Reflections at Sunset (Latest)

(either: "The sun is lingering in the sky... Its light shimmering against the waves.", "You see the sun glowing in the distance, its light faint against the dark sky.") (either: "The sun hums gently.", "The sun beams.") [[It's so high above... (either: "How wondrous!", "How magical!")...->The sun in the sky]] [[It looks so... (either: "peaceful", "so elegant", "so graceful")...->Sun at peace]] [[It's soon to be joined by the stars...->Sun and stars together]] { (set: $current_looking_at = "sun") }

You stare at how the sun floats in the sky for a moment. So wonderful it is to float above it all... [[How great a view it must have!|View from above]] [[The sun shines on distant lands!|Travel]] [[It's such a small part of the grand sky!|The vastness of the world]]

The sun seems so at ease with itself. Gently hanging in the air, moving patiently. [[How vast it all is...->The vastness of the world]] [[We all have our own journeys to take...->Travel]] [[The sun humbly crosses the sky by itself...->Feeling lonely]]

You see the sun, soon to be joined by the stars, up in the heavens, together. [[What poetic motions they make...->The vastness of the world]] [[Even the sun is joined by its friends, the stars...->Feeling lonely]][[To fly in the sky, away from this place...->Travel]]

To be able to view from above everything... What a thought! [[The perspective... must bring peace with oneself...->Peace with self]] [[The view... makes the world seem vast!|The vastness of the world]] [[The view by oneself... Would I be alone?|Feeling lonely]]

There are so many lands of this world... If only I could visit them... [[There'd be so many sights to see!->Thrills]] [[I could be with the ones I want to be with...|People]] [[Just think of all the possibilities...->Something new]] [[(either: "Oh, to just get away from my troubles... just for a bit")->Problems]]

Oh, to go on an adventure! I've suppose I've had an adventurous side, I must admit. (if: $currently_looking_at is "ocean")[The ocean has countless adventures on the horizon!](else-if: $currently_looking_at is "clouds")[If only one could fly through the clouds!] [[I've had so many good moments->Good thoughts]] [[I suppose... I haven't had as many adventures as I'd like...->Missing adventures]] [[They take my mind off of things...->Problems]]

The world is such a wondrous place. All our hopes and dreams, sorrows and joys, fears and frustrations lie on this tiny expanse of universe... (if: $currently_looking_at is "sun")[The sun, hangs above so elegantly...](else-if: $currently_looking_at is "ocean")[The ocean, unknowably vast](else-if: $currently_looking_at is "clouds")[Clouds, humbly travel and see all.] [[There's so many opportunities this world has to offer!|Something new]] [[Maybe such thoughts could bring me peace...|Peace with self]] [[(either: "It makes one feel quite small", "It makes one feel insignificant", "It makes one feel like a single speck")->Insignificance]]

(either: "You feel a breeze on you.", "A gust of wind catches you.") (either: "A chill on your back.", "Your hairs stand on end", "You feel... distant.") It feels lonely looking at this sunset now... [[(either: "I miss...", "If only someone...")|People]]

To be such a small part of this world... [[It's a wonder...|Humbleness]] [[I can't change the things that matter.|Problems]]

Somehow, feeling small against the world... In all its wonders and complexities... It makes one feel big. (if: $currently_looking_at is "sun")[The sun, the stars, people, we're all the same, aren't we?](else-if: $currently_looking_at is "ocean")[The ocean gives a soft, humble murmur.](else-if: $currently_looking_at is "clouds")[...The clouds seem to have an accepting nature, don't they?] [[Ah... To just enjoy this moment...|Good thoughts]] (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "I feel small... " + (prompt:"What's remarkable about feeling small?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " I feel small... " + (prompt:"What's remarkable about feeling small?"))]

You stare at the sunset for a bit, it seems to hum in distant silence. <img class="grayscale" src="sunset/sunset-cropped.jpg"> (either: "It seems the world must move on as sure as the sun may set.") [[(either: "But that's just the way it goes...", "Maybe... maybe that's just the way things have to be.", "I think I can... come to understand this...")|Acceptance?]] [[And... it isn't fair.|Inacceptance]]

Looking at the sunset, there's a lot on your mind... (if: $currently_looking_at is "sun")[The sun seems distant now, its glow suppressed.](else-if: $currently_looking_at is "ocean")[The ocean waves seem to tremble...](else-if: $currently_looking_at is "clouds")[The clouds seem to darken...] Your thoughts drift to... [[The things you have to face...->Problems of my own]] [[The problems someone close to you has...->Problems someone close to me has]] [[The problems there are with the world...->Problems the world has]]

Your thoughts wander to the people of this world... Maybe they too are watching this sunset. (if: $currently_looking_at is "sun")[The stars need each other just like we do.](else-if: $currently_looking_at is "ocean")[...even if we're set apart by an ocean, we'd still think of others.](else-if: $currently_looking_at is "clouds")[If only we could ride a cloud to see them...] The one I'm thinking of now is... [[Family|Loving family]] [[A good friend|Loving a friend]] [[My lover|Loving a lover]] [[The people of this world|Loving someone else]]

Just think, something different from all you've seen... The potential of this world... (if: $currently_looking_at is "sun")[The sun looks over the vast Earth every day!](else-if: $currently_looking_at is "ocean")[The ocean offers so many opportunities!](else-if: $currently_looking_at is "clouds")[You're ready to burst like a cloud filled with rain!] [[It can bring fortune!->AMBITION Fortune]] [[It can bring me glory!->AMBITION Glory]] [[It can allow me to create!->AMBITION Creativity]] [[It can make me forget...|Problems]] [[It can bring me joy...|Problems]] [[It can be great for its own sake->DILEMMA What are you willing to sacrifice?]]

Honestly, I have my fair share of problems... [[I'm hurting]] [[I've hurt others]]

Someone close to me... hasn't been well. It's my [[family|Problems of family]] [[good friend|Problems of a friend]] [[my lover|Problems of a lover]]

The world is so grand and vast in its wonders... Yet, it's also so grand and vast in its troubles... [[What is the world doing to itself...|Others hurt others]] [[Someone close to me... has been hurting others...|Someone close to me has been hurting others]] [[...I've done things|I've hurt others]]

The day is coming to an end and you take some time to look at the sunset. Your thoughts often wander at these sunsets... Taking you to different conclusions like waves to different shores... It's important to be free with your thoughts though. Your thoughts are yours alone to share. Something catches your eye. It's... <img src="sunset/sunset-cropped.jpg"> [[The sun->Look at sun]] [[The ocean->Look at ocean]] [[The clouds->Look at clouds]] { (set: $present_thought to "") }

I suppose I haven't gone on as many adventures as I've wanted to for a while. [[There's too many problems at home...->Problems]] [[They remind me... of the ones I care about.->People]] [[There's still glory to be had in the days to come!->AMBITION Glory]]

These things can't be helped sometimes... And I guess I have to accept that. And maybe that's all I can ask for. Just like how I have to accept each day that the sun will rise... and set. [[This seems to bring me peace.|Acceptance]] [[This... isn't fair.|Inacceptance]]

It isn't fair. And it's never fair. You feel your blood boil and curse the sunset. [[...]]

A family is something that you were born with and shall follow you til the end of your days... [[I think of the good moments...|The good times]] [[Yet there are... the sorrows I've suffered with them|Problems of family]]

A friend is a friend to the end, isn't that right? [[I think of the good moments...|The good times]] [[Yet there are... the sorrows I've endured with them|Problems of a friend]]

True love can conquer the most insurmountable odds. Isn't that how the saying goes? [[I think of the good moments...|The good times]] [[Yet there are... troubles we've had|Problems of a lover]]

I love the people of this world. I care for my neighbor. [[I think of the good moments...|The good times]] [[Yet the world is filled with its problems.|Problems of others]]

Families aren't perfect... Far from it... [[They... have not been well.|Someone close to me has been hurting]] [[They're... hurting others|Someone close to me has been hurting others]] [[I've... been hurting them.->I've hurt others]] [[...They're hurting me.->I'm hurting]]

Friends are worth their weight in gold... To what degree are we willing to be together? [[They've been hurting...|Someone close to me has been hurting]] [[They've been hurting others|Someone close to me has been hurting others]] [[I've been hurting them...->I've hurt others]] [[...they're hurting me.->I'm hurting]]

I wish we could live together in peace... But, things can't be so with my lover... [[The world hasn't been kind to my lover... ->Someone close to me has been hurting]] [[They're hurting others...->Someone close to me has been hurting others]] [[It's... //me//. //I've// hurt my lover|I've hurt others]] [[They... My lover... is hurting me.->I'm hurting]]

The things that I've done... The sun has already set on the past. I can't change what has already been set in stone. [[I realize I did it... because //I've// been hurting->I'm hurting]] [[I wish... I wish I could beg forgiveness from them...->Ask they forgive me]] (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "I've hurt others... " + (prompt:"How have you hurt others?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " I've hurt others... " + (prompt:"How have you hurt others?"))]

I've been... very hard on myself... I've... hurt myself. I thought I didn't deserve better. [[...do I?|DILEMMA Forgive self?]]

If they were here right now... I'd... I wish they could tell me that I was forgiven for what I did... And then... If only... The sunset is dim. [[And how do I feel about myself...->DILEMMA Forgive self?]]

So long as there are more sunsets ahead, things can change. Isn't that so? So long as the sun sets, and rises, there can still be another day. [[I think about where I draw my faith from...->DILEMMA Whom can I rely on?]]

You stare at the sunset, quavering in the distance. You feel an aching, and soon a sense that one is trapped that this sunset must set today. (if: $currently_looking_at is "sun")[The sun's path is inevitable.](else-if: $currently_looking_at is "ocean")[Even the mightiest cannot hope to drink the ocean.](else-if: $currently_looking_at is "clouds")[Must every cloud have a silver lining?] <img src="sunset/sunset-cropped.jpg"> [[There are always more sunsets ahead.->Something could change for the better]] [[There is only darkness...->Helplessness]]

You stare off into the distance, being swallowed by poison. [[You wait there, staring at the sun->Change what I can]] (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "Something gives me pain... " + (prompt:"What gives you pain?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " Something gives me pain... " + (prompt:"What gives you pain?"))]

The words struggle to reach your lips, but... I... forgive myself. [[You wait there in silence...->The sunset glows]] (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "I can forgive myself... " + (prompt:"Why have you forgiven yourself?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " I can forgive myself... " + (prompt:"Why have you forgiven yourself?"))]

How could you forgive yourself for what you've done? How could you accept yourself for who you are? [[Sometimes we can't forgive ourselves...->Why can't you forgive yourself?]] (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "I couldn't forgive myself... " + (prompt:"Why couldn't you forgive yourself?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " I couldn't forgive myself... " + (prompt:"Why couldn't you forgive yourself?"))]

If only one could be peaceful, then all one's questions would have answers! [[But I can't be at ease with myself...->Problems]]

There is still promise for moments of glory in the future! So much opportunity to be had and sundered. (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "I wish to achieve... " + (prompt:"What do you wish to achieve?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " I wish to achieve... " + (prompt:"What do you wish to achieve?"))] [[But an aspiration has a purpose...|Why do you want glory?]]

It's inspiring... All the world's wonders, and I can make a sunset of my own. The pleasure of creating... [[Every creation has a purpose, and so does its creator...|Why do you wish to be creative?]] (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "I wish to create... " + (prompt:"What do you wish to create?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " I wish to create... " + (prompt:"What do you wish to create?"))]

The world is so filled with riches, ready for the taking! The opportunities are there and [[Why do you want fortune?<-why can't they be yours]]! (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "I hope for fortune... " + (prompt:"What fortune do you hope to achieve?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " I hope for fortune... " + (prompt:"What fortune do you hope to achieve?"))]

You see the sun lower against the horizon. The colors of the sky darkens in bands. {<div style="color: gold">Gold</div>} {<div style="color: orange">Orange</div>} {<div style="color: red">Red</div>} {<div style="color: purple">Purple</div>} {<div style="color: black; -webkit-text-fill-color: black; /* Will override color (regardless of order) */ -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: black; text-shadow: -1px -1px 0 #000, 1px -1px 0 #000, -1px 1px 0 #000, 1px 1px 0 #000;">and black.</div>} Reminded of what you said... //$present_thought// You are left alone with your thoughts in the fading sunset. [[You grab a pen and paper]] {(set: $looked_at_sun to false) (set: $looked_at_ocean to false) (set: $looked_at_city to false) }

If I cannot rely on others, one can at least rely on oneself. [[The sun seems to shine...|The sunset glows]] (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "I trust in myself... " + (prompt:"Why do you trust yourself?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " I trust in myself... " + (prompt:"Why do you trust yourself?"))]

Even when I and the rest of the world may falter, there is the love between me and them. [[The sun seems to shine...|The sunset glows]] (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "I trust in someone close to me... " + (prompt:"Why do you trust your close ones?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " I trust in someone close to me... " + (prompt:"Why do you trust your close ones?"))]

One must have faith in one's world, don't they? [[The sun seems to shine...|The sunset glows]] (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "I trust the world... " + (prompt:"Why do you trust the world?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " I trust the world... " + (prompt:"Why do you trust the world?"))]

You feel a deep sense of pain. A pain that is yours and yours alone. [[Because... I've been hard on myself...->I've hurt myself]] [[Just because.->Is there hope?]] (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "I'm hurting... " + (prompt:"How are you hurting?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " I'm hurting... " + (prompt:"How are you hurting?"))]

You can't help but feel the pain that of the pain of your loved one. [[...your body feels limp|Is there hope?]] (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "My loved one is hurting... " + (prompt:"How is your loved one hurting?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " My loved one is hurting... " + (prompt:"How is your loved one hurting?"))]

As much as you might love someone... How can you reconcile the pain they cause to others? [[...because they've been hurting->Someone close to me has been hurting]] [[And for no reason...|Is there hope?]] (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "Someone has been hurting others... " + (prompt:"How has your loved one been hurting others?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " My loved one has been hurting others... " + (prompt:"How has your loved one been hurting others?"))]

Your thoughts drift to that of the world... How unkind things can be... [[How unkind... //I've// been.|I've hurt others]] [[How unkind... Someone I love has been...|Someone close to me has been hurting others]] [[The world seems like it will swallow itself.|Others hurt others]]

The world is filled with ache and hate, it seems buckling under itself, and it seems sure to destroy itself... [[and there are those who need protecting...|DILEMMA Whom do you wish to protect?]] [[and you must rely on something...->DILEMMA Whom can I rely on?]] [[and there's nothing I can do...->Helplessness]] (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "Something is hurting in the world... " + (prompt:"What is hurting in this world?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " Something is hurting in the world... " + (prompt:"What is hurting in the world?"))]

The sunset hangs on the horizon in silence. (if: $currently_looking_at is "ocean")[The ocean becomes still.](else-if: $currently_looking_at is "clouds")[The clouds hang overhead.] <img class="grayscale" src="sunset/sunset-cropped.jpg"> [[I think I... forgive myself...->Forgive self]] [[I could never forgive myself|Don't forgive self]]

Your eyes turn to the ocean. The sunset casting its reflection. (either: "The gold and crimson, highlighted on the surface.", "The gold and crimson against the sky.") (either: "The sound of the tides, ebb and flow.", "The motion of the waves, pushing and pulling.") [[The ripples on the water catch your eye.|Ocean ripples]] [[You think of the depths of the ocean|Ocean depths]] [[The calmness of the ocean strikes you|Ocean calmness]] { (set: $current_looking_at = "ocean") }

The many ripples catch your eye, each one pushing off against the next. [[It's wondrous...|The vastness of the world]] [[As they bounce, they do it... together|Feeling lonely]] [[They go to distant shores|Travel]]

How deep the ocean can be! What lies in the fathoms below? [[There must be so many wonders to see down there!->Thrills]] [[How mysterious and incomprehensible it all is...->The vastness of the world]] [[I... feel at the bottom of the ocean.|Problems]] [[It may be worth risking the depths, to travel afar->Travel]]

The ocean is distant. Quiet. Calm. You think... [[It's a wonder to think of in its entirety...|The vastness of the world]] [[So many distant lands on that great expanse!|Travel]] [[It's too quiet... without someone here|Feeling lonely]] [[Now, I'm left with my troubles|Problems]]

Even the sun must set some day after all. (if:$currently_looking_at is "ocean")["The ocean waits in silent patience."](else-if:$currently_looking_at is "clouds")["Even the rain must fall."] [[It makes one feel powerless...|Helplessness]] [[Things don't just end...|Immortality]]

The sun must set after all. And it must rise. And nothing can be done to change these simple facts. Only our reaction. Somehow, accepting the way things are gives a sense of peace. [[You stare at the sun...|The sunset glows]] (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "I have accepted... " + (prompt:"What have you accepted?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " I have accepted... " + (prompt:"What have you accepted?"))]

Your eyes turn to the clouds. The sun's dying light cast against them. (either: "They float gently in the air.","They hang quietly in the sky.") [[They have so many different patterns and kinds.|Clouds shapes]] [[The clouds have been reduced to just wisps|Clouds disappearing]] [[They look so serene...|Clouds peaceful]] { (set: $current_looking_at = "clouds") }

Clouds come into existence... And fade away. That's their nature, isn't it? You think... [[It's wonder, how complex all these things are...->The vastness of the world]] [[I wish my troubles could disappear->Problems]] [[We are always coming and going...->Travel]] [[Some clouds are left alone...|Feeling lonely]]

You notice how the clouds appear in so many different ways. Cirrus, cumulus, stratus, nimbus. You think... [[Just like how there are so many kinds of people|Feeling lonely]] [[What would clouds look like far away from here?|Travel]] [[There truly are so many different things in this vast world...->The vastness of the world]]

Gently gliding through the sky, the clouds seem at peace. Hovering, like gentle ships. [[If one could ride a cloud, one could see everything...|View from above]] [[If only one could be as peaceful as the clouds...->Peace with self]] [[So wondrous, to think of the complexities of this world->The vastness of the world]] [[I wonder, if I rode a cloud, where could it take me?|Travel]]

I can rely on... [[myself|Rely on oneself]] [[someone close to me|Rely on someone close]] [[the world|Rely on others]] [[something higher|Rely on something higher]]

The sunset seems to glisten like a jewel, shining in the distance. Why do you want fortune? [[For pleasure|DILEMMA What are you willing to sacrifice?]] [[For it's own sake|DILEMMA What are you willing to sacrifice?]] [[For protection|DILEMMA Whom do you wish to protect?]] [[Because... I don't have long->I don't have long]]

One would like to live with everything... But... with every choice is a cost. [[I'm willing to sacrifice myself|Choose myself]] [[I'm willing to sacrifice my family|Choose family]] [[I'm willing to sacrifice my lover|Choose lover]] [[I'm willing to sacrifice the world|Choose the world]]

If one could protect it all, they would. But given a choice, whom would you wish to protect? [[Myself|Choose myself]] [[My family|Choose family]] [[My lover|Choose lover]] [[The rest of the world|Choose the world]]

You'd choose the world in all its splendor... [[The sunset darkens]] (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "I'd choose the world... " + (prompt:"Why choose the world?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " I'd choose the world... " + (prompt:"Why choose the world?"))]

You'd choose yourself, and no other. [[The sunset darkens...->The sunset darkens]] (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "I'd choose myself... " + (prompt:"Why choose yourself?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " I'd choose myself... " + (prompt:"Why choose yourself?"))]

You'd choose your family, for all the ties that bind. [[The sunset darkens...->The sunset darkens]] (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "I'd choose family... " + (prompt:"Why choose your family?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " I'd choose my family... " + (prompt:"Why choose your family?"))]

You'd choose your lover, for all the tenderness between you. [[The sunset darkens...->The sunset darkens]] (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "I'd choose my lover... " + (prompt:"Why choose your lover?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " I'd choose my lover... " + (prompt:"Why choose your lover?"))]

Why do you want glory? [[To have lived life to the fullest|DILEMMA What are you willing to sacrifice?]] [[Because life is too short...|I don't have long]] [[To make my struggles worthwhile|Problems of my own]] [[To make the struggles of my loved ones worthwhile|Problems someone close to me has]] [[To make the struggles of the world worthwhile|Problems the world has]]

Why do you wish to be creative? [[For the joy of it|DILEMMA What are you willing to sacrifice?]] [[For great fortune->AMBITION Fortune]] [[To fix the problems that need solving|Problems]]

Life is worth living for the good moments and our days in the sunshine. [[Still...|DILEMMA Would you choose them over everything else?]] (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "I remember the good times... " + (prompt:"What are the good times you remember?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " I remember the good times... " + (prompt:"What are the good times you remember?"))]

Would you choose them over everything else? [[Yes|Choose them]] [[No|Don't choose them]]

You would choose them... [[The sky begins to darken...|The sunset darkens]] (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "I would choose them... " + (prompt:"Why would you choose them?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " I would choose them... " + (prompt:"Why would you choose them?"))]

You would not choose them... [[The sky begins to darken...|The sunset darkens]] (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "I wouldn't choose them... " + (prompt:"Why wouldn't you choose them?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " I wouldn't choose them... " + (prompt:"Why wouldn't you choose them?"))]

Even after we've had our last sunset, part of us will see sunsets to come. [[In the memories of my loved ones|PROMPT Who will remember you?]] [[In the actions I've performed in this world|PROMPT What have you done which will be remembered?]]

Ah, the good times... They're hard to come by. Now, in this moment, you can't help but think of... [[How I can create something to honor my joy->AMBITION Creativity]] [[How good moments are few and far between->Problems]] [[How I just want to cling to this moment forever->Clinging to forever]]

There are forces beyond us... And our faith in them gives us strength. [[The sun seems to shine...|The sunset glows]] (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "I trust in something higher... " + (prompt:"Why do you trust in something higher?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " I trust in something higher... " + (prompt:"Why do you trust in something higher?"))]

You'll be remembered... [[The sun begins to set...->The sunset darkens]] (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "I'll be remembered by... " + (prompt:"Who will remember you?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " I'll be remembered by... " + (prompt:"Who will remember you?"))]

You'll be remembered for your actions. [[The sun begins to set...->The sunset darkens]] (if: $present_thought is "")[(set: $present_thought to "People will remember me for... " + (prompt:"What will people remember you for?"))](else:)[(set: $present_thought to $present_thought + " People will remember me for... " + (prompt:"What will people remember you for"))]

A message in a bottle: //Author's note: Dear player, This is Charles, the creator of Reflections at Sunset. Thank you so much for joining me at this sunset today. Over the course of a few minutes of your time, your choices will flow into one of many possible directions to reflect your personal thoughts and feelings. We hope that you'll be honest with your feelings because honesty to ourselves is one of the kindest forms of care one can give. And we all need to be kind to ourselves, once in a while. Out of respect for you and your honesty, your responses will not be saved to a server or after your session is over. As soon as you close your browser window, everything you've said that you haven't chosen to save yourself will be gone, like the snow in the sun or sand in the waves. For this experience, I recommend playing this in a quiet space where no one can read your thoughts, so you can be free to express yourself. **Additionally, for immersion, headphones are heavily recommended.** At any rate, no matter where you're playing this, you and only you determine what you share. Your thoughts are as private or public as you want them to be. Once again, thank you so much for playing. One last thing... Be ready with a sheet of paper and something to write with. I hope you'll treasure your experience in these... [[Reflections at Sunset->Sunset]]// <--- [Click to begin!] [[Credits (and Sunset Maker)]]

You simply stand there, staring at the sunset as it darkens. <img class="dark" src="sunset/sunset-cropped.jpg"> [[The sun goes down->Nightfall]]

You stand there in silence. The sunset seems to quietly glow. <img class="bright" src="sunset/sunset-cropped.jpg"> [[The sunset glows->Nightfall]]

Why can't you forgive yourself? [[...I've done so much wrong->Don't be hard on yourself]] [[...I'm not worth being forgiven->Don't be hard on yourself]]

You stare at the sunset in silence. <img class="dark" src="sunset/sunset-cropped.jpg"> Sometimes, the toughest person to forgive is oneself. Pain is hard to let go of, if we've been led to believe we deserve it. Could things be forgotten in a single sunset, just like that? Can this moment be the chance to let the sun set on the past? [[Yes->Forgive self]] [[No->The sunset darkens]] [[Perhaps in the future...->The sunset darkens]]

How long can I accept what I cannot change? How long do I hang on the belief that I must suffer? If this is something I cannot change... Then perhaps the change must come from within. Is it... ...is it possible that I can learn to accept my circumstances? [[Perhaps it can->Acceptance]] [[Perhaps not now->The sunset darkens]]

You think about the urgency of time... [[I will see my last sunset some day...->Death]]

You camp out in the fading light of the sunset and decide to write about your experiences with the sunset. Whom do you wish to write to? // One of the most beautiful things a person can do with a thought is to share it. For most things, like toys or presents, you lose something when you give it away. But for some things, like feelings, or thoughts, or love, they don't cost you anything when you share them. You can write to whomever you wish. Write to a loved one you're thinking of, yourself in the future or the past, make a statement to the earth or the heavens, to loved ones, to rocks and trees and birds, to the heart of the universe, or to whomever will listen.// Dear <input id="loved-input" type="text" placeholder="The addressee"></input><span id="loved-written">, <button onclick="writeName()">Write to paper</button></span> <span id="hidden">// Please take out your paper and writing implement and write to the person (or people) you've chosen. When you are done, click [[here->Goodbyes]]//</span> <script> function writeName() { var loved_input = document.getElementById("loved-input"); var loved_written = document.getElementById("loved-written"); loved_written.innerHTML = loved_input.value; loved_input.parentNode.removeChild(loved_input); $('#hidden').css('display', 'block'); } </script>

You want to cling to this moment forever... But it won't last forever. Nothing lasts forever. [[How can make something that stands the test of time->Immortality]] [[Even //I// won't last forever->I don't have long]] [[I suppose there's things beyond my control->Helplessness]]

Double-click this passage to edit it.

Thank you for the care and honesty you've put into your answers. It's important to remember that there is no way your thoughts "should" be, but rather that they "simply are." We hope that you've found your thoughts to be perfect as they are. And please note, you are free to do what you wish with your letter. Share it, burn it, send it to sea. It is yours to do what you wish with it. Thank you for playing Reflections at Sunset. Please, join us in the credits for some special surprises. [[Credits (and Sunset Maker) (Clicking will wipe your data)->Credits (and Sunset Maker)]]. ~Some of the many branches you may have walked through~ <img src="sunset/branching.png">

~Make your own sunset~ (Scroll down for credits) <iframe width = "425" height = "500" scrolling="no" style="border:none; overflow:hidden" src="sunset-maker/index.html"></iframe> <a class="twitter-share-button" href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I%20experienced%20the%20sunset...%20@reflectatsunset%20#reflectatsunset&url=url=https%3A%2F%2Fmuditaheart.itch.io%2Freflections-at-sunset" target="_blank" data-size="large">Tweet</a></p><div class="fb-share-button" data-href="https://muditaheart.itch.io/reflections-at-sunset" data-layout="button" data-size="small" data-mobile-iframe="true"><a class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmuditaheart.itch.io%2Freflections-at-sunset&src=sdkpreparse">Share on Facebook</a></div> ~==Please join Reflections at Sunset on social media==~ <a href="http://charleshanshuang.com/reflections-at-sunset/" target="_blank">~Check out the website~</a> See diary pages from the official Reflections at Sunset journal, notes about the game's development, and more... <a href="https://twitter.com/reflectatsunset" target="_blank">~Check out the official Twitter~</a> See player reactions, updates from the developer, and more <a href="http://facebook.com/ReflectionsAtSunsetGame" target="_blank">~Check out the Reflections at Sunset Facebook page~</a> Join Together at Sunset events, see player reactions, updates, and more ==Designer, Writer, Programmer== Charles Hans Huang ~If you liked this game, feel free to follow me to see more of my work or send me a message!~ <a href="https://twitter.com/charleshhuang" target="_blank">Follow me on Twitter~</a> <a href="http://charleshanshuang.com" target="_blank">Check out my Website~</a> <a href="mailto:contact@charleshanshuang.com?Subject=I%20just%20played%20Reflections%20at%20Sunset" target="_top">Send me an email~</a> ==Sound Designer== Benjamin Andre You can download the mp3 for this game at the following link (pay whatever you wish): <a href="https://muditaheart.itch.io/reflections-at-sunset/purchase" target="_blank">Download mp3</a> ~Special Thanks~ NYU Game Center Playcrafting Different Games Sam LaFleur Ben Sironko My friends and family ~And //you// for joining me~ ~Started at Global Game Jam 2016 at NYU Game Center~ If you liked this game, feel free to donate whatever you're comfortable with: <a href="https://muditaheart.itch.io/reflections-at-sunset/donate" class="button donate_btn" data-donate="true" target="_blank">Support This Game (this will open a new window/tab in your browser)</a> All images and sounds used with permission. (link-reveal: "Sunset Maker uses Gifshot under a Yahoo MIT License.")[ https://yahoo.github.io/gifshot/ Copyrights for code authored by Yahoo Inc. is licensed under the following terms: MIT License Copyright 2017 Yahoo Inc. Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy of this software and associated documentation files (the "Software"), to deal in the Software without restriction, including without limitation the rights to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell copies of the Software, and to permit persons to whom the Software is furnished to do so, subject to the following conditions: The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all copies or substantial portions of the Software. THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.] [[Return to start->Prologue]] { (set: $present_thought to "") }