the insomniacs

(if: (saved-games:) contains "savegame")[(link: open your eyes to load)[(load-game:"savegame")]](else:)[[[open your eyes|car1]]] (set: $cararrival to 0) (set: $carasleep to 0) (set: $carstation to 0) (set: $cara to 0) (set: $carb to 0) (set: $carc to 0)

"so, you don't feel it?" [["no, nothing at all"|car1.1]] (save-game: "savegame")

"please, go ahead" [["who are you?"|cara1]] [["what are you doing?"|carb1]] [["where are we?"|carc1]] (save-game: "savegame")

"the name's savannah. i mostly drive cabs through the desert. who are you?" [["honestly... i'm not sure"|cara2]] (set: $cara to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

"what you are witnessing, from the backseat there, is my last run of the night. one last drive, from the cliffside to station 01." [["the cliffside?"|carb1.1]] [["station 01?"|carb2.1]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $carb to 1)

(if: $carasleep is 1)["you might have sort of figured part of it out already, but i'll do my best to explain. we are in what's called the 'nighttime'. you talked about feeling like you couldn't sleep, right?"](else:)["i guess if you don't know anything, this might be a little hard to explain, but i'll do my best. where we are, is called the 'nighttime'. you were saying you couldn't sleep, right?."] (if: $carasleep is 1)[[["i remember something like that, yeah, a little earlier"|carc1.1]]](else:)[[["i remember something of the sort, yeah"|carc2.1]]] (set: $carc to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

"that's okay, it happens. you'll figure it out eventually." [["i have another question"|car3]] (save-game: "savegame")

"please, ask away" (if: $cara is not 1)[[["who are you?"|cara1]]] (if: $carb is not 1)[[["what are you doing?"|carb1]]] (if: $carc is not 1)[[["where actually are we?"|carc1]]] (if: $cara is 1 and $carb is 1 and $carc is 1) [[["do you know why i'm here?"|car4]]] (save-game: "savegame")

"oh, i've no clue. we all come here for different reasons. it might take a while for you to remember, but i trust you'll get there eventually. everybody here went through the same stuff you're going through." "don't worry if you're confused or you get lost here. take your time, keep moving." [["what does it take to... leave?"|car5]] (save-game: "savegame")

"well then. sleeplessness is a strange thing, after all. you'll get used to it." [["sorry, i have a few questions"|car2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"essentially, it's the furthest place you can get to while still being part of the waking world. if you imagine a map in your hands, then trace a line past the outer boundary and over to the other side, that's what going over the cliffside is like." [["but, i don't remember being there, or getting here"|carb1.2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"it's, kind of the main centre for all the happenings here. whenever you come here, station 01 is where you go first." [["what's so special about it?"|carb2.2]] (set: $carstation to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

"well, it's a lot like falling asleep. you can never seem to remember the moment when you fell asleep, or how your dream started. it's a lot like that. you're at the cliffside, and at some point, you're here, in the middle of a conversation you don't remember starting." [["but, i'm not asleep, right?"|carb1.3.1]] [["well when did you notice that i was here?"|carb1.3.2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"you're not asleep, but you're not awake either.(if: $carstation is 1)[ without meaning to repeat myself,] you're definitely there in the backseat, physically, but here, the idea of 'physically' doesn't hold much weight. it's more about how you see things." (if: $cararrival is 0)[[["but when did you notice that i was here?"|carb1.3.2]]] (elseif:$cararrival and $carasleep is 1)[[["what's station 01?"|carb2.1]]] (else:)[[["i've got another question"|car3]]] (set: $carasleep to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

"well to me, it feels like you've always been here" [["all this time?"|carb1.3.3]] (save-game: "savegame")

"we must have started talking at some point, i guess, but i didn't stop the car for you to get in." (if: $carasleep is 0)[[["but, i'm not asleep, right?"|carb1.3.1]]] (elseif: $carstation is 0)[[["what's station 01?"|carb2.1]]] (else:)[[["i've got another question"|car3]]] (set: $cararrival to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

"to be honest, it's not even particularly special. it's only so important because it was the first thing ever built here, and so everything else that was built had to be linked to it in some way." [["why has nobody ever built a new station, if it's that old?"|carb2.3]] (save-game: "savegame")

"there are a few reasons. firstly, humans coming here only appear near to the station, so we can't really replace it, even if we move the whole building. (if: $carasleep is 1)[again, ]when you're here, even physical space can be pretty subjective. people just updated the same building over time." "secondly, nobody could really be bothered to make one. it's a lot of work. i actually think there's a project to make a station 02, but i wouldn't hold out hope for it to get finished anytime soon." (if: $carasleep is 0)[[["what about the cliffside, what's that?"|carb1.1]]](else:)[[["i've got another question"|car3]]] (save-game: "savegame")

"well, this is like being halfway between being awake and being asleep. you went to the cliffside, and you ended up here. again, it's not a dream, but things will definitely feel strange for a little while. stuff works... differently." [["alright, but where are *we*, right now?"|carc1.2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"well, this is like being halfway between being awake and being asleep. you're not dreaming, this is real, but things will definitely feel strange for a little while. stuff works... differently here." [["okay... but where are *we*, right now?"|carc2.2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"right now, between where you came in and station 01, is just desert. there's a road, and a few lonely cacti, but apart from that it's pretty barren. have a look out the window, see if you can spot anything." [["actually, i think i can see some lights in the distance."|carc3]] (save-game: "savegame")

"right now, all we have is just desert. there's a road, and a few lonely cacti, but apart from that it's pretty barren. have a look out the window, see if you can spot anything." [["actually, i think i can see some lights in the distance."|carc3]] (save-game: "savegame")

"oh, look at that, you're right. we're closer than i thought we were." [["do we have time for more questions?"|car3]] (save-game: "savegame")

"getting out of the nighttime is... interesting. it seems like people have been trying to leave for a long time. don't worry, barely any time passes back on the surface when you're here. you're not missing much. hey, maybe you'll be the first to figure it out!" [["what should i do here?"|car5.1]] (save-game: "savegame")

"yep! for such an important building, i thought they would have chosen a more... iconic concept for the last remodelling. but no. st01 takes the form of a motorway service station, stuck permanently at 2AM." [["what made them choose that?"|car7]] (save-game: "savegame")

"oh, i've no idea. i suppose it fits the area, being all desolate and melancholy around here, but i would have really gone for someplace where i can eat something that isn't fast food." [["how long ago was the last remodelling?"|car8]] (save-game: "savegame")

"oh, i've no clue. time is a weird idea when there's no real way to keep track of it." she gestures to the empty sky. the moon beams overhead. "i'll see you inside?" [["thanks for everything, savannah"|car9]] (save-game: "savegame")

she gives you a smile as she walks backwards through the sliding glass doors. [[wait for a second|st01outsidefront]] (save-game: "savegame")

im gonna remove this tommorow watch me forget and this ends up in the final game.

you're standing outside of st01. the sign flickers. the air is (if: $daytime is 1)[warm.](else:)[cool.](if: $ppgame is 1)[ an old taxi has appeared outside of the station.] [[go inside|st01enterance]] [[go around the left|st01outsideleft]] [[go around the right|st01outsideright]] (if: $ppgame is 1)[[[get into the car|pcar1]]] (save-game: "savegame")

flowerbeds are attached to the wall of the station. a watering can lies on the ground nearby. [[go to the left|st01outsideback]] [[go to the right|st01outsidefront]] (save-game: "savegame")

there's a poster on the wall. it flaps in the wind, attached by the top corners. the edges are torn. 'changeling - a play by thalia marquez - now playing at the cavern theatre.' 'one night only!' beneath is a drawing of a sole child, sitting in a dark room. "it's... like i'm lost at sea..." [[go to the left|st01outsidefront]] [[go to the right|st01outsideback]] (save-game: "savegame")

you step inside, and the doors close behind you. the air is warmer here. [[walk to the back|st01back]] [[go into the shop|st01shop]] [[go into the food court|st01cafe]] [[go outside|st01outsidefront]] (save-game: "savegame")

a rusted iron door, built into the back of the station. a small plaque is affixed to the metal, but it's been worn away.(if: $st02open is not 1)[ the door is locked.] [[go to the left|st01outsideright]] [[go to the right|st01outsideleft]] (if: $st02open is 1)[[[go through the door|st02insidefirst]]](elseif: $st02key is 1)[[[unlock the door and go through|st02insidefirst]]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $caslock to 1)

the air conditioning cools you.(if: $paid is not 1)[ the cash register is empty.] [[go down the first aisle|st01shopa1]] [[go down the second aisle|st01shopb1]] (if: $snacktime is 1)+(if: $paid is not 1)[[[[go back into the station|goodbyefood]]]](else:)[[[go back into the station|st01front]]] (if: $cashmoney is 1)[[[put money into the cash register|shopmoney]]] (set: $savshop to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

the outlets are all closed, expect one. the tables are strewn about, a few of them are balanced against the wall. (if: $savgone is not 1)[savannah's sitting at the back.](elseif: $returnvisit is 1)[a savbot is plugged into the wall, recharging.](else:)[savannah's gone.(set: $knowssavgone to 1)] [[go back|st01front]] (if: $savgone is not 1)[[[go over to her|sav1]]] (save-game: "savegame")

the back of the station is emptier. the heating system whirrs. [[go into the office|st01office]] [[go into the toilets|st01toilets]] (if: $cas is 1)[[[go into the server room|st01br]]](else:)[[[go into the server room|st01br1]]] [[go to the entrance|st01front]] (save-game: "savegame")

a fan gradually turns in the corner. the desk is cluttered and the walls are covered in posters for faraway places. the office is empty. [[sit down on the chair|st01tobeach1]] [[go into the station|st01back]] (set: $savoffice to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

the station's toilets are spotless. it smells like chamomile tea. there are no mirrors. there's a service door in the back wall. [[go through the service door|st01tohotel1]] [[go into the station|st01back]] (save-game: "savegame")

the air is warmer here. the lights are brighter. [[walk to the back|st01back]] [[go into the shop|st01shop]] [[go into the food court|st01cafe]] [[go outside|st01outsidefront]] (save-game: "savegame")

the shelves are stacked high with snacks and bottles of various drinks. the labels are written in every language and script. [[go back to the entrance|st01shop]] [[go to the second aisle|st01shopb1]] (if: $snacktime is not 1)[[[take a snack and a bottle of water|shopbuying]]] (save-game: "savegame")

books litter the shelves. the covers are detailed, but abstract. there are nighttime travel guides, records of the station and the surrounding area, tomes of philosophy and memory. everything is written in rough scribbles, and most of the pages are blank. [[go back to the entrance|st01shop]] [[go to the first aisle|st01shopa1]] (save-game: "savegame")

you walk through the door into a broom closet. on one side, mops and sprays are stacked on the floor, on the other, a cart full of soft towels and embroided bedsheets is attached to the wall. [[walk forward through the metal door|hotelhall1]] [[walk back through the wooden door|st01toilets]] (save-game: "savegame")

"oh, hey! (either: "find anything interesting?", "how's it going?", "learn anything new?")" [["nothing right now."|savbye]] (if: $savshop is not 0)+(if: $savshop1 is not 1)[["how does the shop work here?"|savshop1]] (if: $savoffice is not 0)+(if: $savoffice1 is not 1)[["who works in that office?"|savoffice1]] (if: $savcas is 1)+(if: $savcas1 is not 1)[[["what does this tape recorder do?"|savtape1]]] (if: $talktobar is 1)+(if: $talktobar1 is not 1)[["am i going to turn into a skeleton?"|savskel1]] (if: $talktonestbar is 1)+(if: $talktonestbar1 is not 1)+(if: $savskel is 1)[["that guy from the hotel says hi"|savgil1]] (if: $savwolf is 1)+(if: $savwolf1 is not 1)[["what's that house on the beach doing there?"|savwolf1]] (if: $savplay is 1)+(if: $savplay1 is not 1)[["what's that play about?"|savplay1]] (if: $savcity is 1)+(if: $savcity1 is not 1)[["what happened to the cities?"|savcity1]] (save-game: "savegame")

the chair spins slowly, and the posters sway as your eyes begin to close. the room drifts away. the air is cold. you're on a beach. [[get up from the chair|beach3]] (save-game: "savegame")

"oh, that was a fun invention. it's impossible to steal from it. only way to bring things outside of the store is to have already paid for them. you try and steal something, and you steal nothing." [["what about the books?"|savshop2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"he's not around here much, after the last remodelling he kinda... went on holiday and just never came back. it's not like he does much, this place runs itself, but the office is still there." [["what's his name?"|savoffice2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"oh, the books are actually empty. none of the authors got beyond scribbling down vague ideas in notebooks, but they still got put out as finished manuscripts. nobody approved it, but they just keep arriving." [["do you know any of the authors?"|savshop3]] (save-game: "savegame")

"i was going to meet some of them actually, there was supposed to be a panel of the nighttime's writers over at the orchid hotel a while ago. but none of them showed up." [["it was worth a shot"|sav2]] (set: $savshop1 to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

"well if you want to talk about something else, i'll be here for a while. seeya!" [["bye for now, sav."|st01cafe]] (save-game: "savegame")

"anything else you want to ask?" [["nothing right now."|savbye]] (if: $savshop is not 0)+(if: $savshop1 is not 1)[["how does the shop work here?"|savshop1]] (if: $savoffice is not 0)+(if: $savoffice1 is not 1)[["who works in that office?"|savoffice1]] (if: $savcas is 1)+(if: $savcas1 is not 1)[[["what does this tape recorder do?"|savtape1]]] (if: $talktobar is 1)+(if: $talktobar1 is not 1)[["weird question, am i going to turn into a skeleton?"|savskel1]] (if: $talktonestbar is 1)+(if: $talktonestbar1 is not 1)+(if: $savskel is 1)[["that guy from the hotel says hi."|savgil1]] (if: $savwolf is 1)+(if: $savwolf1 is not 1)[["what's that house on the beach doing there?"|savwolf1]] (if: $savplay is 1)+(if: $savplay1 is not 1)[["what's that play about?"|savplay1]] (if: $savcity is 1)+(if: $savcity1 is not 1)[["what happened to the cities?"|savcity1]] (save-game: "savegame")

"his name's clay, and he's really old. wears a massive blue hoodie all of the time. from what i've heard, he's actually an alright guy. just lazy. he stopped caring about this place a while ago." [["if i ever see him, i'll tell you"|sav2]] (set: $savoffice1 to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

the shore stretches out further than you can see. the(if: $daytime is 1)[ sun](else:)[ moon] shines against the cliffs. the water gently crashes against the shore. behind you is an old desk chair. there's an old building to your left, and a small dock to your right, in the distance. [[walk to the left|beach4]] [[walk to the right|beach2]] [[sit down on the chair|beachtost01]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $mapbeach to 1)

(if: $rwopened is 1)+(if: $daytime is not 1)[the cliff face is bare.](else:)[hundreds of faded signs have been taped to the cliff. 'the wolves can help you.' 'stay for as long as you need to.' 'we are always here.'] [[walk to the left|beach5]] [[walk to the right|beach3]] (save-game: "savegame")

(if: $rwopened is 1)[you see a path leading into the water. ](else:)[a mural was painted onto the cliffs. the same phrase is repeated in every colour and language and script. 'there is nothing for you under the water.'] (if: $rwopened is 1)[[[enter the ocean|cf1]]] [[walk to the left|beach3]] [[walk to the right|beach1]] (save-game: "savegame")

a row of elevator doors is built into the stone cliff. the wind from the ocean howls. the doors are sealed closed, apart from one. [[enter the elevator|beachtohotel]] [[walk to the left|beach2]] [[walk to the right|beach0]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $mapbeach to 1)

the air gets warmer. you hear the gentle buzz of a fan as you close your eyes. you left the beach. you're back in the station. [[get up from the chair|st01office]] (save-game: "savegame")

the elevator doors slide closed. the chill of the ocean leaves you.(if: $rwopened is not 1)[ there's a poster on the wall. 'the wolves are here for you.'] the doors slide open to reveal a grand hotel lobby. [[leave the elevator|hotellobbyfront]] (save-game: "savegame")

(if: $rwopened is 1)+(if: $daytime is not 1)[the cliff face is bare.](else:)[a huge heart has been painted on the cliffside. 'you're glowing. you are not alone.'] [[walk up to the house|beach6]] [[walk to the right|beach4]] (save-game: "savegame")

an old house stands in the sand. the walls are covered in moss, vines grow over the porch. past this point, the beach is desolate. [[enter the house|wolfenter]] [[go back|beach5]] (save-game: "savegame")

a small harbour lies at the end of the beach. past this, the beach is empty. a small boat is available to use. [[enter the boat|boat0]] [[walk to the left|beach1]] (save-game: "savegame")

you push off from the dock, and are adrift at sea. you see soft outlines in the distance. [[return to the beach, and leave the boat|beach0]] [[follow the mountains|boata]] [[follow the wind|boatb]] [[follow the moon|boatc]] (save-game: "savegame")

you walk up the stairs and into the house. the hallway is vast and dark. a few doors are open. [[go into the classroom|wolfclass]] [[go into the dinner hall|wolfdinner]] [[go up the stairs|wolfupstairs]] [[go down the stairs|wolfbasement]] [[go outside|wolfexit]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $savwolf to 1) (set: $maphouse to 1)

you emerge at the end of a long hallway. soft music plays on a lower floor. the carpet is soft. the carpet reads 'the orchid hotel'. [[walk down the hallway|hotelhall2]] [[enter the elevator|hotelelevdown]] [[enter the broom closet|hoteltost01]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $casroom to 1) (set: $maphotel to 1)

you walk through the door into a broom closet. on one side, mops and sprays are stacked on the floor, on the other, a cart full of soft towels and embroided bedsheets is attached to the wall. [[walk forward through the wooden door|st01toilets]] [[walk back through the metal door|hotelhall1]] (save-game: "savegame")

the hallway repeats itself. (either: "the art is formless.", "the music continues.", "there's a muffled voice coming from one of the rooms.", "the light flickers slightly.", "there might be someone in the distance.", "a laugh echoes.") [[walk forwards|hotelhall3]] [[walk backwards|hotelhall2]] [[enter the elevator|hotelelevdown]] [[enter the broom closet|hoteltost01]] (save-game: "savegame")

the elevator doors slide closed. it smells like flowers. you think about (either: "the ocean", "the sky", "the moon", "mountains", "an old holiday", "the rain"). the doors slide open. [[leave the elevator|hotellobbyback]] (save-game: "savegame")

the hallway repeats itself. (either: "the art is formless.", "the music continues.", "there's a muffled voice coming from one of the rooms.", "the light flickers slightly.", "there might be someone in the distance.", "a laugh echoes.") [[walk forwards|hotelhall2]] [[walk backwards|hotelhall4]] [[enter the elevator|hotelelevdown]] [[enter the broom closet|hoteltost01]] (save-game: "savegame")

the hallway repeats itself. (either: "the art is formless.", "the music continues.", "there's a muffled voice coming from one of the rooms.", "the light flickers slightly.", "there might be someone in the distance.", "a laugh echoes.") [[walk forwards|hotelhall5]] [[walk backwards|hotelhall2]] [[enter the elevator|hotelelevdown]] [[enter the broom closet|hoteltost01]] (save-game: "savegame")

the hallway repeats itself. (either: "the art is formless.", "the music continues.", "there's a muffled voice coming from one of the rooms.", "the light flickers slightly.", "there might be someone in the distance.", "a laugh echoes.") [[walk forwards|hotelhall6]] [[walk backwards|hotelhall2]] [[enter the elevator|hotelelevdown]] [[enter the broom closet|hoteltost01]] (save-game: "savegame")

the hallway repeats itself. (either: "the art is formless.", "the music continues.", "there's a muffled voice coming from one of the rooms.", "the light flickers slightly.", "there might be someone in the distance.", "a laugh echoes.") [[walk forwards|hotelhall2]] (if: $st02code is 1)[[[walk backwards|hotelhall7]]](else:)[[[walk backwards|hotelhall2]]] [[enter the elevator|hotelelevdown]] [[enter the broom closet|hoteltost01]] (save-game: "savegame")

a door opens. [[enter the room|hotelroom1]] [[walk backwards|hotelhall2]] [[enter the elevator|hotelelevdown]] [[enter the broom closet|hoteltost01]] (save-game: "savegame")

inside the room, the floor is cluttered. the desk is covered in notes. [[read what's on the desk|hotelroom2]] [[leave the room|hotelhall2]] (save-game: "savegame")

(if: $daytime is not 1)[it's less busy at the back of the lobby. ]the chandeliers sparkle and the music is soft. a staircase to your right leads down and out of the lobby. the sign on the elevators reads 'upstairs'. [[walk to the front|hotellobbyfront]] [[walk down to the canal|hoteltonest1]] [[enter the elevator|hotelelevatorup]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $maphotel to 1)

the marble floor reads 'the orchid hotel'. the ceiling soars above you. (if: $daytime is 1)[the hotel is empty, everybody has gone home. ](else:)[nearby guests bustle and murmur, nobody looks at you. ]old music plays from the ballroom. the sign on the elevators reads 'beach'. [[walk to the back|hotellobbyback]] [[enter the ballroom|hotelballroom]] [[enter the elevator|hoteltobeach]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $maphotel to 1)

the (if: $talktobar is 1)[skeletal ]band plays gently at the front of the room. near them, a few guests sit around on the sofas. the floor is empty. (if: $talktobar is not 1)[a tall man stands behind the bar.](else:)[there's nobody at the bar.] (if: $talktobar is 1)[[go behind the bar|hotelbarempty]](if: $talktobar is not 1)[[approach the bar|hotelbar1]] [[go back to the lobby|hotellobbyfront]] (save-game: "savegame")

the elevator doors slide closed. the handrail is cold. you think about (either: "the ocean", "the sky", "the moon", "mountains", "the rain"). the doors slide open. [[leave the elevator|hotelhall1]] (save-game: "savegame")

the elevator doors slide closed. the noise fades away.(if: $rwopened is not 1)[ there's a poster on the wall. 'the wolves are here for you.'] the doors slide open onto a vast beach, the ocean swaying gently in front of you. [[leave the elevator|beach1]] (save-game: "savegame")

"welcome, traveller. how is the nighttime treating you?" [["i think i'm alright, actually."|hotelbar1.1]] [["how did you know that i'm not from here?"|hotelbar2.1]] (set: $talktobar to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

"that's always good to hear. do you know the reason you came here yet?" [["'not yet. i'm still finding my feet, i think."|hotelbar1.2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"you have that sort of look to you, like you're still piecing everything together. i think everyone here's had that look on their faces at one point, when they first arrived." he chuckles to himself. "do you know why you're here yet?" [["not yet, i don't think"|hotelbar1.2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"that's alright. well, here's hoping you get there sooner rather than later." [["what for?"|hotelbar1.3]] (save-game: "savegame")

"well, just take me for an example. here, look at my hand." he reaches out his arm over the bar, tapping his fingers. [["i... don't see anything."|hotelbar1.4]] (save-game: "savegame")

"maybe you need a closer look." he holds his hand up to your face. his skin is translucent. underneath, his bones are visible. [["are... you okay?"|hotelbar1.5]] (save-game: "savegame")

"oh, i'm fine. it happens when you're down here for a while. hell, i might end up looking like them soon enough!" he points to the band across the room. you can barely make out the outlines of skin around their skulls. [[leave the bar|hotelbar1.6]] (save-game: "savegame")

"will i be seeing you again?" [[don't reply|hotelballroom]] [["sure?"|hotelbar1.7]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $casgil1 to 1)

"no you won't." [[turn around|hotelballroom]] (save-game: "savegame")

the bottles are sealed. there's a small trapdoor under the bar. [[squeeze through|hoteltous]] [[back out|hotelballroom]] (save-game: "savegame")

you walk down the steps into an underground canal. passengers step on and off of boats leading down into the darkness. (if: $nestpass is not 1)[you can't travel without a pass.] (else:)[[[get onto the boat|hoteltonest2]]] [[go up to the hotel lobby|hotellobbyback]] (save-game: "savegame")

the canal ride takes a few minutes. you sit and relax. [[the ride is over|hoteltonest3]] (save-game: "savegame")

you enter the kitchens. a ghostly hum echoes through the space. any music from above is silenced. ahead of you, a staircase snakes into the floor. [[go up to the bar|hotelbarempty]] [[go down the stairs|hoteltous2]] (save-game: "savegame")

the stairs get darker. you hear dripping water. it gets colder. [[leave the stairs|us1]] (save-game: "savegame")

"why do you ask that?" [["the bartender in the hotel, you could see his bones through his skin."|savskel2]] (set: $talktobar1 to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

"i spoke to him when i first came here, too. he's a weird guy. you shouldn't have to worry about that at all. he's just trying to scare you." [["that's a relief."|sav2]] (save-game: "savegame")

there's a box of keys on the desk. various floor plans, sketches and annotations are scattered around, marked 'st02'. some of the paper has begun to yellow with age. the desk is covered in dust. (if: $st02key is 1)[[[leave|hotelhall2]]](else:)[[[take a key and leave|hotelhall2]]] (set: $st02key to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

you hear echoes from a play being performed overhead. the music is mournful. ("(if: $daytime is 1)[everything will be okay.](else:)[(either: "i'm so sorry.", "what have you done to him?", "i don't belong here.", "what are you?", "i think he's gone.", "i don't know what to do.", "what have i done?", "i wasn't meant to be here.","what happened to him?", "i can't possibly imagine...", "it was raining that day.", "we went out to the park...", "i thought i would never see him again.", "i can't imagine how much you've lost.", "tell me about him.", "how long have you known about me?", "how are you today?", "stay away from me.", "he's nothing like you.", "i know how you feel.", "there's nothing i can do.", "please listen to me.")]") [[go into the prop room|us2]] [[go into the green room|us5]] [[go up the stairs|ustohotel1]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $savplay1 to 1) (set: $mapstage to 1)

the stairs continue upwards. it gets warmer. you see more light coming from above. [[leave the stairs|ustohotel2]] (save-game: "savegame")

you enter the kitchens. a ghostly hum echoes through the space. any music from above is silenced. ahead of you, a trapdoor leads into the ceiling. (if: $talktobar is 1)[[[go up to the bar|hotelbarempty]]](else:)[[[enter the trapdoor|hotelbaralt1]]] [[go down the stairs|hoteltous2]] (save-game: "savegame")

a room full of strange costumes. yellow raincoats, umbrellas and prop sandwiches line the walls. ("(if: $daytime is 1)[everything will be okay.](else:)[(either: "i'm so sorry.", "what have you done to him?", "i don't belong here.", "what are you?", "i think he's gone.", "i don't know what to do.", "what have i done?", "i wasn't meant to be here.","what happened to him?", "i can't possibly imagine...", "it was raining that day.", "we went out to the park...", "i thought i would never see him again.", "i can't imagine how much you've lost.", "tell me about him.", "how long have you known about me?", "how are you today?", "stay away from me.", "he's nothing like you.", "i know how you feel.", "there's nothing i can do.", "please listen to me.")]") [[go towards the main exit|us1]] [[go into the small room|us6]] [[go into the green room|us5]] (save-game: "savegame")

you're in a small storage cupboard. far above, you hear echoing voices performing a play. a spiral staircase leads up into darkness. ("(if: $daytime is 1)[everything will be okay.](else:)[(either: "i'm so sorry.", "what have you done to him?", "i don't belong here.", "what are you?", "i think he's gone.", "i don't know what to do.", "what have i done?", "i wasn't meant to be here.","what happened to him?", "i can't possibly imagine...", "it was raining that day.", "we went out to the park...", "i thought i would never see him again.", "i can't imagine how much you've lost.", "tell me about him.", "how long have you known about me?", "how are you today?", "stay away from me.", "he's nothing like you.", "i know how you feel.", "there's nothing i can do.", "please listen to me.")]") [[go up the stairs|ustowolf1]] [[leave the storage cupboard|us5]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $mapstage to 1)

inside the green room, bags, coats and loose items are scattered across the floor. "(if: $daytime is 1)[everything will be okay.](else:)[(either: "i'm so sorry.", "what have you done to him?", "i don't belong here.", "what are you?", "i think he's gone.", "i don't know what to do.", "what have i done?", "i wasn't meant to be here.","what happened to him?", "i can't possibly imagine...", "it was raining that day.", "we went out to the park...", "i thought i would never see him again.", "i can't imagine how much you've lost.", "tell me about him.", "how long have you known about me?", "how are you today?", "stay away from me.", "he's nothing like you.", "i know how you feel.", "there's nothing i can do.", "please listen to me.")]" [[go into the lunch hall|us10]] [[go into the storage cupboard|us4]] [[go into the prop room|us2]] [[go towards the main exit|us1]] (save-game: "savegame")

it's a strangely small room. water drips from the ceiling. ("(if: $daytime is 1)[everything will be okay.](else:)[(either: "i'm so sorry.", "what have you done to him?", "i don't belong here.", "what are you?", "i think he's gone.", "i don't know what to do.", "what have i done?", "i wasn't meant to be here.","what happened to him?", "i can't possibly imagine...", "it was raining that day.", "we went out to the park...", "i thought i would never see him again.", "i can't imagine how much you've lost.", "tell me about him.", "how long have you known about me?", "how are you today?", "stay away from me.", "he's nothing like you.", "i know how you feel.", "there's nothing i can do.", "please listen to me.")]") [[go towards the staircases|us8]] [[go into the prop room|us2]] [[go into the lunch hall|us10]] (save-game: "savegame")

you get a strange feeling. two sets of stairs lead into the ceiling. ("(if: $daytime is 1)[everything will be okay.](else:)[(either: "i'm so sorry.", "what have you done to him?", "i don't belong here.", "what are you?", "i think he's gone.", "i don't know what to do.", "what have i done?", "i wasn't meant to be here.","what happened to him?", "i can't possibly imagine...", "it was raining that day.", "we went out to the park...", "i thought i would never see him again.", "i can't imagine how much you've lost.", "tell me about him.", "how long have you known about me?", "how are you today?", "stay away from me.", "he's nothing like you.", "i know how you feel.", "there's nothing i can do.", "please listen to me.")]") [[climb the stairs on the left|ustofc1]] [[climb the stairs on the right|ustoac1]] [[go into the small room|us6]] [[go into the lunch hall|us10]] (save-game: "savegame")

you're at the top of the stairs. a long stone hallway stretches into the darkness. [[go down the hallway|ustowolf2]] [[go back down the stairs|us4]] (save-game: "savegame")

you reach a rusted iron door, embossed with a strange symbol. [[push it open|ustoac2]] (save-game: "savegame")

you reach an iron door with a strange marking. [[push it open|ustofc2]] (save-game: "savegame")

on the blackboard, scribbles of friends with numbered shirts join hands. they enter the group and then leave the group. the group doubles, and then splits apart. the totals are tracked underneath, in multiple strange scripts. [[go back|wolfdownstairs]] (save-game: "savegame")

you walk out of the house and down the steps. a beach stretches out in front of you, the wide ocean to your left. [[go forward onto the beach|beach5]] [[go back into the house|wolfenter]] (save-game: "savegame")

tables and chairs are scattered and overturned. the air is still. forty-two handprints are printed on the wall. [[go back|wolfdownstairs]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $caswall to 1)

light breaks through the ceiling. dust hangs in the air.(if: $atticopen is 1)[ a door has opened in the wall.] [[go into the office|wolfoffice]] [[go into the dormitory|wolfdorm]] [[go back down the stairs|wolfdownstairs]] (if: $atticopen is 1)[[[enter the wall|wolftoattic1]]] (save-game: "savegame")

a warm room lined with old books. a strange machine is pushed against the window. it emits a low hum. [[inspect the machine|wolfmachine]] [[examine the books|wolfbooks]] [[go back into the hall|wolfupstairs]] (save-game: "savegame")

beds are stacked against the walls. everything here was taken. (if: $gilupstairs is 1)[the man is sitting on the floor, by the window.](elseif: $gilupstairs is 2)+(elseif: $returnvisit is 1)[](elseif: $gilupstairs is 2)[gil's sitting on the floor.] (if: $gilupstairs is 2)[ an old polaroid photo was left by the window. it shows gil, the singing bird, and a number of other young humans, wolves and birds sitting on the porch of the house.] [[go back into the hall|wolfupstairs]] (if: $gilupstairs is 1)[[["what did you want to show me?"|gwolf1]]] (save-game: "savegame")

a large room, full of picnic tables. sandwich wrappers are littered around. everything is coated in dust. ("(if: $daytime is 1)[everything will be okay.](else:)[(either: "i'm so sorry.", "what have you done to him?", "i don't belong here.", "what are you?", "i think he's gone.", "i don't know what to do.", "what have i done?", "i wasn't meant to be here.","what happened to him?", "i can't possibly imagine...", "it was raining that day.", "we went out to the park...", "i thought i would never see him again.", "i can't imagine how much you've lost.", "tell me about him.", "how long have you known about me?", "how are you today?", "stay away from me.", "he's nothing like you.", "i know how you feel.", "there's nothing i can do.", "please listen to me.")]") [[approach the dressing rooms|us11]] [[go towards the staircases|us8]] [[go into the green room|us5]] [[go into the small room|us6]] (save-game: "savegame")

all the dressing rooms are locked, and the labels have fallen away, except for one. ("(if: $daytime is 1)[everything will be okay.](else:)[(either: "i'm so sorry.", "what have you done to him?", "i don't belong here.", "what are you?", "i think he's gone.", "i don't know what to do.", "what have i done?", "i wasn't meant to be here.","what happened to him?", "i can't possibly imagine...", "it was raining that day.", "we went out to the park...", "i thought i would never see him again.", "i can't imagine how much you've lost.", "tell me about him.", "how long have you known about me?", "how are you today?", "stay away from me.", "he's nothing like you.", "i know how you feel.", "there's nothing i can do.", "please listen to me.")]") (if: $wolftalk1 is not 1)[[[approach the dressing room|droom1]]](else:)[[[approach the dressing room|lw1]]] [[go back|us10]] (save-game: "savegame")

you hear shuffling from behind the locked door. [["hey, is anybody there?"|droom2]] [[go back|us11]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $cashungry to 1)

the machine reads: <pre>(if: $telescope is not 1)+(if: $rwopened is 1)["ocean awake"](else:)["ocean still"].</pre> [[stop reading|wolfoffice]] (save-game: "savegame")

the basement is lit by candles, and old crates litter the room. there's a small dooorway leading into the wall. rickety stairs lead into the ceiling. [[go up the stairs|wolfdownstairs]] [[enter the doorway|wolftous1]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $maphouse to 1)

the hallway continues into darkness. [[go further|wolftous2]] [[go back through the doorway|wolfbasement]] (save-game: "savegame")

the hallway continues. [[go forward|ustowolf3]] [[go back|ustowolf1]] (save-game: "savegame")

the hallway continues. [[go forward|ustowolf4]] [[go back|ustowolf2]] (save-game: "savegame")

the hallway continues. there's faint light further down. [[go forward|ustowolf5]] [[go back|ustowolf3]] (save-game: "savegame")

there's an opening at the end of the tunnel, leading into a basement. [[go forward and leave the tunnel|wolfbasement]] [[go back|ustowolf4]] (save-game: "savegame")

the hallway continues. [[go forward|wolftous3]] [[go back|wolftous1]] (save-game: "savegame")

the hallway continues. [[go forward|wolftous4]] [[go back|wolftous2]] (save-game: "savegame")

the hallway continues. [[go forward|wolftous5]] [[go back|wolftous3]] (save-game: "savegame")

you reach the end of the hallway. a spiral staircase leads downwards into a storage cupboard. [[go down the stairs|us4]] [[go back|wolftous4]] (save-game: "savegame")

the city burns above you. [[walk towards the gardens|fcgardens]] [[walk towards the machine|fcmachine]] [[enter the iron door|fctous1]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[you emerge into an ashen city|ac1]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $mapash to 1)

ash hangs in the air. the street is deserted.(if: $daytime is 1)[ you feel a strange sense of hope.](else:)[ crumbling buildings reach high into the dark sky.] [[walk towards the gardens|acgardens]] [[walk towards the machine|acmachine]] [[enter the iron door|actous1]] (save-game: "savegame")

you enter the door and walk down the stairs. you feel colder. [[continue down|us8]] (save-game: "savegame")

hundreds of flower beds are laid in orderly rows. the wood is charred and the plants are dead. [[walk towards the iron door|ac1]] [[walk towards the mural|ac2]] (save-game: "savegame")

the machine towers above, it's been still for a long time. all inputs and outputs are jammed with debris from the buildings above. [[walk towards the iron door|ac1]] [[walk towards the ladder|ac3]] (save-game: "savegame")

a message has been engraved into the wall. 'we sing for all you did for us' [[walk towards the cathedral|accath]] [[walk towards the gardens|acgardens]] (save-game: "savegame")

a ladder leads into the ground. you can hear music coming from below. [[descend the ladder|actonest1]] [[walk towards the cathedral|accath]] [[walk towards the machine|acmachine]] (save-game: "savegame")

most of the cathedral has burned to the ground. above it, a stone hand reaches into the sky. (if: $cathopen is 1)[the door is open](elseif: $daytime is 1)[the door is open](else:)[the door is chained shut.] (if: $cathopen is 1)[[[enter the cathedral|cath1]]](elseif: $daytime is 1)[[[enter the cathedral|cath1]]](else:)[[[approach the door|accath1]]] [[walk towards the mural|ac2]] [[walk towards the ladder|ac3]] (save-game: "savegame")

climbing down the ladder, the music gets louder. waves crash and steps echo. [[reach the bottom|actonest2]] (save-game: "savegame")

a whirring metal ball is attached to the chain. it speaks to you. "a memorial's epilogue. memories and histories lost and found. the scattered legacy of our fourth founder." [[begin to speak|tb1]] [[go back to the street|accath]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $casmem to 1)

the flowerbeds are burning. the petals fly away and burn up. [[walk towards the mural|fc2]] [[walk towards the iron door|fc1]] (save-game: "savegame")

the hulking machine emits a terrible screech. organic matter spills out of its base. [[walk towards the streetlamp|fc3]] [[walk towards the iron door|fc1]] (save-game: "savegame")

the air is colder here. [[walk down the steps|us8]] (save-game: "savegame")

the wall has been carved into. a group of beautiful figures build a rope, leading into the rising sun. skeletons reach for them. the wall is partially destroyed by debris. it reads "in time we all shall rise" [[walk towards the cathedral|fccath]] [[walk towards the gardens|fcgardens]] (save-game: "savegame")

a streetlamp flickers dimly. crying echoes from below the ground. there was a hole in the ground, but it's been boarded up. [[walk towards the cathedral|fccath]] [[walk towards the machine|fcmachine]] (save-game: "savegame")

the cathedral is burning. the stones are crumbling to the ground. above it, a hand reaches into the sky. [[enter the cathedral|fccath1]] [[walk towards the mural|fc2]] [[walk towards the streetlamp|fc3]] (save-game: "savegame")

a burning rope is piled in the centre of the room, beneath an open ceiling.(if: $rwopened is not 1)+(if: $telescope is not 1)+(if: $rwmessage is 1)[ you hear a strange voice.] [[go back to the street|fccath]] (if: $rwopened is not 1)+(if: $telescope is not 1)+(if: $rwmessage is 1)[[[listen to the voice|fccath2]]] (save-game: "savegame")

inside the cave, birds and humans surround a vast, (if: $daytime is 1)[sun](else:)[moon]lit lake. [[you reach the ground|nest1]] (save-game: "savegame")

(if: $daytime is 1)[the sun shines through the empty roof of the cave.](else:)[the moon shines through the empty roof of the cave.] music echoes across the water. [[ascend the ladder|nesttoac1]] [[walk towards the musicians|nest2]] [[walk along the lake|nest0]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $mapnest to 1)

you climb towards the city. [[reach the top|ac3]] (save-game: "savegame")

birds and humans sit on folding chairs, next to the water. one of them sings a slow, mournful tune. [[stop and listen|nestsong1]] [[walk towards the bar|nest3]] [[walk towards the ladder|nest1]] (save-game: "savegame")

the crow sits and strums the guitar. (if: $listenedtocrow is 1)[she's starting to sing again.] [[stay and listen|nestsong2]] [[turn away|nest2]] (save-game: "savegame")

(if: $talktobar is not 1)[there's nobody at the bar.](elseif: $museumpath is not 1)[the man from the hotel sits behind the bar.](else:)[there's nobody at the bar. something's been scribbled onto a piece of paper - "from the beach, look up, hum along, then remember."] (if: $talktobar is 1)+(if: $talktonestbar is not 1)[[["what are you doing here?"|nestbar1]]] [[walk towards the musicians|nest2]] [[walk towards the canal|nest4]] (save-game: "savegame")

a canal leads from the lake into the darkness of the tunnel. (if: $nestpass is 0)[[[take a pass, and get onto the boat|nesttohotel1]]](else:)[[[get onto the boat|nesttohotel1]]] [[walk towards the bar|nest3]] [[walk along the lake|nest0]] (save-game: "savegame")

"just killing time, i guess.(if: $barbreak is 1)[ at least i could see you coming this time.] how have you been?" [["i'm getting the hang of this place, i think."|nestbar1.2]] [["i'm lost, and i'm confused."|nestbar2.2]] (save-game: "savegame")

the water laps at the sides of the boat. you can see light in the distance, as the boat travels along the canal. [[the ride is over|nesttohotel2]] (set: $nestpass to 1) (save-game: "savegame") (set: $mapcanal to 1)

you step off the boat, and it moves away. [[climb the stone steps|hotellobbyback]] (save-game: "savegame")

you emerge into a vast cave surrounding a lake. [[step off the boat|nest4]] (save-game: "savegame")

"uhm... excuse me? are you allowed down there?" you emerge from the trapdoor to see a man standing behind a bar, confused. [["oh, i'm sorry if i scared you."|hotelbaralt2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"that's alright kid. just a bit of a surprise. here, come around the bar so i can see you better." you emerge from the trapdoor, and walk to the other side of the bar. [[sit down|hotelbaralt3]] (set: $barbreak to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

"so, welcome to the orchid hotel, traveller. how is the nighttime treating you?" [["i think i'm alright, actually."|hotelbar1.1]] [["how did you know that i'm not from here?"|hotelbar2.1]] (set: $talktobar to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

"oh, that's good. tell me, how is savannah doing? i haven't seen her in a while, not since she arrived i think." (if: $knowssavgone is 1)[[["i went back to the station, but she wasn't there"|nestalt1]]](else:)[[["she's still at the station, the last i saw her."|nestbar1.3]]] (save-game: "savegame")

"you'll get there eventually, trust me. you stay here for long enough and you can get around with your eyes closed. and you have sav to help you, right?" "i haven't seen her since she got here, how is she?" (if: $knowssavgone is 1)[[["i went back to the station, but she wasn't there"|nestalt1]]](else:)[[["she's alright, still at the station, the last i saw her."|nestbar1.3]]] (save-game: "savegame")

"tell her i said hi, will you? i've always been meaning to go back there someday." [["why not go now? getting from here to the station shouldn't be too hard."|nestbar1.4]] (save-game: "savegame")

"i know that i can take the canal to get around, but in all the time i've been here, i've never been able to reach the station again, i had to climb down the cliff on the beach when i first arrived. some others have mentioned a stairway in the rock, or a chair to the office, but i've never seen one." [["what have you been doing?"|nestbar1.5]] (save-game: "savegame")

"i've been moving about, place to place. stared into the ocean for a little while. stayed in the hotel and helped out at the museum. i was in a play as well, you know." "have you been to the museum yet?" [["no, not yet."|nestbar1.6]] (save-game: "savegame")

"oh, you seriously have to go and see it. take the boat on the dock, and paddle in the direction of the moon for a while, until you hear a strange song, and then follow that instead. when the song fades away, think about how you feel, remember what you've seen, and you'll be there in no time at all." [["what's in the museum?"|nestbar1.7]] (set: $museumpath to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

"well, there's a lot of artefacts, remnants of things gone by, etc. records of the past, even a few art installations if you can figure out what they even mean. i worked maintaining a lot of that stuff, it took a while to put together, i remember. not much has changed since, so it should mostly still be up to date." [["thank you very much."|nestbar1.8]] (save-game: "savegame")

"will i be seeing you again?" [["probably?"|nestbar1.8a]] (set: $talktonestbar to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

"oh, and before i forget! meet me upstairs, in that old house on the beach. i want to show you something." [["i'll see you there?"|nestbar1.9]] (save-game: "savegame")

the path is littered with rocks and loose feathers. houseboats float around, aimlessly.(if: $daytime is 1)[ the sun glitters above the lake, light flows into the cave.](else:)[ the moon glitters above the lake, high in the dark sky.](if: $nestlake is 1)[ there's something under the water.] (if: $nestlake is 1)[ [[enter the water|nesttoip1]]] [[walk towards the ladder|nest1]] [[walk towards the canal|nest4]] (save-game: "savegame")

you hear the waves lap against the sides of the boat. [[follow the song|boatd]] [[follow the chant|boate]] [[follow the cry|boatf]] (set: $boat1 to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

you hear the waves lap against the sides of the boat. [[follow the song|boatd]] [[follow the chant|boate]] [[follow the cry|boatf]] (set: $boat1 to 2) (save-game: "savegame")

you hear the waves lap against the sides of the boat. [[follow the song|boatd]] [[follow the chant|boate]] [[follow the cry|boatf]] (set: $boat1 to 3) (save-game: "savegame")

the ocean is vast, and the horizon is empty. [[follow the dream|boat2]] (if: $talktonestbar is 1)+(if: $boat1 is 3)[[[follow the memory|museum0]]](else:)[[[follow the memory|boat2]]] [[follow the regret|boat2]] (save-game: "savegame")

the ocean is vast, and the horizon is empty. (if: $knowswolves is 1)+(if: $boat1 is 1)[[[follow the dream|wf0]]](else:)[[[follow the dream|boat2]]] [[follow the memory|boat2]] [[follow the regret|boat2]] (save-game: "savegame")

the ocean is vast, and the horizon is empty. [[follow the dream|boat2]] [[follow the memory|boat2]] [[follow the regret|boat2]] (save-game: "savegame")

you step off the boat, and it returns to the mainland. [[approach the building|museum1]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $casmus to 1)

you find youself back at the dock on the beach. [[push off again|boat0]] [[leave the boat|beach0]] (save-game: "savegame")

you see a mighty forest in the distance. [[reach the beach|wf1]] (save-game: "savegame")

you stand in front of a grand building, adorned with ivy and marble columns. long grass sways in the wind. the surrounding island is desolate. [[enter the building|muslobby1]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $savgone to 1)

you enter a huge room, with multiple doors in front of you. candles suffuse the dark space. [[enter the first room|mushist1]] [[enter the second room|musarthall]] [[enter the third room|musinst1]] [[read the message on the wall|muslobbynote]] [[leave the building|museum1]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[return to the island|museum1]] [[sail into the ocean|boat2]] (save-game: "savegame")

in the center of the room, small models of buildings are illuminated under a spotlight. writing fills the walls. [[approach the models|musmods1]] [[approach the writing|muswall1]] [[leave the room|muslobby1]] (save-game: "savegame")

it's a circluar gallery of found objects, all illuminated behind glass. [[start on the left|musart1]] [[start on the right|musart12]] [[leave the room|muslobby1]] (save-game: "savegame")

the wall reads, in multiple languages and scripts: "welcome to our museum, featuring artefacts, writing and artwork collected and created by volunteers from the first arrival, to the present moment. please take your time." "we graciously thank our caretakers, collectors and artists who help to make this museum such a treasure to inhabit." [[finish reading|muslobby1]] (save-game: "savegame")

THE INSOMNIACS we didn't notice the fall. if anything it was almost peaceful, just us three, warm, being held between the moon and sea. clay built a shelter, and lit a row of lanterns guiding others from the cliffside to the buildings he raised from the ground. we built a home in the howling desert. as the memory of the cliff grew further away, we lit a stove and told our stories. but eli saw it all pressed together, bodies slumped on bedroom floors, skeletons floating under the water. holding the metal ball in his hands, eli's warning was whispered softly, "if you give up, it won't let you go." but i felt my spirit glow, as we sailed across the ocean. the best is yet to come. - cassandra [[finish reading|muswall1]] (save-game: "savegame")

A SONG FOR THE WEAVERS with rope and dreams they built a path away from all we feared they throw a loop around the moon as all the city cheered but even though they wove the rope their hearts and hands grew cold with every turn and twist they made the less they could withhold a voice from deep beneath the waves called out towards our friends the rope was frayed, the knots were loose, it tore at both its ends so when we climbed the splendid rope we heard the dreadful sound, the power from beneath the waves brought us all crashing down and without hope for an escape, all started to decay we saw our bones, a match was lit our spirits fell away we must not stand and weep for them upon this ashen place for when we wish for what has passed the ocean lies and waits - anonymous (the most common variant) [[finish reading|muswall1]] (save-game: "savegame")

ELI'S MEMORY we don't know where he went. for all we know he disappeared in the fire all those years ago. everything is how it should be. we sit and we wait. everybody has left what remains of this place and now we have nothing to fear. there are no choices left to make. we sit and we wait. i thought that, a long time ago we could find our way out. but now there's comfort in this limbo when we know how it will end. i couldn't... - thalia marquez (left unfinished) [[finish reading|muswall1]] (save-game: "savegame")

it's a model of station 01. as you move your head, it seems to flash between versions of itself, once a small hut, then a campsite, before morphing into multiple full buildings, bustling with visitors. three human handprints are printed below the model. [[finish looking|musmods1]] (save-game: "savegame")

a large old house on the beach. inside it, two small wolves feed, teach and care for a small group of five skeletal, yet hopeful wolves and humans. birds appear in the house, for a short while, until the house was left abandoned. a few birds still sit on the roof. the indent of a human hand and a wolf paw is printed below the model. [[finish looking|musmods1]] (save-game: "savegame")

a long canal snakes between a hotel full of humans and a large cave filled with birds. humans, wolves and birds join in digging the tunnel and manipulating the water flow. the indent of a human hand, a wolf paw and a bird claw is printed below the model. [[finish looking|musmods1]] (save-game: "savegame")

a beautiful city is built by humans, wolves and birds. they feed plant stems from the gardens to a huge machine, where they are converted into fibres. inside the grand cathedral, hundreds of citizens weave the fibres into a rope, where it is hoisted into the sky. [[finish looking|musmods1]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[read 'the insomniacs'|muspoem1]] [[read 'a song for the weavers'|muspoem2]] [[read 'eli's memory'|muspoem3]] [[finish reading|mushist1]] (save-game: "savegame")

it's a model of a stone forest. nothing grows, and the ground is covered in dust. two wolves emerge from a cave, then many more, and around them the forest begins to bloom. a wolf paw is printed below the model. [[finish looking|musmods1]] (save-game: "savegame")

the model shows an empty world, covered in fog. far into the sky, two birds perch on a lattice of wooden support beams, held up by the air. they weave together found objects, sheets of metal and loops of rope, until the entire surface is flat. far into the future, a door opens in the floor, and a human and a wolf emerge. a bird claw is printed below the model. [[finish looking|musmods1]] (save-game: "savegame")

it's a brief entry in a human's diary, found in the house on the beach. a transcription is provided below, in human languages, cyclic symbols and rough scratches. 'i love being here, but i dont think i'll be able to stay here. i could go to the hotel. i could go to the theatre. i could go to the museum. i need to think.' [[move to the right|musart2]] [[finish looking|musarthall]] (save-game: "savegame")

a spare rung from a wooden ladder. found in the basement of the house on the beach. [[move to the left|musart11]] [[finish looking|musarthall]] (save-game: "savegame")

the first ever issued pass for the orchid-nest canal. [[move to the left|musart1]] [[move to the right|musart3]] [[finish looking|musarthall]] (save-game: "savegame")

it's a scan of human handprints, left in the house on the beach. they're numbered by a series of rough scratches. [[move to the left|musart2]] [[move to the right|musart4]] [[finish looking|musarthall]] (save-game: "savegame")

a ticket for the cavern theatre. 'changeling: one night only!', it reads. [[move to the left|musart10]] [[move to the right|musart12]] [[finish looking|musarthall]] (save-game: "savegame")

it's the menu from the ballroom in the orchid hotel, written in cyclic symbols. a transcription is provided below. 'tonight's tasting menu is as follows...' 'to begin, an assortment of delicate vegetables and flowers.' 'to continue, a medley of fresh seafood in a variety of sauces.' 'to conclude, a rainbow's worth of vibrant pressed juices.' 'note - the writer's panel will be found in the ballroom, later on tonight.' [[move to the left|musart3]] [[move to the right|musart5]] [[finish looking|musarthall]] (save-game: "savegame")

a pair of gardening gloves, partially burned. [[move to the left|musart4]] [[move to the right|musart6]] [[finish looking|musarthall]] (save-game: "savegame")

an old painting of three humans in front of a campsite in the desert. their poses are hazy, and their expressions never keep still. [[move to the left|musart5]] [[move to the right|musart7]] [[finish looking|musarthall]] (save-game: "savegame")

a small blue raincoat, taken from the theatre's dressing room. [[move to the left|musart6]] [[move to the right|musart8]] [[finish looking|musarthall]] (save-game: "savegame")

a crumpled burger wrapper, left on the table in station 01. [[move to the left|musart7]] [[move to the right|musart9]] [[finish looking|musarthall]] (save-game: "savegame")

a small handheld radio emits a repeating message in fifty human languages. a transcription is provided below, in human languages, cyclic symbols and rough scratches. a drawing of a human and an orchid is scratched into the plastic. "from the top. two steps forward, one step back, and two steps forward and one step back." [[move to the left|musart8]] [[move to the right|musart10]] [[finish looking|musarthall]] (set: $st02code to 1) (save-game: "savegame") (set: $casradio to 1)

a clump of tiny processed plant fibres. [[move to the left|musart9]] [[move to the right|musart11]] [[finish looking|musarthall]] (save-game: "savegame")

(colour: #808080)["(dropdown: bind $lock1, "...", "a lasting thought, a deep belief", "we found ourselves, under a deep fog", "this place was never my home", "say whatever you want", "now suddenly free from loss and fear", "although we may be lost at sea", "i stopped listening a year ago", "they couldn't hope to help anyone", "we sit beside the cliffs and wait", "we haven't learned anything")"] (colour: #808080)["(dropdown: bind $lock2, "...", "what if we were wrong", "we kept it close to heart", "we mustn't lose our hope", "everything bled together", "below a blackened sky", "it took so long to realize", "we've lost all that we had", "and we wasted all our time", "we think on better times past", "i can feel less each day")"] (colour: #808080)["(dropdown: bind $lock3, "...", "we're lost, we can't find the surface", "we keep sinking deeper beneath", "standing in the ruins of our house", "i would never let go of you", "maybe now, after everything we've done,", "i've been by myself for so long", "our glow surrounds us; shining still", "i keep forgetting, and remembering again", "i could stay here forever", "what did we learn? what did we forget?")"] (colour: #808080)["(dropdown: bind $lock4, "...", "i'm crushed beneath the waves", "it's time to go home", "where have you been?", "this is the way i lived", "there isn't anything here", "for all of this time", "and i don't hear you anymore", "there isn't much time left", "what are you doing here?", "in time we all shall rise")"] [[finish speaking|tb2]] [[back out|accath]] (save-game: "savegame")

the wall reads, in multiple languages and scripts: 'much like eli's installation beside it, cassandra's work has long been a central monument in the nighttime, as it morphs to reflect our world, and ourselves.' [[enter the room|mirror2]] [[back out|musinst1]] (save-game: "savegame")

the wall reads, in multiple languages and scripts: 'attempting to chronicle the experiences lived by the residents of the nighttime, thalia marquez rented the ballroom of the orchid hotel to hold interviews with anybody who would speak to her, and cut up the resulting recordings into a collage of living memories. although her responsibilities of contributing to the city would leave this piece unfinished, countless others have journeyed here to leave their own mark on her ever-evolving work.' [[enter the room|echoes2]] [[back out|musinst1]] (save-game: "savegame")

the wall reads, in multiple languages and scripts: 'eli made the first contribution to this museum before any of us would come to even know of its existence.' [[enter the room|canyon2]] [[back out|musinst1]] (save-game: "savegame")

the wall reads, in multiple languages and scripts: 'throughout our history, thalia marquez has been a highly esteemed and deeply appreciated playwright, artist, architect and poet, the impact of whose works can be seen all through our collection. after the tragic fall of the city, she retreated here, to our floating museum, and began to chart the world of the nighttime until her sudden disappearence. this is her penultimate work.' [[enter the room|map2]] [[back out|musinst1]] (save-game: "savegame")

a large room with a huge canvas on the back wall. [[approach the canvas|map3]] [[leave the room|musinst1]] (save-game: "savegame")

echoes of voices surround you. "what happened to you?" "...i didn't have, well, anybody..." "...no matter what i did, nothing changed..." "...suddenly found that i couldn't hear anything..." "...it was like the night went on forever..." "...i left my house, and i started to walk..." [[go forwards|echoes3]] [[go backwards|musinst1]] (save-game: "savegame")

the floor is made of glass and there is nothing beneath it. a swirling, churning mass of black fog and saltwater writhes in the empty space. the rock walls give way to an open ceiling and glittering stars. [[look upwards|canyon3]] [[go back|musinst1]] (save-game: "savegame")

you enter a long, dark corridoor, and a door closes behind you. you can see something in the distance. [[move forwards|mirror3]] (save-game: "savegame")

as you walk, the figure grows closer. [[move forwards|mirror4]] (save-game: "savegame")

the space gets lighter, a dim orange glow surrounds you. mirrored reflections support you. you're glowing. [[keep moving forwards|mirror5]] (save-game: "savegame")

you are powerful, yet the figure in the distance still grows larger. [[keep moving forwards|mirror6]] (save-game: "savegame")

the lights suddenly click on. you stare into a broken mirror, with nothing beside you. [[move forwards|mirror7]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[you find yourself back at the beginning|musinst1]] (save-game: "savegame")

at the top of the painting, there's a small representation of the nighttime, a tiny hotel and some miniscule ruins. it floats over a dark and vast ocean, many times larger than itself, that blends into a threatening black that coats huge amounts of the canvas. the base of the painting is left blank. the painting is titled 'below a blackened sky'. [[examine a nearby journal|j1]] [[finish looking|map2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"this shouldn't be too hard." [[keep reading|j2]] [[stop reading|map2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"i can't seem to get this scale right. it always seems wrong." [[keep reading|j3]] [[stop reading|map2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"none of this is working. the surface is always too big." [[keep reading|j4]] [[stop reading|map2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"we can't be this small." [[keep reading|j5]] [[stop reading|map2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"is this what we've been living above?" [[keep reading|j6]] [[stop reading|map2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"i miss them. i miss them all so much." [[keep reading|j7]] [[stop reading|map2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"i should have left with them. after all that happened, how could i stay here?" [[keep reading|j8]] [[stop reading|map2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"what will happen to us? are we all going the same way?" [[keep reading|j9]] [[stop reading|map2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"will we all be forgotten?" [[keep reading|j10]] [[stop reading|map2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"cassie, clay and eli built this place. will they be forgotten too?" [[keep reading|j11]] [[stop reading|map2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"i don't think i have much time left here." [[keep reading|j12]] [[stop reading|map2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"i can see through my hands. i think it's nearly time for me to leave." [[keep reading|j13]] [[stop reading|map2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"i need to do something. i need to do two things." [[keep reading|j14]] [[stop reading|map2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"there are so many things left unsaid." [[keep reading|j15]] [[stop reading|map2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"i spoke to eli the day before the city fell. he had made a telescope. he said there was a piece of the moon inside of it. it was going to be our way out." [[keep reading|j16]] [[stop reading|map2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"sometime in the future, someone will find it." [[keep reading|j17]] [[stop reading|map2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"they can't be skeletal. he would lock it away, he said. he held his old metal ball in his other hand, and glanced at it sadly." [[keep reading|j18]] [[stop reading|map2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"he told me that i was the key. i was the fourth founder. i had hidden the key for him. he held my hands, and told me that everything would be okay." "i had made the key, it was my work. it was part of the world, it was part of us." [[keep reading|j19]] [[stop reading|map2]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $casbook to 1)

"a memorial's epilouge, made from things i had hidden. an old song for those who tried to save us." "somewhere in my work, the play, this painting, the installation and the city, there were pieces of the key." "i hadn't even started painting at that point. i didn't understand." [[keep reading|j19.1]] [[stop reading|map2]] (save-game: "savegame")

~~A FOND FAREWELL~~ ELI'S MEMORY we ~~cant know~~ don't know where he went. for all we know he disappeared in the fire all those years ago. ~~there's nothing more we can do~~ everything is how it should be. we sit and we wait. everybody has left what remains of this place and now we have nothing to fear. there are no choices left to make. ~~we're perfect, and we're solved.~~ we sit and we wait. i thought that, a long time ago ~~the sky would soon lighten~~ we could find our way out. but now there's comfort in this ~~imprisonment~~ limbo when we know how it will end. i couldn't ~~jesus christ what am i doing here~~ [[stop reading|map2]] (save-game: "savegame")

echoes of voices surround you. "what was it like when you first came here?" "...the canal had just been built, it was an incredible moment..." "...i went to my room in the orchid, and, i felt so much better..." "...it was quiet, we sat in the desert, we waited, but we were hopeful,..." "...i immediately went to see the city, it was..." [[go forwards|echoes4]] [[go backwards|echoes2]] (save-game: "savegame")

echoes of voices surround you. "how did you feel, hearing about the city?" "...it felt like it was all this was building to..." "...like we can finally get a way out..." "...my sister became a weaver. she..." "...it made me so happy. everything will be okay..." "...and everybody was glowing. did you see that?..." "...we were glowing, it was all around us, we were shining, still..." [[go forwards|echoes5]] [[go backwards|echoes3]] (save-game: "savegame")

echoes of voices surround you. "where were you when it happened?" "...everything was suddenly so quiet, and so cold..." "...i sat in my hotel room, and looked out of the window..." "...everyone in there, i could see their bones through their skin..." "...i saw the smoke from over in the desert..." "...our glow was gone..." [[go forwards|echoes6]] [[go backwards|echoes4]] (save-game: "savegame")

echoes of voices surround you. "what have you been doing since?" "...i've been meaning to get to the cavern sometime..." "...i'm going to be leaving, i think, go back to the desert..." "...i've been sleeping on the beach..." "...i can see less of myself every time..." "...i don't think i'll be here for much longer..." [[go forwards|echoes7]] [[go backwards|echoes5]] (save-game: "savegame")

echoes of voices surround you. "what do you think is going to happen?" "...oh, i couldn't know, i'm not..." "...it's not like we can just, rebuild or..." "...it might not even be that bad, under the water..." "...it would have to be somebody else, not one of us..." "...it's going to be a long time, i might not even..." [[go backwards|echoes6]] (save-game: "savegame")

the sky swirls around you. you're being transported. [[look away|canyon4]] [[let it carry you away|ipstart1]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[gradually open your eyes|ipstart2]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[the room stops spinning|canyon2]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[you're floating in a strange space|ip1]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $mapplan to 1)

you float through a planetarium. the floor is a vast pool of shimmering water, (if: $daytime is 1)[and the ceiling is open to a new day's sunlight.](else:)[and through the glass roof, you see a sky full of stars. in the centre of the room is a stone pillar.](if: $wolvesleft is 1)+(if: $humansfree is 1)+(if: $eligone is 1)[ a note has been attached to the wall.] (if: $daytime is 1)[[[start to float upwards|end1]]](else:)[[[approach the pillar|ip2]]] [[swim through the water|iptonesst1]] (if: $wolvesleft is 1)+(if: $humansfree is 1)+(if: $eligone is 1)[[[examine the note|pnote1]]] (save-game: "savegame")

the pillar is broken in the middle, and from both sides, stone hands reach for each other. there's an empty slot between them. [[go back|ip1]] (if: $telescope is 1)[[[place the telescope between the hands|ipt1]]] (save-game: "savegame")

you surface in a cave. you hear gentle music coming from across the lake. [[emerge from the lake|nest0]] (set: $nestlake to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

[[you surface, and begin to float|ip1]] (save-game: "savegame")

(if: $lock1 is "although we may be lost at sea")+(if: $lock2 is "below a blackened sky")+(if: $lock3 is "our glow surrounds us; shining still")+(if: $lock4 is "in time we all shall rise")[[[the ball stops moving|tbyes]]](else:)[[[the ball stops moving|tbno]]] (save-game: "savegame")

the ball breaks apart, and the door to the cathedral is open. [[go inside|cath1]] [[turn back|accath]] (set: $cathopen to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

nothing happens. (if: $rwmessage is not 1)[you hear a distant whisper, and the crackle of fire.](else:)[the whispers from the burning cathedral get a little louder.] [[try again|tb1]] [[turn away|accath]] (set: $rwmessage to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

inside the cathedral, a mountain of ash is piled under the open ceiling. (if: $telescope is not 1)+(if: $daytime is not 1)[ at the foot of the pile is a dusty telescope, with a tiny piece of the moon embedded inside of it.] [[leave the cathedral|accath]] (if: $telescope is not 1)+(if: $daytime is not 1)[[[inspect the telescope|cath2]]] (save-game: "savegame")

attached to the telescope is a note. "thank you. i'll see you in the stars." [[take the telescope|cath3]] [[turn away|cath1]] (save-game: "savegame")

(if: $rwopened is 1)[the ocean grows quiet. ]you begin to glow. [[you take the telescope|cath1]] (set: $telescope to 1) (set: $rwopened to 0) (save-game: "savegame") (set: $casstars to 1)

"long ago, in the trees, we left the sky, we came to rest. blind to the outside, blind to the inside." "it's the last thing that they remember. it's the final scratch we made." "i wonder what i missed, sitting down here alone, just some aging bird, skin, feather and bone." [[the bird sighs|nestsong3]] [[turn away|nest2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"you met gil again? i never really understood what his deal was." [["that's his name?"|savgil2]] (set: $talktonestbar1 to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

"apparently so, or at least that's what he said when i met him. is he still disappearing for no reason?" [["he did it again, but he seemed nicer this time."|savgil3]] (save-game: "savegame")

"that's strange. maybe he's just kind of awkward, i haven't heard about him talking to many people twice." [["do you only talk to people who come through the station?"|savgil4]] (save-game: "savegame")

"yeah, i don't really leave here. somebody has to drive the desert route, i guess, and i can get free food and take long breaks." [["at least you've got the food"|sav2]] (save-game: "savegame")

suddenly, you see a bright flash in the sky. the ceiling opens. light floods the planetarium. [[it's finally daytime|ip1]] (set: $daytime to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

nothing can hold you back. it feels like your journey might nearly be over. [[go back to the nighttime|ip1]] [[continue to the surface|end2]] (save-game: "savegame")

this is as far as i can take you. past here, you're on your own. are you sure you're ready to leave? [[yes, i'm sure|end3]] [[not right now|end0]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[please, take care of yourself|ending]] (save-game: "savegame")

that's okay. you'll be ready eventually. [[but for now, you can stay here|ip1]] (save-game: "savegame")

thank you for playing. (link:"click to see the credits")[(gotoURL:"https://aidanburns.github.io/insomend1.index.html")] (if: $repeatvisit is 1)[[[open your eyes|sba1]]](else:)[[[open your eyes|sbb1]]] (save-game: "savegame")

"i stayed there for a time when i first arrived. everybody had left, but it was still warm and cosy. i think it was a school, but not a normal kind of school." [["what was different about it?"|savwolf2]] (set: $savwolf1 to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

"i've heard good things about it, but i've never gone to see it myself. the playwright is meant to be quite famous here, but nobody has seen her in a while." [["how long has it been going for?"|savplay2]] (set: $savplay1 to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

"from what i remember, it was destroyed a long time ago. i keep asking people who come through here about it, but they don't have much to say. i'm sorry, i don't know what happened to it, or what it was for, if anything." [["..."|sav2]] (set: $savcity1 to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

"it's okay. you don't need to do anything. just breathe in and out." [[...|fccath3]] [[leave the cathedral|fccath]] (save-game: "savegame")

"come to the ocean. it doesn't have to be this hard. you'll be safe there." [[stay there|fccath3.5]] [[turn away|fccath1]] (save-game: "savegame")

the voice came from the ocean. you can see your bones through your skin. [[they're ready for you|fccath1]] (set: $rwopened to 1) (set: $savgone to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

you start to walk down the beach and into the ocean. [[keep going|cf2]] [[turn back|beach2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"they didn't teach you much, from what i've heard. it was more of a camp, like some kind of support group. they painted those murals on the cliffs. it was also run by wolves." [["wolves??"|savwolf3]] (save-game: "savegame")

"they left a long time ago. i'd love to meet one someday." [["..."|sav2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"oh, for a long time. actors keep switching in and out, and the script never really seems to end. you can only ever see part of the play. nobody can even ask her what it's meant to be about." [[...|sav2]]] (save-game: "savegame")

you can barely see the sky. the ocean begins to close up. you feel your skeleton. [[go back to the beach|beach2]] [[keep going|cf3]] (save-game: "savegame")

the ocean closes up behind you. [[walk down|cf3.1]]

[[you reach the bottom|cf5]] (save-game: "savegame")

the ocean floor floats high above you now, and the beach is far away. fog swirls in the distance. [[keep going|cf6]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[keep going down|cf3.2]]

[[keep going down|cf3.3]]

[[keep going down|cf3.4]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[keep going down|cf3.5]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[keep going down|cf3.6]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[keep going down|cf3.7]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[keep going down|cf3.8]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[keep going down|cf4]] (save-game: "savegame")

rooted at regular intervals are great pillars of iron and concrete. they rise from the smooth, damp stone and reach to the ocean high above, disappearing into the fog. [[keep going|cf7]] (save-game: "savegame")

you've reached the bottom of the world. there is nowhere to go but forward. [[keep going|cf8]] (save-game: "savegame")

the wind howls. [[keep going|cf9]] (save-game: "savegame")

any voices from above are drowned out. [[keep going|cf10]] (save-game: "savegame")

you're alone. [[keep going|cf11]] (save-game: "savegame")

you're alone. [[keep going|cf12]] (save-game: "savegame")

you're alone. [[keep going|cf13]] (save-game: "savegame")

you're alone. [[keep going|cf14]] (save-game: "savegame")

you're alone. [[keep going|cf15]] (save-game: "savegame")

you're alone. [[keep going|cf16]] (save-game: "savegame")

you're alone. [[keep going|cf17]] (save-game: "savegame")

you see something in the distance. [[keep going|cf18]] (save-game: "savegame")

it's a small town. [[keep going|cf19]] (save-game: "savegame")

a handful of small houses surround a great bonfire. [[keep going|cf20]] (save-game: "savegame")

you reach the town. there's a small sign attached to a post. 'rosewater' [[enter the town|rw0.1]] (save-game: "savegame")

about ten people stand around the campfire. [[listen|rw0.2]] (save-game: "savegame")

the fire chills you. "please, stay here for as long as you need to." [[listen|rw0.3]] (save-game: "savegame")

"everything will be alright. you can leave whenever you're ready." [[listen|rw0.4]] (save-game: "savegame")

"you all must be tired. i'll see you tomorrow." [[turn away|rw0.5]] (save-game: "savegame")

the figures shuffle away to the nearby houses. [[one of the houses is for you|rw0.6]] (save-game: "savegame")

the space is cold, but for now, but the bed is warm. [[it's time to go to sleep|rw1.0]] (save-game: "savegame")

at some point, you wake up. [[leave your room|rw1.1]] (save-game: "savegame")

what do you want to do? [[sit down|rw1a]] [[dust the path|rw1b]] [[stare into the fog|rw1c]] [[gather wood|rw1d]] (save-game: "savegame")

you sit on a bench and watch people pass you by. [[it's time to go to the campfire|rw1.2]] (save-game: "savegame")

dust rolls in from outside the town. the paths are dirty again. [[it's time to go to the campfire|rw1.2]] (save-game: "savegame")

you stand by the edge of the town. you don't see anything. [[it's time to go to the campfire|rw1.2]] (save-game: "savegame")

you take logs of wood from the edge of town to the campfire. the campfire is lit, and you are cold again. [[it's time to sit by the campfire|rw1.2]] (save-game: "savegame")

you say something to the (either: "person", "bird", "wolf") next to you. [["what is this place?"|rw1.3]] [["is there any way out of here?"|rw1.3]] [["what are we waiting for?"|rw1.3]] (save-game: "savegame")

they do not answer. somebody stands up and speaks, but you don't hear what they're saying. [[time to go home|rw1.4]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[get into bed|rw2.0]] (save-game: "savegame")

at some point, you get out of bed. [[leave your room|rw2.1]] (save-game: "savegame")

what do you want to do? [[sit|rw2a]] [[dust|rw2b]] [[stare|rw2c]] [[gather|rw2d]] (save-game: "savegame")

you sit down and look around. [[it's time to go to the campfire|rw2.2]] (save-game: "savegame")

the paths are dirty again. [[it's time to go to the campfire|rw2.2]] (save-game: "savegame")

you don't see anything. [[it's time to go to the campfire|rw2.2]] (save-game: "savegame")

you carry wood. the campfire is lit, and you are cold again. [[it's time to sit by the campfire|rw2.2]] (save-game: "savegame")

you look at the (either: "person", "bird", "wolf") next to you. [["where are we?"|rw2.3]] [["who are you?"|rw2.3]] [["what are we doing here?"|rw2.3]] (save-game: "savegame")

you don't say anything. somebody says something, but you don't hear them. [[go home|rw2.4]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[lie in bed|3.0]] (save-game: "savegame")

you leave your bed. [[leave your room|rw3.1]] (save-game: "savegame")

what do you want to do? [[sit|rw3a]] [[stare|rw3c]] [[gather|rw3d]] (save-game: "savegame")

nothing happens. [[go to the campfire|rw3.2]] (save-game: "savegame")

you are cold again. [[sit by the campfire|rw3.2]] (save-game: "savegame")

you look at the thing next to you. [[go away|rw4.0]] (save-game: "savegame")

you enter your house. [[leave|rw4.1]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[sit|rw4a]] [[help|rw4b]] (save-game: "savegame")

nothing happens. [[sit by the campfire|rw4.2]] (save-game: "savegame")

you're cold. [[sit by the campfire|rw4.2]] (save-game: "savegame")

you don't hear what anyone says. [[leave|rw4.3]] (save-game: "savegame")

you enter your house. [[leave your house|rw4.4]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[leave|rw5.2]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[sit by the campfire|rw5.3]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[go home|rw5.4]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[leave|rw6.1]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[wait|rw6.2]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[lie down|rw6.3]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[wait|rw6.4]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[lie down|rw6.5]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[wait|rw6.6]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[lie down|rw6.7]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[wait|rw6.8]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[lie down|rw6.9]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[wait|rw6.10]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[lie down|rw6.11]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[wait|rw6.12]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[lie down|rw6.13]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[wait|rw6.14]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[lie down|rw6.15]] (save-game: "savegame")

you have left the town. [[it's over|rl1]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[wait|rw6.16]] [[leave the town, and walk into the fog|rw7]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[lie down|rw6.15]] (save-game: "savegame")

the fog envelops you. [[keep going|rl2]] (save-game: "savegame")

you can't hear anything. [[keep going|rl3]] (save-game: "savegame")

you can't see anything. [[keep going|rl4]] (save-game: "savegame")

you can't feel anything. [[keep going|rl5]] (save-game: "savegame")

you don't feel yourself there. [[keep going|rl6]] (save-game: "savegame")

you are not there. [[keep going|rl7]] (save-game: "savegame")

you are not. [[keep going|rl8]] (save-game: "savegame")

(if: $rwloop is 124)[[[keep going|rl9]]](else:)[[[keep going|rl8]]] (set: $rwloop to $rwloop + 1) (save-game: "savegame")

[[you hear something|rl10]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[a great echo from above|rl11]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[a bright light is coming from above the fog|rl12]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[the fog starts to break away|rl13]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[you hear voices from the other side|rl14]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[the sun comes through|rl15]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[and then it rained|rl16]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[the water poured from the sky|rl17]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[waves crash between the pillars|rl18]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[you feel the cold on your fingertips|rl19]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[the flood comes in waves and fills the space|rl20]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[you begin to float, and gradually,|rl21]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[it lifts you out|rwend1]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[...|rwend2]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[...|rwend3]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[you wake up, coughing up water on the beach|rwend4]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[all around you, thousands of people have washed up with you|rwend5]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[you all glow with a brilliant light|rwend6]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[the sun has risen. it's daytime|rwend7]] (set: $daytime to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

a few people stand by the cliffs and cheer. [[everyone gradually wakes up|rwend8]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[spend time|rw4.5]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[sit by the campfire|rw4.6]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[lie down|rw5.1]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[you start to walk as a group|rwend9]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[savannah leads you into the elevator to the hotel|rwend10]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[on a dark boat ride|rwend11]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[and into a pool of glittering water|rwend12]] (save-game: "savegame")

(if: $nestlake is 1)[[[you float through the planetarium. the ceiling has opened to a bright sky|rwend13]]](else:)[[[you float through a planetarium. the ceiling is open to a bright sky|rwend13]]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[birds, wolves and humans are floating upwards into the sky|rwend14]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[it's time to go|rwend14.1]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[you drift into the sky|rwwend15.1]] (save-game: "savegame")

you're in the back of the car again. a robot is driving. [["sorry, who are you?"|sbb2]] (set: $returnvisit to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

"hey! it's good to see you back" [["it's good to see you too"|sba2]] (save-game: "savegame")

you've arrived at the station. [["see you later, savbot"|sba3]] (set: $returnvisit to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

[[you step out of the car. savbot drives away|st01outsidefront]] (save-game: "savegame")

"oh, i forgot to introduce myself! i'm savbot." [["like, savannah, as a robot?"|sbb3]] (save-game: "savegame")

"exactly! savannah built me before she left the nighttime, so anyone who finds this place, or just wants to come back and explore, can get to the station easily." [["how could she manage to make you?"|sbb4]] (save-game: "savegame")

"she started reading some of those books and magazines that showed up in the shop. she learned enough from those scraps of information that eventually she figured it all out herself. before she knew it, she was a master." [["how long did it take her to make you?"|sbb5]] (save-game: "savegame")

"it took her years upon years to put me and my sister together, but it was worth it. she was in that station for a very long time after all. (if: $telescope is 1)[thank you for everything, also. you helped a lot of people.]" (if: $telescope is 1)[[["i did the best i could"|sbb5.1]]](else:)[[["how much time did she miss on the surface?"|sbb5.2]]] (save-game: "savegame")

"after they went up through the planetarium, thousands upon thousands of people appeared back on the cliffside on the surface. you helped them so much" "some people are still here, though. i guess they're not exactly ready to leave. maybe they don't even know that they can." you've reached the station. [["thank you, savbot. i'll see you later"|sbb6]] (save-game: "savegame")

"oh barely any time at all. it's like she woke up from a long nap, or something of the sort. after someone finally ended the nighttime, most people just left. a few people are still hanging around, though. guess they've still got things to do, or maybe they don't even know that they can leave." you've reached the station. [["thank you, savbot. i'll see you later"|sbb6]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[you step out of the car. savbot drives away|st01outsidefront]] (save-game: "savegame")

a row of partially constructed buildings, one after the other, in a vast desert. each one is larger and more detailed than the last. it goes on forever. (if: $daytime is 1)[the sunshine makes the glass glitter.] [[enter the nearby office|st02office1]] [[enter the first station|st02insidefirst]] (save-game: "savegame")

you enter a half-constructed building, with an empty ceiling and no lights. a door in the wall leads back to the station. [[go outside|st02front]] [[go through the door|st01outsideback]] (set: $st02open to 1) (save-game: "savegame") (set: $mapst02 to 1)

(if: $humansfree is 1)[the office is empty.](else:)[an old man in a blue hoodie sits in the corner, hunched over some documents.](if: $st02talk1 is not 1)[ he turns to speak to you.] (if: $st02talk1 is not 1)[ "you found the message, huh?" [["i did! what are you doing?"|sto2clay1]]](else:)[(if: $daytime is 1)+(if: $humansfree is not 1) [["have you left this office recently?"|st02d1]]] [[leave the office|st02front]] (save-game: "savegame")

"we're building a new station, of course! st02 has been a long time coming, but it'll be finished soon! then, we can bring all of the nighttime together again." [["how long have you been working on this place for?"|st02clay2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"oh my, it must be since the city fell, i believe. it was a terrible tragedy, but some of us humans thought that if we did our best, we could build something that would inspire everybody as much as the weavers did, all those years ago. they were such... wonderfully brave people." [["why are there so many buildings?"|st02clay3]] (save-game: "savegame")

"we set ourselves quite high standards, but, we needed to! there had been talk of st02 for what felt like years and years. we needed to make it perfect. we locked the door and sent out a code, only the nighttime's brightest and best could work on the project. it's been taking a while though. we're never happy with anything we've done, and we keep having to begin again." [["do you think it'll ever get done?"|st02clay4]] (save-game: "savegame")

"oh my, that'll be the day." [["..."|st02office1]] (set: $st02talk1 to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

"no, not for a while, have i been missing something?" [["the sun's out now!"|st02d2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"wow, i really have been missing something. through all of the nighttime?" [["yes, everybody can go home!"|st02d3]] (save-game: "savegame")

"oh my! what have i been waiting for?" he smiles, and calls outside to the workers. "come on, everybody! let's go home!" [[he stands and leaves|st02office1]] (set: $humansfree to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

"and then he disappeared." [[keep reading|j19.3]] [[stop reading|map2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"this just leaves one last thing to do." [[keep reading|j20]] [[stop reading|map2]] (save-game: "savegame")

you hear a low groan from behind the door. [["are... you okay?|droom3]] (save-game: "savegame")

the door unlocks. a paw pushes a few coins around the door. you hear a sigh. "i'm so hungry. can you go get me a snack? it's not that long of a journey." [["yeah, alright"|droom4]] (save-game: "savegame")

"i hope the shop's still there. i wouldn't know what i would do..." a paw closes the door, and it locks again. [[take the money, and leave|us11]] (set: $cashmoney to 1) (set: $wolftalk1 to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

you drop the coins into the register. it swallows them with a clank and a rattle. [[keep looking around|st01shop]] (set: $paid to 1) (set: $cashmoney to 0) (save-game: "savegame")

you pick up the food from the shelf. [[keep looking around|st01shopa1]] (set: $snacktime to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

[[the snacks disappear from your hands|st01front]] (set: $snacktime to 0) (save-game: "savegame")

(if: $lwtalk2 is not 1)+(if: $snacktime is 1)[[[put the snacks on the floor, and knock on the door|lw2]]](elseif: $snacktime is not 1)[the wolf grumbles from behind the door.](elseif: $wolvesleft is not 1)[the wolf mumbles an old song from behind the door. "and i remember the old place, behind the pale mountains and under the stone leaves." "the whole forest howled and beat the wooden drums, holding each other close." "i reach for the old dream, to sit among those trees and wait for the sunrise."](else:)[the last wolf has left.] [[go back|us11]] (save-game: "savegame")

the door opens, and a paw drags the snacks into the dark. [["is this enough?"|lw3]] (set: $lwtalk2 to 1) (save-game: "savegame") (set: $wolfeaten to 1)

"just wonderful, thank you." [["so, who are you?"|lw4]] (save-game: "savegame")

"you couldn't see? i'm a wolf. i think i'm the last one here." [["wait, how can i understand you?"|lw5]] (save-game: "savegame")

"well, i want to be understood, right? so, you can understand me." [["how do you know you're the last wolf here?"|lw6]] (save-game: "savegame")

"well i'm not too sure about that honestly. i haven't left here for a long while, and from what i've heard, the wolves all left years ago." [["where did they go?"|lw7]] (save-game: "savegame")

"back to the forest, i guess. that's what everybody said they'd do if something bad happened." [["why aren't you with them?"|lw8]] (save-game: "savegame")

"i... got confused. i got lost, everybody was going in different directions and saying different things. by the time i got to the beach, they had left without me." [["can't you get there yourself?"|lw9]] (save-game: "savegame")

"it's been so long, i don't think they'll want to see me. and i'm used to being here. it's warm." [["..."|lw1]] (set: $knowswolves to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

you're on an island, covered in a forest of stone. the beach is silent, aside from a sole tent. [[approach the tent|tent1]] [[get in the boat, and go back to the mainland|boat2]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $casisland to 1)

the tent has been here for a long time. (if: $wolvesleft is 1)[the beach is empty, and peaceful.] (if: $talktocass is not 1)[[["hey, anybody in there?"|tent1.1]]](elseif: $daytime is 1)+(elseif: $wolvesleft is not 1)[[["have you seen the sun?"|tent2.1]]] [[go back|wf1]] (save-game: "savegame")

a woman opens the tent and sits on the beach. she gives you a wave. "hey! what brings you here?" [["well i talked to an old wolf, and ended up finding this island"|tent1.2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"there's a wolf left on the mainland? how are they?" [["they're alright, they're hiding under the old theatre"|tent1.3]] (save-game: "savegame")

"to think he's been alone for all that time... well, i'm just glad he's alright." [["well, what are you doing here?"|tent1.4]] (save-game: "savegame")

"it's been a long time since we all came back to the island. you've seen it, right? the burning city? everyone was so scared..." [["why not go back?"|tent1.5]] (save-game: "savegame")

she looks behind her, into the dark forest. "the wolves are fighting. they were always so close, they all worked together. but they're skeletal now. it's getting worse all the time." [["what can we do?"|tent1.6]] (save-game: "savegame")

"nothing right now. with the way things are, nobody knows if there's a way out. nobody knows anything. it's easier just to fight, i suppose." [["..."|tent1.7]] (save-game: "savegame")

everybody looks to me for guidance, just like they used to do, but i barely want to leave the beach. [["..."|tent1.8]] (save-game: "savegame")

"the name's cassandra, by the way. what about you?" [["oh, i'm not sure about my name"|tent1.9]] (save-game: "savegame")

"you'll remember it. eventually, you will. that's all we can hope for, in the end." [["..."|tent1]] (set: $talktocass to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

"what are you talking about?" [["the sun has finally come out. here, come out of the tent for a second."|tent2.2]] (save-game: "savegame")

cass climbs out of her tent and onto the beach. the sun beams in the distance. "oh, my..." [[there's a rumble coming from behind you|tent2.3]] (save-game: "savegame")

the wolves are coming out of the forest. they're bandaged and bruised. there's hundreds of them. [[they rush back into the forest|tent2.4]] (save-game: "savegame")

it takes them a little while, but then everything goes quiet, and a howl surges over the ocean. they emerge carrying a fleet of boats. cassandra looks at you, and smiles. [[she climbs onto a nearby boat. they wave goodbye|tent1]] (set: $wolvesleft to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

[[he leaves down the canal|nest3]] (set: $gilupstairs to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

"if you end up seeing her again, tell her i said hi, will you? i've always been meaning to go back there someday." [["why not go now? getting from here to the station shouldn't be too hard."|nestbar1.4]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[you're weightless|rwend15]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[you're free|rwend16]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[please, take care of yourself|ending]] (set: $wenttorw to 1) (save-game: "savegame") (set: $casstars to 1)

the wall is covered in ancient books. [[look at a book|book1]] [[go back|wolfoffice]] (save-game: "savegame")

"it's nice up here, isn't it? it's all calm." [["i guess?"|gwolf2]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $casgilend to 1)

"we had a nice time. we made the most of it." [["..."|gwolf3]] (save-game: "savegame")

"my name's gil, by the way. i'm sorry for not introducing myself earlier. i'm also sorry if i'm being weird. come here, i wanna show you something." [[you follow him downstairs|gwolf4]] (save-game: "savegame")

he points to a wall in the dinner hall. it's covered in handprints. "that's all of us! everyone that ever stayed here." [["what was this place?"|gwolf5]] (save-game: "savegame")

"we grew up here. the nighttime is a scary place for a kid, and the wolves took care of us, alongside their own. we had a nice time." [["where did everyone go?"|gwolf6]] (save-game: "savegame")

"when the city fell, things stopped making sense. it was like our world had been set on fire, completely. most of us ran away, but i didn't. i was too scared to." [[he leads you upstairs|gwolf7]] (save-game: "savegame")

he points to the outline of a door in the hallway. "i think this is where they went. they rushed everybody here, but i hid in the basement. when i came back up, the door was gone." [["are you the last one left here?"|gwolf8]] (save-game: "savegame")

"i'm the last human from here left, i think. i used to know the bird who sings in the cave, but we haven't talked to each other in a long time. i would feel bad interrupting one of her songs." [[he walks back into the dormitory|gwolf9]] (save-game: "savegame")

(if: $returnvisit is 1)["i'm gonna get going. i've got stuff to get on with, back on the surface."](else:)["i'm gonna, stay here for a little bit. i'm not really doing anything."] he pulls out an old photo from his jacket pocket and holds it up to the light before placing it by the window. (if: $returnvisit is 1)[he leaves without a word.] [["..."|wolfdorm]] (set: $gilupstairs to 2) (save-game: "savegame") (set: $casphoto to 1)

"she counted us, as we came into the shelter, the memory hidden away, held in an old book." "there was a glow, some sort of hope. we laid awake and heard the call of that humming machine." "we felt the fire. we had to go. we looked over the marks on the wall. they turned a page, we were counted, hands pressed into paper, just a burning regret." [[there's one last song|nestsong4]] [[turn away|nest2]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $cassong to 1)

"there lies a place for all of us, i am one of them." "it matters not, in the end, it matters not now, not ever." "if i were to stay silent, would that make it better?" "my lord, what have i done?" [[the songs are over|nest2]] (set: $listenedtocrow to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

(set: $booknum to (prompt: "look at which book?", "1")) [[take the book|book1.5]] (save-game: "savegame")

(if: $booknum is "5")+(if: $pagenum is "42")[[[there's a handprint on the page|rightbook]]](else:)[[[the page is blank|wolfbooks]]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[place your hand onto the charred handprint|rightbook2]] [[go back|wolfbooks]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[the wind whistles through the house|wolfbooks]] (set: $atticopen to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

inside the wall there's a dark room. a ladder leads into the ceiling. [[go back|wolfupstairs]] [[begin to climb|wolftoattic2]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[the ladder continues far into the ceiling, and past it|wolftoattic3]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[you emerge into a burning city|fc1]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $mapfire to 1)

[[it keeps going, far higher than the house. the room seemingly doesn't end|wolftoattic4]] (save-game: "savegame")

you reach a rusted trapdoor. [[push it open, and climb through|attic1]] (save-game: "savegame")

(if: $daytime is 1)[the sunlight breaks through the fog.](else:)[it's a vast, foggy world.] the ground is built from wooden supports and sheet metal, tied together with string. you can see the world below through the gaps. (if: $eligone is not 1)[ a man is sitting next to the edge, over the ocean far below.] (if: $eligone is not 1)[(if: $daytime is 1)[[["hey! have you seen the sun?"|elisun1]]](elseif: $eli1 is not 1)[[[go over to him|eli1]]]] [[go back down the trapdoor|attictowolf1]] (save-game: "savegame") (set: $mapattic to 1)

[[you descend the long ladder, and return to the house|wolfupstairs]] (save-game: "savegame")

"don't worry, i won't fall." he looks over at you. "hey! what brings you here?" [["i found the ladder, in the old house"|eli2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"oh man, i remember when we first found this place. the birds had done so much, they made this whole world just out of things they found. it was so nice to work with them." [["are they still here?"|eli3]] (save-game: "savegame")

"after the city fell, they came back here, but things were different. they'd lost their spirit. they didn't want to do anything, we all just sat around. the house locked us out. and eventually, well..." he points to a distant part of the rafters. the sheets are falling away. you can see the smoke from the city in the distance. [["what are you going to do?"|eli4]] (save-game: "savegame")

"a long time ago, i thought that i had found our way out, but it wasn't safe. i couldn't risk the same thing happening again. i took the key, and i locked it away. someday, maybe somebody will find thalia's work, and put the pieces together, and then we'll get to leave. but until then, we sit and we wait." [["..."|attic1]] (set: $eli1 to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

"what's happened?" [["the sun's come out. we can go home!"|elisun2]] (save-game: "savegame")

"they found it? we're safe?" he smiles to himself, and gets up from the ledge. (if: $telescope is 1)[ "thank you. thank you so much. you did when we never could."] [[you hear a rustling in the distance|elisun3]] (save-game: "savegame")

the birds emerge from the horizon. they dive through the trapdoor and through the floor. they're going home. [[eli waves as he climbs back down|attic1]] (set: $eligone to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

(set: $pagenum to (prompt: "look at which page?", "1")) [[open the book|book2]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[open your eyes|car1]] (set: $cararrival to 0) (set: $carasleep to 0) (set: $carstation to 0) (set: $cara to 0) (set: $carb to 0) (set: $carc to 0) (save-game: "savegame")

"it's so easy. just relax." [[look down|fccath4]] [[run away|fccath1]] (save-game: "savegame")

"we never thought this would happen. what have you done?" "it was all okay. everything was okay." "we need to talk to you. go back to the beginning." "we'll wait." [[go back|ip1]] (set: $ppgame to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

it's cold inside the car. you hear muffled voices coming from the radio. [[leave the car|st01outsidefront]] [[close the door|pcar2]] (save-game: "savegame")

you feel as if once you close the door, you won't be able to open it again. [[place your hand on the handle|pcar3]] [[pull away|pcar1]] (save-game: "savegame")

you feel like your adventure might have reached its end. [[turn away|pcar1]] [[pull the door closed|road1]] (save-game: "savegame")

the door starts up. it begins to move. [[you're travelling down the long, desert road|road2]]

the machine rumbles and stutters, but keeps going. [[the station disappears from behind you|road2.5]]

[[the voices from the radio get louder|road4]]

[[hundreds of voices are spliced together. they speak to you|road5]] (save-game: "savegame")

"we've been waiting" [[keep going|road6]] (save-game: "savegame")

"it's been such a long time" [[keep going|road7]] (save-game: "savegame")

"where have you been?" [[keep going|road8]] (save-game: "savegame")

"what have you done?" [[keep going|road9]] (save-game: "savegame")

"i don't know what's going to happen" [[keep going|road10]] (save-game: "savegame")

"i think this is the end" [[keep going|road11]] (save-game: "savegame")

"i think this is it" [[keep going|road12]] (save-game: "savegame")

"there's nothing more to do" [[keep going|road13]] (save-game: "savegame")

"we've been waiting for a long time" [[keep going|road13.5]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[outside of the car, the ground shakes|road15]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[the desert begins to fracture, and break apart|road16]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[ahead of you, the road slopes downwards|road17]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[the world slopes downwards|road18]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[you feel gravity shift|road19]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[a strange feeling comes over you. your bones feel heavy|road3]]

"come down to us" [[you feel a rumble|road14]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[and you fall into the ground|road20]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[you pass the old cave as you fall|road21]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[you see the theatre, and the city covered in ash|road22]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[it's dark at the bottom of the ocean|road23]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[and you fall past the world below|road24]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[a world of fog, and great concrete pillars|road25]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[and a small town|road26]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[and then you fall further|road27]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[you've passed the bottom of the world. it's dark|road28]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[there is nothing below you|road29]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[and yet you still fall|road30]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[until you can fall no further|road31]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[and then you wake up|th0.1]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[...|th0.2]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[...|th0.3]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[...|th0.4]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[...|th1]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[you awaken in a trash heap|th2]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[the nighttime is far above you|th3]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[you feel yourself glow|th4]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[all around you, hands reach out of the ground|th5]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[they're skeletons. they turn to look at you|th6]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[one of them speaks|th7]] (save-game: "savegame")

"do you understand?" [[...|th8]] (save-game: "savegame")

"i guess this was inevitable, in a way." [[...|th9]] (save-game: "savegame")

"still, it's hard to make this feel normal." [[...|th10]] (save-game: "savegame")

"we know you can't say much here, we're sorry. everything feels too heavy to move." [[...|th11]] (save-game: "savegame")

"but how are you still glowing? i guess you haven't given up yet." [[...|th12]] (save-game: "savegame")

"you didn't give up. you got all the way here. even when there were no choices to be made, you kept going." [[...|th13]] (save-game: "savegame")

"i want to try something." [[...|th14]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[light sparkles out over the trash heap|th15]] (set: $name to (prompt: "what's your name?", "")) (save-game: "savegame")

"look at that! you're glowing!" [[you shimmer in the dark|th16]] (save-game: "savegame")

"you never gave up. even at your darkest points, your glow was always there." [[...|th17]] (save-game: "savegame")

"you can't feel it on the surface. there, it's normal. it's invisible. but when you're down here, it's rare. it has to fight to keep you going." [[...|th18]] (save-game: "savegame")

"but now, you've brought it to us. thank you. thank you so much." [[...|th19]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[the skeletons start to glow. gravity shifts a little|th20]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[things begin to float. the weight is gone. the heaviness is gone|th21]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[you begin to travel upwards again|th22]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[past the flooded town and concrete pillars|th23]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[past the old city, soaked in daylight|th24]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[past the old theatre and the cave|th25]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[and thousands of skeletal souls, free to go home|th26]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[you're in the sky now. the world stretches out before you, and it breaks from the ground|th27]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[thousands of buildings, thousands of stories, turning to paper drawings, old tales and memories|th28]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[as they pass through the beautiful clouds|th29]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[and return to the surface. the nighttime is going home|th30]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[one of the skeletons taps you on the shoulder and shouts as they float upwards|th31]] (save-game: "savegame")

"there's no need for this place anymore! nothing can pull us down here again!" "i'm going to live forever!" [[...|th32]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[somewhere far above you, things are going back to normal. everything returns to the surface|th33]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[there isn't anything left. there's nothing more to do|th34]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[just keep floating. keep going upwards|th35]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[just keep going|th36]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[keep going|th37]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[keep going|th38]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[keep going!|th39]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[...|th40]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[...|th41]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[...|th42]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[...|th43]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[...|th44]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[...|th45]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[...|glow1]] (save-game: "savegame")

[["you're still there?"|glow2]] (save-game: "savegame")

[["i guess i wanted to say a proper goodbye."|glow3]] (save-game: "savegame")

[["but the funny thing is, i can't tell who's talking! whose words are these?"|glow4]] (save-game: "savegame")

[["is this me or you? do you speak through me, or do i speak through you?"|glow5]] (save-game: "savegame")

[["but either way, thank you for coming with me. you were a great help."|glow6]] (save-game: "savegame")

[["i can't reach you on the surface. when you open your eyes again, you'll be on your own."|glow7]] (save-game: "savegame")

[["but somewhere between us, i know that we'll be alright."|glow8]] (save-game: "savegame")

[["even if we can't talk like this after it's over, everything will be just fine."|glow9]] (save-game: "savegame")

[["don't worry. i'll still be there with you."|glow9.5]] (save-game: "savegame")

[["please, take care of yourself."|secretending]] (save-game: "savegame")

thank you for playing. (link:"click to see the credits")[(gotoURL:"https://aidanburns.github.io/insomend1.index.html")] (save-game: "savegame")

[["i'll always be there with you."|glow10]] (save-game: "savegame")

in the centre of the back room is a wooden table with an old computer resting on it. the unit is covered in dust, and the ancient components hum gently. next to the computer is a portable tape recorder. [[take the tape recorder|st01br2]] [[go back to the station|st01back]] (save-game: "savegame")

you pick up the tape recorder and attach it to your waist. the cassette inside clicks, and starts to whirr as it spins. [[a red light clicks on|st01br]] (set: $cas to 1) (set: $savcas to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

the old computer sits humming on the table. the walls are bare stone. [[insert the cassette|cas0]] [[go back to the station|st01back]] (save-game: "savegame")

"oh, that thing! that was one of my old projects i'd work on in the down time between drives, but i could never quite get it to work properly." "it was meant to help new people navigate around here, kinda get their bearings." [["how does it work?"|savtape2]] (set: $savcas1 to 1) (save-game: "savegame")

"right now, it's constantly checking things you've seen or heard to see if they might be important. it's pretty good at identifying these things, but the issue is that it does a bad job of communicating them." "if you slot the tape into that old computer in the back room, it'll display some idea of the thing it recorded, but not a very clear one. you'll likely have to go and figure out what it means. it'll also build a map of where you've been, but it can't tell how those places connect." [["yeah, okay."|sav2]] (save-game: "savegame")

[[the crt monitor fizzles and comes to life|computer]] (save-game: "savegame")

<pre>[[BACK.|computer]] (if: $talktonestbar is 1)[~~the bartender waits at another bar~~](elseif: $casgil1 is 1)[the bartender waits at another bar](else:)[`-----`] (if: $casmus is 1)[~~the bartender left a note in the cave~~](elseif: $talktonestbar is 1)[the bartender left a note in the cave](else:)[`-----`] (if: $casgilend is 1)[~~the bartender is waiting for you, upstairs on the beach~~](elseif: $talktonestbar is 1)[the bartender is waiting for you, upstairs on the beach](else:)[`-----`] (if: $wolfeaten is 1)[~~the wolf would like a snack~~](elseif: $cashungry is 1)[the wolf would like a snack](else:)[`-----`] (if: $casisland is 1)[~~the wolf mumbles an old song~~](elseif: $wolfeaten is 1)[the wolf mumbles an old song](else:)[`-----`] (if: $atticopen is 1)[~~a photo was left upstairs in the old house~~](elseif: $casphoto is 1)[a photo was left upstairs in the old house](else:)[`-----`] (if: $atticopen is 1)[~~sad songs echo through the cave~~](elseif: $cassong is 1)[sad songs echo through the cave](else:)[`-----`] (if: $atticopen is 1)[~~marks were left on the walls in the house~~](elseif: $caswall is 1)[marks were left on the walls in the house](else:)[`-----`] (if: $st02key is 1)[~~the hallway will never end~~](elseif: $casroom is 1)[the hallway will never end](else:)[`-----`] (if: $st02key is 1)[~~a radio loops forever~~](elseif: $casradio is 1)[a radio loops forever](else:)[`-----`] (if: $st02open is 1)[~~a door here has remained locked for years~~](elseif: $caslock is 1)[a door here has remained locked for years](else:)[`-----`] (if: $casstars is 1)[~~"a memorial's epilogue"~~](elseif: $casmem is 1)["a memorial's epilogue"](else:)[`-----`] (if: $casstars is 1)[~~a metal ball holds a promise~~](elseif: $casbook is 1)[a metal ball holds a promise](else:)[`-----`] (if: $casstars is 1)[~~an artist scattered the key~~](elseif: $casbook is 1)[an artist scattered the key](else:)[`-----`] (if: $daytime is 1)[~~"see you in the stars"~~](elseif: $casstars is 1)["see you in the stars"](else:)[`-----`] (if: $wolvesleft is 1)[~~the wolves are still fighting~~](elseif: $talktocass is 1)+(elseif: $daytime is 1)[the wolves are still fighting](else:)[`-----`] (if: $humansfree is 1)[~~the humans are still lost~~](elseif: $st02talk1 is 1)+(elseif: $daytime is 1)[the humans are still lost](else:)[`-----`] (if: $eligone is 1)[~~the birds are still trapped~~](elseif: $eli1 is 1)+(elseif: $daytime is 1)[the birds are still trapped](else:)[`-----`] (if: $wolvesleft is 1)+(if: $humansfree is 1)+(if: $eligone is 1)[is it time to go?](else:)[`-----`] (save-game: "savegame")</pre>

savannah points to the lights in the distance. "hey, look! we're at the station!" [["wow, it's..."|car6]] (save-game: "savegame")

"well, it's up to you, really. most people that come through here just end up standing around, or staying in their rooms in the hotel. but there's a lot to see!" [["i want to look around, see what i can find"|carh1]] [["i want to talk to some of the people here"|carh2]] [["i want to try and learn about the world"|carh3]] [["i want to find a way out of here"|carh4]] (save-game: "savegame")

"in that case, there's a lot to see! there's a cool beach not far from the station, and the ruins of an old city if you can manage to find your way there." "there's even a museum with all sorts of artefacts and installations out in the ocean, apparently." [["yeah, that sounds cool"|car20]] (save-game: "savegame")

"in that case, you're best off heading to the hotel. it's pretty close to the station, and there's normally people at the bar you can speak to." "after that, there's an old cave where people come and play music sometimes, but it's not really used that much anymore. you can get there from the hotel, just take the canal." [["thank you"|car20]] (save-game: "savegame")

"i've heard rumors of some big museum out in the ocean somewhere, actually. it's got a lot of old artefacts and writing from people who lived here. i've never been myself, but it seems like a good place to start." [["thank you"|car20]] (save-game: "savegame")

"i've heard rumors of somebody building a way out of the nighttime, but it was a long time ago. i think you'll have to look around for a little while before you find any threads to follow. but there definitely will be something, somewhere." "maybe check out the museum, if you can find your way there." [["yeah, okay"|car20]] (save-game: "savegame")

<pre>[[MAP.|casmap]] [[LOG.|caslog]] [[END.|casend]]</pre>

<pre>[[BACK.|computer]] (if: $mapst02 is 1)[st02] (if: $mapst02 is 1)[|](else:)[ ] /--------------- (if: $mapcanal is 1)[canal](else:)[?????] (if: $mapst02 is 1)[|](else:)[ ] / | st01 ─ (if: $maphotel is 1)[hotel](else:)[?????] | | / \ (if: $mapfire is 1)[burning city](else:)[????????????] | | / \ | | | / \ | | (if: $casisland is 1)[island -- ](else:)[ ](if: $mapbeach is 1)[beach](else:)[?????] ─ (if: $maphouse is 1)[house](else:)[?????] ─ (if: $mapstage is 1)[understage](else:)[??????????] | | (if: $mapattic is 1)[|](else:)[ ] | | | (if: $mapattic is 1)[attic](else:)[ ] | | | | | (if: $casmus is 1)[museum](else:)[??????] (if: $mapash is 1)[ashen city](else:)[??????????] -- (if: $mapnest is 1)[nest](else:)[????] \ | \ | \------------------ (if: $mapplan is 1)[planetarium](else:)[???????????] </pre>

<pre>THANK▓YOU FOR USIN▓ THIS SAVTEK NT.NAVIGAT▓R PROTOT▓▓E UNI▓ THE TAPE W▓LL AUTO▓▓TICALLY RECOR▓ ▓OUR SUR▓▓UNDING▓ P▓EASE RET▓RN WITH MOR▓ EXPERIENCE SAVED TO ▓▓E CASSETTE TAPE HAVE▓A NICE ▓AY!</pre> [[the computer shuts down with a clunk|st01br]]