<center>(text-style:"emboss","tall","fade-in-out")+(text-colour:orange)[[Kian's Quest]]</center>
<center>(text-colour:aqua)[Introduction:]</center>
(text-colour:blue)[Kian discerns the motivation to attain his earnest terminus of purposeful fulfillment. And he comprehends his father desires him to settle down and institute a family. Which is not financially feasible for Kian. He longs to awaken his dad's pride hitherto the advancing terminal illness striking the senior.]
<center><img src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/dc/75/f7/dc75f724fdcbc2151a3c3e841f2e62ec.jpg"></center>
(text-colour:aqua)[[Residential Home]](text-colour:blue)[:] (text-colour:purple)[Please proceed here.]
<center>[[Credits]]</center>
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<center>(color:purple)[Credits:]
[[Kian's Quest]] [[Start]] </center>
<center>(color:red + white + orange)[Images:]</center>
(text-colour:aqua)[1. chattcafe.jpg Cup of coffee on a saucer with biscuits and a spoon. Phillips, Kevin. Retrieved from https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=148375&picture=coffee-break
2. solitudekelly.jpg Silhouette of lone woman against dawn sky. Photographer unknown. Accessed from https://www.pxfuel.com/en/free-photo-jrsjk
3. zahidhourglass.jpg Detail hourglass in pitch darkness. Bulut, Zahid Muhammed. Retrieved from https://www.pexels.com/photo/sand-in-hourglass-15872366/
4. sadkelly.jpf Detail woman covers face with hands. Photographer unknown (Oossa?). Retrieved from https://www.pxfuel.com/en/free-photo-oossa
5. parisbuskids.jpg Schoolboys with backpacks boarding bus. Photographer unknown. Retrieved from https://www.pxfuel.com/en/free-photo-ozicq
6. velvethand2.jpg. Woman's hand touching man's arm. Photography by Ruen, Ken.
7. RedLightCrossing.jpg Photography by Monticello from Getty Images. Retrieved from Canva.com
8. GroupHome2.jpg Hillspire Group Home. Photography by Kerr, Doug. Accessed from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/
9. Man taking out trash and containers composition. Photography by Pixelshot and others unknown.
10. Exitstairwell.jpg Photography by Shen, Rico. Accessed from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:TaiNEX_emergency_stairs_between_2F_and_3F_20071227.jpg
11. NewStartDaff.jpg Twin Daffodils Photography by Billions studios via Canva.com
12. OpportunisticKiskadeeEatingDogFood.JPG Photography by Gheene, Benjamin. Retrieved from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:OpportunisticKiskadeeEatingDogFood.JPG
13. ClamTokens.jpg Bus token coins in clam shell. Photography by Jackson, Curtis W.
14. SpeProFare.jpg Detail of bus token coins in clam shell Photography by Jackson, Curtis W.
15. Kandyhandshake.jpg Ben Kandy extends his hand. Photography by Minerva Studio.
16 ParkBenchLove.jpg An unoccuplied bench in a small garden park. Photograpy by Kistler, Ken. Accessed from https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=95484&picture=park-bench-in-flower-garden]
<center>(color:red + white + orange)[Sounds:]</center>
(color:blue)[No audio is in the game, maybe in future editions or updates.]
(text-colour:purple)[The story is wholly fictional. It has no basis from true accounts, actual people, living or deceased, locations, administrations, agencies, organizations, and institutions. Any resemblance is unintentional and coincidental.]
If you need a break from the game, here's your pitstop before resuming. Kian frequents this local café to escape the house and inspire his future hope.
If you are buying this round, Kian welcomes a regular Caffè Americano, one sugar cube, with half and half added. Kerry will take a regular Mocha Coffee with non-dairy whipping cream and no sugar. She likes an almond croissant, and he'll go with the blueberry scone.
<center><img src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/8d/a5/a6/8da5a617e56b7fc23c9686a43ed72281.jpg"></center>
<center>Resume with [[Kian accepts a guiding, velvet hand.]]</center>
<center>Return for her attention:[[He seeks a listening ear from Kelly]]</center>
<center>Return to [[Kian asks, "What?"]]</center>
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The house manager chastens Kian. "Your daily phone privileges are forfeited. See? You have no hindrances to do what I asked."
Bitter, Kian strains his forehead muscles to sidestep a quarrel. As he ambles away, his irritation rouses him to mouth at Alio, denigrating and complaining.
[[Kian returns, vocally blast Alio with gripes and offenses.]] And he refuses his duty.
[[Kian returns to Alio and apologizes.]]
He glances at his wristwatch's cracked, circular window with the weathered, tape-repaired band. Kian sees the time tick away as he collects the refuse inside the house.
He empties the trash outside in a larger container, and finds a crumpled envelope addressed to him from the Department of Social Services. After opening it, Kian learns his Labor Department appointment is tomorrow at 9:15 am.
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He reports the postal offense to Alio. [[The house manager hears Kian's every word.]]Kian loses his privileges for a month. The house manager guarantees he'll file a report to the Department of Social Services that Kian threatened him and should be evicted. Dillon celebrates when he overhears the conversation and spreads the unsavory news to other residents' ears. Kian ponders his prospects.
[[Kian becomes sad]] and goes to bed early, skipping dinner.
[[Kian contends Dillon. Who said what?]]
The house manager clarifies to Kian that he signed an agreement, which includes following directions to complete house duties.
"Your phone privileges are decimated today. It will be the same tomorrow if you decline to comply." He precautions Kian.
Kian seeks to can the conflict. He says, "I agree and understand. I sought to call the DSS to ignite my economic recovery. To roll from this place, leave my bed for another regretful poke."
Alio encourages him. "Kian, I know few earnest men as you to polish his act. Remember, wherever you go, you face obligations. Often the lesser takes priority over the greater. You do them to position yourself for the right opportunities."
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[[Kian complies with Alio's request.]]
Kian scans backward mentally, recalling the ceaseless times he allowed sadness to overwhelm him, stilling his life forward flow. He ponders how to break from it.
[[Kian tries to sleep his miseries away.]]
[[He seeks a listening ear from Kelly]], who has a gift for understanding and consoling others.
(text-colour:blue + red)[Dillon's responsive ilk tends to slice an individual's esteem. Downsizing opponents is his expertise. Dillion asks him, "How can you be wronged when you commit wrong?"
"I acknowledged my error when I apologized to Alio."
Kian resumes, "Do you fear sharing mutral respect in the golden rule?"
Dillon retorts, "My merriment is priceless. Don't preach to me. You yet delay acknowledging your mistaken birth. It's true, right, that your family disowned you?"
Kian's disgusted at Dillon's slimy boldness irritating his soul.
Dillon resumes, "You have nothing to answer, sure. A reason why the labor department ditched you. Should they've contacted you?"
"Wait—you know about my case?" Kian inquires.
"I don't talk about things you can't comprehend, like handling the garbage. Don't bother me again." Dillon leaves him.]
(text-colour:grey + red)[The undesirable roommate may have revealed a terrible act, unintentionally dropping hints. What if the labor department did try to reach him by phone or Alio?]
[[Kian questions every resident]] (text-colour:blue + red)[except Dillon about any news of someone contacting him, Alio or phone calls.]
Dillon glimpses into the bedroom. Kian's asleep in his sorrows. Gleefully, he approaches Alio and offers to handle the trash to buffer Kian's neglect. Outside, Dillon probes for the letter from the Department of Labor. The one he crumbled and tossed away. Dillon reveals the soiled letter to the house manager.
"I worrying about Kian," explains Dillon. "A while back, I saw him crumble a letter and trash it. When I did the garbage for Kian, I discovered a letter." He held it in his view, eye level.
"Well, what is it?" Alio asked
"It's addressed to Kian from the DSS. I read a bit and became upset. Is he trying to get a free ride off the system?"
Alio asserts, "Give it to me. Let me read."
Dillon extends it with his tilted head, feigning remorse.
Alio acknowledges, "I am shocked; it is disturbing. Thank you. I will add this to my report. He'll probably lose his benefits and housing."
"I suppose it all for the best. Is there anything I can do to help?" Dillon volunteers.
"Leave it in my hands and be ready to welcome a new roommate."
[[Kian obtains a notice.]]
(text-colour:orange)[Kelly recovered emotionally since her husband, Robert, parted during the second pandemic wave. She discerns an award whenever Kian aspires to her association. Once a successful business owner, Kelly yielded nearly everything from her affluent life with Rob.
Proceeding with the Covid pandemic, she was disheartened. Kelly conversed with her husband about starting a family. Today, she senses fortune in any child who won't nest with her hardships.
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Living in the co-ed accommodation unit has been apprehensive. Due to Kelly's comely physical features, tenants entertained impure coupling, when the house managers were unaware or incapable of fending for Kelly.
Kian gifts her with protection. One time, Kian engulfed his anxiety to counter Dillon, who was pestering Kelly for a secluded liaison. She labored to resist the tormentor. Her opponent applied psychological trickery to shatter Kelly's resolve.
Kian slided in between them and guided Kelly to a house manager, Sharon. Since the incident, Dillon set a greater goal to topple Kian. Otherwise, Kelly, thus far, contradicted every illicit invitation. Yet, Dillon is crafty and unwavering; he awaits unrestricted doors.]
<center>[[Kian accepts a guiding, velvet hand.]]
Head to the [[The Chattanoogan Cafe]]. </center>
<center><img src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/4b/b9/1b/4bb91bb181fb4817c0a17c9d52bfd8a6.jpg"</center>One after another, the tenants declare to Kian they're unaware of anyone contacting him. His closest companion in the house, Kelly, went on an errand. A fellow resident, Mary, returns from her trip. She was away for a while, maybe staying with her brother.
Kian thought. "//I might as well ask her anyway.//"
Mary reveals, "Before I left, you received a letter from the labor department. I placed it on your bed and left town. You're telling me you didn't see it?"
"Thank you, Mary, you're a thoughtful woman. I'll look around," Kian assures her. "I hope you rest well tonight."
[[He seeks a listening ear from Kelly]]
Chuck reacts to the knock on his room door by hailing Kian to "Come in, close it behind you."
Usually, Chuck relishes his privacy, but this evening he is in such a state of bliss that he would like someone to join him. His face, brightly outlined by his device's screen, reflects the flared smile of his mouth resembling a drenching, ravenous grizzly.
"Why are you standing there? Bring yourself here and look at this slice of patty." Chuck invites, jiggling the phone in his hand.
Kian sees a vacant chair near the door and carries it by Chuck's scrappy desk with surface fractures and peeling paint flakes.
Kian notices someone has rounded the mattress opposite Chuck's like a cinnamon roll over the bed frame grate.
"What transpired with Yeager? Did he move?" Asks Kian.
"Yeah, he did. You missed them. His family came with a van. They transported him northwest to Oregon. Good luck to him." retorts Chuck.
"What are you eager about on your phone?"
[[Discern if Chuck’s phone usage benefits him.]]
"Kelly, I have to slumber early for a morning interview," Kian explains.
"With whom?"
She pauses him with her velvet hand upon his disabled arm. He supposes a sensation finer above a pacifying salve, decreasing its typical misery.
"The Bureau of Labor," Kian expresses, "I have to snatch the first bus-the appointment is at 9:30 am."
"Okay," she acknowledges. "Did you say beforehand it was with Social Services?"
Kian feels a spark of awakeness, "I must have, darn. I'm confusing the two again."
"Your ADHD fools you with stress and anxiety calculations. True, you have to rest, Kian, but..."
He concedes, "But I ought to prep myself, right?"
"Allow me to help you equip." Kelly insists.
<center>[[Kian says, "Why not, I welcome the assistance.]]</center>
<center>[[Kian says, "I need to get my eyes shut."]]</center>
<center><img src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/5a/6c/74/5a6c742127b4f5a154774d99adf0d8d3.jpg"></center>Chuck answers, "I found a gal identical to Kelly. I'm set to dream swell tonight, bunny fantasy ride."
Chuck flashed before Kian's eyes. It is a youthful woman having similar features to Kelly - from a vile porn site. Kian's upset. He discerns an instant queasiness of disgust as a vortex of vomit.
"You're good mates with her, huh?" Says, Chuck. "Dude, I'm dumbfounded you didn't score with her. What delays you?"
Kian stands, darts to the entry, and his hand clusters the doorknob, turning it.
"Chuck, it's disgraceful. Kelly lost her husband. Couldn’t you be sensible?"
"Her other half's in the crypt. Isn't it the best news for you-or much more promising, for me?" Chuck's expression pictures astonishment at Kian's 'overreaction'.
"Kelly's my friend; I regard her as a sister, not an object of lust," Kian explains.
"Dillon is correct about you. Did you leave any marbles at the nut house? I assume you missed some." Insults Chuck.
“You, not I, can save your mind from souring. Good night, Chuck." Kian must abide on track; who can aid him?
[[Kian inquires for assistance]]
Kelly invites him, "Come, Ola, borrowed her nephew's tablet. She can find the information for you."
Inside a bedroom, Kian sits between Kelly and Ola, a Comorosian immigrant from the African continent. Ola holds the device with Kian depicting the Aysscho Bus Transit site. On it is the map of all the colored-coded and bus-numbered routes lining, bending, and twisting on the streets of Aysscho.
"It's good you checked with me, Kian. You would've taken the wrong bus," Ola discloses.
"Which one should he take?" Kelly asks.
"It won't be easy," Ola confirms to them.
"What won't?" Inquires Kian.
Ola points to where they live and draws her finger sideways to a bus route a distance from their house.
"You have to get up earlier than you planned. Because you must cross over a half-mile section to reach the correct bus route." Ola describes.
[[Kian says, "No, this is crazy."]]
[[Kian says, "I'll do what's required of me."]]Kian visits the house manager's office. Alio converses with a fellow resident, maybe, it's a confidential matter.
"Hey, Kian, can you come back later?" Asks the house manager.
"Sure, pardon my interruption."
Why not chill out in the living room for a limited time; there, Kian figures to consider his next activity. He watches television with other residents. The unbearable comedy film is unwatchable, having an incomprehensible, convoluted storyline.
"Folks, I can't waste time on this turkey. Enjoy," says Kian
Dillon cites that his competition retires for the night after speaking with Walter. Kelly pursues Kian as he ascends upstairs.
"Kian, wait, can we chat a little?" She asks.
"Kelly, I'm snatching some 'ZZs' for a daybreak interview."
"Oh, where at?"
She pauses him with her silky hand upon his disabled arm. It's a feeling satisfactorily as a palliative creme facilitating its familiar affliction.
"The DSS," Kian says, "I'll catch the earliest bus- the meeting is at 9:30 am."
"Let me help you prepare." Kelly insists.
[[Kian accepts a guiding, velvet hand.]]
[[Kian says, "I need to get my eyes shut."]]
The house manager hears Kian's every word and feels hurt about the vice done to him. However, he is unable to remedy the situation. Alio divulges he lacks sufficient clout to erase the badness. Having sensitive documents sent to the house is a risk. The house manager recommends a post office box when Kian saves enough funds to rent one.
[[Kian accepts the house manager's answer.]] He let the matter go and prepared for the interview tomorrow.
[[Kian's enraged, believes the house manager isn't concerned.]] He confronts Dillon and other residents about the offense.(text-colour:purple + green)[Kian desires to bond with his kin; the immediate clan estranges him, a reality mentally beating him per annum. A therapist's advice fosters upbuilding thoughts to extract from Kian's past woes. The doctors aided Kian in tolerating his family's current disposition. He must anticipate his recovery without them.
"You excelled in your treatment plan and are on your way to live in a residential home." The therapist explained this to him. "Don't allow people's poor attitudes to sour your progress and hinder your dreams."
"Sure, I promise," Kian had said. //I must keep my vow//.]
Kian says to himself [[I'll keep my promise tomorrow morning]] when I wake up for my interview.
Kian says to himself; [[I'll begin preparing for my interview]] tomorrow morning.Kian enters a heated exchange with Dillon, who lets him leave in a steam of inflicting anger. And then he makes his rounds in the opposite direction from Kian.
"Walter, did Kian talk to you about filching and trashing his Alio?"
"No, Dillon, he's not a finger-pointer." Says Walter.
"He accused me. Isn't that wild? He can fly to the cockatoo bin and freak his mouth there."
"Dillon, don't play naive. You and Johnny were chuckling about it a week ago. That's your slimy nature, bastard." Says Walter.
"Are you going to expose me? I can be nasty with a vengeance," Dillon threatens.
"Knock it off. Deliver me some bus tokens and cigarettes, and we're good," Walter assures Dillon.
"You got yourself a deal. Wait here."
Before Dillon is to return to Walter, Kian arrives.
"Hey, Kian, I heard you questioning the folks here about someone taking your Alio and wrecking it. What is the issue?" Asks Walter.
"It's a document from the Department of Labor; I retained it. Do you know about how it ended in the garbage?" Kian inquires.
"Nah, guy. I have no clue. It's an awful act." Saying Walter, "Have you told the house manager?"
"I did. Alio can't do a thing about it; he told me to buy a PO box."
"Take his advice; my mail heads to my cousin. I don't trust this craphouse."
[[Kian thanks Walter, hits the sack.]]
[[Kian thanks Walter and prepares for tomorrow.]]Dillon notes Kian is retiring for the night after uttering with Walter. Kelly tetters after him as Kian ascends upstairs.
"Kian, wait, let's chat some," she asks.
"Kelly, I have to slumber early for a morning interview."
"With who?"
She pauses him with her velvet hand upon his disabled arm. He supposes a sensation finer above a soothing lotion, lessening its usual discomfort.
"The Bureau of Labor," Kian expresses, "I have to snatch the first bus-the appointment is at 9:30 am."
He assures her, "I'll take care of the rest at the crack of dawn."
"Allow me to help you equip." Kelly insists.
[[Kian accepts a guiding, velvet hand.]] He feels her platonic magnetism, a feminine force pulling like an ox.
[[Kian says, "Why not, I welcome the assistance.]]" His heart resists to distract himself from her loveliness.
Kerry's appetite to aid him makes accepting her association irresistible. Little to doubt she's aware of that hook.
Kian fancies his best second-hand dress shirt and slacks and irons them. He utilizes hair grease to polish his shoes. He owns no neckties, only bow ties his uncle gave him during college. The green and red plated bowtie matches with a white shirt and dark grey slacks. Kelly superbly stitched close holes in his favorite dress socks.
Kian reasons about Dillon, 'He may hide my phone to prevent me from hearing the alarm. Of course, Dillon studies me to cause disaster. I must practice anticipating his wicked deeds.'
Kian plans to sleep with the phone under his covers. The screen cracks on Kian's phone interfere with his viewing of a website of the bus schedules.
[[Kian drops by Chuck's room.]] and asks if he could visit the bus transit website on his smartphone.
[[Kian inquires for assistance]] on the bus schedule.
[[Kian questions every resident]] except Dillon about any news of someone contacting him.
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Unfortunately, Kian did not listen to his alarm on his bare, no-frills smartphone. Aware Kian would be alerted for his morning rush, Dillon adjusted the device's volume level to zero. The timed warning would not be heard after Kian had dozed.
The sun dusks. The voices of schoolchildren pacing the sidewalks to their buses saturate the cracks of the bedroom window. The rough shrill sound of the garbage truck rouses Kian. He detonated to the edge of his bed, clasping his wristwatch off the side table. He has a little over 12 minutes to equip himself and flash to the bus stop.
The bathroom is occupied. Johnny is the next to use it.
Kian's thinking, "Forget about washing. Just throw on your garb and run down the street!"
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He did, in a hustle at every moment. Kian strides with his legs apart, making tremendous steps in a velocity discharge, impairing his feet. It might have been suitable for Kian that the large rectangular box vehicle docked some minutes prematurely if he had been prepared in advance. He sees it pass him, driving to the bus stop, a half-block span at the corner.
Kian spirals his arm and hand, "Wait, please wait."
The bus driver detects him in the multiple rearview mirrors, protrudes his uniformed arm out the window, and waves goodbye. A little boy displays boorish expressions at Kian. The kid depresses his face against the window, fogging it with his teasing breath. An adult diverts the child away in correction. The bus travels further just as Kian reaches the bus stop. He observes it disappear in the daybreak gridlock.
[[Start]] over
The next day, Kian repeat-phones the Department of Labor and his caseworker at the social services department. The caseworker called back and advised Kian to contact the Labor Department. Yet he is warned his benefits are in jeopardy because the unfulfilled appointment.
Finally, a representative at the Department of Labor responds to one of Kian's multiple voice messages. Kian explains the complication of the bus connections and asks for another appointment.
"I am worrying about losing my food stamps and other benefits. Is there anything I can do to prevent that outcome?" Kian inquires.
The representative assures him, "Don't worry; we'll communicate with the social service department and send you a letter. Just wait for it."
"Sure, that sounds okay, thank you," expresses Kian.
Two weeks later, Kian has been much more careful with his postal watch. After dinner, Kelly fronted Kian requesting a private discussion.
"On my turn to take out the garbage, I found this; I am sorry, Kian," she says to him. Kelly hands him an opened, stained envelope torn into three pieces she spared him.
"Not again!" Kian exclaims.
Kelly helps him bridge the letter together like an enigma with clear tape. It reads in part:
'In agreement with the DSS, your social benefits will discontinue due to your delinquency to meet for an appointment with an employment advisor. You may appeal this decision in one month. You must wait two months before you reapply after a hearing to determine your qualifications.'"
[[Start]] overOla says, "Excellent; my country's family men arise at 4 am to travel by boat to nearby islands to harvest fish for hours. Their households live, and their enfants attend school. You, Kian, have it a little easier."
He responds, "Four AM is tough."
She underscores, "You must spring by 5:30 am to fetch the first bus at 6:50 am. It's at least a 25-minute walk halfway to the bus stop."
Kian objects, "Why the first bus?"
Kelly answers, "You should know; the buses are lousy here. Don't count on them. They break down, get stuck in traffic, or it's the driver's donut break."
He stands, walks to the ladies' bedroom window, and observes the night stars.
"I 'should know.'" The occurrence blew a job interview last month—a darn late bus."
Kelly smiles, "You told me, remember?"
Ola advises, "I want you to download the bus service app. It will be helpful."
Kian digs in his pocket for his smartphone and removes it. He tries searching the web.
Ola advises, "If you want to be a clan man. Avoid having the thing in your pocket. I meant not to be fresh; Electromagnetic waves will devalue your jewels."
"Thank you, it's a fact." [[Kian says, "I can't go online."]]
The house has unstable Wi-Fi intervals.
Unfortunately, Kian did not listen to his simplified smartphone alarm. Dillon misfunctioned the device overnight. The alert couldn't achieve its attention after Kian had fallen asleep.
The sun's dawn, in earshot, is live audio of school children walking the sidewalks into the cracks of the bedroom window. The garbage truck's screeching mechanic sound shifts Kian's wakefulness. He shot up on the edge of his bed, grasping his wristwatch off the side table. He has only 13 minutes to catch the bus.
Someone's occupying the bathroom. Johnny is the next to utilize it. Kian's thinking, forget about washing, throw on your garb and run down the street!
He did, in a rush at every moment. Kian strides with his legs apart, stepping shoe soles in a gush of speed. It might have been suitable for Kian if the bus had arrived some minutes early. Suppose he had been anticipatory in advance. He sees it passing him, heading to the bus stop a half block away at the corner.
Kian spirals his hand, "Wait, please wait."
The bus driver detects him in the multiple rearview mirrors, perforates his uniformed arm outside the window, and waves goodbye. The bus pulls away almost as Kian reaches the bus stop. He observes it disappear in the morning traffic.
[[Start]]overKian selects his best second-hand dress shirt and slacks and irons them. He uses hair grease to polish his shoes. He does not own neckties, only bow ties his Uncle Jeff gave him during college. The navy blue bow tie with yellow polka dots matches with a grey shirt and dark grey slacks. Kelly did an excellent job stitching close holes in his favorite dress socks, and he selected the pair.
Aware Dillon had attempted to cause him to miss his appointment. Kian pounders, what else may this foe commit to cause his defeat?
Kian reasons, 'He may take my phone so I won't hear the alarm. Of course, Dillon studies me to cause disaster. I must practice anticipating his wicked deeds.' Kian plans to sleep with the phone under his covers.
The screen crack on Kian's phone interferes with viewing a bus schedule website.
[[Kian drops by Chuck's room.]] and asks if he could visit the bus transit web site on his smartphone.
[[Kian inquires for assistance]] on the bus schedule.Kian says, "Wait a minute, I'll go to the house manager's office. The signal is always strong there."
"It is good," says Ola. "You can get a print-out of the bus route map. Ask him for it."
Kelly agrees, "Great idea; I want to come with you. I have something to talk about on the way."
[[Kian says, "Sure, let's go."]](text-colour:orange + yellow + purple)["I passed by Chuck's bedroom and heard you two talking." Kelly's expression registers a disturbance, a feeling she is regrettably accustomed to in this house.
"You were saying I'm your sister, and Chuck mentioned a thing about Robert. Why am I in your discussion?" She asks Kian.
They are near the house manager's office.
"It disturbs me to admit it," answers Kian. "Chuck showed me a porn site. It jolted me. On it was a girl whose appearance was similar to yours. I was disgusted."
Kelly halts; she bursts into tears, and her hands mask her face.
"He has putrid fantasies about me. They will rape me in this God-forsaken house. I'm not safe." Kelly expresses softly.
Seeing her pain, Kian expresses, "That hateful deed won't happen to you."
Kelly releases her hands from her face, and looks to him to speak.]
[["You didn't report him. Why were you afraid?"]]
(text-colour:blue + orange)[Kian and Kelly, and Alio, their house manager discuss the Chuck's phone porn incident.
Alio is left troubled, he promises Kelly, "Don't believe this matter will be ignored. I'll have a meeting with the staff and our supervisor and update you later."
"Thank you, Alio, this is significant for me. I'm on standby," Kelly responds.
"Please let me contact your case worker. We must have her on board." Alio requests.
"Yes, of course, don't hold back." She approves.
Kian interjets, "It's whatever you guys decide; the folks here may benefit from anti-porn sensitivity training. Some don't see Kelly as a human being."
Alio pauses for a while.
He replies, "Kian, if we do this make sure no one knows you gave us the ideal. Or you'll lose more than letters and packages."]
(text-colour:purple + grey)[It is the next day.]
<center>[["Kian, are you awake?"]]</center>Sharp, brisk knocks vibrate through Dillon's and Kian's bedroom door, heeded by hurried vocals from Kelly.
"Kian, are you awake?"
Answers Dillon, "Woman, it's too premature; did I request your services?"
"No time for nonsense, Dillon - please wake Kian. He has an appointment."
"No. The man will sleep til he's ready. I'm here to care for my roommate. Now, scram, you delicious game."
Kelly unfurls the door discovering Kian under the covers, nearly inebriated from consciousness.
"What is your problem, sorceress?" Dillon shouts.
She dismisses him, coming to Kian's bedside. On the base is her friend's ordinary smartphone. The back shield and the battery is missing. Kelly is on her knees. She dips her head to see under the bed frame; her flowing hair touches the wood floor like feathers.
Kelly reaches under with her arm to grab some things.
"What are you trying to steal? I see you." Asserts Dillon.
"Whatever you're stretching to conceal," Kelly answers him.
She displays the smartphone battery and back shield retrieved underneath Kian's bed. "Did you do this to him?" Her voice appropriates in volume.
Dillon's silent and doesn't remove his vicious stare at Kelly. Upset, she rotates from him, reattaches the battery and shield to Kian's device, and switches it on. The alarm on it tolls, but it's not rousing Kian.
[[Kelly jostles Kian, "Wake up, wake up!"]]"Last night, Johnny presented me with a sample, his milkshake creation. My mistake to accept it." Kian clarifies to Kelly.
"He spiked the milkshake. I bet Dillon was in on it; he toyed with your phone." Kelly confirms.
They cross behind a deteriorating section of vacated, graffiti-scorned buildings and houses before a street paralleled north and south.
[[How much is the bus fare?]]
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"You didn't have to join me." Says Kian.
"It's my wish; friends support one another." Kelly voices.
A block ahead, the bus runs by from north to south.
"Oh-oh, I presume that's our ship," he frets. "It'll soon reach north on the street where the bus stop is, two blocks away."
[[Kian says, "We must dash for it."]]
Kian says, "[[Forget it; this is unbelievable.]] I'm going to forsake this interview."Kelly and Kian conclude a run to the end of a second block. They turn a corner and head south. Moments ahead is the bus stop, and the M501 charabanc hovers into sunshiny specfications.
Kian assures her, "Almost... "
Her voice is despairing: "The bus stop is on the other side. Can we cross in time?"
The two dock a crosswalk simultaneously as a man dressed in factory garb. The light is green, and it switches to red.
The manufactory man in white-lined overhalls speaks, "Mister and misses; I'm Hank. That's my bus too."
"We're Kian and Kelly." Kian recognizes his distress. "Sorry, pal, it's a treacherous cross-over. The drivers won't slow down."
"The management will sack me," asserts Hank fisting his reddened hand. "I'm on my last warning."
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The bus halts on the contrasting street side; the driver unfurls the folding doors permitting the waiting commuters to board. The transport operator slides her window to gesture-warn the trio not to traverse to her.
From a distance, Kelly detects the dawn sun sparkle of the operator's wedding ring. She signs, honing her fingers into each other.
"Kelly, we did our finest," Kian is glum, aware the rectangular vessel will vamoose without them.
"What are you thinking, man?" Yells the factory man, "It's the juncture for jive jaywalking. Follow me; God shalt lull the four-wheelers."
[[Kian and Kelly waver but proceed after Hank.]]
Kian says, "[[No. Don’t risk it, Hank.]]"
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It's the subsequent day. Kian's sweaty palm grips the phone to contact the employment department and his DSS caseworker. It's not his stress subtractor. The two phone lines have constant busy signals. Great! The caseworker calls, and she instructs Kian to contact the Department of Labor. Yet he's warned due to Kian's missed appointment; his 'supplemental provisions face administrative adjustments.'"
A labor bureau representative responds to one of Kian's multiple voiceAlios. Kian expounds on the bus connection difficulties and asks for another meeting.
"I'm anxious about losing my food stamps and other concessions. What can I do to prevent the outcome?" Kian inquires.
The spokesperson assures him, "Don't fret about it. We'll communicate with the social service department and send you an update. Wait for it."
"Sure, thank you," expresses Kian.
Two weeks after, Kian has been cautious about his postal security since the conversation. After dinner, Kelly solicits a private discussion with him.
"On my turn to remove the garbage, I found this. I am sorry, Kian," she says. Kelly passes him an unfurled, blotched envelope torn into pieces.
"Not again," Kian exclaims.
She aids him in bridging the document like a puzzle with clear tape. It reads partly:
'Per the DSS, your social benefits will terminate due to non-compliance. You may appeal this decision in 30 days. You must defer for two months before reapplying for benefits. After a scheduled hearing to determine your credentials.'"
[[Start]] overAs they stroll off the curb, Kian retrievals rearward, hauling Kelly with both arms circling her.
Hank bursts from the curb's edge, waving the bus to still. The bus driver ignores him as she steers away.
The factory guy's tongue issues offensive flares to target the transit operator. And then, abruptly, his horrid screams sounded simultaneous with Kelly's. The victim bolts mid-air after a softening crevasse noise from a dark speeding vehicle.
The driver persists, and the industry man disembarks, cracking into the hood of another auto, causing that motorcar operator to stem.
Shaken, Kelly shrieks again. Kian is stunned. She tears instantaneously. He embraces her and pats her back gently.
"Kelly, we're with each other to strengthen one another. We must react to this incident responsibly. Are you with me?"
She looks up at him, "Yes."
Kian scoots to the body, lying prone on the hood. Kelly's behind him. The driver, a fine-dressed corporate man, exits his grandiloquent automobile.
"Ah freak, where the hell did he drop from?'' The man says.
Kian is responsive to the manufactory man's pause, checking it.
"He's finished." Says Kian.
Kelly speaks, "I am calling 911."
The pin-striped suited man rubs his hair, "This is a blight. Buddy, yank the dung off my hood. I'll folk you $200. Hurry, there's a jet to catch."
"He's human, not scat; he stays until EMT arrives," Kelly presses.
"Zip the maw, dame," snaps the corporate man. "What do you say, bud? I'll shoot it to $300-cash."
[[Kian selects cash or moral compass.]]
(text-colour:blue + red)["You're not in charge of me," yelps Hank as he bursts from the edge of the curbs, waving for the bus to linger.
The bus driver refuses to take note as she helms her vehicle from the curb. Swearing gushes from the manufactory man's lingo. His horrid screams pierce the automobile noises, simultaneously with Kelly's.
The industry man bolts mid-air after a crack clangor from a swarthy speeding vehicle. The driver persists, and Hank grounds, crashing on the hood of an ultra-deluxe car, compelling the auto operator's stop.
Kelly cries again, evolving shuddered with Kian. He embraces her and strokes her back gently.
"Kelly, we're each other building blocks. We must attend to the incident. You're with me?"
She peers at him with tears sliding her cheeks, "Yes."
Kian speeds to the accident victim lying prostrate on the hood. Kelly is after him. The driver, a fitting corporate man, grapples mentally at the scene. However, his countenance is lesser an art exhibit visitor.
"Freak, heaven rejected him, huh?''
Kian probes Hank's pause, sensing no heart action.
"He's lifeless." Says Kian.
Kelly speaks, "I'm calling for help."
The corporate gent chafes his slicked follicles. "It is a muck. Dude, you want an easy $200. Haul the tard off my hood. I have a jet to fetch."
"He's not scrap; hands off Hank until the emergency crew arrives," Kelly demands. "It's illegal."
"Latch-up, dame," spikes the classy executive. "Do it for me, bud. I'll bump it to $300."]
[[Kian selects cash or moral compass.]]Kian replies, "No. Sir, please wait for the police. You'll receive an insurance report for your damages."
The corporate guy infuriates him. "You and this female are ludicrous, too deficient to apprehend real life. It's why you dwell at the lowermost tier."
He shoves Kian aside and tugs Hank from his damaged hood, smacking on the pavement. Kian's face steams, fists his hands, and Kelly soothes those palms relaxed.
"Don't combat him. He has 'one' percent of decency." Says Kelly.
Other drivers cease, and individuals amass the scene. The corporate fellow sniggers at Kelly and enters his auto, initiating his ignition.
Kian hollers, "Hold it, mister. You have leakage beneath your car."
The executive horns his auto dissuading bystanders.
"Stop gaping at me. Move out my way—dumb-butt dupes," he blurts.
A smoking, sizzling fluid drips from the car. He accelerates and moves like a stallion down the street. People observe it until it erupts. A fireball explosion inflates with scattering debris. Verbal shouts and cries result.
"Sad. The jet setter misses the flight," Kelly glimpses charcoal smoke clogs and particles climbing in the stretch. "I wished he'd heeded you."
Police sirens rise loudly, and blue, red, and golden flashing lights penetrate the scene.
[["I'll contact the labor bureau and explain."]]In an activating impact scene, Kelly concludes her account for the officers. Nearby, Kian's on hold, waiting to connect to a labor department representative. Terrific. It sounds like he's getting through.
"Good morning. This is the employment coordination section. May I assist you?" Expressing a welcoming voice.
"Hello, my name is Kian Montana; I have a 9:15 appointment with one of your occupation agents. I am calling to—"
The representative interrupts, "What is your name and certification digit? State the basis for your call, please."
Kian resumes, "Madam, my name is Kian Montana. I do not have my certification whatsoever handy, but I am calling about—"
The representative interrupts. "Let's start over; speak plainly. Tell me your name, and what is your certification number? State the purpose of your call, please. Spell your name. Can you do that?"
From behind him, two police officers, Tate and Sanders, with Kelly beside them, loom Kian.
"Excuse me, Kian?" Officer Sanders inquires.
Kian turns around to them; he's somewhat taken off guard.
"We are ready to take your statement," he continues.
Kian says, "Sorry, officers, I'm speaking to the labor department; it's urgent. [[Can it wait?]]"
[[Kian says, "Yes, officer."]]Officer Tate commands, "Of course, we won't wait. End it." She continues, "You witnessed a murder, which merits your solemn attention as a responsible civilian."
Kian disconnects and says, "Yes, officers. I apologize. I am under much pressure and stress." He explains. "How can I assist in your inquiry?"
Says Officer Sanders, "We comprehend your distress, Sir; this reckless depravity messes up many people's mornings. You're not alone."
Officer Tate supports, "We have the dirty work of finding the hit-and-run driver to avert him or her from harming anyone else."
[[What's next after Kian's police interview?]]Kian disconnects fast since he had an awkward exchange with a bureau representative. He expounds his account that coordinates with Kelly's. They saw the same bus missed beforehand pass by at least twice.
"Understandable, you, not a pro identifying the suspect's car. Please try, think," urges Officer Sanders. "Describe, imagine the shape."
"Sure, the color like a pair of blueberry jeans, two doors, uh, wow," Kian strains his recollection. "It had, like, water drop shape holes on the side doors with low, small built-in fins, evil bug eyes, big front black grill mouth."
"Kian, I give you two guesses. Are you ready?" Asks Officer Tate.
Was the suspect's auto a [[Chevrolet Corvette? ]]
[[Or a Porsche 911?]]
Kelly and Kian sit at a diner table with morning cuisine plates and cups of steaming coffee before the window. He sees the officers waving goodbye to them and returning to their parked vehicles.
"They were generous to buy us breakfast here," expresses Kelly turning to view the outside and back to Kian.
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"I wish the officers could stay. Netting the bad is non-stop." Says Kian. "I'm sorry how matters unfolded."
"Mishaps you had no power to prevent," Kelly corrects. "Why?"
"I supposed it's mighty fine you came. It seems like disorder if you're outside my future."
For secondary fractions, Kelly freezes, stares in stupefaction at Kian, and manages to regain her constant breath.
Kelly repeats, "You said, 'It's mighty fine.'" Are you saying you ..... me?" Her fingers graze her heart. She shifts her sight to her plate.
"Umm, okay, Ola phoned me when I was in the restroom; you won't believe what happened."
[[Kian asks, "What?"]]
"You're amazing, Kian," confirms Officer Tate. "What you described fits the style of a Chevrolet Corvette."
"We'll issue an immediate APA for a dark or Indigo Blue late model Chevrolet with frontal damage to all units at hand."
"I'm impressed, Kian," says Kelly. "I told them it was some kind of slick sports car."
Officer Tate guides Kian a length from Sanders and Kelly.
"The lady said you saved her life. You pulled her back."
"And myself, too," Kian admits. "I tracked Hank and could've killed her."
"No. You discount yourself much," Tate speaks. "Don't lose that gem. She's pretty, caring, and has feelings for you. Credit me; I'm a woman. Keep her on your lookout and in your devotion."
[[What's next after Kian's police interview?]]"Good try, Kian. Give it one more shot," says Officer Sanders.
[[Chevrolet Corvette? ]] He answers, "You decided about us?"
"It is half," Kelly expresses. "It's partway without you; no further can I go."
Kian explains, "But if I can't afford to provide for myself."
"Ola related in her country, poor people date and build destinies because they love each other." Kelly declares.
He seals his palm with hers, and their fingers mesh.
"You spoke last night; you can't be afraid for me. Please signify to me the essence of your words."
"I testify we are one. I shouldn't fear commitment."
"You told me about your longing for your father," Kelly speaks. "I here to assist you give him a daughter-in-law?"
With a resonant smile, Kian replies, "Then, this diner is our first date."
[[Kelly and Kian bring an announcement.]] From the house window, Mary witnesses Kelly and Kian strolling hand in hand on the sidewalk, glancing at each other, chortling, and emitting.
"The bliss of true love," admires Mary.
Chuck passes beside her, "Are you talking to yourself or me?"
Mary swapes the curtains close, "To myself, is there something wrong with that?"
She forwards herself to open the door for the new couple, who have cautiously released their hands and entered the house.
"Thank you, Mary." Kian asks, "Which house manager is on duty?"
"Sharon, she's not busy," Mary answers. She whispers in Kelly's ear. "You two are an item; it's about time."
"Please keep the lid on it," Kelly replies.
Mary speaks audibly, "Kelly, your caseworker, is here. She's waiting upstairs in your room."
[[Kelly and Kian go to her bedroom.]]
[[Kian and Kelly go to the house manager's office.]]They enter to notice Sharon, a tearful Ola, and Beanie, the case worker observing their arrival.
"Beanie, why are you here with Sharon?" Kelly inquires.
Beanie verges Kian and shakes his hand. "Bless you for watching my girl with Ola. Don't worry, Sir, we'll keep Kelly barricaded from those sordid ungulates."
Kelly voices herself, "Can I get an update?"
Sharon explains, "You are moving—today. Your caseworker found you a secured residential home with no creeps like Dillon, Suzy, and Chuck seeking sexual favors."
"It's too sudden. I'll be jilting Kian. You can't go and make these decisions without informing me?" Kelly protests.
Sharon shakes her head in disbelief. "Complicated timing; you two finally decided to have an official romance."
"It's not a complication. Kian, what's her best option if you adore your Kelly? Presume what you can't prevent." Beanie expounds.
[[Kian urges, "I can protect her."]]
[[Kian tells Kelly, "Go with Beanie."]]Donald, a residential staffer besides Sharon, is in the office.
"Hi, Kelly. We're sucked in a vortex of worry about guarding you."
Kelly expresses, "Thanks, Don; Kian and I have an announcement. I'm aware Beanie's here."
"Whatever it is, it has to wait. Please dart to your room," engraves Donald. "Or Kian, you remain and present your affair."
Kian says, "We'll tell her caseworker, then you."
[[Kelly and Kian go to her bedroom.]]
Sharon interjects, "Kian, give it thought; Kelly was harassed outside your and mine control. Your relationship with her will be hampered by these ally cats."
Ola agrees, "They're an advanced generation from Amnon of Second Samuel. These people will stomp you to treat her like tissue. My Kelly's incalculable than golden silk and precious minerals."
"She is, friend. I can't relinquish her." Kian asks, "Beanie, about this place, how much of an improvement is it?"
"It's a gated community." Says Beanie, "The complex permits single parents, small families, and married heterosexual couples. They made an exception for Kelly."
"Minus homosexual mates, wouldn't cause an uproar about civil liberties?" Sharon asks.
Beanie answers. "Same-gender assaults increased. The city's more cautious nowadays."
"Right. We booted Suzy for Kelly's sake," Sharon admits. "Kian, having a change of heart?"
[[Kian tells Kelly, "Go with Beanie."]]"I am sorry, Beanie," expresses Kelly. "I will start packing." She embraces Beanie.
"No hurt, sweetie," Beanie replies. "Kian, you can visit her. Remember, no cohabitation sessions until you're hitched."
"You have my honor," assures Kian. "Kelly, I'll let you gather your processions. I'll see you on the way out, okay."
"Yes, brother," says Kelly.
Kian hurries from the room. Tears pour along the contours of his countenance.
He overhears Kelly narrate, "Kian preserved my life today."
He finds fortune the bathroom is accessible and not rancid. Kian locks the door and poses on the toilet, calmly weeping.
Stinging knocks mingle with Johnny's irate vocals, "Whosever, you'll have fifty-seven seconds to finish your business. And it better not stink."
[[What occurs two weeks later?]]
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"Mr. Montana, do you understand why you have this appointment?" Mr. Taggar's mechanical mouthpiece sounds. "We shouldn't waste each other time."
Kian sits across from his questioner at a desk inside a carpeted booth. He strains to avoid the slightest indication of disrespect.
"It is a determination of my employability in compliance with the DSS to maintain my eligibility for sustainable benefits."
"I'm aware of your confined intellect," Mr. Taggar reckons. "I don't require a textbook explanation above your cognition."
"Sure, Sir; please exclude the entries that affect my disability." Kian requests.
Mr. Taggar holds several documents and flags them.
"Do you know what these are?" He asks. "Your hopeless argument. Our proficient county-approved medics verified you're manual labor employable despite your unproven arm disability."
Kian contests, "Your doctors wouldn't hear my concerns during the medical examinations. Their main activity; checking list boxes on clipboards. They haven't requested meaningful discussions about my conditions."
"As one, how could a youth obtain a disabling stroke? Sad-you're not more academic. You could be a creative writer." Taggar remarks.
Kian asserts, "It is true."
Taggar ruffles papers, stamping them one after another.
"What the truth is, your slothful sort will not sponge taxpayers' hard-earned dollars. Get used to holding obligations like anyone else."
Mr. Taggar says you have two job assignment choices to sign in agreement.
[[Be A Warehouse Associate-Yeah!]]
[[Become A Clean-Up Laborer-Hip Hip Hooray!]]
[[Kian rises from his seat.]]
Kian assumes this assignment. The unbending labor compels Kian's arm to initiate the metamorphosis of multiple cancerous and distressing blood clumps. An off-duty nurse witnesses Kian faint and rushes him to the emergency center. Physicians restrict their choices to amputate his arm to preserve Kian. Unfortunately, the sickness advances through Kian's heart and lungs. In tranquility, Kian departs in Kelly's caressive arms several days afterward.
Not long Kelly suffers from shock and clinical depression. She dies in an infirmary. The city buries her beside Kian. The governor conducts a post-mortem nuptial ceremony for them. He directs a state inquiry to assess the labor department. Mr. Taggar dodges a hideaway in Papua New Guinea. It's where a magnetizing Pacific nymphet beguiles Taggar. Overseas investigators will extradite him to the United States within the next day.
[[Start]] over
Kian abides by this assignment opposing his better judgment. The work is intense, with hazardous conditions and safety violations that unethical county inspectors excuse. An infectious and distressing blood clot develops in Kian's arm. He quits. Nonetheless, the disease spreads. Kian's admitted to the hospital. He soon expires.
Crushed with dismay, Kelly dies from a shattered heart weeks later. The governor orders an inquiry and overhaul of the labor bureau. He, too, delivers a posthumous wedding to esteem Kelly and Kian. Mr. Taggar flees to a lair in the Cayman Islands. The government operatives continue their pursuit of him.
[[Start]] over
Kelly's line is busy. Maybe she's on a call with Beanie or Ola.
[[Kian telephones Alfredro.]]It is Alfredro ringing a surprised Kian.
"Never have your girlfriend contact me," scolds a blistering sibling.
"Kelly offered to help us mend our differences for Dad's sake," Kian pleads.
"You're still trying? My father parted weeks ago," Alfredro declared. "No longer shall I hear from you and that female."
"Wait, what on earth, Alfredo! Why didn't anyone tell me?"
Kian stooped and sat on the stairwell platform, his head sloped downward, trickling tears.
"Kian, no drama. I have things to do."
"Did he ask about me?'
"Bye, Kian." Alfredro disconnects. The air sensitizes like solidified ice blocks sealed as a crude whole.
[[The rapid footsteps sound closer, nearing Kian.]]
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"Mr. Montana, are you feeling alright?"
Kian lifts his chin and stands to acknowledge an elevated, well-suited colored man. Kian uses his handkerchief to sweep his somber face.
"Pardon me, who are you?"
"Benjamin Kandy, the division director. I lament Mr. Taggar's manners."
Kian asks, "Is he buoying a bad day?"
Kandy chuckles, "Not here for a while. Between you and me, the man's suspended. Subjective views shouldn't impact our service to the public."
"Sir, I'm not celebrating," Kian responds.
Benjamin extends his hand to shake Kian's.
"Possibly due to too much probity," Kandy resumes. "Come to my office. We'll discuss your options relative to your disability."
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<center>[[Kian leaves to what future?]]</center>
He ceases inches near the exit door. Kian steps aside, not to block others. He calls Kelly, but her line is busy again.
"Kelly, I have good and painful news. The fine part is my job assignment: data entry and phones. It's for us. I treasure you, darling. I can't wait to hold my fiancée snug, hearing your heart pulsates with mines."
He resumes his voice message, "I require you as the earth bounds the sky. Eternally, I breathe life with my Kellianne. Talk to you later."
Kian presses 2 for urgent, and he leaves the facility.
Ola, Beanie, Alio, and Kelly wait at the rear of the concrete footpath. Kelly sprints into Kian's arms and embraces him.
"I'm sad for your loss. I am your kin-always." She expresses.
Alio, Beanie, and Ola came to console him—Kian weeps, his face flush with an emotional pang.
"That it, mister," comforts Ola, "release the grief; energize the antidote of consolidation." She massages his shoulders and back.
"Kian, I learned where they buried him. You wish to visit?" Asks Alio.
[[Kian proposes to Kelly on the spot.]]
[[Kian says, "Yes, please take me there."]]
[[Later, Kian hears another downer.]]Whoa, hold up, please. Kian has marriage aspirants for Kelly absorbed in his heart and mind. For sure, she won't let him vanish from her soul. There isn't an issue that they wed near time. Kian supposes he must complete the saga with his father. How can he find amicability with himself and live on with Kelly?
[[Kian says, "Yes, please take me there."]]
After the diner stop, where did Kelly and Kian go after recognizing their authentic sensations for each other? It was the day of Hank's accident. Do you welcome the report?
[[No, let's end this game.]]
[[Yes, spill the beans.]]
(color:yellow + orange)["We'll join you," Beanie agrees.
"My car is in the west parking area, you girls can follow." Alio says.
Kian confesses, "Thank you, I cannot estimate the value upon me your support."
They circle together in arms connecting one another.
Ola testifies, "It only takes a few to build a community."]
<center>(color:Orange) + (text-style:"emboss","tall")[The End]</center>
<center>[[Start]] [[Kian's Quest]] (color:Purple)[Over]</center>
<center>[[Credits]]</center>
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<source src="Assets/closingpiano.wav"></audio>The fellow was unemployed in interval periods for years before his tenure at a mental health facility. In his area, persons with mental illnesses face more discrimination and diminished opportunities than in other southwestern US parts.
Here less knowledgeable or ignorant kinfolks, acquaintances, and constituents tend to separate themselves socially and practice stigma against their victims. Certain future employers are wary of hiring 'those individuals.'"
Kian has been enduring a disability in his left arm since his youth; his mother enabled him to cope. Tragically, she parted from Asbestosis when he was a teen. If Kian labors his infirm arm too rigorously. An internal infection can fester inside. The result may lead to amputation or death. Kian strives to sidestep gruntwork.
[[Any more projections for Kian?]]The labor unit mandates Kian to troll for 10 competent positions on a list per week to sustain his social service concessions with forthcoming employers' signatures. He's unable to enable for unemployment insurance. The transit system is subpar at best. Minus a personal auto, the task is tricky. Kian fell short, and his DSS provisions were reduced.
Kian completed some college courses before withdrawing. He is a capable typist and apprehends some in-demand computer programs. The job bureau forewarned him. If Kian is unsuccessful in establishing an occupation, he must accept a manual labor assignment from them. Since it is practically inconceivable for Kian to ascertain his medical condition.
<center>Return to [[The home manager summons Kian.]] or
check out the [[The Chattanoogan Cafe]].</center>In his auto, Alio unfolds unfavorable news.
"Kian, Sharon arranged a motel room for you. We'll you get some garb changes and essentials."
"Was there a fire or gas leak?" Kian asks.
Alio explains, "Johnny and Dillon perished. They had a vicious brawl in your room. It's a crime scene now."
Kian silences in distrubance.
"I hoped for them and to be their friend. Why?"
"Chuck was present and got injured. He confessed Dill and John's combated over a scheme to ruin you. They drove one another into the window, broke through it, rolled the roof, and fell into Mr. Julian's fenced enclosure."
The car passenger gasps in ghastliness and trembles. His fingers gripple above his eyes and nose.
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Kian finishes, "And the neighbor's nine pit bulls completed their fight."
"The canines will be euthanized," Alio says.
Alio continues, "Don contacted Dillon's sister, and she asked to meet you. But she's one of those Jehovah's Witnesses. I won't put you in an uncomfortable spot."
<center>[["But you can talk to her if wishful."]]
[[Kian says, "Thanks, I do not wish to speak to her."]]</center>
(color:Grey)[The thought communes in Kian's mental factories to contact the social service department to explore his options. Before the facility closes in the passage of twilight.
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The home manager summons Kian to remove the house refuse. It is his turn in rotation. Darn! It'll be time-quaffing. If the minutes are trimmed pithily before closing. Then the social service representatives won't respond to their communication devices- the phones would tingle and ring continuously with zero pick-ups.]
<center>[[Kian tells the house manager he must call DSS ASAP!]]
[[Kian complies with Alio's request.]]</center>
Kian and Kelly are on their path to the bus stop. Here are three choices, which is the correct amount Kian would pay.
[[The bus fare is free.]]
[[The bus fare is two dollars.]]
[[The bus fare is four dollars.]]It was an accurate response. The labor department sent the letter to Kian with round-trip bus tokens for the trip. Dillon stole those coins when he ruthlessly crumbled and pitched the letter.
[[The bus fare is two dollars.]]
[[The bus fare is four dollars.]]It would be the correct answer if Kian were traveling alone. He enjoys paying a friend's fare.
[[The bus fare is free.]]
[[The bus fare is four dollars.]](text-colour:blue + aqua)[Correct, Kian will pay the two-dollar fare twice for himself and Kelly. He would repeat this on the return trip.
Return to] [[Kelly jostles Kian, "Wake up, wake up!"]]
<center><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fd1819_684f5a38b1324a4bbf63f93d99883c77~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_633,h_476,al_c,lg_1,q_80,enc_auto/fd1819_684f5a38b1324a4bbf63f93d99883c77~mv2.jpg"></center>We're unaware of the outcome if Kian decides not to honor Dillon's sister's request.
[[Kian leaves to what future?]]Kian admits, "I've often passed their magazine cart on Bourbon Street. They would've baptized me and had me going door to door. I took their literature without pressure. Is there something to fear about her?"
Alio asks, "It's permissible? You want a conversation with her?"
He answers, "Please set up a meeting. The woman lost her sibling and needs consolation."
Alio replies, "Donald said the sister desired to apologize to you for Dillon's wrong acts. He sensed a blueness in her voice."
"Dillion's not her fault; family members pick different paths."
Alio confirms, "That dynamic ascribes why Dill's rich parents stopped supporting him and jilted him outside to fend for himself."
"Thanks, Alio. I'll make her my sister. Perhaps Kelly can bind in our engagement," Kian anticipates.
[[Kian leaves to what future?]](color:purple + red + blue)[Kian rises from his seat.
"Were you dismissed? Sit and sign either designation," Taggar orders.
"I agree; we shouldn't squander each other's time. Good day to you."
Kian strides past a section of booths, and Taggar roars after him stirring the onlookers' attention.
"You're finished with us and the DSS. Remember it before you crawl back to beg. Bums expect a hand-out while your citizens foot the bill to refill your belly."
Kian opens the stairwell doors without reversing.
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As he descends the stairway, Kian considers calling Kelly to update her or his brother, Alfredro, to reconcile with the family.]
<center>[[Kian phones Kelly.]]
[[Kian telephones Alfredro.]]</center>
Kian obtains a one-week eviction notification. He needs somewhere to go, and his biweekly allowance, edible stamps, and other privileges were directly canceled. It's a notification if you spot him in your travels.
Kian vies with gulls, hounds, felines, and squealers for discarded or rotting grub. In less than a month, Kian is snoozing on park benches, inside cardboard boxes, and unpacked large trash bins behind the retail stores.
[[Start]] over.
Kian's mental health can be foisted if he were to have further conflicts with Dillon and his supporters. But such reasoning, he thinks, wouldn't be sensible if others like Kelly were to sorrow.
He hesitates to say, "Yes."
Gradually, he resumes acknowledging. "I am sorry. Instead of harboring in the living room, it should've been the first thing I did."
"I understand," she says, "you're not safe here either."
[["I can't be afraid for you," admits Kian.]] "Let's take this matter to Alio."
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"Ola saw //The Coffee Hour News//. The county computer servers suffered a virus attack. You wouldn't score the appointment. The offices closed." Kelly explains.
"She told you, how astonishing."
Kelly sips her java, glazing glassy eyes at Kian.
"Thanks for reporting on Chuck." She resumes, "It will be good if he acquires assistance to resist a terrible addiction."
"He might become a good guy." Kian agrees.
Kelly's hand surfaces over the table and clasps Kian's hand.
"Kian, I am yours. Put me on your itinerary."
[["You decided about us?"]]
Or since Kelly and Kian are at the diner. Do you wish to take a hiatus at [[The Chattanoogan Cafe]]?
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As you wish, please continue to ride with Alio and Kian.
[[Kian says, "Yes, please take me there."]]It is the day they have breakfast at the diner when the labor department is closed due to criminal computer hackers. Not far from their residence, Kian brings Kerry to a botanical garden. Behind the hedges of flowery vines, he kneels facing her as she sits on a Victorian-styled bench to declare his fondness for her.
"Kelly, a motivator helped me understand what's impossible to deny; that I couldn't only be a friend."
She asks, "Was the moment we met in the house?"
"Yes, I felt first it was improper. I believed my disqualifications and the shameful reputation pinning me. How could you accept..."
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Kelly slants forward, sweeping her arms around his shoulders.
"No, my dear, you are unpinned. You lifted yourself from the pits. You're loftier than the indifference taxed by your family and naive somebodies. I applaud you, Kian."
She came on his lap with her head on his shoulder. Kelly clings his shirt and hones its buttons.
"You haven't given up on me," Kian says. "I will not forsake us. I'll fight to care and provide for you." He receives her hand and busses it tenderly.
She surfaces his forehead with her lips.
"For better or worse, I have confidence in my man," Kelly confirms.
That was two weeks ago, ready to forward back?
[[Kian says, "Yes, please take me there."]]
<center>(text-colour:purple)[“The real measure of your wealth is how much you’d be worth if you lost all your money.” - Unknown]</center>
<center><img src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/76/13/76/76137603968de56c01a08fc68a7a8c4a.jpg"></center>
<center>Copyright©2023byCurtisJackson</center>
<center>(text-colour:Red)[[Start]]</center> (text-colour:Grey + White)[Kian spent years recovering in a mental institution. He advanced favorably in his treatment for discharge—currently, Kian lives in a town-sponsored group home. The county pays his rent for 186 days, as he cooperates with the Department of Social Services (DSS) directives.
<center><img src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/bf/94/5f/bf945fb4aeebfa212e8980ef4fd6d556.jpg"></center>
"They usually don't wait this long to reach me," Kian wonders.
It's midway through the fifth month. Kian hasn't heard from the employment division about job sources for the subsequent six months to fund his lease. The circumstance worries him. Nonetheless, he must commence a trade.]
(text-colour:Blue + White)[Are you willing to begin the game and assist Kian in sweetening his quality of life?But first, you're probably curious.] [[Are Kian's job's prospects healthy?]]
(text-colour:Blue + White)[Or you may launch the game.] [[The home manager summons Kian.]]