon.they look<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> like a mess. You feel like a mess. With last look into $moon.their puffy eyes, you turn around and walk away.
<<else>>\
"Don't worry, once we meet again, I'm going to compliment you throughout the whole time we spend together."
$moon.They chuckle<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>>. It sounds strained. "I'll remember that."
You both are silent.
"I'll miss you," $moon.they say<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>>, quietly.
"I'll miss you more," you say, voice strained.
You look into each other’s eyes, shining with unshed tears, and before this turns ugly, you turn around. As you walk away, a sob behind you interrupts the quiet of the forest.
<</if>><</if>><label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun36-1-3">><</link>></div></label>You are in the carriage, shaking as horses drag you somewhere far away, with Tenebree at your side. Head hanging low, you look at your feet. It's been only a few minutes of silence between you two, but it feels like hours. For once, you don't mind it.
$moon.They speak<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> up. "It must be hard, to leave your home like that, but you can always visit them. Or you can write letters."
You don't answer $moon.them.
<<if $romance is false>>
$moon.They place<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> a hand on top of yours. When you glance from your hands to $moon.their face, $moon.they lean<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> closer to you.
"I suppose soon you'll be my spouse." $moon.they breath<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>es<</if>> out, green eyes twinkling.
<<nobr>><div class="containter-choice">
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>You remove $moon.their hand from yours. "I do not want to be your real spouse."</span></div>' 'Sun36-1-3-1'>><<set $secondromance to 1>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>You let $moon.their hand stay. "I guess so."</span></div>' 'Sun36-1-3-1'>><<set $secondromance to 2>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>You move $moon.their hand. "Lets not move so fast."</span></div>' 'Sun36-1-3-1'>><<set $secondromance to 3>><</link>>
</div><</nobr>>
<<else>>\
"I know that this is sudden and weird, to put it lightly, but I hope we can be friends."
You glance at $moon.them, at $moon.their gentle smile. $moon.They're not a replacement for $moon.name. You hope $moon.they don't think that.
But you won't turn your nose from a new friend, and you think you'll need one right now.
"I would like that," you say, voice strained.
Tenebree pats your hand. "If you need something, just ask."
<</if>>\
There's comfortable silence between you two, and you prefer it right now. Only horses' clip-clops lull you into calmness.
You turn your head to look back at your home. First, it's your farm that disappears from the view. Then the forest.
Old life slowly dissolving. New life is yet to be seen.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun36-1-4">><</link>></div></label><<if $secondromance is 1>>\
You remove $moon.their hand from yours. "I don't want to be your real spouse."
Not to mention that you don't have the mood for this kind of thing right now. At all.
$moon.They lean<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> back. "Forgive me if I made you uncomfortable. Then, I would like to hope that we can be friends."
"You're forgiven, and I guess we could try to become friends." You try to smile at $moon.them. It's small smile, and Tenebree returns it.
<<elseif $secondromance is 2>>\
You let $moon.their hand stay. "I guess so."
Your gaze drops to $moon.their hand once again, the weight of it is comfortable. $moon.They slowly start<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> stroking your hand, soothingly, and you sigh. It takes your mind from the things you don't want to think about.
When you look up, Tenebree is already looking at you, and as you give $moon.them a small smile, $moon.their own turns sly.
<<else>>\
You move $moon.their hand. "Let's not move so fast."
Truth be told, you also don't have the mood for this right now. At all.
"Oh." $moon.They lean<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> back. "I can do that. Forgive me if I made you uncomfortable."
"You're forgiven," you sigh, and try to smile at $moon.them. It's barely a smile, but Tenebree gives you a soft smile in return.
<</if>>\
There's comfortable silence between you two, and you prefer it right now. Only horses' clip-clops lull you into calmness.
You turn your head to look back at your home. First, it's your farm that disappears from the view. Then the forest.
Old life slowly dissolving. New life is yet to be seen.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun36-1-4">><</link>></div></label><div class="center">\
//''A year later''//
</div>\
You can't say that you have been lonely in Tenebree's mansion. Even now, sitting alone in your room, you can hear voices coming from all parts of the house.
There are servants that you spend time helping and talking to. The Tenebree's family is more polite to you than anything, but it's nice to be around more people. Then there's Tenebree $moon.themself, a friendly presence in this place.
And yet even after all this time, there are times as if a hole grew in your heart.
Homesick someone told you. But can you feel that towards one person?
It's what you feel right now, too. You clench one of the letters your parents sent you. The one in which they answered about $moon.name. Or, more importantly, where they asked you to stop asking about $moon.them.
You wrote to your parents constantly, and they answered you. Each new letter brought more happy news. It made you happy, too. But no news about $moon.name. You don't think your parents will be looking for $moon.them even if you begged.
There's a hidden stack of letters you wrote for $moon.name. The ones you never sent.
Because you're not sure if $moon.name can get letters, not sure if you want to give people the information on where to find $moon.name. If $moon.they wanted to leave the forest, $moon.they would have.
You wish $moon.they would. You wish you could meet $moon.them.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun36-1-5">><</link>></div></label>As you exit the living room, your parents are already waiting for you. There's despair, sorrow, anger on their faces.
"What have you done?" they ask simultaneously.
"If you like $moon.them so much, maybe you should go live with $moon.them," says father.
"Maybe you shouldn't come back, because soon with your choice, there won't be anything to go back," says mother.
First, you look in the eyes of your mother, then you look into the eyes of your father.
"Are you kicking me out?" you ask the question, the answer to which seems obvious now.
The hateful look in their eyes give answer for them.
You back away from them, before twirling around and running towards the forest.
At least you're sure that $moon.name will never kick you out.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun36-2-1">><</link>></div></label><div class="center">\
//''A year later''//
</div>\
The wind whips your hair and clothes around you. The white clouds on the blue skies move and change at a high speed, the shadows they cast on the ground move and change with them.
The farm looks more alive in these conditions than it is. You would call it yours, but it's not really yours anymore. It's not anyone's, not really. Not with the way there is no life inside of it now.
$moon.name is on your side<<if $romance is true>> holding your hand<</if>>. $moon.Their voice sounds as worried as it did when you left the woods. "You don't have to do it."
"I know," you sigh, and take a step towards your former home.
The fact that this place is abandoned becomes more apparent the closer you get.
No Lucy barking around. No goats bleating. No Clover.
No mother or father.
You walk aimlessly around the farm, dreading to go inside the house. $moon.name follows you silently.
It's only when clouds become darker and cover the whole sky, you feel that it's time to go inside.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun36-2-1-2">><</link>></div></label><div class="center">\
//''A month later''//
</div>\
The bed in which you lay is comfortable, and the blankets over you keep you warm. Or maybe you're warm because your body is burning and the bed feels comfortable because you've been constantly spending time in it.
$moon.name fuses over you as $moon.they change the wet cloth from your forehead. There's a somber aura around $moon.them.
"Sorry for falling ill," you try to chuckle, but it's dry and sounds close to a cough.
"Never apologize for something like that," $moon.they rasp as $moon.they take away the old wet cloth from you. The pain in $moon.their voice makes your throat close up, hurting more than the sickness that overtook you.
You wish you weren't sick for what feels like a whole month. You want to go out to the forest. You want to spend more time outside with $moon.name.
You want to feel better, not worse and worse with each passing day.
"$sun.name."
You refocus your attention on $moon.name. $moon.They<<if $moon.they is "they">>'re<<else>>'s<</if>> playing with $moon.their sleeves, until one of $moon.their hands land on top of yours. $moon.They breathe<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> in, breathe<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> out, and gaze into your eyes.
"$sun.name, I'm going to go look for a cure for you."
You blink at $moon.them. Cure? Can $moon.they find a cure? Can you be cured? Can you be left alone in this condition? Can you withstand being alone?
<<nobr>><div class="containter-choice">
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>You have to stay positive and hopeful. And most of all, you have to believe $moon.them.</span></div>' 'Sun36-2-4'>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="one-choice"><span>Fear grips your body. The answer to every guestion is a no.</span></div>' 'Sun36-2-3'>><</link>>
</div><</nobr>>
Fear grips your body. The answer to every guestion is a no.
Gripping $moon.name hand, you do the only thing you can. You beg.
"Please, say." Your grip on $moon.their hand tightens. <<if $romance is true>>"I love you, please don't leave me alone!"<<else>>"Don't leave me alone, please!"<</if>>
You place what's left of your hope in that $moon.name will stay with you. You don't want to spend this time alone. You don't want to- You hiccup as your hand starts to shake.
$moon.Their eyes widen as $moon.their mouth hangs open. $moon.Their eyes dance on your face, searching. $moon.They squeeze<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their eyes shut and let<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> out a shaky breath. "I-"
"Please," you beg, again.
$moon.name swallows, $moon.their brows furrow even more, and for a second you think $moon.they'll listen to you. Until $moon.they open $moon.their eyes. There's a spark of determination in them. You didn't know it's the thing you'll dread to see.
"I have to."
$moon.The words from $moon.their mouth sound surreal to you. Frozen, you watch $moon.them tuck you into the bed.
"I need to."
<<if $romance is true>>$moon.They leave<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> a kiss on your burning forehead. $moon.Their lips are cold. <</if>>$moon.They sit<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> on the bed and then <<if $moon.they is "they">>try<<else>>tries<</if>> to hug you, $moon.their cheek against yours. You're not sure whose tears you feel.
"<<if $romance is true>>I love you<<else>>I care about you<</if>>."
Too soon $moon.name leans away from you and stands up from the bed. $moon.They easily free<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their hand from your week grip.
This feels like a fever dream. It has to be.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun36-2-5">><</link>></div></label>You have to stay positive and hopeful. And most of all, you have to believe $moon.them.
What other choices do you have otherwise? Give in despair? Doubt $moon.name?
To think of the alternative is too painful. There's enough hope in you to believe in $moon.them instead.
You nod at $moon.name and squeeze $moon.their hand with a tired smile on your face.
$moon.name blinks at you, $moon.their features twisting into confusion before a relief washes over $moon.their face. $moon.Their hand shakes.
<<if $romance is true>>$moon.They leave<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> a kiss on your burning forehead. $moon.Their lips are cold.<</if>> $moon.They sit<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> on the bed and then <<if $moon.they is "they">>try<<else>>tries<</if>> to hug you, $moon.their cheek against yours. $moon.Their cheek is wet.
"Thank you for trusting me," $moon.they whisper<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>>.
Another weak chuckle leaves your lips. "I always trust you."
$moon.name leans away from you, a small smile on $moon.their face as $moon.they look<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> down.
Maybe next time you wake up, $moon.they'll be here.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun36-2-5">><</link>></div></label>You watch $moon.name stand up and go around the cabin, gathering things into the bag. There is <<if hasVisited("Sun36-2-3")>>despair<<else>>hope<</if>> in your eyes as you watch $moon.them finish up and walk towards the door.
$moon.They stop<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> before it, hand on the doornob, and look<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> back at you, $moon.their $moon.coloreyes eyes shining.
The smile $moon.they give<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> you is shaky.
"I'll be back soon, I promise," $moon.they whisper<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>>, more to $moon.themself than to you.
<<if hasVisited("Sun36-2-3")>>\
$moon.They never lied to you, yet it feels like a lie.
You open your mouth, but no words come out. They're not going to stop $moon.name anyway.
You avert your stinging eyes from $moon.them.
<<else>>\
You know $moon.they will. $moon.They'll come back to you and you'll be better. Everything will turn out alright.
You give $moon.them a weak smile. $moon.They avert<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their eyes from you.
<</if>>\
"<<if $romance is true>>I love you<<else>>I'll miss you<</if>>."
And with that, $moon.they<<if $moon.they is "they">>'re<<else>>'s<</if>> gone.
Leaving you alone.
Leaving you <<if hasVisited("Sun36-2-3")>>devasted and abandoned<<else>>saddened yet hopefull<</if>>.
You sink more into the bed that doesn't feel as comfortable as before. The once warm blankets now feel cold on you. The wooden figurine $moon.name made for you sits on the side table. The sunlight that comes through the window slowly disappears until there is no light at all save for the candle. And even it slowly dies out.
All you can do now is wait.
And wait.
How long do you have to wait for $moon.name? How long have you been waiting?
When there is no power left in you to keep your eyes open, they close up slowly, and you feel yourself slipping into darkness.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun40">><</link>></div></label><style>.img{width:35%;height:auto;}</style><<if settings.theme is true>><<script>>ray.style.stroke = "#9dd0e1";<</script>><<else>><<script>>ray.style.stroke = "#FFCE53";<</script>><</if>><style>#passages {background: transparent;color: black;}html.theme-dark #passages {background: transparent;color: white;}</style><div class="center"><div class="titleintro">Choose your character</div>
<a data-passage="SunStart"><img src="images/suntarot.png" class="card1 img" alt="The Sun"/></a><a data-passage="MoonStart"><img src="images/moontarot.png" class="card2 img" alt="The Moon"/></a></div><div class="center">\
//''?????''//
</div>\
It feels like there's no one in this part of town. The morning sun paints the street in warm colors, making it look almost as cozy as your home. Your shoes hitting the cobblestone pathway is the only sound around. You walk with one hand with a drink and the other with a phone. You look at it hopelessly, trying to find where everything is in this town.
There are footsteps coming your way, fast, but you don't get a chance to look up from your phone as you come around the corner. Someone bumps into you, and you hiss when your drink spills. All over the other person.
The stranger blinks at you, wet stains on $moon.their clothes. You're silent as you look at each other, more shocked than anything, but soon panic settles in your gut.
"I'm- I'm so sorry!"
Your arms vaguely gesture around you and $moon.them, then you try to find your handkerchief to pass it to the stranger. There's slowness in the way $moon.they take<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> it from your hands, the way $moon.they <<if $moon.they isnot "they">>tries<<else>>try<</if>> to wipe off the dark stains on $moon.their clothes.
"This's... fine." $moon.Their voice tells a different story.
$moon.They look down at $moon.their clothes, and the devastated look on $moon.their face is enough to break your heart. This is definitely not fine.
"I can repay you for the damage! And I, um," you gulp as you try to come up with something that might lift $moon.their spirits. "Could buy you a drink?"
As soon as the words leave of your mouth, you silently curse yourself for this idea. There's confusion in the stranger's eyes, and you expect rejection when $moon.they open $moon.their mouth.
"Okay." $moon.They look<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> away and say<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> the next words in a much smaller voice. "Whatever you drank smells nice..."
Now you're the one who's confused. It feels like a joke, but when $moon.they turn<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their eyes back at you, you can't find any trace of mirth in them.
So you turn around and walk to the shop where you got your drink. You hear $moon.them following you, and you wait until $moon.they'<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<<else>>re<</if>> on your side.
Not wanting to spend the whole walk in silence, you open your mouth. "I'm $sun.name by the way. And I swear I'm not always this clumsy! I'm not actually clumsy, that's just- I suppose I could say it's because I'm new to this town, but that wouldn't make me go stumble into people and spill drinks all over them, would it? So-" You snap your mouth shut as you realize that you're not letting $moon.them speak up, yet the stranger just looks at you with silent interest.
"What's your name?" you ask with an apologetic smile.
$moon.They blink<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>>, and slowly, the corners of $moon.their mouth rise for the first time since you saw $moon.them.
"My name is $moon.name."<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "END">><</link>></div></label>"<<if $secondromance is 1>>Is everything alright?<<else>>Are you okay, dear?<</if>>"
It's hard to tear your eyes from the letter, your head moving towards the voice even as your gaze is glued to the inked words. Tenebree stands in the doorway, dressed to go out, $moon.their brows furrowed.
You try to give $moon.them a smile. Thankfully, there are no tears in your eyes. "Yes."
With a click of $moon.their tongue, Tenebree comes into the room and towards you.
<<if $secondromance is 3>>\
$moon.They stop<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> close to you. Hand outstretching towards you, palm up, $moon.they wait<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> until you place your hand onto $moon.theirs. $moon.Their other hand lands on top of yours. Warm.
<<if hasVisited("Sun20-1")>>\
$moon.They open<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their mouth, but before $moon.they can say anything, your hands are around $moon.their torso in a tight hug. $moon.They let<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> out a sound of surprise, but as you let out a whimper, $moon.their hands slide around you.
In $moon.their arms, it's easy to forget what made you upset.
Tenebree draws circles on your back and tries to shush you in the most comforting way $moon.they can. After a few moments, you let $moon.them go. You can't really keep $moon.them with you forever, especially seeing that $moon.they<<if $moon.they is "they">>'re<<else>>'s<</if>> dressed to go out. You've done that enough times already.
"Better?" $moon.they ask<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> you, a small smile on $moon.their face.
You nod your head earnestly. Even if a little, even if for a moment, you felt better.
<<elseif hasVisited("Sun20-2")>>\
"Know that I'll always be here for you, my love."
And then $moon.they hug<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> you. It's a gentle hug, but as soon as you whimper and slide your hands around $moon.them, the hold on you tightens.
In $moon.their arms, it's easy to forget what made you upset.
Tenebree draws circles on your back and tries to shush you, but in the most comforting way $moon.they can. After a short moment, $moon.they let<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> you go.
"Better?" $moon.they ask<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> you, a small smile on $moon.their face.
You nod your head earnestly. Even if a little, even if for a moment, you felt better.
<<else>>\
"Know that I'll always be here for you, my love."
You look into $moon.their brown eyes. It's easy to believe what $moon.their words with the way $moon.they look at you. Earnest and full of adoration.
$moon.They move<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> your hand towards $moon.them, close to $moon.their chest. Heart.
With a kiss to your palm, $moon.they let it go, $moon.their eyes briefly glancing away from you. Your hand hangs in the air as you swallow your emotions. You barely notice how a small smile grows on your face.
<</if>>\
<<elseif $secondromance is 2>>\
$moon.They stop<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> very close to you. $moon.Their hand stretches towards you and lands on your head. $moon.They brush<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>es<</if>> your hair, then slowly move<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their hand to your cheek.
<<if hasVisited("Sun20-1")>>\
$moon.They open<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their mouth, but before $moon.they can say anything, your hands are around $moon.their torso in a tight hug. $moon.They let<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> out a sound of surprise, but as you let out a whimper, $moon.their hands slide around you.
In $moon.their arms, it's easy to forget what made you upset.
$moon.They place<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their one hand on top of your head, as the other draws circles on your back. After a few moments, you reluctantly let $moon.them go. You can't really keep $moon.them with you forever, especially seeing that $moon.they<<if $moon.they is "they">>'re<<else>>'s<</if>> dressed to go out. You've done that enough times already.
"Better?" $moon.they ask<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> you, a small smile on $moon.their face.
You nod your head earnestly. Even if a little, even if for a moment, you felt better.
<<elseif hasVisited("Sun20-2")>>\
"Know that I'll always be here for you, my love."
And then $moon.they hug<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> you. It's a gentle hug, but as soon as you whimper and slide your hands around $moon.them, the hold on you tightens.
In $moon.their arms, it's easy to forget what made you upset.
$moon.They place<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their one hand on top of your head, as the other draws circles on your back. After a short moment, $moon.they reluctently let<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> you go.
"Better?" $moon.they ask<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> you, a small smile on $moon.their face.
You nod your head earnestly. Even if a little, even if for a moment, you felt better.
<<else>>\
"Know that I'll always be here for you, my love."
You look into $moon.their brown eyes. It's easy to believe what $moon.their words with the way $moon.they look at you. Earnest and full of adoration.
$moon.They move<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> your hand towards $moon.them, close to $moon.their chest. Heart.
With a kiss to your palm, $moon.they let it go. Your hand hangs in the air as you swallow your emotions. You barely notice how a small smile grows on your face.
<</if>>\
<<else>>\
$moon.They stop<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> close to you. Despite $moon.their relaxed posture, $moon.they link<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> and unlink<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their fingers.
<<if hasVisited("Sun20-1")>>\
$moon.They open<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> $moon.their mouth, but before $moon.they can say anything, your hands are around $moon.their torso in a hug. $moon.They let<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> out a sound of surprise, but as you let out a whimper, $moon.their hands slide around you.
After a few moments, you let $moon.them go, already feeling lighter. It's funny how a short hug can change your mood.
"Better?" $moon.they ask<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> you, a small smile on $moon.their face.
You nod your head earnestly. Even if a little, even if for a moment, you felt better.
<<elseif hasVisited("Sun20-2")>>\
"Know that you have my support, my dear friend."
And then $moon.they hug<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> you. It's a gentle hug, full of comfort $moon.they can give you, and you swallow the whimper that threatened to leave your lips.
After a few moments, $moon.they let you go, and you already miss the comforting contact. It's funny how a short hug can change your mood.
"Better?" $moon.they ask<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> you, a small smile on $moon.their face.
You nod your head earnestly. Even if a little, even if for a moment, you felt better.
<<else>>\
"Know that you have my support, my dear friend."
You look into $moon.their brown eyes. The look $moon.they give<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> you is so earnest that you can't take $moon.their words as anything but truth.
Briefly, you feel $moon.their hand taking a hold of yours, squeezing it lightly, before $moon.they let<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> it go.
"And if you ever want something, don't hesitate to ask. Anything you want," $moon.they say<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> with a small smile.
You nod and smile at $moon.them as $moon.their own smile widens. You're not even sure what you would ask of $moon.them, but it's comforting to hear $moon.them say that.
<</if>>\
<</if>>\
With a cough, Tenebree takes a few steps away from you. "I came to tell you that I'll be out for a few days. Don't feel lonely without me, hmmm?"
You already feel the hole growing even more in your heart. It's almost painful to smile at Tenebree as you watch $moon.them walk away. "Stay safe," you say, swallowing the lump in your throat. Hoping that your voice sounds okay.
$moon.They stop<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> close to the doorway, and cast<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> an uncertaint glance your way, before $moon.they leave<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> you alone.
Your smile crumbles as soon as $moon.they turn<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> from you. You flop on the bed, head in your hands. Listening as Tenebree talks with people in the mansion before $moon.their voice leaves it.
There is a part of you that wants to leave the mansion too. To go back to $moon.name. To just see $moon.them one more time.
Can you really live without $moon.name?
Can you come back to $moon.them after all this?
There's pain in your chest as tears gather in the corners of your eyes, and yet you don't move. You stay in your room, in this mansion, unable to decide, but with each passing second of doing nothing, it feels like you already made your choice. A long time ago.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun36-1-6">><</link>></div></label><div class="center">\
//''Many-many years later''//
</div>\
Birds chirp outside the windown, the warm breeze flutters the curtains as the light of the settling sun comes into the room.
It's hard to breathe. Silent wheezes go past your lips, your body lightly shakes from unknown force as you lay in the bed, surrounded by pillows and blankets.
You lay as the life slowly fades away from you.
Tenebree sits close to your bed<<if $secondromance isnot 1>>, your hand in $moon.theirs<</if>>. $moon.Their eyes are closed, $moon.their chest rises and falls as $moon.they sleep<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> for the first time in a few days. $moon.They look as old and frail as you.
And yet you're the first to go.
You're already accepted your fate, even if your <<if $secondromance is 1>>friend<<else>>spouse<</if>> hasn't. After a long life you had, it's hard to be sad of the fact that soon you'll meet your parents.
And yet, despite living a long fulfilling life, there's a deep regret as you lay on your deathbed. A guestion that never left your mind.
What if you didn't left $moon.name? What would your life be like if you didn't? What's $moon.their life is like?
With tears in your eyes you let the darkness takes you.<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun40">><</link>></div></label>The wooden floor creaks under your feet. The house is empty. No furniture. Naked walls. Absolutely nothing in here. The memories from your life here blend in the coldness of this place. Outside, the rain started pouring.
As you walk around the house, it's easy for you to notice a letter on the floor of the living room. It's not easy to read what's written on it.
An apology from your parents. A farewell. A wish for your well-being. A thinly veiled accusation.
The letter falls on the ground from your shaking hands. You wrap them around yourself. You gasp for air, then hiccup. Breathing in and out, you try to keep yourself together. It's not like you didn't know that this would happen.
That you'll never see your parents again. It's obvious they don't want to see you. Why would they?
You feel $moon.name presence close to you, $moon.their hands outstretched but not touching.
"I guess now we only have each other, huh?" You close your mouth with a wince when you remember that Delaira is a sour subject for $moon.name. $moon.They haven't seen $moon.their guardian for a long time, and you should have used your brain before speaking about this. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to remind you-"
"No, that's okay," $moon.they whisper<<if $moon.they isnot "they">>s<</if>> as the corners of $moon.their lips quirk up and instantly dip down. "You're right."
You avert your from $moon.name and stay in silence, waiting for the rain to stop.
A sigh from $moon.name turns your attention to $moon.them. $moon.They<<if $moon.they is "they">>'re<<else>>'s<</if>> looking at the windown. The rain is almost over.
"Let's go home."<label><div class="circle-choice"><<link '<span class="fas fa-forward" style="width: 32px; height: 32px; padding: 2px; line-height: 32px; font-size: 24px; margin: auto;" title="Next"></span>' "Sun36-2-2">><</link>></div></label>