(link:"It's just you and Billie.")[It's just you and Billie. Just the two of you. And the sound of the rain outside. (link:"Its lightness stands in stark contrast to Billie's mood.")[Its lightness stands in stark contrast to Billie's mood. She's despondent and listless. (link:"She won't speak.")[She won't speak. You can't seem to ignore the dull ache in your chest. [[You have to do something|Do Something]], but you're not sure of what.]]] <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop>"Billie." You nudge her gently. "Billie. Tell me what's going on. What can I do to make things better. What can I do to fix this?" Without raising her head, **Billie sings to you**. *&#x266A; Each and every portent Of bitter substance spent Despite the effort I have planned You seem to lose what I've meant If I don't use words Then each sound goes unheard Utterly senseless without nouns and verbs Symbols suggest they are fit to possess A purposely function That cannot be met* ***&#x2766; What will you choose to do?***<blockquote>You sit puzzled. Did she understand you? [[Get clarity and talk to her again.|Tell Her It's Okay]] You're unclear of what would happen, but you could [[try singing to her|Sing It Out]] in response? Or maybe if you sit still, she'll explain herself to you. [[You can wait and listen.|Wait and Listen]]</blockquote> <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop>The silence lingers, with all of the words you are dying to say swirling around your brain like infinitessimal galaxies. Billie lights the room with her voice, singing her pain to you. *&#x266A; My emotions, they are blinding This is one night I can't go on surviving Tell me one truth worth confiding Baby, don't you know that my love is binding My emotions, they are blinding This is one night I can't go on surviving* ***&#x2766; What will you choose to do?***<blockquote> You're not sure what's more confusing - that she's singing instead of talking or that the words she's singing are perplexing. Maybe you should [[wait and see|Keep the Peace]] what else she has to say? Or if she's blinded by her emotions, [[shouldn't you talk to her|Ask Her How She Feels]] about what she's saying? She's clearly calling out for help. Disconcertingly, her song seems like an invitation. [[Should you sing back|Sing a Little Song]] for clarification? Would that help?</blockquote> <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> You are mysteriously compelled to **sing to her** a song that has been trailing you the entire day. There must be a reason why it won't leave your head. *&#x266A; So much is going on But you can always come around Why don't you sit with me for just a little while? Tell me, what's wrong? If you just gimme all your love Gimme all you got, baby Gimme all your love* Billie looks up to the ceiling, sighs deeply, and **begins to sing** in return. *&#x266A; Oh you will see I'm so down and out Cryin' every day Don't know what to do or to say* ***&#x2766; What will you choose to do?***<blockquote>Is this response from her good or bad? Maybe you should [[let her continue and listen for a while|Be Still]]? Or you could [[sing again|Break Into Song]]? It seems to have gotten her attention? Or maybe you should use her focus [[to talk to her|Say Something Encouraging]]? She's with you now might be open to hearing some words of encouragement?</blockquote> <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> “Billie, I get that you are down, but whatever it is, it can’t be that bad. At least you’re not as worse off as so many other folks we know.” As she fiddles with the threads of the carpet, **she continues to sing**. *&#x266A;Why do you come here When you know it makes things hard for me? When you know, oh, why do you come?* ***&#x2766; What will you choose to do?***<blockquote>You love her but you're frustrated with her for not opening up. You want to [[confront her and ask her if the problem is between the two of you|Confront Her]]. She's reaching out the best she can, but you don't know what to give her. Maybe if you just [[leave her to her mood in silence|Give Her Silence]], she'll figure things out. The singing thing doesn't make any sense, but [[you could try?|Try Singing to Her]] Tell her that things could be worse?</blockquote> <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop>You can see her struggling with her words and that she's communicating with you the best that she can. She looks out the window at the falling rain and **sings to you**. *&#x266A; I've been giving my love away To the things that tear it apart I'm gonna suture up my future Thread to forget it To feel like you're already gone To the rest of, the rest of the life that you've got Tie the loose ends and bury it all away It's like this, it's like this* ***&#x2766; What will you choose to do?***<blockquote>The weight of her words frighten you. Maybe your [[silence and presence|Silence and Presence]] will support her in feeling better? [[Talking to her|Give Her Perspective]] might help put things in perspective? Or you could [[sing to her|Sing a Song]] about how her words make you feel?</blockquote> <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> You don't know what's going on exactly, but it seems clear that Billie is struggling with spoken words. You muster the courage to **sing to her** in response to what she's tried to tell you in song. *&#x266A; I need to know this, my love I need to understand the meaning of your words I need to know you when you're alone I need to pull the stars around and draw you close* Billie lays her heart out for you and **responds with another song.** *&#x266A; Whatsoever I've feared has come to life Whatsoever I've fought off became my life Just when everyday seemed to greet me with a smile Sunspots have faded and now I'm doing time Now I'm doing time 'Cause I fell on black days I fell on black days* ***&#x2766; What will you choose to do?***<blockquote>You could try to [[sing to her again|Vocalize Your Emotions]]? Or now that she's opened up, you could capitalize on her candor and [[ask her for more information|Ask for the Details]]? Or maybe let her keep singing and [[see what she says|Let Her Finish]]? </blockquote> <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> “What are you feeling, Billie? Can you tell me?” She shakes her head woefully and **continues to sing**. *&#x266A; If I know only one thing, it's that everything that I see Of the world outside is so inconceivable often I barely can speak Yeah I'm tongue-tied and dizzy and I can't keep it to myself What good is it to sing helplessness blues, why should I wait for anyone else? And I know, I know you will keep me on the shelf I'll come back to you someday soon myself* ***&#x2766; What will you choose to do?***<blockquote>She's so lost - is there a tune you could [[sing to cheer her with|Sing the High Notes]]? Somehow, it feels like she's pulling away from you, though. Maybe you can [[tell her that you love her but that she has to figure this out|Reframe The Problem]]. [[Or you can just wait a beat|Quiet Space]] and see if she'll tell you what's going on? Maybe she needs a little more time.</blockquote> <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> With the momentous weight of the room, you clear space for her to reach out and explain what's going on by sitting silent. Billie must sense this, and **sings to you**. *&#x266A; Paper paper obsolete How will you reach out to me I thought you'd ask me not to leave Lonely lonely that is me Lonely lonely that is me* ***&#x2766; What will you choose to do?***<blockquote>She's opening up to you. This is your chance to show her your support and continue to [[give her the floor|Blanket Her]]. Or you could sing to her in return and [[see what she does|Sing Your Soul]]? Or maybe you should seize your chance to [[let her know|Focus on Her]] how you are here to help her, even when it's most difficult?</blockquote> <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop>You choose to answer her song **with a song**, selecting words that might help to give her some perspective on how she might get through her difficulties. *&#x266A; Hang on to the world as it spins around Just don't let the spin get you down Things are moving fast Hold on tight and you will last* Billie looks up at you, her eyes tired from crying. **She sings to you.** *&#x266A; I fear that I am ordinary just like everyone To lie here and die among the sorrows Adrift among the days For everything I ever said And everything I've ever done is gone and dead* ***&#x2766; What will you choose to do?***<blockquote>She's distraught and needs help. [[You can beg her to let go of the weight she's carrying|231 Talk]] Another song could help. What could you [[sing to her|Sing Your Heart Out]] to let her know that all is not lost? Would it be enough? Truly, you are lost for words. What can you say in response? Maybe you should give her some space [[with your silence|232 Listen]]?</blockquote> <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> After she acknowledges you, you decide to spin her words on their head and try to lift her spirits. “It seems like you're down, but a positive attitude can fix all that. If you change your mindset, you’ll be great!” Billie continues to stare blankly at the ceiling, and **sings again**, this time in a dream. *&#x266A; Looking across the street lights See the colors they obscure Straining your night vision For a chance to pierce the heavens In the darkened light Watching through the moonlight Feel the softness of the air Sleeping in the shadows Of the heavens So expansive in the waning light* Her words are lush and tragic. You can't acknowledge their beauty out of the fear you feel for your friend's current state. ***&#x2766; What will you choose to do?***<blockquote>If you could just think of something fitting to [[sing to her again|Sing Her Awake]], you could respond to her in turn. Or you could just sit close by and see if [[she feels comfortable enough to open up again|Give Her Time]]? It'd be worth waiting to see what she's thinking before rushing in to respond and then make a mess of things. You could also [[apologize for upsetting her|Let It Go]] and give her some space. She's clearly going through something heavy.</blockquote> <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> You sit, pensive, waiting for her to respond again. **She sings again.** *&#x266A; I've got this icebox where my heart used to be* You can feel the room grow colder with her words. ***&#x2766; What will you choose to do?***<blockquote>You are perplexed but determined to feel good about the world. About the two of you. [[You need to tell her.|Open Up]] Could [[another song|Sing Like Never Before]] help? Would that be foolish? Or helpful? Maybe you're in your head and this is all just you feeling down from the despair in her voice. You could [[give her time to tell you more|Stay Present]].</blockquote> <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> You decide to **sing to her again**, this time acknowledging the space she seems to be inextricably stuck within. *&#x266A; I found you at the window again Looking out, watching the leaves falling in And it was something like a dream Wow so perfect, couldn't talk to me Time moves slow When you're all alone And the time moves slow When you're out on your own And the time moves slow When you're missing a friend And the time moves slow When you came to the end* Billie meets your gaze, looking perplexed and exhausted. She is in need, but you feel completely inept. She sings to you, flushed and frightened. *&#x266A; Oh darling If this heart was a card would you deal it? If this life was a pulse would you feel it? If this love was a wound would you heal it? (Or just make it better)* ***&#x2766; What will you choose to do?***<blockquote>You wonder if [[singing to her yet again|Sing Sing Sing]] will help to lift her spirits? Or if your sitting by her side and [[listening to her|Quiet Times]] would be more of what she needs at the moment? But of course, Billie is determined. [[What if you talked to her a bit to refocus her|Real Talk]]? Get her to approach a new path with clarity? </blockquote> <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> “Are you mad at me? Because if this is about me, then you should just tell me.” Billie sighs deeply, exhausted and clearly exasperated. You gather yourself, hurt and confused, and walk out of the room. As you leave, you **hear her singing softly** *&#x266A; When you say it's gonna happen "now" Well when exactly do you mean? See I've already waited too long And all my hope is gone* You decide to [[try again later|Do Something]] once both of you are in a better space. <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop>The weight of the silence makes you uncomfortable, and you fix your gaze to the window and the falling rain. You can't help her if she can't help you. **Billie starts to sing again.** *&#x266A; As far as I can see Nobody's listenin' As far as I can tell Nobody's listenin' to me And when I'm cryin' out Out for an answer And when I'm cryin' out Nobody cries back for me* Frustrated at her words, you shut down. Maybe you can [[approach her again later|Do Something]]. <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop>You aren't sure if it'll work, but a means of reminding her of all the good that's out there, **you sing to her**. *&#x266A; Just be thankful for what you got!* Billie doesn't seem to be able to receive what you are giving her - her wounds are clearly too deep. You leave her where she's at, physically and emotionally, and promise to [[check on her later|Do Something]]. <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop>You know that she's strong so you decide to help her contextualize her pain. “All things considered, whatever you've got going on isn't such a big deal. You have to toughen up and let it all slide. When you figure it all out, let me know and then we can hang.” Billie grows darker still - clearly, your words didn't land with the intention you hoped to impart. You leave her, feeling hopeless and frustrated, but longing for the opportunity to [[see her later|Do Something]] and be supportive if she still needs you. <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop>You give your quiet presence, but somehow it feels more like a burden than a gift. You feel stuck, with no way to communicate with her. **Billie breaks the silence and sings** *&#x266A; Anywhere you sit you can see the sun Unfortunately on this island I'm the only one Same rules apply on a rainy day And not such a pretty place to be It just rains and rains and rains on me* You both give up on the effort to communicate. Maybe she'll be more open to your kindness [[later on|Do Something]]. <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop>Her words have you feeling conflicted - you feel sorry for her, but also want to lift her up. **You sing to her to boost her confidence.** *&#x266A; So if you need a hero (if you need a hero) Just look in the mirror (just look in the mirror) No one's gonna save you now So you better save yourself And everybody's hurting Everybody's going through it But you just can't give up now 'Cause you gotta save yourself Yeah, gotta hang on, baby* This clearly triggers something in her, and **Billie responds to you in song** *&#x266A; Jesus called me collect last night It took all of me not to answer it Daddy warned me the perils of play Hard to deal God's standards Flying high and fearless baby I've kissed death a thousand times before Remember me for who I was not who I am I'll pray you'll never understand this* You feel as if you've helped, but could you get her to open up more? Maybe if you come back and [[try again later|Do Something]]? <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop>Billie is brilliant - she must know that you can't help her without all of the details. “If you just look on the bright side of things, you’ll see that there’s nothing here that you can’t deal with. Now, don’t you want to tell me what is going on? And then we can figure it out together?” Billie starts to sob, and your cheeks flush with embarassment and shame for making her cry. She's not ready to hear you. You decide to give her space and [[come back later|Do Something]]. <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> Billie continues to sing, but this time, it's distant. As if it's for someone else and not for you. *&#x266A; I'm becoming less defined As days go by Fading away Well you might say I'm losing focus Kinda drifting into the abstract In terms of how I see myself Sometimes I think I can see right through myself* You're hurt that she's distancing herself from you. You leave, feeling useless, but you hope that with time, you can [[come back|Do Something]] and try to reach past the wall that Billie has put up between the two of you. <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> You think that if **you sing to her** and reiterate your support, that that might be helpful. *&#x266A; There are times When you'll need someone I will be by your side There is a light that shines Special for you and me* Billie meets your gaze, terrified, but committed to telling you where she is coming from. *&#x266A; It's been too hard living, but I'm afraid to die 'Cause I don't know what's up there, beyond the sky* You feel compelled to let her know that you are thankful that she entrusted you with her fears and sadness, and reiterate your sentiments. *&#x266A; Just as time knew to move on since the beginning And the seasons know exactly when to change Just as kindness knows no shame Know through all your joy and pain That I'll be loving you always* Billie is still shaken, but appreciative of your honesty and willingness to be empathetic. You wonder if you could have been even more empathetic? You decide to [[revisit this|Do Something]] if Billie's emotions ever resurface and she needs you again. <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> Billie's in a hole and she's the only one who can help her to climb out of it. You try to give her tough love to encourage her. “It sounds like you’ve got a lot going on that I can’t help you with. If you can tell me the pieces of this that I CAN help with, you know I'm here for you.” Billie covers her head, letting you know that she's through. You are shaken by this, feeling as if your friendship lays bruised from your inability to connect with her. You exit, licking your wounds, unsure of when you'll be clear-headed enough to [[revisit the situation|Do Something]]. <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> Billie **begins to sing again**, as if having a conversation with herself. Is she recognizing that you are here to help her? *&#x266A; (You don't have what it takes) (Stop while it's not too late) (I know there's too much at stake) (Making the same mistakes) And I still don't know why it's happening (Stop before it's too late) And I still don't know* You are perplexed as to why she won't speak to you and why she is demonstrably pulling away. You leave her to work out her inner demons, and hope that your exit doesn't make her feel like you don't want the best for her. You [[vow to return|Do Something]] when you can be more impactful. <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> Billie is surreptitiously bearing parts of her soul to you in the only way that she can at the moment. You decide to take a page from her book and see if **singing** your (link:"pain")[pain for hers] might help. *&#x266A; It's looking like a limb torn off Or all together just taken apart We're reeling through an endless fall We are the ever-living ghost of what once was But no one is ever gonna love you more than I do No one's gonna love you more than I do* Billie continues staring at the floor, but reaches out and grabs your hand, **singing to you**. *&#x266A; Tell me that you need me 'Cause I need you just the same Everyday a heartache I'm just tryin' to keep it sane But I know you believe me Baby don't you leave me* Reassured by her gesture, you let her know that you'll be with her wherever she is and whenever she needs you. *&#x266A; I took the stars from our eyes, and then I made a map And knew that somehow I could find my way back Then I heard your heart beating, you were in the darkness too So I stayed in the darkness with you* You squeeze her hand, hopeful that this may have helped to lighten her load. Could you have done more? You establish that if you can, [[you'll try again to help her further|Do Something]]. <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> You fumble for the words to say, trying to impart that you can only support her, but that she has to be the one to get her out from under her rain cloud. “Billie, I am so confused. Clearly you need your space. I’ll leave you be.” Billie doesn't move - it barely even seems like she's breathing. Unsure of how to follow your clumsy remarks, you exit, dejected and hoping for [[another chance|Do Something]] to let her know how much you care about her and how you want to help. <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop>Seated next to Billie on the floor, you hug your knees, letting the silence wrap around the two of you like a comforter. Billie sings to you, but is it for you? *&#x266A; All the black inside me is slowly seeping from the bone. Everything I cherish is slowly dying or it's gone.* You are frightened by her claims, unable to move. Beyond her sadness, it seems directed towards you somehow. The rain continues to fall, marking the chill between the two of you and the burgeoning distance in your friendship. How could this have happened? [[What if you could fix this somehow?|Do Something]] <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop>You honor the trust that Billie has placed in you and let her know that you are happy to give her whatever she needs and however she needs it. **You sing to her.** *&#x266A; And if I may just take your breath away I don't mind if there's not much to say Sometimes the silence guides our minds To move to a place so far away* Seated next to you on the floor, Billie scoots closer, **singing in almost a whisper**. *&#x266A; It's even dark in the day time, It's not just good, it's great depression When I was lost I even found myself Looking in the gun's direction And so I've tried Everything but suicide But yes, it's crossed my mind But I'm fine* Not seeking to gloss over her candor, you **sing to her in return** sharing your own thoughts on the weight of your shared existence. *&#x266A; 'Cause if you're not really here Then the stars don't even matter Now I'm filled to the top with fear That it's all just a bunch of matter 'Cause if you're not really here I don't want to be either I wanna be next to you Black and gold, black and gold, black and gold* You watch as Billie seems to settle a bit, less from your words and more from having shared the burden of her thoughts. She grabs your hand and, clutching it to her chest, **sings to you** *&#x266A; Drift away to the ribbon in the sky with you I think I see the sun* &#x2764; ___ &#x2763; You have UNLOCKED <a class="enchantment-link" href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aqaA-vW-rUK7UnTSn7ve4Z_6fWO0nGolbPdtws-9rzM/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">A Gift from Billie</a>. [[Continue playing|Do Something]] to find all three gifts. <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop>You feel overwhelmed with the severity of the emotions that Billie seems to be bringing up. You attempt to put them into perspective and encourage her to figure out ways to work it out. “That’s crazy, what you are feeling. Depression is real, and it could be much worse. Let me know if you need anything from me. I’ve got to go, but I’ll check in later.” As you leave, you are hit with pangs of guilt - are you walking away because she needs to walk this path alone? Or because you are scared to dig deeper for fear of what you'll find. You promise to [[come back|Do Something]] for your friend. <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> Billie's hands are shaking. You kneel before her, grab both of her hands and hold them tightly. It's just you and her and the sound of the falling rain. She meets your gaze and **sings to you**, her voice trembling. *&#x266A; Dust me off and show me all truth Show me that I'll never fly alone I fucked up so many times, but I still have you* You continue to sit with her in the silence, oblivious to the world around you. You are there for her no matter what. You feel as if you've helped Billie put down some of her burden without judgement. But could you have helped her more? You plan to [[revisit the thought|Do Something]] at the next opportune moment. <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> You feel compelled to let Billie know that you'd move mountains for her. **You sing to her.** *&#x266A; I can be the archetype of whatever you’re feeling.* She seems to get it, and responds in turn with a song of chilling clarity. *&#x266A; I got funky blues All over me Such tender persuasion I want, I want to die You don't love me when I cry* Your eyes well with tears, unable to fathom how someone so beautiful and brilliant would ever want to steal away from those that love her so. You move close to her, put your arm around her shoulder and sing to her. *&#x266A; Girl If they don't know your worth Tell 'em you're my girl And anything you want is yours* She heaves a sigh, which inexplicably makes you snort. She chuckles at your snort, and the two of you give in to exhausted laughter. It's just the two of you and the falling rain. The moment of levity helps to focus Billie, who sings to you. *&#x266A; Hey girl, it ain't easy I know it's pulling me apart But darlin', don't you leave me Baby, don't you leave me* You would never. You love her so. &#x2764; ___ &#x2763; You have UNLOCKED <a class="enchantment-link" href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LFf120jyIFS04If8t5qi7UawKC5ds3QRMdCzOs9WYBE/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">A Gift from Ella</a>. Note: Ella's gift contains spoilers, so you might want to wait until you've found all three gifts before opening it. [[Continue playing|Do Something]] to find all three gifts. <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> You are nervous to say what's really in your heart, that her pain is making you feel vulnerable. You laugh nervously and try to play off the situation. “Wow. You are out there right now. I don’t get what’s going on.” Your words sound hollow as they escape your lips, and your chest aches. You feel as if you've irreparably broken something, but you're not sure if it's with you. Or her. Or the two of you. Billie **looks past you and sings**, as if removing you from the room. *&#x266A; Fluctuations are aching my soul Expectation is taking its toll Expectation is taking its toll 'Cause everything you ever told me could have been a lie We may never have been in love* You leave forlorn. You want to fight for her love, for her belief in the two of you. But you're all out of strength. Gutted, you decide to let it go for now and [[return|Do Something]] to fix what you've surely broken. <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> You owe it to Billie to give her the time and space to tell you what is going on in whichever way she needs to tell you. You curl up next to her and lay your head in her lap. Her body feels cold and distant, but like always, she loops strands of your hair around her fingers. Only she does so distractedly, like she's galaxies away from you, swirling further and further into the inky darkness. Her voice cuts through the silence, and she sings questions that make you feel young and helpless. *&#x266A; Tell me, where are we going'? Oh oh, what's the future showin'? Oh, where are we headed? With all that's goin' on where are we gettin'?* You still feel connected to Billie, but are unsure of whether you truly helped her lift herself out of the darkness. What would you do if you [[had it to do again|Do Something]]? <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> It seemed to have sparked something in Billie the first time, **so you try singing again**, letting her know that you are trying your hardest. *&#x266A; How did we get so wrong Guess we're not made of stone How did we never know till now I'm breaking down the boundaries And I'm feeling like I'm at home Like when you first see the sun Think I'm gonna stay a bit longer* Billie grabs your hand and pulls you close. You're nor sure if she's bringing you near her for your or her behalf, but it doesn't matter. You curl up together and sit silent, listening to the peals of thunder. Billie **sings again** with no emotion, as if stating facts. *&#x266A; All this fuss over nothing Reinventing the wheel All this searching for something that's not real* Could she be talking about your friendship? You need her to know that despite the immaterial and fleeting around her, that your love is constant. You **sing to her**. *&#x266A; People change, even though some people never do You know when people change They gain a piece but they lose one too Because I’ve been hanging on you I’ve been waiting on you Because I've been waiting on you I've been hanging on you* Billie grabs your hand and intertwines your fingers. She kisses your hand and **sings**, as if awakening from a dream. *&#x266A; You are a radar detector I drive a thousand miles an hour I won't go on and on But you are always looking out for me* You feel assured that she's acknowledged your support, but you have a sinking sensation that she put aside her melancholy to deal with later in isolation. You decide to give her time for now, but if you find her forlorn again, you'll [[try something different|Do Something]]. <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> You lay it out bare. “I’m not sure what you need me to do. I see you are hurting, but you won't talk to me?” Billie shrugs and looks down at the floor. She sings quietly, but loud enough for you to hear her. *&#x266A; You said that you would come again You said that we would remain friends but You know that I do not depend on Nothing or no one* Before you can process whether she was singing about the two of you or just singing, you respond, wearing your heart on your sleeve. “Well, if that’s the way you feel, I’ll give you your space.” You exit, feeling conflicted, as if you should have stuck it out longer. You decide to give it a little time and [[then return|Do Something]]. <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> You decide to give her the silence like a present, letting her know that you are there for you with your mere presence. You sit down next to her and pull her legs onto your lap, sitting like you used to when you were little. You take her hand in yours, fiddling with the rings on her fingers. It's just the two of you. And the sound of the falling rain. Billie's shoulders begin to shake and she breaks into heavy sobs. You hold her as she cries into her lap. You say nothing. You ask her for nothing. She arights herself and wipes the tears away, coming back to earth and to you. **She sings to you** *&#x266A; I don't want to bore you with it Oh but I love you, I love you, I love you* You smile at her and wipe away the last of her tears. She seems like she's relieved to have given some of her pain away, but you wonder what was the cause of it. You [[plan to check in again|Do Something]] when it seems like a safe time to ask. <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> You sit down on the floor next to Billie and pull her head to your shoulder. You sing to her, this time her favorite song. Quietly, so it doesn't overpower the sound of the rain trickling from the branches of the trees lining the yard. *&#x266A; Come down from the mountain, you have been gone too long The spring is upon us, follow my only song Settle down with me by the fire of my yearning You should come back home, back on your own now* She smiles weakly, tears streaming down her face and onto your blouse. You hold her tighter **as she sings to you**. *&#x266A; Nothing lasts It's for the best I won't stay here I won't stay there 'Cause now I'm happy For You have changed me I am so thankful No longer painful* You sing to her in response. *&#x266A; I'm saving up all of my strength For when I finally fail At keeping you safe* She laughs at the premise and shakes her head. She gets the punchline - she knows you'll never fail her. Despite the fact that there's no way to keep anyone safe. She loves you for this. Billie sings to you one last time, words you don't need her to say. Maybe they're a reminder for her more than you. *&#x266A; Ooh you're the best friend that I ever had I've been with you such a long time You're my sunshine and I want you to know That my feelings are true I really love you Oh you're my best friend* You listen to the birds outside singing in the rain, letting their cheerful melodies dull the sharp edges of Billie's sadness. You know that there will be a time where she'll be ready to do the same for you. &#x2764; ___ &#x2763; You have UNLOCKED <a class="enchantment-link" href="https://open.spotify.com/user/adesinamedia/playlist/5KrGIpWTSZEXjyntj88VWW?si=OQ0Fdf1LTxq1mxgWOx63gw" target="_blank">A Gift from Ella and Billie</a>. [[Continue playing|Do Something]] to find all three gifts. <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> Billie sits stunned, inconsolable. She needs to be reminded of her ability to do anything that she sets her mind to. Your heroine needs a boost. You've got to tell her. “This is completely mind over matter. Whatever is making you sad, find it and fix it. That simple. You’re better than this.” Your words completely miss the mark. You sense that Billie thinks that you are dismissing her pain. **She sings to you**, letting you know that she needs her time and her space. *&#x266A; Can't you see that you're smothering me? Holding too tightly, afraid to lose control 'Cause everything that you thought I would be Has fallen apart right in front of you* You walk out, your mind spinning with broken ideas for how to get things back on track. You'll [[reach out to her again|Do Something]] once you figure out just what to say. <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> Billie has much to say bubbling under the surface, and you want to give her the opportunity to share as much as she can. You sit across from her and fiddle with the carpet, present and open to receive whatever she chooses to give you. **She sings to you.** *&#x266A; Twice I turned my back on you I fell flat on my face but didn't lose Tell me where would I go Tell me what led you on I'd love to know* You can't tell if she's singing about you or someone else, but you continue to sit and listen. You want her to know that your support for her has no conditions. **She sings to you again** *&#x266A; But I want love, just a different kind I want love, won't break me down Won't brick me up, won't fence me in I want a love, that don't mean a thing That's the love I want, I want love* Billie seems exhausted from sharing her frantic thoughts with you, but relieved to have gotten them out of her system. She scoots closer to you and squeezes your hand, thanking you for being there for her in the way she needed at the moment. You are curious as to whether she merely scratched the surface, though, and intend to [[follow up with her|Do Something]] sometime soon. <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop>You don't have the words to answer her questions that she sang to you prior, but you **fumble through a song** that might show her that you're vulnerable and willing to open up to help her through whatever she's got going on. *&#x266A; The only time I ever noticed my heart Is when I noticed you, yeah* She sees you giving freely and trusts you with her thoughts, **singing back to you**. *&#x266A; I bleed it out Digging deeper just to throw it away* You hear her, but want her to remember that together, you have the ability to work through whatever hurricane decides to pass through your lives together. **You sing in reply**. *&#x266A; Some day, yeah We'll get it together and we'll get it all done Some day When your head is much lighter* She seems mesmerized by your singing, **so you continue**. *&#x266A; All you ever dream of is right here, baby Racing endlessly, well, we're not scared All you truly want, hey, has come true, baby Don't let little worries make you blue* Her heart is still heavy, but she accepts the gift of your words, and sings to you one last time. *&#x266A; My life has been extraordinary Blessed and cursed and won* You feel relieved that you were able to reach your friend, but wonder if she has everything she needs. You want to see if [[there's more you can do|Do Something]]. <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop> The light is soft like ash, muted and harkening the arrival of the cold despite the coming spring. The only sound other than your measured breath is the rain falling soft, occasionally interrupted by the birds conversing and the low rumble of distant thunder. Billie won't meet your gaze, and you're struck by an image of (link:"your most beloved poem.")[your most beloved poem: <blockquote> **In a Station of the Metro (Ezra Pound)** *The apparition of these faces in the crowd: Petals on a wet, black bough.*</blockquote>] You probably should be other places, but it's irrelevant to the task at hand. You want to help her, but are nervous and confused as to how to do it. She can help you in the process, but it's painful for her to do so. ***&#x2766; What will you choose to do?***<blockquote>Maybe if you [[sit still and be present|Be Present]], she'll let you know what's laying her low. And what of the little song you've been humming under your breath? What if you [[break the silence by singing to her?|Sing Something]] Or you can [[just talk to her?|Get Her to Say Something]] Tell her how you feel to help her get out from under her cloud.</blockquote> <audio src="http://www.angelagunder.com/gamejam/rain.mp3" autoplay loop><h1>Ella and Billie</h1> <h2>&#x2764;</h2> A Game for #Entwined18 in the #YearofKeegan Made in The Gunderdome [[Start|Introduction]]