Welcome to life.
Your body tingles with the warmth of the sunlight streaming through your window. The sensation is pleasant, but you resent it for waking you up so early on [[Saturday|bed]], the first day in awhile you’re allowed to sleep in.You decide
to [[roll over|sleep]] and continue sleeping in the shady corner of your bed.
to [[welcome the sunlight|awaken]] and start the day in its positive light.
to [[lay in the light|lay]] for a few minutes, lazily acclimating to wakefulness before beginning your day.Several hours later, you get out of bed and pass through the living room into your [[kitchen|breakfast]] to make breakfast.With enthusiasm you spring out of bed and pass through the living room into your [[kitchen|breakfast]] to make breakfast.
Once you're ready you get out of bed and pass through the living room into your [[kitchen|breakfast]] to make breakfast.
Mmmm
[[western omelet]]
[[granola and banana]]
[[coffee]]But, oh what misfortune! The investigation of your refrigerator and pantry yields no results.
You're out of food.
Standing in your underwear, your eyes leave the depressing fridge to rest on the calendar, where today is circled with the inscription “Patrick’s birthday football game @ 10”.
[[Oops|WWJD]], forgot about that one.But, oh what misfortune! The investigation of your refrigerator and pantry yields no results.
You're out of food.
Standing in your underwear, your eyes leave the depressing fridge to rest on the calendar, where today is circled with the inscription “Patrick’s birthday football game @ 10”.
Oops, forgot about that one.
So... what will you [[do|planning]] today?So... what will you do today?
It will be nice to see those guys, they aren’t my best friends but it will probably be fun to hang out. I’ll grab some breakfast on the way and [[meet them|game]] at the stadium.
I really need to restock this apartment for my dinner party before anything else. I’ll go to the grocery store, get some [[good food|grocery]], then see if I have time to go by the stadium.
Ugh, this is my day off I don’t want these commitments weighing me down. I want some me time, I’ll go to the new [[Expressionism exhibit|museum]] at the fine arts museum.
[[Yes|game2]], this is exactly what you wanted.
{
(set: $item= "book")
(set: $douche= $douche+1)
}[[Yes|grocery2]], this is exactly what you wanted.
{
(set: $item= "cereal box")
(set: $cons= $cons+1)
}[[Yes|museum2]], this is exactly what you wanted.
{
(set: $item= "pamphlet")
(set: $int= $int +1)
}Yes, this is exactly what you wanted.
The paintings’ fearful beauty allow you to immerse yourself simultaneously in the minds of the artist and yourself as you patiently traverse the rooms of the exhibit. You haven’t had a [[quiet moment|vision]] to calm down, to breathe and act at your own pace, in too long.Yes, this is exactly what you wanted.
Patrick welcomed you with open arms at your arrival and you are happy to be hanging with such friendly people. Your [snowman]<joke| joke was a major hit and you feel [[relaxed|vision]] with these new friends.
{
(click: ?joke)[(replace: ?joke)[stalactite]]
(click: ?joke)[(replace: ?joke)[nun]]
(click: ?joke)[(replace: ?joke)[poop]]
}Yes, this is exactly what you wanted.
The grocery store is such a fascinating place, there are so many food choices, drawn from all over the world available for such approachable prices. You feel [[blessed|vision]] to live in such a limitless era.Interrupting your moment of crystallized contentment, is a vision, no, a real person standing 20 meters in front of you with the soft imprint of an inviting [[smile|vision2]] etched into $his cheeks. Nice to meet [[you|commence]] $name.
{
(set: $him= "him")
(set: $his= "his")
(set: $he= "he")
(set: $man= "man")
}Nice to meet [[you|commence]], $name.
{
(set: $him= "them")
(set: $his= "their")
(set: $he= "they")
(set: $man= "person")
(set: $Him= "Them")
(set: $He= "They")
(set: $Man= "Person")
(set: $His= "Their")
}Interrupting your moment of crystallized contentment, is a vision, no, a real person standing 20 meters in front of you with the soft imprint of an inviting smile etched into $his cheeks.
$His [fine]<hair| hair outlines $his pleasant [[face|vision3]] in a way that obviously took no effort, but is perfectly complimentary.
{
(click: ?hair)[(replace: ?hair)[luscious]]
(click: ?hair)[(replace: ?hair)[long]]
(click: ?hair)[(replace: ?hair)[curly]]
}Interrupting your moment of crystallized contentment, is a vision, no, a real person standing 20 meters in front of you with the soft imprint of an inviting smile etched into $his cheeks.
$His [fine]<hair| hair outlines $his pleasant face in a way that obviously took no effort, but is perfectly complimentary.
Your eyes meet for a moment, in which you understand in a flash that they are somebody who deserves your curiosity, and you appear to have already [[grabbed|vision4]] theirs, before they turn back to the $item they are reading.
{
(click: ?hair)[(replace: ?hair)[luscious]]
(click: ?hair)[(replace: ?hair)[long]]
(click: ?hair)[(replace: ?hair)[curly]]
}This is not what you had planned for today, but this is somebody you do not feel comfortable ignoring.
You decide to
approach $him with [[confidence|approachConfident]].
approach $him with a mundane [[question|approachQuestion]], as an excuse to begin a conversation.
make yourself [[presentable|approachTimid]] and hope they come over to you.“Hey good-looking, my day got a lot better when I saw you, now I would like to return the favor.” They laugh and reply, “that is quite generous of you, by all means, please [[go ahead|confident2]]” with a sparkling smile.
{
(set: $douche= $douche+1)
}“Excuse me, do you happen to know the time?” you ask, hoping none of your nervous energy is perceptible. They laugh and reply “Do you really care? Or can we dismiss the charades and just [[have a conversation|question2]]” with a sparkling smile.
{
(set: $neur= $neur+1)
}Only a minute later a voice like rain against a window says “Hello, I saw you and felt some compulsion to come speak to you. I always trust my instincts; [[tell me|timid2]], what is so magnetic about you."
{
(set: $scared= $scared+1)
}You are taken aback for a moment by their impressive confidence, then [[reply|pre-conversation]]You are taken aback for a moment by their impressive confidence, then [[reply|pre-conversation]]You are taken aback for a moment by their impressive confidence, then reply “I am
...
[[fillin stuff|conversation]]They laugh again, for that extra half-second. You know you both feel something developing here.
As your conversation continues to deepen for many minutes,
you find your mind drifting to
How they would look naked. How [[good|convo2sex]] they would look naked.
Your relationship in 2 months. Could it last that long? What will drive us apart? Or will it actually work [[this|convo2worry]] time? Are they even single?
Whether this is fate; had you chosen another path for today, you never would have met. This coincidence, it must [[mean|convo2deep]] something!
Their smooth cadence breaks and you hear
“Hey space ranger” as they move to make eye contact, “how’s the moon?”
“It’s beautiful” you mutter, blushing a little. “Listen, what’s your name?”
“[[Here|naming]]," they reply with a wink "let me put it into your phone."
{
(set: $douche= $douche+1)
}Their smooth cadence breaks and you hear
“Hey space ranger” as they move to make eye contact, “how’s the moon?”
“It’s beautiful” you mutter, blushing a little. “Listen, what’s your name?”
“[[Here|naming]]," they reply with a wink "let me put it into your phone."
{
(set: $neur= $neur+1)
}Their smooth cadence breaks and you hear
“Hey space ranger” as they move to make eye contact, “how’s the moon?”
“It’s beautiful” you mutter, blushing a little. “Listen, what’s your name?”
“[[Here|naming]]," they reply with a wink "let me put it into your phone."
{
(set: $open= $open +1)
}
[[4 months later|part2]]
You are fumbling through your pants, trying to find your wallet.
After checking every pocket, you remember you put it in the [[pocket|apartment]] of the $pants you are carrying. You are fumbling through your pants, trying to find your wallet.
After checking every pocket, you remember you put it in the pocket of the $pants you are carrying.
You struggle to keep the whole outfit safely off the ground while maneuvering your wallet out of the pocket and your key out of that. You cannot believe you may be late to the [[wedding|apart]]! $nom is going to be furious.You put the key in but are surprised to find the door already unlocked. $nom is inside, signing both of your names on the teapot they just finished [[wrapping|apart2]].
{
(click: ?gift)[(replace: ?gift)[towels]]
(click: ?gift)[(replace: ?gift)[trash can]]
(click: ?gift)[(replace: ?gift)[toaster]]
}You put the key in but are surprised to find the door already unlocked. $nom is inside, signing both of your names on the teapot $he just finished wrapping.
“Surprised? I knew you’d be late so I came over to help prepare. I hope you don’t mind the intrusion, I realize the key sharing is a bit new.”
You feel your adoration for $him literally grow as you watch $his delicate, criminal forging of your name.
“Well don’t just stand there [[adoring|car]] me," she chides "get yourself ready.”
{
(click: ?gift)[(replace: ?gift)[towels]]
(click: ?gift)[(replace: ?gift)[trash can]]
(click: ?gift)[(replace: ?gift)[toaster]]
}6 minutes later you are both in the car, en route to $nom’s sister Clara’s wedding at Baxton Beach.
12 minutes later, you realize you do not have your belt.
If you [[rush back|late]] to get it, you will surely be late to the ceremony. But you will look really good. Like, WOW, head-turning good.
If you [[push on|gross]] you will look disheveled, but not arrive late and interrupt the ceremony.
What a quandary!After returning to the apartment and leaving once more, this time fully prepared, you again rush off to the beach. You arrive 20 minutes late and duck into the back of the church. The [[ceremony|wedding]] had just begun.
{
(set: $douche= $douche+1)
(set: $belt= "was late")
}You arrive and duck into the back of the church just before the [[ceremony|wedding]] begins.
{
(set: $agree= $agree+1)
(set: $belt= "don't have a belt")
}The ceremony continues on with proclamations saturated with affection; several attendants can be heard crying lightly throughout the church. You squeeze $nom’s hand as you think
Weddings are so magical, I wonder if it’s too soon to think about [[marrying|wedCon]] this $man.
Shit this is boring! I cannot wait to get out of here and [[hit|wedDou]] the beach.
I’m so [[happy|wedAgr]] for those two, Clara is going to be so happy as a newlywed.
Ugh, people definitely [[noticed|wedNeu]] I $belt.
{
(set: $x0= "Feeling pleasant and energetic you decide to ")
(set: $x1= 0)
(set: $x2= 0)
(set: $x3= 0)
(set: $x4= 0)
}After the ceremony you all walk over to the tiki hut on the beach and start to [[celebrate|party]]!
{
(set: $open= $open+1)
}After the ceremony you all walk over to the tiki hut on the beach and start to [[celebrate|party]]!
{
(set: $douche= $douche+1)
}After the ceremony you all walk over to the tiki hut on the beach and start to [[celebrate|party]]!
{
(set: $agree= $agree+1)
}After the ceremony you all walk over to the tiki hut on the beach and start to [[celebrate|party]]!
{
(set: $neur= $neur+1)
} $x0
{
(if: $eat is 0)[ Eat some of that [[buffet|eat1]]. I think I see lobster!<br>](elseif: $eat is 1)[ Return to that [[buffet table|eat2]]. It’s a buffet, seconds are basically mandatory!<br>](elseif: $eat is 2)[ Hit up that [[buffet table one more time|eat3]]. You may be full, but they are now serving the cake!<br>]
(if: $dance is 0)[Start [[dancing|dance1]]!<br>](elseif: $dance is 1)[Get back on that [[dance floor|dance2]]!<br>](elseif: $dance is 2)[Ask $nom for a [[final dance|dance3]]. But, not make it sound that ominous.<br>]
(if: $talk is 0)[Talk to one of the [[guests|talk1]] here.<br>](elseif: $talk is 1)[Talk with somebody else. That guy in the [[straw hat|talk2]] is intriguing.<br>](elseif: $talk is 2)[Speak with [[another person|talk3]]. Hopefully they’ll be a bit calmer than Blake.<br>]
(if: $drink is 0)[Head to the open [[bar|drink1]]. This is going to be a real party!](elseif: $drink is 1)[get [[another drink|drink2]]. I’m not even tipsy yet!](elseif: $drink is 2)[get another drink! You feel super now and [[more alcohol|drink3]] will only make you feel <strike>superer</strike> more super!]
}Wow, you have not eaten something that good in a long time. Who knew lobster and cream cheese were so perfect together? Apparently this amazing chef.
You thank $nom for bringing you to this great event by [[squeezing|party]] $his hand and expressing it in your pupils.
{
(set: $eat= 1)
(set: $x0= "Well, one can’t maintain eye contact forever, next I’ll ")
}1. You liked the cream cheese lobster combo before, but calling it tasty now would be heresy compared to the delight that’s in your mouth now. You don’t know what is inside of this sweet and savory, fluffy and flaky, perfect pastry, but you cannot stop eating them until they are all gone. You are seized by the desire to meet this chef and thank them personally before hiring them to work in your home. But you are then seized by the necessity to [[sit down|party]] and take a (link: "breath.")[breath.
Whew.]
{
(set: $eat= 2)
(set: $x0= "After resting a minute your stomach is still full, but you feel mobile again. Now you want to ")
}The [creamy]<taste|, chocolate cake melts in your mouth as you scoop more of it in. You can’t tell if it’s the delightful taste or the overdose of sugar but you can no longer see anything clearly. You don’t care, all you need to see if the vague shape of the [[fork|eat4]] coming up towards your beaming face.
{
(click: ?taste)[(replace: ?taste)[scrumptious]]
(click: ?taste)[(replace: ?taste)[delicious]]
(click: ?taste)[(replace: ?taste)[smooth]]
}
Wow this DJ knows his stuff! You impress everyone with your skillful [shopping cart]<moves| then start a circle for the new married couple. You marvel at their passion and joy as you all dance and laugh together. Whew, that was tiring, but [[worth|party]] it!
{
(set: $x0= "Now I'll ")
(click: ?moves)[(replace: ?moves)[stanky leg]]
(click: ?moves)[(replace: ?moves)[worm]]
(set: $dance= $dance+1)
}(click: ?c1)[<code>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ac3HkriqdGQ</code>]
You run onto the dancefloor, date in hand and you two slowdance to [You and Me]<c1| by Lifehouse. The song is sappy and shitty but you can’t help but savor the moment.
You’ve spent months with this wonderful $man, yet holding them [[close|2dance2]] to your body still gets your heart pumping fast and shoots tingles through your limbs.
(click: ?c2)[<code>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbkOZTSvrHs</code>]
The DJ puts on an [interesting song]<c2| and you aren’t quite sure how to dance. You turn in amused confusion to your partner, expecting to find a similar expression, but $his eyes are beginning to water. You look around the tent and the majority of the patrons are doing some combination of [[shrieking, cheering, standing and coming|dance4]] to the dancefloor.
(set: $image= "tired")You sit at your designated seat and speak to the person on your left. “Uncle Benjy” looks old and outdated from his absurd clothing choice, but after speaking for a few minutes you learn he is entirely lucid and very knowledgeable on your [[favorite topic|1talk1]]...
(set: $ext= $ext+1)You strut up to the bar and ask the bartender for two shots of the best whiskey she has. She chuckles and pours you the two shots saying “well there’s only the one kind. So here, this is the best.” You take one shot from her and gesture that you want to take the shots together. She clinks your glasses together and you [[throw them back|1drink1]].
{
(set: $douche= $douche+1)
}You decide to raise the stakes and ask for four shots of tequila. When the bartender gives them to you, you offer her two, to do together like a race. She politely declines, saying she has a long shift ahead of her and walks to the other end of the bar. You scowl at her, then the four shot glasses in front of you, filled with clear mind-altering liquid. Can you drink all of them?
[[Yes!|2drink2calm]]
[[FUCK YEAHH!!!|2drink2loud]]
{
(set: $douche= $douche+1)
}You return to the bartender, beaming, and demand
“A rum and coke… but hold the coke!” and laugh in what you assume can only be perceived as a genial manner.
She bites back a grimace and replies “So you just want rum then?”
”Well, yes. But it doesn’t need to be as boring as that.”
She turns away and pours [[your drink|2drink3]].
{
(set: $douche= $douche +1)
(set: $image= "drunk")
}You walk over to Sir Straw Hat and shake his hand. After exchanging small talk for a minute, learning that he is Blake, a cousin of the groom and landscape architect, you get onto [[the topic|2talk2]] of...
(set: $ext= $ext+1)You look around the wedding, crowded with strangers and you get a panic attack. Who are these people? They each have their own entire lives. Each person here has experienced as much or more than I have ever known and forgotten. There's an infinity of knowledge in this tent and I will never know more than a tiny fraction of it! More thoughts fly through your mind rapidly, the room [[spins|2talk3]], you fall...
(set: $image= "chatty")
(set: $ext= $ext+1)The perfect, [chocolate]<flavor| cake melts in your mouth as you scoop more of it in. You can’t tell if it’s the delightful taste or the overdose of sugar but you can no longer see anything clearly. You don’t care, all you need to see if the vague shape of the fork coming up towards your beaming face.
It starts to hurt. Your stomach is openly protesting this titanic intake, but your hand won’t stop. And you [[don’t want|eat5]] it to stop.
{
(click: ?flavor)[(replace: ?flavor)[coconut]]
(click: ?flavor)[(replace: ?flavor)[pistachio]]
(click: ?flavor)[(replace: ?flavor)[vanilla]]
(set: $image= "stuffed")
}
The perfect, flavored cake melts in your mouth as you scoop more of it in. You can’t tell if it’s the delightful taste or the overdose of sugar but you can no longer see anything clearly. You don’t care, all you need to see if the vague shape of the fork coming up towards your beaming face.
It starts to hurt. Your stomach is openly protesting this titanic intake, but your hand won’t stop. And you don’t want it to stop.
[[Until|eat6]]...Until the fork rising to your mouth is met with a pinkish-white chunky liquid spewing from your mouth. You are now vomiting.
The vomit only hits a portion of the table, there is little splash damage to the chairs or plates of others. You look to your left and right and it seems only one horrified elderly woman noticed your food reversal.
You briefly consider taking another bite of the non-soiled section of the cake when your mouth suddenly releases more vomit into the world. This time there is more. It gets in more places. You do the only rational thing and duck under the table to continue [[vomiting|eat7]] this delicious digestion mess. After 10 minutes you stop. Regaining strength you calmly step out from the table, brush some food bits from your leg, and walk with gusto to the edge of the tent and descend to the [[beach|beach]], expertly avoiding eye contact with any people and edibles along the way.
Your party sees your escape and follows you.You two arrive at a secluded section of the beach and sit down, hand in hand. Silently agreeing to not discuss what just happened, you smile and giggle while playfully tossing some sand on each other’s laps and kissing, intoxicated by the rampant, palpable joy of this event and the [[beauty|beach2]] of the water at sunset. (click: ?c1)[<code>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ac3HkriqdGQ</code>]
You run onto the dancefloor, date in hand and you two slowdance to [You and Me]<c1| by Lifehouse. The song is sappy and shitty but you can’t help but savor the moment.
You’ve spent months with this wonderful $man, yet holding them close to your body still gets your heart pumping fast and shoots tingles through your limbs.
You close your eyes and feel safe.
The two of you have created an alternate world where just the two of you float and sway, content, forever. Or until the [[song ends|party]] and you separate.
{
(set: $x0= "Still feeling a bit out of your body you decide next you should ")
(set: $dance= 2)
}The entirety of the bride’s guests instinctively join hands in a circle around the dancefloor and encourage you and the others to link hands. Joining the circle you realize everybody is singing solemnly to this ballad as the bride herself bursts into the floor and begins a [[synchronized dance|dance5]].The entirety of the bride’s guests instinctively join hands in a circle around the dancefloor and encourage you and the others to link hands. Joining the circle you realize everybody is singing solemnly to this ballad as the bride herself bursts into the floor and begins a synchronized dance.
She is enjoying herself, but she does not allow herself the satisfaction of a smile as she concentrates on emoting as powerfully as possible in [[rhythmic jumps and gyrations|dance6]] to the song.
Nobody acts as if this is odd so you decide that it is not. The entirety of the bride’s guests instinctively join hands in a circle around the dancefloor and encourage you and the others to link hands. Joining the circle you realize everybody is singing solemnly to this ballad as the bride herself bursts into the floor and begins a synchronized dance.
She is enjoying herself, but she does not allow herself the satisfaction of a smile as she concentrates on emoting as powerfully as possible in rhythmic jumps and gyrations to the song.
Nobody acts as if this is odd so you decide that it is not.
Even when a member of the circle mysteriously produces a bagpipe and tosses it to the dancer who catches it and begins [[playing|dance7]] without missing a step. Many people are crying as her solo overpowers the song, overpowers everything so you can do nothing but watch as this recent bride spins and overwhelms your eyes with flowing white fabric and your ears with flowing white noise. The song ends and everybody claps for several minutes as the groom breaks through to [[carry his bride|dance8]], collapsed in knowing tears, to the edge of the tent.Many people are crying as her solo overpowers the song, overpowers everything so you can do nothing but watch as this recent bride spins and overwhelms your eyes with flowing white fabric and your ears with flowing white noise. The song ends and everybody claps for several minutes as the groom breaks through to carry his bride, collapsed in knowing tears, to the edge of the tent.
Afterwards, most people stand about awkwardly for a few minutes, not sure what to do next.
You and $nom leave the tent to sit on the [[beach|beach]].
(put: (prompt: "Your favorite topic") into $textbox3)
You sit at your designated seat and speak to the person on your left. “Uncle Benjy” looks old and outdated from his absurd clothing choice, but after speaking for a few minutes you learn he is entirely lucid and very knowledgeable on your favorite topic, $textbox3.
You two discuss its history and argue your opinions of its future. His anecdotes about his nephew’s experience with $textbox3 make your eyes water from laughing. After an hour that feels like 10 minutes he [[leaves|party]] to get some food.
{
(set: $x0= "You realize it is time for you to ")
(set: $talk= 1)
}
(put: (prompt: "This topic") into $textbox4)
You walk over to Sir Straw Hat and shake his hand. After exchanging small talk for a minute, learning that he is Blake, a cousin of the groom and landscape architect, you get onto the topic of $textbox4.
You aren’t quite sure how you got onto this topic, and you’re a bit worried this is not the place to discuss its intricacies, but Blake only gets more excited with each passing moment. You enjoy his enthusiasm, but when he begins harping about how $textbox4 changed his life 3 months ago, his gesticulations begin attracting [[too much attention|3talk2]] to you two for your liking. You walk over to Sir Straw Hat and shake his hand. After exchanging small talk for a minute, learning that he is Blake, a cousin of the groom and landscape architect, you get onto the topic of $textbox4.
You aren’t quite sure how you got onto this topic, and you’re a bit worried this is not the place to discuss its intricacies, but Blake only gets more excited with each passing moment. You enjoy his enthusiasm, but when he begins harping about how $textbox4 changed his life 3 months ago, his gesticulations begin attracting too much attention to you for your liking.
You try to calm him down but Blake is lost in his own passionate mind, so you walk away on the pretext of looking for $nom while he continues his rant to those now circling around him. [[That|party]] was… surprising.
{
(set: $x0= "You're now in the mood to ")
(set: $talk= 2)
}And $nom catches you, $his eyes brimming with concern.
You return a look of love.
You stand and smile, $nom knows if you want to talk about what happened you will, but does not pressure you. You take $his hand and walk onto the [[beach|beach]] to be alone together.(put: (prompt: "Their name is") into $nom)
[[Sweet|transition1]]You strut up to the bar and ask the bartender for two shots of the best whiskey she has. She chuckles and pours you the two shots saying “well there’s only the one kind. So here, this is the best.” You take one shot from her and gesture that you want to take the shots together. She clinks your glasses together and you throw them back.
You feel an instant bond with her, not unlike that of a sibling, and thank her as she walks to the other end of the bar to take the next order. You’re on top the world, ready to [[heat up|party]] this celebration.
{
(set: $x0= "Looking back into the tent you decide that next you will ")
(set: $drink= 1)
}You take the first one, toss it back and swallow. It burns a little but you’re ready. Actually, you kind of like the burning, it lets you know you’re alive.
You pick up the second one, take a breath and swallow it too. Now the burning has travelled to your stomach, you feel a little rumble going on.
You decide it’s just your stomach telling you you’re alive.
The elderly woman sitting next to you asks “are you going to drink all of those yourself?” with a shocked, if not appalled expression on her face.
“[[I sure am!|3drink2]]”FUCK yeah you can!! You take the first one, toss it back and swallow. It burns a little but you’re ready. Actually, you kind of like the burning, it lets you know you’re alive. You pick up the second one, take a breath and swallow it too.
Now the burning has travelled to your stomach, you feel a little rumble going on. You decide it’s just your stomach telling you you’re alive.
The elderly woman sitting next to you asks “are you going to drink all of those yourself?” with a shocked, if not appalled expression on her face.
“[[Hell fuckin’ yeah|3drink2]] old lady!! Are you gonna drink with me or get the fuck out of my face??!?” She turns away muttering “and without even lime or salt” to herself.
Shit, you realize, you did forget lime and salt. Well it’s too late now.
You grab the last two shot glasses and try to drink them both at once. Maybe a shot and a quarter get into your mouth, the rest runs down your chin.
“Not my nice shirt!” you [[vocally exclaim|4drink2]] to the alcohol. She turns away muttering “and without even lime or salt” to herself.
Shit, you realize, you did forget lime and salt. Well it’s too late now.
You grab the last two shot glasses and try to drink them both at once. Maybe a shot and a quarter get into your mouth, the rest runs down your chin.
“Not my nice shirt!” you vocally exclaim to the alcohol.
You go to the nearest unoccupied table and pick up a napkin to clean your collar. You notice how nice the napkins are, the embroidery is beautiful. You stuff a couple clean ones in your pocket while finishing drying your face.
You [[grab a spoon|party]] too for good measure.
{
(set: $x0= "Feeling alert and alive you now want to ")
(set: $drink= 2)
}You think about how far-gone your relationship is. This sister of your heart will not even share in a cheeky repartee, you’re disgusted by how much she’s changed. As she hands you the drink and you immediately chug half of it, you decide to [[let her know|3drink3]] how you feel. “I thought we were close. When we shared that shot I thought that meant something to you.”
“Sir I am just trying to do my job here.”
“I felt a bond and I thought you did too! But apparently you don’t have a heart! You just give people drinks and empty smiles, then crush their dreams when they really need you!”
Devastated by the brutal truth in your own words you find solace in finishing the drink you have in hand.
“Sir I do not follow what you are saying and would ask you calm down…”
“You know what I’m talking about, Ms. Arnold; Of the Benedict persuasion.”
She looks exasperated and [[walks away|4drink3]], to the far end of the bar. “Okay, walk away, just walk away from this like you walked away from my friendship, from my sweet, caring heart!” you pick up a book of matches from the bar and light one next to the tablecloth on it.
It begins to catch fire and [[spread|5drink3]], jumping quickly across the sticky portions of spilled alcohol.“Okay, walk away, just walk away from this like you walked away from my friendship, from my sweet, caring heart!” you pick up a book of matches from the bar and light one next to the tablecloth on it.
It begins to catch fire and spread, jumping quickly across the sticky portions of spilled alcohol.
“This is for you!” You exclaim to the bartender chatting with another guest down the bar.
“This is what you’ve done to me heart, and my soul!”
You’re starting to feel [[warm|6drink3]]. “Okay, walk away, just walk away from this like you walked away from my friendship, from my sweet, caring heart!” you pick up a book of matches from the bar and light one next to the tablecloth on it.
It begins to catch fire and spread, jumping quickly across the sticky portions of spilled alcohol.
“This is for you!” You exclaim to the bartender chatting with another guest down the bar.
“This is what you’ve done to me heart, and my soul!”
You’re starting to feel warm.
You realize most of your side of the bar is now [[on fire|7drink3]] and realize in a panic there is nothing you can do to stop it.“Okay, walk away, just walk away from this like you walked away from my friendship, from my sweet, caring heart!” you pick up a book of matches from the bar and light one next to the tablecloth on it.
It begins to catch fire and spread, jumping quickly across the sticky portions of spilled alcohol.
“This is for you!” You exclaim to the bartender chatting with another guest down the bar.
“This is what you’ve done to me heart, and my soul!”
You’re starting to feel warm.
You realize most of your side of the bar is now on fire and realize in a panic there is nothing you can do to stop it.
So, logically, you walk away to find $nom.
Without explanation you tell $him you’d like to leave the tent and hang out on the [[beach|beach]] “out of sight”. Without seeing how disturbed they are by this you begin walking away, pulling $him behind you by $his wrist.You two arrive at a secluded section of the beach and sit down, hand in hand. Silently agreeing to not discuss what just happened, you smile and giggle while playfully tossing some sand on each other’s laps and kissing, intoxicated by the rampant, palpable joy of this event and the beauty of the water at sunset.
You talk about
[[the past|beachPast]]
[[the present|beachPresent]]
[[the future|beachFuture]]
and laugh and hold each other close. Similarly, you hold onto [[this moment|transition2]], realizing that together right now, you are more fulfilled, more at ease, and just happier than you have been in a very long time.
{
(set: $agree= $agree+1)
}Similarly, you hold onto [[this moment|transition2]], realizing that together right now, you are more fulfilled, more at ease, and just happier than you have been in a very long time.
{
(set: $open= $open+1)
}Similarly, you hold onto [[this moment|transition2]], realizing that together right now, you are more fulfilled, more at ease, and just happier than you have been in a very long time.
{
(set: $cons= $cons+1)
}[[3 months later|thirdAct]]You breathe heavily ascending the last flight of stairs to your floor. You hate that the elevator to your fifth floor [[apartment|open]] is broken, but you begrudgingly accept it because this is the most exercise you get all day.
Still, it doesn’t help that you’re dripping wet from the rain, making your feet squeak and your underwear ride up on you.You open the door to your apartment, unsurprised to find it unlocked, hoping $nom will ambush you with a “love attack” like $he used to, when $he first moved in, as you walk in the door. But, no, they aren’t here and…
something is definitely [[wrong|living room]] here. You quickly survey the living room and decide to take a closer look at the
[[table|table]].
[[lamp|lamp]].
[[rug]].
[[picture]].
(set: $after= 0)
(set: $hasKey= 0)There are imprints in the rug where the table always stands, it is not in those spots.
Why would $nom move (if:$after is 0)[the [[table|living room]]?](else:)[the [[table|livingAfter]]?]
And… is that a new dent in the side?You notice that the lamp is casting light on the room differently, it has definitely been moved. You pick it up and try to remember exactly where it was when you feel something sticky on your hand.
You turn the lamp over and find a crack in it with fresh [[blood|lamp2]] pooled around it. The rug is bunched up in odd places. While inspecting the rug you remember when $nom brought it over and you felt overwhelmed with emotion while $he showed off this family heirloom to you. The first piece of furniture $he contributed to your shared apartment, it means so much to you. What could have made it so bunched up?
Hm, there’s a business card there
[[pick up card| libCard]]This picture is of you two at her sister’s wedding a few months back. You are looking $image and $nom is shining as always. But, what’s on the picture? You pick up the frame and inspect the glass closely to realize there are some dots of red liquid.
You put the picture (if:$after is 0)[back [[down|living room]],](else:)[back [[down|livingAfter]],] disquieted. (put: (prompt: "Your best line") into $line)
"$line" you [[say|conversation]] with a smirk.The card is to the Carlton Library a few blocks away. And on it you recognize in $nom’s handwriting the numbers
You put it in your pocket, to (if:$after is 0)[ponder [[later|living room]].](else:)[ponder [[later|livingAfter]].]
(set: $hasCard= 1)You notice that the lamp is casting light on the room differently, it has definitely been moved. You pick it up and try to remember exactly where it was when you feel something sticky on your hand.
You turn the lamp over and find a crack in it with fresh blood pooled around it.
You drop the lamp. What the fuck happened?
You want to
[[call|call]] for $nom
go into the [[kitchen|kitchen]]
go into the [[bedroom|bedroom]]You yell out $his name, betraying more fear than you realize you felt. There is no response.
Go to the [[kitchen|kitchen]].
Go to the [[bedroom]]. There is a lock jammed onto the door handle.
(if: $hasKey is 0)[You try pulling at it and maneuvering it but the lock is stuck on the door, and you [[can't open|livingAfter]] it.]
(elseif: $hasKey is 1)[You put the key into the lock and it opens, you can now remove it and [[push|kitchen2]] the door open.]Propelled by internal forces you feel you don’t fully control or comprehend, you ease the door open.
Your see your bedroom, in a state of disarray, but no more so than it usually is.
[[Although|bedroom2]]...Propelled by internal forces you feel you don’t fully control or comprehend, you ease the door open.
Your see your bedroom, in a state of disarray, but no more so than it usually is.
Although, there is a red handprint on the wall.
And one on the phone.
You suspect that they are handprints of blood but do not have the strength nor the desire to investigate any closer.
You hear [[running water|bedroom3]] in the bathroom. You hear water running in the bathroom.
There is definitely <i>somebody</i> in there.
You imagine the possibilities of who could be in there and none evoke any emotion besides deep, deep dread.
You are paralyzed for a few seconds,
then realize you must take action to escape this hell.
You must find out the answer no matter how fucked it is by [[opening that door|bathroom]]
[[Get out of here|livingAfter]]! Maybe find some clue or weapon or solution in another room. You are immediately light with relief then overwhelmed with too many intense emotions to parse. $nom is standing at the running sink, rubbing their wet hands in [[languid silence|bath2]]. In the living room, you decide to
check out the [[rug]]
check out the [[picture]]
check out the [[table]]
go into the [[kitchen]]
go into the [[bedroom]]
(set: $after= 1)They did not notice your entry, $his eyes are red and so puffy they probably do not have any peripheral vision.
You
want $him to feel your emotion- you [[cry at them|bathYell]] what you intend to not be interpreted as anger
carefully reach out and [[touch $his shoulder|bathTouch]], hoping not to startle $him
are paralyzed by the situation, you [[stand still|bathIn]] and watch $him ceaselessly wring their hands.Your shout physically strikes them back to the far wall. They slam into the cabinet and knock down several beauty products, but do not notice.
They are staring at you in [[abject horror|yell2]].
(set: $douche= $douche+1)Your touch shocks them so much that they jump from you against the far wall. They slam into the cabinet and knock down several beauty products, but do not notice. They are staring at you in [[abject horror|touch2]].
(set: $agree= $agree+1)You [[watch|in2]] $him, $his eyes do not move;
they are unfocused, vaguely pointed above their hands.
(set: $scared= $scared+1)Your shout physically strikes them back to the far wall. They slam into the cabinet and knock down several beauty products, but do not notice.
They are staring at you in <b>abject horror</b>.
Even [[after|yell3]] they recognize you. And that is enough to push you [[across the line|yell4]] you’ve straddled between <em>composed</em> and <strong>outraged</strong>. Your fears and confusion feed your defensive rage as you yell at them.
You aren’t sure what you’re yelling but you know it is making an impact:
they are shaking.
A bit emptied, you finally [[ask|bathRebut]] for them to speak- “What Happened!?!”They look [down]<a1|.
(click: ?a1)[They look [to the side]<a2|.]
(click: ?a2)[They begin to [vocalize]<a3|,]
(click: ?a3)[but then look at [you]<a4|,]
(click: ?a4)[and the sound [[dies|reb2]] in their mouth.]
You wait.Your touch shocks them so much that they jump from you against the far wall. They slam into the cabinet and knock down several beauty products, but do not notice. They are staring at you in <em>abject horror</em>.
Even after they [[recognize|touch3]] you. And that is enough to [[push you|touch4]] across the line you’ve straddled between <strong>composed</strong> and <em>distraught</em>. Your fears and confusion feed your consuming pain as you cry and attempt to form a complete sentence for them.
They mirror your extreme state as they watch you and cannot stop their entire body from shaking. A bit emptied, you finally ask $him to speak- “[[what happened?|bathRebut]]”You watch $him, $his eyes do not move;
they are unfocused, vaguely pointed above their hands.
The hands slap on top of each other,
rubbing at some points, just passing over at others.
You want to comfort them,
to run from them,
to interrogate them,
to hug them.
You are [[incapable|in3]] of overcoming this ambivalence.Then they notice you.
They jump back a step in instinctual fear and their eyes are [[filled|in4]] with horror.Then they notice you.
They jump back a step in instinctual fear and their eyes are filled with horror.
Even after they recognize [[you|in5]]. Your eyes meet and your mind goes blank: a vast expanse of tundra. After what must have been an hour you try to speak, but your throat catches on its dry self.
Either an hour or a few seconds later you [[try|bathRebut]] again, and ask “what happened?”A tear falls from $his left eye <br>You breathe.
[[...|reb3]]
They stammer “There was [a]<e1| (click: ?e1)[, [well]<e2|] (click: ?e2)[[...]<e3|]
(click: ?e3)[[You]<e4| know that] (click: ?e4)[[I]<e5|,] (click: ?e5)[[well]<e6|.]
(click: ?e6)[I need [you]<e7| to know] (click: ?e7)[that [I]<e8|,] (click: ?e8)[I really [meant]<e10|](click: ?e10)[."
<br>They breathe deeply and [cough]<e11|.]
(click: ?e11)[The cough shakes $his whole body and pushes some more [[tears|reb4]] from $his eyes.]You [wait]<f1|.
(click: ?f1)[They [[control|reb5]] themselves.]"I [just]<g1|...
(click: ?g1)[I'm trying but I just [can't]<g2| say this.]
(click: ?g2)[There are things I wish [you]<g3| never had to know.]
(click: ?g3)[I wanted the [best]<g8|](click: ?g8)[,[ no]<g4|.] (click: ?g4)[I [want]<g5| us to be] (click: ?g5)[..." She has to [[stop|reb6]] again.]“[I have some secrets.]<h1|
(click: ?h1)[[I have done]<h2|...] (click: ?h2)[[some things]<h3|.]
(click: ?h3)[[[But you must|reb7]] ]I can't do this!" She suddenly yells in pain.
You both [breathe]<j1| heavily, and listen to the dripping of the water in the sink and the rain on the window.
(click: ?j1)["Please, just look in the kitchen and... you'll know [who I am]<j2|." she holds out the key to the lock on the kitchen door, but cannot look at you.]
(click: ?j2)[You want to try to get more information from $him, but you know they are defeated, empty. You'll let $him gather $his strength and then return after fulfilling this request.
You [[take|livingAfter]] the key.]
(set: $hasKey=1)
You step through the kitchen doorway and immediately notice a thin [[trail|kitch3]] of blood leading from your feet to the cabinet under the sink.
You step through the kitchen doorway and immediately notice a thin trail of blood leading from your feet to the cabinet under the sink.
You follow the trail, taking miniature steps forward as your stomach contorts on itself and you feel the urge to vomit. But you cannot, you are too engrossed in this impossible bloody sight [spread]<w1| along the floor.
(click: ?w1)[Still a few meters away from the cabinet, the blood trail is thickening, leading to a veritable [[pool|kitch4]], still growing from intermittent drips leaking out of the cabinet.][This is impossible]<z1|(click: ?z1)[.
You think to [yourself]<z2|.]
(click: ?z2)[You close your eyes in a desperate attempt to realize any alternative to what is clearly happening to you.
But, that’s when you notice the [[smell|kitch5]].]You jerk your eyes open and put your hands over your nose and mouth, scared you may actually vomit now, as your [eyes]<y1| begin to tear.
(click: ?y1)[Whether the tears are born of physical or emotional distress you can’t tell and don’t want to put the effort into discovering.
[Still]<y2|...]
(click: ?y2)[You feel yourself [[drawn|kitch6]] to the cabinet.]Your feet are now on the edge of the disgustingly [smooth]<mn| blood pool.
(click: ?mn)[You breathe deeply, and
[[open the door|cab]]
reach out but cannot bring yourself to do it. If what you fear is in there, you know you aren’t ready. You [[flee the kitchen|livingAfter]], on the brink of tears.]You yell out a bestial cry you didn’t know you could produce; a throaty growling moan representing your despair and anguish over this visceral reminder that [you are impermanent]<w1|. (click: ?w1)[That people are [[not|cab3]] nearly perfect.]
You’ve never seen this person before. She <strike>has</strike> had unwashed hair, a leather jacket, and tough features.
You are examining her [expression]<1q|, (click: ?1q)[one showing less pain than you would imagine, and reach out to [tilt]<2q| her head] (click: ?2q)[when you remember that this is a DEAD PERSON and draw back in horror at your own insensitivity, falling back onto your tailbone.
You do not feel the impact, only see the [[blood|cab4]] pool ripple as you shake the room.]You stare stupidly at the [body]<we1|.
(click: ?we1)[No, the [person]<we2|.] (click: ?we2)[The [daughter]<we3| of somebody.]
(click: ?we3)[You feebly work at thinking of some course of action to take but cannot stop staring and feeling overwhelmed by the [finality]<we4| of it.]
(click: ?we3)[<u>This</u> is [death]<we5|.]
(click: ?we5)[This isn’t a theoretical concept, this [[person|cab5]] will no longer experience ANYTHING.]A clanging noise from the bedroom rouses [you]<re1| from this stupor.
(click: ?re1)[You slowly rise from the floor, steady yourself, and exit the kitchen
[[curious and alert|revealCons]]
[[paranoid and fearful|revealScared]]
[[with gusto|revealDouche]] ]You cross the living room and enter into the bedroom. You hear a CLANG from outside the [window]<aw1|. (click: ?aw1)[The... [[open|ending]] window?]
{
(set: $cons= $cons+1)
}You cross the living room and enter into the bedroom. You hear a CLANG from outside the [window]<aq1|. (click: ?aq1)[The... [[open|ending]] window?]
{
(set: $scared= $scared+1)
}You cross the living room and enter into the bedroom. You hear a CLANG from outside the [window]<at1|. (click: ?at1)[The... [[open|ending]] window?]
{
(set: $douche= $douche+1)
}You stare out the open window and into the rainy evening as a running figure fades into the darkness.
<center>[To be continued]<zx|(click: ?zx)[?]</center>Welcome!
Remember, it is not your thoughts but your [[actions|identity]] that define you.
Now, how do you identify yourself?
(set: $name= "D. Fault")
(set: $nom= "Lover")(put: (prompt: "What's your name?")into $name)
Your name is $name.
I am [[male|helloMan]]
[[female|helloWoman]]
[[other|helloWo]]
(set: $him= "him")
(set: $he= "he")
(set: $man= "man")
(set: $his= "his")
(set: $Him= "Him")
(set: $He= "He")
(set: $Man= "Man")
(set: $His= "His")So, $name, what type of person are you more attracted to?
[[male|commencem]]
[[female|commencefe]]
[[neither|commencen]]
(set: $him= "her")
(set: $he= "she")
(set: $man= "woman")
(set: $his= "her")
(set: $pants= "dress")Nice to meet [[you|commence]] $name.
(set: $him= "her")
(set: $he= "she")
(set: $man= "woman")
(set: $his= "her")
(set: $Him= "Her")
(set: $He= "She")
(set: $Man= "Woman")
(set: $His= "Her")There [it]<q1| is.
(click: ?q1)[Just like [you]<q2| feared.]
(click: ?q2)[A [body]<q3|.]
(click: ?q3)[A <i>human</i> [body]<q4|] (click: ?q4)[that is clearly [[dead|cab2]].]But, oh what [[misfortune|calendar]]! The investigation of your refrigerator and pantry yields no results.
You're out of food.But, oh what [[misfortune|calendar]]! The investigation of your refrigerator and pantry yields no results.
You're out of food.But, oh what [[misfortune|calendar]]! The investigation of your refrigerator and pantry yields no results.
You're out of food.So, $name, what type of person are you more attracted to?
[[male|commencem]]
[[female|commencefe]]
[[neither|commencen]]
(set: $him= "her")
(set: $he= "she")
(set: $man= "woman")
(set: $his= "her")
(set: $pants= "tuxedo pants")So, $name, what type of person are you more attracted to?
[[male|commencem]]
[[female|commencefe]]
[[neither|commencen]]
(set: $him= "her")
(set: $he= "she")
(set: $man= "woman")
(set: $his= "her")
(set: $pants= "fancy pants")