You wake up in your apartment. The sky is overcast and there's a light drizzle as usual. Time to get [[ready->Morning Routine]] for the day.You climb out of bed with a groan.
(set:$showered to 0)
(set:$brushedTeeth to 0)
[[go to restroom->bathroom1]]
[[go straight to kitchen-> kitchen1]]
(if:$showered is 0)[[take a quick shower->shower1]]
(if:$brushedTeeth is 0)[[head to the sink->sink1]]
[[exit the restroom->living room]]As you stand there with the water pittering on your skin, you wonder if things could have been different.
(set: $showered to 1)
[[get out of shower->bathroom1]]
You look yourself in the mirror. You could use a shave, but what's the point.
[[brush your teeth ->bathroom1]]
[[comb your hair ->bathroom1]](if: $showered is 1)[That shower took a bit longer than expected, might not make it to work on time]
[[go make breakfast -> kitchen1]]
[[leave for work -> work1]]You cook up some eggs and toast, and brew up some coffee as you silently eat in the pale light coming through the window.
Once you wash the dishes, it's time to head to [[work-> work1]].You sit there in your cubicle with a wire running from your computer into your [[personal interface->personalInterface1]], staring at the [[screen->screen1]] in front of you with [[papers->paperwork1]] strewn about your desk. It was just another [[boring work day->afterhours1]].Just some financial reports, [[nothing unusual-> work1]].
Just a few orders from clients, and a couple contracts that need to be reviewed by your supervisor. [[Business as usual-> work1]].
As the clock strikes 5, people start to pack up for the day and leave the office.
On your way home, you stop by [["Pour Over the Pages"->bar1]].
As you sit at the bar nursing down your second bottle for the night, you notice a [[girl->loverInterest1]] sitting a few stools down looking at you.
As the evening wears on, you notice every now and then the girl keeps glancing at you.
[[Approach her->approach1]]
[[finish your drink and go home -> home2]]You weren't always one for drinking, but ever since the incident you've found yourself stopping by for a drink or two [[every day->afterhours1]].As you look up at her, she looks [[back down->afterhours1]] towards her drink.You pick up your glass and bottle, and slowly walk over to the lady.
[[Have we met before?-> doIknowyou]]
[[Is there something you want to say? -> girl'sname]]Here you are. Back at your gloomy apartment. As you lay down in bed, you can't stop thinking about that girl. There was something about her that felt... [[familiar->thoseEyes1]]."No, you just reminded me of... someone," she says as she looks up at you.
There they are. Those eyes, that you have seen before. The eyes that have stared back at you every morning in the mirror. The eyes of someone, who has felt lost and defeated before.
[[Oh, sorry to bother you-> awkwardSilence1]]
[[Was this someone important to you?->wereTheyimportant]]"Oh! No, it's just you reminded me of someone," exclaimed the girl still looking down at her drink.
[[Oh, no worries -> awkwardSilence1]]
[[Ah ok. *force out a chuckle and leave*-> home2]]You hear a quick and quiet gasp from the girl. As you look over, you can see her eyes are starting to water a little bit.
[[I'll take that as a yes. -> wereTheyImportant2]]
[[Ah I see. No worries, you don't have to say anything. ->wereTheyimportant3]]You both sit there with your drinks in hand. The din of the bar is all you hear.
[[*finish your drink and go home*-> Home2]]There you lay, in your gloomy apartment. You can't help but keep thinking about that [[girl->thoseEyes2]].She quickly wipes her eyes and finishes her drink. "Well I'll be going now," she says.
Once she's gone, you finish your drink and [[head home->home3]] before it gets too late.She turns away wiping her eyes. "Sorry," she says "I can just get emotional sometimes."
[[It's fine. It's hard to deal with the loss of a loved one.-> bothLost1]]
[[Yeah, life can be like that sometimes. *finish your drink and head home*->home3]]As you lay in bed, you can't help but wonder about that girl. Her sadness felt genuine. Whatever, you can't afford to let another person into your life. Not after... [[her->backstory9]].You hear her sniffles stop. She looks back at you.
As you sit there looking into each others eyes, you can somewhat sense the loss that you both have felt.
[[This talk was... nice. We should talk again sometime.->datePlan1]]
[[Well, guess I'll see you around? ->datePlan2]].You've seen those eyes before. They're the eyes of sadness. The eyes of the lost and defeated. [[Your eyes->backstory1]].As you let these thoughts run through your head, your hand wander up to the [[access port->backstory2]] on your forehead.The personal interface! Invented 100 years ago in 2264, it could be used for many things. A person could plug themselves into a computer via a cable and accessport on their foreheads. and use it as if they themselves were the mouse and keyboard. By the year 2300, everyone had a personal interface implanted into them at birth.The personal interface. It was supposed to usher in a new era of understanding, as people could share their stories by running a cable between each other.
[[What a joke. ->backstory3]]It turns out, when you share your memories via your access port, the other person can access all of your memories.
You try to shake out the thoughts of the girl at the bar.
You promised yourself never again will you let yourself get influenced by another women. You couldn't afford restart your life from scratch a second time.
Slowly, your eyes close as you drift into [[sleep->wakeup2]]You wake up to the light sound of rain, [[yet again->morningRoutine1]].
(set:$showered to 0)
(set:$brushedTeeth to 0)
(set:$shaved to 0)"Yeah, that would be nice," she replies.
[[*finish your drink and go home* -> home4]]"I guess so," she replies.
[[*finish your drink and go home* -> home4]]After you arrive home and have dinner, you find yourself laying in bed.
Your hand goes to the [[access port -> backstory4]] on your forehead.The personal interface was supposed to usher in a new era of understanding, as people could share memories with each other by running a cable between the two. By the year 2300, everyone got a personal interface implanted into their forehead at birth. Unfortunately, this meant that [[all memories->backstory5]] can be accessed by the other person.As you lay there touching your access port, you can't help but remember that day...
That woman took [[everything->allislost]] from you.
You swore never again from that day onward would you let someone influence you like that again. You couldn't afford to restart life from scratch a 2nd time. Even with this burning reminder on your forehead, you can't help but feel those brief few seconds of connection between you and that girl at the bar.
With your mind buzzing, you still somehow find [[sleep->wakeup3]]You wake up to the light sound of rain, [[yet again->morningRoutine3]].
(set:$showered to 0)
(set:$brushedTeeth to 0)
(set:$shaved to 0)You've seen those eyes before. They're the eyes of sadness. The eyes of the lost and defeated. [[Your eyes->backstory6]].As you lay there thinking about the girl, your hand wanders up to the [[access port->backstory7]] on your forehead. You lost your home, your bank account, everything, and she disappeared without a trace. Leaving you to rebuild [[your life->backstory5]] from scratch.The personal interface was supposed to usher in a new era of understanding, they claimed when it was invented. It allowed anyone to share [[their memories->backstory8]] by just linking a cable between each other.Just like many before you, you had to face the harsh reality of what it means to share memories. You see, when you give a person access to your memories, they can look through everything and anything.
That's what you did for your first love. Never again though. She took everything, and disappeared without a trace. Leaving you to rebuild your life from scratch.
But the girl at the bar seemed different. You feel that maybe she would understand. You slowly drift off into [[sleep->wakeup4]].You wake up to the light sound of rain, [[yet again->morningRoutine2]].
(set:$showered to 0)
(set:$brushedTeeth to 0)
(set:$shaved to 0)The memory of your first love is still fresh as you run your fingers over the [[access port->backstory10]] on your forehead.The inventors of the personal interface claimed it would usher in a new era of understanding. That on top of being able to interface with technology, people could finally share [[their memories->backstory11]] by simply running a cable between each other.Unfortunately, sharing memories meant sharing all memories. You can still feel the betrayal of waking up in the morning with the cable still attached to your forehead. That women had taken off without a trace with [[everything->allislost1]].
You swore to yourself never again would you allow yourself to be vulnerable, but there was something about that girl that felt special.
You slowly [[doze off->wakeup5]].She had taken all of your money, your bank credentials, everything. All of it, including her, was gone, and you were left alone to [[rebuild your life->backstory11]] from scratch.You wake up to the light sound of rain, [[yet again->morningRoutine4]].
(set:$showered to 0)
(set:$brushedTeeth to 0)
(set:$shaved to 0)It's time to get ready for the day. It's never good to show up late to work.
[[go to restroom->bathroom2]]
[[go straight to kitchen-> kitchen2]] It's time to get ready for the day. It's never good to show up late to work.
[[go to restroom->bathroom3]]
[[go straight to kitchen-> kitchen3]]
It's time to get ready for the day. It's never good to show up late to work.
[[go to restroom->bathroom4]]
[[go straight to kitchen-> kitchen4]] It's time to get ready for the day. It's never good to show up late to work.
[[go to restroom->bathroom5]]
[[go straight to kitchen-> kitchen5]] (if:$showered is 0)[[take a quick shower->shower2]]
(if:$brushedTeeth is 0)[[head to the sink->sink2]]
[[exit the restroom->living room1]]You cook up some eggs and toast, and brew up some coffee as you silently eat in the pale light coming through the window.
Once you wash the dishes, it's time to head to [[work-> work2]].(if:$showered is 0)[[take a quick shower->shower3]]
(if:$brushedTeeth is 0)[[head to the sink->sink3]]
[[exit the restroom->living room2]]You cook up some eggs and toast, and brew up some coffee as you silently eat in the pale light coming through the window.
Once you wash the dishes, it's time to head to [[work-> work4]].(if:$showered is 0)[[take a quick shower->shower5]]
(if:$brushedTeeth is 0)[[head to the sink->sink5]]
[[exit the restroom->living room4]]You cook up some eggs and toast, and brew up some coffee as you silently eat in the pale light coming through the window.
Once you wash the dishes, it's time to head to [[work-> work5]].(if:$showered is 0)[[take a quick shower->shower4]]
(if:$brushedTeeth is 0)[[head to the sink->sink4]]
[[exit the restroom->living room3]]You cook up some eggs and toast, and brew up some coffee as you silently eat in the pale light coming through the window.
Once you wash the dishes, it's time to head to [[work-> work4]].The warm water patters off of your skin. It feels [[nice->bathroom2]].You look yourself in the mirror. (if: $shaved is 0)[You could use a shave.]
[[brush your teeth ->bathroom2]]
[[comb your hair ->bathroom2]]
(if: $shaved is 0)[[shave ->shaving1]](if: $showered is 1)[That shower took a bit longer than expected, might not make it to work on time]
[[go make breakfast -> kitchen2]]
[[leave for work -> work2]]The warm water patters off of your skin. It feels [[nice->bathroom3]].You look yourself in the mirror. (if: $shaved is 0)[You could use a shave.]
[[brush your teeth ->bathroom3]]
[[comb your hair ->bathroom3]]
(if:$shaved is 0)[[shave ->shaving2]](if: $showered is 1)[That shower took a bit longer than expected, might not make it to work on time]
[[go make breakfast -> kitchen3]]
[[leave for work -> work4]]The warm water patters off of your skin. It feels [[nice->bathroom5]].You look yourself in the mirror. (if: $shaved is 0)[You could use a shave.]
[[brush your teeth ->bathroom5]]
[[comb your hair ->bathroom5]]
(if: $shaved is 0)[[shave ->shaving3]](if: $showered is 1)[That shower took a bit longer than expected, might not make it to work on time]
[[go make breakfast -> kitchen5]]
[[leave for work -> work4]]The warm water patters off of your skin. It feels [[nice->bathroom4]].You look yourself in the mirror. (if: $shaved is 0)[You could use a shave.]
[[brush your teeth ->bathroom4]]
[[comb your hair ->bathroom4]]
(if: $shaved is 0)[[shave ->shaving4]](if: $showered is 1)[That shower took a bit longer than expected, might not make it to work on time]
[[go make breakfast -> kitchen4]]
[[leave for work -> work5]]Another boring day at work. [[paperwork->paperwork4]] and financial reports [[as usual->afterhours4]].Another boring day at work. [[paperwork->paperwork3]] and financial reports [[as usual->afterhours3]].Another boring day at work. [[paperwork->paperwork2]] and financial reports [[as usual->afterhours2]].(set: $shaved to 1)
It's been a while since you've done this. [[Feels kind of nice. ->sink3]](set: $shaved to 1)
It's been a while since you've done this. [[Feels kind of nice. ->sink2]](set: $shaved to 1)
It's been a while since you've done this. [[Feels kind of nice. ->sink4]](set: $shaved to 1)
It's been a while since you've done this. [[Feels kind of nice. ->sink5]]Just a few orders from clients, and a couple contracts that need to be reviewed by your supervisor. [[Business as usual-> work5]].
The clock strikes five, and you leave the office with the rest of your coworkers.
As per usual, you stop by [["Pour Over the Pages"->bar2]] for a drink.You enter the bar.
[[*sit down and order a drink*->second encounter]]
[[Look around for the girl->search1]]You take a seat at the bar and order yourself a drink.
"Here you go," you hear from a familiar voice.
As you look up, you see it's the girl from yesterday.
[[*smile* Thanks. I didn't catch your name the other day.-> fatedEncounter1]]As you look around the main seating area, you don't see the girl anywhere.
It looks like meeting that girl was just a coincidence. Of course, you wouldn't see her again.
[[*go to the bar and order a drink->second encounter]]"Name's Sarah" says the girl.
"What's got you smiling?"
[[Nothing. I just enjoyed our conversation yesterday. It was nice.->fatedEncounter2]]
[[Nothing. Are you available after work?->fateEncounter2.5]]"I see," she says, "Well, maybe we can talk a little bit more after my shift."
[[That would be nice.->talkAfterwork1]]
[[I'm a little busy. How about I take you out sometime?->maybe1]]"Hmm, pretty much."
"Why?"
[[I just want to talk a little bit more.->talkAfterwork1]]
[[I was thinking we could head back to my place.->middleEnding1]]As the evening wears on, people are starting to leave the bar. Sarah steps out from the restroom after changing out of her uniform.
"Alright so what did you want to talk about?"
[[I want to know if maybe, you would like to go on a date tomorrow.->maybe2]]
[[I'm just wondering if you would like to come to my place for the night.->middleEnding1]]"Hmm. I don't know. Let me think about it."
[[We could just head back to my place for tonight.->middleEnding1]]
[[I was thinking I could take us to some restaraunt, where can learn more about eachother.->scheduleDate1]]"Hmm, I don't know," Sarah says as she looks away and steps back a little bit.
[[It's fine if you don't want to.->middleEnding3]]
[[Come on. I just want to get to know you.->middleEnding2]]"I've been hurt before, but after our conversation yesterday I think I'm willing to open up again. To open up to you," you tell her.
Her eyes start to water as she looks up at you.
[[Oh! I'm sorry for pushing this onto you.->connection1]]
[[If not that's okay, I understand.->connection1]]"I would love to," she says, "it's just my partner was never honest about his feelings with me."
With a smile on her face, she hugs you [[good-bye->bestHome1]].
The clock strikes five, and you leave the office with the rest of your coworkers.
As per usual, you stop by [["Pour Over the Pages"->bar3]] for a drink.You enter the bar.
[[*sit down and order a drink*->second encounter2]]
[[Look around for the girl->search2]]You take a seat at the bar and order yourself a drink.
"Here you go," you hear from a familiar voice.
As you look up, you see it's the girl from yesterday.
[[*smile* Thanks. I didn't catch your name the other day.-> fatedEncounter3]]As you look around the main seating area, you don't see the girl anywhere.
It looks like meeting that girl was just a coincidence. Of course, you wouldn't see her again.
[[*go to the bar and order a drink->second encounter2]]"Name's Sarah" says the girl.
"What's got you smiling?"
[[Nothing. I just enjoyed our conversation yesterday. It was nice.->fatedEncounter4]]
[[Nothing. Are you available after work?->fateEncounter4.5]]Just a few orders from clients, and a couple contracts that need to be reviewed by your supervisor. [[Business as usual-> work4]].
"I see," she says, "Well, maybe we can talk a little bit more after my shift."
[[That would be nice.->talkAfterwork2]]
[[I'm a little busy. How about I take you out sometime?->maybe1]]"Yeah," she says, "My shift ends in [[a few hours->talkAfterwork2]]."
As the evening wears on, the bar patrons start to head home. Sarah steps out of the bathroom after she's finished changing out of her uniform.
"So what do you want to talk about," she asks.
[[I was wondering if maybe you would like to go on a date with me.->scheduleDate1]]
[[I was wondering if maybe you would like to come to my place for tonight->middleEnding1]]"Oh," she exclaims. You can barely hear her as she softly tells you, "I don't think I'm ready for another relationship. Not after what happened the first time. Give me some time to think about it."
[[It's fine. Take as long as you want. I'll be waiting for that day.->connection1.5]]As she hears this, she looks up at you. Her eyes are starting to well up with tears.
"My first partner was never that kind to me," she says between gasps.
[[*comfort her*->connection1.75]]As you put your arm around her to comfort her, she dips away from you, while wiping her eyes.
As she pulls herself back together she tells if she's ready for a date, she'll let you know [[later->timeskip1]]Just a few orders from clients, and a couple contracts that need to be reviewed by your supervisor. [[Business as usual-> work2]].
The clock strikes five, and you leave the office with the rest of your coworkers.
As per usual, you stop by [["Pour Over the Pages"->bar4]] for a drink.You enter the bar.
[[*sit down and order a drink*->second encounter5]]
[[Look around for the girl->search3]]You take a seat at the bar and order yourself a drink.
As you look up, you see it's the girl from yesterday.
You see on her name tag her name's Sarah.
[[Thanks.-> Encounter1]]As you look around the main seating area, you don't see the girl anywhere.
It looks like meeting that girl was just a coincidence. Of course, you wouldn't see her again.
[[*go to the bar and order a drink->second encounter5]][[I think I saw you here yesterday.->Encounter2]]
[[Would you mind if we talked a little bit after your shift is done?->redemption1]]"Oh yeah. It was my day off," she says.
[[I see. I know this is a bit random, but would you like to go out sometime and we could be learn a bit more about each other?->middleEnding2]]
[[I see. I don't want to come off strong, but do you want to head to my place after your shift?->badEnding1]]."Umm, sure?" she says with a quizzical look on her face.
"I should be done in [[a few hours->redemptionAfterHours1]]."
Alright so i'm still figuring out how I'm going to structure this. this branch came to me as I was about to submit this assignment. I'm thinking this branch can serve as a way for players who didn't bother talking to the girl in the first place to get to the good ending or at least the middle ending. It will definitely take some planning though as to make the character interactions seem semismooth and not forced."No thanks," she exclaims, "I'm good."
She rushes off as you're left [[alone->nothingEnding1]]."Sure," she exclaims with a grin, "we can go after my shift."
[[Really? That's great!->badShift1]]You wake up the next day. The sky is overcast, yet again. However, you can't remember the last time you've been excited to [[get your day started->bestMorningRoutine1]]You climb out of bed with a pep in your step.
(set:$showered to 0)
(set:$brushedTeeth to 0)
[[*go to the bathroom*->bestBathroom1]]
[[*go straight to the kitchen*->bestKitchen1]](if:$showered is 0)[[take a quick shower->bestshower1]]
(if:$brushedTeeth is 0)[[head to the sink->bestsink1]]
[[exit the restroom->best living room]]You cook up some eggs and toast, and brew up some coffee as you silently eat in the pale light coming through the window.
Once you wash the dishes, it's time to head to [[work-> bestwork1]].The warm water patters off of your skin. It feels [[nice->bestBathroom1]].You look yourself in the mirror. (if: $shaved is 0)[You could use a shave.]
[[brush your teeth ->bestBathroom1]]
[[comb your hair ->bestBathroom1]]
(if: $shaved is 0)[[shave ->bestshave1]](if: $showered is 1)[That shower took a bit longer than expected, might not make it to work on time]
[[go make breakfast ->bestKitchen1]]
[[leave for work -> bestwork1]](set: $shaved to 1)
It's been a while since you've done this. [[Feels kind of nice. ->bestsink1]]Today seems like a rather slow work day. As the day creeps closer to five, you just need to forward some [[papers->bestDeal1]] to your boss, and you should be able to [[head out->bestBar1]].Those contracts turned out to be satisfactory by the clients, and it looks like you might be able to secure a pretty nice deal for the [[company-> bestwork1]].You hurriedly park your car in front of "Pour Over the Pages", and walk [[inside->bestInside1]].You sit at the bar, and there's Sarah greeting you with a smile.
Unforunately, the bar is rather crowded as it is a Friday, so she can't talk for long.
[[Just grabbing a drink before I head home to get ready for our date.->bestDateprep]]"Alright," she says, "I'll see you after my shift."
[[*finish your drink*->bestDateprep1]]
[[*take the can home*->bestDateprep1]]
(set: $cologne to 0)You stand there in front of your mirror. It's been ages since you've dressed up for a date. Fortunately, you didn't let the past few years drag you down too hard, so all of your nice clothes still fit. Now, you just a few more things and you're [[ready to go->commencebestDate1]].
(if:$brushedTeeth is 0)[[*brush your teeth*->bestsink2]]
[[*put on cologne*->cologneTime1]]Don't want bad breath for [[your date->bestDateprep1]].(set: $cologne to $cologne+1)
Just a little touch here and there. Don't want the smell to be too strong during your [[date->bestDateprep1]].
You stop by the bar towards the end of Sarah's shift. As you pull up to the building, you see her coming out. She climbs into your car.
(if: $cologne is >=3)[Sarah pinches her nose.]
(if: $cologne is not 0)["Wow, something smell's good," she exclaims with a giggle.]
"So, where are we headed?" she asks.
[[We can try out the new restaurant down town.->bestRestaurant1]]
[[We could catch a movie at the Cinema.->bestCinema1]]You arrived at the restaurant and fortunately they had available seating.
The place had nice music playing, and the food was phenomenal. As the two of you were eating, you were able to [[talk and learn a bit more->sarah'sStory1]] about each other.The movie was great. As you exit the cinema and walk around the plaza, the two of you are able to [[talk and learn a bit more->sarah'sStory1]] about each other."This was the most amazing night I've had in a long time," Sarah said with a grin.
"I didn't know a relationship could be this nice," she says as her face droops to a more somber expression.
[[*reach for her hand*->sarah'sStory2]]
[[Are you okay? I'm here to listen if you want.->sarah'sStory2.5]]She seems to snap out of her daze.
She apologizes, "Sorry, I didn't mean to spoil our date."
[[Don't be. I'm here for you if you need someone to talk to.->sarah'sStory3]]
She snaps out of her daze, and you can see her eyes are starting to tear up.
"No, it's fine," she tells you, "I don't want to cause a scene out in public."
[[Well, we can head back to my place if you want.->bestDateres1]]As she hears your words, you can see tears are starting to well up in her eyes.
[[Come on, we can talk about it at my place.->bestDateres1]]There you are at your apartment with Sarah. As you two sit together on your bed, she finally let's the tears flow, as she tells you about her [[experiences->sarah'sBackstory]].She tells you everything. She tells you about how her previous partner was always mean to her and would sometimes spend countless hours screaming at her for any mistakes or faults, how her previous partner eventually proved to have been unfaithful to her, and how she was always scared to be around him.
[[*comfort her until she calms down*->bestEnding.5]]As you sit and listen to her story, she calms down after an hour.
Sarah eventually asks you, "What about you? You said you've been hurt before." With a sigh, you tell her that in your previous relation you were left hurt and alone. How you trusted your ex enough to share a link cable, and how that eventually proved to be your biggest mistake.
"That's terrible," Sarah says as she hugs closer to you.
[[Yeah, but like I said. I'm willing to love again as long as it's with you.->bestEnding1]]As you tell her this, you extend a shaky hand to her with a link cable in it.
"Are you sure?" asks Sarah.
As she looks at the cable in your hand, and back at your face she realizes how much you're willing to do to prove your love to her.
You plug the link cable into your interface and she does the same on her end.
As you two lay there within the tender embrace of the other, you both slowly fall [[asleep->bestEndingEpilogue]].The next day, as you wake up you feel the personal interface still plugged into your forehead. Your heart begins to race as you turn to look at the [[other side of the bed->bestEndingEpilogue2]].
As you turn, there you see Sarah stirring awake with a smile on her face. You're relieved to know that your trust wasn't broken. The two of you can tell as you look into each other's eyes, that this a relationship that will stay. As you lay back down, you can see out the window. It's a sunny day for once.
The EndAs a couple weeks go by, you continue with your daily routine. You would rarely ever see Sarah at the bar. The few times you were able to meet her, the bar would be crowded and there wouldn't be much time for conversation. You're starting to worry if [[maybe you scared her by coming on too strong->endTimeskip]].
One day, you're just about finishing your last drink for the evening and are about to head out, when suddenly Sarah in front of your seat at the bar.
"Sorry, it's been a few days, but I think I'm ready for a date," she tells you, "I'm free tomorrow if that works.
[[That's great. I'll pick you up after your shift.->secondBest1]]As she walks away, you get up from your bar stool and saunter out of the bar. It took weeks for her to say yes, but now you won't ruin [[your chance->bestHome1]].You can tell she's deeply considering things as she stands there shifting back and forth. Eventually she tells you, [["I'll do it."->middleEnding4]][[Nothing really came->nothingEnding2]] much out of your encounter with Sarah.You could alway try to get to know her again, but based on the few conversations you still have with her, you feel that maybe it's best not to push. Afterall, it's nice to have someone to talk to every now and then.
The EndAs the evening wears on and the number of bar patrons starts to dwindle, Sarah finishes up clearing down the bar and goes to change out of her uniform.
Once she's done she tells you she's ready to go.
With a perk in her step, she walks with you to your car as you drive [[home with her->badHome1]]As the two of you sit together on your bed, she asks you, "So what did you have in mind?"
[[I was thinking we could talk a bit, maybe have some fun together.->badNight1]]"Why talk," she asks, "when we can share?"
She extends a link cable out to you.
As you eye the cable in her hand, you start to worry a bit.
"If not it's fine, this can just be a one time thing and we can just part ways and say goodbye afterwards," she tells you, "afterall, you can't have a relationship without trust, right?"
[[No, I'll do it.->badSucker1]]
[[I would just rather not share everything yet, you know?->lastSecond1]]"Glad to hear it," she exclaims, "Now let's have some fun."
It was a wild night filled with passion. As the two of you lay there in bed, you finally plug the cable into your personal interface and she does the same. As the two of you lay there with the cable in between, you slowly drift off into [[sleep->worstMorning1]]."Alright then I'll be on my way," Sarah says as she gets up and walks towards the door.
"Tell me when you're more ready to trust," she says, [["See you around."->nothingEnding1]]
You wake up and feel the link cable still attached to your forehead. Your heart starts to drop as you turn to look at the other side of the bed. Sarah's no where to be seen. All that's left is a little not that says "Thanks for the tip."
As you jump out of bed and rush to your computer, you realize you've made the same mistake again. You misread. Those weren't the eyes of loss and defeat. It was the eyes of a cold, heartless abyss.
It was all gone. All of your savings and investments were gone.
The EndAs the two of you go arrive back at your apartment, Sarah asks, "So, what now?"
[[I just wanted some place more private to talk.->middleEnding5]]"Oh," she says with her eyes tearing up a bit.
[[Is something the matter?->middleEnding6]]"No," she says wiping away her tears, "It's just some memories. It's nothing. We can just get the night going. I don't want to ruin anything."
[[It's not nothing. Your feelings matter.->middleGoodEnding1]]
[[Alright then...->middleEnding7]]With these words, Sarah finally breaks down. Between sobs, she tells you everything about her past relationship. She tells you about how she came home every night to a tense atmosphere. How every conversation felt like it was on the brink of exploding into an argument. How her previous boyfriend found every excuse to scream at her and berate her.
[[*reach out to comfort her*->trueRedemption1]]
[[*sit and wait for her to calm down*->middleEnding7]]The night goes on. You and Sarah eventually engage in a bit of passion, but ultimately nothing comes much of it. Although the chemistry wasn't there, you still see Sarah everyday at the bar, and the two of you still talk often. Even if this didn't result in anything intimate, at least you know you're ready to get back out there and find the perfect girl for you.
The EndAs your arm touches her shoulder, she leans into your body, and the two of you sit there with just the sound of her gentle crying to [[fill the silence->trueRedemption2]].As the sky gets darker and the bar gets emptier, Sarah shift finally comes to an end. After she changes out of her uniform, she meets back up with you.
"So what did you need me for?" she asks.
[[I didn't want to sound too brash the other day, but I really want to get to know you better.->redemptionAfterHours2]]
[[I wanted to ask you out the other day, but I wasn't sure how. I was thinking maybe we can head back to my place and have a little fun tonight.->middleEnding2]]"Oh," she asks, "what did you have in mind?"
She eyes you up and down. You can feel her gaze almost as if she were analyzing every move you made.
[[I was thinking I could take you out sometime and we could just do what we're doing now. We can just talk and maybe learn a bit about each other.->redemptionMaybe1]]
[[I was thinking we can head back to my place. We could talk a little bit. Have a little bit of fun.->middleEnding2]]Sarah then stands there pondering her options. The air is getting colder, and the night seems to be at a standstill as you wait for her response.
"Alright I guess," she says somewhat reluctantly, "I guess one date won't hurt."
[[Perfect! I'll pick you up after your shift tomorrow.->redemptionMorning1]]You wake up the next day. The sky is overcast, yet again. However, you can't remember the last time you've been excited to [[get your day started->redMorningRoutine2]]You climb out of bed with a pep in your step.
(set:$showered to 0)
(set:$brushedTeeth to 0)
[[*go to the bathroom*->redBathroom1]]
[[*go straight to the kitchen*->redKitchen1]](if:$showered is 0)[[take a quick shower->redshower1]]
(if:$brushedTeeth is 0)[[head to the sink->redsink1]]
[[exit the restroom->red living room]]You cook up some eggs and toast, and brew up some coffee as you silently eat in the pale light coming through the window.
Once you wash the dishes, it's time to head to [[work-> redwork1]].The warm water patters off of your skin. It feels [[nice->redBathroom1]].You look yourself in the mirror. (if: $shaved is 0)[You could use a shave.]
[[brush your teeth ->redBathroom1]]
[[comb your hair ->redBathroom1]]
(if: $shaved is 0)[[shave ->redshave1]](if: $showered is 1)[That shower took a bit longer than expected, might not make it to work on time]
[[go make breakfast ->redKitchen1]]
[[leave for work -> redwork1]](set: $shaved to 1)
It's been a while since you've done this. [[Feels kind of nice. ->redsink1]]Today seems like a rather slow work day. As the day creeps closer to five, you just need to forward some [[papers->redDeal1]] to your boss, and you should be able to [[head out->redBar1]].Those contracts turned out to be satisfactory by the clients, and it looks like you might be able to secure a pretty nice deal for the [[company-> redwork1]].You hurriedly park your car in front of "Pour Over the Pages", and walk [[inside->redInside1]].You sit at the bar, and there's Sarah greeting you with a smile.
Unforunately, the bar is rather crowded as it is a Friday, so she can't talk for long.
[[Just grabbing a drink before I head home to get ready for our date.->redDateprep]]"Alright," she says, "I'll see you after my shift."
[[*finish your drink*->redDateprep1]]
[[*take the can home*->redDateprep1]]
(set: $cologne to 0)You stand there in front of your mirror. It's been ages since you've dressed up for a date. Fortunately, you didn't let the past few years drag you down too hard, so all of your nice clothes still fit. Now, you just a few more things and you're [[ready to go->redcommencebestDate1]].
(if:$brushedTeeth is 0)[[*brush your teeth*->redsink2]]
[[*put on cologne*->redcologneTime1]]You stop by the bar towards the end of Sarah's shift. As you pull up to the building, you see her coming out. She climbs into your car.
(if: $cologne is >=3)[Sarah pinches her nose.]
(if: $cologne is not 0)["Wow, something smell's good," she exclaims with a giggle.]
"So, what's the plan?" she asks.
"I was thinking we can go see the [[Unity day->unityDay1]] fireworks [[together->redFirstDate1]].Don't want bad breath for [[your date->redDateprep1]].(set: $cologne to $cologne+1)
Just a little touch here and there. Don't want the smell to be too strong during your [[date->redDateprep1]].
Unity day is an international holiday, where people celebrate the invention of the personal interface as it ushered in a new era of "understanding". It ultimately ended many social injustices and overall brought people [[together->redcommencebestDate1]] despite the unforeseen side effects of the invention.The fireworks were beautiful. There wasn't much said between the two of you during the fireworks display. As the the finale of the display was winding down and the sky was lit up, you can see a smile start to spread across Sarah's face, but it didn't last long as the display had came to an [[end->middleEnding4]] and things went dark again.Eventually, she stops crying.
"Sorry I've ruined the mood," she says, "I guess I should go."
[[Don't be sorry. I'll always be here for you if you need someone to talk to.->trueRedemption3]]
A few weeks go by, and you and Sarah talk to each other every day. Eventually, you decide to invite her back to your place again, and she [[accepts the invitation->trueRedemption4]].As the two of you sit there watching a movie on your television screen, Sarah finally breaks the silence. She talks about that first date the two of you had on the night of the fireworks.
"Why did you decide to stick with me after I ruined that night?" she asks staring up at your face for a response.
[[*sigh* "It's better if I just show you."->bestEnding1]]