cut the lights final

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<span class="title">cut the lights</span> <span class="author">by <a href="https://hartsy.itch.io/" target="_blank">hartsy</a></span>

<<nobr>> <<if $profileSet>><li>[[BIOGRAPHY.]]</li><</if>> <<if $charList>><li>[[OTHERS.]]</li><</if>> <<if $codexMenu>><li>[[MEDIA.]]</li><</if>> <<if $credits>><li>[[CREDITS.]]</li><</if>> <</nobr>>

/* define your story variables here */  <<set $mcGenders = ["nonbinary", "female", "male", "pangender", "fluid", "agender", "neutrois"]>> <<set $mc_they = ["they", "she", "he", "xe", "ey"]>> <<set $mc_They = ["They", "She", "He", "Xe", "Ey"]>> <<set $mc_them = ["them", "her", "him", "xem", "em"]>> <<set $mc_Them = ["Them", "Her", "Him", "Xem", "Em"]>> <<set $mc_their = ["their", "her", "his", "xyr", "eir"]>> <<set $mc_Their = ["Their", "Her", "His", "Xyr", "Eir"]>> <<set $mc_theirs = ["theirs", "hers", "his", "xyrs", "eirs"]>> <<set $mc_Theirs = ["Theirs", "Hers", "His", "Xyrs", "Eirs"]>> <<set $mc_themself = ["themself", "herself", "himself", "xemself", "emself"]>> <<set $mc_Themself = ["Themself", "Herself", "Himself", "Xemself", "Emself"]>> <<set $mc_theyre = ["they're", "she's", "he's", "xe's", "ey's"]>> <<set $mc_Theyre = ["They're", "She's", "He's", "Xe's", "Ey's"]>> <<set $mc_theyve = ["they've", "she's", "he's", "xe's", "ey's"]>> <<set $mc_Theyve = ["They've", "She's", "He's", "Xe's", "Ey's"]>> <<set $mcPerson = ["person", "woman", "man"]>> <<set $mcPeople = ["people", "women", "men"]>> <<set $mcKid = ["kid", "girl", "boy"]>> <<set $mcKids = ["kids", "girls", "boys"]>> /* BOOKS READ */ <<set $readonce to false>> <<set $readbunch to false>> <<set $neverfinished to false>> /* CHILD PERSONA */ <<set $chsweetheart to false>> <<set $chsarcastic to false>> <<set $chshy to false>> <<set $chsmart to false>>

/* custom widgets go in here */  /* MC VERBS */ <<widget "are">><<switch $mc_vbP>><<case true>>are<<case false>>is<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "were">><<switch $mc_vbP>><<case true>>were<<case false>>was<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "s">><<switch $mc_vbP>><<case true>><<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "do">><<switch $mc_vbP>><<case true>>do<<case false>>does<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "have">><<switch $mc_vbP>><<case true>>have<<case false>>has<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "re">><<switch $mc_vbP>><<case true>>'re<<case false>>'s<</switch>><</widget>> /* MC PRONOUNS */ <<widget "mcTheyThem">><<set $they = $mc_they[0]>><<set $them = $mc_them[0]>><<set $their = $mc_their[0]>><<set $theirs = $mc_theirs[0]>><<set $themself = $mc_themself[0]>><<set $They = $mc_They[0]>><<set $Them = $mc_Them[0]>><<set $Their = $mc_Their[0]>><<set $Theirs = $mc_Theirs[0]>><<set $Themself = $mc_Themself[0]>><<set $theyre = $mc_theyre[0]>><<set $Theyre = $mc_Theyre[0]>><<set $theyve = $mc_theyve[0]>><<set $Theyve = $mc_Theyve[0]>><<set $mc_vbP = true>><</widget>> <<widget "mcSheHer">><<set $they = $mc_they[1]>><<set $them = $mc_them[1]>><<set $their = $mc_their[1]>><<set $theirs = $mc_theirs[1]>><<set $themself = $mc_themself[1]>><<set $They = $mc_They[1]>><<set $Them = $mc_Them[1]>><<set $Their = $mc_Their[1]>><<set $Theirs = $mc_Theirs[1]>><<set $Themself = $mc_Themself[1]>><<set $theyre = $mc_theyre[1]>><<set $Theyre = $mc_Theyre[1]>><<set $theyve = $mc_theyve[1]>><<set $Theyve = $mc_Theyve[1]>><<set $mc_vbP = false>><</widget>> <<widget "mcHeHim">><<set $they = $mc_they[2]>><<set $them = $mc_them[2]>><<set $their = $mc_their[2]>><<set $theirs = $mc_theirs[2]>><<set $themself = $mc_themself[2]>><<set $They = $mc_They[2]>><<set $Them = $mc_Them[2]>><<set $Their = $mc_Their[2]>><<set $Theirs = $mc_Theirs[2]>><<set $Themself = $mc_Themself[2]>><<set $theyre = $mc_theyre[2]>><<set $Theyre = $mc_Theyre[2]>><<set $theyve = $mc_theyve[2]>><<set $Theyve = $mc_Theyve[2]>><<set $mc_vbP = false>><</widget>> <<widget "mcXeXem">><<set $they = $mc_they[3]>><<set $them = $mc_them[3]>><<set $their = $mc_their[3]>><<set $theirs = $mc_theirs[3]>><<set $themself = $mc_themself[3]>><<set $They = $mc_They[3]>><<set $Them = $mc_Them[3]>><<set $Their = $mc_Their[3]>><<set $Theirs = $mc_Theirs[3]>><<set $Themself = $mc_Themself[3]>><<set $theyre = $mc_theyre[3]>><<set $Theyre = $mc_Theyre[3]>><<set $theyve = $mc_theyve[3]>><<set $Theyve = $mc_Theyve[3]>><<set $mc_vbP = false>><</widget>> <<widget "mcEyEm">><<set $they = $mc_they[4]>><<set $them = $mc_them[4]>><<set $their = $mc_their[4]>><<set $theirs = $mc_theirs[4]>><<set $themself = $mc_themself[4]>><<set $They = $mc_They[4]>><<set $Them = $mc_Them[4]>><<set $Their = $mc_Their[4]>><<set $Theirs = $mc_Theirs[4]>><<set $Themself = $mc_Themself[4]>><<set $theyre = $mc_theyre[4]>><<set $Theyre = $mc_Theyre[4]>><<set $theyve = $mc_theyve[4]>><<set $Theyve = $mc_Theyve[4]>><<set $mc_vbP = false>><</widget>> /* MC GENDERED NOUNS */ <<widget "mcPerson">><<set $person = $mcPerson[0]>><<set $people = $mcPeople[0]>><<set $kid = $mcKid[0]>><<set $kids = $mcKids[0]>><</widget>> <<widget "mcWoman">><<set $person = $mcPerson[1]>><<set $people = $mcPeople[1]>><<set $kid = $mcKid[1]>><<set $kids = $mcKids[1]>><</widget>> <<widget "mcMan">><<set $person = $mcPerson[2]>><<set $people = $mcPeople[2]>><<set $kid = $mcKid[2]>><<set $kids = $mcKids[2]>><</widget>> /* MC GENDERS */ <<widget "mcNonbinary">><<set $gender = "nonbinary">><<set $gen = "nb">><<set $genderName = "nonbinary">><</widget>> <<widget "mcFemale">><<set $gender = "female">><<set $gen = "f">><<set $genderName = "female">><</widget>> <<widget "mcMale">><<set $gender = "male">><<set $gen = "m">><<set $genderName = "male">><</widget>> <<widget "mcCustGen">><<set $gender = "custom">><<set $gen = "nb">><</widget>>

<center><h2>Your Profile</h2>\ <hr>\ ''Name:'' $name $surname ''Pronouns:'' $They/$Them ''Social Media:'' @$socialmediamc <center><h2>Stats</h2>\ <hr>\ <center><h3>PERSONALITY.</h3></center>\ <<set $shy to 50>><<set $bold to 50>>\ <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Shy $shy%</div> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-right">Bold $bold%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="statone-stat"></div> </div></div>\ \ <<set $stoic to 50>><<set $friendly to 50>>\ <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Stoic $stoic%</div> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-right">Friendly $friendly%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="statone-stat"></div> </div></div>\ \ <<set $sarcastic to 50>><<set $genuine to 50>>\ <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Sarcastic $sarcastic%</div> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-right">Genuine $genuine%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="statone-stat"></div> </div></div>\ \ <<set $logical to 50>><<set $emotional to 50>>\ <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Logical $logical%</div> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-right">Emotional $emotional%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="statone-stat"></div> </div></div>\ \ <<button "Return" $return>><</button>> /* or <<link "Return" $return>><</link>> */

Nobody yet. <<button "Return" $return>><</button>>

[[Sugarcube 2 Documentation|https://www.motoslave.net/sugarcube/2/docs]] [[OpenDyslexic Font by Abbie Gonzalez|https://opendyslexic.org]] [[Notify Macro by Chapel|https://github.com/ChapelR/custom-macros-for-sugarcube-2]] [[Live Update Macro by Cycy|https://github.com/cyrusfirheir/cycy-wrote-custom-macros]]

<<set $statone to 50>><<set $stattwo to 50>>\ !Stats <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Stat One $statone%</div> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-right">Stat Two $stattwo%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="statone-stat"></div> </div></div>\ Make sure to tag the stats page (& any similar pages) with 'noreturn' and include a return link like the one below to avoid an infinite loop! <<button "Return" $return>><</button>> /* or <<link "Return" $return>><</link>> */

Another page to do whatever you want with! I really just wanted another page to fill out the footer menu<3 ---- !Heading 1 !!Heading 2 !!!Heading 3 <<cycle "$cycling" autoselect>> <<option "Cycling link 1">> <<option "Cycling link 2">> <<option "Cycling link 3">> <</cycle>> <<textbox "$textbox" "Type here...">><<button "Submit">><</button>> * List item 1 * List item 2 * List item 3 <<button "Return" $return>><</button>> <span class="title">Cherry Soda</span> <span class="author">by <a href="https://greenappleteeth.itch.io" target="_blank">greenappleteeth</a></span>

!CONTENT WARNINGS This is the update list of content warnings for //Cut the Lights//. The following applies only to the content in the current version demo, and additions may be made in the future. Blood Body Horror Death Mentions of drinking Mentions of vomit Unreality <span class="next"><<button "Start" "1">><</button>></span>

<<nobr>> <<set $name = "", $surname = "">> <</nobr>>\ Hi, before we start, I'd just like to let know that I'll be recording this entire conversation. Okay, now that's out of the way! First of all, could you state your first and last name?<<set $namequinn to false>> <<set $namehunt to false>> <center>\ Name: <<textbox "$name" "">> Surname: <<textbox "$surname" "">>\ </center>\ <<button "Confirm" "2">><<if $name is "">><<set $name = "Ulysses">><</if>><<if $surname is "">><<set $surname = "Odysseus">><</if>><<if $name is "Quinn">><<set $namequinn to true>><</if>><<if $surname is "Hunt">><<set $namehunt to true>><</if>><</button>>

Okay, $name, huh?<<if $namequinn>> Just like the character. Maybe fate //is// real.<<endif>> Got it. What pronouns would you like me to address you with? > <label><<radiobutton "_choice" 0>> They/Them</label> > <label><<radiobutton "_choice" 1>> She/Her</label> > <label><<radiobutton "_choice" 2>> He/Him</label> > <label><<radiobutton "_choice" 3>> Xe/Xem</label> > <label><<radiobutton "_choice" 4>> Ey/Em</label> > <label><<radiobutton "_choice" 5>> Custom Pronouns</label> <center><<button "Confirm">><<nobr>> <<if _choice is 0>><<mcTheyThem>><<goto "3">> <<elseif _choice is 1>><<mcSheHer>><<goto "3">> <<elseif _choice is 2>><<mcHeHim>><<goto "3">> <<elseif _choice is 3>><<mcXeXem>><<goto "3">> <<elseif _choice is 4>><<mcEyEm>><<goto "3">> <<elseif _choice is 5>> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Custom Pronouns"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Custom Pronouns").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <<else>><<mcTheyThem>><<goto "3">> <</if>> <</nobr>><</button>></center>

<<nobr>> <<set $socialmediamc = "">> <</nobr>>\ And before I get into the questions, what's your current social media handle? <center>\ Social Media Username: <<textbox "$socialmediamc" "">>\ </center>\ <<button "Continue""3.5">><<if $socialmediamc is "">><<set $socialmediamc = "nobodynobody">><</if>><</button>>

<<set $profileSet = true>>\ <div style='font-size: 150%;'>\ DiscussingFilm @DiscussingFilm </div>$name $surname has been cast as the lead in ‘Contact’ Season 3 titled CONTACT: ORIGINS’. (Source: www.thewrap.com/lead-actor-contact-season-3/) <div style='font-size: 150%;'>\ Contact @ContactSeries </div>Ever wondered how it all began? 👻 Meet Quinn. Get ready for more #ContactTheSeries coming to streaming this summer. ↳ Glad to have you joining us, @$socialmediamc! <div style='font-size: 150%;'>\ em is reading contact! @arabellaz </div>I JUST WOKE UP AND SAW THE NEWS ↳ I HOPE THAT CASTING DIRECTOR LITERALLY CHOKES BYEE <div style='font-size: 150%;'>\ Diva 🌸🌙 @YumeJessie </div>no!! omg!! they did my baby quinn so dirty holy shit :((( i’m actually so mad abt this rn :((( #ContactTheSeries #QuinnDeservesBetter2kXX <div style='font-size: 150%;'>\ LAT Entertainment @latimesent </div>A look back at Emmy award-winning show ‘Contact’. Before the third season, here’s what to know www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/contact-third-season <span class="next"><<button "Next" "5">><</button>></span>

<h1>It's a Codex!</h1>\ <h4>Oooh, and here are some lore entries</h4>\ * [[Important Lore|CONTACT.]]\ <<button "Return" $return>><</button>>

Blah <<button "Return" $return>><</button>>

<<nobr>> <<if ndef $mc_vbP>><<set _verbTense = "plural">><<else>><<if $mc_vbP is true>><<set _verbTense = "plural">><<else>><<set _verbTense = "singular">><</if>><</if>> <</nobr>>\ ''Subject:'' //It was nighttime when ''they'' returned.// <span class="sectionline"><span class="inputlabel">Uppercase</span><span class="namebox"><<if ndef $They>><<textbox "$They" "They">><<else>><<set _They = $They>><<textbox "$They" `_They`>><</if>></span></span> <span class="sectionline"><span class="inputlabel">Lowercase</span><span class="namebox"><<if ndef $they>><<textbox "$they" "they">><<else>><<set _they = $they>><<textbox "$they" `_they`>><</if>></span></span> ''Object:'' //I keep seeing ''them'' in random places.// <span class="sectionline"><span class="inputlabel">Uppercase</span><span class="namebox"><<if ndef $Them>><<textbox "$Them" "Them">><<else>><<set _Them = $Them>><<textbox "$Them" `_Them`>><</if>></span></span> <span class="sectionline"><span class="inputlabel">Lowercase</span><span class="namebox"><<if ndef $them>><<textbox "$them" "them">><<else>><<set _them = $them>><<textbox "$them" `_them`>><</if>></span></span> ''Possessive Adjective:'' //What is ''their'' new address?// <span class="sectionline"><span class="inputlabel">Uppercase</span><span class="namebox"><<if ndef $Their>><<textbox "$Their" "Their">><<else>><<set _Their = $Their>><<textbox "$Their" `_Their`>><</if>></span></span> <span class="sectionline"><span class="inputlabel">Lowercase</span><span class="namebox"><<if ndef $their>><<textbox "$their" "their">><<else>><<set _their = $their>><<textbox "$their" `_their`>><</if>></span></span> ''Possessive:'' //This coat is actually ''theirs''.// <span class="sectionline"><span class="inputlabel">Uppercase</span><span class="namebox"><<if ndef $Theirs>><<textbox "$Theirs" "Theirs">><<else>><<set _Theirs = $Theirs>><<textbox "$Theirs" `_Theirs`>><</if>></span></span> <span class="sectionline"><span class="inputlabel">Lowercase</span><span class="namebox"><<if ndef $theirs>><<textbox "$theirs" "theirs">><<else>><<set _theirs = $theirs>><<textbox "$theirs" `_theirs`>><</if>></span></span> ''Reflexive:'' //They preferred to work by ''themself''.// <span class="sectionline"><span class="inputlabel">Uppercase</span><span class="namebox"><<if ndef $Themself>><<textbox "$Themself" "Themself">><<else>><<set _Themself = $Themself>><<textbox "$Themself" `_Themself`>><</if>></span></span> <span class="sectionline"><span class="inputlabel">Lowercase</span><span class="namebox"><<if ndef $themself>><<textbox "$themself" "themself">><<else>><<set _themself = $themself>><<textbox "$themself" `_themself`>><</if>></span></span> What verb tense do these pronouns use? <ul><label><<radiobutton "_verbTense" "plural" autocheck>> Plural (they ''are'')</label></ul>\ <ul><label><<radiobutton "_verbTense" "singular" autocheck>> Singular (<<print either("she","he","xe","ey")>> ''is'')</label></ul>\ <center><<button "Confirm">><<nobr>> <<if _verbTense is "plural">><<set $mc_vbP = true>><<elseif _verbTense is "singular">><<set $mc_vbP = false>><</if>> <<run Dialog.close()>><<goto "3">> <</nobr>><</button>></center>

<<set $profileSet = true>><div align='center' style='font-size: 150%;'> <<type 100ms>>PART ONE.<</type>> \ </div> <span class="next"><<button "Next" "4">><</button>></span>

<<set $credits = true>>\ <div align='center' style='font-size: 400%;'>\ CUT THE LIGHTS\ </div> <div align='center' style='font-size: 150%;'> <div id="index-links"><<link "resume">><<script>>Save.autosave.load()<</script>><</link>> <<link "new game" "0.5">><</link>> <<link "load save">><<run UI.saves()>><</link>> </div> </div>

<div align='center' style='font-size: 100%;'>\ There may be potentially triggering content in the game. Please select your preferred options at your own discretion. Content warnings will be accessible from the main menu.\ </div> <div align='center' style='font-size: 120%;'><<link "click for content warnings" "tw">><</link>> <<link "take me to the game" "1">><</link>> </div>

You shouldn’t have stopped for gas. The overhead lights hum halogen-blue, prickles of barely-there sound muffled by the sepulchral gloom of the air. The hair on the back of your nape prickles. //Don’t look.// You hear the presence before you feel it, a slow rasp across bare concrete. Cold creeps up your spine, stomach roiling with nausea. //Don’t look.// Your tongue is leaden in your mouth. The numbers on the meter continue to rise. The barrier between your flesh and ice has become nothing, a flimsy wall of paper as bile fills your throat. It’s curious, probing at you, seeing what chinks it can slip through. Blood barely moves through you as your mind dwindles down to a singular point where the pressure caresses the space above your pulse. //Don’t look. Don’t look.// You count the scratches on the gas pump, marks marring the plastic gleam. It fills your senses. //Don’t look.// The ghost is ravenous, leaching the warmth from you until you're nothing more than a collection of thoughts and sensations; you’re rooted in place by nothing and everything. You can feel it just as much as it feels you; dying breath shuddering through its lungs and your lungs as you inhale and exhale as one. Iron seeping into dirt. Teeth digging into flesh. //See me, feel me, know me, know me, know me.// A Sharpied scrawl signing a name you can’t read stretches below the keypad. //Know me.// Unhinging bones. Knees popping from sockets, jaws freed from pins and wax, skin sloughing off. //Know me.// Dirt. Iron. Cement. You blink, harder. //Know me.// A high wall, crumbling brick and decayed iron railings filling //it’s not you// your vision. Terror is lancing through //notyounotyou// your veins, and you understand that you’re //no, no, nononono// going to die here. Blood drips from a gash in your forehead, body heaving in exertion as it sinks deep into you that this is it, this is going to really be it. “Don’t,” you spit at the person behind you. “You don’t understand what you’re dealing with.” The response is a buzz of static that bounces off your eardrums and makes your head swim. “Don’t. You can’t do this. You’re fucking it all up,” you say, no, //beg//. It’s more a desperate plea than a warning, vocal cords weighed down by panic. They’re wholly aware of this. They’re not attacking, simply watching, waiting as they tick down the number of breaths until your lungs inhale your last. The chill of the air is a penance against your skin, a cruel reminder of what you’ll never experience again. You’ve come so far. They’re dooming you all. They’re silent, but you can hear the laughter as your heart slows to a crawl, life slow and molten in your veins. You suck in a lungful of air tainted by smoke. //I don’t want this. I don’t want to die. I don’t–// <span class="next"><<button "Next" "6">><</button>></span>

Pain lances across your face; you jerk, tearing yourself free of the memories with a garbled noise. As you try to take a steadying breath, you taste iron. You gingerly touch your nose, and blink as your hand comes away wet with crimson. Fuck. The convenience store door jingles, and Andreas steps out, skin pallid under the terrible lighting. He triumphantly holds a bag of gummies aloft. “Look what I found,” he crows. His expression falters the moment he spots you. “I was in there for less than five minutes, $surname,” he says. “How,” he starts, and evidently thinks better of it. “Are you feeling okay?” You force yourself to shrug, turn away from the pump. “Do I look okay to you?” Your voice is clogged, heartbeat migrating to your nose through pulsing throbs. "Hurts." He pauses, examining you critically. “Do you want me to be honest or nice?” *[[Honest.|7.1]] *[[Nice.|7.2]]

“You look like you lost a fight." He pats his pockets, producing a crumpled receipt and some loose change along with a Kleenex. “You should probably wash your face,” he says, holding out the tissue. “I’m fine.” Your throat feels sore, mouth cottony. You force some energy back into your voice. “Can we just go?” “You sure?” You nod, and as he examines you his mouth flattens into a line, face pinched with concern. “Just so you know,” he says. “Your safety is still first priority. It's just going to get worse the closer we get. We can still turn around no problem." “It’ll be fine.” "Next time you say 'fine', I'm making you hitchike back." <span class="next"><<button "Next" "8.5">><</button>></span>

“Nothing a pack of ice won't fix. Your beautiful face is still intact.” He pats his pockets, producing a crumpled receipt and some loose change along with a Kleenex. “You should probably wash your face,” he says, holding out the tissue. “I’m fine.” Your throat feels sore, mouth cottony. You force some energy back into your voice. “Can we just go?” “You sure?” You nod, and as he examines you his mouth flattens into a line, face pinched with concern. “Just so you know,” he says. “Your safety is still first priority. It's just going to get worse the closer we get. We can still turn around no problem." “It’ll be fine.” "Next time you say 'fine', I'm making you hitchhike back." <span class="next"><<button "Next" "8.5">><</button>></span>

You hadn’t always been in the company of the deceased. At one point, you’d like to even argue you were fairly normal, sans the whole acting thing. Well, to be fair that alone made you abnormal, but it was more of a “hey, this kid has stunted social connections” thing than a “holy shit you literally see dead people” kind of thing. Tracking it all back wasn’t a hard task. It was, and would always start from Julia Love. Julia had been huge in the 70s, a media darling and teenage sensation. Five years older than the titular brat pack, she had been the young starlet turning heads and acting up a storm before they swept all the roles. Crying at the flick of a switch. Smiling with the force of a thousand suns. Charity work that involved her holding puppies and working at hospitals—you get the idea. If there was ever a young woman who was born attuned to the silver screen, it would’ve been her. And then she quit. She turned twenty-one, announced her retirement, and moved out to somewhere in Canada. The public went wild with theories and possibilities as to why she had left, but for a decade following her announcement, she was radio silent. Completely and wholly removed from the world at large. When she was thirty-two, Julia reentered the public eye. Seemingly out of the blue, she published Contact, the first book in a series of young adult fiction that involved a girl with the ability to see ghosts. She was tracking down the murderers of her parents, and fell in love along the way. It was melodramatic but gripping: a tale about the foundations of humanity and endurance. <<set $neverfinished to false>> <<set $readbunch to false>> <<set $readonce to false>>Or something like that. You... <<cycle "$cycling" autoselect>> <<option "never finished all eight books. Not really your cup of tea."<<set $neverfinished to true>>>> <<option "read the series over and over again. You have annotated copies."<<set $readbunch to true>>>> <<option "read it once. You've forgotten most of it by now."<<set $readonce to true>>>> <</cycle>> Right now, the first book in the Contact series maintained a solid 4.1 stars on Goodreads, which you figure is a testament to the long-standing readability of Julia’s writing. Everyone had leapt at Contact. Forget the thinly disguised allegories of keeping the status quo in magic schools or convolutedly misogynistic love triangles. Contact became a timeless phenomenon. Conventions, costumes, inspired rip-offs, a failed attempt to get a movie adaptation off the ground—everyone wanted a slice of the pie. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "8">><</button>></span>

Most people would say Julia Love was an author. A few knew would say she was an actress. Everyone would agree she was a recluse. You, though? You would call her your mentor. Your friend. That was another facet of the private life she maintained: a circle of tightly knit creatives that existed at her beck and call. It was secret, secret enough that you were fairly certain some of these people had never been witnessed in the same room before. It existed only in her sprawling mansion, late nights discussions in wood-paneled studies and poolside fire pits. You can’t exactly pinpoint when you first were inducted into the group, it was a slow-seeping osmosis. Julia first met you when you were acting as the belligerent child of an alcoholic, but by the time your next project rolled around, you had become intimately acquainted with the butter-soft leather of her imported couches. People were content to write you off for your age, but Julia had always insisted that you had a greater spark of talent than she did. That she wanted to nurture you, help you blossom as an actor. That might’ve been the only time she ever lied to you. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "11">><</button>></span>

<div style='font-size: 150%;'>\ leafleaf reblogged juleslove62 </div>Literally why are people trying to defend the casting??? People are so happy to forget all the shit $they did???? It’s a huge insult to an icon like Julia Love’s, and they're literally defacing her legacy. Nepotism is a fucking EPIDEMIC. Y'all are so blind you'd literally defend $them if $they murdered someone. Like, rag on Unworn all you want for having a shitty script, but at least we aren't casting $name :)) ↳#babs with the banger as always #stop defending shitty people! #contact: origins #quinn hunt #i should start watching unworn i hear it's good #CW $name<<if $namequinn>> #literally why does the fucker have the same name as my baby ;-;<<endif>> <span class="next"><<button "Next" "11">><</button>></span>

Meeting with PR had become a routine. They had given you a carefully crafted persona to present to the fans. The importance of establishing a personal brand meant they would shape you into something perfect, consumable. No more screaming, no more staring off at corners and twitching. You…<<set $chsweetheart to false>><<set $chsarcastic to false>><<set $chshy to false>><<set $chsmart to false>> *[[Were the darling sweetheart. Thousands were charmed by your dimples.|12.1]] *[[Transformed into the sarcastic younger sibling. Fans found your sharp tongue endearing.|12.2]] *[[Took on the role of the shy, silent child. People went out of their way to put you at ease.|12.3]] *[[Became a mature, intelligent kid. Even at a young age, you were wise beyond your years.|12.4]]

<<set $chsweetheart to true>><div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ $name $surname and Matthew Benn talk ‘What Stays, What Leaves’ - SUNNY TV SEGMENT TRANSCRIPT </div> Samantha: We all know the name Matthew Benn. He’s been in dozens of Hollywood films and shows, but one you may not know is $name $surname. $They’re teaming up with Matthew for $their very first project, “What Stays, What Leaves.” Following the loss of his father, a struggling writer reconnects with his estranged child, played by $name. [CLIP PLAYS.] Samantha: Wow, that part still gets me every time. I binged the whole thing over a weekend, and I roped my husband in to watch it with me. I was really blown away by little $name here. I don’t think there was a single dry-eye in the house by the time I finished the movie. Did you anticipate the project would get as big as it did? Matthew: Uh, no, I think it was a total surprise, but really deserved. I signed on to the project because our director, Amanda, is a long-time friend of mine, and she approached me herself with the project. I think it’s a big split from her previous work, but I believed in her vision and it makes me uh, really happy that it’s getting so much attention. If anyone deserves it, it’s definitely her. Samantha: That’s amazing! So, $name, what would you say is the most difficult part of filming? I know this is your first project ever. $name: It was super fun, and everyone was really supportive. Matthew helped me out a lot with my lines and cues! Samantha: Awww! That’s so sweet. Matthew? How was it from your end? Matthew: I mean, I totally agree. $name is uh, really talented, and I honestly think $they brightened up the whole studio. Samantha: I had so many questions watching the whole thing. So, do you think that… [READ MORE] <div align='center' style='font-size: 130%;'>\ COMMENTS:\ </div> <div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ A Rose By Any Other Name: </div>$name is so cute omgg I just want to squish $their cheeks!!! <div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ imjustapotato: </div>MARRY ME MATTHEW I LOVE YOU SO MUCH ASDFKJSDKDS <div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ Christina Tucci: </div>i wish they would ask them questions about a sequel… howard has the funding to make it happen and i feel like she tried too hard to make it open ended. <div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ josh: </div>That kid is such a faker lol $they came in to eat and I was waiting on $their table but $they started screaming and had to leave. What a freak. <div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ Moon_Rain: </div>Do you want to make money $$$ for free? Click HERE!!!! to learn more! I earned $1000 in one day!!!! <div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ LOLLEAFS: </div>Protect this kid at all costs. I have so much hope for $their future projects. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "13">><</button>></span>

<<set $chsarcastic to true>><div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ $name $surname and Matthew Benn talk ‘What Stays, What Leaves’ - SUNNY TV SEGMENT TRANSCRIPT </div> Samantha: We all know the name Matthew Benn. He’s been in dozens of Hollywood films and shows, but one you may not know is $name $surname. $They’re teaming up with Matthew for $their very first project, “What Stays, What Leaves.” Following the loss of his father, a struggling writer reconnects with his estranged child, played by $name. [CLIP PLAYS.] Samantha: Wow, that part still gets me every time. I binged the whole thing over a weekend, and I roped my husband in to watch it with me. I was really blown away by little $name here. I don’t think there was a single dry-eye in the house by the time I finished the movie. Did you anticipate the project would get as big as it did? Matthew: Uh, no, I think it was a total surprise, but really deserved. I signed on to the project because our director, Amanda, is a long-time friend of mine, and she approached me herself with the project. I think it’s a big split from her previous work, but I believed in her vision and it makes me uh, really happy that it’s getting so much attention. If anyone deserves it, it’s definitely her. Samantha: That’s amazing! So, $name, what would you say is the most difficult part of filming? I know this is your first project ever. $name: Well, it was super fun to film with everyone. Matthew's super gullible, so he ended up falling for a bunch of our pranks. Samantha: Oh, that's so funny! Matthew? How was it from your end? Matthew: I mean, it was a total jungle. $name is uh, really talented, and I honestly think $they brightened up the whole studio with laughs. Samantha: I had so many questions watching the whole thing. So, do you think that… [READ MORE] <div align='center' style='font-size: 130%;'>\ COMMENTS:\ </div> <div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ A Rose By Any Other Name: </div>$name is so funny omgg I just want to squish $their cheeks!!! <div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ imjustapotato: </div>MARRY ME MATTHEW I LOVE YOU SO MUCH ASDFKJSDKDS <div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ Christina Tucci: </div>i wish they would ask them questions about a sequel… howard has the funding to make it happen and i feel like she tried too hard to make it open ended. <div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ josh: </div>That kid is such a faker lol $they came in to eat and I was waiting on $their table but $they started screaming and had to leave. What a freak. <div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ Moon_Rain: </div>Do you want to make money $$$ for free? Click HERE!!!! to learn more! I earned $1000 in one day!!!! <div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ LOLLEAFS: </div>Protect this kid at all costs. I have so much hope for $their future projects. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "13">><</button>></span>

<<set $chshy to true>><div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ $name $surname and Matthew Benn talk ‘What Stays, What Leaves’ - SUNNY TV SEGMENT TRANSCRIPT </div> Samantha: We all know the name Matthew Benn. He’s been in dozens of Hollywood films and shows, but one you may not know is $name $surname. $They’re teaming up with Matthew for $their very first project, “What Stays, What Leaves.” Following the loss of his father, a struggling writer reconnects with his estranged child, played by $name. [CLIP PLAYS.] Samantha: Wow, that part still gets me every time. I binged the whole thing over a weekend, and I roped my husband in to watch it with me. I was really blown away by little $name here. I don’t think there was a single dry-eye in the house by the time I finished the movie. Did you anticipate the project would get as big as it did? Matthew Patrick: Uh, no, I think it was a total surprise, but really deserved. I signed on to the project because our director, Amanda, is a long-time friend of mine, and she approached me herself with the project. I think it’s a big split from her previous work, but I believed in her vision and it makes me uh, really happy that it’s getting so much attention. If anyone deserves it, it’s definitely her. Samantha: That’s amazing! So, $name, what would you say is the most difficult part of filming? I know this is your first project ever. $name: I, uh, thought it was really fun. Everyone was really nice. Samantha: Awww! That’s so great to hear, I'm sure everyone loved working with you. Matthew? How was it from your end? Matthew: I mean, I totally agree. $name is uh, really talented, and I honestly think $they're such a great kid. Samantha: I had so many questions watching the whole thing. So, do you think that… [READ MORE] <div align='center' style='font-size: 130%;'>\ COMMENTS:\ </div> <div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ A Rose By Any Other Name: </div>$name is so quiet omgg I just want to squish $their cheeks!!! <div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ imjustapotato: </div>MARRY ME MATTHEW I LOVE YOU SO MUCH ASDFKJSDKDS <div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ Christina Tucci: </div>i wish they would ask them questions about a sequel… howard has the funding to make it happen and i feel like she tried too hard to make it open ended. <div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ josh: </div>That kid is such a faker lol $they came in to eat and I was waiting on $their table but $they started screaming and had to leave. What a freak. <div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ Moon_Rain: </div>Do you want to make money $$$ for free? Click HERE!!!! to learn more! I earned $1000 in one day!!!! <div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ LOLLEAFS: </div>Protect this kid at all costs. I have so much hope for $their future projects. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "13">><</button>></span>

<<set $chsmart to true>><div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ $name $surname and Matthew Benn talk ‘What Stays, What Leaves’ - SUNNY TV SEGMENT TRANSCRIPT </div> Samantha: We all know the name Matthew Benn. He’s been in dozens of Hollywood films and shows, but one you may not know is $name $surname. $They’re teaming up with Matthew for $their very first project, “What Stays, What Leaves.” Following the loss of his father, a struggling writer reconnects with his estranged child, played by $name. [CLIP PLAYS.] Samantha: Wow, that part still gets me every time. I binged the whole thing over a weekend, and I roped my husband in to watch it with me. I was really blown away by little $name here. I don’t think there was a single dry-eye in the house by the time I finished the movie. Did you anticipate the project would get as big as it did? Matthew: Uh, no, I think it was a total surprise, but really deserved. I signed on to the project because our director, Amanda, is a long-time friend of mine, and she approached me herself with the project. I think it’s a big split from her previous work, but I believed in her vision and it makes me uh, really happy that it’s getting so much attention. If anyone deserves it, it’s definitely her. Samantha: That’s amazing! So, $name, what would you say is the most difficult part of filming? I know this is your first project ever. $name: It was an amazing experience, and everyone was really supportive. Matthew was super inspiring to learn from. Samantha: Wow! That’s great to hear. Matthew? How was it from your end? Matthew: I mean, I totally agree. $name is uh, really talented, and I honestly think $they're just so insightful. I couldn't ask for a better co-worker. Samantha: I had so many questions watching the whole thing. So, do you think that… [READ MORE] <div align='center' style='font-size: 130%;'>\ COMMENTS:\ </div> <div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ A Rose By Any Other Name: </div>$name is so smart omgg I just want to squish $their cheeks!!! <div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ imjustapotato: </div>MARRY ME MATTHEW I LOVE YOU SO MUCH ASDFKJSDKDS <div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ Christina Tucci: </div>i wish they would ask them questions about a sequel… howard has the funding to make it happen and i feel like she tried too hard to make it open ended. <div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ josh: </div>That kid is such a faker lol $they came in to eat and I was waiting on $their table but $they started screaming and had to leave. What a freak. <div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ Moon_Rain: </div>Do you want to make money $$$ for free? Click HERE!!!! to learn more! I earned $1000 in one day!!!! <div style='font-size: 120%;'>\ LOLLEAFS: </div>Protect this kid at all costs. I have so much hope for $their future projects. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "13">><</button>></span>

If pressed to explain your relationship with Andreas, you’re not sure you could come up with a proper explanation. There was the easy one, an answer that didn’t involve spilling the story of your entire life. Andreas was your manager. But the truth was a little stranger: Andreas and you had been placed together by Julia. It sounded cooler in theory. Andreas had been sixteen and reversed Julia’s McLaren into her fountain. You had been doing a script read of an existential piece that was about mostly goats and Icelandic philosophy. She had shuttled him into the chair next to yours, and given the both of you a deal: Andreas was to be your manager to learn responsibility, and you were to be a friend to learn how to socialize with people your age. You were tempted to point out that Julia’s definition of “people your age” had the loose perimeters of adding or subtracting a decade, but she had looked frazzled and more than a little sleep deprived. So Andreas had agreed and you had kept your mouth shut. Your relationship with him was off to a truly thrilling start. He liked to joke he had a preternatural disposition towards foresight. Though if it was true, most of his predictions were frustratingly vague. He reveled in it, and you suspected his real talent laid in being able to identify people who he could take home. It ranged from things like: Bring an umbrella. Or: Be careful at night. And an increasingly common one: I’m going to score with someone at the bar. You could’ve basically replaced him with one of those daily fortune apps and not noticed much of a difference. If he snagged the bartender with dark hair after announcing his intentions, he would give you a //look// and you would... <<cycle "$cycling" autoselect>> <<option "give him the middle finger.">> <<option "roll your eyes.">> <<option "ignore him.">> <</cycle>> Others were drawn in by the easy way he brought it up in conversation. The statistical chances of taking someone home with a face like that were high, but hey, isn’t it a bit freaky that this guy (kind of) predicted it? The reactions ranged from amused to concerned to skeptic. He was kept safe by the imprecise nature of his words. It detracted from the eerie accuracy. But it was a kinder reality. If he wanted to, Andreas could shake someone's hand and claim to know the exact date they would die. He had done that to you when he had downed one too many glasses of champagne. Actually, he had bent over and emptied his stomach on a topiary bush. But you get the point — he had touched you, and informed you that you had, in fact, died when you were nine. You would’ve brushed off his whole shtick as a joke if he hadn’t hit the truth on the mark. You were, and still are, living off of borrowed time. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "9">><</button>></span>

Julia had no time for any of it. “Kid,” she had said, bending down to look you in the eye. “All that acting? Leave it at the door.<<if $chsweetheart>> Being sweet<<elseif $chsarcastic>> Being sarcastic<<elseif $chshy>> Being quiet<<elseif $chsmart>> Using big words<<endif>> for the cameras is fine if you want to do it, but if it’s just something to hide who you really are, it’s not worth it.” She smiled, a shark-like grin that caused her bright-red lipstick to look like an open wound. “Believe me, it consumes you.” <div align='center' style='font-size: 90%;'>\ This is the end of the current demo! Save on this page to return here next time. Next up: more character customization, a return to your old stomping grounds, and a conversation with a familiar stranger. You can find me at <span class="blog"><a href="https://www.tumblr.com/blog/view/cutthelights-if" target="_blank">my blog</a></span> for bugs, questions, and behind-the-scenes information.\ </div>

From: “Sarah Rathi” [sarahrathi@srathiopushousing.com] To: “Andreas Pashalidis” [a.pashalidis@love.mngm.us] Subject: Permission for entry Andreas, Hope this finds you well. The key should still be able to access the main house and the poolside house, but the shed requires a different set. I’ll send you and $name the finalized files to sign, but everything is in order, and we can discuss renovations at a later date. I’ve notified the housekeepers in advance, so you should find the guest and master bedrooms ready. Let me know if there’s anything else I can help with. Best, Sarah <span class="next"><<button "Next" "5.5">><</button>></span>