On The Run P6 Revision

(text-colour:red)[October 12th, 2023. Colorado Springs, Colorado. 10:48pm.] Congratulations, you have successfully faked your own death. You have been on the run for two days, and reports of your death have begun to circulate. "Wealthy Businessman, Richard Leich, Dead at 42" the headlines read. Unfortunately, it is raining tonight, and the roads out of town are just about desolate. It's no use trying to hitchhike out of this weather. Your only choice is to get a hotel room for the night, but the only place available at this hour is the Halcyon Luxe Inn & Suites, one of the most prestigious hotels in the downtown area. Lucky for you, you have the money to afford it. You step out of the rain and enter the hotel. An AC unit overhead blows warm air, drying off your clothes and belongings. The floors are marbled, the lights are dim, and the ceilings are high. Everything about this place screams "pretentious". To the left of you is a small continental breakfast bar. To the left of you is the front counter, where an older gentleman sits. He turns his gaze towards you. "Hello, sir," he says with a large smile on his face. [[ Go to Front Desk]] [[ Go to Breakfast Bar]]

You slowly approach the front desk. The man at the desk has gray hair with hints of black at the roots. He wears a green and red uniform. A nametag that reads "Gerald" is pinned to his coat. "How are you tonight?" Gerald asks. [[ "I'm good, how are you?"]] [[ "I need a room for tonight."]]

You place the bagel back down on the plate and make your way to the front desk. The man at the desk has gray hair with hints of black at the roots. He wears a green and red uniform. A nametag that reads "Gerald" is pinned to his coat. "Sorry, it's company policy," Gerald says. "I'm sure you understand." [[ "Of course, no problem, Gerald."]] [[ "That's a dumb policy."]]

You hold the bagel tightly in your hand as you approach the front desk. The man at the desk has gray hair with hints of black at the roots. He wears a green and red uniform. A nametag that reads "Gerald" is pinned to his coat. "It's just company policy," Gerald says. "I'm sure you understand." [[ "That's a dumb policy."]] [[ Take a Bite Out of the Bagel]]

You turn away from the front desk and make your way to the breakfast bar, a long table adorned with a black cloth. On the table sits a plate of plain bagels and some empty coffee pots. You pick up a bagel and examine it briefly. "Excuse me, sir," the man at the front desk says, "the breakfast bar is for guests only." //Right//, you think. //I better check in first.// [[ Set Down Bagel]] [[ Keep Bagel]]

Gerald laughs. "So what can I do for you tonight?" he asks. [[ "I would like to book a room for the night please."]] [["I need a room now."]]

Gerald clears his throat uncomfortably. "Say, you look familiar. Do I know you from somewhere?" he asks. "I don't think so," you say, keeping your eyes glued to the counter. "Nah, I've definitely seen you before," Gerald says. Your head shoots up. [[ "Look, I just need a room for the night."]] [[ Don't Answer]]

Gerald sets down the room key on the counter and points at you. "Sure you do, you were definitely on the news," he says. "Richard Leich, that's what it was!" Gerald chuckles, seemingly proud of his discovery. "I thought the news was that you were dead," he says. [[ "I can explain."]] [[ "Give me the key, now!"]]

"Hey, what are you doing?!" Gerald shouts. You stuff the room key in your pocket. Your heart is racing. [[ "I'm going to my room."]]

Gerald thinks for a moment. "All right, he says." You hand Gerald the money for the room, and he takes it. Just as he's about to give you the key to the room, he freezes. His hand hovers just above yours, holding the key. "Hey, I got it now," he says. "I saw you in the newspaper. Richard-something, right?" [[ "I don't know what you're talking about."]] [[ Stay Quiet]] [[ Leave the Hotel]]

"All right, no need to get defensive," Gerald says. You hand Gerald the money for the room, and he takes it. Just as he's about to give you the key to the room, he freezes. His hand hovers just above yours, holding the key. "You sure you're not Richard Leich?" he asks. You look him dead in the eyes. The two of you remain frozen for a moment. [[ "I don't know what you're talking about."]] [[ "Keep talking, and you might say something you'll regret."]] [[ Grab the Room Key]]

Gerald sets the room key on the counter. He furrows his brows at the tone of your voice. "Excuse me, is that a threat?" [[ "Do you want to find out?"]] [[ Throw Bagel]]

You bite a large chunk out of the bagel and chew it loudly. Gerald clears his throat uncomfortably. "Can I help you with something, sir?" "I need a room," you say in between mouthfuls of chewed bagel. "Say, are you from around here?" Gerald asks. "You look familiar." You swallow the bagel hastily. [[ "I'm not from here, I promise. Now, I need a room for the night, can you help me or not?"]] [[ "Look, I just need a room for the night."]]

You feign a smile. "I'm great, thanks for asking!" Gerald responds. "So what can I help you with?" [[ "I would like to book a room for the night please."]] [["I need a room now."]]

Gerald's smile fades, seemingly appalled by your forwardness. "All right then," he says. He types on his computer. "You look familiar, are you from around here?" he asks without looking up from the monitor. [[ "Nope, this is my first time here."]] [[ Don't Answer]]

"All right, no problem!" Gerald says, nodding his head. He types on his computer for a moment before looking up at you. "You look familiar, are you from around here?" he asks. [[ "Nope, this is my first time here."]] [[ Don't Answer]]

"Woah, what's the rush?" Gerald says, his smile fading. [[ "I'm just tired, that's all."]] [[ "I'd rather not say."]]

"Hmm, ok," Gerald says. You hand Gerald the money for the room, and he takes it. Just as he's about to give you the key to the room, he freezes. His hand hovers just above yours, holding the key. "Hey, I got it now," he says. "I saw you in the newspaper. Richard-something, right?" You freeze for a moment. [[ "I have no idea what you're talking about."]] [[ Reach for the Room Key]] [[ Leave the Hotel]]

Gerald raises an eyebrow before he continues typing. You hand Gerald the money for the room, and he takes it. Just as he's about to give you the key to the room, he freezes. His hand hovers just above yours, holding the key. "I know what it is," he says. "You were in the newspaper a couple days ago. Richard-something, right?" [[ "You don't know what you're talking about."]] [[ Stay Quiet]] [[ Leave the Hotel]]

"No worries, I understand," Gerald says. He looks to his computer and begins typing. "You look familiar, are you from around here?" he asks. [[ "Nope, this is my first time here."]] [[ Don't Answer]]

Gerald raises an eyebrow and begins typing. "You look familiar, are you from around here?" he asks. [[ "Nope, this is my first time here."]] [[ Don't Answer]]

Gerald's hand recoils back. He holds the room key to his chest, before placing it on the counter. "Hey, what are you doing?!" he exclaims. [[ "Give me the key, now!"]] [[ "I can explain."]]

Gerald sets the room key on the counter. He furrows his brows at the tone of your voice. "Excuse me, is that a threat?" [[ "Give me the key, now!"]] [[ "Do you want to find out?"]]

Gerald sets the key down on the counter. He chuckles. "Nah, you were definitely on the news," Gerald says. "Richard Leich, that's what it was!" Gerald chuckles, seemingly proud of his discovery. "I thought the news was that you were dead," he says. [[ "I can explain."]] [[ "Give me the key, now!"]]

Your shout echoes across the empty room. Gerald chuckles. "All right, that's it, you need to leave," he says. Your eyes dart to the room key on the counter... [[ Grab the Room Key and Run]]

Gerald looks at you silently. You hang your head. "I'm on the run," you say. Gerald's eyes widen. "Oh no, if you're some kind of criminal, you can't stay here. I'm calling the police," he says. He picks up a phone on the counter. [[ Grab the Room Key and Run]] [[ Bribe Gerald]]

You bolt across the room and down a hallway. You are presented with a flight of stairs or an elevator. "HEY, STOP RIGHT THERE!" Gerald shouts. He runs up from behind the desk and quickly approaches you. [[ Take the Stairs]] [[Take the Elevator]]

"All right," Gerald says, "you can't stay here. I'm calling the police," he says. He picks up a phone on the counter. [[ Grab the Room Key and Run]] [[ Bribe Gerald]]

The bagel hits Gerald in the face with a light thud. He turns away. "What the hell are you doing?!" he exclaims. "That's it, I'm calling the police!" Gerald grabs the phone on the front desk. You grab the phone from Gerald. Using the cord, you pull it over the counter and onto the floor. "I just hit you with a bagel for accusing me of threatening you," you say, "do you really want to see what I'll do if you call the cops?" Gerald's mouth falls open. He remains silent. [[ Intimidate Gerald]] [[ Grab the Room Key and Walk Away]]

You open the door to the stairs, and begin running up. Gerald stops at the base of the steps. "Dammit!" he shouts. He shuts the door. As you continue up, you look at the back of the key. It is labeled Room 504. You continue up the stairs until you reach the fifth floor. You exit the stairwell, find your room, and make your way inside. You immediately set down your belongings and flip on a switch. The room is small and dimly lit. A decently sized white bed sits against the wall. You inch over to the bed and have a seat on the edge of it. [[ Fall Asleep]] [[Watch TV]]

You run up to the elevator and press the button. As you wait for the doors to open, Gerald rappidly approaches. To counter, you step back and extend your leg out. As Gerald runs by, you trip him. Gerald hits the ground with a resounding thud. His head smacks against the marbled floor. The elevator door opens, and you enter. As the door closes, you hear a faint groan escape Gerald's lips. You look at the back of the key. It is labeled Room 504. You press the button for the fifth floor. You exit the elevator, find your room, and make your way inside. You immediately set down your belongings and flip on a switch. The room is small and dimly lit. A decently sized white bed sits against the wall. You inch over to the bed and have a seat on the edge of it. [[ Fall Asleep]] [[Watch TV]]

You lay down and shut your eyes. You are awoken by a loud knock on the door. You turn to the small alarm clock on the nightstand by the bed. It is 11:35 pm. Another knock comes from the door. You get off of the bed and slowly approach. You stop a few feet from the door. "Mr. Leich," a voice says, "I'm with the Colorado Springs Police Department, what's going on tonight?" A pit forms in your stomach. [[ "Go away!"]] [[ "It's none of your business."]]

You find the TV remote on the nightstand and turn on the television. You sit with your back against the headboard and watch the screen. An hour passes. Suddenly, a loud knock comes from the door. You turn to the small alarm clock on the nightstand by the bed. Soon after, another knock comes from the door. You get off of the bed and slowly approach. You stop a few feet from the door. "Mr. Leich," a voice says, "I'm with the Colorado Springs Police Department, what's going on tonight?" A pit forms in your stomach. [[ "Go away!"]] [[ "It's none of your business."]]

"We can't do that, Richard," the officer says. "Just talk to us. Haven't you been through enough trouble as is?" Suddenly, it hits you. All of the trouble you've gone through. The people you've hurt. The effect your absence has had on the world. And for what? You ended up cornered anyway. "Come on, Richard," the officer says, "what's going on?" [[ "I just can't do this anymore, I'm running away."]] [[ "I don't think I can talk about it."]]

"Come on, talk to me," the officer says. Suddenly, it hits you. All of the trouble you've gone through. The people you've hurt. The effect your absence has had on the world. And for what? You ended up cornered anyway. "Come on, Richard," the officer says, "what's going on?" [[ "I just can't do this anymore, I'm running away."]] [[ "I don't think I can talk about it."]]

The officer takes a moment. "Ok," he says. "What are you running away from?" [[ A Past Trauma]] [[ A Loved One]] [[ The Government]]

"Of course you can, Richard," the officer says. "There's nothing you can tell me that'll scare me or offend me or make me laugh. We just want to help you." You take a moment and sigh. "So come on," the officer says, "what are you running from?" [[ A Past Trauma]] [[ A Loved One]] [[ The Government]]

"My best friend died when we were both twelve years old," you say. "I've always blamed myself for it. Maybe I could've saved him. Maybe I could've done more. But I didn't. He's dead because of me." "It's not your fault, Richard," the officer says. "I hope you know that." //Easy for you to say//, you think. You notice a small vent against the floor of the wall. The top left screw is loose. You then look behind you to the window of the room. "We can help you, it doesn't have to be like this," the officer continues. "Just come out, and we'll talk." [[ Come Out]] [[ Crawl Through the Vent]] [[ Jump Out of the Window]]

"My father is dying," you say. "I didn't see him a lot when I was younger, as much as I tried to. And now that he needs me, I can't stand to see him like that." "I just can't do it," you say. "I'm really sorry about your father," the police officer says. You notice a small vent against the floor of the wall. The top left screw is loose. You then look behind you to the window of the room. "We can help you, it doesn't have to be like this," the officer continues. "Just come out, and we'll talk." [[ Come Out]] [[ Crawl Through the Vent]] [[ Jump Out of the Window]]

"The government," you say, "they've got UFOs. I know it, but they don't want me to say anything. If I don't do this, the government agents are going to kill me." "I already know they're following me," you say. The officer remains silent for a moment. "Thank you for telling me about that, I really appreciate it," he says. You notice a small vent against the floor of the wall. The top left screw is loose. You then look behind you to the window of the room. "We can help you, it doesn't have to be like this," the officer continues. "Just come out, and we'll talk." [[ Come Out ]] [[ Crawl Through the Vent]] [[ Jump Out of the Window]]

You open the door and step out with your hands up. Two uniformed officers place you in handcuffs and read you your rights. "I knew you'd do the right thing," one of the officers says. You spend a few weeks in custody as the courts decide what to do with you. You hire a lawyer who arranges a plea deal for you: In exchange for a guilty plea, you will serve 30 days in prison and 100 hours of community service. Given the length of time this process took, you only end up spending 6 extra days in prison. You are released back to your home. Your father is upset, but he's willing to forgive you over time. You spend your days picking up garbage on the side of the road. (text-colour:red)[''Maybe your plan didn't work out, but at least you're not dead or on the run anymore. Plus, your dad still loves you, so that's a bonus.''] [[Restart|Click Here to Start]]

You get on your knees, approach the vent, and pull out the loose screw. "Richard, are you there?" the officer asks from the other side of the door. You take a quarter from your pocket and begin to unscrew the rest. "Richard, don't make us come in there." After unscrewing the final screw, you crawl into the vent. You hurriedly scurry through the vents for several hours. Finally, you hit a vent that leads outside. You ram into it a few times before it opens. After crawling out, you stand up and begin running. Your stunt makes national headlines. Your name and face are plastered all over newspapers, television, and social media. Your father, the only family you have, publicly denounces you and your actions. Through these sources, you learn of a nationwide manhunt for you. The FBI is offering thousands of dollars as a reward to whoever brings you in first. (text-colour:red)[''Maybe you got away, but was it really worth it?''] [[Restart|Click Here to Start]]

You turn away from the door and approach the window. "Richard, are you there?" the officer asks from the other side of the door. You open the window as far as it will go. You take a seat on the windowsill, your legs dangling over the city beneath you. "Richard, don't make us come in there." You throw yourself out of the window. Everything goes black. You wake up in the hospital. The doctor informs you that you've been in a coma for two weeks. "Luckily, you blacked out before you hit the ground," the doctor says. "If you didn't, you probably would've died." Your stunt makes national headlines. Your name and face are plastered all over newspapers, television, and social media. Your father, the only family you have, publicly denounces you and your actions. You sit in your bed as the doctor tells you of their plans to commit you to a mental institution as soon as you are fully recovered. (text-colour:red)[''You may not have gotten away with it, but hey, at least you're still alive.''] [[Restart|Click Here to Start]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[(text-colour:red)[On the Run a game by Connar Cavanaugh ] [[Click Here to Start]]]

You hold out a hand. "Don't be so hasty," you say. Gerald holds the phone, his other hand hovering over the dial pad. You reach into your pocket and pull out your wallet. "I'll pay you," you say, "just please let me stay here." You open your wallet and dig through it to find a hundred-dollar bill and a single quarter. You pull out the bill and show it to Gerald. Shortly after, you put the bill and your wallet back into your pocket. He shakes his head and begins dialing. [[ Grab the phone from Gerald]] [[ Grab the Room Key and Run]]

You wrench the phone from his hands. Using the cord, you pull the rest of the phone over the counter and onto the floor. "What are you doing?! Don't touch me!" shouts Gerald. [[ "I'm sorry, I just need you to listen to me."]] [[ Intimidate Gerald]]

"What?!" Gerald says. "What could you possibly have to say?!" "There's a lot more to this than you think," you say. "I'm only running because I don't know what else to do." Gerald thinks for a moment, perplexed. "Well, what are you running from?" he asks. [[ A Past Trauma ]] [[ A Loved One ]] [[ The Government ]]

You drop the phone on the ground and slowly inch closer to Gerald until your faces are only a few feet apart. "I'm staying here tonight," you say. "What are you gonna do about it? Stop me?" Gerald cowers. "You're an evil man, Richard," Gerald says. [[ Continue to Intimidate]] [[ Grab the Room Key and Walk Away]]

You slowly walk across the room with the room key tightly clenched in your fist. Just as you're about to exit the lobby, you hear the buttons on the phone being pressed. You swiftly turn around to see Gerald on the ground. On his hands and knees, he presses the phone to his ear. "Hello, police?" he says loudly. "There's a man in my hotel that is threatening to hurt me." Your eyebrows furrow. You look down to the room key in your hand, and then back to Gerald. [[ Run Out of the Lobby]] [[ Confront Gerald]]

"Hey," you say, "you were the one that was about to refuse a paying guest service. I don't see how I'm the evil one here." You pat Gerald on the shoulder and chuckle. Gerald flinches as your hand makes contact. You grab the room key and exit the lobby. You approach a set of stairs and an elevator. You turn to see Gerald's gaze fixed on you. Gerald doesn't move or speak. He simply watches, the color drained from his face. You turn back to face the doors in front of you. //Such a tough choice,// you think. //Which way should I go?// [[ Stairs]] [[ Elevator]]

You storm towards Gerald. He throws down the phone and grabs the cord tightly with both hands. "You dumb son of a bitch!" you shout. "Why would you do that?!" Gerald remains silent. His eyes dart to you, then to the floor. You shake your head and sigh. You look to the hallway at the end of the lobby, then you look to the front entrance. //No use standing here,// you think. //I need to get out of here.// [[ Exit The Lobby]] [[ Exit The Building]]

You open the door to the stairwell and begin walking up. As you continue up, you look at the back of the key. It is labeled Room 504. You continue up the stairs until you reach the fifth floor. You exit the stairwell, find your room, and make your way inside. You immediately set down your belongings and flip on a switch. The room is small and dimly lit. A decently sized white bed sits against the wall. You inch over to the bed and have a seat on the edge of it. [[ Fall Asleep]] [[Watch TV]]

Press the button and wait for the elevator to open. As you wait, you turn your head back to the lobby. Gerald remains still. With the sound of a small chime, the door opens. You slowly and calmly step inside. You look at the back of the key. It is labeled Room 504. You press the button for the fifth floor. You exit the elevator, find your room, and make your way inside. You immediately set down your belongings and flip on a switch. The room is small and dimly lit. A decently sized white bed sits against the wall. You inch over to the bed and have a seat on the edge of it. [[ Fall Asleep]] [[Watch TV]]

You exit the lobbly and enter a hallway. You are presented with a flight of stairs or an elevator. "HEY, STOP RIGHT THERE!" Gerald shouts. He springs up to his knees and quickly approaches you. [[ Take the Stairs]] [[Take the Elevator]]

You try to run for the hallway, but your leg almost immediately catches on something. You look down to see that Gerald has wrapped the phone cord around your legs. You fall to the ground with a loud thud. Your head smacks against the marble floor. The air leaves your lungs. As you gasp for breath, you attempt to crawl forward. Before you can make it very far, Gerald jumps on top of you. You swivel your head back as far as you can to see Gerald lifting the phone with both hands. He swings it down, hitting you directly in the head. Everything goes black. When you come to, You are on the ground behind the front desk, propped up against a wall. The cord to the phone restrains your whole body. Richard sits in an office chair a few feet away, watching over you. "Good, you're awake," he says. You try to wriggle out of your restraints. The effort is wasted. [[ "What happened?"]] [[ "Let me out!"]]

You try to run for the front entrance, but your leg almost immediately catches on something. You look down to see that Gerald has wrapped the phone cord around your legs. You fall to the ground with a loud thud. Your head smacks against the marble floor. The air leaves your lungs. As you gasp for breath, you attempt to crawl forward. Before you can make it very far, Gerald jumps on top of you. You swivel your head back as far as you can to see Gerald lifting the phone with both hands. He swings it down, hitting you directly in the head. Everything goes black. When you come to, You are on the ground behind the front desk, propped up against a wall. The cord to the phone restrains your whole body. Richard sits in an office chair a few feet away, watching over you. "Good, you're awake," he says. You try to wriggle out of your restraints. The effort is wasted. [[ "What happened?"]] [[ "Let me out!"]]

Gerald chuckles. "Don't play stupid with me," he says. "The cops will be here any minute. Then you can try playing ignorant. Until then, just shut up." Your head falls. You stare at the phone cord coiled up your body. [[ "I'm sorry."]] [[ Charge Gerald]]

"Don't worry," Gerald says. "The cops will be here any minute, and then you'll never have to come back here ever again." Your head falls. You stare at the phone cord coiled up your body. [[ "I'm sorry."]] [[ Charge Gerald]]

"What do you mean?" Gerald asks. "It was never supposed to happen like this. I'm not running from you, you don't deserve any of this," you say. Gerald leans in his chair. "Well, what are you running from?" he responds. [[ A Past Trauma ]] [[ A Loved One ]] [[ The Government ]]

"I have to go to the bathroom," you say. Gerald looks at you with disgust. "Save it," he says. "It's an emergency, please," you say. Gerald sighs and rolls his eyes. "All right, fine, but make it quick," he says. Gerald helps you to your feet. As he does, you charge forward, ramming your head into his stomach. You knock him to the ground. His head smacks against the wall with a loud thud. Gerald is unconscious. You turn to the front entrance. You shuffle towards it. Just as you make your way from behind the desk, a pair of uniformed police officers enter through the door. They draw their guns and point them towards you. "CSPD!" one of the officers shouts. "Don't Move!" You freeze. [[ "You'll never take me!"]] [[ "Officers, thank God you're here, that man was trying to kill me!"]]

"Calm down, Richard," the officer says. "Just walk us through what's happening." [[ "I just wanted a place to stay."]] [[ "I didn't mean for any of this to happen."]]

"Don't lie, we know it's you, Richard," the officer says. "Dammit!" you say, shaking your head. "Calm down, Richard," the officer says. "Just walk us through what's happening." [[ "I just wanted a place to stay."]] [[ "I didn't mean for any of this to happen."]]

"I know, "the officer says. He lowers his weapon and begins to approach. "We understand you're faking your own death. So why did you come here? Why are you running?" [[ "Don't worry about it."]] [[ "I just can't deal with this stuff anymore, I need to get away."]]

"We were called here on a reported assault," the officer says, "it's our job to worry about it." You sigh and look down at your feet. "It's ok, Richard, we're here to help," the officer continues. "Now tell me, what are you running away from?" [[ The Government ]] [[ A Past Trauma ]] [[ A Loved One ]]

"Okay," the officer says, "what stuff?" You remain silent. "It's ok, Richard, we're here to help," the officer continues. "Now tell me, what are you running away from?" [[ The Government ]] [[ A Past Trauma ]] [[ A Loved One ]]

"The government," you say, "they've got UFOs. I know it, but they don't want me to say anything. If I don't do this, the government agents are going to kill me." "I already know they're following me," you say. The officer remains silent for a moment. "Thank you for telling me about that, I really appreciate it," he says. "We can help you, it doesn't have to be like this," the officer continues. "Just come with us and we can talk more." You chuckle. //Funny of him to phrase it like I have a choice,// you think. //There's no way out of this one. I just need to decide if I want it easy or rough.// [[ Turn Yourself In ]] [[ Try to Make a Run For It]]

"My best friend died when we were both twelve years old," you say. "I've always blamed myself for it. Maybe I could've saved him. Maybe I could've done more. But I didn't. I didn't. He's dead because of me." "It's not your fault, Richard," the officer says. "I hope you know that." //Easy for you to say//, you think. "We can help you, it doesn't have to be like this," the officer continues. "Just come with us and we can talk more." You chuckle. //Funny of him to phrase it like I have a choice,// you think. //There's no way out of this one. I just need to decide if I want it easy or rough.// [[ Turn Yourself In]] [[ Try to Make a Run For It]]

"My father is dying," you say. "I didn't see him a lot when I was younger, as much as I tried to. And now that he needs me, I can't stand to see him like that." "I just can't do it," you say. "I'm really sorry about your father," the police officer says. "We can help you, it doesn't have to be like this," the officer continues. "Just come with us and we can talk more." You chuckle. //Funny of him to phrase it like I have a choice,// you think. //There's no way out of this one. I just need to decide if I want it easy or rough.// [[ Turn Yourself In]] [[ Try to Make a Run For It]]

"Ok, I'm turning myself in," you say. You slowly inch towards the officers. They unwrap the cord around you, place you in handcuffs, and read you your rights. "I knew you'd do the right thing," one of the officers says. You spend a few weeks in custody as the courts decide what to do with you. You hire a lawyer who arranges a plea deal for you: In exchange for a guilty plea, you will serve 30 days in prison and 100 hours of community service. Given the length of time this process took, you only end up spending 6 extra days in prison. Your actions make national headlines. Your name and face are plastered all over newspapers, television, and social media. You are released back to your home. Your father, the only family you still have, is upset, but he's willing to forgive you over time. You spend your days picking up garbage on the side of the road. (text-colour:red)[''Maybe your plan didn't work out, but at least you're not dead or on the run anymore. Plus, your dad still loves you, so that's a bonus.''] [[Restart|Click Here to Start]]

You spin around and try to make it towards the hallway on the other side of the room. One of the officers tackles you. You hit the ground hard once again. The officers unwrap the cord around you, place you in handcuffs, and read you your rights. "You shouldn't have done that," one of the officers says. You spend a few weeks in custody as the courts decide what to do with you. You hire a lawyer who tries to defend you. Once in court, you are charged with Gerald's assault and resisting arrest, among other things. You are found guilty on all charges, and sentenced to 3 years in jail. Your actions make national headlines. Your name and face are plastered all over newspapers, television, and social media. Your father, the only family you have, publicly denounces you. As you sit on the bus that carries you to jail, you stare out the window. The trees pass you by in a blur. You wonder how much easier things would've been if you hadn't decided to run from your problems. You look down at your feet, now shackled with cuffs. (text-colour:red)[''You may not have gotten away with it, but hey, at least you're still alive.''] [[Restart|Click Here to Start]]

"My best friend died when we were both twelve years old," you say. "I've always blamed myself for it. Maybe I could've saved him. Maybe I could've done more. But I didn't. I didn't. He's dead because of me." The two of you stand in silence for a moment. "So that's what this is all about?" Gerald asks. You nod. Gerald shakes his head. "Well, what happened exactly?" [[ Tell Gerald]] [[ "That's none of your business!"]]

"My father is dying," you say. "I didn't see him a lot when I was younger, as much as I tried to. And now that he needs me, I can't stand to see him like that." "I just can't do it," you say. The two of you stand in silence for a moment. "So that's what this is all about?" Gerald asks. You nod. Gerald Chuckles. "Seems like a bit of an overreaction to me." [[ "You don't understand!"]] [[ "I know you're right. I'm sorry." ]]

"The government," you say, "they've got UFOs. I know it, but they don't want me to say anything. If I don't do this, the government agents are going to kill me." "I already know they're following me," you say. Gerald laughs. "Are you kidding me?!" he says. "That's insane." [[ "I'm serious."]] [[ "Of course you don't believe me, you're one of them!"]]

"Call the cops," you say. "I'm turning myself in." Gerald nods. "You're doing the right thing," he says. After retrieving the phone, Gerald calls the police. You sit with him until they arrive. The two of you wait for a few minutes before two uniformed police officers walk through the front entrance. You and Gerald explain what happened. The cops put you in handcuffs and read you your rights. You spend the night in custody as the courts decide what to do with you. Since the extent of your wrongdoings is fairly small, an appointed attorney is able to arrange a plea deal rather quickly; In exchange for a guilty plea, you are made to pay a $1000 fine. Your actions make national headlines. Your name and face are plastered all over newspapers, television, and social media. You are released back to your home. Your father, the only family you still have, is upset, but he's willing to forgive you. You pay the fine and move on with your life, all of this seemingly a temporary lapse in judgment. (text-colour:red)[''Maybe your plan didn't work out, but at least you're not dead or on the run anymore. Plus, your dad still loves you, so that's a bonus.''] [[Restart|Click Here to Start]]

"But now you know too," you say. "And if the cops find out what happened, they'll come looking for you too." You approach the counter. Gerald inches away, the color draining from his face. "If they found out we talked, they won't rest until me AND you are dead," you say. Gerald pauses for a moment. "So, what do you say?" you ask. "Do you want to call the cops and die here? Is that a risk you want to take?" Gerald shakes his head. "Good," you continue. "So let me go, and it'll be like this never happened." Gerald nods rapidly. You exit out the front entrance. Weeks later, you are hiding in a secluded area in Nevada. There are no further reports about your actions. As far as anyone's concerned, you've been dead for several weeks. You do, however, catch wind of Gerald going missing. All surveillance from the night was erased, and Gerald was never seen the next day. The cops discovered a show floating in a river. They determine that this shoe belonged to Gerlad, and conclude that no more of him will ever be found. (text-colour:red)[You successfully faked your own death, but at the cost of another man's life. Was it worth it?] [[Restart|Click Here to Start]]

You flash a smile at Gerald and nod. "Thank you," you say. Gerald smiles and nods back. You slip out of the front entrance. Weeks later, you are hiding in a secluded area in Nevada. There are no further reports about your actions. As far as anyone's concerned, you've been dead for several weeks. Still, you can't help but feel a sense of emptiness in your life now. You have nothing living in a dirt hole in the ground in the middle of nowhere. You spend your days listening to the wind blowing and watching tumbleweeds pass you by. You wait for something, anything, to happen, but it never does. You are entirely alone. (text-colour:red)[You successfully faked your own death, but now you have nothing. Was it really worth it?] [[Restart|Click Here to Start]]

"My best friend died when we were both twelve years old," you say. "I've always blamed myself for it. Maybe I could've saved him. Maybe I could've done more. But I didn't. I didn't. He's dead because of me." The two of you sit in silence for a moment. "So that's what this is all about?" Gerald asks. You nod. Gerald shakes his head. "Well, what happened exactly?" [[ Tell Gerald ]] [[ "That's none of your business!" ]]

"My father is dying," you say. "I didn't see him a lot when I was younger, as much as I tried to. And now that he needs me, I can't stand to see him like that." "I just can't do it," you say. The two of you sit in silence for a moment. "So that's what this is all about?" Gerald asks. You nod. Gerald Chuckles. "Seems like a bit of an overreaction to me." [[ "You don't understand!"]] [[ "I know you're right. I'm sorry." ]]

"The government," you say, "they've got UFOs. I know it, but they don't want me to say anything. If I don't do this, the government agents are going to kill me." "I already know they're following me," you say. Gerald laughs. "Are you kidding me?!" he says. "That's insane." [[ "I'm serious." ]] [[ "Of course you don't believe me, you're one of them!" ]]

"Forget about it, I'll turn myself in," you say. Gerald nods. "You're doing the right thing," he says. You sit with Gerald until the police arrive. The two of you wait for a few minutes before two uniformed police officers walk through the front entrance. Gerald explains what happened. The cops untie you, put you in handcuffs, and read you your rights. You spend a few weeks in custody as the courts decide what to do with you. You hire a lawyer who arranges a plea deal for you: In exchange for a guilty plea, you will serve 30 days in prison and 100 hours of community service. Given the length of time this process took, you only end up spending 6 extra days in prison. Your actions make national headlines. Your name and face are plastered all over newspapers, television, and social media. You are released back to your home. Your father, the only family you still have, is upset, but he's willing to forgive you. You pay the fine and move on with your life, all of this seemingly a temporary lapse in judgment. (text-colour:red)[''Maybe your plan didn't work out, but at least you're not dead or on the run anymore. Plus, your dad still loves you, so that's a bonus.''] [[Restart|Click Here to Start]]

"But now you know too," you say. "And if the cops find out what happened, they'll come looking for you too." Gerald recoils in his seat. The color drains from his face. "If they found out we talked, they won't rest until me AND you are dead," you say. Gerald pauses for a moment. "So, what do you say?" you ask. "Do you want to call the cops and die here? Is that a risk you want to take?" Gerald shakes his head. "Good," you continue. "So let me go, and it'll be like this never happened." Gerald nods rapidly. He gets out of his seat and unties you. You exit out the front entrance. Weeks later, you are hiding in a secluded area in Nevada. There are no further reports about your actions. As far as anyone's concerned, you've been dead for several weeks. You do, however, catch wind of Gerald going missing. All surveillance from the night was erased, and Gerald was never seen the next day. The cops discovered a show floating in a river. They determine that this shoe belonged to Gerlad, and conclude that no more of him will ever be found. (text-colour:red)[You successfully faked your own death, but at the cost of another man's life. Was it worth it?] [[Restart|Click Here to Start]]

You flash a smile at Gerald and nod. "Thank you," you say. Gerald smiles and nods back. He gets up from the office chair and unties you. You slip out of the front entrance. Weeks later, you are hiding in a secluded area in Nevada. There are no further reports about your actions. As far as anyone's concerned, you've been dead for several weeks. Still, you can't help but feel a sense of emptiness in your life now. You have nothing living in a dirt hole in the ground in the middle of nowhere. You spend your days listening to the wind blowing and watching tumbleweeds pass you by. You wait for something, anything, to happen, but it never does. You are entirely alone. (text-colour:red)[You successfully faked your own death, but now you have nothing. Was it really worth it?] [[Restart|Click Here to Start]]

"I know," the officer says. He lowers his weapon and begins to approach. "We understand you're faking your own death. So why did you come here? Why are you running?" [[ "Don't worry about it."]] [[ "I just can't deal with this stuff anymore, I need to get away."]]

You turn around and make your way towards the door you entered through. "Oh, sir?" Gerald calls. You stop in front of the door, and turn around. "I'm afraid you can't leave," Gerald informs you. "Why?" you ask. "Well, you already paid for the room. You can't leave without checking out," he says. [[ "Fine, I would like to check out."]] [[ Continue Toward Door]]

"All right," Gerald says, "that'll be an additional one-hundred dollars." You sigh and make your way back to the front desk. "What?" you ask. "It's company policy," Gerald explains, "an early checkout costs extra." You pull out your wallet and open it. Inside the wallet, a lone one-hundred dollar bill and nothing else. "You've gotta be kidding me," you mutter to yourself. [[ Pay for the Check Out]] [[ Walk Toward the Door]] [[ Take the Room]]

You pull out the bill and hand it to Gerald. Gerald smiles. "Thank you," he says. You roll your eyes. Gerald types on his computer for a few moments. "All right, you're all set," he says, "have a wonderful evening." You exit without speaking another word. You spend several hours walking around in the pouring rain. Eventually, you find yourself in a residential area. You come across a bus-stop bench, soaked in water. Heavy rain pounds against it. Across the street from the bench, you see a drainage ditch. A concrete top shelters from the persistent rainfall. You're cold, tired, and ready to rest for the night. [[ Sleep on the Bench]] [[ Sleep in the Drainage Ditch]]

You shake your head. "This is ridiculous," you say as you make your way to the door. As you approach the sensor, it fails to open. You look back to Gerald, who holds a remove in his hand. "What's going on?" you ask. "I'm sorry, sir," Gerald says, "I can't let you leave unless you pay for the checkout." [[ Pay for the Check Out]] [[ Take the Room]] [[ Break Through the Door]]

As you approach the door's sensor, it fails to open. You look back to Gerald, who holds a remove in his hand. "What's going on?" you ask. "I'm sorry, sir," Gerald says, "I can't let you leave unless you pay for the checkout." [[ Pay for the Check Out]] [[ Take the Room]] [[ Break Through the Door]]

You walk back to the front desk. "You know what, I've changed my mind, you say. "I'll just take the room." "Wonderful!" Gerald exclaims. He hands you the key. "Enjoy the rest of your night," he says. You shake your head and grunt. By the time you make it up to your room, your eyelids hang heavy. You drop your things on the floor and fall down onto the bed. Before you can even get underneath the covers, you fall asleep. You wake up in the morning, refreshed and eager. You take a quick shower, and turn on the news. Nothing is said about you or your whereabouts. You pick up your belongings and make your way out of the hotel, making sure to check out before you leave. Several hours later, you walk along the streets with your thumb extended outward. An old red truck stops. The kind elderly man rolls down his window and asks where you're going. "As far away from here as you'll take me," you say. The man laughs and accepts your request. You enter the car and stare out the window as you rapidly distance yourself from the life you've left behind. (text-colour:red)['' Congratulations, you got away with faking your own death''.] [[Restart|Click Here to Start]]

You lay down on the bench, your body angled awkwardly against the hostile architecture. It's not the most comfortable place to sleep, but in due time, you do drift off. You wake up in the morning, drenched in water. Rain drizzles from the sky. You look out across the street. The drainage ditch is submerged in several inches of rain water. You pick up your belongings and make your way towards the downtown area. Several hours later, you walk along the streets with your thumb extended outward. An old red truck stops. The kind elderly man rolls down his window and asks where you're going. "As far away from here as you'll take me," you say. The man laughs and accepts your request. You enter the car and stare out the window as you rapidly distance yourself from the life you've left behind. (text-colour:red)['' Congratulations, you got away with faking your own death''.] [[Restart|Click Here to Start]]

You crawl into the drainage ditch and lay underneath its concrete top. Water pools around you, but at least it isn't pouring directly onto you anymore. Plus, you don't mind sleeping on your back anyways. Unfortunately, the storm only worsens in the night. The water level begins to rise. The drainage ditch floods with several inches of water. You are completely submerged. You fail to wake up before you can do anything about it. (text-colour:red)[''You drowned to death.''] [[Restart|Click Here to Start]]

You look at the galss window, then back to Gerald. "Watch me," you say. "Excuse me?" Gerald asks. You take a few steps back, take a deep breath, and charge at the door. The glass breaks as you smash through the door. You hit the concrete sidewalk with a loud thud. Everything goes black. A few hours later, you wake up in a hospital bed. Shortly after, a police officer enters the room and asks you questions about last night. The topic of your "death" comes up as well. You are ordered to pay $2000 for the door you broke. News of your actions spreads like wildfire. People online speculate of your reasoning for running way. After paying for the door, you return to your life. Your professional career is ruined, and your father refuses to talk to you. (text-colour:red)[''You failed at faking your own death, and your life is more or less ruined.''] [[Restart|Click Here to Start]]

"Well," you begin, "we were playing by a river near his house. One thing led to another, and he fell into it. He was kicking and screaming for me to help him... but I didn't. I just sat there and watched." Gerald stares at you for a moment. "Can I tell you something?" Gerald asks. [[ "What is it?"]] [[ "I don't want to hear it."]]

Gerald nods. "You know what? You're right," he says. "Why don't you just leave?" Your eyes light up. "Really?" you ask. "Yep, get out of here," Gerald demands. "Thank you so much," you exclaim. You run out of the building. After a few hours of walking around in the rain, a police car pulls up next you. The police detain you, explaining that a man at a hotel reported your odd and seemingly sociopathic behavior. You are ordered to pay $200 for the phone you broke. News of your actions spreads like wildfire. People online speculate of your reasoning for running way. After paying for the phone, you return to your life. Your professional career is ruined, and your family refuses to talk to you. (text-colour:red)[''You failed at faking your own death, and your life is more or less ruined.''] [[Restart|Click Here to Start]]

"When I was a kid, my brother died," Gerald explains. "My mom had asked me to pick up my sister from school, but I asked him to do it so I could kee hanging out with my friends. On the way to the school, he got into a car accident. Died on impact." You look up at Gerald in silence. "For the longest time, I couldn't get over the feeling that it was my fault," Gerald continues. "If I had just done what my mother had told me to do, then none of that wouldn've happened. My brother would still be here." You look down. "I understand what you're gonig through," Gerald says. "Really, I do. It can be hard to lose something that close to you, but running away from it doesn't make things better." [[ "I know you're right. I'm sorry."]] [[ "I don't care, you don't know anything!"]]

"Ok," Gerald says. He looks down. "Just know that I understand what you're gonig through. Really, I do. It can be hard to lose something that close to you, but running away from it doesn't make things better." [[ "I know you're right. I'm sorry."]] [[ "I don't care, you don't know anything!"]]

Gerald sighs. "I'm sorry about your friend," he says. "It's ok," you say, "it's just a lot to deal with." Gerald thinks for a moment. "You can leave if you want to," he says. "I don't want to keep you here." You think for a moment. [[ Leave]] [[ Wait for the Cops]]

Gerald nods. "You know what? You're right," he says. The two of you sit in silence for a few minutes before two uniformed police officers walk through the front entrance. Gerald explains what happened. The cops untie you, put you in handcuffs, and read you your rights. You spend a few weeks in custody as the courts decide what to do with you. You hire a lawyer who arranges a plea deal for you: In exchange for a guilty plea, you will serve 30 days in prison and 100 hours of community service. Given the length of time this process took, you only end up spending 6 extra days in prison. Your actions make national headlines. Your name and face are plastered all over newspapers, television, and social media. You are released back to your home. You pay the fine and move on with your life. Your professional career is ruined, and your father refuses to talk to you. (text-colour:red)[''You failed at faking your own death, and your life is more or less ruined.''] [[Restart|Click Here to Start]]

Gerald nods. "Go to hell," he says. The two of you sit in silence for a few minutes before two uniformed police officers walk through the front entrance. Gerald explains what happened. The cops untie you, put you in handcuffs, and read you your rights. You spend a few weeks in custody as the courts decide what to do with you. You hire a lawyer who arranges a plea deal for you: In exchange for a guilty plea, you will serve 30 days in prison and 100 hours of community service. Given the length of time this process took, you only end up spending 6 extra days in prison. Your actions make national headlines. Your name and face are plastered all over newspapers, television, and social media. Word spreads about your lack of sympathy towards Gerald. You are released back to your home. You pay the fine and move on with your life. Your professional career is ruined, and your father refuses to talk to you. (text-colour:red)[''You failed at faking your own death, and your life is more or less ruined.''] [[Restart|Click Here to Start]]

"Actually, I think I do," Gerald says, raising his voice. "I've lived a long time, long enough to see both of my parents die. The two of you stand in silence for a moment. "Look, " Gerald says, "I know how tought it is to see your parents go through that, but the best thing you can do is be there for your dad. Running away isn't going to help anything" [[ "I know you're right. I'm sorry." ]] [[ "I don't care, you don't know anything!"]]

Gerald sighs. "I'm sorry about your dad," he says. "It's ok," you say, "it's just a lot to deal with." Gerald thinks for a moment. "You can leave if you want to," he says. "I don't want to keep you here." You think for a moment. [[ Leave]] [[ Wait for the Cops]]

"Yeah?" Gerald asks. "Prove it." You think for a moment. [[ Prove It]] [[ "I can't. If I say too much, the government will come after me."]]

Gerald continues to laugh. "Go ahead, space cadet, you're free to go." Your eyes light up. "Really?" you ask. "Yep, get out of here," Gerald demands. "Thank you so much," you exclaim. You run out of the building. After a few hours of walking around in the rain, a police car pulls up next you. The police take you to a hospital, explaining that a man at a hotel reported your odd and seemingly psychotic behavior. You are ordered to pay $200 for the phone you broke. News of your actions spreads like wildfire. People online speculate of your reasoning for running way. After paying for the phone, you are put into a mental institution for an indefinite amount of time. The doctors claim your crazy, but maybe they're just another part of the conspiracy. (text-colour:red)[''You failed at faking your own death, and your life is more or less ruined.''] [[Restart|Click Here to Start]]

"I saw them while I was driving by the Air Force Base," you say. You continue. "They were hauling these massive pieces of aircraft that looked unlike anything I've ever seen. They were pitch black and shaped like disks. Somebody must've saw me there, because a few black cars followed me back to my house. They've been parked outside my house ever since. I think they're trying to figure out how to work them so they can start using them in the military." Gerald slowly stops laughing. "You're serious?" he asks. You nod your head. Gerald thinks for a moment. "Well if that's true, maybe bringing in the cops is a good thing. Maybe they can help you." You chuckle. "Maybe," you say. [[ Wait for the Cops]] [[ Scare Gerald]]

"Oh yeah, of course you can't," Gerald says. He continues to laugh at you. "Go ahead, space cadet, you're free to go," he continues. Your eyes light up. "Really?" you ask. "Yep, get out of here," Gerald demands. "Thank you so much," you exclaim. You run out of the building. After a few hours of walking around in the rain, a police car pulls up next you. The police take you to a hospital, explaining that a man at a hotel reported your odd and seemingly psychotic behavior. You are ordered to pay $200 for the phone you broke. News of your actions spreads like wildfire. People online speculate of your reasoning for running way. After paying for the phone, you are put into a mental institution for an indefinite amount of time. The doctors claim your crazy, but maybe they're just another part of the conspiracy. (text-colour:red)[''You failed at faking your own death, and your life is more or less ruined.''] [[Restart|Click Here to Start]]

"Yeah?" Gerald asks. "Prove it." You think for a moment. [[ Prove It ]] [[ "I can't. If I say too much, the government will come after me." ]]

Gerald laughs even harder. "Sure thing, space cadet," he says, wiping tears from his eyes. The two of you sit for a few minutes before two uniformed police officers walk through the front entrance. Gerald explains what happened. He tells them about your conspiracy. The cops untie you, put you in handcuffs, and read you your rights. The following day, you are put into a mental institution for an indefinite amount of time. The doctors claim you're crazy, but maybe they're just another part of the conspiracy. (text-colour:red)[''You failed at faking your own death, and your life is more or less ruined.''] [[Restart|Click Here to Start]]

"Ok, I'm turning myself in," you say. You slowly inch towards the officers. They unwrap the cord around you, place you in handcuffs, and read you your rights. "I knew you'd do the right thing," one of the officers says. You spend a few weeks in custody as the courts decide what to do with you. You hire a lawyer who tries to defend you. Once in court, you are charged with Gerald's assault and resisting arrest, among other things. You are found not guilty by the reason of insanity. Your actions make national headlines. Your name and face are plastered all over newspapers, television, and social media. Your father, the only family you have, publicly denounces you. You are put into a mental institution for an indefinite amount of time. The doctors claim you're crazy, but maybe they're just another part of the conspiracy. (text-colour:red)[''You failed at faking your own death, and your life is more or less ruined.''] [[Restart|Click Here to Start]]

You spin around and try to make it towards the hallway on the other side of the room. One of the officers tackles you. You hit the ground hard once again. The officers unwrap the cord around you, place you in handcuffs, and read you your rights. "You shouldn't have done that," one of the officers says. You spend a few weeks in custody as the courts decide what to do with you. You hire a lawyer who tries to defend you. Once in court, you are charged with Gerald's assault and resisting arrest, among other things. You are found not guilty by the reason of insanity. Your actions make national headlines. Your name and face are plastered all over newspapers, television, and social media. Your father, the only family you have, publicly denounces you. You are put into a mental institution for an indefinite amount of time. The doctors claim your crazy, but maybe they're just another part of the conspiracy. (text-colour:red)[''You failed at faking your own death, and your life is more or less ruined.''] [[Restart|Click Here to Start]]

You open the door and step out with your hands up. Two uniformed officers place you in handcuffs and read you your rights. "I knew you'd do the right thing," one of the officers says. You spend a few weeks in custody as the courts decide what to do with you. You hire a lawyer who tries to defend you. You are found not guilty by the reason of insanity. Your actions make national headlines. Your name and face are plastered all over newspapers, television, and social media. Your father, the only family you have, publicly denounces you. You are put into a mental institution for an indefinite amount of time. The doctors claim you're crazy, but maybe they're just another part of the conspiracy. (text-colour:red)[''You failed at faking your own death, and your life is more or less ruined.''] [[Restart|Click Here to Start]]