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* List item 1
* List item 2
[[Firstname]]
[[Link 2]]
[[Link 3]]
<<button "Button" "More Styles">><</button>><!-- SIDEBAR -->
<div id="sidebar">
<div class="sidebar-header">
<!-- EMPTY DIV -->
<div></div>
<!-- NAME OF YOUR GAME -->
<h1 class="story-title" data-passage="gameTitle"></h1>
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<div class="sidebar-toggle">
<span id="sidebar-toggle-icon" class="lnr lnr-menu-circle"></span>
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<!-- HISTORY BUTTONS THAT ALLOW USER TO GO BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS -->
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<div class="sidebar-history-nav">
<span id="backwards-button" class="lnr lnr-arrow-left"></span>
<span id="forwards-button" class="lnr lnr-arrow-right"></span>
</div>
<div id="sidebar-body">
<!-- GAME LOGO IMAGE -->
<div class="story-logo" data-passage="storyLogo"></div>
<!-- AUTHOR NAME -->
<h2 class="story-author" data-passage="storyAuthor"></h2>
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</ul>
<ul class="story-menu" data-passage="storyMenu">
</ul>
</nav>
</div> <!-- SIDEBAR-BODY END TAG -->
</div> <!-- SIDEBAR END TAG -->
<div id="story" role="main">
<div id="passages">
<div id="passage-start" data-passage="start" class="passage">
</div>
</div>
</div><<nobr>>
<!-- PLACE LINKS TO YOUR MENU BELOW, BUT REMEMBER TO WRAP IN <LI> TAGS -->
<li>[[My Sketchbook]]</li>
<</nobr>><<set $hello = "hello">>
[[Next|More Styles]]Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Vitae suscipit tellus mauris a diam maecenas. Sed egestas egestas fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec. Sed sed risus pretium quam. Aliquet eget sit amet tellus cras adipiscing enim eu. Nulla posuere sollicitudin aliquam ultrices sagittis orci. Pharetra vel turpis nunc eget lorem dolor sed. Vel orci porta non pulvinar neque laoreet suspendisse interdum.
Tempor orci dapibus ultrices in iaculis. Eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue quisque egestas. Ultrices in iaculis nunc sed augue lacus viverra vitae. Sit amet porttitor eget dolor morbi. Nec ultrices dui sapien eget mi proin. Leo vel fringilla est ullamcorper eget nulla facilisi etiam dignissim. Nec ultrices dui sapien eget mi proin sed. Aliquet nibh praesent tristique magna. Viverra accumsan in nisl nisi scelerisque. Nunc lobortis mattis aliquam faucibus purus in massa tempor nec. Nunc sed id semper risus in hendrerit.
Non sodales neque sodales ut etiam sit amet nisl purus. Pellentesque elit eget gravida cum sociis. Consectetur purus ut faucibus pulvinar elementum. Ut faucibus pulvinar elementum integer enim neque volutpat ac. Sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare. Nisi vitae suscipit tellus mauris a diam. Eu sem integer vitae justo eget magna. Mauris cursus mattis molestie a iaculis at erat pellentesque adipiscing. Mattis aliquam faucibus purus in massa tempor nec feugiat. Vel quam elementum pulvinar etiam non quam lacus suspendisse faucibus. Id interdum velit laoreet id donec ultrices tincidunt arcu. Viverra aliquet eget sit amet tellus cras adipiscing. Praesent elementum facilisis leo vel fringilla.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Vitae suscipit tellus mauris a diam maecenas. Sed egestas egestas fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec. Sed sed risus pretium quam. Aliquet eget sit amet tellus cras adipiscing enim eu. Nulla posuere sollicitudin aliquam ultrices sagittis orci. Pharetra vel turpis nunc eget lorem dolor sed. Vel orci porta non pulvinar neque laoreet suspendisse interdum.
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Non sodales neque sodales ut etiam sit amet nisl purus. Pellentesque elit eget gravida cum sociis. Consectetur purus ut faucibus pulvinar elementum. Ut faucibus pulvinar elementum integer enim neque volutpat ac. Sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare. Nisi vitae suscipit tellus mauris a diam. Eu sem integer vitae justo eget magna. Mauris cursus mattis molestie a iaculis at erat pellentesque adipiscing. Mattis aliquam faucibus purus in massa tempor nec feugiat. Vel quam elementum pulvinar etiam non quam lacus suspendisse faucibus. Id interdum velit laoreet id donec ultrices tincidunt arcu. Viverra aliquet eget sit amet tellus cras adipiscing. Praesent elementum facilisis leo vel fringilla.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Vitae suscipit tellus mauris a diam maecenas. Sed egestas egestas fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec. Sed sed risus pretium quam. Aliquet eget sit amet tellus cras adipiscing enim eu. Nulla posuere sollicitudin aliquam ultrices sagittis orci. Pharetra vel turpis nunc eget lorem dolor sed. Vel orci porta non pulvinar neque laoreet suspendisse interdum.
Tempor orci dapibus ultrices in iaculis. Eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue quisque egestas. Ultrices in iaculis nunc sed augue lacus viverra vitae. Sit amet porttitor eget dolor morbi. Nec ultrices dui sapien eget mi proin. Leo vel fringilla est ullamcorper eget nulla facilisi etiam dignissim. Nec ultrices dui sapien eget mi proin sed. Aliquet nibh praesent tristique magna. Viverra accumsan in nisl nisi scelerisque. Nunc lobortis mattis aliquam faucibus purus in massa tempor nec. Nunc sed id semper risus in hendrerit.
Non sodales neque sodales ut etiam sit amet nisl purus. Pellentesque elit eget gravida cum sociis. Consectetur purus ut faucibus pulvinar elementum. Ut faucibus pulvinar elementum integer enim neque volutpat ac. Sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare. Nisi vitae suscipit tellus mauris a diam. Eu sem integer vitae justo eget magna. Mauris cursus mattis molestie a iaculis at erat pellentesque adipiscing. Mattis aliquam faucibus purus in massa tempor nec feugiat. Vel quam elementum pulvinar etiam non quam lacus suspendisse faucibus. Id interdum velit laoreet id donec ultrices tincidunt arcu. Viverra aliquet eget sit amet tellus cras adipiscing. Praesent elementum facilisis leo vel fringilla.
<<button "Next" "More Styles">><</button>>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Vitae suscipit tellus mauris a diam maecenas. Sed egestas egestas fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec. Sed sed risus pretium quam. Aliquet eget sit amet tellus cras adipiscing enim eu. Nulla posuere sollicitudin aliquam ultrices sagittis orci. Pharetra vel turpis nunc eget lorem dolor sed. Vel orci porta non pulvinar neque laoreet suspendisse interdum.
Tempor orci dapibus ultrices in iaculis. Eu mi bibendum neque egestas congue quisque egestas. Ultrices in iaculis nunc sed augue lacus viverra vitae. Sit amet porttitor eget dolor morbi. Nec ultrices dui sapien eget mi proin. Leo vel fringilla est ullamcorper eget nulla facilisi etiam dignissim. Nec ultrices dui sapien eget mi proin sed. Aliquet nibh praesent tristique magna. Viverra accumsan in nisl nisi scelerisque. Nunc lobortis mattis aliquam faucibus purus in massa tempor nec. Nunc sed id semper risus in hendrerit.
Non sodales neque sodales ut etiam sit amet nisl purus. Pellentesque elit eget gravida cum sociis. Consectetur purus ut faucibus pulvinar elementum. Ut faucibus pulvinar elementum integer enim neque volutpat ac. Sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare. Nisi vitae suscipit tellus mauris a diam. Eu sem integer vitae justo eget magna. Mauris cursus mattis molestie a iaculis at erat pellentesque adipiscing. Mattis aliquam faucibus purus in massa tempor nec feugiat. Vel quam elementum pulvinar etiam non quam lacus suspendisse faucibus. Id interdum velit laoreet id donec ultrices tincidunt arcu. Viverra aliquet eget sit amet tellus cras adipiscing. Praesent elementum facilisis leo vel fringilla.
<<button "Next" "More Styles">><</button>><<set $hello = "hello">>
<<print $hello.toUpperFirst()>>
<<= $hello.toUpperFirst()>>
!!! Checkbox:
<<checkbox "$checkboxVar1" false true autocheck>> Checkbox option 1
<<checkbox "$checkboxVar2" false true autocheck>> Checkbox option 2
<<checkbox "$checkboxVar3" false true autocheck>> Checkbox option 3
!!! Cycle:
<<cycle "$cycleVar" autoselect>>
<<option "Option 1">>
<<option "Option 2">>
<<option "Option 3">>
<<option "Option 4">>
<<option "Option 5">>
<</cycle>>
!!! Listbox:
<<listbox "$listboxVar" autoselect>>
<<option "Option 1">>
<<option "Option 2">>
<<option "Option 3">>
<<option "Option 4">>
<<option "Option 5">>
<</listbox>>
!!! Radiobutton:
<<radiobutton "$radiobuttonVar" "option 1" autocheck>> Option 1
<<radiobutton "$radiobuttonVar" "option 2" autocheck>> Option 2
<<radiobutton "$radiobuttonVar" "option 3" autocheck>> Option 3
!!! Textarea:
<<textarea "$textareaVar" "Type text here..">>
!!! Textbox:
<<textbox "$textboxVar" "Type answer here">>A World Without You<a href="https://jaunefleurwrites.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">
<img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/faccd998dc569968d666a599b3c14ba0/85dc01b46f842bd8-68/s540x810/8f09fcd6d2ef81ed2fdc0bcf7848f62a8e320893.png">
</a>by <a href="https://jaunefleurwrites.tumblr.com/">Jaune Fleur</a><a data-passage="car"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/73034cac9a73a31502edb26ba0e5c588/1ddbed23530bbdca-7d/s540x810/15824f599076584f84694b20cd56a255d0f3c8a1.png" alt="Continue" style="float:center"/></a>
<center><<link "Return to game" $return>><</link>></center>!Who you are
Your stats go here..
<!-- IMPORTAN! INCLUDE THE CODE BELOW ON ALL STAT PAGES TO MAKE SURE THE LINK RETURNS THE USER TO THE LAST PASSAGE. IF YOU USE A NORMAL RETURN LINK IT WILL SIMPLY LOOP -->
<center><<link "Return to game" $return>><</link>></center><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/7baa4ba683fd5f9d6d8d285176e49bb7/9fcab0d300ca7267-0f/s540x810/bb2caa84bee79b3b78faf58a7ff1f14f81ba5d3f.png" style=display: block; margin: auto;>
-----
The sweet release from life was something you craved for all those years in and out of the hospital. You had spent the majority of your childhood in the children's ward as a terminally ill patient. Your illness had deprived you of the pleasure of youth and brought you nothing but a short life span.
Your family has been desperately trying to prolong your life—//but there was so much that couldn’t be done//.
You are tired.
Life had offered you nothing but pain and suffering to you and those around you, all you did was try to survive to wake up for a tomorrow that will repeat itself—you were not living. You had resigned yourself for the upcoming day when you are going to close your eyes to a blissful dream that you will never wake up ever from again.
You and your family moved into a town surrounded by vast greenery and clear skies There you wait for death to come and take you with him.
You didn't know that's where you would find a will to live again.
-----
[[Note & Trigger Warnings (SPOILERS AHEAD)|Warning]]
[[Credits|Credits]]
<<button [[Begin|Intro]]>><</button>>!!!Note & Trigger Warning:
-----
AWWY is a ''16+ interactive fiction'' that talks about the subject of death, mortality, etc. If you aren't comfortable with any of these then I highly discourage you to continue reading the story in the regards of your own health.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.
<<button [[Return|storystart]]>><</button>><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/606b91137cf74e3c4fa5bb90a593360d/efd2ccffca8f7a0a-e2/s500x750/98e9e369bd386162a93e1f29c55a9e49260a8d45.pnj" alt="Continue" style="float:center"/>
<a data-passage="male"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/68f19ec999549a3e479933756f6004cd/6c516a11559b2d44-a5/s500x750/1a8c7c7d2464366151c6be3af903851cd2a1b033.pnj"/></a><a data-passage="female"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/565df72f99ae6fe786f0193b7a06aef3/6c516a11559b2d44-6e/s500x750/e555cbd26cd183251218387b348c23904715fc9c.pnj" alt="Continue" style="float:center"/></a>
!!!???
----
The room was bathed in a delicate glow, as if the sun itself had been filtered through a gossamer veil. The crisp white linens on the bed were pristine, unblemished by even the slightest wrinkle. The window was open, allowing a warm breeze to flow in and dance with the curtains, creating a gentle symphony of rustling fabric.
"Are you ready?" A gentle voice floated towards you from behind, accompanied by the soft rustle of fabric as <<cycle "$skin" autoselect>>
<<option "pale">><<set $skin to "pale">>
<<option "fair">><<set $skin to "fair">>
<<option "olive">><<set $skin to "olive">>
<<option "tan">><<set $skin to "tan">>
<<option "dark">><<set $skin to "dark">>>
<</cycle>> hands gripped the push handle of your wheelchair.
You paused, lost in thought. With your eyes closed, you slowly nodded your head. "I... I think so." Your fingers nervously tugged at the loose leather on your armrest, but the feeling of emptiness persisted. You sighed and slumped back into the chair.
The woman by your side could sense your apprehension, and she reached out to grasp your shoulder in a gesture of comfort. She leaned in, resting her temple against yours. "I'm supposed to give you this later, but I think now is a good time." She reveals a hastily wrapped package, secured with a ribbon and bearing your name in neat, flowing cursive.
As you tore open the package, you discovered a beautiful spiral-bound sketchbook. Its pages were pristine, unmarked by any ink or graphite.
"Do you like it?" the woman inquired.
A smile slowly spread across your face, illuminating the room with a warm, contented glow.
<<button [["Yeah. I like it."|Intro 3]]>><</button>>''Why?''
Why do you live every day knowing that everything will someday end?
It could be today, tomorrow, or maybe even years—but you will never know when or how. Nevertheless we are taught to live every day as if it's our last, so we will not leave behind any regrets when it is our time to go. When you die, the world will continue to spin, time will go forward and you will only just be a memory to the living.
//It's sad.//
The only thing that you can be remembered by the world is the stories from the people who knew you--relying on the memories you made together...--but sometimes memories are not enough to hold you back with them, as if you are gonna wake up from a dream.
//Why do we still think of the future, instead of living in the present blind?//
//Why do humans live their lives forgetting the time, and why do they continue on blissfully?//
Is it because of the fear of that terrifying tomorrow, that the people still hold on to their ignorance? Or is it because they chose to live in the moment, rather than being reminded of the tomorrow that will come?
The clock will never stop unless it's broken; even when it is, time will still continue forward since…
<<button [[The World Will Go on Without You|prologue]]>><</button>>!Prologue: THAT FLEETING MOMENT <<audio "opening" volume 0.4 loop play>>
!!!Damin Lim
----
Damin’s heart raced with anticpation as $she stepped out of the airport terminal gripping on $her camera holster bag, the sound of $her luggage wheels clicked against the pavement. A cacophony of sounds and sights immediately engulf $him. Taking a deep breath as $she steadied $her nerves. $She then soon makes $her way forward.
Amidst the chaos of people and luggage, $she spots a tall, broad-shouldered man with a stiff expression holding a sign with $her name inscribed in bold letters, standing stoically in the midst of the bustling crowd. His well-kept beared framed his strong jawline. He wore a light brown sweater that hugged his broad chest and it paired with cream-colored slacks that complemented his tanned complexion.
As $she approached him, the older male’s demeanor remained unchanged. “Hello,” $she said, smiling tentatively. “You must be Mr. Miller, I’m Damin." The $girl points to $himself with a friendly grin. "I’m Chao Fa Lim’s $grandaughter.”
The older man greeted $her with an even smile, his eyes matching $her own warmth. “Joshua Miller. Please call me Joshua, Mr. Miller sounds old. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said extending a handshake. “Mrs. Lim has told me much about you.”
The $girl responds...
<<set $airport1 to false>><<set $airport2 to false>>
*[[''Hopefully nothing embarrassing.''|prologue 1][$airport1 to true]]
*[[''Is that bad?''|prologue 1][$airport2 to true]] "I... I can't," $she finally managed to say, $her voice quivering.
The older man sighed, defeated. "If that's what you want then I can't force you," he mumbled. "Though can I suggest something?" Damin nodded, listening intently as he spoke. "Your Yaa. Do you renember the place we had spent a few summers where she lived?"
//Fairvale.// The memories of a blue summer and the scent sweet breeze flooded back. Damin nods to $himself. "Fairvale...//right?//"
"Thats right. Maybe being there can help clear your head," he suggests. "Do you want to go? I'll contact her."
Damin hesitated for a moment, contemplating the offer. As $she pondered his suggestion, $she could almost smell the fragrant blooms that dotted the garden. A wistful sigh escaped $her lips, and $she found $himself nodding. "Yes, I want to."
"I hope this time off will do you some good, Damin," $her father said, the tone of his voice changing to one of encouragement. "You're a talented $girl, don't waste it."
When he hangs up, Damin regained $her ability to breathe again. Staring at the blank screen of $her laptop, feeling a mix of emotions swirling within $her. The cigarette $she still held in $her hand, forgotten during the call, had burned down to the filter.
//"Ughhhh...!"//
With a sigh, $she leaned back against the couch, the leather creaking beneath $her weight. $Her gaze drifted towards the ceiling, and $she closed $her eyes for a moment.
//Fairvale.//
Damin reached for the pack of cigarettes on the coffee table and lit a new one, taking a long drag as $she considered $her father's suggestion. $She was feeling a glimmer of hope for the first time in a long time. Maybe being there would do $him some good.
With the smoke curling around $him, $she made up $her mind. Crushing the butt into an ashtray. With a newfound sense of purpose, $she began to pack $her bags.
<<button [[...|prologue 14]]>><</button>><<if $airport1 is true>>Damin’s eyes widen in an amused surprise as $she took the older man’s hand for a handshake, “Oh, did she now?” $she replied in a playful grin. “I hope she didn’t tell you anything embarrasing,” $she added with a laugh before Joshua chuckled lightly,
“No, not too //many,”// he replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Just enough to make me curious about the young $girl who she spoke much of.”
“I hope not to disappoint your expectations,” Damin quipped, a playful tone in $her voice.
Joshua smiles, “I’ll hold you onto that."<<elseif $airport2 is true>>Damin shook his hand and returned the handshake with a warm smile. “Likewise. It’s good to meet you.” $she said, smiling. “I hope she didn’t say anything that made you think less of me.”
Joshua gave a small chuckle in response. “Not at all,” he said “When she talks about you, it’s clear how she holds you with so much regard."<</if>> His voice is low and steady as he led the $girl to his truck.
It was beautiful shade of worn-out yellow that stood out in the sea of modern cars. The paint had faded in places, edges are rusted but Damin thought it was rather charming.
Climbing into the passenger seat, $she could smell a hint of oil and gasoline lingering inside. The $girl smiled to $himself before putting on the seatbelt and just on cue, Joshua opens his mouth and asks.
"Ready?"
<<button [[Then they drove away...|prologue 2]]>><</button>>
As they drove, the silence hung heavy in the air, broken only by the soft hum of the car engine. Damin found $himself mesmerized by the scenic views outside the car window--rolling hills stretching out as far as the eye could see, fields of green and yellow swaying gently in the breeze, and the occasional picturesque farm dotted the landscape.
Lost in thought, it wasn't long before Damin felt compelled to break the silence. "I can't help but wonder, how do you know my grandmother? I've been here a lot as a kid but I don't recall ever meeting you."
Casting a small smile, Joshua answers, "I've been living in Fairvale for quite some time now," he said. "I actually arrived here after the last time you came here. Your grandmother and I crossed paths not long after I arrived, and the rest is history." He paused for a moment before continuing, "So why now, after being away from here for so long?"
Damin hummed thoughtfully before $her gaze drifted out the window once again. "//Yeah,// I don't really have a good reason why I didn't came back after so long," $she admitted. "I didn't think I would ever come back here to be honest with you. I guess...I just been up caught by life, and before I knew it, years had gone by. ”
Joshua nodded. "I understand. It's easy for our life to slip away from us when we're caught up in the day-to-day then we forget..."
//"Yep..."// Drawling a long 'p', the young teen snorts before $she leans $her head to the window. "We are the slaves to our own existance."
<<button [[Indeed we are|prologue 3]]>><</button>>The yellow truck rumbled down the dusty road towards Fairvale, and Damin couldn't help but smile. The sound of the engine mixed with the chirping of crickets and the occasional mooing of cows in the distance, creating a serene atmosphere that filled the truck's cab.
Making their way down the winding road towards Fairvale, the teen couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement mixed with nostalgia. When you had spent long summers in this small town with nothing but good memories... //it felt like coming home.// Joshua, on the other hand, remained focused on the road ahead in his element driving through the scenic road.
Finally, they pulled up to a white fence, and Damin practically bounded out of the truck, grateful for the opportunity to stretch $her legs. $She looked up at the familiar gate, feeling a sense of comfort wash over $him. Joshua followed $her lead, grabbing $her bags from the bed of the truck and silently making $her way up to the gate. Turning to Joshua, $she smiles. "Thanks for the ride, man. I appreciate it."
"Don’t worry kid. I'm glad I could be of help," he pats $her shoulder. "Take care." He handed $him the bags and leaned against the fence, watching as $she made $her way up the path to the house.
<<button [[...|prologue 4]]>><</button>><<audio "opening" fadeout>><<audio "NatureSpring" volume 0.4 loop play>>Damin walked up to the familiar dirt path.
The same path that has been here for as long as $she can renember, a path that $she has walked on many times before. Each step felt like $she had time traveled, bringing forth $her most fond memories of $her childhood. It remained unchanged, a constant in a world that seemed to be in perpetual motion. An anchor in a world that often is restless and ever-changing.
$Her footsteps stirred up on the dusty path as $she drew closer. The cream-colored walls were accented with wooden shutters painted in a soft, soothing blue, emanating a warm aura. //It was almost how $she had remembered it to be.//
Then $her brown eyes was greeted by the sight of $her grandmother sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch who has not yet took notice of the $girl's presence.
The woman had aged since the last time $she saw her. The wrinkles on her face were deep and pronounced, and her hair chestnut brown had given way to strands of silver, which caught the sunlight.
The sound of $her footsteps were enough for $her grandmother to finally take notice of $him. Though she didn't immediately stand up to greet $him, instead she just looked at $him with a critical eye, as if assessing the young $girl's changes. Her arms were crossed over her chest, and her expression was stern, almost unyielding. //"Well, well, well,"// she finally said, her voice gruff but tinged with a hint of affection. "Look who's here."
Damin couldn't help but feel like $she was being put on trial as $her grandmother scrutinized $him from head to toe.
"Guilty as charged, Yaa!" Damin joked, flashing a grin.
<<button [[I've come to invade your peaceful life!|prologue 5]]>><</button>>The elderly woman just looks at $him grumpily, and in response, Damin quips with a grin on her face, "Oh, come on Yaa, don't frown. You're supposed to smile when you see me!"
//"My peace is gone now."//
"What was that?"
Mrs. Lim rolled her eyes with a frown. "Come and get your ass up here. So I can get a good look at you." Finally she cracks a small smile.
Damin walks forward to embrace the small woman, "It's good to see you!" $she exclaimed with a chuckle. "But seriously, it's great to be back and see your beautiful face again."
The older woman snorted. "Don't try to butter me up, $girl," she said, waving her hand dismissively.
<<button [[...|prologue 6]]>><</button>>Smiling wryly at $her grandmother's words, $she sways $her head at the side. "Well, Yaa, I think you're doing just fine, but you know me, I'm always here to cause trouble and make things more interesting." $She winked playfully at her.
Mrs. Lim regarded her $grandaughter with a mixture of amusement and fondness, her wrinkles crinkling around her eyes as she chuckled. "You always were a troublemaker, weren't you?" she mused before pausing and looking up at Damin with a sharp gaze. "And what have you done to your hair?!"
Flashing a cheeky grin, the young $girl reached up to smooth $her candy-pink hair back, allowing $her grandmother a better view. "Do you like it?" $she questioned, $her voice filled with playful curiosity as $she wagged $her eyebrows. "I did it myself." The pink hue was vibrant and bold, standing out starkly against Damin's naturally previously coffee brown locks.
She didn't hold back as she gave the pink-haired $girl one last disapproving glance. "It's ugly," she stated bluntly.
Damin looked at her with mock horror. //"It's trendy!"// $she gasped dramatically, placing a hand over $her heart. "How rude!"
Mrs. Lim couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Oh please, don't try to convince me of that nonsense," she retorted sarcastically. "I may be old, but I'm not blind." Before leading Damin inside, she comments, //"At least it's not that neon green ones."//
<<button [[...|prologue 7]]>><</button>><<audio "NatureSpring" fadeout>><<audio "theme" volume 0.4 loop play>>Damin was immediately enveloped in a warm and familiar scent that $she can't put a finger on. The hardwood floor creaked beneath $her bare feet as $she made $her way through. Sunlight streamed through the lace curtains, casting a soft lighting in the room. $Her attention quickly was pulled on the quirky decor choices, $she couldn't help but comment. "Can't believe you still have them," while snorting, $she gestures to a shelf filled with various feline figurines placed strategically with different poses and expressions.
Shrugging nonchalantly, Mrs. Lim simply says, //"They're cute unlike you."//
Chuckling, Damin gave the porcelain cats a short intense stare. "Well, as long as they don't start meowing in the middle of the night, I think I'll survive."
With a brow raised, Mrs. Lim waved it off. "//Oh,// don't worry about that. They only meow when they're hungry or want attention. And if they do wake you up, just give them a little pat on the head and they'll be satisfied. They're simple creatures."
Damin's lips tugged a smirk with $her arms crossed. "Is that your secret? Whenever I'm hungry or need attention, //I should just meow?//"
"Ha!" the older woman laughs harshly. " You wish, //Moo Noi.// If I hear a meow coming out from your mouth, you're out. //You hear me?//"
With arms crossed, lips pursing into a pout. "Now, that's down-right cruel!" Damin mocks a tearful cry.
<<button [[...|prologue 8]]>><</button>>Damin followed $her grandmother up on the aged wooden steps creaking beneath their feet, $her suitcase trailing behind $him. At the end of the hallway, the older woman pushed open the slightly ajar door, revealing a room that was surprisingly tidy and well-organized. The sunlight filtering in through the window illuminated the neatly made bed and the shelves lined with old books, the spines of which had faded with age.
The walls were painted a warm shade of cream, and old band posters were proudly displayed, adding a splash of color to the otherwise neutral décor. The posters featured old iconic bands such as The Beatles, Queen, and Led Zeppelin, and were pinned on the walls.
“This is the only spare room available…” Mrs. Lim said, breaking Damin out of $her reverie. //"This used to be your dad’s,"// she adds.
Walking towards the bed, $her fingers running over the soft fabric of quilt. Damin sets $her bag down on the bed, old springs creaking beneath its weight. “It’s… nice,” $she comments with a small smile.
Mrs. Lim stood silently by the door, watching her $grandaughter intently. “Heard from Keit that you’re taking a year off from school,”
“Yeah, I am...” Politely smiling, Damin's gaze unconciously went to $her camera bag sitting in the middle of the bed. "I need to figure things out. I'm lost right now."
The woman thoughtfully nodded, a wistful expression crossing on her face. “What’re you majoring in. Your father didn’t mention it?” She then inquired, her eyes flicking to Damin’s face.
“Photography,” Damin answered, a hint of hesitation in $her voice. //"I'm studying photography."//
Mrs. Lim nodded slowly, her expression unreadable. Damin couldn’t help but feel a little uneasy under $her grandmother’s gaze. “As long as you like it,” her voice laced with a hint of dissatisfaction that didn't go unnoticed by Damin.
<<button [[It was obvious on what she had thought|prologue 9]]>><</button>>"I'll leave you be now," said Mrs. Lim, her tone final as she made her way to the door. "Take this time to rest and unpack. I'll prepare something for your stomach, you're way too //skinny//, people would wonder that you starve yourself..."
Damin gave a small laugh. "Thanks, Yaa." Mrs. Lim returned the gesture before closing the door behind her, leaving the young $girl alone in the room.
Letting out a deep breath, $she lays on $her back on the bed, $her arms stretched out. The band posters on the walls caught $her attention, and $she stands and walks over to examine them. After studying the posters, $her gaze shifted to the wall above the bed, where a collection of Polaroid pictures hung in a rope. $She approached them, taking in the faded colors and the vintage feel of the photographs.
It was a collection of pictures of $her father, taken when he was around $her age from what $she can tell with just the month and year on the photos. Damin's eyes locked onto a particular picture. It was one of a young woman with a sweet sanguine pink-lipped smile, she looked angelic in her blue floral dress, gripping on her strawed hat, afraid that the wind would blow it away.
$She frowned, feeling a sense of discomfort rising within $him. After a few moments of contemplation, Damin reached up and carefully took the picture down. $She stared at it for a long while before finally sighing and placing it deep in the desk drawer.
"I'm finally here..."
<<button [[...|prologue 10]]>><</button>>!!A Month Ago
----
"I have to be honest with you, Lim," the man continued, taking a more softer tone. "I was expecting more from your portfolio. Your technical skills are impressive, //but it lacks a spark.//"
Damin fidgeted uneasily in $her seat, $her fingers twisting together in $her lap. "I don't understand. I thought I was doing well, I had put up so much effort to it. I really did!"
$Her professor leaned in, his elbows gently resting on the table, his tone both gentle and firm. "I can perceive the effort you've put into your work, but there's a missing element, Lim. Your technical skills are impressive, but your portfolio lacks a spark. Your photographs are aesthetically pleasing, but they lack the passion that made your earlier work so special." He paused, his eyes scrutinizing $him as if searching for something. "Your subjects need to come to life through your lens, to convey a message, a story--//a feeling.// Your photographs should speak to the viewer and evoke emotion, just like they did when you first started. Now it seems like you're taking pictures because you have to, not because you're driven to. So, I ask you, where is that drive?"
The teen inhaled deeply, the frustration in $him boiling over. "I'll try harder next time," $she said. "I'll redo the portfolio if you let me."
Letting out a deep sigh, the man's expression softening as he spoke. "There is no 'try harder', the thing I'm looking for is something that was supposed to come naturally." He looked directly at Damin, his eyes reflecting a mixture of disappointment and concern."You possess an incredible amount of talent and potential. You had been one of my best students that I ever had, I saw something in you, it's hard to see you like this. You are better than this."
<<button [[''Tell me Damin. Why did want to take photography in the first place?''|prologue 11]]>><</button>>
<<audio "theme" fadeout>><<audio "Sad2" volume 0.4 loop play>> Damin lounged on $her couch, expelling a cloud of smoke as $she sifted through $her rejected portfolio on $her laptop. Disappointment permeated $her every thought, leaving $him feeling uninspired and uncertain. $Her mind was clouded, and $she couldn't seem to find the inspiration $she needed to create something worthwhile. $She knew $her portfolio was lacking, and the words of $her professor echoed in $her mind.
//"I'm sorry, Lim. There's just no spark, no passion in your work. I can't accept this."//
It was like a punch to the gut, and $she couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment.
After much deliberation, Damin had made the difficult decision to take a year off from $her studies. $She had spoke with $her academic advisor and worked out a plan to defer $her enrollment for a year, to at least rediscover $himself… //whatever the hell that means.//
The first few weeks after taking off from school was hard. In this time period, Damin became even more lost and uncertain.
//I don't know what to do anymore...//
$She nearly leaped from $her seat as $her phone rang. Seeing $her father's name on the screen, $her eyes widened in apprehension. “Shit…” $She knew exactly why he was calling, and it was a moment $she had been dreading for weeks.
<<button [[don't answer|prologue 12]]>><</button>>Despite $her inner voice urging $him not to answer, Damin took a deep breath and picked up the phone. $She stuttered a forced greeting, trying to steady $her nerves. "Hey..."
"Damin..." The tone in $her father's voice made it clear that the conversation wouldn't be easy. His words were sharp and unforgiving, and $she could feel the weight of his disappointment even through the phone. "You're giving up on school?!"
"I'm not quitting, I'm just taking a break, that's all, " $she explains, bracing $herself for his criticism. Damin knew what was coming next. $Her father never approved of $her choice of major, but he allowed $her to pursue it after insistent annoying pleads.
"How is that any better?" The question echoed in Damin's mind as $she listened to $her father's unforgiving tone. The weight of his disappointment hung heavily in the air, suffocating $him with every passing second. "You're the one who kept pushing me on this school and your major even when I disapproved, you even got Madee to back you up," he continued, his words sharp and cutting, like a knife slicing through the thin veneer of Damin's resolve. "It should have stayed as a hobby, you should have found something else that can at least secure yourself and your future. I should've never let you apply in the first place if I had known that you were gonna give up."
Damin's heart sank even when $she was used to this. $Her father's disapproval had been brewing for some time, and now it had reached a boiling point. $She knew what was coming next, the inevitable criticism that would crush $her spirit and leave $her feeling like a failure like he always did. $She braced $himself for the impact, $her nerves on edge as $she struggled to find the right words to say.
$She struggled to push down the lump that had formed in $her throat, as $she tried to steady $her shaking voice. "I didn't give up! I will never abandon anything so easily even if I feel like I want to give it all up. You know I'm not like that," Damin forced out, $her fingers tightening around $her cigarette. $She could feel $her anger and frustration building inside $him, but $she tried to keep it at bay.
//I'm not you or... her.//
$She could sense $her father's hesitation on the other end of the line, his breathing slowing as he weighed his response. "Come back home then," he finally said, his tone softening. "Madee and Darika miss you. Stay with us until you can get back on your feet."
Damin's heart ached at the thought of being with them again but $she knew $she couldn't go back just yet. Not right now, when $she is this pitiful block. $She can't let them see $him like this. "I miss them too… //but I can’t.//”
The invitation to return home was a siren call, beckoning to Damin with a soothing melody of familiarity and comfort. It was tempting, oh so tempting, to lay down $her burdens and give up. But $she knew deep down that succumbing to that temptation would come at a great cost---$her dreams of $her future.
$Her father's offer was a tempting respite from the chaos that engulfed $him, but $she knew deep down that it was not what $she truly desired. It was a fleeting thought that $she dismissed just as quickly as it entered $her mind.
If $she went back home, it would be a defeat. A surrender to the path that $she had carved with $her own hands. $She would always meet $her father's disapproving gaze, though unspoken, would be a constant reminder of $her perceived foolishness. But Damin knew that $her dreams were not born out of foolishness
<<button [[...|prologue 13]]>><</button>>
Damin woke up early the next morning feeling a sense of excitement. $She bounced down the stairs of $her grandmother's house, eager to start $her day. $She was then met with a gruff voice that stopped $him in $her tracks.
"Come here. I need your help with something," $her grandmother called from the peek of the kitchen window.
Damin sighed, knowing that tone all too well. It was her //'chore voice'//, and there was no use in arguing. She made her way to the door, where Mrs. was standing with a rake in hand. “I need you to help me.”her grandmother grumbled, pointing to the overgrown plants and scattered leaves.
Damin looked out at the garden and couldn't help but agree. It did look like it needed some attention. Still, she couldn't help but try to make light of the situation.
"Aw, come on, grandma. It's not that bad. It's kind of like a wild garden. I like it. //Very aesthetic and instagramable.//" $she turn $her charm on, subtly trying to get out of this one.
But Mrs. Lim was not having it, though. "Don't try that on me, Damin. We're cleaning this up, and you're going to help. Get to work."
<<button [[...|prologue 15 a]]>><</button>>It was even more beautiful than $she remembered. The grove was a large open area surrounded by trees, with rows and rows of brightly colored flowers in every direction. Damin couldn't help but smile as $she saw the butterflies flitting around the flowers. There were so many of them, all different colors and sizes. It was as if they had created a vibrant, living tapestry.
$She felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over $her. It was a stark contrast to the stress and uncertainty $she had been feeling before.
$She eagerly pulled out $her camera, adjusting the settings and framing the perfect shot. As $she focused $her lens, $she noticed a mysterious figure in the distance. The figure was too far away to make out any details, but Damin could tell it was a...
*[[girl|prologue 18][$they to "she"; $They to "She"; $them to "her"; $Them to "Her"; $their to "her"; $Their to "Her"; $theirs to "hers";$Theirs to "Hers"; $themself to "herself"; $Themself to "Herself"; $kid to "girl"; $child to "daughter"; $teen to "girl"; $sibling to "sister"; $singular to true]]
*[[boy|prologue 18][$they to "he"; $They to "He"; $them to "him"; $Them to "Him"; $their to "his"; $Their to "His"; $theirs to "his"; $Theirs to "His"; $themself to "himself"; $Themself to "Himself"; $kid to "boy"; $child to "son"; $teen to "boy"; $sibling to "brother"; $singular to true]]
*[[kid|prologue 18][$they to "they"; $They to "They"; $them to "them"; $Them to "Them"; $their to "their"; $Their to "Their";$theirs to "hers"; $Theirs to "Theirs"; $themself to "themself"; $Themself to "Themself"; $kid to "someone" ; $child to "child"; $teen to "teen" ; $sibling to "sibling"; $plural to true]]It looked like a $kid around $her age. $Their figure, silhouetted against the sunlit sky, stood at the edge of the grove. $They seemed to be lost in thought, fixated on the butterflies that danced around $them.
As Damin approached the $teen, $she noticed the way $they stood, $their posture erect and $their gaze fixated on the fluttering butterfly. "Isn’t it pretty?" Damin asked, $her voice soft like the fluttering of wings.
$Their <<cycle "$eyes" autoselect>>
<<option "black">><<set $eyes to "black">>
<<option "brown">><<set $eyes to "brown">>
<<option "blue">><<set $eyes to "blue">>
<<option "hazel">><<set $eyes to "hazel">>
<<option "grey">><<set $eyes to "grey">>
<<option "green">><<set $eyes to "green">>
<</cycle>> eyes remained fixed on the butterfly as $they responded, "It is."
Undeterred, Damin persisted, "Do you like butterflies?"
$They finally looked at $her, $their eyes piercing and intense. "I come here to be alone," $they said curtly.
Damin sensed $their reluctance, but $her curious nature wouldn't let $her back down so easily. "I understand," $she said, smiling warmly. Damin was still taken aback by the $teen's curt response but couldn't resist a chuckle. "Well, I'm sorry to have disrupted your alone time. What's your name?" Then $her brown eyes drifted on the young stranger's hand, gripping a pretty brown sketchbook. "Do you like to draw?"
$Their...
<<set $peace to false>><<set $mad to false>>
*[[eyes fixated at the butterflies, not responding.|prologue 19][$peace to true]]
*[[eyes glare at Damin.|prologue 19][$mad to true]]
Damin let out a playful groan, but her grandmother's stern look made her snap into action. "Start by pulling up those weeds over there," her grandma said, pointing to a particularly overgrown patch of the garden. "And don't just yank them out by the stems! Make sure you dig up the roots so they don't grow back."
The teen rolled up her sleeves and got to work, humming a tune under her breath as she dug and pulled at the stubborn weeds.
"Good job," Mrs. Lim nods in approval. "Now, let's get to work on those flower beds. They need a good weeding too."
Damin groaned. "Oh come on, Yai, do we really have to do that too?" $Her grandmother shot her a stern look. $She raises her both $her hands in the air in surrender, pouting “Fine! No questions.” $She went back to work, tugging at the weeds with renewed vigor.
Damin was reaching into a tangle of bushes, pulling up clumps of weeds, when $her hand brushed against something hard and metallic. Intrigued, $she dug through the foliage, pushing aside the leaves and branches, until $she uncovered an old cream-colored Vespa, hidden behind the bushes.
<<button [[...|prologue 16 a]]>><</button>>$Her eyes widened in excitement as $she examined the vintage scooter. Its rusted metal frame adorned with the patina of age. Its curves and edges were softened by time, giving it a nostalgic air of days gone by. The once gleaming chrome was dulled and pitted, a testament to the passage of time and the elements. The paint was chipped and faded in places, and the tires were flat. $She circled around it, admiring the curves of the frame and the rusty handlebars.
"Damin!" Mrs. Lim called from across the yard. "What are you doing? We need to get these flower beds weeded!"
Damin's heart raced as $she ran over to the older woman., "Yai, you won't believe what I found! It's a vintage Vespa, and it's in pretty good shape for its age."
$Her grandmother raised an eyebrow in surprise, "A Vespa? Let me see it."
Curious, her grandmother raised an elegant eyebrow and beckoned her over to the hidden treasure. “Ah…” As her eyes took in the sight of the rusted but still charming scooter, a hint of nostalgia colored her voice.
Damin's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Really? I can’t picture it, he can barely operate a car."
<<button [[...|prologue 17 a]]>><</button>>"He did," Mrs. Lim affirmed, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. "This was his ‘baby’ as he would call it. He used to ride it all around town to flirt with ladies and he was such a show off. He keeps on skipping on his work to fool around. Always shirking his responsibilities to chase after the next thrill. It made him a bit of a lazy ass idiot, to be honest."
Damin's head spun with confusion. The picture her grandmother painted of her father was completely at odds with the man she knew. The serious and responsible workaholic she had grown up with was worlds apart from the carefree adventurer her grandmother described. "Can you tell me more about him?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.n"Can you tell me more about him?" she asked, eager to learn more about the man her father used to be.
Mrs. Lim's expression softened. "Oh, Keit was something else. He had a way with words, a heart of gold, and a thirst for adventure. But he was also stubborn, never wanting to do what he was told. He likes to get under my skin whenever he finds an opportunity to do. Then…he left.” A touch of regret and sadness crept into her voice as she spoke.
Sensing the weight of the unspoken emotions, Damin tactfully changed the subject. "So, what happened to the Vespa? Why did it end up here in the bushes?"
Chao Fa hesitated for a moment before answering, "After Keit left for the city and became a lawyer, he didn't have much use for it anymore. It's been sitting in here for years, neglected and forgotten."
//Forgotten, huh?//
<<button [[...|prologue 18 a]]>><</button>>Mrs. Lim pondered for a moment, eyes scanning over the rusty vintage Vespa that lay before them. "I don't see why not," she finally conceded. "But it won't be a walk in the park. This junk has been sitting here for years, neglected and forgotten. It'll take more than just elbow grease to bring it back to life."
Damin's face lit up with determination. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes. I want to see this baby running again."
The older woman paused, her eyes flickering over the Vespa's vintage curves, before shrugging nonchalantly. "I don't see why not, my dear. But do keep in mind that restoring this beauty will require a lot of dedication and hard work. You'll need to scour off years of rust, hunt down replacement parts for the worn-out tires, and revive the engine from its slumber. We'll see what you can do." She looks at the bubblegum-haired $girl, as if daring $him.
Damin felt a surge of excitement coursing through $her veins, as if a dormant passion had been ignited within $him. "I'm up for it, Yai," she declared with newfound determination. "You're gonna blown away on what I can do that you can't help but cry."
Her grandma chuckled, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes creasing with amusement. "Let's bet on that."
!!Present Day
----
The morning sun crept through the window, casting a warm glow over the room. Damin stirred from $her slumber, $her brown eyes flickering open to the promise of a new day. $She stretched $her arms and let out a contented sigh, feeling the soft sheets under $her fingertips. With a smile on $her lips, $she swung $her legs over the edge of the bed and slipped into $her house slippers.<<audio "Sad2" fadeout>><<audio "Morning" volume 0.4 loop play>>
"A new day, a new me! Good morning!" Damin chirped as $she walked into the kitchen. "Good morning to the mother of my father!" Mrs. Lim hummed, barely acknowleging $her greeting. "Woke up on the wrong side of the bed?"
The older woman rolled her eyes but couldn't help but chuckle, her morning grogginess dissapiting. "I've been up for hours, trying to make sure you had a proper breakfast before you go gallivanting out."
"You're a saint, Yaa." Damin walks over to where $her grandmother was sitting, giving a small peck on her head before pouring $herself a cup of coffee. "Any recommendations on places for me to check out?"
Mrs. Lim snorted. "Why not just aimlessly wander around like a stray dog and see where that takes you?"
Damin chuckled. "As tempting as that sounds, I was hoping for some local insight," $she added, taking a sip of her coffee.
“Why even ask me? You been here before.”
"I was ten!" Damin protested.
"Just figure it out yourself."
Damin sighed in defeat. "Fine. I'm just gonna eat."
<<button [[...|prologue 15]]>><</button>>
The fragrant bouquet of freshly brewed coffee and the sweet aroma of jasmine emanating from a burning scented candle mingled in the air, creating a symphony of scents that tantalized Damin's senses. $She poured a liberal amount of tangy tamarind sauce over a plate of golden-brown fried eggs, eagerly devouring each savory morsel. The crispy fried chicken on a small plate beckoned to $him, and $she paired it with a mound of fluffy rice, relishing the satisfying crunch with every bite.
As Damin slung $her camera holster bag over $her shoulder, $she could feel the weight of $her grandmother's disapproving stare behind $him. "Do you really need to bring that thing with you? Enjoy the moment, don't waste your time taking pictures…" $her grandmother muttered, a touch of exasperation in her voice. "Never mind, you’re not gonna listen to me. Why do I even bother? Fine, go. Just be back before it gets dark."
Damin flashed $her grandmother a mischievous grin. "You know me so well. But don't worry, I'll be back before it gets dark."
Mrs. Lim rolled her eyes, waving her hand dismissively at the young $girl. "Go have fun and don't get lost."
"I won't get lost. I have Google Maps," Damin retorted with a hint of humor. With a final grin, $she turned to leave, the door creaking open before $him, allowing a gust of fresh morning air to rush in, filling $her lungs with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers and fresh morning dew.
<<button [[...|prologue 16]]>><</button>>
<<audio "Morning" fadeout>><<audio "Meadow" volume 0.4 loop play>> The air was pristine, infused with a delicate freshness, while the cerulean sky painted an immaculate canvas, a far cry from back in the city’s frenzied milieu.
Damin wandered aimlessly with an unknown quest. The place didn't change much after nine years away. $She finds $her old hangout spots where $she used to hang out when $she was a kid, and places where $she had spent with $her father, Madee and Darika. It was quite nostalgic, and bittersweet too. With heart swelled with nostalgia as $she wandered deeper through the familiar paths of $her childhood. $Her eyes scanned the area, searching for a hint of familiarity, a vestige of the past.
And then $she saw it. The sign that read "Butterfly Grove," Damin smiled to $himself. "I remember this place!" $Her fingers trailed at the worn-out wooden sign. $She used take picnics with the whole family here as before they all have to leave. Happily, $she decided to take a trip further to memory lane.
The path leading to it was a verdant trail, fringed with a kaleidoscope of flora and fauna. Damin noticed myriad butterflies, their wings ablaze with vibrant hues, flitting around, as if escorting $him towards the grove.
<<button [[...|prologue 17]]>><</button>><<if $peace is true>>$Their $eyes eyes still fixed on the kaleidoscope of butterflies fluttering around the grove. "Did you know that most butterflies only live for a few weeks?" $they said, $their eyes fixated on a yellow butterfly perched delicately on a leaf. "It's sad, really. They spend their short lives searching for a mate, laying eggs, and then they're gone. They go through all these transformations, only to have such a short lifespan. It's like a cruel joke."
"The ephemeral nature of life is both a blessing and a curse," Damin said, $her voice soft like a whisper. "But maybe that's what makes butterflies so special. They remind us to appreciate the fleeting beauty of life, even though it's temporary and short-lived. They dance with such grace and vibrancy, embracing every moment with the utmost joy and freedom. And then, they're gone, leaving behind only memories and inspiration."
$Her words hung in the air, carried by the soft rustling of butterfly wings. The teen's eyes widened in surprise at the sudden insight. For a moment, they stood in silence.
Without a word, $they turned and slipped away. $Their silhouette blending into the vibrant tapestry of flowers and foliage. As $they disappeared into the grove, Damin couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment.
Damin stood there for a while, $her eyes tracing the trail $they had left behind, as if trying to catch a glimpse of $them once more.
But perhaps, like the butterflies, some moments in life were meant to be fleeting.<<elseif $mad is true>>The teen's $eyes gaze remained unyielding, unmoved by Damin's friendly gesture. $Their response was laced with a tinge of sarcasm, piercing through Damin's hopes of making a connection. $Their words were a cold shower to Damin's optimism.
Damin's discomfort grew. "My apologies if I'm intruding," $she muttered, feeling a tad foolish. $She packs $her camera, intending to make $her way back down the path.
However, the feeling of being watched lingered with $him, as though $their $eyes eyes were etched onto the back of her skin. Damin's steps faltered as $she wondered what was on $their mind.<</if>>
<<button [[...|prologue 20]]>><</button>><<audio "Meadow" fadeout>><<audio "DaminTheme" volume 0.4 loop play>> It had been a few days since that encounter and Damin couldn’t stop thinking about $them.
The sun was setting outside, casting a warm orange glow across Damin's bedroom. $She lay on $her bed, staring up at the ceiling as $she replayed the encounter with the mysterious stranger over and over in $her mind. The way $their $eyes eyes had shone in the sunlight, the way $their $eyes eyes had seemed to flicker with emotion, it all seemed to be etched into Damin's memory.
$She reached for $her camera on the nightstand and flicked through the photos $she had taken at the butterfly grove. $She paused at the one of the mysterious stranger, zooming in to get a closer look. $Their expression was unreadable, and Damin wondered what $they had been thinking at that moment.
Laying there lost in thought, the room was filled with the sound of crickets outside. The warm breeze blowing through the window carried the scent of wildflowers, and Damin felt a sense of peace wash over $her. It was as if the world was holding its breath.
<<button [[waiting for something magical to happen.|prologue 21]]>><</button>>In that moment, Damin felt an overwhelming urge to see the mysterious $kid again. $She wanted to ask $their name, and learn more about $them.
<<if $peace is true>>$She wonders why $they had left abruptly at that time. $She wonders what $she had done to make $them leave?<<elseif $mad is true>>$She feels ashamed. Maybe $she was being to pushy and had crossed $their boundaries. $She wanted to apologize whatever discomfort $she gave $them.<</if>>
Damin let out a sigh and set $her camera back down. Lost in $her thoughts, Damin didn't hear $her grandmother calling $her from downstairs until the second time. "Damin, come down!" $her grandmother's voice echoed up the stairs.
Damin shook $her head and took a deep breath, trying to clear $her mind of //$them// and the butterflies. $She got up from $her bed and made $her way down the stairs, wondering if the mysterious $kid would ever cross $her path again.
<<button [[Next Chapter|chapter 1]]>><</button>>!Chapter 1: A BEGINNING'S END
!!!???
----
<img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/e0b63d862f466fddb770912750b04849/dce5d583fde59823-ab/s500x750/42e1f1677c2c2ba595e0c5eb4b9118cfa6860b90.pnj" to $car; style= display:block; margin:auto;><<set $car to true>>
Green.
It didn't matter if you like the color or not, it was all you could see for miles and miles on the road; just watching the trees change from tall grasses to an open space of land from the car window as if it were a television screen. In this expanse of green, there were more hues than countable to be made in this saturation of colors.
Green; the color of nature and life offered your eyes and soul an escape from everything that clouds your mind and heart during the two-hour drive to your new home.
Fairvale is home to over two-thousand and hundred thirty nine people— who are probably as mundane and dull as this small town. And now, you and your family have become part of it’s statistics. Maybe you were all as mundane as they are, or maybe the whole population in this expanse of the planet is mundane— you can't help but set standards for who are exciting or dull.
Fairvale; your mom showed you pictures of it, images of verdant green and golden rapeseed fields, so bright and lush. With more added features of the sunrise and commercialized happy folks together seems very pleasing to the eye, a family-friendly place when in reality it’s just a middle of nowhere. Nothing like your old home in the crowded and populated city that is miles and miles away.
Fairvale sounds... pretentious, you think. It’s just a white-picket fence dream in a prettily named charming town.
<<button [[...|chapter 1.2]]>><</button>><<audio "DaminTheme" fadeout>><<audio "Sad1" volume 0.4 loop play>>You lean against the car window with your favorite song blasting loudly in your ears. You wonder why music has the power to drown the voices and the troubles, and it has the power to shut out the world, bringing you to a reality completely that's different from your own.
But abruptly, you were jerked back into the harsh reality that you couldn't evade. Your mother, Fiona, impatiently snapped her fingers repeatedly, demanding your attention. Reluctantly, you removed the earbud from your left ear.
For the final time she calls out your name.
*[[Clover|chapter 1.3][$name = "Clover"]]
*[[Rue|chapter 1.3][$name = "Rue"]]
*[[Marigold|chapter 1.3][$name = "Marigold"]]
*[[Lily|chapter 1.3][$name = "Lily"]]
*[[Forrest|chapter 1.3][$name = "Forrest"]]
*[[Aspen|chapter 1.3][$name = "Aspen"]]
<<textbox "$name" "Clover">> [[ENTER|chapter 1.3]]"$name," she exclaimed, her left hand firmly gripping the steering wheel as she continued snapping her fingers in front of you, the sharp sound echoing in the car. "Are you even listening?"
The sound of the car's engine hummed softly in the background, providing a calming white noise. But your mind was elsewhere, lost in a fog of exhaustion and anxiety. You lifted your weary, $eyes-colored eyes to meet hers, but your mind was elsewhere, lost in a labyrinth of thoughts. You mumbled a soft apology, but it seemed to do little to quell her frustration. A heavy sigh escaped her lips, the sound a mix of exasperation and concern.
"I understand that this might be overwhelming, $name." Her hand comfortingly settled on your forearm. "But I promise you, it will be worth it.” You could feel her warmth seeping through the fabric of your shirt, offering a brief respite from the chill of the opened-window car.
You...
<<set $optimism to false>><<set $nobelief to false>>
*[[tried to share her optimism|chapter 1.4][$optimism to true]]
*[[can't believe her words|chapter 1.4][$nobelief to true]]<<if $optimism is true>>Your lips curved upward in a semblance of a smile, but it was a smile that failed to penetrate the depths of your eyes. You gave a half-hearted nod, trying to project a sense of false positivity, but your voice lacked conviction. It was clear that you were not fully committed to the idea that your mother was presenting.
"Yeah, sure…" you responded hesitantly, the words seemingly forced out of your mouth.
Fiona's smile faltered for a moment, and her eyes held a flicker of concern as she took in your lackluster response. But, after a brief moment of contemplation, she quickly regained her composure, returning her smile to its full intensity.<<elseif $nobelief is true>>You recoiled slightly from Fiona's touch and leaned back, distancing yourself. Fixing your gaze on a distant point and replied in a tone that conveyed open rancor, "I appreciate your optimism, //but I'm not convinced.//”
You shifted in your seat, avoiding your mother's gaze as you stared out the window. The passing scenery was a blur as you tried to collect your thoughts and make sense of the overwhelming emotions swirling inside of you. It was as if you were drowning in a sea of uncertainty, desperately grasping for a lifeline that seemed to be out of reach.
Fiona's voice broke through your reverie, “I might never understand you, but God knows that I had been trying…so hard to make you comfortable and happy. I know it isn’t easy, but... //can you at least try?//”
You let out a deep sigh, your shoulders slumping in defeat. Your voice, quiet and hesitant, broke the uneasy silence. "I'll do my best," you said hesitantly, as if unsure if you could deliver on the promise.
Fiona's lips curved upward, a gentle smile spreading across her face. "That's all I asked for."<</if>>
<<button [[...|chapter 1.5]]>><</button>>
The asphalt road stretches out before you, winding its way through gentle hills and verdant valleys.
You catch glimpses of bright yellow rapeseed fields in the distance, their golden petals shimmering like a sea of sunshine against the lush greenery. The occasional tree stands tall and proud, its leaves rustling softly in the wind.
Francis, your younger brother, fidgeted in the backseat of your mother's wagon, his restless energy palpable. "Are we close?" he whined, leaning forward so that he asks. He leans forward, his head popping up between the two front seats like a curious meerkat. "Seriously, I’m bored."
You sighed, stealing a quick glance at him in the rearview mirror. He looked like a coiled spring, ready to bounce out of the car at a moment's notice.
“Boredom won’t kill you, honey.” Your mother breathes out gleeful chuckles, and her tone dips in between, “But not wearing a seatbelt will. //Buckle up.//”
As the car makes a turn, you catch a glimpse of a shimmering lake in the distance, its surface reflecting the golden rays of the setting sun. The sight takes your breath away, and for a moment, you forget.
<<button [[...|chapter 1.6]]>><</button>>You couldn't help but notice the uneasy silence that had settled between you and your mother. She cast furtive glances your way, her concern palpable.
You braced yourself for the inevitable, knowing all too well the questions that would follow. "Hey, are you excited?" she would ask, or "This is gonna be good for us!" You couldn't count how many times she had inquired, "Are you okay?" The repetition had become a grating routine that persisted throughout the entire ride.
//Are you okay?//
//Are...you okay?//
Okay...
The incessant repetition of that question had started to grate on your nerves, like a broken record stuck on the same track. It was a question that has been overused like an old sweater that you loved so much that had been stretched and pulled to its limit, ready to unravel at the slightest touch, yet...
<<button [[maybe you had become like that sweater.|chapter 1.7]]>><</button>>After being showered with a question that sounded more like a mockery, a cruel joke that she repeated over and over again, leaving it into tattered strings of yarn, feeling frayed and threadbare; the remnants of the sweater that you had loved is now nothing but a mess.
Her mouth tries to open; with hesitation, she tries… but she couldn’t say what she wanted to in her mind. Eventually, with a resigned and sad look, she turned to you and spoke softly, surprising you with her words. “$name, know that I'm so so proud of you.”
You feel a lump form in your throat as you stare back at her, not quite sure how to respond.
It was her idea—the move, that is. A change of place and a change of scenery would be good you---for you all. You were apprehensive at first maybe you still are but you couldn’t say no to her. Francis, on the other hand, remained quiet about his thoughts and emotions, simply going along with the plan.
<<button [[...|chapter 1.8]]>><</button>>Out of all places to move to, she picked Fairvale--a place you never heard of. It was located across the country, far away from what you were familiar with. You couldn't help but wonder if her decision had been impulsive, which wouldn't be surprising, given her tendency to act on her gut feeling. Her optimism throughout the move was almost unsettling, as she seemed convinced that everything would work out in the end. Your mother always had a knack for relying on her instincts, but you were never quite sure whether to trust them or not, depending on the results.
As you think back on it now, you can't remember the exact moment when the decision was made, it felt like it was just assumed that everyone was on board with the plan. You can't help but wonder if this move was really for the better.
<<button [[Even though it’s not gonna make a difference.|chapter 1.9]]>><</button>>//Nothing is enough.//
Your family. They are never enough to make feel the happiness that could make you reach for the stars and make you climb the highest mountain just to shout this overwhelming joy that you must let the universe know how you feel in this moment.
Love is never enough, even with how much you receive. Sometimes you wish it is so you wouldn't have to suffer. You can't blame your family or yourself. It is easier to blame someone when life is no one but everything.
<<linkreplace "The end of the road was your new home; the beginning of your family's fresh start but...">>The end of the road was your new home; the beginning of your family's fresh start but... your ending<br><br>You were the book that is ending, your final chapter.<br><br>[[Your fin.|chapter 1.10]]<br><br><</linkreplace>>
!!A Month Ago <<audio "Sad1" fadeout>><<audio "Hospital" volume 0.4 loop play>>
----
The antiseptic scent of the hospital permeates the air as if trying to mask the fear and uncertainty hanging heavy in the room. You lay motionless upon the crisp sheets of the hospital bed, feigning sleep while your ears pick up the hushed conversation between your doctor and mother. Their words, spoken in hushed tones, are like tiny daggers piercing through your facade of slumber. Their careful whispers were intended to avoid disturbing you, though you are already awake and alert. But they remained unaware of your clandestine eavesdropping.
The atmosphere in the room suddenly felt heavy as your doctor calmly addressed your mother. His voice was steady, yet gentle as he delivered the news that no one ever wants to hear. You could feel your mother's anxiety rising as she tried to suppress the panic that threatened to consume her. She let out a low crack of noise as she tried to steel her tone. "Wha---What do you mean 'prepare for the worst'?!"
Your doctor's voice was as calm as the sea on a windless day as he addressed your mother.
[[''Mrs. Fujihara...''|chapter 1.11][$surname = "Fujihara"]]
[[''Mrs. Lee...''|chapter 1.11][$surname = "Lee"]]
[[''Mrs. Smith...''|chapter 1.11][$surname = "Smith"]]
[[''Mrs. Altera...''|chapter 1.11][$surname = "Altera"]]
[[''Mrs. Hale...''|chapter 1.11][$surname = "Hale"]]
[[''Mrs. Mendoza...''|chapter 1.11][$surname = "Mendoza"]]
<<textbox "$surname" "Input your own surname...">> [[ENTER|chapter 1.11]]Your mother's anticipation is palpable, as she anxiously awaits the doctor's next words. Her hand forms a tight fist against her chest as if to quell the rapid beating of her heart. The air in the room feels thick and heavy, suffocating almost as if every breath is a struggle. The sound of the ticking clock on the wall seems to echo endlessly, adding to the tension in the room.
The doctor's voice echoes through the stark white room, each word landing with a heavy weight upon the ears of the two listeners. He clears his throat before continuing, his eyes flickering briefly toward the young $teen lying motionless on the hospital bed. "Our current medicine can only do so much to prolong your $child’s life. In $name’s case...it's getting worse..."
The words hang heavy in the air as your mother's voice trembles with emotion. "I thought we still had time.// I really thought $they still had time,//" she says, her voice breaking on the last word. The reality of the situation seems to hit her all at once, and her eyes brim with tears.
The doctor's breath was slow and measured before he spoke again. "The choices before us are limited and numbered, Mrs. $surname.” His voice was low and solemn. “We can continue to provide $name with our care, but even with the best medicine, $they may have only two to three years left. Alternatively, you can take $them home and spend the remaining time with family, but without our care...realistically, $they may only have a few months or, with luck, half a year at most."
<<button [[...|chapter 1.12]]>><</button>>"Doctor Vargas," your mother's voice quivered, "it seems to me tha--that you're insinuating $they will…” Her voice trailed off, unable to finish her sentence as the weight of the situation bore down on her.
"Mrs. $surname," he begins, his words carefully chosen. “The condition that your $child is facing isn't responding well to any treatments. We've only managed to slow it down, but the reality is that $their time is limited. We had known this for a long time, that this day would come. We tried, but the time isn't on our side."
Breath ceased in the room, the stillness disturbed only by the sound of quiet sobs. You resisted the urge to open your eyes, not wanting to bear witness to your heartbroken mother's tears. Through her sniffles, she asked in a broken voice. "W...What would you do...?"
"What would I do?" he asks again with more clarity.
"If one of your children is in my $child's place? What you'll do?"
Dr. Vargas took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding, "I'm sorry. I'm afraid I can't help you on that. It's something you must discuss with your $child... you both will know what to do at the end."
That night, you wanted to plead for forgiveness, to ask for absolution for all the pain you had caused for living this long. //"I'm sorry, Mom. I'm sorry,"// your heart whispered into the silent darkness of your hospital room. But the words remained trapped inside your chest, afraid that once they escaped, they would shatter what little strength she had left. So you kept them hidden, buried deep beneath the surface, where they weighed heavy on your heart and consumed your thoughts.
<<button [[So instead you sleep.|chapter 1.13]]>><</button>>
''You are dying.''<<audio "Hospital" fadeout>><<audio "Sad4" volume 0.4 loop play>>
It hangs in the air like a death knell, the weight of their meaning pressing down on your chest. You've known this fact for years, but it never becomes any easier to accept. It's a weight that you carry with you everywhere, like a shadow that never leaves your side. And it does something to you, slowly chipping away at your emotions until you're left feeling numb, like a hollow shell of a person.
The anger comes and goes, sometimes boiling over like a hot pot left unattended on the stove. The sadness is a constant ache, a dull pain that never quite goes away. But mostly, you're just too tired to feel anything at all. It's like you're living in a fog, going through the motions of life but never quite present in the moment.
Every day feels like a battle, a fight against an invisible enemy that you know you can't beat.
<<button [[Arescetspidus.|chapter 1.14]]>><</button>>
The name of your illness sounded like something out of a tragic Shakespearean play. Arescetspidus, a cruel and unforgiving disease that had taken up residence in your body. A disease so new that it was still a mystery to most medical professionals. The name itself, a macabre combination of Latin words, meaning 'quickly withering', seemed to taunt you with its cruel irony.
You were among the unlucky 0.020% of the human population to be afflicted with this rare disease, and you couldn't help but feel like you had won the worst lottery imaginable. There wasn't much information on Arescetspidus, as it was a new disease that had yet to be properly defined.
The doctors were still grasping at straws, trying to piece together a cure or even an effective treatment plan. All you knew for certain was that your blood wasn't functioning the way it was supposed to. Chronic nosebleeds and unexplained bruises appeared all over your body, and the fatigue you felt was overwhelming. The symptoms were not consistent, making it almost impossible to treat.
It was a sentence without a pardon, a life sentence that you never asked for.
Thankfully, a research institute had taken an interest in your case and was funding your treatment. It was a small relief in the face of such a bleak future, but it was something. It had lessened the burden on your family, who had been struggling financially.
But even with the best medical care available, Arescetspidus remained incurable. You could change your lifestyle, take your medication religiously, and undergo countless treatments, but none of it would stop the inevitable. You were quickly withering away, no matter how much effort you put into changing your lifestyle or taking medication.
You were trapped in a slow but steady decline, watching helplessly as your body withering away before your very eyes.
<<button [[...|chapter 1.15]]>><</button>>
The memories of the day you were diagnosed with your illness are fuzzy and distant as if they belonged to a different person. Back then, you were just a child, blissfully unaware of the harsh realities of life. You believed in fairy tales and happy endings, in rainbows after the storm, and in the magic of childhood. But life had different plans for you.
As you grew older, the world slowly revealed its true face to you. Naivety and innocence abandoned you, replaced by a bitter resentment towards a world that had robbed you of your future, and forced you to confront the brutal truth of your mortality. The hospital bed became your prison, and the white walls of the sterile room your only companions. You were chained to your illness, a captive to the slow withering of your body.
The pain had become a constant companion, like an old friend you never asked for. It followed you everywhere, a shadow that clung to your every move.
The day of your diagnosis was supposed to be like any other ordinary doctor checkup. You were happily playing with a toy spring, blissfully unaware of the heavy conversation taking place between the adults. The doctor's office had always been a place of curiosity for you, but that day would forever change you.
The doctor spoke, his voice heavy with the weight of his words. "I'm sorry, Mr. and Mrs. $surname, but..." From where you could see you remembered that your mom had to lean on your dad for support because nothing is worse than knowing that their own child will die before their own parents.
You watched in silence, not fully comprehending the weight of the words being spoken. But you remember the way your mother's face crumpled in agony, and how your father's kind eyes grew heavy with grief. It was as if the whole world had stopped spinning, and everything had become painfully clear.
You couldn't comprehend why a child as young as four could remember such details so vividly, as if it were etched into your very being. But the memory remained crystal clear, like a still photograph frozen in time. The sight of your happy-go-lucky mother breaking down and your kind father's stoic frown etched into your mind forever.
<<button [[...|chapter 1.16]]>><</button>>
!!Present Day
----
“We’re here.”
The car slows to a stop, and the gear is shifted back. The sound of the engine fades away into the background, leaving behind a serene silence. Three quick knocks resounded on Fiona’s side, and she turned to see a man leaning down to meet her gaze. His eyes were a vibrant shade of blue, reminiscent of the mid-summer sky, and they twinkled with a welcoming glint as they met Fiona's.
With a beaming smile, she rolled down the window and was greeted by the man's sweet and gentle voice. "Hey," he said, the word laced with warmth and affection. Fiona's grin widened as she replied, "hey to you too, baguette."
“As sickeningly sweet as it is, we're here too, Ted," Francis interjected, raising a quizzical eyebrow.
The man's tan skin flushed with embarrassment as he struggled to find his words. "Uh, oh, um...hey, guys! Let me..." He reached for the car door handle, but his grip faltered and he nearly tumbled to the ground. Thankfully, he manages to catch himself midway through the fall.
Your mother gasped and stuck her head out of the car. "Ted! You okay?” Ted shot her a thumbs-up, and she quickly got out of the car to help him up. You could hear your brother snickering in the back seat. "You gotta admit, that was amusing," he quipped.<<audio "Sad4" fadeout>><<audio "Sad3" volume 0.4 loop play>>
<<button [[''Stand up Ted, your pants will get dirty.''|chapter 1.17]]>><</button>>
Theodore Moreau; Ted or if we being extra, ''Teddy''. His kind and caring nature is reminiscent of a beloved teddy bear, soft and huggable. He's the kind of guy who will listen to your problems and offer you a comforting embrace, the type of sweetness that warms your heart.
Ted is the type of person that everyone gravitates towards - a gentle soul that makes you feel at ease in his presence. Perhaps it was these qualities that drew your mother to him. It's like a recurring trope in a romantic comedy, except it's not funny to you. Your brother, however, seems to have a different perspective on things. He doesn't seem to mind Ted at all, but he also doesn't go out of his way to forge a bond with him. It's as if he's watching the events unfold from a safe distance, unbothered by the whole thing.
The sunlight cascades down on the neatly trimmed front lawn, the crisp air caressing your cheeks as you step out of the car.
Your mother leans in to give him a grateful kiss on the cheek, causing him to stumble even more. You can't help but chuckle at his adorable reaction. "Ted, you angel," she says, beaming at him.
He pushes up his curly hair, still blushing from the kiss. "Not a biggie. Let me help with your stuff from the trunk," he offers, eagerly making his way to the back of the car.
<<button [[''Thanks.''|chapter 1.18]]>><</button>>
<img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/75700a2d881f702f5300c277f441a390/dce5d583fde59823-5b/s500x750/22fc3119701db34258315bf0320d7f7e35bb7619.pnj" to $car; style= display:block; margin:auto;><<set $house to true>>
You understand why your mother couldn’t stop talking about the house you are all moving to. The house exudes an old-world charm, standing tall and proud as if it has been guarding its secrets for centuries. Its weathered exterior is one of its redeeming features, aged finely after years of standing empty without housing a single resident. The pretty porch, with its pristine white railings and hanging baskets of vibrant flowers, and with a swing and a rocking chair that beckon you to sit and stay awhile, looks like something out of a magazine.
The front yard was a wild wonderland, with blooming wildflowers and overgrown grasses, a perfect canvas for your mother's gardening dreams. The wooden fences surrounding the yard looked like they had seen many seasons come and go.
Ted strolls over to you with a giddy grin on his face, taking in the stunning view of their new home. "It's breathtaking, isn't it?" he says, but you continue to ignore his presence, not even bothering to spare a glance in his direction you walk away.
<<button [[...|chapter 1.19]]>><</button>>
As you step inside, the cream cupboards immediately catch your eye, perfectly matching the brand-new walnut flooring. Your mother, Fiona, is bubbling over with joy, enthusiastically pointing out every detail of the stunning property.
Wandering around the new house, taking in every nook and cranny. You find yourself drawn to a small plain room on the second floor with a window overlooking the backyard.
In this moment, you feel an overwhelming sense of belonging. You decided. This is it. This will your own space.
For as long as you can remember, you've never had a space that's truly yours. The hospital room was never conducive to personalization, and your previous apartment was shared with your mother and brother never belonged to you. But this new house offered a freeing experience.
Rushing down the stairs, you eagerly began to collect your boxes and luggage,
With each item you removed from its box, you felt a growing sense of anticipation, eager to make this new space your own. Admittedly, you didn't have many belongings beyond the art supplies that your mother had kindly gifted you, items of clothing, and basic necessities like underwear and toiletries. But it was enough.
Your mother, with her ever-present eagerness to help, offered to lend a hand with the decorating process. However, you declined, wanting to savor the opportunity to do it yourself.
Taking out your old favorite sketches, carefully considering which ones to display on the wall.
Which will you put on your wall?
<a data-passage="Practicesketch"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/83b052a662d4d4201acbf8ed4e6e2779/d71ed487c961eaf5-cc/s500x750/9c98c9d6fdd581739ee2003c48ff4d21226685f0.pnj"/></a>
<a data-passage="Flower"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/3b30ff0b3756d8f0a80e7d716c0da3d1/d71ed487c961eaf5-33/s500x750/ea894e30100b91b6d5c1c4f48ae00d7dc5f2300b.pnj" alt="Continue" style="float:center"/></a>
<a data-passage="Hippo"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/7ed70db591e0ee21f2862758344f41ff/d71ed487c961eaf5-33/s500x750/11923579f33d6ff4a65f8389fe82313de21d1e55.pnj" alt="Continue" style="float:center"/></a>
You stood in front of the wall, admiring the newly added artwork. With a proud smile on your lips, you reached out to dust off the sketch, as if ensuring it was in pristine condition. Your fingers caressed the textured paper, feeling the ridges and bumps of the pencil lines.
With the sketch now securely in place, your gaze wandered to the corner of your suitcase, where a glimmer of something caught your eye. Your fingers reached out, curious to discover what it was that had captured your attention.
As you pulled out the brochure, your fingertips caressed the glossy pages, relishing in the smooth texture.
As the glossy pages of the Fairvale brochure lay open in your lap, a sudden restlessness grips you. Your fingers trace the winding roads on the map, mentally mapping out the path to the butterfly grove. You realize that it's only a short walk away from your new home, just within reach.
"Maybe, once I finish things up here," you muse to yourself. You can imagine yourself there with your sketchbook in hand and the morning sun on your face. With a gentle sigh, you carefully fold the brochure and tuck it back into your suitcase, taking care to remember its exact location.
The caterpillar, once bound to the ground, sheds its old form. You didn’t know soon you will emerge from the confines of the cocoon.
<<button [[ to be reborn as a butterfly..|chapter 1.21]]>><</button>>
!!!Damin
----
Damin Lim had always lived $her life by this one guiding principle: Live life to the fullest, with no room for regret. Regrets were like a heavy anchor, dragging you down into a sea of what-ifs and if-I-did. The weight of regret could become suffocating if you let it.
Life is a mysterious journey, and to Damin Lim, it's like trying to navigate through an uncharted sea. You can never predict what's going to happen next or where the tide will take you.
Damin had come to realize that life was a series of fleeting moments, like catching fireflies in a jar. They may light up your world for a moment, but they will inevitably flicker out and fly away. $She had learned that people come and go, and sometimes they stay for a while, but never forever.
The world is a complex web of interconnecting systems that we may never fully comprehend. But to Damin, that didn't matter. $She didn't need to know all the answers to life's big questions. After all, everyone has their own interpretation of the "right" way to live. So how do we know which path to follow? //We don't.// Everyone had their own answers to the age-old question of why and how.
<<button [[It was a never-ending debate with no clear winner.|chapter 1.22]]>><</button>><<audio "Sad3" fadeout>><<audio "normalday" volume 0.4 loop play>>
Damin slowly descended down the stairs, following the alluring aroma of $her grandmother's cooking. As $she reached the kitchen, $her mouth watered at the thought of the crispy spring rolls. $She walked towards the kitchen and attempted to grab a spring roll from the tray, but before $she could even touch it, $her hand was swiftly slapped away.
"What do you thing you are doing?!" Mrs. Lim chided, scowling at her $grandaughter. "Don't get too excited, Moo Noi. This ain't no fancy hotel," she grumbled, thrusting the broom into $her's hands "But if you're going to stay here, you better earn your keep. And don't think I'll go easy on you just because you're family."
The teen's face fell for a moment before $she puts on a playful pout. "Oh, Yaa, I thought this was supposed to be a vacation, not a Cinderella story."
Scoffing, Mrs. Lim lightly jabs the wooden ladle on $her chest. “It builds character.”
Damin gave a mock groan. "Fine, fine. I'll be the best darn housekeeper you've ever had," $she said dramatically, waving $her hands around.
“And if you miss a spot, I'll make you do it all over again."
Damin responds...
<<set $grumpy to false>><<set $trick to false>><<set $cinder to false>><<set $snacks to false>>
*[[''Yes, Grumpy.''|chapter 1.23][$grumpy to true]]
*[[By trying to trick her|chapter 1.23][$trick to true]]
*[[''I truly became Cinderella!''|chapter 1.23][$cinder to true]]
*[[''Don't worry!''|chapter 1.23][$snacks to true]]<<if $grumpy is true>>Damin playfully rolled $her eyes and acquiesced, "Aye aye, Captain Grumpy!" Mrs. Limr's stern expression cracked into a fleeting smile, but quickly returned to its usual severity. "You'd better watch your tongue, $girl, or I'll have to find more chores for you to do."
Damin couldn't resist a smirk. "Oh, come on, Grandma! I promise I won't complain if you make me wash your cat figurines."
Mrs. Lim's response was a disapproving huff, but a glimmer of amusement still shone in her eyes. "You think you're so funny, don't you?"
Damin shrugged nonchalantly. "Hey, humor is all I've got. Well, that and a good work ethic."<<elseif $trick is true>>Damin leaned against the wall, $her broom propped up against $her shoulder. "Hey Yaa," $she said, twirling the broom in $her hand, "did you know that brooms were once crafted from twigs and straw? Like, talk about rustic chic."
Mrs. Lim frowns, eyeing at her $grandaughter suspiciously. "Is that so?"
"Absolutely. And did you also know that sweeping can give you a full-body workout? It's like cardio and strength training all in one."
Mrs. Lim raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Are you trying to convince me to do your work instead?"
Flashing a cheeky grin, Damin winks. "Hey, I'm just looking out for your health, Grandma. But if you want to pass the broom over to me, I won't object."
"... You're a real piece of work, you know that?"
Damin laughed. "I try my best, Grandma."<</if>><<if $cinder is true>>Damin looked at the broom and dustpan with a pouty expression. "Yaa, are you trying to turn me into Cinderella or something?"
Mrs. Lim arched an eyebrow, the corner of her lips twitching. "If the story had left out the sweeping part, I might have missed that crucial detail."
Damin rolled $her eyes and grabbed the broom. "Fine, I'll sweep the floor. But if I find a glass slipper, I'm keeping it.”
"Only if it fits,” Mrs. Lim retorts.<<elseif $snacks is true>>Damin let out a melodramatic sigh and replied, "Looks like I won't be indulging in any of those scrumptious snacks anytime soon. But don't fret, my dearest Yaa, for I am a sweeping master. This floor will be so spotless, you'll be able to eat off it!" $She grinned and twirled the broom like a majestic baton, adding a playful twirl at the end for emphasis.
Mrs. Lim snorted and crossed her arms, "Oh, please. You can barely clean up after yourself."
Damin rolled $her eyes, "Oh, Yaa. You wound me with your lack of faith in my cleaning abilities. But I promise to make this floor so clean, even the ants will need sunglasses."<</if>>
<<button [[...|chapter 1.24]]>><</button>>Damin absentmindedly swept the floor, $her thoughts drifting to the enticing aroma coming from the kitchen. $She couldn't help but wonder why $her grandmother was making so many spring rolls. Damin had a hearty appetite, but surely they weren't all for $him.
$She paused $her sweeping and peeked into the kitchen, watching $her grandmother bustle around with a sense of purpose. Mrs. Lim looked up and caught Damin's gaze who gave her a curious smile.
"We have new neighbors moving in next door," She says, answering Damin's unspoken question. "I thought I'd make them a little something to welcome them to the neighborhood."
Damin's grin widens as $she snatches a spring roll from the kitchen counter, relishing in the crispy texture and savory flavor. Mrs. Lim lets out a sigh as she looks over her grandchild's shoulder, taking in Damin's appearance with a discerning eye.
"Dress nicely, you pig," Mrs. Lim chides as she throws a rag on her shoulder. "They invited us over to dinner. At least make an effort not to look like a slob."
"Gosh, you truly know how to make a $girl feel special."
<<button [[...|chapter 1.25]]>><</button>>
The room exuded a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with the soft glow of the lamp casting a warm light on the comfortable furniture. Mrs. Lim offered Fiona a package of food, which she graciously accepted with a beaming smile of appreciation, her eyes alight with gratitude.
As the women exchanged pleasantries, Damin couldn't help but notice a young boy standing in the corner. With his arms tightly crossed over his chest and a deep frown etched on his face, the boy appeared to want to be anywhere but here. "This is my son, Francis," Fiona said, gesturing towards him. "He's... a bit shy around new people."
Damin's friendly smile was met with silence as Francis just stood there, his gaze fixed on the ground.
"I also got another kid, my $child is at the back of the house. A little preoccupied at the moment," Fiona added.
Then a man with gentle and soft features, his blue eyes shining, entered the room. "Hey there, I'm Ted," he said with a bright smile, extending his hand towards Mrs. Lim. "Thank you so much for bringing all this food. It's incredibly kind of you."
Mrs. Lim let out an audible gasp, a small blush creeping up on her cheeks as she took a good look at him. "You have such a handsome husband!" she playfully remarked, patting the younger woman's back.
Fiona chuckled softly, a bit flushed. "Oh, we're not married," she corrected.
The older woman's eyes sparkled with amusement as she took in Ted's curls and beautiful blue eyes. "Oh, if only I were fifty years younger," she exclaimed, "I would make him mine right away!"
Ted's face turned an even deeper shade of red as Fiona playfully nudged him. "Oh, come on, Mrs. Lim, you're going to give him a heart attack," she said with a laugh.
Damin stifles a snort as $she observes $her grandmother's personality's sudden 180 rotation. As if sensing the teen's thoughts, Mrs. Lim turns her sharp gaze towards her $grandaughter, effectively silencing any potential outburst without saying a word.
As the conversation flowed, Fiona turned to Damin with a warm smile. "I don't think you should have to spend the evening with us old folks," she said. "Why don't you go and hang out with my $child? You two are closer in age. You can find him in the backyard, if not $their room."
<<button [[''Alright.''|chapter 1.26]]>><</button>>
Regrets are a reminder of the paths we could have taken and the decisions we could have made differently. You can't truly live without feeling such, and learning how to move past them... that is a part of life. But life is not defined by regrets.
We start small like a seedling then we will grow and be nurtured by deep and intricate lessons. It's a scary thing to know because the more we know the more we fear, the truth that is... the world is too big.
We don't know and nothing is ever the same but sometimes, it's a good thing. There are billions of people and only one of you. It is boring if everyone is the same, whether they lift us up or hurt us. And in turn, we have the power to do the same for them. And in the end, we can take solace in the fact that we lived our lives as authentically as we could.
Damin walks through the back of the house, the creaking sound of the floor of the back porch, beneath $her feet echoing through the quiet air. In this position, $she spots a $teen sitting on a bench with a sketchbook in hand, intently focused. The $teen has an air of distance about $them, $their eyes fixated on the page as if nothing else exists in the world.
Damin approaches slowly, not wanting to startle $them. As $she grows closer, $she sees the intricate lines of the sketch, depicting a small bird perched on a branch. $She stands there for a moment, admiring the artistry.
Then $they looked up, and their eyes met. There was an instant spark of recognition, as if they both saw something in each other. $Their expression softened as $they gaze at Damin, and for a moment, they simply stared at each other in silence.
//Perhaps there is a reason why you both met.//
"I'm Damin," Damin was the first to speak, $her smile, albeit shy,
//We meet.//
"It's nice to meet you."
//Then soon...//
"What's your name?"
''You'll have to say goodbye.''
<<button [[Next Chapter|chapter 2]]>><</button>><<audio "normalday" fadeout>><<audio "Sweet" volume 0.4 loop play>>
!Chapter 2: WHY WE DO WE HURT
!!!Fiona
----
//How do you grasp a reality that your own $child would die before they have a chance to completely grow up?//
//How do you grasp a reality the $child you raised would die before you do?//
//How do you grasp a reality that you will live in a world without $them?//
Fiona $surname still has no clue after all these years and she's still struggling to live with the fact every day that she can't do anything about it.
Life, with its mysterious ways, reveled in toying with the fragile existence of humanity. It was an untouchable sadist, deriving pleasure from its power over the human race. And yet, the most cruel and heartbreaking blows often came from the people themselves. The very beings that were meant to provide comfort and support could inflict the deepest wounds.
Fiona had learned this harsh truth all too well. Despite her best efforts, there were things she couldn't control, tragedies she couldn't prevent.
<<button [[...|chapter 2.1]]>><</button>><<audio "Sweet" fadeout>><<audio "Sad4" volume 0.4 loop play>>
Not a lot had understood Fiona $surname. There was a lot of judgment from being a teen mother who didn't go to college. She knows what they say behind her back, like "it's such a waste. She's so pretty and smart, she would have probably made it big if she hadn't gotten married and had children so early," //for example.// They tell her that love she had was nothing but an immature crush and childish lust because she was too young for love, but what do they know about her?
Fiona didn't understand why and how could they think that her life is so miserable, sure this life choice has been a quite hard struggle and still is, it has its bad moments but the good moments outweigh the bad.
She never felt a love that isn't conditional. Her parents valued her brother more, they didn't need to say because it was obvious. She grew up to love herself because if her family can't then who else will love her? It wasn't easy but it did work, yet it down ease her loneliness, until she met.. //him.//
Long story short: //They eloped.// The afterstory was when things got harder that she had doubted her choices, and had almost regreted choosing this life. It was different from her initial plans. Sure, her parents neglected her but they gave her a comfortable life and, enrolled her to good school. But this life, her choices made her the most happiest she had ever been. She accepted this life, and learned to find happiness in that shappy apartment with her husband and children.
<<button [[...|chapter 2.2]]>><</button>>The moment Fiona's husband passed away, she couldn't believe the sudden shift in people's perception of her. Suddenly, she was being praised as some kind of messiah, a pillar of strength and resilience for managing to take care of her two children, one of whom had a terminal illness, all while juggling multiple jobs. It was no easy feat, but somehow she was being revered as a supermom, rather than the foolish girl who had made a mistake that had affected her entire life in the worst possible way. Yet, the expression of unerasable pity still remained in their faces.
Now in her thirties with a stable job, she's way past the age to be pointed at as being too young and immature to be a mother.
Fiona still struggles from time to time especially financially. Thankfully $name's treatments and all of $their medical needs were covered by an organization that funds them due to the rarity of her $child's illness, she didn't have to worry about the part. This support has allowed Fiona to focus on providing for her family in other ways.
With a bit of effort and determination, Fiona has managed to secure a home for herself and her children in the peaceful countryside. This was a major upgrade from the cramped and budget-friendly apartment she once shared with her late husband.
Imperfection is a universal truth, and Fiona knows that she is not an exception. She's far from the ideal mother, but that doesn't deter her from giving her two children the best life she could ever provide.
Her love for them is immeasurable, and it's what keeps her going, even on the darkest days. They are the center of her world, and she couldn't imagine a life without them. They give her purpose and meaning, and she'll do anything to ensure their happiness and well-being.
<<button [[Because that's a mother's love|chapter 2.3]]>><</button>>The house was shrouded in eerie silence as Fiona made her way to the kitchen, the only sound being the creaking of the floorboards beneath her feet. As she flipped on the lights, her heart skipped a beat at the sight of her son Francis perched on a stool, his face etched with a deep frown. She made her way towards him, her bare feet padding softly against the tiled floor.
Francis shifted uncomfortably on the stool and muttered, “Just thirsty.”
Fiona took a closer look at the untouched glass of water next to him and knew that there was more to it. She decided to probe gently, "Is something bothering you, honey?"
The boy let out a deep sigh. “Nothing…” he murmured, his eyes avoiding her gaze.
The silence was deafening, broken only by the steady ticking of the clock on the wall. As she wrapped her arms around her son, she could feel the tension in his body start to ease slightly under her embrace. The weight of unspoken words hung heavy in the air.
“It’s okay…” she whispered, brushing her fingers through his hair in a soothing gesture. “Take your time, we have all the time in the world.”
Then, like a sharp blade, Francis muttered those words that cut through Fiona's heart: "But $name doesn't have time.” A subject that no one dared to speak out loud when they had moved.
“Francis, I—“
Francis pulled away from her, his eyes blazing with frustration. "But that's the thing, Mom. We never talk about it. It's like we're just pretending everything is okay when it's not. And I can't keep doing that. It's too much."
The silence between them was heavy, weighted by the unspoken truth that hung in the air like a storm cloud.
<<button [[...|chapter 2.4]]>><</button>><<audio "Sad4" fadeout>><<audio "Sad2" volume 0.4 loop play>> "Mom, I may be a naive kid in your eyes, but I know more than you think. You can lean on me. I promise I won't judge, just don't pretend you've got everything together, especially with $name... It isn't fair, you know?" Francis spoke with a maturity that belied his young age.
Fiona's eyes met his, and she could see the frustration and hurt etched on his face.
"Is that why you've been stubborn lately?" she chuckled awkwardly, trying to ease herself.
"Mom..." Francis chided gently, giving her a piercing look. "It isn't fair... we don't talk about this. Frankly, I'm reaching my limit."
"Then let's talk. Tell me whatever you are thinking right now," Fiona said, hoping to start the conversation that should have happened a long time ago.
Francis looks at her in surprise, bewildered at her statement. Had she really said that? Fiona cuts him shortly with a nudge, encouraging her to say what's on his mind.
"We've been putting on a show ever since we got here, acting like everything's going to be okay and that $name isn't going to die. But the truth is, $they <<if $singular is true>>is<<elseif $plural>>are<</if>> dying. It's the reason we came here in the first place. And now $they'll die here, in this place that you thought would offer us some kind of pause from our pain." He pauses, struggling to compose himself.
"I feel so utterly miserable right now, but I can't let it show. I can't pretend that we're not losing $them, even though I desperately wish that we weren't."
<<button [[I don't want to be alone|chapter 2.5]]>><</button>>
Fiona envelops Francis in a tight embrace, and in the safety of her arms, his steely resolve crumbles. He weeps for the burdens he's had to carry and conceal, for the pain he's had to endure in silence. He knows that crying won't magically make everything better, but in this moment, he allows himself to be vulnerable, letting go of the weight that has been dragging him down.
//You are never alone.// She tries to convey it in her embrace.
As Francis weeps, his mother's soft rubs soothe him, the weight of his grief finally starting to lift. She understands his pain intimately
"I thought I was alone," she began, her voice shaking with emotion. "Things got even harder after your dad died...I---I." A tear rolled down her cheek, but she continued. "But when I looked at you two, I don't really feel that alone."
"You are never alone. We still have each other, always. At this moment, $name is still alive and we still have $them with us, we have to treasure that..."
Even when time goes by in a flash, they have to treasure the seconds.
Fiona turns to gaze at the wooden picture frame of a handsome young man, no more than his very early twenties, perched atop the TV cabinet. He dons a white shirt with tattered sleeves and a black leather jacket tied loosely around his waist, while his right arm is adorned with intricate vines, thorns, and flowers. The image paints the picture of a rugged rebel, a man who cares only for himself and nothing of the world around him. But as he cradles a newborn baby in his arms, his expression softens, and he appears to be a father willing to give up the world for the tiny life in his embrace.
It swells up a bittersweet feeling inside Fiona's chest. She could feel her son's lovely $eyes eyes on her as she walks towards the picture; She draws nearer and brings the frame closer, running her fingers over the smooth glass cover with a tender touch. Her fingers gently caressing the smooth glass-covered cheek of the young man.
<<button [[Louis|chapter 2.6]]>><</button>>
A name she will never //ever// forget.
A name that is no longer painful to mention or to remember, but it only made her long for simpler and happier times of her past.
Louis $surname was a master of concealing his emotions, his face often draped in a veil of snark or indifference. However, when his lips would curve upwards to reveal his endearing and charming smile, it was as though the world around them had disappeared, and all that remained was the warmth and joy radiating from his expression.
//God//. His smile... it's something that no one can ever get out of their head. It was a smile that she had been fortunate enough to witness many times, and one that she knew she had played a role in causing. He had a way of turning her life upside down, just as she did for him. The best and worst, they gone through it all together. Her best friend, her first love, her husband, her everything...
Fiona will never know another man like Louis $surname.
In this picture, he was stuck at twenty while she grows more older than him in every passing day.
<<button [[...|chapter 2.7]]>><</button>>
Young and reckless. //They weren't even ready.// They were just barely adults who had nothing but each other. They had plans on what they were gonna do, but all of their youthful dreams came to an end by their child.
In some instances, her anxiety and thoughts made her loom over that day she had made this choice, would her life be different? Louis tried, he pulled her back to present, to him and her children. She couldn't regret this. Because of him; he made her learn to love tenderly, to open up her heart more, made her grow as a person, made her a mother to their two beautiful and wonderful children... He really did made her so so happy.
//This was love.//
She has given up everything and a ready-made future just for love. There was nothing wrong with it no matter what others would say. Sure, her decision was made out of impulse but she had no longer have regrets.
If somehow she ends up getting a chance for a do-over, she is now sure she would still choose the same thing over and over again. She was happy, no... //she still is. //
<<button [[Hey, Louis... Did I do anything right with them without you?|chapter 2.8]]>><</button>>
!!!$name
----
In all of your life, nothing good ever happens to you. You had been waiting for a miracle that maybe one day... one day, the doctor would come and tell you; "Hey, it looks like you are cured now and you can live your life however you want! //You don't have to die after all..."//
You wish it was true.
You used to daydream about going to school, becoming part of a group, hanging out after class with your friends, and worrying about what kind of adult you'll be. Complaining how math is horrible, who's dating who, what college you'll go--just the normal stuff.
You wonder what it would be like to not worry about anything and live your life, carefree. You never said anything out loud, but you're jealous that you couldn't have that life, so you had to resort to daydreams to ease the loneliness in your heart. But then you had stopped daydreaming, because it became too painful to imagine the what-ifs.
You had already resigned yourself to the ending that everyone had told you were going to have. It's painful to feel, it's better to numb yourself to the feelings that are going break your heart. You were a volcano on a brink of destruction waiting to blow up at any minute, ready to destroy everything around you and yourself.
If you had a choice, you would sink yourself alone in the sea of shadows. You didn't want to be saved from drowning, you wanted to run out of breath to point you can't breathe anymore.
<<button [[But a hand pulled you out of the water|chapter 2.9]]>><</button>><<audio "Sad2" pause>>
<img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/8c01ed66ef8b839effc90e78ba622310/dce5d583fde59823-2b/s500x750/c7c50389bb03f11b5b29ebac2ef89039ddf5eb6c.pnj" to $car; style= display:block; margin:auto;><<set $Turkey to true>>
Fiona had brought home a cat.
She was a Calico cat with a coat of fur that resembled a patchwork quilt, woven from burnt oranges, rich blacks, and creamy whites. It was like the artist who painted her fur had taken inspiration from the colors of autumn leaves. Her eyes were a striking mismatch of green and yellow, like an amber and emerald encrusted next to one another. Fiona had eagerly taken herself the responsibility of naming the new member of the family.
You raised a skeptical brow, as you cross both arms. "//Turkey?// Like the bird we eat on Thanksgiving?"
Fiona couldn't help but grin widely. She nods eagerly. "Yes, but this Turkey is much cuter and won't end up on your dinner plate."
Ted hesitated for a moment, unsure about the name. //"I don't know, Fi…"// He rubs behind his neck.
But Fiona was already convinced. "Well, she's already responding to it, so I think it's perfect.” Sure enough, as if on cue, Turkey let out a soft meow and nuzzled her head against Fiona's hand, as if to say that she had accepted her new name. "See..."
Francis sighed, crossing his arms, he comments, "it's better than naming her after a vegetable."
"Brussel Sprout is a fine name!"
How do you feel about the new member of the family?
*[[You love Turkey.|chapter 2.10][$likespet to true]]
*[[You're fine with her.|chapter 2.10][$dcpet to true]]
*[[You try to avoid Turkey as much as you can.|chapter 2.10][$dontlikepets to true]]
<<audio "Sweet" volume 0.4 loop play>>
<<if $likespet is true>>You had always wanted a pet, but due to complicated reasons and hospital regulations, you weren't allowed one, but it was a different now.
Your mother had surprised everyone when she brought home a cat oneday, and with that your childhood dreams of becoming of a petowner has come true. You had been very welcoming with Turkey so did Francis, except for Ted. Initially he had been hesitant, but soon quickly warm to Turkey.
Turkey loves sitting on all of you, you noticed. Whenever one of you sat down she would run over and plop herself onto your lap, kneading your legs with her claws. If you ever would try to push her off, she would curl up tighter, purring contentedly.
Sometimes, Turkey would like to curl up on the shoulders, like a fluffy scarf. Ted has walked around the house with her perched up on his shoulders, although she made it difficult to see to the point he would occasionally walk into furniture and walls while bumping objects off. //It made Francis laugh a lot.//
She adjusted to being part of the family quick, even you grew attached to the girl.<<elseif $dcpet is true>>You had never been particularly fond of cats nor do you hate them but you were more indifferent. Your mother's decision was made without anyone's input. Francis was more welcoming of the idea, surprisingly you and Ted share the same feelings on this particular thing but in the end, the man warmed to her.
Turkey loves sitting on all of you, you noticed. Whenever one of you sat down she would run over and plop herself onto your lap, kneading your legs with her claws. If you ever would try to push her off, she would curl up tighter, purring contentedly. It wasn't unpleasant, but it wasn't something you enjoyed either.
Sometimes, Turkey would like to curl up on the shoulders, like a fluffy scarf. Ted has walked around the house with her perched up on his shoulders, although she made it difficult to see to the point he would occasionally walk to the furniture and walls while bumping objects off. //It made Francis laugh a lot.//
She quickly adjusted to being part of the family, though you don't care for her but you learn to get used to her presence.<</if>><<if $dontlikepets is true>>You had never been much of an animal person, and the idea of having a pet always seemed like more trouble than it was worth.
Turkey was constantly underfoot, getting in the way, and shedding everywhere. Whenever she jumped up onto your lap, you would grit your teeth and endure her claws kneading into your skin, waiting for the moment when so you could push her off and be done with it.
Even worse was when Ted would walk around the house with Turkey perched on his shoulder like some kind of accessory. It made you cringe to see her up there, with her sharp claws digging into his skin, even though you never liked Ted, you pity him. You just couldn't understand why anyone would willingly subject themselves to...//that.//
Despite your reservations, you knew that Turkey was part of our household now, your mom and Francis love her, so you did your best to tolerate her presence. <</if>>
Your luck starts to play out as soon as Damin heard about your new feline companion and was eager to come over and see her.
<<button [[....|chapter 2.11]]>><</button>> Like a meteor crashing into the calm night sky, Damin had burst into your world, leaving you unsettled and off balance. Despite your efforts to keep $him at a distance, $she persisted in making $her presence known, worming $her way into your daily routine and disrupting your carefully cultivated solitude.
For weeks, $she had come by to see you, slowly making $her way into the hearts of those in your home. But you didn't like how easily $she had insinuated $herself into your daily routine. You tried to ignore $him, but $she made it nearly impossible.
At first, you resented $her unwanted intrusion and tried to ignore $him as best as you can, but $her tenacity made it impossible. In those weeks of begrudging companionship, you found yourself reluctantly tolerating $her company, even as you stubbornly refused to let $her past the walls you had erected around yourself.
Gradually, spending time with $him became less of a burden and more of a routine. You found yourself tolerating $her presence, even though you refused to let $him get too close.
But the more time you spent in each other's presence, the more you began to notice things about $him that you couldn't turn away from. The way $her eyes lit up when $she talked about anything that might interest you, how $she never takes it to the heart when you were unnecessarily mean to $him, and…$her laugh. You felt a flicker of curiosity stir within you, but you quickly smothered it.
<<button [[You're afraid what it might lead you to|chapter 2.12]]>><</button>>The delicate chime of the doorbell echoed through the house, announcing the arrival of an expected unexpected guest. You knew who it was even before opening the door - <<if $mdamin is true>>the scent of a strong lavender-scented cologne and the low playful tone of his voice gave him away.<<elseif $fdamin is true>>the faint scent of a strong lavender-scented perfume and the pitchy playful tone of her voice gave her away.<</if>>
You tried to hide your annoyance as you swung open the door, but the sight of $him standing there with a happy-go-lucky grin made it hard to keep up appearances. $Her brown eyes flicked past you and landed on something in the living room, causing $him to take a step forward.
The $girl couldn't help but let out a soft "aww" as $she approached Turkey. She immediately jumped off the couch and strutted towards $him, rubbing her head against $her leg.
"Well, hello there, little lady," Damin cooed. "Aren't you just the prettiest thing?"
Turkey purred in response and circled around Damin's ankles, enjoying the attention. Damin knelt down and began petting her soft, patchwork fur. Damin's grin widened as he looked up at Turkey, admiring the calico's unique coat and striking eyes. "I think I might have a new best friend. Sorry $name, you’ve been replaced."
You rolled your eyes. //"We're not best friends."//
Damin turned to Fiona who had been sitting on the couch beside $him, leaning near her ear, conspiringly. //"Well, I’m trying to get $them to admit it."// $She held out $her hand and Turkey gingerly sniffed it before rubbing her head against $her palm before she licks it. "Looks like I've been claimed."
Fiona laughed. "Seems like it."
<<button [[...|chapter 2.13]]>><</button>>Damin's fingers sunk into the soft fur on Turkey's chin, and $she smiled as the cat nuzzled $her hand. "What's her name?" $she asked, looking up at Francis.
Francis couldn't help but grin, jumps in the converation, hanging behind the couch. "Mom named her Turkey. No Joke."
The pink-haired $girl's eyes widened in surprise. "Turkey? As in the bird we eat on Thanksgiving?" $she asks for clarification, unable to hide the amusement in his tone.
Your mother nodded, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Yep, that's the one."
"Nice," $She shook $her head with a grin. "Well, I guess it's better than being named after a side dish. Can you imagine calling out 'Gravy, come here!' or 'Green Bean Casserole, stop scratching the furniture!'?"
Clutching her stomach, Fiona let out a loud laughter. "I don't know, Green Bean Casserole has a nice ring to it."
Damin joined in on the laughter, $she claps excitedly. "I can just imagine introducing her to any of your guests." $She lets out a cough before deepening $her voice. "'Welcome to my humble abode and oh, and this is our cat, Green Bean Casserole. Don't mind the bits of string cheese stuck to her fur, she's been raiding the fridge again.'"
"Darn it, Green Bean Casserole! I told you not to touch the cheese!"
<<button [[You rolled your eyes|chapter 2.13 a]]>><</button>>Despite the happy chatter of your companions, you remained an observant bystander, taking in the playfulness with a keen and contemplative gaze. While the room resounded with the sound of their laughter, you remained an outsider, unable to find a foothold in their conversation.
You watched Francis chuckle dryly and add his own quip to the mix, you couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment. "Well, I don't know about you guys, but I think 'Tuna' would have been a more fitting name for a cat.".
Fiona rolls her eyes but can't help but grin. "Oh, come on. Where's your sense of creativity, Francis?"
"I think it's buried deep beneath all the sarcasm and dry humor," Damin adds, still laughing.
Francis feigns offense. "Hey now, my humor is an acquired taste."
Damin laughs and tackles the younger boy in a playful noogie, causing the younger boy to squirm and laugh. "I think we've all acquired it by now, Francis."
Your thoughts were preoccupied with a sense of annoyance, as you craved a moment of stillness amidst the chaos. The laughter echoed in your ears, but it failed to reach your lips, leaving you feeling disconnected from the jovial atmosphere. You longed to retreat to a solitary place, where you could ruminate in peace and escape the bustle of the moment.
<<button [[At least you were alone in a way.|chapter 2.14 a]]>><</button>>!!!Damin
----
Damin took a deep breathe in.
Walking across the golden rapeseed fields, the golden hues of the crops blending perfectly with the sunlight’s bright glow. Damin can’t remember if $she ever seen the sky so blue before, with white cotton-like clouds floating by. $She wanted to bask in the warmth of the moment, but $her attention was on $name, who was walking by $her side.
The bubblegum-haired $girl found $herself surreptitiously stealing glances at $name, admiring the way the late afternoon sun seemed to dance across $their features, highlighting every curve, accentuated every part of her face.
Damin felt the rush of giddiness bubble inside $him, like a burst of colorful confetti exploding in the air. For weeks, $her goal was to penetrate $name’s walls and form a bond that would surpass $their perception of $him as the neighbor’s annoying $grandaughter instead as friend–a very fun one. $Their walls impenetrable despite $her best efforts. It did never deter $him, preparing to see this through.
"So, $name, what do you like to do for fun?" $she starts, breaking the long game of silence.
<<button [[...|chapter 2.16]]>><</button>><<audio "Sweet" fadeout>><<audio "Meadow" volume 0.4 loop play>>
$name shot $him a long pointed look. "Oh, you know, just exciting things like watching paint dry and grass grow... //the thrilling stuff."// $Their response was sharp and pointed, causing $him to chuckle. //"$They <<if $singular is true>>has<<elseif $plural is true>>have<</if>> a sense of humor, at least,"// $she thought.
"And what about you, $Ms. Burglar? What do you do in your free time besides stealing from innocent felines?" Then burglar began to recall something that happened recently when he had mistakenly ate Turkey's cat food.
Damin playfully nudged $them, $her tone light. "Hey, I prefer to think of it as liberating delicious treats from captivity.” Adding a wink at the end.
The $eyes-eyed $teen rolled $their eyes before walking forward, a few steps away from $him.
Damin sighed inwardly, feeling like $she was getting nowhere with $them. $She wanted to get closer to $them but the steel wall that the $teen put up around $themself was impossible to cross over.
It was hard to get to someone who didn’t want anyone get to know $their self.
<<button [[Do you hate me?|chapter 2.17]]>><</button>>"Do you hate me, $name?"
Damin stood frozen on the dirt path, $her heart feeling heavy in $her chest. Searching for something that $she could not decipher.
$name hesitated before finally responding to his question. $Their eyes met $her own, but $they couldn't hold $her gaze for long. "I don't hate you," $they <<if $singular is true>>was<<elseif $plural is true>>were<</if>> able to manage to say.
Damin couldn't help the feeling of frustration that crept up within $him. $She had tried to understand $them, but $they continued to push $him away. $She couldn't understand why $they treated $him so poorly when $she had done nothing wrong.
“What did I do to you?” Silence fell between them once again before Damin spoke again. "It's not just me, $name." $She took a deep breath, $her hands shaking slightly at $her sides "In the weeks I’ve known you, from what I had seen you treat everyone like this. You push people away, even your own family. It's like you don't want anyone to get close to you. What did I do wrong $name, don't I deserve an explanation?”
$Their $eyes eyes moved away. “You did nothing wrong—//it’s just personal.//”
<<button [[It is personal!|chapter 2.18]]>><</button>><<audio "Meadow" fadeout>>/* Music */
<<cacheaudio "theme" "music/Love.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "opening" "music/Someday.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "Sad1" "music/Forever.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "Sad2" "music/SadGuitar.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "Sad3" "music/Memories.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "DaminMCTheme" "music/Us.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "DaminTheme" "music/Photograph.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "DaminMC2" "music/whynot.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "normalday" "music/Happily.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "Sweet" "music/Soulmate.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "NatureSpring" "music/NatureSpring.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "Meadow" "music/Meadow.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "Lake" "music/Lake.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "Birthday" "music/Birthday.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "Hospital" "music/Hospital.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "DaminChaoTheme" "music/Cooking.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "Sweet2" "music/IStillWantYou.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "Morning" "music/Morning.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "Sad4" "music/Lonely.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "Breeze" "music/Breeze.mp3">>
<<if $car is true>> <a data-passage="house"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/e0b63d862f466fddb770912750b04849/dce5d583fde59823-ab/s500x750/42e1f1677c2c2ba595e0c5eb4b9118cfa6860b90.pnj" alt="Continue" style="float:center"/></a><<else>>It is blank...<</if>>
<<if $house is true>> <a data-passage="Turkey"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/75700a2d881f702f5300c277f441a390/dce5d583fde59823-5b/s500x750/22fc3119701db34258315bf0320d7f7e35bb7619.pnj" alt="Continue" style="float:center"/></a><<else>>It is blank...<</if>>"It is personal to me," Damin shook $her head, $her frustration mounting. “I don't know what this self-conflict shit is that you've got, but I try to be understanding--II even become your punching bag. But I have feelings too, I can get hurt. You said it yourself, I did nothing wrong. So why do you punish me?"
The $teen hesitated again, and Damin could see the internal battle raging within $them.
"You don't understand," $they finally replied, and Damin's frustration began to boil over.
"I know I don't understand!" $she exclaimed, $her hands clenching into fists. "Because you didn't bother, even your mom doesn't understand, but she tries--//I try//. I want to be your friend $name, I really do, but you're making it so hard. Your 'no one understands me' act is bullshit!"
Finally, $they snapped. "You don't know what I've been through, you ass!"
But Damin wasn't having it. "You don't know what I've been through either," $she said, $her voice getting higher and animated with each word. "Newsflash, everyone goes through shit, $name. You're not the only one. You brood in your corner, taking your problems out on others, and acting like the world revolves around you. //Guuuesss what,// it isn't revolved around you."
"I think maybe there is a reason you are so spiteful because every time you throw jabs at anyone, you’ll try to find what hurts the most. You’re hurt, maybe that’s why you hurt people. You being hurt, doesn't excuse yourself from being an ass. You don't have the right to hurt anyone because you don't feel anything is fair on you." $Her voice became higher as $she gestured wildly with $her hands. "Woe is I, I have problems, let me brood on my own in this corner, //let me take it out on others because I can!"//
<<button [[...|chapter 2.19]]>><</button>>"Don't act like you're better than me!" $name spat back, $their face twisted with anger.
"I don't claim to be," Damin retorted, steady and even as $her gaze at this moment. "You're just mad because I called out your shit!" $She could feel the cold, hard earth beneath $her feet as $she stood there, paralyzed by regret. $Her eyes followed $name's silhouette as $they strode away from $him, the soft rustle of $their clothes fading into the distance.
//"Run away,"// $Her voice was nothing but bitter and raw. "Because you know what I had said was the truth, isn't it?"
The $teen's response was swift, $their tone resolute as $they declared, "I'm not running away. I'm going home!"
The sounds of $their footsteps grew fainter standing alone on the dusty path, $her mind awash with regret and self-loathing. Regretting how $her turbulent impulse lead $him to this lonely distance.
<<button [[How lonely was this distance?|chapter 2.20]]>><</button>>The weight of the world felt heavy on Damin's shoulders as $she trudged up the worn staircase to $her grandmother's home. The bitter taste of regret clung to $her tongue, and the heavy burden of guilt weighed on $her shoulders like a lead cloak, even though it wasn't his fault. $She had tried so hard to keep $her emotions in check, to keep $her words from lashing out and hurting $name, but in the end, it had all been for naught, the wounds of the words they had exchanged still festered within $him.
As $she reached the top of the stairs, Mrs. Lim's voice cut through $her thoughts. "Come here. I need your help with something."
Sighing, knowing that tone all too well. It was her //'chore voice'//, and there was no use in arguing. $She made $her way to the door, where the older woman was standing with a rake in hand. “You need to pull your weight around here.” $her grandmother grumbled, pointing to the overgrown plants and scattered leaves.
Damin looked out at the garden and couldn't help but agree. It did look like it needed some human attention and care. Still, $she couldn't help but try to make light of the situation.
"Aw, come on, Yaa. It's not that bad. It's kind of like a wild garden. I like it. //Very aesthetic and instagramable.//" $She turns $her charm on, subtly trying to get out of this one. but $her words fell on deaf ears.
"Don't try that on me. We're cleaning this up, and you're going to help. Get to work." Her stern tone left no room for argument, and $she resigned $himself to $her fate.
<<button [[...|chapter 2.21]]>><</button>>"Start by pulling up those weeds over there," Mrs. Lim said, pointing to a particularly overgrown patch of the garden. "And don't just yank them out by the stems! Make sure you dig up the roots so they don't grow back."
The teen rolled up $her sleeves and got to work, humming a tune under $her breath as $she dug and pulled at the stubborn weeds.
Each uprooted weed, Damin began to feel a weight lifted from $her shoulders. The physical labor had been somewhat welcome distraction from the emotional turmoil that had plagued $him, with each pull, $she let $herself let go the regret and guilt that had been holding $him captive.
<<button [[...|chapter 2.22]]>><</button>><<audio "DaminChaoTheme" volume 0.4 loop play>>
"Good job," Mrs. Lim nods in approval. "Now, let's get to work on those flower beds. They need a good weeding too."
Damin groaned. "Oh come on, Yaa, do we really have to do that too?" $Her grandmother shot $him a stern look. $She raises her both $her hands in the air in surrender, pouting “Fine! //No questions.//” $She then went back to work, tugging at the weeds with renewed vigor.
Damin was reaching into a tangle of bushes, pulling up clumps of weeds, when $her hand brushed against something hard and metallic. Intrigued, $she push through the foliage, pushing aside the leaves and branches, until $she uncovered an old cream-colored Vespa, hidden behind the bushes.
<<button [[...|chapter 2.23]]>><</button>>$Her eyes widened in excitement as $she examined the vintage scooter. Its rusted metal frame adorned with the patina of age. Its curves and edges were softened by time, giving it a nostalgic air of days gone by. The once gleaming chrome was dulled and pitted, a testament to the passage of time and the elements. The paint was chipped and faded in places, and the tires were flat. $She circled around it, admiring the curves of the frame and the rusty handlebars.
"Damin!" Mrs. Lim called from across the yard. "What are you doing? We need to get these flower beds weeded!"
Damin's heart raced as $she ran over to the older woman. "Yaa, you won't believe what I found! It's a vintage Vespa, and it's in pretty good shape for its age."
$Her grandmother raised an eyebrow in surprise, "A Vespa? Let me see it."
Curious, $her grandmother raised an eyebrow and as Damin beckoned her over. “Ah…” As her brown eyes took in the sight of the rusted but still charming scooter, a hint of nostalgia colored her voice.
"This used to be belong to your dad."
Damin's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Really? I can’t picture it, he can barely operate a car."
<<button [[...|chapter 2.24]]>><</button>>"He did," Mrs. Lim affirmed, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. "This was his ‘baby’ as he would call it. He used to ride it all around town to flirt with ladies and he was such a show off. He keeps on skipping on his work to fool around. Always shirking his responsibilities to chase after the next thrill. It made him a bit of a lazy ass idiot, to be honest."
Damin's head spun with confusion. The picture $her grandmother painted of $her father was completely at odds with the man $she knew. The serious and responsible workaholic $she had grown up with was worlds apart from the carefree adventurer $her grandmother described. "Can you tell me more about him?" $she asked, eager to learn more about the man $her father used to be.
Mrs. Lim's expression softened. "Oh, Keit was something else. He had a way with words, and a thirst for life. But he was also stubborn, never wanting to do what he was told. He had always liked to get under my skin whenever he finds an opportunity to do. Then… he left.” A touch of regret and sadness crept into her voice as she spoke.
Sensing the weight of the unspoken emotions, Damin tactfully changed the subject. "So, what happened to it? Why did it end up here in the bushes?"
The woman hesitated for a moment before answering, "After Keit left, he didn't have much use for it anymore. It's been sitting in here for years, neglected and forgotten."
//Forgotten, huh?//
<<button [[...|chapter 2.25]]>><</button>>The rusted metal and worn leather seemed to call out to $him, a challenge that he couldn't resist. $She turned to $her grandmother, $her bright brown eyes alight with a newfound purpose.
“Can I fix it?”
The gaze was hesitant, scanning over the neglected machine before them. "I don't see why not," she finally conceded. "But it won't be easy. It'll take more than just elbow grease to bring it back to life."
"I'm willing to do whatever it takes," $she declared. "I want to see this baby running again."
With a heavy heart, Damin knew $she had to distance himself from $name for a while. The weight of their argument still hung heavily on $her mind, and he needed time to sort through his thoughts and emotions before he could face $them again. The rusty Vespa before $him offered the perfect excuse and distraction.
<<button [[Next Chapter|chapter 3]]>><</button>><<audio "DaminChaoTheme" pause>>
!Chapter 3: LIKE A TERRIBLE SHOW IN TV
!!!$name
----
The birthday cake, adorned with rainbow confetti, was coated in a creamy white buttercream frosting and topped with fresh strawberries and kiwis. The message written in chocolate frosting read "Congratulations on Graduating!" but was partly obscured by a generous slather of Nutella. Despite its lack of appeal to your taste buds, your parents had purchased it on sale, as it was all they could afford to celebrate your special day.
You and your parents donned colorful birthday hats fashioned from bond paper and tape, decorated with hastily drawn designs using cheap coloring markers. The flickering flames of the candles cast a warm, flickering glow on your eager face as you perched on your father's lap. He held you securely, ensuring that you wouldn't accidentally knock over the candles.
"Happy birthday, $name. Make a wish," your father encourages, holding you close to the flickering candles. Your eyes shone with excitement as you drew in a deep breath.
You closed your eyes and exhaled sharply, blowing out the small flames in one fell swoop. As you opened your eyes, you were met with a round of applause and cheers from your parents, Fiona and Louis. You beamed with pride, reveling in the attention.
"So, what did you wish for?" your mother asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.
<<button [[A baby|chapter 3.1]]>><</button>><<audio "Birthday" volume 0.4 loop play>>
<<if $noadmit is true>>Your guilt consumed you like a raging fire, burning away at your insides with a fierce intensity. You knew deep down that you had been in the wrong, that your actions had caused pain and hurt to someone completely innocent and sincere with their intentions towards you. But admitting it was a daunting task, one that exposed your vulnerability and weakness made you feel small and insignificant.
"It's not my fault," you insisted stubbornly, your voice laced with defensiveness. "$She should have known better than to push me.” Admitting fault felt like a betrayal of your own pride, a weakness you couldn't afford to show.
Your mother's eyes narrowed, disappointment etched on her face. As if she has seen through your façade. “I don’t believe that.”
“So you’re taking his side? Are you kidding me!” Your heart ached as you lashed out at your mother, your pain and guilt causing you to act out in anger. You knew your words were hurtful, but you couldn't stop yourself.
//You push everyone away. You hurt people because you are hurt even though they don't deserve it. You know I'm right.//.<</if>>
<<button [[You hurt people|chapter 3.4 noadmit 1]]>><</button>>Fiona's expression was one of hurt and disappointment, and you felt the weight of your actions like a physical blow. "Don't put words in my mouth, you know that isn't true!" A note of frustration creeping into her voice.
But even as the words left her lips, you knew deep down that she was right. But you were blinded by your pride and unable to see the harm you had caused. "Is it?" you challenged, feeling the weight of your own guilt bearing down on you.
Fiona shook her head and began to pull away. "Is that how low you think of me?" You wanted to retract them, to take back the hurtful things you had said, but your pride kept you rooted in place.
"It's a good thing I'm dying, huh?" you said bitterly. "I'm such burden to you, holding you back from ever being happy."
Your mother's eyes widened in shock, and for a moment, you regretted your words. But it was too late, and Fiona pulled away from you, the hurt clear in her eyes. "Clover..." she said softly, but the damage had already been done. Her voice was gentle, but you couldn't bear to hear it.
You pushed away from her.
"Leave me alone," you muttered, your voice barely audible, the weight of your actions becoming unbearable
<<button [[...|chapter 3.5]]>><</button>><<if $admit is true>>Ted and Fiona woke up early that morning, ready to make the two-hour drive into the city. The house was alive with movement as the couple scurried about, collecting their documents and securing their possessions. Phones were placed in pockets, wallets were zipped shut, and with a final glance around the room, they were ready to depart.
"Time to go," Ted announced, glancing down at his wristwatch with a furrowed brow. His blue eyes then flicked up to meet Fiona. "Do you have everything you need? "
The woman's nerves bubbled up like a freshly uncorked bottle of champagne. Her eyes darted around the room, taking stock of their belongings. "Almost,"she replied turning before to you and your brother. "Don't forget to take your medicine on time, $name, and there's food in the fridge if you two get hungry. I also left some numbers by the fridge in case of emergencie--."
"We're not babies, mom," Francis quipped, his lips curling into a sardonic smirk. He raised his eyebrows and shrugged his shoulders, as to punctuate his point. "We can manage a day without you guys."
"Exactly," you chimed in. "Have some faith."
Your mother released a heavy sigh, yet her worry still present, but it's pushed aside for the moment. "Okay, okay, I get it. You don't need us anymore." She tried to sound lighthearted, but her voice betrayed her lingering concern. "And if you need anything, just give us a call. We'll be back by tonight."
The older woman then turned back to the calico with a playful. "You're in charge now, Turkey. Make sure they behave!"
The feline just blinked lazily in response, seemingly unimpressed with her new responsibilities as the temporary ruler of the household.
Your brother shoves at your side, mumbling “Just what we need, a feline dictator.”<<elseif $noadmit is true>> Ted and Fiona woke up early that morning, ready to make the two-hour drive into the city. The house was alive with movement as the couple scurried about, collecting their documents and securing their possessions. Phones were placed in pockets, wallets were zipped shut, and with a final glance around the room, they were ready to depart.
"Time to go," Ted announced, glancing down at his wristwatch with a furrowed brow. His blue eyes then flicked up to meet Fiona. "Do you have everything you need? "
The woman's nerves bubbled up like a freshly uncorked bottle of champagne. Her eyes darted around the room, taking stock of their belongings. "Almost,"she replied turning before to you and your brother. "Don't forget to take your medicine on time, $name, and there's food in the fridge if you two get hungry. I also left some numbers by the fridge in case of emergencie--."
"We're not babies anymore, Mom," Francis quipped, his lips curling into a sardonic smirk. He raised his eyebrows and shrugged his shoulders, as to punctuate his point. "We can manage a day without you guys."
Feeling the weight of her gaze, but you avoided your mother's eyes and shifted your attention to the small crack of the wooden paneling.
Your little brother, sensing the tension in the room, cleared his throat awkwardly. "We'll be fine, Mom," he waves her off. "Don't worry about us."
Fiona forced a smile, but her heart felt heavy. Running a hand through her hair, her fingers tangling in the strands as she let out a small sigh. "Okay," she said softly, before turning back to Ted. "Let's go." With a small smile, she ruffles her youngest's hair, affectionately. "Be safe. Call us if you need anything, okay?"
As she turn to leave, she couldn't help but glance back at you two. Ted then placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, feelinng her tense muscles relax slightly under his touch. "You raised them well." Giving one more reassuring smile, he leads her outside.
Once they were gone, an oppressive silence descended upon the house. Francis couldn't help but shake his head in response to the tension. "That was certainly a warm goodbye," he quipped, his words coated with biting sarcasm as he glanced at you. "Nothing like an uncomfortable silence to start the day." You rolled your eyes, before run upstairs, leaving on his own.
Under his breath, he muttered, "Talk about passive aggression."<</if>>
<<button [[...|chapter 3.6]]>><</button>>Damin is a ''girl'', who uses ''she/her'' pronouns. Do you wish to proceed to the story?
*[[Yes|Intro 2][$she to "she"; $She to "She"; $her to "her"; $Her to "Her"; $her to "her"; $hers to "hers";$Her to "Her"; $hers to "his"; $Hers to "His"; $herself to "herself"; $Herself to "herself"; $girl to "girl"; $himself to "herself"; $Girl to "Girl"; $grandaughter to "granddaughter"; $him to "her"; $Ms to "Ms"; $fdamin to true]]
*[[Go back|Intro]]Damin is a ''boy'', who uses ''he/him'' pronouns. Do you wish to proceed to the story?
*[[Yes|Intro 2][$she to "he"; $She to "He"; $her to "him"; $Her to "Him"; $her to "his"; $hers to "his"; $Her to "His"; $hers to "his"; $Hers to "His"; $herself to "himself"; $Herself to "Himself"; $girl to "boy"; $Girl to "Boy"; $himself to "himself"; $grandaughter to "grandson"; $him to "him"; $Ms to "Ms"; $mdamin to true]]
*[[Go back|Intro]]<<if $Turkey is true>> <a data-passage="Turkey"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/8c01ed66ef8b839effc90e78ba622310/dce5d583fde59823-2b/s500x750/c7c50389bb03f11b5b29ebac2ef89039ddf5eb6c.pnj" alt="Continue" style="float:center"/></a><<else>>It is blank...<</if>>Your thoughts were a volatile storm, a tempestuous sea of emotion and self-doubt. Guilt, shame, and regret swirled around inside you like a whirlpool, threatening to pull you down into its dark depths.
You knew you had been wrong, and the weight of that realization was heavy upon your heart. The tendrils of remorse crept into every corner of your being, wrapping around you like a constricting serpent. It was as if you had swallowed poison, and now the toxins were slowly seeping through your veins.
You had hurt $him deeply, and for what? For a fleeting moment of satisfaction, a petty victory that meant nothing in the grand scheme of things. Your actions had been petty and small-minded, fueled by your own insecurities and fears. A petty and meaningless victory that now left you feeling empty and alone.
For too long, you had allowed your bitterness to fester, a poisonous thorn in your soul that had only served to harm those around you. And now, the consequences of your actions had come crashing down upon you like a tidal wave, leaving you battered and broken.
Damin's generosity had been a lifeline in a sea of bitterness, and you had repaid $him with cruel words and undeserved aversion. The realization was like a spear piercing your heart.
<<button [[Driving you to your knees|chapter 3.4 admit 1]]>><</button>>The thought of admitting your fault was like you were a felt like a lone tree in the midst of a raging storm, its roots exposed and vulnerable to the fury of the winds. To admit your mistake was to risk everything, to bare your soul to the world, and you weren't sure you are ready for that.
Your mother's gentle inquiry only amplified your guilt. In the face of your own wrongdoing, the memory of $her wounded expression made your heart ache, a dull throb that never quite subsided.
//"What do you do when you hurt someone?"// The question lingered in your mind, haunting you with its weighty implications. You knew the answer, of course. You apologize. You admit your fault and try to make amends. The answer was not a simple one, but rather a tangled web of emotions and actions, a delicate dance between humility and courage.
<<button [[...|chapter 3.4 admit 2]]>><</button>>It was easier to deflect blame, to push the responsibility onto someone else, to hide behind a mask of pride and self-righteousness. It was easy to justify your behavior, to cast blame on others and to ignore the consequences of your actions. But deep down, you knew that your excuses were just that --- //excuses.//
Perhaps forgiveness wasn't something that you deserved. You had been selfish and thoughtless, wrapped up in your own bitterness and anger, and in doing so had inflicted wounds upon others. How could you possibly expect forgiveness?
//How does one go about asking for forgiveness when they have never had to apologize before?//
As someone who had always been the recipient of apologies due to your illness, you had never truly learned how to apologize yourself. You had grown accustomed to being treated with kid gloves, your every transgression excused because of your condition. But now, as you face the consequences of your actions, you realized that you had been shielded from the true nature of human relationships.
How could you ask for forgiveness when you had never truly had to own up to your mistakes before? It was a daunting prospect, one that made you feel like a child lost in a vast and unfamiliar world.
<<button [[''I need to apologize.''|chapter 3.5]]>><</button>>!!Present Day
----
It has been two long weeks since you last saw Damin. $Her absence is felt like a heavy weight on your heart, a constant reminder of the cruel words you spoke and the pain you caused. You tried to focus on other things, but Damin was always there in the back of your mind
The days pass by in a blur, each one feeling emptier than the last. Somehow, surprisingly, you find yourself longing for his company, wishing you could take back the hurtful things you said.
But it wasn't just you who noticed the absence.
"$name, have you heard from Damin lately? $She hasn't been coming by the house." Your heart clenched at the mention of $her name, the guilt once again rearing its ugly head.
//"No, I haven't.”//
This is what you wanted right? For $him to leave you... but why do you feel so... //guilty.//
Your mother's expression softened, a knowing look in her eyes as she sat down beside you. "Did something happen between you two?" she asked softly, her voice laced with concern. "You can tell."
*[[You know you what you did wrong.|chapter 3.4 admit][$admit to true]]
*[[You did nothing wrong.|chapter 3.4 noadmit][$noadmit to true]]<<audio "Birthday" pause>>
Your tiny fingers latched onto the fabric of your father's shirt, tugging with all your might as your eyes lit up with an innocent desire. "A baby sibling," you declared, the words escaping your lips with a grand sense of proclamation.
Your father's eyebrows lifted in surprise, his gaze meeting yours in bewilderment. "A baby sibling?" he repeated, the words lingering in the air like a gentle breeze.
With a fervor that only a child could possess, you nodded your head vigorously, the excitement palpable in every inch of your being. "Yes, yes, yes!" you exclaimed, the joy in your heart spilling over into your words.
As your father looked at you with a mixture of bemusement and amusement, he couldn't help but wonder. "Why do you want one? Are you not satisfied with just us?"
<<button [[...|chapter 3.2]]>><</button>>The innocence of youth is often mistaken for ignorance. Your mind was consumed by a heavy burden, a weight that no young soul should bear. Your birthdays were numbered, and the reality of this truth made their heart heavy. For what is a world without birthdays? A world without candles and cakes and songs, a world without your parents' smiles and hugs.
You had already comprehended the weight of the concept of death, for you had seen it on the screen of your TV. It was a far-off place, somewhere that you would go alone without your parents to hold your hand, a journey that you must take alone. The mere thought of leaving them behind filled your soul with a sorrow that you could not contain.
But when you tried to speak of your fears, your parents' faces would contort with a pain. So you kept your worries to yourself, holding them close like a precious secret. You wanted to be strong for them, to show them that everything would be okay.
But deep down, you knew that things wouldn't be okay. Because you would be leaving them behind.
And as you thought about what would happen after you were gone, you knew that you had to leave someone in charge. Let's be honest your parents can't do anything without you. So if you had a sibling, someone to keep your parents company, to make them laugh and ease their loneliness when you were gone, then perhaps your departure would not be so difficult.
<<button [[After all, your mother and father are the best when they smile.|chapter 3.3]]>><</button>>"If everyone else has a sibling, then why can't I have one too? Can you hurry up and give me one?" Your innocent desire prompted a mischievous grin from your father.
"Honey, it's not that simple," Fiona said with a gentle chuckle, her fingers playfully tousling your hair. With Louis leaning on the top of your head, backing your mother up, "Yeah, we can't snap our fingers and conjure a baby up."
Your pout deepened, arms crossing your arms. "Can't you at least try harder?" Your brows furrow deep in concentration. Your mother raised a curious brow. "What do you mean 'try harder'?"
"I don't know," you shrugged. "Eat more vegetables or something."
Your father burst out laughing at your suggestion, his mirth echoing off the walls. "Kid, you have no idea how it works," he said between chuckles, "but you know what? You've convinced me. We'll get working on it right away."
Fiona gave her husband a playful smack on the arm, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Louis!" she exclaimed, trying to stifle her laughter. //"You're incorrigible."//
You hope the sibling that will be born will come to fill the void you will leave, that your parents might find a trace of joy in your absence. Maybe, just maybe, they could take solace in the fact that they had been immensely cherised by you.
<<button [[But you were not the one who had left at all.|3a]]>><</button>>I would like to give proper credit to the following individuals and resources for their contributions to the creation of my interactive story:
The template used for the story was created by Vahanya
I would like to acknowledge and give credit to the following creators for their music and ambience, which was used in my project:
MUSIC:
"Happiness", "Memories by prodbyIOF.
"Forever" by whitesand.
"Someday", "Love", "Us", "Soulmate", "Photograph.","Happily by Matthew May.
"Cooking Vlog Music" by Free Background Music No Copyright
"why not?", "i still want you" by The Optimist
"Lonely" by Flavour Beat.
SOUND EFFECTS:
"Nature Sound Effects-Water Sounds", "Nature Sounds of Scotland Spring Time" by BurghRecord.
"Meadow Ambience Sound Effect" by Free Audio Zone
"Lake Sound Effects" by NOPixel Bits
"Morning Sounds" by Free Sounds Library
"Hospital Room Ambience" by Stupid Fire Beats.
----
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the hard work and talent of each of these creators. Their music helped to elevate my project and create a more immersive experience for my audience.
I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the creators of interactive stories who have inspired me to create my own. And my friends who had been supporting me thtough this, my beta-testers; who took their time to go-over and help me, and to the readers who had supported wit this. Thank you!<<if $hold is true>>You gazed upon your brother with awe and wonder. He was small and delicate, with tiny fingers that were still curled up in a soft warm embrace. The way he slept, with soft and rhythimic breaths, seemed so otherworldly to you.
You watch your mother carefully lift him and place him in your lap."Remember to support his head." His tiny fingers curled around yours, and his little body seemed to fit against your chest.
You gasped, you looked at your parents so happily who in return chuckle.
//You fell in love.//<<elseif $ugly is true>>Your eyes widened as you took in the sight of your newborn brother for the first time. You tilted her head to one side, studying him intently with a critical eye. After a moment, you wrinkled your nose in disapproval and declared, "He's ugly."
Fiona and Louis exchanged amused glances. You, however, remain unapologetic, standing with your arms crossed, convinced of the accuracy of your assessment.
"Ugly?" Fiona repeated with a raised eyebrow. "What makes you say that, $name?"
You shrugged, still eyeing your brother with a look of distaste. "I don't know. He just doesn't look like the babies in the movies."
Louis chuckled. "Well, I hate to break it to you, kiddo, but real-life babies don't always look like they do in the movies. But trust me, he'll grow on you."<</if>><<if $tiny is true>>Your $eyes eyes widen with wonder as you take in the sight of your newborn brother. Your heart is filled with awe as you gazes at his miniature form, wrapped in a soft blue blanket, nestled in your mother's arms. "He's so tiny," you whisper in amazement, your voice barely above a hushed tone, so as not to disturb the sleeping baby.
Flickering over his small, delicate fingers and you marvel at his miniature features, taking in the tiny button nose, the soft, puckered lips that move ever so slightly with each breath he takes. You watch his chest rise and fall in a steady rhythm.
Turning to your parents with a bright smile, your expression is filled with a sense of innocent wonder. "Was I ever that small?"
Louis chimes in, ruffling your hair. "No, $name. You were actually smaller than that, Clover. you were small enough to fit in my pocket." Fiona gives him a playful nudge, but you look up at him with wide eyes, uncertain if he is serious.
After she rolls her eyes, a smile tugs at the corners of your mother;s lips. "He's exaggerating, $name," she says, her eyes are filled with affection as she looks at you. "But you were small enough to fit in our arms and we loved holding you close just like we do with your brother."<</if>>
<<button [[Do you hate me?|chapter 3.9]]>><</button>>The sound of the door creaking caught their attention, and they turned to see you walking inside with a curious expression clear on your face.
Louis's eyes lit up as he saw you. //"Well, well, well,"// he mused. He ruffles your <<cycle "$eyes" autoselect>>
<<option "straight">><<set $straight to true>>
<<option "wavy">><<set $wavy to true>>
<<option "frizzy">><<set $frizzy to true>>
<<option "curly">><<set $curly to true>>
<<option "coily">><<set $coil to true>>
<</cycle>> hair before he scoops you up in his arms and holding you close to his chest. "Look who's here." He then made his way over to the bed. "Come on, let's meet your brother."
As you grew closer, he lowers you down so you can a better look at your new sibling. You leaned in, taking every detail. Your tiny fingers reaching out to touch his soft skin.
What did you say that day?
<<set $hold to false>><<set $ugly to false>><<set $tiny to false>>
*[[''Can I hold him?''|chapter 3.8][$hold to true]]
*[[''He's ugly.''|chapter 3.8][$ugly to true]]
*[[''He's so tiny...''|chapter 3.8][$tiny to true]] !!Twelve years ago...
----
The sun had already set when Francis lets out his first cries, his tiny body wrapped in a soft blue blanket as he was placed in Fiona's arms. A look of pure exhaustion on her face as she cradled her newborn son in her arms. Louis stood next to her, looking down at him with awe. Outside, rain pattered against the windowpane, creating a soothing ambience. "He's pefect," Fiona whispered to her husband.
"Wow, he really is perfect," Louis murmured in agreement, earning a weak laugh from the tired mother. He leaned in closer to examine the newborn, a bemused expression on his face. "Good job, Fi. You managed to give birth to a baby that doesn't look like an alien."
Fiona swatted him playfully, her eyes narrowing in mock anger. //"$name was born perfect."//
Louis shrugged, still grinning. "To be fair, there was a //bit// of a conehead situation at first."
Rolling her eyes, but unable to contain her laughter, Fiona shook her head. "Very funny, Lou." She could feel the corners of her lips curling up into a smile.
As if on cue, Louis pulled her close, pressing a soft kiss on her temple. Fiona let out a contented sigh as she leaned into his embrace, with Francis nestled securely in her arms. "Thank you, Fi. For everything."
<<button [[''Mommy...?''|chapter 3.7 new]]>><</button>><<audio "Sad2" volume 0.4 loop play>>
<img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/db53aec881ffeec4ce32505cb5555626/d71ed487c961eaf5-23/s500x750/82d47a1bca11385c11399b195e4f8491acddd387.pnj"/>
The flowers on display that day were nothing new; they were the same ones that adorned the nurse's station on numerous occasions. Yet, there was something strikingly beautiful about them that captivated your attention.
Is this what you want to put on your wall?
*[[Yes|chapter 1.20][$Flower to true]]
*[[No|chapter 1.19]]
<img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/75c1d2e8f6f3b2ecc5ec4db7ab0911e3/d71ed487c961eaf5-9d/s500x750/1c17b8f864e23d0cd47e6e4346327bd571f3fc18.pnj"/>
It has been two years since you first sketched this, eager to refine your skills in human facial features. upon reflection, you were left with a nagging feeling of dissatisfaction, recognizing the disorganized nature of your work..
Is this what you want to put on your wall?
*[[Yes|chapter 1.20][$Practicesketch to true]]
*[[No|chapter 1.19]]<img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/952523fa07d805ed911350ef12b4bab8/d71ed487c961eaf5-ee/s500x750/84436da91d9ea376c55de3516c5d770d92f3cff9.pnj"/>
When your brother came to visit you on the hospital and you both watched a National Geographic program that showcased his favorite animal, the Hippopotamus. He asked if you could sketch it for him, to which you readily agreed. Out of the two sketches you produced, this particular one was the one you put the most effort on.
Is this what you want to put on your wall?
*[[Yes|chapter 1.20][$Hippo to true]]
*[[No|chapter 1.19]]The soft patter of raindrops outside provided a tranquil and fitting ambiance for this momentous occasion. You turned to your parents, your bright, dark eyes alight with eager curiosity.
"Francis," Fiona responded in a tender, loving tone, her delicate fingers sweeping a stray lock of hair away from your forehead. "His name is Francis." The sound of the rain gradually receded into the background as your focus shifted towards your newest family member.
"Francis," you repeated thoughtfully, as if savoring the sound of the name on your tongue and committing it to memory. You turned your gaze back to your brother.
<<button [[''Hi Francis.''|chapter 3.10]]>><</button>>!!!Francis
----
With his older $sibling tucked away in $their bedroom, Francis stealthily tiptoed to the living room and checked to make sure he was alone. Once he was sure of his privacy, he quickly turned on the television. He settled into the couch, his eyes were fixed on the screen, and he couldn't help but let out a derisive chuckle at the melodramatic dialogue. "Oh, yes, because this is exactly how people talk in the real world."
Despite his mockery, the boy was completely hooked on a very old drama unfolding before him. The show he had tuned in to was a melodramatic soap opera, rife with preposterous plot twists and theatrical revelations. The characters were all exquisitely attractive, each one sporting immaculate hair and makeup, and their lines often sounded stilted and forced.
Despite the show's many flaws, Francis was entirely engrossedy. Every new twist and turn had him eagerly anticipating the next, no matter how implausible or far-fetched it was. The world of the show was a glitzy and glamorous one, filled with wealthy tycoons and stunning socialites, all tangled up in a web of secrets, scandals, and shocking surprises.
"Well, that was subtle," he sarcastically remarked as a character revealed a jaw-dropping secret. "Why bother with a nuanced character arc when you can simply toss in a completely unexpected bombshell?"
Out of all the show's various subplots, Francis was particularly intrigued by the central love triangle, which pitted a debonair billionaire against a dazzling supermodel and an enigmatic outsider with a shady history. As the love triangle spiraled even further out of control, Francis couldn't help but make a wisecrack. "Ah yes, because one love interest is never enough. Let's just toss in a dark, mysterious stranger for good measure."
<<button [[''What are you watching?|chapter 3.11]]>><</button>><<audio "Sad2" fadeout>><<audio "Sad3" volume 0.4 loop play>>
He whipped his head around to see $name peering over his shoulder, $their eyes narrowing as $they tried to catch a glimpse of the screen.
Panic seized Francis. Quickly, he fumbled for the remote, his fingers shaking with nervous energy. He frantically flipped through the channels, hoping to find something more respectable to watch.
"Oh, nothing much," he said nonchalantly, attempting to hide his guilty expression. "Just some boring documentary about...////uh, birds."
$name raised a skeptical eyebrow, clearly unconvinced by his flimsy excuse. "Uh-huh," $they said dryly. "And I'm sure those //'birds'// are really fascinating." Casting a dubious gaze his way, Francis felt his pulse quicken, acutely aware of his ruse crumbling before his very eyes. He took a deep breath, summoning his best acting skills as he met $their gaze head-on.
With a feigned look of innocence, he replied in a voice that was almost too casual, "They really are, actually. Did you know that some birds can mimic human speech? It's fascinating."
His $sibling arched a single eyebrow, clearly unconvinced by his sudden enthusiasm for ornithology. But Francis pressed on, determined to sell his story. "And then there are birds like the Arctic tern, which migrates from the North to the South Pole and back every year. It's an incredible feat of endurance and navigation."
For a moment, $they continued to scrutinize him, $their $eyes eyes darting between his face and the television screen. "You know what let me join you too."
For a fleeting moment, Francis felt a spark of hope that $they might let the matter slide. But as $they exhaled a resigned breath, $their figure sank down onto the couch, sending a soft ripple through the cushions. $They scooped up a plump pillow and cradled it against $their back, sinking further into the plush fabric.
With a sudden burst of energy, $they sprang up from the couch, $their fingers darting towards the remote control. Francis lunged forward, grappling with $them in a frenzy of flailing limbs and sharp movements. Their bodies writhed and twisted, a frenzied tangle of arms and legs as they battled for control of the device. The two siblings grappled with each other, their bodies intertwined in a chaotic tangle of limbs and pillows.
But despite Francis's valiant efforts, his $sibling managed to twist $their wrist just in time, sending the remote sailing out of his reach. $They triumphantly seized control of the television, $their fingers deftly navigating the channels until $they landed on the very program he had been trying to hide.
Francis let out a defeated groan as he slumped back onto the couch, his eyes fixed upon the screen as $name settled in beside him.
<<button [[''Damn you...''|chapter 3.12]]>><</button>>Francis braced himself, anticipating $name's teasing to follow, but instead, $they remained silent, a pensive look crossing $their features. He observed $their expression, eyes locked on the screen, and lips pursed in contemplation.
"This show... I remember this," $they murmured, $their voice soft and wistful.
Francis raised an eyebrow, intrigued by $their sudden change in demeanor. "What?" he asked, leaning closer to $them. "You've seen this?"
Slowly nodding, $their gaze fixed on the flickering images on the screen. "This was dad's favorite show," $they explained, $their voice was laced with a subtle sad undertone "Exactly 8 AM on Wednesday, without fail, he'd be in front of the TV watching this. It was like a ritual for him."
Francis fell silent. After awhile, he comments softly, //"He's got bad taste."//
A hint of a smile tugged at $name's lips. "And yet here you are, watching it."
As Francis acknowledged the irony of his situation, a wry smile tugged at the corners of his lips, betraying his inner amusement. "It's so bad, it's good," he mused, his tongue clicking against his teeth as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Man, I hate you for making me admit that."
$name laughs, and he too laughs with $them.
But then, as if struck by a sudden thought, Francis's expression turned serious. He turned to his $sibling, his gaze softening as he spoke $their name. "Hey, $name," he said, his tone gentler now.
There was a pause, as if the air itself was holding its breath, waiting for what was to come next.
<<button [[''Yeah?''|chapter 3.13]]>><</button>>
<<if $noadmit is true>>Francis fixed his eyes on his older $sibling, his brow furrowing with concern. "What's up with you and mom?"
$name shifted uncomfortably under his scrutiny, $their fingers fidgeting with the hem of $their shirt. "What?" $they responded, feigning ignorance
"You're giving her the cold shoulder," Francis pointed out, his words carefully measured.
//"Nothing's wrong."//
Francis snorted, shaking his head in disbelief. "You expected me to believe that?"
"$name... I can't completely see things in your eyes but...you hurt people and make mistakes, that's what humans do sometimes; mom, Ted, and me..we hurt each other, and sometimes ourselves because we think it is deserved."
He lets out a small sigh, his breath escaping him in a visible cloud. "We cannot justify the pain we inflict on people or even ourselves. The question is..what we do with that pain?"
"We cannot carry it forever or give it to others." His eyes flicked over to the television, where the melodrama was still playing. "it's a television showcasing a bad show you hate. Because of that you feel like you can't watch TV. Because you hate that show, you would not turn on the TV even when people want to watch it."
"Don't fixate on the show." Francis handed the remote to $them. "Take the remote, $ame. Turn it on, switch the channel, you can go past that shitty show. You can find something better in TV. A better perspective. Do you get it?"
"No, I got it."
"Good." Francis' lips quirked slightly upward, betraying a faint smile as he regarded his $name. His voice was dry as he spoke, punctuated by a hint of amusement. "Just to be clear, $name, I'm not literally suggesting that you take the remote and switch the channel. I'm still watching this terrible show, after all."
<<button [[...|chapter 3.14]]>><</button>><<elseif $admit is true>>Francis fixed his gaze on his sister, his expression showing concern. "What's up with you?" he asked in a dry tone. "Your head is loud that I can hear it."
$name shifted uncomfortably before finally speaking up. "Have you ever hurt someone but don't know how to apologize?"
Francis looked thoughtful for a moment before replying, "Is it about a pink-haired, happy-go-lucky $girl?"
Surprised, $name's eyes widened as $they asked, "Wait...how did you...?"
"I read your mind," he deadpanned before quickly adding, "Kidding. It's just an intellectual and obvious observation. Also, $she texted me about it."
"How did you get $her number?"
"I asked, and $she delivered," Francis replied nonchalantly, shrugging.
"I thought you hated $him?"
"Indifference is not the same as hate," Francis clarified. "I got used to $him and ended up liking $him. $She's not bad, $she's really nice, genuine and stuff."
<<button [[...|chapter 3.13 admit]]>><</button>><</if>>$name fell silent, $their eyes darting back and forth as $they think for a moment. After a beat, $they asked "Did $she say anything about... me?"
Francis raised an eyebrow and responded in a dry tone. "Nosy, aren't you? It's between us, and if you want to know so bad, then ask $him."
$They turn from his gaze. //"I... can't."//
Francis turned to face his $sibling, once again, his eyes filled with concern. "$name," he began, "you've been stuck in this television show for years and you only see what it shows you. You chose it to be that way, you could change the channel but you won't because it's all you know and you're scared that you would like that new show, and you're fine with what you have because it's familiar even if it sucks, even if you are alone in the couch."
He leaned forward, his hands resting on his knees as he continued. "But then, someone comes along and sits next to you, wanting to change the channel and show you better shows. They want to help you, but you push them away and force them to sit in a different seat. You don't want to see what they have to show you because you're comfortable on that couch with the same old show, even if it sucks and you're alone."
"All I'm saying is, try changing the channel and invite $him to sit next to you. You won't believe what could happen." He paused for a moment, making sure $they understood his point. "Just keep in mind, when I say 'change the channel', I mean it figuratively. Don't take it too literally."
<<button [[...|chapter 3.14]]>><</button>>$name grinned at $their brother's comment before rolling $their eyes. $They watched as Francis stood up from the couch and stretched, his lanky frame towering over $them. "How did I end up with such a smart brother?"
"I was the only one gifted with brain cells and emotional attunement in this crazy family so sue me," Francis replied with a smirk.
//"Modest too."//
Francis chuckled before turning to leave the room. He took a few steps before pausing and looking back at $them. "I'm gonna find Turkey, so just make popcorn," he called back to $them over his shoulder.
"What? No please or thank you?"
Chuckling, he runs away.
<<button [[''Damn it, who raised you?''|chapter 3.15]]>><</button>>!!!Fiona
----
Fiona sat in the passenger seat of Ted's car, her hands gripping the seatbelt as they drove. She let out a sigh, her worried expression not fading. Ted glanced over at her, concern etched on his features. He reached over and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "It's normal to be worried. I am worried about them too, but they're not toddlers that we need to monitor every minute," he reassured her.
"$name is sick, $they needs to be watched over," Fiona protested.
"Mrs. Lim will check on $them later, $they <<if $plural is true>>know<<elseif $singular is true>>knows<</if>> what to do when there is an emergency. What they need is your trust that they can ride a bike on their own without training wheels," Ted replied, his eyes never leaving the road.
"Ted, don't you think I am too... protective?" Fiona asked hesitantly.
Ted let out a small chuckle. "Much of a helicopter mom?" they said in unison, but Fiona let out a heavy sigh.
He turned to her and smiled. "Fiona, you're a mom. It's a mom trait to have, and it's normal. You are doing a great job at being a mom," he said reassuringly, his gaze softening as he looked at her.
<<button [[...|chapter 3.16]]>><</button>>
<<if $noadmit is true>>Fiona's shoulders slump as she speaks, her voice laced with doubt. She gazes down at her hands, picking at her nails anxiously. "Are you sure I'm a good mom?" she trails off. "$They made it clear like all I do is hurt them, drag them to what I think is right."
Ted responds without hesitation, his tone reassuring. "You are a good mom. A good mom always thinks the best for their kids, and that's what you are doing. Being a parent is not easy." <</if>>Fiona's lips quiver as she tries to hold back tears yet her smile shines through. "Thank you," she manages to say. "And I'm sorry."
Ted looks at her, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Sorry for what?"
"You're great and capable of so much more than being with an emotional woman with two kids. You wouldn't have to give up the job you love for me, and you're practically took on a role as my kids' caretaker."
Ted pulled the car to a stop at a red traffic light and turned to Fiona. "You know what I think," he said, his voice quiet. "I feel like you could do so much better than me. I'm insecure, and I'm not as strong as you are, Fi. Ever since I met you, I've always admired how you can do so much on your own, and I'm not sure I could handle everything the way you do."
<<button [[''Yeah?''|chapter 3.17]]>><</button>>
"I'm not strong Ted, I look like it because I need to be for my kids, I was alone before you came along. You helped eased my burdens, you carried them with me even though you don't have to but you chose to do it. You loved and care of kids that aren't even yours."
Ted chuckled at Fiona's attempt at self-deprecation, but his expression quickly softened. "Fi, they're your kids, they have so many bits of you that are so easy to love. I love them, even if they don't like me, I really want them happy. I had seen them as family even before we started dating."
"I don't want to replace their dad or take his place. But I want to be there for them in any shape or form, in any place they allow me to be."
Fiona's eyes teared up at Ted's words, and she leaned in to him. Their lips met in a soft, clear kiss, conveying all the gratitude and affection. The car's interior was quiet except for the faint sound of traffic outside. The kiss lasted for just a few brief seconds, but in that moment, time seemed to stand still.
Just as they pulled away, the ringing of Fiona's phone interrupted the moment. An unknown number flashed on the screen.
Feeling apologetic for the interruption, she glanced over at Ted, who let out a warm chuckle. "It's alright, Fi. Answer it. We don't want to hold up traffic," he said with a kind smile, gesturing towards the traffic light that was about to turn green.
With a nod of agreement, Fiona answered the call. "This is Fiona. Who is this?"
<<button [[''...Mom''|chapter 3.18]]>><</button>>!!!$name
----
The microwave hums softly. The popcorn spins inside, you can hear the kernels dancing and popping, waiting for it to finish, you glanced around the room, taking in the details-the dented fridge, freshly applied wallpapers, and hanging frames. You can't believe how it looks so much like a home when it used to be an empty space before your family moved in.
But you don't feel at home.
What was your definition of home? It was not the hospital room that you stayed most of your life in nor Ted's loft where you stayed when you don't need to be in the hospital. Home used to mean that small, cramped apartment from your childhood, where you scribbled on the walls with your wax crayons and covered the table in peeling stickers. That was where you, your parents, and Francis used to live.
The bright-eyed child is still stuck in that stupid apartment. It was better... when dad was alive, mom's heart was unburdened, and it was easy for you to smile and laugh more. You wonder what that child would think if $they saw what $they will become--something hollow resigned, and easy to anger.
You know that $they will be disappointed at who $they will become because you are already disappointed at how you turn out to be.
<<button [[...|chapter 3.19]]>><</button>><<if $noadmit is true>>$They would be disappointed to witness how you have treated your mother with such cruelty, saying hurtful things to her for no reason at all. Words that cannot be taken back, and actions that undermine her love for you, despite all that she has sacrificed for you.
And what about Damin, who has extended $her hand to you time and time again, even after you pushed $him away? You cannot accept $her kindness.
Whenever something good happens, you push everyone away, as if you're afraid of losing it. But the irony is that you're dying, and it's painful to know that you'll eventually lose everything that could make you happy. Yet, they will all still be able to move on and be happy without you.
You're selfish to want what they have and jealous because you cannot have what they have.
You hate them. //It's not true.//
You hate everything. //It's not true.//
You hate yourself. //This was the truth.//
As Francis said, you're trapped in an abyss of your own making, and only you can choose to climb out of it. Perhaps if you can muster the strength to take just one step towards the light, you may find a way to free yourself from this suffocating darkness.<<elseif $admit is true>>Your past self would have been disappointed to see you pushing away someone who could have been a friend. Damin extended $her hand to you, but you turned them away. $Her kindness suffocated you, and you hated how $she smiled at you so warmly.
You were jealous of $him. How easily $she could be happy for the littlest for no reason at all, how $she could smile as $she does. $She has a future but... you don't have one.
You had despised $him... no you never hated $him. //You hated yourself.//
You had been looking at dark lenses while $her own were rosier, you could put it down, see the world in $her eyes, but you didn't because you cannot let go of these bitter feelings, just like what Francis said, you're stuck here because it's familiar to you, that's why you cling to it, it was easier.
Now...you don't wanna be stuck anymore.
You don't want to be alone before you die.
So you left.<</if>>
<<button [[''Damn it, who raised you?''|chapter 3.20]]>><</button>>The sound of the final pop breaks you from you caged thoughts. As soon as it rings out. You snatch up the steaming bag of popcorn before making your way over to the staircase, you call out to Francis. "The popcorn is ready, if you don't hurry down I'll eat it all!"
You hear a faint grunt from upstairs, and soon enough, Francis appears at the top of the staircase, shooting you a half-hearted glare. As you hold out the bowl of popcorn, you can't help but grin at his unamused expression.
Suddenly, you hear the sound of tiny paws from behind you. You turn around to see Turkey feline, scampering up the stairs, darting between Francis's legs. In a split second, Francis loses his balance.
You gasped in terror as Francis lost his footing and tumbled down the stairs, his body twisting and contorting in a sickening manner as he crashed to the bottom with a bone-chilling thud. Turkey, the mischievous feline, perched on the railing above him, paused its grooming to observe the chaos before scampering off with a flick of its tail.
Your heart raced as you rushed to Francis's side, his face twisted in pain and frustration. With gentle hands, you carefully inspected his injured leg, cringing at the sight of his mangled limb.
"What the hell happened?"
Francis let out a sarcastic quip, wincing in pain as he gritted his teeth. "Oh, just felt like taking a tumble down the stairs for fun."
You reached out to touch his leg, you could see Francis wince in agony. The pain etched on his face was unmistakable, and your heart sank as you realized that something was seriously wrong. Slowly, you reached out a hand and gently touched his leg, feeling the heat emanating from the inflamed area.
<<button [[''Touch it more, the pain isn't excruciating at all.''|chapter 3.21]]>><</button>>With a deep sigh, you gently helped him to his feet and guided him to the couch. Each step seemed to be a struggle for him, and you could see beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he gritted his teeth against the pain. Finally, you managed to get him seated on the couch, propping his leg up on a nearby pillow.
Your heart raced as you reached for the phone, your fingers trembling as you dialed 911. But as you pressed the call button, your heart sank as you realized there was no signal. You then tried Francis's phone, but to your dismay, you found that the screen was cracked and unusable, likely damaged during the fall.
"Isn't this just the cherry on top of my day," Francis grumbled with a heavy dose of sarcasm, accompanied by a dramatic eye roll. "A broken leg and no way to call for help. Just perfect."
"Oh, come on, Francis, it's not like you were planning on running a marathon anytime soon," You retorted, before giving an ice pack from the fridge. You then took a deep breath and said, "Listen, I'll go get help. Just wait here and try not to move."
Francis let out an exasperated sigh, before giving you a pointed look. "Where would I go, $name? I'm stuck!" He shifted his weight to find a more comfortable position, wincing in pain as he did so.
"Don't go sarcastic on me!"
Francis let out a huff of annoyance at Clover's admonition but didn't have the energy to argue further. He closed his eyes and focused on regulating his breathing, trying to keep the pain at bay.
<<button [[''Just go already!''|chapter 3.22]]>><</button>>Giving him one last reassuring words, you turn away.
This time you would be stuck in the darkness. This time you will not push your hands away. This time you will try not to hurt people because you are hurt.
You are gonna step into the light, no matter how brief it'll be.
//You are not gonna be that $kid anymore.//
You stumbled as you ran through the door. You collided with something solid, and the impact sent you tumbling to the ground. You winced as your palms scraped against the rough surface. You can hear a small groan beneath you.
When you regained your senses and looked down, you found your straddling a figure on the ground, a pair of familiar bright brown eyes locking with $hers in surprise.
//"Damin?!"//
<<button [[Next chapter|thanks]]>><</button>>Thank you for reading. Until next time! :)Ever since Damin had intergrated $herself with the rest your family. Your mother would be often caught doting on $him, making sure if $she had enough to eat or offering a seat next to her on the couch, you would find Ted often have friendly conversations with the $girl, and it surprised you how loud he had laugh a Damin's jokes and sharing his own despite his usual social awkwardness. And to your surprise, Francis who is nototiously hard to get along with new people, had warmed up to $him. Your pet cat, too betrayed you.
It was no wonder, really. Damin exude an undeniable charm and charisma that made it easy to connect to others. $Her genuine interest in people and easy-going nature made $her a pleasant presence to be around. Everyone seemed to gravitate towards them. Yet, despite their best efforts to engage you to in a conversation, you find yourself constantly evading $him.
All you wanted to be is alone, and $she can't catch the drift even when you were upfront about it. You find $her persistance grating and frustating, and no matter how dismissive or cold you are, $she cotinues to wear that maddenly //stupid stupid stupid// smile while $she proudly tells you that $she can lick fold $her tongue.
You came to a point of resignation. It was as if you had reached an impasse with $him, deciding to simply let $her be until $she grows tired of you.
<<button [[...|chapter 2.14]]>><</button>>You were caught off guard when your mother's voice pierced through the haze, pulling you back to reality.
//So much for being alone.//
"Hey honey, why don’t you hang out with Damin at $her house? It'll be fun, and plus Mrs. Lim could use more company."
Your gut reaction was to reject the proposal entirely, your mind raced with all the reasons why you should decline, but before you could even voice your objections, your mother's stern gaze bore into you.
You sighed in defeat, knowing that arguing would only lead to a pointless battle. You forced a smile, hoping to hide your discomfort, and reluctantly nodded in agreement. But internally, you were consumed by a sense of dread and anxiety. You couldn't imagine spending another minute with Damin, and the thought of it made your stomach churn.
Damin, however, seemed thrilled by the prospect, grinning widely and completely oblivious to your internal turmoil. "That's awesome," $she beamed, "It'll be fun."
<<button [[But for you, the thought of it was anything, but.|chapter 2.15]]>><</button>>