A Life Worth Living

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Who are you? Start with your first name, if you'd please. <<textbox "$name" "">> <<button 'Submit' 'Last Name'>> <</button>>

Then your last name. <<textbox "$lastname" "">> <<button 'Submit' 'Nickname'>> <</button>>

Do you have a nickname? [[Yes, I have a nickname!]] [[No, I don't have a nickname]]

Enter that here, then. <<textbox "$nickname" "">> <<button 'Submit' 'Your pronouns'>> <</button>>

That's okay, then let's get to... [[Your pronouns]]

Please select your pronouns. <<listbox '$pronouns' autoselect>> <<option "He/him">> <<option "She/her">> <<option "They/them">> <</listbox>> <<button 'Submit' 'Appearance'>> <<if $pronouns is "He/him">> <<set $heshethey to "he">> <<set $capitalheshethey to "He">> <<set $hishertheir to "his">> <<set $capitalhishertheir to "His">> <<set $himherthem to "him">> <<set $capitalhimherthem to "Him">> <<set $hisherstheirs to "his">> <<set $capitalhisherstheirs to "His">> <<set $himselfherselfthemself to "himself">> <<set $capitalhimselfherselfthemself to "Himself">> <<elseif $pronouns is "She/her">> <<set $heshethey to "she">> <<set $capitalheshethey to "She">> <<set $hishertheir to "her">> <<set $capitalhishertheir to "Her">> <<set $himherthem to "her">> <<set $capitalhimherthem to "Her">> <<set $hisherstheirs to "hers">> <<set $capitalhisherstheirs to "Hers">> <<set $himselfherselfthemself to "herself">> <<set $capitalhimselfherselfthemself to "Herself">> <<else>> <<set $heshethey to "they">> <<set $capitalheshethey to "They">> <<set $hishertheir to "their">> <<set $capitalhishertheir to "Their">> <<set $himherthem to "them">> <<set $capitalhimherthem to "Them">> <<set $hisherstheirs to "theirs">> <<set $capitalhisherstheirs to "Theirs">> <<set $himselfherselfthemself to "themself">> <<set $capitalhimselfherselfthemself to "Themself">> <</if>> <</button>>

Good job. Now, I'll ask you about your appearance. What do you look like? First your hair color. <<listbox '$haircolor' autoselect>> <<option "black">> <<option "dark brown">> <<option "light brown">> <<option "dirty blond">> <<option "blond">> <<option "platinum blond">> <<option "auburn">> <<option "copper">> <<option "peach blond">> <<option "red">> <<option "green">> <<option "pink">> <<option "blue">> <<option "orange">> <<option "white">> <<option "yellow">> <<option "purple">> <</listbox>> <<button 'Submit' 'Hair Length'>> <<if $haircolor is "black">> <<set $haircolor to "black">> <<elseif $haircolor is "dark brown">> <<set $haircolor to "dark brown">> <<elseif $haircolor is "light brown">> <<set $haircolor to "light brown">> <<elseif $haircolor is "dirty blond">> <<set $haircolor to "dirty blond">> <<elseif $haircolor is "blond">> <<set $haircolor to "blond">> <<elseif $haircolor is "platinum blond">> <<set $haircolor to "platinum blond">> <<elseif $haircolor is "auburn">> <<set $haircolor to "auburn">> <<elseif $haircolor is "copper">> <<set $haircolor to "copper">> <<elseif $haircolor is "peach blond">> <<set $haircolor to "peach blond">> <<elseif $haircolor is "red">> <<set $haircolor to "red">> <<elseif $haircolor is "green">> <<set $haircolor to "green">> <<elseif $haircolor is "pink">> <<set $haircolor to "pink">> <<elseif $haircolor is "blue">> <<set $haircolor to "blue">> <<elseif $haircolor is "orange">> <<set $haircolor to "orange">> <<elseif $haircolor is "white">> <<set $haircolor to "white">> <<elseif $haircolor is "yellow">> <<set $haircolor to "yellow">> <<elseif $haircolor is "purple">> <<set $haircolor to "purple">> <</if>> <</button>>

Now hair length. <<listbox '$hairlength' autoselect>> <<option "short">> <<option "medium">> <<option "long">> <</listbox>> <<button 'Submit' 'Hair Texture'>> <<if $hairlength is "short">> <<set $hairlength to "short">> <<elseif $hairlength is "medium">> <<set $hairlength to "medium">> <<elseif $hairlength is "long">> <<set $hairlength to "long">> <</if>> <</button>>

Now, how would you describe your hair texture? <<listbox '$hairtexture' autoselect>> <<option "straight">> <<option "wavy">> <<option "curly">> <<option "coily">> <<option "kinky">> <</listbox>> <<button 'Submit' 'Eye Color'>> <<if $hair is "straight">> <<set $hair to "straight">> <<elseif $hair is "wavy">> <<set $hair to "wavy">> <<elseif $hair is "curly">> <<set $hair to "curly">> <<elseif $hair is "coily">> <<set $hair to "coily">> <<elseif $hair is "kinky">> <<set $hair to "kinky">> <</if>> <</button>>

Now, you're done! [[Have fun in this life!]]

Prologue The bitter winter wind tore through your small frame, even if you were bundled up tighter than a mummy. You take in your surroundings; the trees had lost every single one of their leaves and their bark was dull and rough. The grass was grey, too. New Pine Creek was always like that in the winter. New Pine Creek, or just New Pine, was a small town. At least, that's what your Dad said. He also said a little over a thousand people lived here. That seemed pretty big to you! The 'Big City' was at least a few hours away. You didn't know the actual name for it. You lived in the biggest neighbourhood in New Pine, a lot of kids lived there too. Your street was called Spring Street, you think. You thought it was kind of funny, since it never stopped raining. "$name! Are the new people here yet?!" The scream broke you out of your thoughts. You turned back to your house to find your older brother, Dante, in the doorway. "No! I haven't seen one moving truck yet!" you yelled back. Dante groaned and disappeared back into your house. Dante was one of the big kids in the neighbourhood; he was ten years old. Four whole years older than you! Four seemed like a big difference to you. He also looked a lot like your dad, with his curly black hair and bronze skin. Anyway! You were sat in the driveway, waiting for your new neighbours. Your Dad had told you and Dante when he learned that a new family was moving in. Monica, your younger sister, didn't really care as much. [[You didn't really care, either]] [[You were baffled by that!]]

Now, your eye color. <<listbox '$eyecolor' autoselect>> <<option "black">> <<option "brown">> <<option "blue">> <<option "grey">> <<option "hazel">> <<option "green">> <<option "pink">> <<option "red">> <<option "orange">> <<option "white">> <</listbox>> <<button 'Submit' 'Other'>> <<if $eyecolor is "black">> <<set $eyecolor to "black">> <<elseif $eyecolor is "brown">> <<set $eyecolor to "brown">> <<elseif $eyecolor is "blue">> <<set $eyecolor to "blue">> <<elseif $eyecolor is "grey">> <<set $eyecolor to "grey">> <<elseif $eyecolor is "green">> <<set $eyecolor to "green">> <<elseif $eyecolor is "pink">> <<set $eyecolor to "pink">> <<elseif $eyecolor is "red">> <<set $eyecolor to "red">> <<elseif $eyecolor is "orange">> <<set $eyecolor to "orange">> <<elseif $eyecolor is "white">> <<set $eyecolor to "white">> <<elseif $eyecolor is "hazel">> <<set $eyecolor to "hazel">> <</if>> <</button>>

You didn't care about new neighbours anymore. A lot of people moved here, all the time! Anyway, you were sat outside in the cold because your brother asked you too. A rumble broke the cold silence. You whipped around and watched as a moving truck bumped along the way. [[You yell to Dante as it passed]] [[You watched as it passed]]

You and your brother were so excited!! How could she not be?? Anyway, you were sat outside in the cold because your brother asked you too. A rumble broke the cold silence. You whipped around and watched as a moving truck bumped along the way. [[You yell to Dante as it passed]] [[You watched as it passed]]

"Dante! The moving van is here!" You cupped your hands together over your mouth as you called to your brother. [[You, of course, follow the truck]] [[You, of course, head back inside]]

You were a bit stunned, for what reason you don't remember. "The moving truck!!" You heard your brother screech from the doorway. [[You, of course, follow the truck]] [[You, of course, head back inside]]

You hopped up from the ground, dusting yourself off quickly. You turned to look at the front door, seeing Dante dragging Dad out by the hand, your sister in tow. As Dante dragged your family out of the door, you stole glances at your dad and Monica. Dad had $eyecolor eyes; the same color as your eyes. People always said you got them from him. He had curly black hair he kept in a low ponytail. His skin was a darker tone than your brother, but not by much. What your brother didn't get from him is his height. He was always the tallest person in the room. Your sister was two years younger than you. She had dark magenta hair that was pretty short. She also had two different colored eyes, one $eyecolor and one light purple. Dad liked to call it lilac. Monica stood out when compared to your Dad and brother since she had pale skin. Dante called again, rushing your little family along. "Dante, honey, calm down a little. They're not gonna disappear," Dad said gently. "But they're gonna need our help!!" your brother pouted back. Dad shook his head, but didn't slow down. [[After Dad closed the front door, you all headed off to meet the new neighbours]]

With your only job done, you hauled yourself up and made to go back inside. Dante was already at the door, Dad and Monica right behind him. "Hey, $name, what're you doing?!" He called, a wide grin on his face. He grabbed your hand and dragged you with him. Seemed like you couldn't escape this one. As Dante dragged your family out of the door, you stole glances at your dad and Monica. Dad had $eyecolor eyes; the same color as your eyes. People always said you got them from him. He had curly black hair he kept in a low ponytail. His skin was a darker tone than your brother, but not by much. When your brother didn't get from him is his height. He was always the tallest person in the room. Your sister was two years younger than you. She had dark magenta hair that was pretty short. She also had two different colored eyes, one $eyecolor and one light purple. Dad liked to call it lilac. Monica stood out when compared to your Dad and brother since she had pale skin. Dante called again, rushing your little family along. "Dante, honey, calm down a little. They're not gonna disappear," Dad said gently. "But they're gonna need our help!!" your brother pouted back. Dad shook his head, but didn't slow down. [[After Dad closed the front door, you all headed off to meet the new neighbours]]

You all ended up across the street. You could barely see the people in the truck. Dad had already went over to the drivers side. The person there had rolled their window down. They were talking about something you weren't paying attention too. Dante had shot over to the other side. Your sister was clinging to dad's leg. [[You followed Dante]]

You ran over to Dante, who bounced excitedly on his heels. The person in the passenger side opened the door and stepped out. They were tall, almost as tall as Dad. Their hair was coily and started out dark brown. It ended with a really pretty light blue. A pair of circle glasses framed their brown eyes. They smiled sunnily at you and your brother. "Hello, little ones," They said, gently shooing us away from the door. "Hi!!" Dante was the first one to respond. [[You weren't fast enough to beat him]] [[You weren't even trying to respond to them]]

You pouted at your brother. You wanted to talk, too! Their smile widened at the warm greeting. "I'm Dante!! And this is <<if $pronouns is "He/him">>my brother<<elseif $pronouns is "She/her">>my sister<<else>>my sibling<</if>>, $name!" your brother pointed to himself, then you as he introduced himself and you to the tall person. They nodded, "Ah, it's wonderful to meet you both! I'm I--" "Zeze!! Move!! I wanna meet them, too!!" A voice screeched from behind them. The tall person made a light 'oof' sound as a kid shoved past them and onto the drive way. This kid had fawn brown hair that looked like they'd been sticking their head out of the truck window as they went down the road. They had their parent's brown eyes, but they had a much more energetic gleam to them. "Hi!!!" they borderline screamed at you, waving both their hands. They don't give you or Dante enough time to respond. "I'm Dagon!! That's my Zeze!" they said, pointing to the tall person. With how excited Dagon was, they were basically vibrating. "It's great to meet you, Dagon!" Dante replied, trying to match their excitement. He couldn't, but he got pretty close. Dagon seemed to appreciate the effort. Dante stuck his hand out for Dagon to shake. Which they did... almost yanking your brother to the ground. When they let go they apologized, then stuck their hand out for you to take. [[You shook Dagon's hand]] [[You don't shake Dagon's hand]]

You huff a bit at your brother. Their smile widened at the warm greeting. "I'm Dante!! And this is <<if $pronouns is "He/him">>my brother<<elseif $pronouns is "She/her">>my sister<<else>>my sibling<</if>>, $name!" your brother pointed to himself, then you as he introduced himself and you to the tall person. They nodded, "Ah, it's wonderful to meet you both! I'm I--" "Zeze!! Move!! I wanna meet them, too!!" A voice screeched from behind them. The tall person made a light 'oof' sound as a kid shoved past them and onto the drive way. This kid had fawn brown hair that looked like they'd been sticking their head out of the truck window as they went down the road. They had their parent's brown eyes, but they had a much more energetic gleam to them. "Hi!!!" they borderline screamed at you, waving both their hands. They don't give you or Dante enough time to respond. "I'm Dagon!! That's my Zeze!" they said, pointing to the tall person. With how excited Dagon was, they were basically vibrating. "It's great to meet you, Dagon!" Dante replied, trying to match their excitement. He couldn't, but got pretty close. Dagon seemed to appreiciate the effort. Dante stuck his hand out for Dagon to shake. Which they did... almost yanking your brother to the ground. When they let go they apologized, then stuck their hand out for you to take. [[You shook Dagon's hand]] [[You don't shake Dagon's hand]]

You put your hand in theirs. Their hand is so warm it's like holding your hand too close to a fire. They shook your hand, jerking your arm around a bit. It's nowhere near as rough as Dante's handshake was, which you're thankful for. Their 'Zeze' coughed gently. "Well, I'm Ib Abram," they said. "And I'm Rochelle Abram!" You all jumped, then spun around to face where the voice had come from. Dad and the person he was talking to had rounded the front of the truck to where you all were. "Kids, have you told them your pronouns?" Dad asked. "Oh! I use he/him pronouns," Dante lightly slapped his forehead as he spoke. "I use $heshethey/$himherthem pronouns," you followed your brothers example. "I use they/them, like my Zeze!!" Dagon chimed in. Ib nodded. "I use she/her," Rochelle said. "I use he/him, and Monica here has decided she wanted to use she/her," Dad said. Monica nodded her agreement, but didn't move from Dads leg. Ib turned to face him. "I don't think I caught your name, Mr..." they started. "Fox $lastname, it's a true pleasure to meet you, and same with you, Rochelle," your Dad replied with a easy smile. Rochelle laughed, "I was surprised a family already came to meet us! I honestly thought it'd take y'all a day or so." Dad laughed as well, "Yeah, we like surprising the new neighbours." [[Your family helped the Abrams move all of their stuff in]]

You didn't shake their hand. They pouted, looking like a kicked puppy. Their 'Zeze' coughed gently. "Well, I'm Ib Abram," they said. "and I'm Rochelle Abram!" You all jumped, then spun around to face where the voice had come from. Dad and the person he was talking too had rounded the front of the truck to where you all were. "Kids, have you told them your pronouns?" Dad asked. "Oh! I use he/him pronouns," Dante lightly slapped his forehead as he spoke. "I use $heshethey/$himherthem pronouns," you followed your brothers example. "I use they/them, like my Zeze!!" Dagon chimed in. Ib nodded. "I use she/her," Rochelle said. "I use he/him, and Monica here has decided she wanted to use she/her," your dad said. Monica nodded her agreement, but didn't move from your dads leg. Ib turned to face him. "I don't think I caught your name, Mr..." they started. "Fox $lastname, it's a true pleasure to meet you, and same with you, Rochelle," your dad replied with a easy smile. Rochelle laughed, "I was surprised a family came to meet us! I honestly thought it'd take y'all a day or so." Your dad laughed as well, "Yeah, we like surprising the new neighbours." [[Your family helped the Abrams move all of their stuff in]]

It took a few hours, but eventually you got everything in their house. There was nothing in the house, except the kitchens and bathrooms. They had all the basic stuff. You weren't sure if that was normal. "How old are you?" Dagon asked while trying to push a box into their kitchen. "I'm six, how old are you?" You said. "I'm six, too!!" Dagon shot into a standing position, making the box they were leaning on flip onto its front side with a crash. Dagon stared at it wide-eyed, then giggled nervously. Their cheeks darked considerably. After you made sure the Abrams were okay, Dad herded you and your siblings out of their house. Dagon looked sad when you said you were leaving. You were getting ready to cross the street when someone called out, "Hallo, Mr. $lastname!!" You looked down the road to see Markus Laaksonen and his younger sister, Tindra. Markus, or just Mark, lived just outside town on a farm with his family. He always rode his bike into town to hang out with your brother and his friends. Markus was the only one of his siblings to regularly visit town without the rest of his family. Tindra was shy and didn't venture into town too much. But you did go to school with her; she was in your grade. She tried really hard to be friends with people, but had a hard time. "Hello Markus and Tindra! What're you two doing out and about?" Your Dad called. You took in their appearances; Markus really didn't look anything like his sister. He had dark brown hair and deep blue eyes like his dad. Tindra was his opposite in terms of looks; platinum blond hair, deep blue eyes, and very small for a 6 year old. "I heard that there were gonna be new neighbors, so I was going to stop by," Mark explained, hopping off his bike when he got closer to your brother. Dante held his hand out to his friend, and Mark slapped it as hard as he could. That's how they said hello to each other; by giving painful highfives. As they spoke Tindra had also gotten off her bike and had pulled it into the Abrams driveway. She gave you a timid wave. "You gotta come over to play later!" Dante said with a huge grin. "Of course! But it's gonna have to be after two; my parents need me back to help out in a hour or something like that," Mark agreed. "Okay, just come over whenever!" Dante blurted out, excited to hang out with his friend. After that, your family headed home. The rest of the day your brother bounced as he walked around. [[Sometime after lunch, you noticed Dad was still sat at the table]]

He had a energy drink sat off to the side and a few papers in front of him. He stared at the papers while he ran a hand through his hair. //Dad never got worked up over paperwork.// Dante noticed this, too. "What's wrong, Dad?" he asked, "Is the paperwork that bad?" Dad chuckled, but shook his head. "No, the paperwork isn't bad, at least this time around it's not," he said. "Then what's wrong?" Dante asked again. Dad went silent for a minute, his face scrunched up in thought. Your brother, anticipating a serious talk, took a seat at the table. You followed his lead. "Remember that phone call I got earlier? From Auntie Tera?" Dad started. "Uh-huh! After you two talked, we got to talk to her!" Dante nodded. "Well, she told me she heard that there might be more neighbors moving in tomorrow," Dad paused there, letting you and Dante make comments. "That's great!!" Dante bounced in his seat. Dad chuckled, "Normally, it would be." "Normally?" Dante questioned. "I... I'm worried about these new neighbors. Moving takes time; you have to pack all of your things, load it into whatever vehicle you're using, drive to the new house. During that time, we would normally hear about them. But this time, we didn't. That normally means that they didn't, or couldn't, take their time to move out," Dad paused, most likely trying to figure out how to phrase what he's about to say. "But why?" "Well... there can be a bunch of reasons; it could be that where ever they lived before was dangerous, or that they weren't given the time to move out properly. The reasons aren't normally good," Dad sighed. "So... the new people could be having a hard time," Dante said. Dad nodded. "We can help them, right?" Dante asked, worry seeping into his tone. "Yes, we can. First, we have to make sure they feel welcome in the neighborhood," Dad started. "That's not too hard!" Your brother's eyes lit up at that. "Other than that, we won't know until we meet them," Dad said. With a sigh, Dad tapped the table, "Alright gang, enough serious talks for today." He stood up after that. Your brother quickly tapped the table then got up from the table. [[You copied them and tapped the table]] [[You didn't copy them]]

You tapped the table with your index fingers as you stood from your chair. Dante approached you, "Hey, $name!! Let's go play!!" He didn't give you time to argue before rushing to the living room. The day wasn’t too eventful after that. Day faded to evening, then night. [[The next day came too quickly]]

You slid out of the chair, ready to find something to do. Dante approached you, "Hey, $name!! Let's go play!!" He didn't give you time to argue before rushing to the living room. The day wasn’t too eventful after that. Day faded to evening, then night. [[The next day came too quickly]]

The next day came too fast. Your brother woke up before you and raided your room to wake you up. “$name!! Wake up!! We gotta be super ready for the new neighbors!!” He screamed. While you dragged yourself out of bed he ran out of your room, probably to do the same to Dad. After you got dressed you headed to the kitchen. Dad was up and making breakfast. Your sister was sitting in her chair, rubbing her eyes. Dante could hardly sit still. You sat in your usual chair, next to your brother. He smiled at you when you sat down. Immediately after breakfast Dante was sat in the driveway watching for a moving truck or a car he didn’t recognise. He dragged you with him, of course. You both ended up spending half the day outside. Your brother was stubborn enough to keep you outside with him. Dad and Monica came to visit a lot; Monica was worried and Dad was just as excited about the new neighbors as Dante was. You eventually ended up laying on the ground on your back. You heard your brother screech, then felt a sharp slap on your stomach. Just as you looked up, a gray SUV swung into the driveway next door. That house had been empty for a few years. You didn’t remember the people who lived there before. Your brother hopped up and sprinted to the SUV. [[You went to get Dad]]

You ran to the house and threw the front door open. “Dad!! The new neighbors are here!!” You screamed. “Okay! Give me a moment!” Dad called back. It didn’t even take him a moment before he appeared with your sister. You three went over to the SUV. Dante was there already, bouncing in place in front of the passenger door. Your Dad walked to the driver’s side. Dante noticed you and waved you over to him. You ran to your brother. A second or two after that the back door opened. You both turned your attention to it. A kid stepped out. They were bigger than you. Bigger than your brother, too. This kid had short teal hair, green eyes, and a small scar on the corner of their lips. They raised an eyebrow at you and your brother. "Hey! I'm Dante, and this is <<if $pronouns is "He/him">>my brother<<elseif $pronouns is "She/her">>my sister<<else>>my sibling<</if>>!! Their name's $name! I use he/him pronouns and $heshethey use $heshethey/$himherthem!" Dante screamed, thrusting his hand out to them. You offered a wave. The kid stared at your brothers hand. He wiggled his fingers, “I’m friendly, I promise!” “Laverne… I use he/him, too,” the kid, Laverne, said finally. He still didn’t take Dante’s hand. “I don’t want to shake your hand,” he said, almost scoffing. Dante’s eyes widened and his eyebrows shot up. His smile became shaky. “Oh! Uh, that’s okay!” Dante let his hand fall to his side. The front passenger door flew open then. Dante rushed to meet the person getting out. A kid a lot shorter than the first one got out and scowled at Dante. Your brother almost flinched, but was eager to gain a friend. “Hey! I’m-” “I know, I heard your name, //Dante//,” they spat your brothers name like they’ve been sucking on a lemon. “And you’re //$name//,” They said your name with the same venom. “Okay! So, uh, you know us! But we don’t know you, soo… what’s your name? Or pronouns?” Your brother fidgeted nervously, his smile uneasy. “I don’t have to tell you, or your rat sibling!” the kid stomped and screamed. “Cynthia, knock it off!” Laverne stepped up to who you think is his sibling and shoved them. The kid hit the open car door, but bounced back quickly. They shoved him back and slapped at him. “Go away!! You weren’t even part of the conversation, //Verne//!!” They screeched. “You two stop it right now!” The voice echoed through the car; the person on the drivers side had screamed at them. You peer at them through the car; they had blue hair and gray eyes. Cynthia looked mortified. “Mama, I didn’t-” “Cynthia, don’t start with that mess. Apologize to those two right now. Laverne, you need to apologize to your sister,” Their Mama’s voice was stern. Cynthia hung her head and faced your brother. “Sorry,” she mumbled. Dante nodded, “It’s okay!” [[You didn’t accept her apology]] [[You did accept her apology]]

You shook your head, “I don’t accept your apology. I didn’t do anything to you, so I don’t know why you were so mean.” Cynthia didn’t offer an answer. Laverne stepped up to his sister. “I’m sorry I shoved you,” he said, though he sounded very robotic. Cynthia ‘tsk’ed at him, but didn’t actually say anything. “C’mere, you two,” Dad called from the other side of the car. You and Dante nodded. “I hope you two have a nice day!” Dante said, waving to them. Neither acknowledged his goodbye. When you rounded the car, you found the front door open and the others Mama getting out. “I’m sorry about that… it’s been rough on them, especially Cynthia,” they said to your Dad. “Oh, it’s okay. I understand, things like this can weigh on kids for a long time,” Dad said with a sympathetic nod. The blue haired person noticed you. “Hello you two. I’m sorry about Cynthia. I… you two can call me Mrs. Rosa, okay?” she said. Dante perked up at Mrs. Rosa’s nicer greeting. “Hi, I’m Dante! Dante $lastname!! That’s <<if $pronouns is "He/him">>my brother<<elseif $pronouns is "She/her">>my sister<<else>>my sibling<</if>>, $name!” He said. Mrs. Rosa chuckled. “Very nice to meet you, Dante,” she said. Dad and Mrs. Rosa talked for a little while after that. Then Dad ushered you all away, in the direction of home. As you walked, you noticed your brother was quiet. Dad noticed, too, but he didn’t say anything just yet. When you all got into the house, Monica ran off to play. “Dante?” Dad asked. “Dad, why was Cynthia so mean?” your brother said suddenly. Dad paused. Dante looked to you. His eyes were a bit watery and his brows were pulled together; he was upset and thinking really hard. “Well… Cynthia is going through some stuff right now that’s making her really upset,” Dad said softly, letting himself fall to his knees to look your brother in the eyes. “Like?” Dante prompted. “Like, getting kicked out of her previous home. Her, her mama, and her brother got kicked out of the place they lived before they moved here. And her other mom died due to illness. Those things are making her upset and angry, since she feels like she can’t do anything about them,” Dad explained gently, taking his time to figure out how to word things correctly. “Why is she angry, though? Why did she scream at us?” Dante insisted. “...Well, when some people are angry, they take it out on others. That makes them feel better, because they feel like they have… control of their life. Does that make sense?” Dad waited for your brother to process what he was told. Dad had said before that people like feeling like they have control of their life, and that if they feel that they don’t have that control they could get upset. Dante nodded, “Yeah, it makes sense… I don’t wanna be upset, ‘cause she’s going through stuff.” “Dante, it’s okay to be sad or mad when someone screams at you, especially when you didn’t do anything to hurt them. It’s okay to cry if you need to,” Dad placed his hand on Dante’s head, ruffling his hair. Dante nodded, sniffling. “Do you want a hug?” Dad asked. “N-no,” your brother shook his head. Dad nodded and pulled his hand away from your brother's hair. He picked a tissue box off the side table by the door and held it out to your brother. He snatched a tissue and wiped his face and blew his nose with it. He started walking to the kitchen, where a trash can was. Dad dropped the tissue box back on the table. “I’m going to go to my office, okay?” “Okay!” Dante called back weakly. You walked to the kitchen entrance. “Are you okay?” you asked. Your brother jumped a little, but nodded. “Yeah, I… I’ll be fine… thanks for checking on me, $name,” your brother smiled sadly, then walked out of the kitchen. That left you with time to think. [[What do you think of the new kids?]]

You shrugged, "It's okay with me too." Cynthia 'tsk'ed. Laverne stepped up to his sister. “I’m sorry I shoved you,” he said, though he sounded very robotic. Cynthia ‘tsk’ed at him, but didn’t actually say anything. “C’mere, you two,” Dad called from the other side of the car. You and Dante nodded. “I hope you two have a nice day!” Dante said, waving to them. Neither acknowledged his goodbye. When you rounded the car, you found the front door open and the others Mama getting out. “I’m sorry about that… it’s been rough on them, especially Cynthia,” they said to your Dad. “Oh, it’s okay. I understand, things like this can weigh on kids for a long time,” Dad said with a sympathetic nod. The blue haired person noticed you. “Hello you two. I’m sorry about Cynthia. I… you two can call me Mrs. Rosa, okay?” she said. Dante perked up at Mrs. Rosa’s nicer greeting. “Hi, I’m Dante! Dante $lastname!! That’s <<if $pronouns is "He/him">>my brother<<elseif $pronouns is "She/her">>my sister<<else>>my sibling<</if>>, $name!” He said. Mrs. Rosa chuckled. “Very nice to meet you, Dante,” she said. Dad and Mrs. Rosa talked for a little while after that. Then Dad ushered you all away, in the direction of home. As you walked, you noticed Dante was quiet. Dad noticed, too, but he didn’t say anything just yet. When you all got into the house, Monica ran off to play. “Dante?” Dad asked as you started walking away. “Dad, why was Cynthia so mean?” Dante said suddenly. Dad paused. Dante looked to you. His eyes were a bit watery and his brows were pulled together; he was upset and thinking really hard. “Well… Cynthia is going through some stuff right now that’s making her really upset,” Dad said softly, letting himself fall to his knees to look your brother in the eyes. “Like?” Dante prompted. “Like, getting kicked out of her previous home. Her, her mama, and her brother got kicked out of the place they lived before they moved here. and her other mom died due to illness. Those things are making her upset and angry, since she feels like she can’t do anything about them,” Dad explained gently, taking his time to figure out how to word things correctly. “Why is she angry, though? Why did she scream at us?” Dante insisted. “...Well, when some people are angry, they take it out on others. That makes them feel better, because they feel like they have… control of their life. Does that make sense?” Dad waited for your brother to process what he was told. Dad had said before that people like feeling like they have control of their life, and that if they feel that they don’t have that control they could get upset. Dante nodded, “Yeah, it makes sense… I don’t wanna be upset, ‘cause she’s going through stuff.” “Dante, it’s okay to be sad or mad when someone screams at you, especially when you didn’t do anything to hurt them. It’s okay to cry if you need to,” Dad placed his hand on Dante’s head, ruffling his hair. Dante nodded, sniffling. “Do you want a hug?” Dad asked. “N-no,” your brother shook his head. Dad nodded and pulled his hand away from your brother's hair. He picked a tissue box off the side table by the door and held it out to your brother. He snatched a tissue and wiped his face and blew his nose with it. He started walking to the kitchen, where a trash can was. Dad dropped the tissue box back on the table. “I’m going to go to my office, okay?” “Okay!” Dante called back weakly. You walked to the kitchen entrance. “Are you okay?” you asked. Your brother jumped a little, but nodded. “Yeah, I… I’ll be fine… thanks for checking on me, $name,” your brother smiled sadly, then walked out of the kitchen. That left you with time to think. [[What do you think of the new kids?]]

What do you think of your new neighbors? Let's start with Laverne. What do you think of Laverne? How do you feel about him? <<set $youtolaverne to 0>> [[I don't really care about him]] [[I want to be his friend!]] [[I really like him]]

<<set $youtolaverne to 1>>Do you want to see how Laverne feels about you? <<link "Yes" "How Laverne feels about you in Childhood">><</link>> <<link "No" "How you feel about Tindra in Childhood">><</link>> <<if $youtolaverne lte 2>> <<set $lavernetoyou to 2>> <<elseif $youtolaverne lte 3>> <<set $lavernetoyou to 1>> <<else>> <<set $lavernetoyou to 1>> <</if>>

<<set $youtolaverne to 2>>Do you want to see how Laverne feels about you? <<link "Yes" "How Laverne feels about you in Childhood">><</link>> <<link "No" "How you feel about Tindra in Childhood">><</link>> <<if $youtolaverne lte 2>> <<set $lavernetoyou to 2>> <<elseif $youtolaverne lte 3>> <<set $lavernetoyou to 1>> <<else>> <<set $lavernetoyou to 1>> <</if>>

<<set $youtolaverne to 3>>Do you want to see how Laverne feels about you? <<link "Yes" "How Laverne feels about you in Childhood">><</link>> <<link "No" "How you feel about Tindra in Childhood">><</link>> <<if $youtolaverne lte 2>> <<set $lavernetoyou to 2>> <<elseif $youtolaverne lte 3>> <<set $lavernetoyou to 1>> <<else>> <<set $lavernetoyou to 1>> <</if>>

<<set $youtotindra to 1>>Do you want to see how Tindra feels about you? <<link "Yes" "How Tindra feels about you in childhood">><</link>> <<link "No" "How you feel about Dagon in childhood">><</link>> <<if $youtotindra lte 1>> <<set $tindratoyou to 1>> <<else>> <<set $tindratoyou to 2>> <</if>>

<<set $youtotindra to 2>>Do you want to see how Tindra feels about you? <<link "Yes" "How Tindra feels about you in childhood">><</link>> <<link "No" "How you feel about Dagon in childhood">><</link>> <<if $youtotindra lte 1>> <<set $tindratoyou to 1>> <<else>> <<set $tindratoyou to 2>> <</if>>

<<set $youtotindra to 3>>Do you want to see how Tindra feels about you? <<link "Yes" "How Tindra feels about you in childhood">><</link>> <<link "No" "How you feel about Dagon in childhood">><</link>> <<if $youtotindra lte 1>> <<set $tindratoyou to 1>> <<else>> <<set $tindratoyou to 2>> <</if>>

<<set $youtodagon to 1>>Do you want to see what Dagon thinks of you? <<link "Yes" "How Dagon feels about you in childhood">><</link>> <<link "No" "Back to the story">><</link>> <<set $dagontoyou to 3>>

<<set $youtodagon to 2>>Do you want to see what Dagon thinks of you? <<link "Yes" "How Dagon feels about you in childhood">><</link>> <<link "No" "Back to the story">><</link>> <<set $dagontoyou to 3>>

<<set $youtodagon to 3>>Do you want to see what Dagon thinks of you? <<link "Yes" "How Dagon feels about you in childhood">><</link>> <<link "No" "Back to the story">><</link>> <<set $dagontoyou to 3>>

Here, you'll see how Laverne feels about you. The others will have similar screens. It largely depends on how you feel about them. So, here's what Laverne thinks about you: <<if $youtolaverne lte 2>> <<set $lavernetoyou to 2>> Laverne thinks you're okay. <<elseif $youtolaverne lte 3>> <<set $lavernetoyou to 1>> Laverne can tell you like him, and doesn't know how to feel. <<else>> <<set $lavernetoyou to 1>> Laverne doesn't have a opnion of you yet <</if>> <<link "Now to Tindra" "How you feel about Tindra in Childhood">><</link>>

What do you think of Tindra? How do you feel about her? <<set $youtotindra to 0>> [[I don't really care about her]] [[I want to ber her friend!]] [[I really like her]]

Here's what Tindra thinks of you: <<if $youtotindra lte 1>> <<set $tindratoyou to 1>> Tindra knows of you. <<else>> <<set $tindratoyou to 2>> Tindra enjoys your company <</if>> <<link "Now to Dagon" "How you feel about Dagon in childhood">><</link>>

What do you think of Dagon? How do you feel about them? <<set $dagonaffection to 0>> [[I don't really care about them]] [[I want to be their friend!]] [[I really like them]]

Here's what Dagon thinks about you: <<set $dagontoyou to 3>> Dagon adores you! <<link "Back to the Story" "Back to the story">><</link>>

The next day was the first Monday of winter break. After meeting the neighbors yesterday, Dante spent the rest of the day sulking and being sad. But today he was back to his way-too-happy self. All morning your brother talked about how he wanted to invite the new kids to come with him and his friends to the park. He even said Cynthia could come, if she wanted too. That shocked you. “I’ll give the neighbors a call, then. See if they’re up to it,” Dad said as he picked up the breakfast plates. Dante cheered, punching the air. [[You were excited, too! You wanted to play with the new kids!]] [[You were excited because you got to hang out with your brother]] [[You weren’t excited. You wanted nothing to do with the new kids.]] [[You weren’t excited. You didn’t like Dante’s friends.]] [[You weren’t excited. You didn’t want to go to the park!]] [[You didn’t care either way.]]

You'd been bouncing in your seat during breakfast. Dante and his friends did this every time there was a major break from school; they’d meet in the park to play and talk. Sometimes the teenagers came by. Dante could always talk them into playing basketball with him during the summer and spring. “Alright $name, Dante, you two go get your stuff together for the park,” Dad said, letting you all run around before the park. When it was time Dante was running out of the door in seconds. You were ready, too, you just didn’t move as fast. Dante had his skateboard and a drawstring bag slung over his shoulder. You had to get your bike out of the garage. As you two set off down the road you wanted to ask Dante why he said Cynthia could come play with you guys. [[You asked him]] [[You didn’t ask him]]

You had pouted all morning. You'd been bouncing in your seat during breakfast. Dante and his friends did this every time there was a major break from school; they’d meet in the park to play and talk. Sometimes the teenagers came by. Dante could always talk them into playing basketball with him during the summer and spring. “Alright $name, Dante, you two go get your stuff together for the park,” Dad said, letting you all run around before the park. When it was time Dante was running out of the door in seconds. You were ready, too, you just didn’t move as fast. Dante had his skateboard and a drawstring bag slung over his shoulder. You had to get your bike out of the garage. As you two set off down the road you wanted to ask Dante why he said Cynthia could come play with you guys. [[You asked him]] [[You didn’t ask him]]

You didn’t care, really. Dante and his friends did this every time there was a major break from school; they’d meet in the park to play and talk. Sometimes the teenagers came by. Dante could always talk them into playing basketball with him during the summer and spring. “Alright $name, Dante, you two go get your stuff together for the park,” Dad said, letting you all run around before the park. When it was time Dante was running out of the door in seconds. You were ready, too, you just didn’t move as fast. Dante had his skateboard and a drawstring bag slung over his shoulder. You had to get your bike out of the garage. As you two set off down the road you wanted to ask Dante why he said Cynthia could come play with you guys. [[You asked him]] [[You didn’t ask him]]

“Dante, why did you say that mean girl could play with us?” you pouted. “‘Cause, $name, she needs some friends! And I’mma be her friend, whether she wants it or not!” your brother said, determined. You shook your head. It didn’t take you too long til you got to the park. A couple of Dante’s friends were there already, including Markus; they were in their usual spot in the middle of the jungle gym. Today was colder than yesterday, so he was wearing a puffy jacket that made him look like a beige marshmallow. “Hey!!” Dante yelled, jumping off his skateboard to run over. Markus reacted first, shouting a cheery ‘Hallo!’ back. Dante’s other friends whooped as he approached. You noticed Tindra hanging out on the jungle gym, watching warily. She didn’t ever like noise, which is what Dante and his friends were. You approached her with a wave. She waved back, but didn’t try to speak to you. You heard a slam, like a car door closing, then spun to look at the road. A new looking red car sat close to the sidewalk, the passenger window open. A small kid was walking away from the car, waving to whoever was inside. The curly hair was familiar. Dagon. One of the new kids. They’d come to play. “Dagon!! Here!!” Your brother yelled, hanging on the jungle gym. Dagon spun to look at him, confused at first. Then they smiled, and sprinted over. “Hi!!” Dagon panted as they stopped, waving with both hands. The others said ‘hello’ back, but some giggled. Dante sent those who laughed at them a glare. “We’re still waiting on some people, so just hang out ‘round here, ‘kay?” Dante said, gesturing to the group. Dagon nodded, then noticed you. They brightened some more then bounded over. Some of the kids laughed again. “If I hear one more person laugh at them, I will throw you!” Dante threatened, turning to deal with his friends. Dagon themself didn’t seem to notice that kids were laughing at them. “Hey, $name!!” They greeted you. “Tindra!” They said, waving at her from the ground. She just mumbled a ‘hallo’ back. Some time passed, and all of Dante’s friends were gathered. “Guess that fern kid isn’t gonna show up, huh?” One said. “His name is Laverne, not Fern, you grass-goblin,” Dante hissed. The kid looked at your brother, shocked and confused. “If he doesn’t show up, that’s okay! He can do whatever he wants!” your brother crossed his arms stubbornly. “I’m here,” the voice rung out. Everyone spun around to see Laverne, throwing a scooter to the ground. Dante smiled, “Hey! Glad you could make it, Laverne!” Your brother beamed and waved Laverne over to the group. “Okay, guys!” He started. You looked from Dagon, to Tindra, to Laverne. They glanced back at you. <<if $youtodagon eq 1 and $youtotindra eq 1 and $youtolaverne eq 1>> You guessed that this winter break was going to feel longer than the others. <<elseif $youtodagon eq 2 and $youtotindra eq 2 and $youtolaverne eq 2>>You were glad you had three new friends for this winter break.<<elseif $youtodagon eq 3 and $youtotindra eq 3 and $youtolaverne eq 3>>You felt your face heat up at the thought of spending winter break with all three of them.<<elseif $youtodagon eq 3 and $youtotindra lte 2 and $youtolaverne lte 2>>You felt heat rush to your face at the thought of spending winter break with Dagon.<<elseif $youtotindra eq 3 and $youtodagon lte 2 and $youtolaverne lte 2>>You felt heat rush to your face at the thought of spending your winter break with Tindra.<<elseif $youtolaverne eq 3 and $youtodagon lte 2 and $youtotindra lte 2>>You felt heat rush to your face at the thought of spending your winter break with Laverne.<<elseif $youtotindra eq 2 and $youtodagon eq 1 and $youtolaverne eq 1>>You're glad you have a friend for winter break, at least.<<elseif $youtodagon eq 2 and $youtotindra eq 1 and $youtolaverne eq 1>>You're glad you have a friend for winter break, at least.<<elseif $youtolaverne eq 2 and $youtodagon eq 1 and $youtotindra eq 1>>You're glad you have a friend for winter break, at least.<<else>>You were glad to have a couple of friends for winter break, at least.<</if>> Looking back, you remember some of the things you got up to with these new kids that first winter break, <<link "like…" "Current Demo End">><</link>>

You shrugged and shook your head. You could always ask later. It didn’t take you too long til you got to the park. A couple of Dante’s friends were there already, including Markus; they were in their usual spot in the middle of the jungle gym. Today was colder than yesterday, so he was wearing a puffy jacket that made him look like a beige marshmallow. “Hey!!” Dante yelled, jumping off his skateboard to run over. Markus reacted first, shouting a cheery ‘Hallo!’ back. Dante’s other friends whooped as he approached. You noticed Tindra hanging out on the jungle gym, watching warily. She didn’t ever like noise, which is what Dante and his friends were. You approached her with a wave. She waved back, but didn’t try to speak to you. You heard a slam, like a car door closing, then spun to look at the road. A new looking red car sat close to the sidewalk, the passenger window open. A small kid was walking away from the car, waving to whoever was inside. The curly hair was familiar. Dagon. One of the new kids. They’d come to play. “Dagon!! Here!!” Your brother yelled, hanging on the jungle gym. Dagon spun to look at him, confused at first. Then they smiled, and sprinted over. “Hi!!” Dagon panted as they stopped, waving with both hands. The others said ‘hello’ back, but some giggled. Dante sent those who laughed at them a glare. “We’re still waiting on some people, so just hang out ‘round here, ‘kay?” Dante said, gesturing to the group. Dagon nodded, then noticed you. They brightened some more then bounded over. Some of the kids laughed again. “If I hear one more person laugh at them, I will throw you!” Dante threatened, turning to deal with his friends. Dagon themself didn’t seem to notice that kids were laughing at them. “Hey, $name!!” They greeted you. “Tindra!” They said, waving at her from the ground. She just mumbled a ‘hallo’ back. Some time passed, and all of Dante’s friends were gathered. “Guess that fern kid isn’t gonna show up, huh?” One said. “His name is Laverne, not Fern, you grass-goblin,” Dante hissed. The kid looked at your brother, shocked and confused. “If he doesn’t show up, that’s okay! He can do whatever he wants!” your brother crossed his arms stubbornly. “I’m here,” the voice rung out. Everyone spun around to see Laverne, throwing a scooter to the ground. Dante smiled, “Hey! Glad you could make it, Laverne!” Your brother beamed and waved Laverne over to the group. “Okay, guys!” He started. You looked from Dagon, to Tindra, to Laverne. They glanced back at you. <<if $youtodagon eq 1 and $youtotindra eq 1 and $youtolaverne eq 1>> You guessed that this winter break was going to feel longer than the others. <<elseif $youtodagon eq 2 and $youtotindra eq 2 and $youtolaverne eq 2>>You were glad you had three new friends for this winter break.<<elseif $youtodagon eq 3 and $youtotindra eq 3 and $youtolaverne eq 3>>You felt your face heat up at the thought of spending winter break with all three of them.<<elseif $youtodagon eq 3 and $youtotindra lte 2 and $youtolaverne lte 2>>You felt heat rush to your face at the thought of spending winter break with Dagon.<<elseif $youtotindra eq 3 and $youtodagon lte 2 and $youtolaverne lte 2>>You felt heat rush to your face at the thought of spending your winter break with Tindra.<<elseif $youtolaverne eq 3 and $youtodagon lte 2 and $youtotindra lte 2>>You felt heat rush to your face at the thought of spending your winter break with Laverne.<<elseif $youtotindra eq 2 and $youtodagon eq 1 and $youtolaverne eq 1>>You're glad you have a friend for winter break, at least.<<elseif $youtodagon eq 2 and $youtotindra eq 1 and $youtolaverne eq 1>>You're glad you have a friend for winter break, at least.<<elseif $youtolaverne eq 2 and $youtodagon eq 1 and $youtotindra eq 1>>You're glad you have a friend for winter break, at least.<<else>>You were glad to have a couple of friends for winter break, at least.<</if>> Looking back, you remember some of the things you got up to with these new kids that first winter break, <<link "like…" "Current Demo End">><</link>>

That's the end of the current demo! Thank you so much for playing! <<link "Click here if you want to replay!" "Character creation">><</link>>

Like... <<if visited ("…How you spent most of a day walking around town with Dagon")>><s>…How you spent most of a day walking around town with Dagon</s><<else>>[[…How you spent most of a day walking around town with Dagon]]<</if>> <<if visited ("…When you and your family got snowed in for a day")>><s>…When you and your family got snowed in for a day</s><<else>>[[…When you and your family got snowed in for a day]]<</if>> <<if visited ("…The first time you and your family went to the new amusement park")>><s>…The first time you and your family went to the new amusement park</s><<else>>[[…The first time you and your family went to the new amusement park]]<</if>> <<if visited ("…Your Dad taking you and your siblings to a video game store for the first time")>><s>…Your Dad taking you and your siblings to a video game store for the first time</s><<else>>[[…Your Dad taking you and your siblings to a video game store for the first time]]<</if>> <<if visited ("…When Dagon’s Zeze and your Dad took you both furniture shopping")>><s>…When Dagon’s Zeze and your Dad took you both furniture shopping</s><<else>>[[…When Dagon’s Zeze and your Dad took you both furniture shopping]]<</if>> <<if visited ("…When you had a sleepover with Dagon")>><s>…When you had a sleepover with Dagon</s><<else>>[[…When you had a sleepover with Dagon]]<</if>> <<if visited ("…When Tindra asked if you wanted to go with her to the bookstore")>><s>…When Tindra asked if you wanted to go with her to the bookstore</s><<else>>[[…When Tindra asked if you wanted to go with her to the bookstore]]<</if>> <<if visited ("…Helping Tindra make gingerbread houses")>><s>…Helping Tindra make gingerbread houses</s><<else>>[[…Helping Tindra make gingerbread houses]]<</if>> <<if visited ("…When you had a sleepover with Tindra")>><s>…When you had a sleepover with Tindra</s><<else>>[[…When you had a sleepover with Tindra]]<</if>> <<if visited ("…The day you watched Laverne play hockey with his mama")>><s>…The day you watched Laverne play hockey with his mama</s><<else>>[[…The day you watched Laverne play hockey with his mama]]<</if>> <<if visited ("…That cold night Laverne and his family had a bonfire")>><s>…That cold night Laverne and his family had a bonfire</s><<else>>[[…That cold night Laverne and his family had a bonfire]]<</if>> <<if visited ("…When you had a sleepover with Laverne")>><s>…When you had a sleepover with Laverne</s><<else>>[[…When you had a sleepover with Laverne]]<</if>> <<if visited ("…The night you and all three of your neighbors had a sleepover")>><s>…The night you and all three of your neighbors had a sleepover</s><<else>>[[…The night you and all three of your neighbors had a sleepover]]<</if>> <<if visited ("…The parade!")>><s>…The parade!</s><<else>>[[…The parade!]]<</if>> [[…The snow day at the park. (This ends winter break)]]

It was one of the less cold days. The day before, Dagon had called the house phone asking for you. “Hey! I wanted to ask if you wanted to go walk around tomorrow? I-I would go by myself, but I don’t really know the town that well,” Dagon said, trailing off at the end there. [[“Sure, I’ll go with you!”]] [[“Uh, I guess.”]] [[“No, I don’t want to go.”]]

You were sat on a chair next to your sister, at your living room window, peering out at the mountain of snow blocking your front door. Your brother was currently trying to fight his way out the back door, which didn't seem to be going anywhere fast. "Good thing we didn't have anything important today, hmm?" Dad muttered from his coffee cup. Monica gently smacked the window, "I want to go outside!" Dad let out a chuckle, "I know, fireball. The door's all blocked up with snow; we can't." Your sister wriggled her way out of her chair and rushed over to Dad, trying to rouse him to action. Dad wasn't budging, though. He preferred staying inside when he could get away with it. Your sister was the same way, but didn't like not having the option to go outside. Your brother didn't really care; he wanted to be where the most people were, which was outside most of the time. [[You were okay with staying inside]] [[You wanted to be outside!]]

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"Of course I'll go with you!" you bounced excitably<<if $youtodagon eq 1>>, any reason to get out of the house.<</if>>. "Great! Uh, I’ll come get you tomorrow, okay? Wear good shoes, we’re gonna do a lot of walking!” They hung up immediately after that. That left you the rest of the day to get ready. The next day, a series of fast knocks rang through the air. “$name! Dagon’s here!” Dad had answered it. You hopped down the stairs, dressed in your comfiest walking clothes. When you got to the bottom you could see Dagon, standing in the middle of the living room. They were looking around, taking in everything they could. They had a big gray bag on their hip. “Hey,” you said, scaring Dagon out of their daze. “Oh, hi!!” They replied before they even turned around, waving both hands at you. “Ready to go?” They asked, tugging at their bag. [[“Yep,” you nodded.]] [[“No,” you said jokingly.]] [[“Not yet,” you said earnestly.]]

“I guess I’ll go with you,” you shrugged. “Oh! Okay! Uh, I’ll come get you tomorrow, okay? Wear good shoes, we’re gonna do a lot of walking!” They hung up immediately after that. That left you the rest of the day to get ready. The next day, a series of fast knocks rang through the air. “$name! Dagon’s here!” Dad had answered it. You hopped down the stairs, dressed in your comfiest walking clothes. When you got to the bottom you could see Dagon, standing in the middle of the living room. They were looking around, taking in everything they could. They had a big gray bag on their hip. “Hey,” you said, scaring Dagon out of their daze. “Oh, hi!!” They replied before they even turned around, waving both hands at you. “Ready to go?” They asked, tugging at their bag. [[“Yep,” you nodded.]] [[“No,” you said jokingly.]] [[“Not yet,” you said earnestly.]]

"No, I don't want to go anywhere with you," you said bluntly. Dagon was very silent on the other end. "O-oh...uhm, okay. Sorry for bothering you," they said sadly, a slight waver in their voice. When you hung up you noticed Dad giving you a look. "$name, you don't have to hang out with anyone, but when telling them that you should be a bit nicer," he said gently. [["But they're annoying!" you stomped on the ground.]] [[You pouted about it, but didn't say anything.]] [["Okay," you looked down at the ground.]]

“Okay, let’s go!” Dagon jumped a bit and ran towards the front door. “I’ll be back in a little while, Dad!” You called as you followed them. “Okay, stay safe you two!” Dad called back as you closed the front door. “So, uh… let’s go that way,” Dagon had waited for you at the end of your driveway, then pointed to the road that led out of your neighborhood. “Okay,” you agreed, but waited for them to go first. A took them a moment to hype themself up enough to start walking that way. They kept looking over their shoulder at you to make sure you were still there. As you walked down the road you asked, “So, what’re we looking for?” “Anything interesting!” “...Anything interesting?” “Yeah!” You frowned, thinking that that was very vague. Maybe Dagon wasn’t even sure what they were looking for. Then Dagon stopped and crouched down. When they got back up, they held a necklace chain that had broke. They inspected it, then stashed it in their bag. “That was ‘something interesting’?” You asked. “To me, it was!” Dagon nodded, scanning the ground as they began walking again. You just shook your head. On your way into town Dagon had picked up quite a few things; several bottle caps, a screwdriver, three plastic bottles, two sticks, a pretty rock, a fast food drink bottle, and two glass bottles. “Are… you gonna keep all of that?” You asked. “No, but the stuff I don’t keep will be recycled, instead of just laying on the ground,” Dagon replied simply. As they spoke they dug around in their pockets, until they finally pulled out two packages of fruit gummies. “Want one?” They offered one of the packages to you. [[You took the gummies]] [[You didn’t take the gummies]]

You smiled and shook your head, "No." Dagon raised a eyebrow before realizing you were joking. They chuckled and started for the door, "If you are ready then let's go!" “I’ll be back in a little while, Dad!” You called as you followed them. “Okay, stay safe you two!” Dad called back as you closed the front door. “So, uh… let’s go that way,” Dagon had waited for you at the end of your driveway, then pointed to the road that led out of your neighborhood. “Okay,” you agreed, but waited for them to go first. A took them a moment to hype themself up enough to start walking that way. They kept looking over their shoulder at you to make sure you were still there. As you walked down the road you asked, “So, what’re we looking for?” “Anything interesting!” “...Anything interesting?” “Yeah!” You frowned, thinking that that was very vague. Maybe Dagon wasn’t even sure what they were looking for. Then Dagon stopped and crouched down. When they got back up, they held a necklace chain that had broke. They inspected it, then stashed it in their bag. “That was ‘something interesting’?” You asked. “To me, it was!” Dagon nodded, scanning the ground as they began walking again. You just shook your head. On your way into town Dagon had picked up quite a few things; several bottle caps, a screwdriver, three plastic bottles, two sticks, a pretty rock, a fast food drink bottle, and two glass bottles. “Are… you gonna keep all of that?” You asked. “No, but the stuff I don’t keep will be recycled, instead of just laying on the ground,” Dagon replied simply. As they spoke they dug around in their pockets, until they finally pulled out two packages of fruit gummies. “Want one?” They offered one of the packages to you. [[You took the gummies]] [[You didn’t take the gummies]]

"I'm not ready yet," You said, shaking your head. Dagon nodded, "That's okay! I'll wait here!" You went back upstairs to look over your outfit again. <<if $youtodagon is 3>> You really hoped they liked it.<</if>> Once you were satisfied you went back down stairs. "Okay, I'm ready now!" You called. "Awesome! Let's go!" Dagon bounced excitably and rushed to the front door. “I’ll be back in a little while, Dad!” You called as you followed them. “Okay, stay safe you two!” Dad called back as you closed the front door. “So, uh… let’s go that way,” Dagon had waited for you at the end of your driveway, then pointed to the road that led out of your neighborhood. “Okay,” you agreed, but waited for them to go first. A took them a moment to hype themself up enough to start walking that way. They kept looking over their shoulder at you to make sure you were still there. As you walked down the road you asked, “So, what’re we looking for?” “Anything interesting!” “...Anything interesting?” “Yeah!” You frowned, thinking that that was very vague. Maybe Dagon wasn’t even sure what they were looking for. Then Dagon stopped and crouched down. When they got back up, they held a necklace chain that had broke. They inspected it, then stashed it in their bag. “That was ‘something interesting’?” You asked. “To me, it was!” Dagon nodded, scanning the ground as they began walking again. You just shook your head. On your way into town Dagon had picked up quite a few things; several bottle caps, a screwdriver, three plastic bottles, two sticks, a pretty rock, a fast food drink bottle, and two glass bottles. “Are… you gonna keep all of that?” You asked. “No, but the stuff I don’t keep will be recycled, instead of just laying on the ground,” Dagon replied simply. As they spoke they dug around in their pockets, until they finally pulled out two packages of fruit gummies. “Want one?” They offered one of the packages to you. [[You took the gummies]] [[You didn’t take the gummies]]

You weren’t going to turn down free food. You took the little plastic package from Dagon and ripped it open. “If there’s any you don’t want I’ll take them!” They chimed. [[There were some you didn’t want]] [[There weren’t some you didn’t want]]

You shook your head; you didn't want the gummies. Dagon nodded and stuffed the gummies back into their pocket, then started walking again. Now you were in the main part of town; all of the shops were there, school was there, too. Dagon still picked random things from the ground; this time they collected more bottle caps, some coins, a key chain, and more plastic bottles. Dagon stopped as you passed a shop. “What’s this place for?” They asked, walking up to the window. Inside there were racks of fabric and other sewing supplies. “That’s the yarn place; you can get yarn and fabric from here,” You said simply. Dagon looked to you, eyes bright, “Can we go in?” [[Sure! You wanted to go in too]] [[Sure; it’d make them happy]] [[No, you don’t want to go in there]]

You picked out the ones you didn’t want then held them out to Dagon. They took them with a smile. “When you’re done, give me the plastic. I’ll put it in my bag,” Dagon stated, starting to walk again. Now you were in the main part of town; all of the shops were there, school was there, too. Dagon still picked random things from the ground; this time they collected more bottle caps, some coins, a key chain, and more plastic bottles. Dagon stopped as you passed a shop. “What’s this place for?” They asked, walking up to the window. Inside there were racks of fabric and other sewing supplies. “That’s the yarn place; you can get yarn and fabric from here,” You said simply. Dagon looked to you, eyes bright, “Can we go in?” [[Sure! You wanted to go in too]] [[Sure; it’d make them happy]] [[No, you don’t want to go in there]]

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“Sure, let’s go in,” You nodded. Dagon jumped happily before rushing for the door. You followed. The store was bright and warm compared to outside. Everything was bright, pastel colors and fluffy things. Dagon had a big grin on their face and seemingly couldn’t decide where to go first. "Hello!" A lady behind the counter said happily. Dagon spun to face her with a "Hi!!" of their own. "Can I help you kids with something?" She asked. "Uh, not really, we're just looking around!" Dagon smiled at the lady cheerily. "Well, if you want to take a look at the yarn, it's two aisles down that way," she pointed at the row of aisles in front of the counter, "and the opposite aisle is trinkets, buttons, and pins! They're really cute, I think you'd like them." Dagon nodded then looked at you, "You wanna go look at the pins and stuff?" [[You nodded]] [[You shrugged]] [[You shook your head]]

You crossed your arms and shook your head, "I don't want to go in that store." Dagon deflated visibly. They turned their chocolate brown eyes to you. "Please, $name! I promise we won't be in there too long!" They clapped their hands together. You huffed, but nodded. "Fine," you said. Dagon jumped up, "Yay!! Thank you, $name! Thank you! Let's go!" They rushed into the store. You followed begrudgingly. The store was bright and warm compared to outside. Everything was bright, pastel colors and fluffy things. Dagon had a big grin on their face and seemingly couldn’t decide where to go first. "Hello!" A lady behind the counter said happily. Dagon spun to face her with a "Hi!!" of their own. "Can I help you kids with something?" She asked. "Uh, not really, we're just looking around!" Dagon smiled at the lady cheerily. "Well, if you want to take a look at the yarn, it's two aisles down that way," she pointed at the row of aisles in front of the counter, "and the opposite aisle is trinkets, buttons, and pins! They're really cute, I think you'd like them." Dagon nodded then looked at you, "You wanna go look at the pins and stuff?" [[You nodded]] [[You shrugged]] [[You shook your head]]

When you nodded, Dagon lit up like a christmas tree. "Okay, let's go!" Dagon hopped a bit before racing off to the pin aisle. You followed. When you got to the aisle, Dagon was stood in front of a shelf, peering at the one above it. "Do you see anything up there? I can't see it, I'm too short," They said when they noticed you, pointing where they were looking. You walked over, but didn't have any luck. "Oh..." Dagon pouted. They then turned around, "It's okay. There's other things we can look at, right?" They didn't wait for an answer as they started surveying the aisle. You took in the aisle; on one side there were charms that you're pretty sure people made earrings out of. The other side had enamel and button pins, buttons, and some plushies. [[You approched the pins]] [[You approched the plushies]]

You shrugged; you didn't really care. "Okay, let's go!" Dagon hopped a bit before racing off to the pin aisle. You followed. When you got to the aisle, Dagon was stood in front of a shelf, peering at the one above it. "Do you see anything up there? I can't see it, I'm too short," They said when they noticed you, pointing where they were looking. You walked over, but didn't have any luck. "Oh..." Dagon pouted. They then turned around, "It's okay. There's other things we can look at, right?" They didn't wait for an answer as they started surveying the aisle. You took in the aisle; on one side there were charms that you're pretty sure people made earrings out of. The other side had enamel and button pins, buttons, and some plushies. [[You approched the pins]] [[You approched the plushies]]

"You can go buy yourself," You said, shaking your head. Dagon looked to you, a little pout already on their lips. "Really? A-are you sure?" They asked, fiddling with their hands. Seemed like you couldn't get out of coming with them. "Fine, lead the way," You sighed. They perked up then nodded. "Okay! C'mon!" They rushed to the pin aisle. You followed. When you got to the aisle, Dagon was stood in front of a shelf, peering at the one above it. "Do you see anything up there? I can't see it, I'm too short," They said when they noticed you, pointing where they were looking. You walked over, but didn't have any luck. "Oh..." Dagon pouted. They then turned around, "It's okay. There's other things we can look at, right?" They didn't wait for an answer as they started surveying the aisle. You took in the aisle; on one side there were charms that you're pretty sure people made earrings out of. The other side had enamel and button pins, buttons, and some plushies. [[You approched the pins]] [[You approched the plushies]]

"Did they ask you multiple times?" Dad asked. "No," you said. "And have they done anything to hurt you?" Dad asked again. "No..." you rubbed your arm. "Then you shouldn't have been so mean," Dad said, with a air of finality. You huffed and stomped to your room. [[Later that day, Dad told you to come with him to see Auntie Tera at her store.]]

Dad patted you on the head as he went past you. You ended up wandering back up to your room. [[Later that day, Dad told you to come with him to see Auntie Tera at her store.]]

Dad had gathered you, Monica, and Dante and rallied you all to the car. From there, it was only a few minutes drive to your aunt's store. Your aunt ran New Pine's general store. It was one of the only pet friendly stores in town, since she owned a cat you had lovingly named Tabitha. Dad's car rumbled to a stop in one of the parking spots in front of the store. "Alright, gang," Dad said. Your brother scrambled to unbuckle his seat belt. You unbuckled your seat belt and threw open the car door. You dove around Dad as he walked around to Monica's side to help her out. "Careful you two!" He called. The store had a big awning over the doors and a raised concrete platform. The whole thing was pretty generic and old timey. Even the name, //Olde General Store//, was generic. Auntie wanted to change that, but needed more money to remodel anything. Your brother was already on the concrete in front of the double doors. As you ran onto the raised platform, Dante pulled the door open for you. [[You barreled through the door.]]

You walked up to the pins; there were both button and enamel pins. A lot were animals or symbols. Others were of games or shows; you recognised some of them. <<link 'You picked up a enamel pin' 'Enamel Pin list'>><</link>>

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[[You picked up a flower pin and turned it over in your hand]] [[You picked up the yellow fruit pin from a game you played]] [[You picked up the bee pin made almost entirely of something you think is gold]] [[You picked up a pin of a man holding a gun; You had seen Dad play this game, but you weren't allowed to play it]] [[You picked up the little scarecrow pin; you had seen the movie it was from]] [[You picked up a strawberry pin you thought was cute]] [[You picked up a pin that looked like a ship in a bottle]] [[You picked up the pin of a moth and watched as it's silver dots shined in the light]] [[On second thought, you didn't pick anything up]]

[[You picked up the white and pink fox with multiple tails]] [[You picked up the black and red fox with multiple tails]] [[You picked up the orange teddy bear with a leaf on its head]] [[You picked up the yellow creature you recognised from a video game]] [[You picked up the black cat from a movie you watched]] [[You picked up the two headed teddy bear]] [[You picked up the reversible octopus]] [[You picked up the strawberry scented bunny]] [[On second thought, you didn't pick anything out]]

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You traced the pin with your index finger. "Oh, that's cool!" You jumped, almost throwing the pin into the air. You whipped around to see Dagon, who had been peering over your shoulder. "I-I'm so sorry that I scared you!" They stammered, putting their hands up. "It's okay, just don't do it again," You said, relaxing a bit. "Okay!" Dagon nodded eagerly, then sheepishly held their hand out. "Can I see the pin you were looking at?" They asked. You nodded, handing it over to them. They examined it with wide-eyed wonder. "It's really cool! I think you should get it!" They said, handing the little treasure back to you. <<if $youtodagon eq 3>>Your fingers brushed against theirs, which sent a wave of heat to your cheeks.<</if>>A light blush dusted Dagon's freckled cheeks. "I don't have any money for it," You remarked. "That's okay! I've got some!" Dagon began to dig in their pockets. Eventually they dug out a twenty dollar bill and a bunch of change. They held it out for you to see, "See!" With that, they continued on their way. [[You kept the pin]] [[You put it back]]

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You were like Dad; you were okay with staying inside. "Dante, hun, I don't think many people are out and about today; we aren't the only ones snowed in," Dad called to your brother. "It's not fair!! Mark and his siblings are walkin' around! Half of my friends are out, having snowball fights and I'm stuck in here!" He screamed back, stomping into the living room.

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"Hello, little star!" Was the first thing that you heard. You whipped your head around to see your aunt, Tera, stood off to the side in front of a candy display, like she had just finished putting it up. She had a big smile which showed off the little dimples in her cheeks. Her brightly colored hair hung around her head like a coiled cloud and swished with most of her movements. Tera gently bent down with her arms held open. [[You ran to hug her!]] [[You declined the hug]]

You ran to give your aunt a hug! "Oh, my little star sign! It's so good to see you!" She coos, hugging you gently. "Auntie!" You hear Dante scream as he runs towards you and your aunt. He crashed into your side, sending you and Auntie to the ground. "Oof! Goodness, Dante! Careful," Auntie laughed as she caught herself, and you, before she actually hit the ground. She stands up while patting your shoulders. Your brother bounced in place excitably before hugging her again, less forcefully this time. "Hey, Tera," You heard Dad's voice from behind you; he must've just got in. "Foxy! Just the man I was looking for!" Auntie called. She gestured for him to come closer to her, then turned to you and your siblings. "Listen, my galaxies, me and your Dad have to have a real important talk; you guys can set up shop where ever you want while we do that, but you can't stay here," she said with a sad smile. You and Dante pouted. "Okay," your brother murmured, then he turned to Monica, who had just waddled up to him. "C'mon, we gotta go somewhere," he said, taking her hand to lead her further into the store. [[You followed]]

I'm sorry, but that's all that's written for this route. Come back a bit later, then I'll have something else for you! Thanks for playing this far! <<link "Click here to go back to the memories!" "Like...">><</link>>

<<set $pin to true>>You smiled and held onto the pin, following behind Dagon. You two spent who knows how long, exploring the store. When you two were finally back at the front, Dagon looked to you. "You still have the pin, right?" <<if $pin eq true>>You nodded, "Yep." <<else>>You shook your head, "No!"<</if>>

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