[[She->About the Main Character]] is lying down. Her eyes are closed, but everything feels white and pristine. There is something in her left hand, something warm and metallic. Her fingers are clamped around it so tightly that it digs in and pinpricks of dull red pain emanate from her hand. It is very quiet. The [[silence->Too Silent]] permeates through the area around her. [[Should she wake up?->Got Up]] [[Or should she keep sleeping?->Kept Sleeping]] <img src="../Twine_Pictures/Character_Entrance.png">Her Her name Her name is What //is// her [[name->Begin]]?She cannot explain why, but this silence is disturbing. It keeps her too distressed to continue sleeping. She opens her eyes. Harsh fluorescent white light fills her vision. A flare of bright red pain makes her flinch. Her hands clutch at the sides of her head, trying to make the [[pain->Pain]] go away. The object she was holding in her hand clatters to the floor, forgotten in her desperation. Her nails dig into the palms of her hand. She is not sure which hurts worse: her head or her hands. Both bleed bloodred pain. It drips on white, white sheets, staining them in small drops that spread. They spread and spread until they form a [[face->The Face]]. She peers closer. Her vision becomes blurry, then clears up. There is no face in the sheets, simply drops of blood. Gasping, she stumbles [[out of bed->Finds the Ring]].The silence is not bothersome enough to penetrate the haze of sleepiness she is wading in. Her limbs are too heavy to be lifted. The bed is so comforting and warm. A little [[more sleep->Asleep]] should not be of any harm.It is much too [[quiet->Begin]].She does not know how long she has been sleeping. She does not know what woke her either. A disconcerting feeling settles in her heart. There is [[something wrong->Problem?]].She is still lying on the bed. Her hand is still clutching the warm metallic object. Her eyes are still closed. Then she realizes the problem. The silence. The silence is everywhere, only disturbed by her little gasps for breath. So much silence means... [[She should wake up.->Got Up]]It [[It hurts->Got Up]]She has seen this face somewhere before. It feels so familiar, but she has trouble attaching a name to the face. She thinks the name starts with an //A//, but the rest of it is too difficult to recall. Maybe she will remember more if she [[looks closer->Got Up]].Her knee lands on something warm and metallic. She flinches and scrambles out of the way. She glares at the offending object. It is a silver metal band: a ring. She fiddles around with the ring, admiring its simple beauty. Then, she curiously slips it on her left hand's ring finger. Its presence there feels natural. She sits on the ground and stares at the shining new addition to her hand. After some time, she decides she should find out where she is. She can either [[walk to the door->Leaving the Room]] or [[explore the room->Look Around First Room]]. <img src="../Twine_Pictures/Ring.png" width="" height="" alt="">She opens the door, and it creaks. Something flutters to the ground. It is a piece of paper. She picks it up and flips it over. There is a single word on it. [["Sorry."->Note's Handwriting]] The word only serves to deepen her confusion. Who left the note there? Why? Where did the person go? [[Maybe looking in another room will answer some of her questions.->Exploring More]]The room is very white and clinical. The light from the single [[window->Look Outside]] in the room is blocked by stiff white curtains. She rises from the floor, swaying a little. As she wanders around, examining the furniture and opening all the drawers, she realizes the room is devoid of any personal items. There is nothing of interest except for the ring on her finger. She decides to [[leave the room->Leaving the Room]].The handwriting is large and slightly messy. It feels familiar, but she is unable to think of who it [[belongs to->Leaving the Room]]. <img src="../Twine_Pictures/Note.png">She carefully folds the note and places it on the drawer. It looks unnatural in the white impersonal room. She wants to take it with her, but she is [[unable to->Outfit]]. When she steps out into the hallway, there are a lot of closed doors and no people. It also smells strongly of antiseptic. She is starting to think that she is inside a hospital. She walks down the hall to the two rooms across from hers. It is still eerily silent, and all she can hear is the rustling of her gown and her own breathing. As she gets closer, she hears noises from both rooms. Which room should she explore first? [[The room on the right?->Room 1A]] [[Or the room on the left?->Room 1B and 2A]] <img src="../Twine_Pictures/Doors.png">There are no pockets on her clothes. When she looks in the room's mirror, she sees that she is wearing a shapeless gown. It reminds her of...a [[hospital gown->Exploring More]]?Walking over to the windows, she pushes the curtains to the side. The sun is shining brightly, but its light is less harsh than the room's light. From her vantage point, she sees a large courtyard and a stretch of road. If she cranes her neck, she can see an empty parking lot. When she looks back at the courtyard, she realizes there is no one there. There are no cars on the road. With nothing left to see, she steps [[away from the window->Look Around First Room]].When she enters the room, the first thing she realizes is that this room is more personalized than her own. The pure white blankets are hanging off the bed. The windows are wide open, allowing a small breeze to enter. It was probably the wind that was making noise. There is a [[small bag->Peek At the Bag]] forgotten in the corner of the room. <img src="../Twine_Pictures/Room.png">She enters the room on the left and notices the differences between this room and the room she woke up in. This room does not look like it belongs in a hospital. The bed is small, and the sheets and blankets have bright orange patterns on them. The curtains, walls, and other furniture also have varying shades of orange. But there is no sign of what was making noise. Maybe it was just the wind. There is a lump under blankets. Curious, she pulls back the blankets. A [[teddy bear->1B: A Garish Room]] is lying on its side, abandoned by its owner. The fake, tan-colored fur is soft, and there is an orange bow tied around its neck. On the bear's left foot, there is a name. [[Hazel->1B: I'll Just Call Myself Hazel]]. <img src="../Twine_Pictures/KidRoom.png">The bag is made of worn leather. Its color, a faded brown, contrasts with the whiteness of the hospital room. It looks like the contents have been emptied. Only one thing identifies who the bag belongs to: the name "Ada" is printed neatly on the inside of the bag. She looks at the name. [[Ada->Meaning Behind Ada]] has a nice ring to it. She has trouble remembering her own name right now, so she might as well call herself Ada. She—//Ada//—steps away from the bag and looks around the room. There is nothing else that catches her attention. She decides to [[check out the room on the left->1A: Left Room Locked]]. <img src="../Twine_Pictures/Name.png" width="" height="" alt="">[[Ada->Peek At the Bag]] means "noble" and "kind." She remembers being told this, but it is too difficult to recall who told her or when she learned this.Ada leaves the room and heads for the door on the left, taking long strides. As she reaches for the door, she wonders what will be inside this room. She can still hear a noise coming from inside it. She twists the doorknob, but it stays in place. The door is locked. With no way to enter the room, her curiosity will remain unfulfilled. A bit dejected, Ada tries all the other rooms on the floor. It seems that they are all locked. Ada decides to head for the staircase she saw earlier. She sees that she can either [[go upstairs->1A: Upstairs]] or [[head downstairs->1A: Downstairs]].Ada climbs up the stairs and feels her legs burn. She must have been lying in the hospital bed for a while. As she climbs, she notices that even the stairs are eerily clean. There are [[no obvious marks->Lack of Life]] to show that someone, //anyone// really, was here. Ada shudders a little as she keeps walking up. The bright lights do little to ease the sudden loneliness settling over her. They actually seem to be highlighting the emptiness of the hospital. When Ada gets to the top, there is no hallway with multiple locked rooms. Instead, there is a door labeled ''ROOF ACCESS''. Ada gives the door a little push. Surprisingly, it is [[unlocked->1A: Roof]]. <img src="../Twine_Pictures/Stairs.jpg" width="" height="" alt="">The minute she starts heading downstairs, everything becomes darker. It is hard to adjust to the darkness after the harsh light of the hallway. Ada grabs at the railings, trying not to trip down the stairs. She walks slowly and carefully, which makes the trip downstairs seem like an eternity. But she eventually reaches the bottom. If possible, it is darker down here than on the staircase. There might be a light switch nearby. Should she [[reach for a lightswitch->1A: Some Light Here?]] or [[stay in the dark->1A: Night Vision]]?Now that she thinks about it, there really is no one else in this hospital. When she looked outside earlier, it seemed desolate, too. Is she all [[alone->1A: Upstairs]]?The roof is empty, like Ada expected it to be. She goes to the side, looking at the scenery. There are crisscrossing roads with tall buildings lining them. Directly below her is the courtyard. Ada thinks she sees something interesting in the courtyard. When she steps away from the fence, she sees there is actually something caught on the fence. Should she inspect the [[courtyard->1A: Jump?]] or the [[object->1A: Memory Object]] first? <img src="../Twine_Pictures/Roof.png" width="" height="" alt="">Ada leans over even more to get a better look at the courtyard. The grass lining the center of the courtyard is well-trimmed. The gray concrete center is also clean. But she still is [[not close enough->1A:Jump]].Ada grabs the fence, feeling the pointy metal digging into her palms, and jumps to get a foothold in the fence. At one moment, she is wobbling on the fence. The next, she is falling, the wind in her face. Her eyes water, making it hard to see. The gray concrete gets closer and [[closer->1A: World Change]].Ada looks at the object on the fence. It is a knitted scarf, tangled up in metal. If she pulls too hard, it will unravel. The scarf seems to be of good quality and well-cared for. It would be a pity if Ada was the one to ruin it. As Ada inspects the scarf, she thinks that—//''"Thanks''//—the pattern looks—//I really//—really pretty. The scarf has different—//''like'' it"//—shades of blue, and blended together, it looks beautiful. Looking closer, Ada can see that the color on the edges of the scarf has been [[rubbed off->1A: More on Memory Object]]. There is no one around and no one to give the scarf to. It is a bit breezy, and the hospital gown is too thin. Maybe Ada should just [[take->1A: Scarf Memory]] it.The ground is right in front of her face. And then a wrought-iron [[gate->Gate]] is right in front of her face. The sensation of falling is gone, and Ada is standing. Ada turns around, looking at her surroundings. This is [[not the hospital->Not Right]] anymore. Instead, she appears to be in a large park. In the distance, she can see the faint outline of a lake. The lake catches Ada's attention, and she decides she might as well [[go there->1A: Park Crossroads]]. <img src="../Twine_Pictures/Park.png" width="" height="" alt="">Ada peers through the bars. The street is still empty. When she pushes on the gate, it does not open. She is [[locked in->1A: World Change]].She jumped. She jumped. She jumped. She jumped... [[Right?->1A: World Change]]Ada heads down the well-worn main path. The park is not as silent as the hospital. Little chirps from birds echo and fall flat. After a little walking, Ada comes to a crossroads. One obviously leads to the lake, which does not seem any closer. The other diverges from the lake path. It leads to an area with many trees. Ada pauses, debating between the [[lake path->1A: Lake Path]] or the [[tree path->1A: Tree Path]]. <img src="../Twine_Pictures/Crossroads.png">Ada chooses to continue on to the lake. Even from a distance, the water looks to be a [[pretty blue->So Blue]]. Some time later, Ada reaches the edge of the lake. The blue is even more tantalizing from [[up close->1A: Lake Memory]].Ada decides the forest will be more interesting than the lake, so she heads down the path into the woods. As she walks, she notices something weird. The foliage is so thick, very little sunlight illuminates the path. Trees grow densely, almost blocking the path. Their roots stick out of the ground in clumps, easy to trip over. Ada would not be surprised if the forest was haunted. Maybe [[turning back->1A: No Turning Back]] would be a good idea.''//Blue is my favorite color. You know people say blue is a calming color? Look at it! Doesn't it make you feel calm?//'' //It does. [[The lake...->1A: Lake Path]] Something about it. Must be the blue.//Ada leans down more, admiring the smooth surface of the lake. As she does so, light ripples sprawl across the lake. When Ada looks closely, she notices that the lake does not show her reflection. Instead, she sees [[two people->Lake Past]]: one in a boat and one on the shore. Ada tries to get a closer look, but she slips and [[falls->1A: Lake Memory 2]] into the lake. The image on the water shatters in little droplets.The two look oddly familiar, especially the one on the shore. She should get a [[closer look->1A: Lake Memory]].Gasping, Ada reaches for the surface. But there is [[no surface->Not Right 2]] to reach for. Ada is standing precariously on a small boat. There is a [[man->Stranger]] in front of her, frowning at the water and muttering to himself. Ada looks back to the shore and sees someone standing there. This situation is like that image she saw in the lake before she fell in. What is she supposed to do? [[Talk to him?->1A: Bad Lake Interaction]] [[Don't do anything?->1A: No Lake Interaction]]Looking at the man evokes a feeling of déjà vu. She can only see his back, but he seems so, so familiar. [[If only she could see his face...->1A: Lake Memory 2]]She fell in. She felt the impact. She went underwater. But... But she is above the water. But she is unhurt. But she is dry. [[Where is she?->1A: Lake Memory 2]]"Uh, excuse me?" Ada asks, voice coarse with disuse. The man turns around, surprised. The boat rocks, and Ada holds onto the boat so she will not fall in. "Who are you?" "My name is Ada." The man's gaze flickers to the shore then back to Ada. His shocked expression slowly turns to one of horror. He [[inches away->1A: NO]] from Ada.Ada decides to not do anything. The man would probably be startled to see a stranger on his boat. That would not end well. The man throws down his oars in frustration. The force behind his action causes large ripples. Although the boat rocks noticeably, he appears too distracted to care. He leans over the edge of the boat, tipping it dangerously to one side. Ada starts panicking, wondering whether or not she should intervene. The man sticks his hand into the water, reaching so far that his entire arm is submerged. When he pulls his hand out, he frowns even more. In a swift movement, he jumps into the lake. The boat rocks even more, and Ada is [[left on the boat->1A: No Lake Interaction 2]], frozen in shock. Ada peers into the water, looking for the man. All she can see is her reflection. What if he drowns? It will be Ada's [[fault->Blame]] then. Someone's life will have ended because of her. Ada stares at the water. Leaning heavily over the edge, she touches the surface of the water. At that moment, something bursts out, going straight through her fingers. That something is the man. He is gasping for breath, hands grabbing at the boat. Ada scrambles away from the edge as the man blindly reaches. One of his fists is clenched. He breathes loudly and quickly, chest heaving. He is soaked from head to toe. His increasingly frantic splashing is generating larger ripples on the otherwise smooth surface. Hanging off the edge of the boat, the man takes deep breaths. His weight tilts the entire boat to one side. He unclenches his fist, allowing whatever he is holding to clatter on the floor of the boat. It is a [[ring->1A: Ada's Ring]].//It's It's Ada's It's Ada's ''fault'' If she just If she had just If ''only'' she had just It It was It was so It was so ''[[simple->1A: No Lake Interaction 2]]''// It looks exactly like the ring on Ada's finger. Ada steps toward where the man dropped the ring. He does not seem to register her presence. She kneels and picks up the ring. Like she observed earlier, it is shockingly similar to the one she has. When Ada slips it onto her finger, it fits perfectly. Both feel the same. That means the rings are the same. As she watches, one of the rings fades away. Ada looks at the man. He is so, so familiar, yet she has trouble placing his name. She [[leans in closer->1A: Sinking]].He tries to climb back onto the boat, but his hand slips and slides down the wet wood. With frantic movements, the man attempts to stay aboard. Ada extends a hand to the man, but his arm goes right through hers again. As he slips underwater, Ada tries harder to save him. But her efforts are in vain. In his panic, he capsizes the boat. The wood crashes down upon the man's head, causing him to sink like a rock. He disappears beneath the water, but unlike last time, he does not [[resurface->1A: Moving On]].Ada feels herself being dragged underwater along with the man. She remains untouched by the water around her as she watches what happens to him. While choking and blinking, he blindly grabs at the water. Ada sees his hand about to collide with hers. Unlike the previous two times, his hand comes into contact with her left hand. He stops struggling and tries to look at what he is holding. When he notices the ring, he smiles. //I hope you're happy,// he mouths. As his eyes shut forever, Ada's hand slips from his and he sinks [[away from her->1A: Ada's Scream]].Suddenly, Ada is back on land, standing next to the figure, a woman, on the shore. The woman runs to the edge, screaming. When she tries to jump into the lake, other people come running and drag her back. Ada gets a closer look at the woman and realizes it is none other than herself. The crying version of her is kicking and punching at her captors, yelling [[//"Aiden!"//->1A: More on Aiden]] A shiver runs down Ada's spine when she connects the name "Aiden" to the man she saw drowning and the face she saw in her blood earlier. A frightening realization hits her: this is her [[memory->1A: Final Memory]].//Two kids are scrambling up a tree together. Scratches litter their arms and legs, but their faces are adorned with smiles. It is a beautiful summer's day. A warm breeze rustles through the tree's leaves. Birds chirp merrily. The children reach one of the higher branches of the tree and come to a stop. The view from up there is very different. They sit there for a while, enjoying the view. "Hey, Ada," the boy says finally. "Yeah?" "I found something. It looks pretty, so I want you to have it!" The boy hands Ada a ring, a silver metal band. Ada admires its simple beauty. She holds it up to the light and enjoys how it glimmers. "[[Thanks, Aiden.->1A: Ada's Scream]] I really like it!"// <img src="../Twine_Pictures/TreeMemories2.png">Ada's vision doubles, and her head starts pounding. Years' worth of images pour into her mind. //Two children chase each other in a park. Two elememtary students walk home from school. Two high schoolers study together in the library. Two young adults celebrate a birthday together. One half cries futilely for the other.// Ada cries, too. //"I hope you're happy."// She stops and looks up. The sky is bright. It is a beautiful summer's day. A warm breeze rustles through the tree's leaves. Birds chirp merrily. And Ada smiles brokenly. [["I would be happy if you were here."->1A: Bad End 1]] [["I'm happy."->1A: Happy End 1]]The world comes to a stop. Ada's hoarse yells of "Aiden!" loop endlessly. [[Why does it have to be this way?->1A: Final Bad End]]The world comes to a stop. The scene around her fades away, replaced by a [[warm glow->1A: Final Happy End]]. The light becomes brighter and brighter until it engulfs her.''BAD END'' Ada is lying down. Her eyes are closed, but everything feels white and pristine. There is something on her left hand, something warm and metallic. It is very noisy, but the sounds seem far away. Distant sobs and distressed voices come to her, but they are distorted as if she is underwater. //"I think it's time."// The sobs are louder and more distorted. //"Goodbye, Ada."// The sounds of approaching footsteps are deafening. And then everything is silent.''HAPPY END'' Ada opens her eyes. Soft summer sunlight fills her vision. She can hear birds chirping and people laughing along with the low hum of cars driving by. There is an open window. A warm breeze blows in, making the white curtains billow. She can see the leaves on the treetops rustling outside. Ada makes her way to the window and looks up at the sky. It is warm and bright. She holds her hand up, admiring the way the sunlight glints off of her ring. It really is simple yet beautiful. She smiles sadly. "Thank you, Aiden." The boat continues to rock as the man moves away. "Who are you?" he asks again shakily. "Ada." There is no more space for the man to back into now. As he shakes his head, still horrified, he keeps backing away. Ada reaches out for the man, and he leaps away from her, as if shocked by electricity. She tries to warn him: "Stop it! You—" But it is too late. The man falls into the lake, splashing water everywhere. Ada leans over the boat, holding out her hand, but he still refuses to take it. His face, contorted with horror, is the [[last->1A: Guilt]] Ada sees of him.Ada falls back into the boat. She does not care when water splashes inside and soaks her. //"Aiden!"// she hears faintly. //"AIDEN!"// That was his name. [[Aiden->1A: Meaning Behind Aiden]]. Dead. [[Because of her.->1A: Lake Stuck]]''//You know what Aiden means? Apparently, it means "fiery." Isn't that cool? I'm like fire!//'' //Fire that was [[extinguished->1A: Guilt]] by water.////Would you redo it if you could?// ''[[Yes->1A: Pre-Bad End 2]]'' [[No->1A: Pre-Bad End 3]]//You want to redo it? You want to ''redo'' it? Don't you understand? It's. All. ''Your.'' Fault. And you know what? You [[CAN'T->1A: Bad End 2]] redo anything.////Does that mean you don't ''care'' for him? Aiden means nothing to you? But don't you ''remember'', Ada? He was out on the lake because ''you'' dropped something. He was out here because of ''you.'' He drowned because of ''you.'' And you'll let it [[end this way?->1A: Bad End 3]]//Abnormally large waves crash over the tiny boat, ripping it to pieces. The scream from the shore crescendos, shattering the fragile glass of her heart. //But I want to redo it. I want to. [[Why does it have to be this way?->1A: Final Bad End]] Let me redo it. I need to redo it. I need to. ''Please?''//"I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean to!" The words fall flat. I didn't mean to? I didn't //mean// to? But I did. But I //did//. "I change my mind. I want to redo it! Let me redo it!" [[//It's too late, Ada.//->1A: Final Bad End]]Ada turns around and heads back to the crossroads. When she glances at the trees, it feels like they follow her every step. She follows the path for what feels like an hour. Finally, she thinks she sees the crossroads again. In the distance, Ada can see the path become brighter. But instead of the crossroads, she steps into a glade. When Ada turns back to the path, there is no path anymore. She is [[stuck->1A: Tree Memory]] in the clearing.Ada hears a crash from behind her. She turns around, expecting a wild animal. Instead, she sees two kids sprawled out on the ground, giggling. They get up and resume their attempts at climbing a tree. Ada is unsure of what she should do. [[Ask them how to get out?->1A: Bad Tree Interaction]] [[Play with them?->1A: Good Tree Interaction]] [[Leave them alone?->1A: No Tree Interaction]]Ada goes closer to the kids, but they do not notice her. Ada watches them play for a while before she speaks. "Hey." In unison, the kids turn to look at her. There is a boy and a girl. The girl looks eerily similar to Ada herself. They both stare at Ada, who shifts uncomfortably under their gazes. "Who are you?" they ask. [["Ada."->1A: Insanity Loop]] [["Why do you want to know?"->1A: Insanity Kids Forever]] "Hey," Ada says. "Can I play with you?" In unison, the kids turn to look at her. There is a boy and a girl. The girl looks eerily similar to Ada herself. "The lady wants to play with us," the boy whispers to the girl. "She wants to play with us!" the girl agrees. "Are you sure you want to play with us?" they ask together. [["Of course."->1A: Play]]Ada sits to the side as she watches what happens. The kids scramble up the tree together. Scratches litter their arms and legs, but their faces are adorned with smiles. It is a beautiful summer's day. A warm breeze rustles through the tree's leaves. Birds chirp merrily. The children reach one of the higher branches of the tree and come to a stop. The view from up there is very different. They sit there for a while, enjoying the view. "Hey, Ada," the boy says finally. "Yeah?" "I found something. It looks pretty, so I want you to have it!" The boy hands the girl a [[ring->1A: Same Name 2]], a silver metal band. The girl admires its simple beauty. She holds it up to the light and enjoys how it glimmers. "Thanks, Aiden. I really like it!" [[Keep moving.->1A: Keep Moving]] [[Stay.->1A: Stay]] <img src="../Twine_Pictures/TreeMemories2.png">"Are you sure, miss?" the boy asks. The [[girl->1A: Mystery Girl]] tilts her head to the side, gaze even more scrutinizing. "Y-yeah," Ada says. "Are you sure you're sure?" "Of course!" "I don't think you are," the boy says, his voice incredibly [[menacing->1A: Insanity Loop 2]]."Awww," the girl pouts. "So you don't want to tell us?" She frowns, and the boy glares at Ada. The girl's face lights up again. "Hey, miss, will you play with us?" The boy's expectant look makes Ada [[agree->1A: Bad End 5]].There really is something about the girl that reminds Ada of herself. [[What is it though?->1A: Insanity Loop]]The kids no longer look like innocent little angels. Fierce expressions disfigure their chubby faces. Something in their eyes, especially the girl's, makes Ada's heart race. Ada gathers up the strength to sprint out of the clearing. As she runs, the trees grow closer together. It is harder to avoid tripping over roots when the trees block the sunlight. Ada takes one look behind her and tries to speed up. The kids are following her, running faster than they should be able to, and they look positively [[demonic->1A: Bad End 4]].Ada runs and runs and runs. She trips over and over again, etching long scratches into her arms and legs. It is still dark and difficult to see. Even so, her pursuers keep up the pace. They seem to be staying a certain distance away, as if they want this chase to last forever. But Ada has to stop eventually. And when she does, she looks back, expecting the kids to pounce. Instead, she is all alone in the dark forest. She wanders around for a while, trying to find her way back to the path. All her efforts are in vain. There is [[no way->1A: Final Bad End]] out.The two kids drag Ada with them. They scramble up the tree and gesture for Ada to follow. Ada does, albeit reluctantly. They order her around and force her to join their games. She goes along with their wishes, unable to do anything. Whenever she makes to leave, they both stare at her, eyes wide and innocent. Looking at their heartbroken expressions makes her heart soften, and she goes back to playing with them. They want her to stay with them [[forever->1A: Final Bad End]], and they get what they want."Come over here, lady," the boy says as the girl drags Ada over to them. "Can you climb trees?" "I don't know," Ada says. "That's okay! You can help us!" The boy and the girl both grab at small handholds. They hoist themselves up until they are higher up on the tree. The boy looks down and says, "If we [[fall->1A: Scratches]], can you catch us?" "Of course I can." "Thank you, lady!" he shouts. With incredible speed, the two climb up to one of the taller branches. Even from the ground, Ada can see the thin branch wobble dangerously. As she expected, it cracks. The boy plummets as the girl hangs onto what is left of the branch. Ada rushes over to where the boy will land and holds out her arms. He crashes into her arms, his weight almost making her fall over. "Ada! Ada!" Ada looks down at the boy, confused. How did he know her name? "Lady! [[Get Ada!->1A: Confusion]]" He points up to where the girl is struggling to hold on to a branch.Ada can see long scratches on the two kids' arms. Their legs are similarly injured. They must have fallen multiple times. How far did they [[climb->1A: Play]] before they fell?Ada rushes over and catches the [[girl->1A: Same Name]] as she falls. The girl is shaking, and Ada tries to pat her comfortingly. "Are you okay?" Ada asks as gently as possible. The girl nods, saying "Yep!" She and the boy are laughing, not crying as Ada originally thought. "Are you sure?" "Yeah!" they cheer together. "We fall a lot and it hurts, but this time you were here to catch us so it didn't hurt as much," the boy says. "Thank you," the girl says, hugging Ada. The boy also comes over to give Ada a hug. As she hugs them both, Ada wonders what she should do. She is concerned by what the boy admitted, but she also needs to [[get back->1A: Laissez-Faire]] to the path.Ada lets go of the two kids. They smile innocently at her. Looking at their faces, Ada starts feeling [[reluctant->1A: Don't Wanna Go]] about leaving. "What's wrong, lady?" the boy asks, tilting his head. "I need to go soon." "Awww, really?" They both pout, and Ada wants to make them smile again. There is no need for her to do anything because the kids grin again. "Bye, lady," the boy says. "Come play with us again!" the girl says. Ada waves, smiling a little at how enthusiastic the two are, and turns to leave. She hopes they will be fine. As she leaves the kids, she sees a figure on the edge of the clearing. The person is hidden in the shadows, and Ada is overcome with the urge to [[find out->1A: Looks So Familiar]] who it is.The girl's name is Ada. A coincidence...? So why does it bother her? She should [[focus->1A: Confusion]] more on their safety. //Please, please, please, pretty please with cherries on top? Mommy, I wanna stay and play with Aiden! ''We wanna play some more! Please let her stay for a while?''// //Don't leave me... [[Stay->1A: Laissez-Faire]] with me please?//Ada hurries over to the figure and sees that it is a man. He turns around just as Ada approaches him. His face...Ada has seen it somewhere [[before->1A: Face in Blood]]. "Ada?" he asks, an arrogant tone coloring his voice. "And you are?" she asks, feeling uncomfortable. "Ah, I forgot. You don't remember me anymore." For a moment, his smirk turns into a wistful smile. When Ada blinks, his smug expression is back in place. "A shame." Ada [[knows->1A: My Name Is...]] his name. It starts with an //A//. "Ad...Ada...Ad—" "Aiden," the man interrupts. Aiden takes Ada's hand and lifts it delicately. He smooths a finger over the ring. "I gave you this, [[remember->1A: Ring Memory]]?" "I remember," Ada murmurs. "You remember," Aiden repeats, letting go of Ada's hand. "Well then, Ada, what else do you remember? Do you remember the secret?" He sounds unbearably condescending. "You don't, huh? Would you like to know?" [["Yes."->1A: Best Kept Secrets]] [["No."->1A: Bye, Aiden]]Where has she seen him before? The face she saw in blood...it reminds her of [[him->1A: Looks So Familiar]].//''Our names are similar. You're Ada, and I'm [[Ai->1A: Looks So Familiar]]—''////Two kids are scrambling up a tree together. Scratches litter their arms and legs, but their faces are adorned with smiles. It is a beautiful summer's day. A warm breeze rustles through the tree's leaves. Birds chirp merrily. The children reach one of the higher branches of the tree and come to a stop. The view from up there is very different. They sit there for a while, enjoying the view. "Hey, Ada," the boy says finally. "Yeah?" "I found something. It looks pretty, so I want you to have it!" The boy hands Ada a ring, a silver metal band. Ada admires its simple beauty. She holds it up to the light and enjoys how it glimmers. "[[Thanks, Aiden.->1A: Looks So Familiar]] I really like it!"// <img src="../Twine_Pictures/TreeMemories2.png">"You might want to sit," Aiden says, gesturing to the forest floor. When Ada hesitates, Aiden lightly pushes her down. Ada frowns at the forcefulness. This Aiden seems different from the boy that gave her the ring. "The first part of the secret is to look behind you." Ada looks back. Behind her is where the kids were playing. They are not there anymore. Bewildered, Ada quickly turns back to Aiden, afraid he might disappear, too. "Something wrong?" "Where did they go?" "//They//? Who's //they//?" Ada jumps to her feet. "Do not play dumb. You know who //they// is," she says lowly. There is a dark look in Aiden's eyes. He leans down, and his presence still seems so much larger than Ada's. "Are you sure you're okay?" he whispers. "There were no other people here." "The kids!" Ada shouts. "They were just there. They were climbing the tree, and they fell! They said 'bye' to me!" Aiden puts a hand on Ada's shoulder. "Ada, calm down. You're not thinking right." "Of course I'm not. They were there, and now they're not. I swear, //I swear// they were there. Why don't you [[believe me->1A: Bad End 6]]?" <img src="../Twine_Pictures/TreeMemories.png">"No? Why not?" There is something akin to worry hidden behind Aiden's smirk. "I don't need to know any secrets." The worry is more apparent now. "Don't leave me..." Aiden whines. "Stay with me please?" He is mocking her. Ada takes deep breaths and closes her eyes, trying to erase that smirk from her vision. //''You're that desperate? You're that dependent? You're that hopeless by yourself? How are you still alive?''// "Go away, Aiden!" Ada yells, covering her ears. Aiden is silent. Ada opens her eyes. Aiden is gone. Ada walks over to where Aiden was standing. She hears [[faint speaking->1A: Happy End 2]]."Who would believe something crazy like that? Only someone as insane as you." "I'm not—" //—weird, don't you think? A little? Just a little? She's a lot weird. Crazy, too. Shh, be quiet. She's coming this way.// "You're not what?" Aiden is smirking again. "Not insane!" //''I can't do this anymore, Ada.'' No...No! Don't leave me...Stay with me please?// "You sure about that?" All she can see is that infuriating smirk. "You look pretty crazy to me." And then all she can see is [[red->1A: Final Bad End]].//''Sorry, Ada. Sorry. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. Sorry.'' Ada. Come back to us. We [[need you->1A: Final Happy End]] here.//The girl's name is also Ada. The girl's ring is like Ada's. What does that [[mean->1A: No Tree Interaction]]?Ada gets up and decides she should try finding her way back to the path. She has spent a lot of time here already, watching the children play. When she turns around, she hears a shout from behind her and another loud crash just like before. [[Check to make sure the kids are okay.->1A: Looked Back]] [[Ignore the kids and leave.->1A: Didn't Look Back]]"You do? Really?" The boy glows, grinning proudly at the girl. The girl nods, making the boy's grin brighter. They both kick their legs a little but not enough to shake the branch. They sit in silence until the sky starts to darken. Sleepily, the boy tells the girl they should be going home. The girl yawns and agrees. The boy climbs down first, helping the girl as she comes down. The boy lands with a flourish while the girl giggles at his antics. The girl is...Ada, but not just a person with the same name. The girl is Ada when she was younger. Ada remembers little bits and pieces. //Two children chase each other in a park. Two elememtary students walk home from school. Two high schoolers study together in the library. Two young adults celebrate a birthday together.// But there is something missing from her memory. She can feel it. When Ada looks up, she sees the two kids leaving already. She stumbles after them. Maybe if she follows her past self [[long enough->1A: Bad End 7]], she will regain all her memories.The two kids are skipping while holding hands. They are surprisingly fast, and Ada struggles to keep up. Then, suddenly, they stop. They turn around slowly, moving like broken toys. There is a crazy look in their eyes, and a wide, crooked smile splits their faces in half. "Hey, miss..." the boy starts. "Why are you following us?" the girl continues. Ada sees [[nothing->1A: Final Bad End]] of herself in the younger girl now.Ada looks back toward the kids and is surprised to see them looking back at her. There is a crazy look in their eyes, and a wide, crooked smile splits their faces in half. Scared, Ada turns to leave. When she tries to take a step forward, she feels a vice-like grip on her ankles. As she is being dragged back by her ankles, she falls to her knees. Ada grabs at the forest floor, but the grip on her is too strong. She is pulled all the way to where the kids are. "Hello," the girl sing-songs. "[[Come play with us.->1A: Final Bad End]]"Ada ignores the sound and leaves. As she does so, the trees around her appear to move out of her way. Slowly, the path becomes visible again. As she reaches the end of the path, she sees someone standing there. Ada hurries over to the figure and sees that it is a man. He looks familiar, and Ada knows from where. His face is the one she saw on her bloodstained sheets. "Ada?" he says, incredulity clear in his tone. "And you are?" she asks curiously. "Ah, I forgot. You don't remember me anymore." For a moment, his expression turns into a wistful smile. When Ada blinks, the neutral expression is back in place. Ada [[knows->1A: My Name Is...]] his name starts with an //A//. "Ad...Ada...Ad—" "Aiden," the man interrupts. Aiden takes Ada's hand and lifts it delicately. He smooths a finger over the ring. "I gave you this, remember?" "That boy was you?" Ada asks. "That boy was me," Aiden confirms, letting go of Ada's hand. "I know you don't remember anything, but I've been your friend for a long time. Will you listen to what I have to say?" [["Yes."->1A: Aiden's Words]] [["No."->1A: Bye, Aiden 2]]"Listen to me, Ada." Aiden puts his hands on Ada's shoulders. "What I'm about to say is very important: this isn't real." Ada squints up at Aiden. He seems sane, but maybe... "You said you would hear what I have to say," Aiden says, "and I'm saying that none of this is real." "Why should I believe you?" Ada asks. "Think about it. Jumping from the rooftop of a hospital and ending up in a park, paths disappearing and reappearing...How could all of this happen? The answer is simple: none of this is real." "It's all in your mind, Ada. You have the power to [[escape->1A: Happy End 3]].""I see." Aiden's smile is sad, making Ada instantly regret her words. As she is about to apologize, Aiden starts to fade away. When she reaches out, he disappears right under her fingertips. "I'm sorry! Come back, please?" //''Too late, Ada. Always too late.''// "What do you mean? Why is he gone?" //''It all [[depends on you->1A: Bad End 8]].''//"I can leave? How?" Aiden pries away Ada's fingers from his shirt. He points at her head. "You know how. It's in there." "I don't know. Please, Aiden, tell me how," Ada begs. Aiden lightly touches her forehead, and pain radiates from where his fingers were. //"Aiden! AIDEN!" Aiden splashes into the water. Aiden reaches for the surface, not for the boat but for a ring. Ada's ring. He manages to grab the ring, and he smiles even as he drowns.// Ada gasps as she looks up at Aiden. "I...it was my fault. You died, and it was my fault." Aiden frowns. He hugs Ada and tells her: "It was never your fault. It wasn't then, and it most definitely isn't now." Ada sobs, hiccuping and unable to speak. "I-I'm so s-sorry, Aiden." "Repeat after me: 'it wasn't my fault.'" "But it was my fault!" Aiden smiles wryly and pats Ada's back. "Are you saying I'm lying?" "N-no, but—" "'It wasn't my fault.' You can say it." "I-It wasn't my fault." Aiden is still smiling when Ada looks up at him. Seeing that smile makes Ada glow with warmth. [["Good job."->1A: Final Happy End]]//It was ''Adddaaaaa's'' fault.// "No, no, no, no, no! It wasn't!" The path Ada is on disappears. She is in the forest again. The trees surround her on all sides and crowd around her. They get closer and closer until she feels suffocated. Faintly in the distance, she can hear [[singing->1A: Final Bad End]]. //It's all you, it's all you You'll be ''stained'' with guilt forever It's all you, it's all you You're still here, but he'll wake ''never'' Not until you pay your dues You'll be ''dead'' by the time we're done It's all you, it's all you Don't you ''regret'' all you've done?// The owner of the scarf must have really treasured it. The scarf looks homemade. Did someone special give it as a gift? If so, why [[leave->1A: Memory Object]] it on the rooftop of a hospital?Ada carefully pries the scarf from the fence. When she holds the fabric in her hands, admiring its softness, a sudden wind blows across the rooftop. Ada crouches, clutching the scarf to her chest and squeezing her eyes shut. The world seems to be shaking, and Ada curls up into a tighter ball, waiting for it to be over. When the wind finally stops and the ground is no longer shaking, Ada opens her eyes. The scarf in her hands is gone, but even weirder... She is no longer on the rooftop of the hospital, and a man is [[standing->1A: Happy? Memory]] in front of her. Ada does not remember this man, but he feels so, so familiar. He is also wearing the blue scarf around his neck. This is all so odd.The man's voice is very faint even though he is close to Ada, but it still sounds as familiar as his face looks. //"You said you had time to go to my upcoming concert this time, right?"// As if responding to a cue, even though Ada just stood there confused, the man continues. //"You still do? That's great, really great!"// The hand in his pocket moves restlessly. Actually, the man himself is moving restlessly. //"Anyway, there's this thing— // [[Let the man talk.->1A: Happy Memory]] [[Talk to the man.->1A: Unhappy Memory]]//— I want to tell you. It's really important to me."// "What is it?" Ada asks, curiosity overpowering her confusion for the moment. He gets down on one knee, and even though Ada barely knows him, she feels her excitement and curiosity intensifying. The man pulls out a ring from his pocket. It looks like the one on Ada's finger. The man's ring is simplistic yet beautiful, just like Ada's, but something about his is different. //"I present this ring to the wonderful Ada in hopes that it will meet her standards,"// the man says jokingly. "It's beautiful," Ada admits. The man stands up. He turns the ring around, admiring it. //"So you think Hazel will like it?"// [["Yeah, she will."->1A: Upset]] [[Take the ring from him.->1A: Fake Life]] "Excuse me, but— " Instantly, the man disappears and everything is doused in darkness. Ada hears faint noises in the distance. Screams bounce and echo, replaying over and over again. A monstrous roar comes from right behind Ada, and she squeals in fright. When she swipes the air behind her, there is nothing there. Then, a bright light illuminates the space in front of Ada. The light twists until it forms a question: ''WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEAVE? PLEASE CHOOSE EITHER: [[YES->1A: Scaredy Cat]] [[NO->1A: Wow, How Brave]]''A sudden rush of pain makes Ada keel over. Her chest hurts a lot. Hazel Hazel and Hazel and ''//Aiden//'' Aiden was his name. It feels like her heart is trying to leap out of her chest, and she has no idea why. why ''HAZEL'' why ''HAZEL AND AIDEN'' why not ''ADA'' why not ''ADA AND AIDEN'' Aiden drops the ring and crouches by Ada's side. He cares for her, true, but not enough. Not as much as she [[wants->1A: Ada Loves Aiden]] him to. //"Ada, what's wrong?"// Ada sees red. //'What's wrong?' 'What's ''wrong''?' ''HAZEL and AIDEN'' is wrong.// "WHY CAN'T YOU PROPOSE TO ME, NOT HAZEL?" Ada yells. [[There is no one to answer.->1A: Final Bad End]]//"Hey! Ada, what are you doing?"// Now he sounds concerned. The obvious traces of happiness in his voice are gone. "Weren't you proposing to me?" Ada teases. "Then this ring is mine." She slides it onto her finger, and it fits perfectly. "Look how well it fits! Are you //sure// it wasn't meant for me?" The look on the man's face is [[murderous->1A: You Made Aiden maaaaaaaaddddd]]. He lunges for Ada, who barely gets out of the way in time. "GET BACK HERE ADA!" he roars, and Ada's world shakes with the force of his yell. Ada stumbles away from the man, tripping over nothing countless times. She has already dropped the ring a long time ago, but he is still pursuing her. The man ignores her numerous cries of "It was just a joke!" He will stop at nothing to catch her. There is [[no escape->1A: Final Bad End]].''Ada //loves// Aiden. Aiden //loves// Ada. Ada and Aiden //love// each other. Aiden and Ada //love// each other. Everyone //loves//. Everything is [[//perfect//->1A: Upset]].''Furrowed eyebrows. Wide, crazy eyes. Flared nostrils. Bitten-white lips. Labored breathing. He actually looks [[scary->1A: Fake Life]].The light twists again, and this time the message flashes on and off multiple times. The message imprints itself into Ada's eyes. ''TOO BAD. SCARED ALREADY? THERE IS NO EXIT. NOT FOR YOU, ANYWAY.'' Ada collapses onto what she thinks is the ground and starts crying. When can she [[leave->1A: Bad End 9]] this place?The light twists into more words: ''HOW BRAVE'' Then the light disappears, and the darkness returns. The noises come back in full, sounding from all around Ada. //This is not real,// she thinks, closing her eyes and taking deep breaths. //This cannot be real.// The noises have stopped. Ada opens her eyes. Now, she is standing by a hospital bed. Her body is lying on the bed, and she is watching as friends and family sob at her bedside. //This// is [[real->1A: Final Happy End]]. The message reads: ''NEVER NEVER NEVER'' So...Ada can never leave? ''NO LEAVING FOR ADA [[EVER->1A: Final Bad End]]'' Ada slowly steps back and feels along the right side. There is no light switch there. Ada reaches toward the left side, but instead of the wall, she brushes against something that feels soft and fluffy. When she freezes, the thing under her hand moves. What should she do? [[Hit it.->1A: Why So Mean?]] [[Stay still.->1A: Frightened Still]]There probably is no light switch. Looking for it would be a waste of effort. That leaves her with deciding what she should do now. [[Don't move.->1A: Press Stay to Hallucinate]] [[Move.->1A: Press Move to Hallucinate]]Ada keeps her left hand on the thing and balls her right hand into a fist. She pulls back and punches with her entire body. She expects her punch to connect with the thing. Instead, it disappears from under her left hand and her right hand flies straight through it, ramming into the wall. Ada jumps back and falls onto the floor, cradling her knuckles. //''That hurt,''// a voice whines. The words echo all over the place, and Ada has trouble telling where the source is. It is pointless to look around, as she is doing, because it is too dark to see anything. //''You had your turn,''// the voice continues. //''Now it's [[mine->1A: Spiritual Revenge]]!''//Heart pounding, Ada tries to stay as still as possible. As she takes shaky breaths, she thinks she feels the thing under her hand disappear. But she is not completely sure. [[Is it really gone?->1A: No More Monsters Please]] [[Or is it still here?->1A: Hallucination Time!]]Ada crawls back to where she thinks the staircase is. Her hand hits a solid surface. She is walled-in from all four sides. Her right hand still hurts. There is no escape from the voice. //''You think you're in pain now?''// There is chilling laughter from all around Ada. //''That's nothing compared to what will happen when I'm done with you!''// Ada screams as the room becomes deathly cold. She curls up into a ball, shivering and yelling "Stop it, stop it, make it stop!" while covering her ears. //''Is it too [[painful->1A: Actual Mind Blown]] to hear what your mind is telling you?''// ^^it is it is it hurts so much her head hurts so much and she just doesn't //understand// what is happening why do the screams sound so pained just [[why->1A: Bad End 10]]^^//''there is NO one to hELp''// //''ADA wanted dEAD''// //''DON't you KNow her FauLT''// //''SCreAm scREam sCrEAM WITH [[no END->1A: Spiritual Revenge]]''////''Awww, Ada, it hurts already? Then what would you think of this?''// A deafening roar sounds from right next to Ada's ear. She can feel wet slobber dripping onto her hair and sliding down to her face. The //thing// blows warm rancid breath into her face, and she sputters in disgust. Clacking claws signify that the //thing// is moving. For a moment, the acrid air dissipates, and Ada can breathe clearly. She scrambles away from the monster. It bounds after her, spit dribbling out of its mouth. With a deafening roar, it snatches her up and everything is hot. Then— Then, Ada feels [[nothing->1A: Final Bad End]].Ada reaches her hand out a little. Her hand does not come into contact with anything. For now, whatever was there has disappeared. She should take this opportunity to leave. Ada feels for where the staircase was. All she can feel is the wall. There is no gap in the walls for the staircase. "No, no, no, no, no, no!" Ada mutters, [[punching the wall->1A: Bad End 11]].It is //definitely// still there. At least, there is still something moving under Ada's hand. The main question is: Is the thing a [[human->1A: One of Those Times Where Aiden Dies A Horrible Death!]] or a [[monster->1A: Fantasy Nightmares AKA the Not-as-Tragic One]]?There is a loud thump from behind Ada. She keeps her hands on the wall and faces the rest of the room (is it even a room?). She hears labored breathing and the clacking of [[claws->1A: Claws Not Human?]]. The breathing grows louder as the clacking quickens. The beast-thing is heading straight for her. Ada moves to the left, hoping to evade the monster as it approaches her. The beast turns to her instead and growls lowly. It leaps for Ada when she tries sprinting away from it. Sharp teeth pull Ada back by her hospital gown, tearing the fabric. Ada shivers when the teeth graze her skin. The beast throws Ada onto the ground, and she cannot even see what her attacker looks like as it sinks its claws into her stomach. The beast's weight disappears when she feels something warm soaking her hospital gown. Blood is spilling from the cuts on her stomach, and Ada finds it hard to move. A different kind of darkness settles over her eyes. Her mind grows hazy, and horrible laughter rings in her ears along with this this singing [[//''And we all fall down''//->1A: Final Bad End]]Nothing human has claws. The thing must be some type of wild [[animal->1A: Bad End 11]].The thing under Ada's hand turns around. Instead of something soft, Ada feels something smooth. Something like...skin. When she feels that, Ada realizes that the //thing// is actually a person. Just as she is wondering who could be down here with her, the person starts emitting a bright light. Even after being in the darkness for so long, the light is not glaringly harsh. The glow is faint and washes the person in an angelic light. She sees the person clearly. There is a man standing in front of her, and he is slightly smiling. With horror, Ada sees something wrong: blood is dripping down from a wound on his head. Suddenly, Ada feels a sharp pain [[in her head->1A: Basically The Kinda Relationship You Don't Want]].When the thing moves around more, Ada's hand slides from something soft to hard, scaled skin. Definitely not human. The monster turns around and lets out a deafening roar. Its yellow eyes glow in the dark. Ada does not see it, but she can tell the monster has gigantic, gleaming white teeth. Ada feels like it smirks at her with its monstrous maw just before it picks her up like a rag doll and throws her into the wall. Something crunches with the force of its throw, and Ada winces in pain. The monster advances again, bringing its putrid breath and disgusting slobber along. This time, it sniffs at Ada before [[leaping at her->1A: Bad End 13]].//"Ada, I'm so sorry! I swear I'll never do it again."// The darkness around her and the man are both fading away. //"I'm really, really sorry this time, Ada."// The faint outlines of an apartment shimmer into existence. //"Ada, please don't leave."// A large man, not the one from earlier, is standing in the apartment. //"Where are you going, Ada? We can fix this."// Someone who looks exactly like Ada, or actually //is// Ada, is also there. //"Ada, stay with me."// The door to the apartment is slightly ajar. //"Where would you go? No one else but me would want to date you."// The man's face is contorted with anger. //"Didn't I tell you to not leave?"// He wields a broken glass bottle. [[Stop here.->1A: Bad End 12]] [[Continue.->1A: Aiden to the Rescue!!!]]Ada cannot control the man. He overpowers her and smashes the bottle over her head. Feeling woozy, Ada collapses on the ground. Red, red blood seeps into the carpet and spreads and spreads and spreads. The man's hands are stained with red. He is as red as Ada. Actually, everything is [[soaked in red->1A: Final Bad End]].//''"Why are you saying things like this? Of course I like you!"''// The door bursts open. //''"I'll always be here for you, especially in the bad times."''// The man is distracted enough that he fails to injure "Ada" with the bottle. //''"I'll be your hero, Ada!"''// When he brings the bottle down, someone rushes in between. //''"I'm worried about you."''// Bloodstained glass shards fly all over the floor. //''"I don't think he's good for you."''// "Oh my god, [[Aiden->1A: So That's Him]]!" //''"I just want you to be safe."''// //Aiden's// blood is drying on the other Ada's face. //''"Fine, I'll stop prying."''// The man, Ada's boyfriend, steps on Aiden's stomach, making his breathing more labored. //''"I love you, Ada."''// Aiden stops breathing. //''"Always."''// He is dead. [[Is it Ada's fault?->1A: Happy End 4]]Aiden... gave her the ring cared for her loved her [[''saved'' her->1A: Aiden to the Rescue!!!]] The apartment shatters before Ada's eyes, and Aiden, injury and all, appears in front of Ada. The ethereal glow from earlier is still there. ''"It's not your fault, Ada."'' Ada has no idea what to say. Her only coherent thought is //Of course it's my fault!// but she has a feeling Aiden will not appreciate that. ''"I wouldn't because listen to me: It. Is. Not. Your. Fault. Blame your //boyfriend//."'' Aiden practically spits the word //boyfriend//. "Is it really okay to not feel guilty?" Aiden's body is fading. His outline is fuzzier. ''"Of course."'' Ada stares at the terrible wound. She is sorry for what Aiden endured for her sake, but if Aiden says she should stop feeling guilty... "I didn't mean for this to happen, but I don't feel guilty that you stepped in anymore." Ada tries to smile. "I'm happy that I had and still have such a great friend." Before Aiden disappears completely, he smiles at Ada. His smile makes Ada warm and fuzzy inside. [["I love you, Aiden."->1A: Final Happy End]]There is pain. And then there is pain stacked on top of pain. And just pain pain pain pain everywhere. There is no world without pain anymore, and she just wants it to [[end->1A: Final Bad End]].Ada stays still until something soft brushes right under her hand. At first, she takes no note of it. But then, she hears light growling. The thing underneath her hand is vibrating as it growls. The urge to just run away is strong. Then, the growls turn into purrs. The thing rubs against Ada's palm, humming happily. The thing is [[less scary->1A: Whaaaaat?]] now.Ada carefully inches her way forward until something soft brushes right under her hand. At first, she tries to ignore it. But then, she hears light growling. The thing underneath her hand is vibrating as it growls. The urge to just run away is strong. Then, the growls turn into purrs. The thing rubs against Ada's palm, humming happily. The thing is [[less scary->1A: Whaaaaat?]] now.That is, the thing is less scary until it sprouts sharp fangs. Until it uses those sharp fangs to bite into Ada's hand. Ada springs away from the thing, trying to stop the bleeding. While she is preoccupied, the thing grows. It grows until it is much, much larger than she is. She still cannot see, so by the time she can hear how large the thing has grown, it is too late to stop its growth. With a loud roar, the monster rams Ada into the wall. The wind is knocked out of Ada, and she struggles to breathe as the monster keeps her plastered to the wall. Brightly colored spots appear in Ada's vision while her breaths become more and more frantic. Then her desperation comes to a standstill because there is [[no need->1A: Final Bad End]] for her to breathe anymore.The splashes of orange personalize the room. She feels like an intruder, standing here. When she looks closer, the room seems to [[belong to a kid->Room 1B and 2A]]. The design seems childish, as does the teddy bear.The name Hazel sounds [[familiar->1B: Meaning Behind Hazel]]. She pats the teddy bear as she tries to remember what her own name is. Her mind keeps drawing blanks. She mouths //Hazel//, sounding out the two syllables. Hazel sounds pretty, a name for someone regal, but she could use it [[for now->1B: Teddy Bear Memory]], too.//''Your name matches your hair! That's cute.''// [[Who said that?->1B: I'll Just Call Myself Hazel]]Hazel picks up the teddy bear and has the sudden urge to take it with her, but she resists. It does not belong to her, and she has no place to put it either because her hospital gown has no pockets (much less pockets large enough to fit the teddy bear inside). As she holds onto the [[bear->1B: Thanks, Mommy and Daddy and Aiden!]], her head spins. Hazel stares at the orange walls while suppressing the urge to gag. It seems that the longer she holds onto the stuffed animal, the worse she feels. Unable to hold it anymore, Hazel drops the bear. She stumbles to the door and [[out->1B: Decisions, Decisions]] of the orange room.//A little girl bounces— —standing next to— —points at one of the items— —brown teddy bear, a white bow— "Please, please—" —persuades her parents— "Thanks, Mommy, Daddy!" ''"—orange, so I got—"'' —the bow is pretty— —just like a— "Thanks, I really [[love->1B: Teddy Bear Memory]] it, A—"//Hazel is confused to see two doors facing her when she steps out of the room. She looks beside her and sees that the room on the right is gone. When Hazel looks further down the hall, there are no more doors. Hazel tries out the door she just came from. It is locked. There are only the two doors in front of her to try. [[Try the one on the right.->1B: 2C Complete]] [[Try the one on the left.->1B: 2B Complete]] This room is completely different from the orange room. It barely even feels like a room. There are only three objects here. [[A music trophy.->1B: Music Trophy Details]] [[A folder.->1B: Music Sheets]] [[And a camera.->1B: Camera Details]] She should see the [[other room->1B: 2C Incomplete]] after looking at the objects.This room seems more like a hospital room, but it also feels more like a space than a room. There are only three objects here. [[A necklace.->1B: Necklace Details]] [[A box.->1B: Ring]] [[And a violin.->1B: Violin Details]] She should see the [[other room->1B: 2B Incomplete]] after looking at the objects.Hazel picks up the trophy. It is in the shape of a music note. The owner must have really loved this trophy. It has been polished so much, it is shining. Then, the same thing that happened with the bear happens again. //"—did well—"// //"Good job, you're—"// //''"—so dirty? Isn't it important—"''// //—to spend time polishing—// Hazel tries her best to lay the trophy gently on the ground even though her hands are [[shaking->1B: 2B Complete]]. <img src="../Twine_Pictures/Trophy.png"> Hazel opens the folder. Both sides are filled with music sheets. When she picks them up, her head starts hurting. She wants to put them back in the folder, but for some reason, she is unable to let go. //"Practice!"// //—better than the rest.// //''"—practice so much?"''// //''"Breaks— —sometimes."''// //—must be good.// //but...// Hazel has to pry her own fingers off of the music sheets. The page is wrinkled where she was [[holding->1B: 2B Complete]] it. <img src="../Twine_Pictures/Music.png"> Hazel is more wary this time when she picks up the camera. When her head does not hurt, she turns it around in her hands. There is still battery left. Only one photo is left on the camera. A man is smiling brilliantly at the camera, holding his flute improperly as he waves. The picture makes Hazel smile, but there is also something else: the man looks so familiar. She could have sworn she has seen his face somewhere— //the face in the blood//— before. //''"Hazel!"''// This time, Hazel actually drops the camera and it crashes on the ground. The camera's screen turns [[blank->1B: 2B Complete]].The other room only has two objects. [[A necklace.->1B: 2B Necklace]] [[And a box.->1B: 2B Ring]] After examining the items, Hazel decides to leave the room. The door is [[locked->1B: 2B Choose Item]].Hazel picks up the necklace. There is a tiny music note on the silver chain. It looks beautiful, just like the ring on her hand. //''"—reminded me of you."''// //''"Do you—"''// //"—realize how atrocious it looks?" —looks pretty though...// Hazel gasps, [[dropping->1B: 2C Complete]] the necklace. <img src="../Twine_Pictures/Necklace.png"> Hazel picks up the box, wondering if the same thing will happen again. It does not. Inside the box is a ring. The ring looks like Hazel's. Hazel slips it on next to her own ring. It fits perfectly, and they look exactly the same. As she watches, her ring disappears, replaced by the new one. [[Nothing->1B: 2C Complete]] happens, unlike the last two times. <img src="../Twine_Pictures/Box.png"> When Hazel gets closer to the violin, she notices that it is broken. Some of the strings are snapped, and there is a gaping hole under the chin rest. Looking at it makes Hazel's heart hurt. She picks it up gently and traces along the scratches on the violin. //"—be the best."// //Trying to...// //''"—some rest?"''// //Knew ''you'' would—// //''but''// //I can't—// It seems stupid, but Hazel thinks she hears the violin [[crying->1B: 2C Complete]] out in pain. <img src="../Twine_Pictures/BrokenViolin.png"> The other room only has two objects. [[A folder.->1B: 2C Music Sheets]] [[And a camera.->1B: 2C Camera Details]] After examining the items, Hazel decides to leave the room. The door is [[locked->1B: 2C Choose Item]].Hazel opens the folder. Both sides are filled with music sheets. When she picks them up, her head starts hurting. She wants to put them back in the folder, but for some reason, she is unable to let go. //"Practice!"// //—better than the rest.// //''"—practice so much?"''// //''"Breaks— —sometimes."''// //—must be good.// //but...// Hazel has to pry her own fingers off of the music sheets. The page is wrinkled where she was [[holding->1B: 2B Incomplete]] it. <img src="../Twine_Pictures/Music.png"> Hazel is more wary this time when she picks up the camera. When her head does not hurt, she turns it around in her hands. There is still battery left. Only one photo is left on the camera. A man is smiling brilliantly at the camera, holding his flute improperly as he waves. The picture makes Hazel smile, but there is also something else: the man looks so familiar. She could have sworn she has seen his face somewhere— //the face in the blood//— before. //''"Hazel!"''// This time, Hazel actually drops the camera and it crashes on the ground. The camera's screen turns [[blank->1B: 2B Incomplete]].Hazel picks up the necklace. There is a tiny music note on the silver chain. It looks beautiful, just like the ring on her hand. //''"—reminded me of you."''// //''"Do you—"''// //"—realize how atrocious it looks?" —looks pretty though...// Hazel gasps, [[dropping->1B: 2C Incomplete]] the necklace. <img src="../Twine_Pictures/Necklace.png"> Hazel picks up the box, wondering if the same thing will happen again. It does not. Inside the box is a ring. The ring looks like Hazel's. Hazel slips it on next to her own ring. It fits perfectly, and they look exactly the same. As she watches, her ring disappears, replaced by the new one. [[Nothing->1B: 2C Incomplete]] happens, unlike the last two times. <img src="../Twine_Pictures/Box.png"> ''CHOOSE AN ITEM'' appears on the door. Hazel tries it again, but it refuses to budge. The message, ''CHOOSE AN ITEM'', is more insistent now. "What does this mean?" Hazel shouts, punching the door. ''CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: [[TEDDY BEAR->1B: 2BC Teddy Bear]] [[NECKLACE->1B: 2BC Necklace]] [[BOX->1B: 2BC Ring]] [[VIOLIN->1B: 2C Violin]] [[FOLDER->1B: 2BC Folder]] [[CAMERA->1B: 2BC Camera]]''''CHOOSE AN ITEM'' appears on the door. Hazel tries it again, but it refuses to budge. The message, ''CHOOSE AN ITEM'', is more insistent now. "What does this mean?" Hazel shouts, punching the door. ''CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: [[TEDDY BEAR->1B: 2BC Teddy Bear]] [[MUSIC TROPHY->1B: 2B Music Trophy]] [[FOLDER->1B: 2BC Folder]] [[CAMERA->1B: 2BC Camera]] [[NECKLACE->1B: 2BC Necklace]] [[BOX->1B: 2BC Ring]]'' //"You have to be the best." 'Be the best' echoes in the young girl's ears. //I have to the best,// she thinks. ''"Hey, Hazel!"'' A man runs up to the girl, now older. ''"Whoa, you look tired. Don't you think you need some rest?"'' Hazel smiles, telling her friend a well-practiced lie: "Don't worry, Aiden. I'm fine." Inside, she agonizes over what he says. //But I can't rest,// she thinks. //I have to be the best.// Tears running down her face, Hazel smashes her precious violin against the ground. Wood flies into the air, signalling the [[destruction of her violin->1B: Violin Question]]. ////"When the girl wins her first competition, she enjoys the praise she receives more than the actual trophy. "You did well, Hazel," her father compliments. "Good job, you're well on your way to making something of yourself," her mother adds. Hazel simply basks in their words. When Hazel's friend Aiden comes over to her house, she shows him the trophy. She does not expect his next words: ''"Why is it so dirty? Isn't it important to keep it nice and shiny so people will know that you're proud of it?"'' After Aiden leaves, Hazel thinks about what he said over and over again. She makes sure to spend time polishing her trophy so that it always stays [['nice and shiny.'->1B: Music Trophy Question]]////A little girl bounces on her feet, waiting for her parents to catch up. She idles next to a store's display window and points at one of the items: a brown teddy bear with a white bow. When her parents approach, they are already frowning. "Please, please, please can I have it?" Somehow, despite their adamant protests in the beginning, she manages to persuade her parents. "Thanks, Mommy, Daddy!"// //"Hey, Aiden! Look at my teddy bear." The girl shows a little boy her new stuffed animal. The boy smiles as widely as the girl when she lets him pet it. ''"It's really soft. I like it!"'' The girl glows with pride.// //''"Hey, Hazel! Look at this."'' The boy from earlier, Aiden, thrusts a bow at Hazel. ''"It's orange, so I got it for you! You can put it on your teddy bear."'' The bow is so pretty, just like a happy Aiden. [["Thanks! I really love it, Aiden!"->1B: Teddy Bear Question]]////''A girl looks up eagerly when a man runs up to her. "Look at what I bought! I got it because it reminded me of you."'' The man, Aiden, is holding a necklace out to her. The necklace is a music note hanging from a silver chain. It looks beautiful, like everything else Aiden gives to her. ''"Hey, Hazel! Do you like it?"'' He looks anxious, but his nervousness is unfounded. Hazel likes everything Aiden gives her. "Do you realize how atrocious it looks?" I think it looks pretty though... Hazel shrinks back and does not voice her thoughts, but she would have if she had only known [[Aiden heard everything...->1B: Necklace Question]]////''"Hazel, look at this ring! Isn't it pretty?"'' The girl turns to look at the man talking to her. He is cradling a ring in his hands. It is pretty, in a simplistic way. ''"I want you to have it."'' He slips the ring onto her finger. It fits perfectly. [["Thanks, Aiden," she says.->1B: Ring Question]] ////"Practice!" "Hazel, why are you play outside when you haven't played the violin yet?" It is engrained in her to practice her music whenever she has the chance. Every single practice session brings her closer to being better than the rest. ''"Why do you practice so much?"'' Aiden, her longtime friend, questions. Until this point, Hazel never thought practicing all the time was weird. Now she thinks...//Is it weird?// ''"Breaks are good for you sometimes."'' It must be good to take breaks once in a while, but she cannot afford to stop practicing if [[she wants to be the best->1B: Folder Question]].////''"Hazel!"'' She smiles at the man smiling brilliantly at her camera. //Aiden looks so silly,// she thinks when she sees him waving his flute around like a maniac. The moment she finishes taking the picture, he runs up to her, still holding his flute. ''"Hazel, lemme see,"'' he whines when she moves the camera away from him. When he finally grabs the camera and sees the picture, he laughs boisterously. Then, he turns the camera around and shouts: [[''"Let's take one together!"''->1B: Camera Question]] //The images fade away, and a message appears on the door in front of her again. ''DO YOU REMEMBER, HAZEL? BECAUSE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT. //HAZEL, YOU DIDN'T LISTEN TO AIDEN...?//'' [[I DID->1B: Incorrect!]] [[I DIDN'T->1B: Correct!]]The images fade away, and a message appears on the door in front of her again. ''DO YOU REMEMBER, HAZEL? BECAUSE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT. //HAZEL, YOUR PARENTS GAVE YOU THE BOW...?//'' [[THEY DID->1B: Incorrect!]] [[THEY DIDN'T->1B: Correct!]]The images fade away, and a message appears on the door in front of her again. ''DO YOU REMEMBER, HAZEL? BECAUSE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT. //HAZEL, YOU LIKE WHAT AIDEN GIVES YOU...?//'' [[I DO->1B: Correct!]] [[I DON'T->1B: Incorrect!]]The images fade away, and a message appears on the door in front of her again. ''DO YOU REMEMBER, HAZEL? BECAUSE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT. //HAZEL, YOU THINK AIDEN'S RING IS PRETTY...?//'' [[I DO->1B: Correct!]] [[I DON'T->1B: Incorrect!]]The images fade away, and a message appears on the door in front of her again. ''DO YOU REMEMBER, HAZEL? BECAUSE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT. //HAZEL, YOU PRACTICE 'TOO MUCH'...?//'' [[I DO->1B: Correct!]] [[I DON'T->1B: Incorrect!]]The images fade away, and a message appears on the door in front of her again. ''DO YOU REMEMBER, HAZEL? BECAUSE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT. //HAZEL, YOU TOOK A PICTURE OF AIDEN...?//'' [[I DID->1B: Correct!]] [[I DIDN'T->1B: Incorrect!]]The images fade away, and a message appears on the door in front of her again. ''DO YOU REMEMBER, HAZEL? BECAUSE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT. //HAZEL, YOU LIKE YOUR TROPHY BETTER...?//'' [[I DO->1B: Incorrect!]] [[I DON'T->1B: Correct!]]The message changes again. This time, Hazel can see the letters appearing one by one. ''CONGRATULATIONS, YOU GET TO LEAVE.'' Hazel tries the door, but it still does not open. "Sure, [[I can leave->1B: Regretful Memory]]," she says sarcastically.The message changes again. This time, Hazel can see the letters appearing one by one. ''WHY CAN'T YOU REMEMBER? THERE IS NO POINT IN LETTING YOU LEAVE IF YOU CAN'T REMEMBER.'' The room turns dark, and Hazel can only see the words on the door. She runs into the door as hard as she can, but it does not budge at all. It feels as if the room is slowly getting smaller. No, it //is// getting smaller. She is being squished inside the room, compressed tighter and tighter until she has to curl up into a ball to fit...until she feels the pressure...until she feels herself being crushed...until she does not even [[exist->1B: First Bad End]] anymore.''BAD END'' Hazel is lying down. Her eyes are closed, but everything feels white and pristine. There is something on her left hand, something warm and metallic. It is very noisy, but the sounds seem far away. Distant sobs and distressed voices come to her, but they are distorted as if she is underwater. //"I think it's time."// The sobs are louder and more distorted. //"Goodbye, Hazel."// The sounds of approaching footsteps are deafening. There is a weight on her chest. And then everything is silent, the weight gone.//"Hazel, it's your chance to actually make something of your career. You'd be stupid not to take it," everyone tells her. There is one reason she hesitates: Aiden. ''"Take it easy sometimes." "Remember you need breaks!" "Don't overwork yourself." You're allowed to rest once in a while." "You won't fail if you stop practicing for one second."'' Hazel never really listens to Aiden's advice, but it is comforting to know someone cares for her wellbeing in addition to her music. [[Maybe she should ask for his help in making her decision.->1B: Calling Aiden]]//Hazel is lying down. Her eyes are closed, but everything feels white and pristine. It is noisy, but the sounds seem far away. Everything she hears is muted except for one thing: [[someone's voice->1B: Mysterious Voice]].//Aiden answers cheerfully like he usually does. Then, Hazel asks her question: "Do you think I should accept the offer?" ''"You should do what you want,"'' Aiden says, voice sounding flat and impersonal. Aiden's response is unhelpful for once. For the rest of the conversation, Hazel is on autopilot. Aiden says she should do what she wants. She wants... "...your chance to actually make something of your career..." She wants to [[take the chance->1B: Aiden's Death]].////Many years later, Hazel has many connections as a world-renowned violinist. There is one she has lost though. She has not been in contact with Aiden for years. Hazel assumes Aiden is busy, too, aiming to become a famous musician like she has. When she has a chance to perform in their hometown, Hazel half-prays Aiden is still there and that he will come see her concert. The entire time, Hazel hopes to see a glimpse of Aiden in the crowd. She is disappointed. At the end of the concert, when Hazel is signing autographs, she sees an elderly man. Hazel remembers him as someone she and Aiden were close to. "Hello, do you remember me?" Hazel asks as she writes her signature. "Yes, of course," he chuckles. "What about Aiden?" "Aiden...oh, that boy." The man's expression softens, and his body language reveals his nostalgia. "Is he still here?" "I'm sorry, Miss, but he's already passed away." The man chokes up with emotion and excuses himself after Hazel automatically hands him the autograph. Later, when Hazel is by herself, she tries to digest the information. Aiden...[[dead->1B: Beginning Again]], while Hazel was... She was reveling in her success, thousands of miles away, when Aiden disappeared forever.////"You've made it this far, Hazel,"// the deep voice tells her. //"You're in this hospital again, and now you remember why you never wanted to wake up: Aiden died."// Hazel still has her eyes closed, but she flinches anyway, imagining the mocking expression that would match the words. //"So, tell me, do you regret your decision? Do you regret your successful career? Do you regret not being there when Aiden died? Do you regret not being there for Aiden in general?"// [["Yes."->1B: Ghost End]] [["I don't know."->1B: Happy End]] [["No."->1B: Ghost End V2]]//"Do you want to know how much you can regret it? No? Well, I do!"// The pure whiteness fades. Hazel is now in what she recognizes to be Aiden's house. She can hear voices from upstairs, where Aiden's room is. Her own voice: //"Do you think I should accept the offer?"// And then Aiden's: ''"You should do what you want."'' Hazel climbs upstairs to Aiden's room and opens the door. Aiden does not hear her. He cannot sense her presence at all. Hazel is horrified to see that Aiden has his forehead resting on his arm, shoulders shaking, as past-Hazel rambles on about her daily life. Aiden is in the hospital, weak and frail. By his bed, there are four chairs. Three are filled by his parents and his little brother. The other is empty. "Aiden, Hazel isn't coming back," his mother says, hand resting gently on his arm. "I know." Although Aiden's voice is soft, the heartbreak in those two words is loud and clear. With his last breath, Aiden prays for Hazel to come visit him. In a way, his wish comes true. ''FIN'' ''BAD END''//"You don't know, huh? Let's see if you'll know when we do this again!"// The pure whiteness fades, and something familiar comes into existence. "Hazel, it's your chance to actually make something of your career. You'd be stupid not to take it," everyone tells her. There is one reason she hesitates: Aiden. ''"Take it easy sometimes." "Remember you need breaks!" "Don't overwork yourself." You're allowed to rest once in a while." "You won't fail if you stop practicing for one second."'' Hazel never really listens to Aiden's advice, but it is comforting to know someone cares for her wellbeing in addition to her music. [[Maybe she should ask for his help in making her decision.->1B: Calling Aiden 2]] //"You don't regret it? But don't you realize how much your actions made Aiden suffer? Well, you should."// The pure whiteness fades. Hazel is now in what she recognizes to be Aiden's house. She can hear voices from upstairs, where Aiden's room is. Her own voice: //"Do you think I should accept the offer?"// And then Aiden's: ''"You should do what you want."'' Hazel climbs upstairs to Aiden's room and opens the door. Aiden does not hear her. He cannot sense her presence at all. Hazel is horrified to see that Aiden has his forehead resting on his arm, shoulders shaking, as past-Hazel rambles on about her daily life. Aiden is in the hospital, weak and frail. By his bed, there are four chairs. Three are filled by his parents and his little brother. The other is empty. "Aiden, Hazel isn't coming back," his mother says, hand resting gently on his arm. "I know." Although Aiden's voice is soft, the heartbreak in those two words is loud and clear. With his last breath, Aiden prays for Hazel to come visit him. In a way, his wish comes true. ''FIN''Aiden answers cheerfully like he usually does. They talk for a while about trivial things. Hazel is obviously stalling, but Aiden lets her. Hazel stalls up until she decides she should not bother Aiden anymore than she already has. [[Change the conversation.->1B: Like, Legit "Happy" This Time]] [[Don't change it.->1B: Seriously, Why?]]"I think I'm going to reject the offer." Hazel can hear Aiden's surprise even through the phone: "Really, why?" "Music is important to me, but I don't want to let other people decide what I want in life." "Good for you, Hazel!" His smile is so apparent, Hazel can envision it right in front of her. This is what she should have done from the beginning. The softness of the flute accompanies the franticness of the violin. Both musicians are in their own world, seeing their music in tangible forms. A large crowd gathers before their stage, admiring their amazing harmony. A little boy points at the stage as he tugs on his mom's skirt. "Mommy, I wanna be just like them when I grow up!" The two musicians smile as they continue playing their well-rehearsed duet. ''FIN HAPPY END''Hazel asks her question: "Do you think I should accept the offer?" ''"You should do what you want,"'' Aiden says, voice sounding flat and impersonal. Aiden's response is unhelpful for once. He hangs up as quickly as possible. Hazel's parents call her down and encourage her to take the offer. Nothing changes. ''FIN BAD END''