''Relation''
You wake up and check your [[phone]]. Today's the day you travel 3,000 miles away from home to college. On your lockscreen is your signifcant other, Riley, who's going to college a city away, unlike you.
You sit up and gaze and the photos on the wall, so many of them hold memories of you and Riley. It's weird to think you'll go from spending almost everyday with them, to almost no days at all.
[[Get dressed.]]
(set: $riley = 5)
(set: $jo = 5)You get [[dressed]] and head outside with your things to find Riley standing at the [[car]]. It's time to say your last goodbyes.
''Riley'': I'm gonna miss you.
''You'': I'll miss you too.
You give each other one last embrace and drive off with your parents. The next time you see each other will be Christmas.
[[Fast forward.]]You return to the dorms late after a full day of [[lectures and discussions]]. You glance at your phone to see that it's already 10 o'clock.
[[Send Riley a text.]] It's 7PM back home and they're probably still awake.
[[Go to sleep.->not exhaust]] You're tired and have another long day tomorrow. Riley will probably understand if you don't text them tonight. ''You'': long day today. im exhaaauusteddd
''Riley'': finally! i wanna see ur face :D
[[Facetime Riley.]] You're tired but you can probably muster up the energy to spend an hour or two talking to Riley. Your roommate, Jo, is staying at a friend's place so you wouldn't be bothering anyone.
[[Don't facetime Riley.]] You still have that [[big day tomorrow]] and should probably get a good night's rest. You lose track of time talking to Riley about [[anything and everything]]. After the call is over, you realize it's 1AM and you have to get up in 6 hours. Maybe that wasn't such a good idea, but you love talking to Riley, and you don't want to drift apart like other long distance relationships.
[[Go to bed.->exhaustion]]
(set: $riley = $riley + 2)''You'': i gotta wake up early tmr :/ facetime next time i promise
''Riley'': aw okay
One of the things you love about Riley is [[how understanding they can be]] and you don't want to take that for granted. You spend a few minutes talking about how both of your days went before exhaustion tells you it's time to sleep.
''You'': goodnight :) i love u
''Riley'': gnight i love u too
You drift off into sleep, thinking about going home for Christmas and seeing Riley.
[[Another day.->not exhaust]]
(set: $riley += 1)Regardless of whether that video call was [[worth it or not]], you're definitely feeling the lack of sleep. It's hard to pay attention throughout your meetings today, but you do your best and head to the dining hall with Jo, your roommate.
[[Send Riley a picture of your dinner.]] You miss Riley and you wanna talk. Simple as that.
[[Get to know Jo.]] You and Jo are still getting used to being around each other and grabbing dinner together would be a good chance to bond.
Good thing you slept early, today was packed full of meeting new people and that took a lot of energy out of you. Jo, your roommate, sees you at the dining hall and joins you at your table for dinner.
[[Send Riley a picture of your dinner.]] You miss Riley and you wanna talk. Simple as that.
[[Get to know Jo.]] You and Jo aren't used to being around each other yet and this would be a good chance to bond.
You snap a picture of the [[bright orange mac and cheese]] you get from the dining hall and send it to Riley.
''Riley'': yikes..y is it so orange?
''You'': idk but it's pretty good
You spend the entire time on your phone texting Riley, not noticing when [[Jo tries to start a conversation]]. By the time you finish dinner, you realize Jo has already gone back to the dorms. Maybe ignoring them wasn't the right move, but things between you two can get better.
[[Go back to your dorm.]]
(set: $riley += 1)
(set: $jo -= 1)Riley is important to you and you both miss each other immensely, but that doesn't mean you should neglect other relationships. You and Jo have a good time at dinner, not even noticing time go by until one of the dining hall employees tell you they're closing. Had you decided not to talk to Jo, you wouldn't have know that they used to have [[pet sharks]]!
[[Head back to the dorms. ->showers.]]
(set: $jo += 1)You walk in to see Jo at their desk.
[[Talk to Jo.]] Jo is a chill roommate and you want to apologize for not noticing them go.
[[Don't talk to Jo.]] Jo knows you miss Riley a lot and should understand why you talked to Riley. Jo should've said they were leaving. After a quick shower, you notice a [[missed call]] from Riley.
[[Call Riley back.]] You know Jo prefers if you weren't on the phone when they were in the room. Jo likes a quiet space so calling Riley might upset them.
[[Text Riley.]] You want to respect Jo's preferences for a quiet room but still want to talk to Riley. You can send Riley a text explaining yourself and things will be good.
[[Don't call Riley back.]] You're too tired to grab your phone and talk to Riley. You want some alone time. Riley's understanding so you're sure they won't be mad. You ask Jo if they want to talk about what happened earlier at the dining hall and luckily they do. You explain that you still want to be friends and get to know them.
Jo forgives you almost immediately and the two of you talk about other things. You actually enjoy talking to Jo and learn that they used to spend [[summers in Australia]]!
After a couple hours, Jo decides to head to the showers and you notice that you've missed a call from Riley.
[[Call Riley back. -> Call riley back2]] You have the room to yourself for a while and now would be a good time to talk before Jo gets back.
[[Text Riley.]] It's a little late and you aren't feelling up to calling Riley, but still want to talk. You can send them a text explaining yourself and things will be good.
[[Don't call Riley back.]] You're too tired to grab your phone and talk to Riley. You just wanna chill and relax. Riley's understanding so you're sure they won't be mad.
(set: $jo += 1)You walk past Jo and relax on your bed. You don't really care about Jo as long as they dont mess with your [[side of the room]]. If Jo has a problem, Jo can confront you about it. Otherwise, they're just someone who lives in the same room as you.
[[Sleep.->Fast forward again.]]
(set: $jo -= 1)You and Riley talk for a couple hours, somehow going from how your day was to the type of house the two of you want to live in. Hearing Riley talk about living together one day makes you wish Christmas would come faster. Eventually, you end the call and get ready for bed. Jo seems a little annoyed but doesn't say anything to you.
[[Fast forward again.]]
(set: $jo -= 1)
(set: $riley += 2)You send Riley a text.
''You'': hey sorry i missed ur call. was spending time with Jo
''Riley'': its all good, how was ur day?
You and Riley text for a couple hours, somehow going from how your day was to the type of house the two of you want to live in. When the two of you say good night, you glance at one of the photos you have of Riley, noting how windy that day was as you drift into sleep.
[[Fast forward again.]]
(set: $riley += 1)The next day, you don't hear a word from Riley. It's probably because you didn't say anything after you missed that call. You decide to send a text.
''You'': hey
''You'': u okay?
''Riley'': u didnt return my call or send a text :(
''You'': i know and im sorry, i was really tired yesterday
Riley explains how they felt after you ignored their call, and you promise to make it up to them. Eventually, you get Riley to forgive you and you both talk about your days. After your talk, you make a mental note not to do that again if you still want to stay together.
[[Fast forward again.]]
(set: $riley -=2)You and Riley talk for a bit until [[Jo comes in]]. Riley knows about how Jo likes a quiet room, so the two of you continue the conversation through text. The conversation ranged from how your day was to the type of house the two of you want to live in. Hearing Riley talk about [[living together]] one day makes you wish Christmas would come faster. Eventually, you call it a day and get ready for bed.
[[Fast forward again.]]
(set: $riley += 2)(if: $riley <=6)[Things have been a little rocky between you and Riley, but you're determined to do as much as you can to make things better.](else:)[You and Riley are still going strong, and you're sure that the two of you will still be together by Christmas.]
(if: $jo <5)[You and Jo, on the other hand, aren't doing too well. If you still want to be Jo's friend and not just a roommate, you should probably talk to them some more.](else:)[Jo is a good friend and is there for you when things get rough. The two of you have really bonded while living together and you're happy to have gotten Jo as a roommate.
]
The past few days have been really [[stressful]] for you so you decide to take a small break.
[[Spend time with Jo.]] Looks like Jo is sewing together a jacket. Maybe you can help Jo out and strengthen your friendship.
[[Call Riley.]] Riley has been working on a [[big project]] and might not have time to talk. There's a chance you won't get an answer.You don't want to bother Riley, so you choose to check out what Jo's been doing. Jo really likes fashion, and sews as a hobby. You glance over at their side of the room and see Jo struggling to pin two fabrics together.
''You'': Want some help?
''Jo'': Yes please, can you to hold these together so I can pin them?
While holding the two fabrics together, Jo pokes you with a pin. Your finger starts to bleed, and Jo apologizes immediately, grabbing the first aid kit.
[[Get angry at Jo.]] These few days have been stressing you out and you've had enough. You're going to let Jo have it.
[[Forgive Jo.]] As stressed out as you are with life, you know Jo didn't mean to hurt you. You let Jo put a band-aid on your finger.Jo doesn't look like they want to be [[bothered right now]], so you step outside and give Riley a call. You and Riley text most of the time now, and don't call often. Hearing Riley's voice would be the perfect stress reliever right now.
After a few rings, you hear Riley's voicemail and hang up. Riley is probably busy with their project.
[[Get angry at Riley.]] Part of you thinks that Riley is just busy with the project, but another part is scared the two of you are drifting apart. Maybe if you get upset, Riley will call and finally give you the attention you need.
[[Send a text.]] Okay, maybe you should've expected that Riley wouldn't answer. Riley has a life too. You decide to send a short text telling Riley how much you miss them. You grab the [[band-aid]] out of Jo's hand and storm out. You probably seem like a prick for getting angry at such a small thing, but you don't care. School has been hard, and you hate the fact that you can't be next to Riley.
[[Give Riley a call.]] Riley always knows how to make you feel better. Just hearing her voice would be comforting.
[[Take a walk.]] Your school is surrounded by trees and wildlife. Now would be a good time to take advantage of that and get some fresh air.
(set: $jo -= 1)''Jo'': I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to poke you.
''You'': It's okay, accidents happen.
You decide to help Jo finish [[pin the pieces]] together, Jo making sure not to hurt you again.
''Jo'': I know you've been stressed out, and you could've easily taken it out on me. Thanks for keeping cool.
This takes you by surprise. You didn't know Jo paid that much attention to you and you appreciate them saying this. You smile back at Jo and decide to work together to finish sewing the rest of the jacket.
[[Going home.]]
(set: $jo += 1)You step outside and give Riley a call. You and Riley text most of the time now, and don't call often. Hearing Riley's voice would make you feel way better.
After a few rings, you hear Riley's voicemail and hang up. Riley is probably busy with their project.
[[Get angry at Riley.]] Part of you thinks that Riley is just busy with the project, but another part is scared the two of you are drifting apart. Maybe if you get upset, Riley will call and finally give you the attention you need.
(if: $riley>4)(display: "textorino")You take a walk and find yourself back at your dorm. You've definitely cooled off, and you want to apologize for the way you acted at first. Jo is your roommate and you don't want to ruin things.
(if: $jo >3)[''You'': Jo, I'm sorry for storming out earlier, I've just had a lot on my plate and I made a mistake by taking it out on you.
''Jo'': It's okay, finals are coming up and I can see why you would feel stressed. I'm here if you wanna talk.
You're glad Jo is willing to forgive you and decide to help finish the jacket. Jo is a good friend and you want to be the same for them.
[[Going home.]]](else:)[''You'': Jo, I'm sorry for storming out earlier, I've just had a lot on my plate and I made a mistake by taking it out on you.
''Jo'': I've had enough of you. You clearly don't value our relationship so I don't want to be friends anymore. Just stay on your side from now on and don't mess with me.
Okay, so you've just broken up with one of the only friends you have. Nice going. Take what you've learned and maybe you'll be able to right your wrongs.
[[Again.]]]
You made it home to Riley and the two of you are happy as can be. This long distance thing wasn't too bad, and you would go through it again for the love of your life.
(if: $jo>4)[
You not only maintained a long distance relationship, you made some friends along the way. You feel like you and Jo are going to be friends for a long time.]
(else:)[You managed to keep your relationship with Riley, you and Jo aren't the best of pals. Maybe if you try again you'll be able to come out with two strong relationships.
]
[[Again.]]You decide [[not to contact Riley]] for the next couple of days until you finally get a call from them.
''Riley'': What's wrong? It's not like you to ignore my texts for so long.
''You'': It sucks that I barely get to talk to you now. It's so frustrating when you don't answer my calls.
Riley: I'm sorry that I can't answer your calls all the time, but I have school too. You have to understand that we can't always talk whenever we want.
[[Understand.]] You can see where Riley is coming from. One of the struggles of being long distance is that you both have completely separate lives from each other. You committed to this relationship and you don't want to see it end. You love Riley.
[[Refuse to understand.]] This only adds to the sadness you feel when you think about how far the two of you are. You don't know how long you can keep doing long distance. You miss the [[scent]] of Riley's hair, the feeling of holding Riley's hand. You are losing hope.
(set: $riley -= 1)''You'': I know, it's just been hard lately.
''Riley'': I know how stressed you've been. I want you to know that even if I don't answer your call or text right away, I'm still thinking about you. I can't wait until Christmas.
You and Riley talk it out and Riley makes it clear that they aren't giving up on this relationship just yet.
That night, you look through your photos again, reminding yourself why Riley is worth fighting for. You go to sleep confident the two of you will get through this together.
[[Going home.]]
(set: $riley +=2)You're at your limit. Being 3,000 miles apart is harder than you thought, and you tell Riley you don't know if you can keep doing this. Riley tries to convince you that things are just rough now, but they will get better. Riley doesn't want to break up.
[[Break up.]] This is too much for you. Your heart aches not being able to physically be with Riley and [[you want out]]. Now. You never want to be in a long distance relationship again.
(if: $riley >4)(display: "reconcile")That's it. The two of you are through and you didn't make it to Christmas.
(if: $jo >4)[At least you have Jo, right?]
(else:)[You can't even turn to Jo for help. You should've managed your relationships better.]
[[Again.]] You whip out your phone and send a text to Riley.
''You'': miss u, hope things r good.
To your surprise, Riley replies almost immediately.
''Riley'': i miss u too! can't talk much right now but just wanted to say i love u.
Just knowing that Riley is thinking of you makes you happy. Whatever is happening in your life, you know that Riley is there for you and you hope Riley knows that you're always there for them too.
''You'': i love you too.
[[Going home.]]
(set: $riley += 1)You start to calm down and talk it out with Riley. Riley makes it clear that they aren't willing to let this relationship end just yet.
That night, you look through your [[photos]] again, reminding yourself why Riley is worth fighting for. You go to sleep confident the two of you will get through this together.
[[Going home.]]An iPhone 7!Sweats and a hoodie, because it's gonna be a long trip.An old blue van. If you looked closely, you could see the stickers you put on the window when you were young.CSE12 is not fun.More class!Did you know kangaroos can swim?Riley got a new dog. And it's ''fluffy''!Riley is the homie.Looks like Kraft, but who's complaining?Jo wanted to show you their macaroni dinosaur :(Imagine a little baby rainbow shark swimming around in a tank. So cute. Riley called 10 minutes ago.You don't know why Jo would go to Australia in the summer. That's like one big winter.You wished Jo took longer showers.The two of you decide on getting a dog and a cat.Jo's side has posters of a bunch of different movies they like, while your side has vinyls of some your favorite albums pinned up on the wall.Midterm season be ''rough''. You have five empty cans of Yerba Mate on your desk and a half eaten burrito in the fridge.Riley has a Twine game to make by the end of the week but is having trouble changing the page color. Yikes.Jo is in ''the zone''.Petty, but that's all you can do when you're 3,000 miles apart.Strawberries.It's not weak for wanting to break up because of the distance. Sometimes you have to put yourself first and ask if this is really worth it.It was a date at the pier, and the two of you ordered a funnel cake to share. It was too sweet for you but Riley really liked it.[[Don't break up.]] You're almost at Christmas, and giving up now would put all your hard work to waste. You trust that Riley really does love you, and you love Riley just as much.[[Send a text.]]Okay, maybe you should've expected that Riley wouldn't answer. Riley has a life too. You decide to send a short text telling Riley how much you miss them.Jo mentioned having a mannequin to pin fabrics on, but this dorm is too small for things like that.A cute Spongebob band-aid, but that's beside the point.
↶↷Relation
You wake up and check your phone. Today's the day you travel 3,000 miles away from home to college. On your lockscreen is your signifcant other, Riley, who's going to college a city away, unlike you.
You sit up and gaze and the photos on the wall, so many of them hold memories of you and Riley. It's weird to think you'll go from spending almost everyday with them, to almost no days at all.
Get dressed.