{
(set: $loaded to false)
(set: $compromise to false)
(set: $suicide to false)
}
(align: "=><=")[//May Day//]
(align: "=><=")[// - Francys Dong//]
(align: "=><=")[
[[Start]]]
You squint. But that’s not your fault. It’s [[a beautiful sunny May morning]] after all.
You blink once or twice to relax your sore eyes. While putting away your phone, you check your pocket again to make sure everything is prepared for this visit.(click:"everything")[
Everything – including a pistol. You hesitate for a moment.
{(live: 1s)[
[[Load the gun.->Loaded]]
]}
{(live: 1.5s)[
[[Leave it empty for now.->Unloaded]]
]}]
(set: $loaded to true)You watch around and go to a corner, putting one bullet inside softly and quickly.
You take a deep breath, and [[heave open]] the glass door.You take a deep breath, and [[heave open]] the glass door.You feel the heat on your skin fading away almost at once. The door behind you shuts with a light rubbing noise. But fortunately, no one in this room seems to notice your entrance. Now you can —
{(live: 1s)[
[[look around.]]
]}
{(live: 1.5s)[
[[have a seat.]]
]}
{(live: 2s)[
[[get in line.]]
]}The interior is designed in a postmodern style.(click: "in a postmodern style")[ The graceful arc-shaped ceiling and delicate pillars near the walls demonstrate the spirit of European classicism, while the unique placement and innovative furniture cleverly add more novelties into the traditional decoration. (click: "traditional decoration")[
Of course, you can’t tell the difference between postmodernism and classicism. You heard that from Sara. You once came here with her, to open your first joint bank account, and now it’s been three years. They’ve repainted the red bricks outside into some dazzling fancy white, but still keep the interior design the same. You feel surprised.
{(live: 1s)[
[[Have a seat.->have a seat.]]
]}
{(live: 1.5s)[
[[Get in line.->get in line.]]
]}
]]You are exhausted – thanks to your phone. So you sit on the bench by the wall. There is a mother and her daughter sitting beside you. You move a bit to the other side.
{(live: 1s)[
[[Grab something to read.]]
]}
{(live: 1.5s)[
[[Get in line.->get in line.]]
]}The line is already long. And you do not have much time. Several people enter and queue after you. You somehow notice the old lady in front of you is observing you through the surveillance screen, [[though she lowers her head quickly when your eyes meet.->your turn]]A wood shelf is placed on your right. On it there are some newspapers and [[fliers]]. (click: "newspapers")[
Those are yesterday’s. Apparently they have not renewed them yet. You have a glance at the top news: Hearing of Stephen Kendall is postponed for lack of evidence. You leave them there.]The fliers are about the life insurance offered in this bank. You grab one and take a look. There are different types. You vaguely remember you and Sara enrolled in one of these programs. But you are [[not sure]] which one you chose then. (set: $suicide to true)Possibly seeing the flier in your hand, the girl suddenly asks: “Didn’t daddy have an insurance?”(click: "“Didn’t daddy have an insurance?”")[
“Yes, honey. He did.” The woman replies.(click: "“Yes, honey. He did.”")[
“But we’ve got nothing.”(click: "“But we’ve got nothing.”")[
The woman pauses. “Because your dad, he…” she looks into the girl's eyes, “He committed suicide.”(click: "“He committed suicide.”")[
“What is suicide?” The girl asks. But her mom only turns and gives her a hug. You seem to see her glance at you quickly. Yet that may also be your self-consciousness. Either way, you need to [[get in line->get in line.]] now. So you stand up.
]]]]
Soon it’s your turn. You take another deep breath. Then you walk forward. The receptionist is a beautiful young lady. A casual up-do. Red lips. A simple silver necklace hidden behind the collars.
“May I help you, Sir?” She asks, looking at you impassively.(click: "“May I help you, Sir?”")[
“Well… Hello.” You say,
{(live: 1s)[
[[“Could you check the current balance in our account please?”->current balance]]
]}
{(live: 1.5s)[
[[“I’d like to withdraw something.”->withdrawal]]
]}
]“Sure. Can I have your IDs?” She turns to the computer. You take out your wallet from your jacket and put two licenses on the marbled table top. You see her fingers moving fast on the keyboard.
“The balance on your account is three thousand five hundred and fifty dollars.” She says with eyes on the screen, “And – a LIFESPAN of 20 years, Sir.”(click: "a LIFESPAN of 20 years")[
You nod.
“What else can I help you with?” she asks again.
{(live: 1s)[[[“I’d like to withdraw something.”->withdrawal2]]]}]
“Sure. Can I have your IDs?” She turns to the computer. You take out your wallet from your jacket and put two licenses on the marbled table top. You see her fingers moving fast on the keyboard.
“How much would you like to withdraw?” She starts to type on the keyboard.(click: "“How much would you like to withdraw?”")[
“A 20-year LIFESPAN.” You say.
“That’s all you currently have in your account.” She glances at you. “Are you sure? You must keep at least two years in your account to keep your LIFESPAN saving service alive.”
{(live: 1s)[
[[“Yes, I’m sure.”->sure]]
]}
{(live: 1.5s)[
[[“It no longer matters.”->sure]]
]}]
“How much would you like to withdraw?” She starts to type on the keyboard.(click: "“How much would you like to withdraw?”")[
“A 20-year LIFESPAN.” You say.
“That’s all you currently have in your account.” She glances at you. “Are you sure? You must keep at least two years in your account to keep your LIFESPAN saving service alive.”
{(live: 1s)[
[[“Yes, I’m sure.”->sure]]
]}
{(live: 1.5s)[
[[“It no longer matters.”->sure]]
]}]She stops asking, as if what she did just now was a simple routine question like “Are you sure you don’t need any vegetables in your sandwich?” But the truth is, you are [[half relieved]] by her silence.You find the old lady is looking you over in the reception next to you again. You pretend that you did not see anything.
“Please enter the pass code of your account.” The receptionist says.
“Okay.” You input your code. The receptionist has a quick check, and then turns to you, like she is waiting for [[something]].
You frown. “Is there anything wrong?” You ask.
“You need to enter [[both codes]] to withdraw the LIFESPAN from your account.” She answers, calmly.
What? That’s new to you. Obviously, you don’t know Sara’s code, and she is not that kind of person who will set her marriage account code as birthday dates and believe it’s absolutely safe.
What’s worse, you can see someone in the line start to notice the small drama here. So you –
{(live: 1s)[
[[leave.->leave]]
]}
{(live: 1.5s)[
[[try to compromise.->compromise]]
]}
{(live: 2s)[
[[ask another question.->question]]
]}“Thanks for your help.” With these words, you take your licenses and leave. The heat outside slowly climbs back onto your skin. You stand with your back to the glass door. Cars rolling before you. Passengers walking beside you. You start to blame yourself for your uselessness, for your cowardice. [[Why are you even here? Didn’t you just spend around one hour doing nothing?->END1]](set: $compromise to true)“But she can’t – she can’t make it here with me.” You explain, “And this is really urgent. Please.”
“I’m sorry. LIFESPAN transfer is highly confidential and sensitive.” She says impersonally, “I’m afraid you can’t withdraw a lifespan if you don’t have the other holder’s pass code.”
You hear some whispers and chuckles behind you. What should you do?
{(live: 1s)[
[[Leave.->leave]]
]}
{(live: 1.5s)[
[[Ask another question.->question]]
]}“Okay.” You take away your licenses, “Can I ask another question?”
(if: $compromise is true)[An unnoticeable impatient breath.] “Sure,” she smiles at you, “what can I help you with?”
{(live: 1s)[
[[“Have I enrolled in any type of life insurance from your company?”->LI]]
]}
{(live: 1.5s)[
[[“What will happen to the joint account if one owner dies?”->JA]]
]}Right. You start to wonder. Why am I here…? (click: "Why am I here…?")[
Suddenly, you feel an extreme grief spreading rapidly from your chest to your brain, to your arms and legs, to every existing cell in your body. You can barely stand. You can hardly breathe. You can’t help your tears from dropping. But what for?(click: "But what for?")[
You have no idea.
{(live: 0.8s)[
''End 1: Nameless Sadness''
]}
{(live: 1.5s)[
[[Try again?->Open]]
]}]]
“Well, if one of the holders die, the other can take over full ownership of the account – in your case – including both money and LIFESPAN.” She says with her right arm on the table.(click: "the other")[
“What if the other is…” You try to manage your words, “[[unable]] to withdraw the lifespan from the account?”]
“Let me check for you.” She clicks the mouse, “Yes. Both of you have enrolled in our natural life insurance. If any type of accidental death or health related death occurs to either of you, the assurer will be guaranteed to have a 5-year LIFESPAN at least.”
{(live: 1s)[
[[“Automatically?”->auto]]
]}
(if: $suicide is true)[{(live: 1.5s)[
[[“What about suicides?”->suicides?]]
]}]“Yes, Sir.” She answers, “(if: $compromise is true)[No code. No second affirms. ]At once we confirm the death is within the coverage, the transfer will happen in a second.”(click: "in a second")[
“Great.” You murmur.
{(live: 1s)[
[[Leave.->leave2]]
]}
(if: $suicide is true)[{(live: 1.5s)[
[[“What about suicides?”->suicides?]]
]}]]“I’m sorry. Suicides are not included in our policy.”(click: "not included")[
“They are not?” Your voice raises up.
“I’m afraid no.” She repeats.(click: "“I’m afraid no.”")[
That’s nonsense. You throw up your hands. But you know they have a good reason to do so. They are not fools. They cannot obtain even a lifespan of one second from the dead bodies of people who kill themselves.
What should you do now?
{(live: 1s)[
[[Leave.->leave]]
]}
{(live: 1.5s)[
[[“Sorry.” You whisper.->rob]]
]}
]](if: $loaded is true)[Bang. You shoot at the ceiling. Someone in the line screams. ]You pull the receptionist hard by her neckline and put the gun against her head.
“Transfer the lifespan!” You call angrily, [[“Now!”]]She is freaked out. She is breathing shortly and quickly, but she listens to your words and starts to type on the keyboard.
{(live: 1s)[
[[“Hey! What are you doing!”]] The guard calls and runs to you.
]}You turn your head to him. But you do not move even a little. The guard raises his gun and shoots you. The blinding pain on your left chest beats you to the ground. Your sight starts to blur.(click: "blur")[
You seem to see him pick up your gun. He opens it. He raises his brows.
{(live: 1s)[
[[“It’s empty.”->saved]] He says deeply.
]}]
Anyway, she trusts you. She knows you. And she decides to live a meaningful life for you. That’s enough.(click: "That’s enough.")[
How strange. You can still see Sara after you died. But you are glad that you saved her, and you know it’s time to let her go.
{(live: 1.2s)[
''End 4: A Brand New Life''
]}
{(live: 1.9s)[
[[Try again?->Open]]
]}]
“Thanks for your help.” With these words, you take your licenses and leave. The heat outside slowly climbs onto your skin. You stand with your back to the glass door, glaring at the sky. The weather is great. Cloudless. [[It's a beautiful May day.]]You take out the pistol in your pocket.(click: "the pistol")[
(if: $loaded is false)[You load. ]{(live: 1s)[(transition: "dissolve")[
[[You take aim at your head.]]
](stop:)]}]...
{(live: 1s)[(transition: "dissolve")[
“Therefore, Stephan Kendall has shown us his absolute love to his wife and his high self-resistance to the power. I believe everyone can see that from his performance.” The lawyer in a gray suit turns to the judge, “I insist my client is [[innocent]].”](stop:)]}You are watching the television.(click: "the television")[
The lawyer sits back after his words. You can see some audience members are looking at each other and changing their opinions. They all seem to agree with what he said(click: "what he said")[, which all means [[bull shit->END3]] to you right now].]
You really do not like watching news. NOT AT ALL. But you also don’t have much of a choice.(click: "choice")[
You can’t even move a finger to change the channel after all.
{(live: 1s)[
''End 3: The Case Is Won''
]}
{(live: 1.7s)[
[[Try again?->Open]]
]}](if: $compromise is true)[She pauses, and blinks. “What do you mean by ‘unable’ – like [[forgetting the pass code->passcode]]?”]
(else:)[She pauses. “What do you mean by ‘unable’?”
{(live: 1s)[
[[“Maybe Like forgetting the code.”->passcode]]
]}
{(live: 1.5s)[
[[“Like when that person is not able to get up and come.”->ill]]
]}]“Oh.” She hesitates, “I’m sorry to hear that, but the rule is rule. No lifespan can be withdrawn without the holder’s personal code.”
There seems to be no other ways. What should you do?
{(live: 1s)[
[[Leave.->leave]]
]}
{(live: 1.5s)[
[[Take out the gun.->threatenR]]
]}The old lady suddenly turns to you.
“You are Stephan Kendall!” she yells, “Ain’t you? No wonder your face looks so familiar. [[You blasted killer!]]”
You pull the receptionist hard by her neckline and put the gun against her head.
“Transfer the LIFESPAN.” You say in a deep voice, [[“Now.”]]She is freaked out. She is breathing shortly and quickly, but she listens to your words and starts to type on the keyboard.
{(live: 1.5s)[
You see in the monitor that a young girl in the line notices your action. “Don’t scream.” You warn her. She covers her mouth fast with both hands. Her brows knitted with [[fear]].
(stop:)
]}(if: $loaded is true)[You miss.](else:)[You did not load.]
The guard raises his gun and shoots you. The blinding pain on your left chest beats you to the ground. Your sight starts to [[blur->saved]].(if: $loaded is true)[You pull the trigger. Bang. Blood spills to her white shirt, to her pretty face, to her blonde hair. The girl in the line screams.
The guard raises his gun and shoots you. The blinding pain on your left chest beats you to the ground. Your sight starts to [[blur->kill]].
](else:)[You did not load.
The guard raises his gun and shoots you. The blinding pain on your left chest beats you to the ground. Your sight starts to [[blur->saved]].](if: $loaded is true)[You turn your gun to the crowd and you shoot. The bullet bruises a man’s neck. The girl in the line screams.
The guard raises his gun and shoots you. The blinding pain on your left chest beats you to the ground. Your sight starts to [[blur->kill]].
](else:)[You did not load.
The guard raises his gun and shoots you. The blinding pain on your left chest beats you to the ground. Your sight starts to [[blur->saved]].]Your hands are still. You do not move even a little. The guard raises his gun and shoots you. The blinding pain on your left chest beats you to the ground. Your sight starts to [[blur->saved]].“Hey! What are you doing!” The guard calls and runs to you.
{(live: 0.5s)[
[[Shoot the guard!]]
[[Shoot the receptionist!]]
[[Shoot the crowd!]]
[[Do nothing.]]
(stop:)]}...
{(live: 1s)[(transition: "dissolve")[
Sara’s life is saved. She receives a 7-year LIFESPAN because of your death. They tell her what you have done in the bank. But most of the time she just listens silently, [[without any comments->END4]].](stop:)]}...
{(live: 1s)[(transition: "dissolve")[
Sara’s life is saved. She receives a [[5-year LIFESPAN->END5]] because of your death.](stop:)]}But she changes. She no longer smiles when glaring at her favorite pink carnations in the vase, no longer cries when watching the touching points in the movie she likes, no longer pretends to be irritated when her sister uses her lipstick.(click: "no longer")[
She loses her emotions. After being tortured by public opinion and her own conscientious day and night.(click: "day and night")[
You really wish you had not pulled the trigger.
{(live: 1s)[
''End 5: Losses''
]}
{(live: 1.7s)[
[[Try again?->Open]]
]}]]The line bursts into talk. You can feel their eyes glued to you.
{(live: 1s)[
[[“I didn’t do it.”]]
]}
{(live: 1.5s)[
[[“I am trying to save her.”]]
]}
{(live: 2s)[
[[“None of your business.”->continue2]]
]}
{(live: 2.5s)[
[[Keep silent.->continue2]]
]}“Famous claims by every killer.” She snorts, “You are just like them. Smug and disgusting.”
You do not want to [[conflict->continue]] with her.“Then you should be at the hospital or church. Not here.”
You do not want to [[have conflicts->continue]] with her.“You tried to kill her. She’s narrowly saved. Now what – you want to steal poor Sara’s property?” She continues, “Ain’t you ashamed for what you had done?”
{(live: 1s)[
[[“I do not even want to take a second away from her.”]]
]}
{(live: 1.5s)[
[[“Fuck off.”]]
]}
{(live: 2s)[
[[Keep silent.]]
]}“You tried to kill her. She’s narrowly saved. Now what – you want to steal poor Sara’s property?” She continues, “Ain’t you ashamed for what you had done?”
{(live: 1s)[
[[“Fuck off.”]]
]}
{(live: 1.5s)[
[[Keep silent.]]
]}“Save your words for the judge.” She steps closer, “But I’ll tell you the result – you are guilty. You have to pay for what you did. Your life is over, Stephan! It is fucking over!”(click: "It is fucking over!")[
[[“I did not mean to!”]] You shout.]“You are the one who should fuck off.” A man in the line says, “No place for killers here.”
So you –
{(live: 1s)[
[[leave.->leave]]
]}
{(live: 1.5s)[
[[Take out the gun.]]
]}You clench your fists. Moments after, a man in the line says, “You should leave now.”
So you –
{(live: 1s)[
[[leave.->leave]]
]}
{(live: 1.5s)[
[[Take out the gun.]]
]}The talks turn into silence. “That was an accident. It was a… tragedy, which I couldn’t help.” You fall to the ground, hand against your forehead. “Sometimes I just – I just can’t stop myself from hurting others. That’s why I want to compensate… I’m sorry. I’m really [[sorry->END2]]…”
The silence is still. Suddenly something slips out from your pocket. You hear someone gasp.(click: "gasp")[
“That’s a gun.” A girl whispers.(click: "“That’s a gun.”")[
You hear someone is running to find the guard; someone squats, trying to take your pistol away from you. But you don’t care about the others much anymore. You are tortured by what you did to Sara. You know you are guilty. And what that old lady said is true. You have to pay for that. There’s no way you can ever escape from your punishment. You are wrong – from the first.
{(live: 2.5s)[
''End 2: Atonement''
]}
{(live: 3.2s)[
[[Try again?->Open]]
]}]]You still do not want to give up. You take the pistol out of your pocket. A girl in the line screams. You see the guard notice you – you have to do something.
{(live: 1s)[
[[Threaten the receptionist.->threatenR2]]
]}
{(live: 1.5s)[
[[Threaten the old lady.-> threatenO]]
]}You pull the receptionist hard by her neckline and put the gun against her head.
“Transfer the LIFESPAN!” You call angrily, “To Sara Kendall. [[Now!]]”
You pull the old lady in front of you and put the gun against her head.
“Transfer the LIFESPAN!” You shout to the receptionist angrily, “To Sara Kendall. [[Now!->Now2]]”
She is freaked out. She is breathing shortly and quickly, but she listens to your words and starts to type on the keyboard.
“Hey! What are you doing!” The guard calls and runs to you.
{(live: 0.5s)[
[[Shoot the guard!]]
[[Shoot the receptionist!]]
[[Shoot the crowd!]]
[[Shoot the old lady!]]
[[Do nothing.]]
(stop:)]}(if: $loaded is true)[You turn your gun to the old lady and you shoot. The bullet hits her on her head. Her mouth open. Her eyes are becoming lifeless. At her body falling, the girl in the line screams.
The guard raises his gun and shoots you. The blinding pain on your left chest beats you to the ground. Your sight starts to [[blur->kill]].
](else:)[You did not load.
The guard raises his gun and shoots you. The blinding pain on your left chest beats you to the ground. Your sight starts to [[blur->saved]].]She is freaked out and starts to type on the keyboard.
“Hey! What are you doing!” The guard calls and runs to you. However, he does not dare to shoot directly for you are seizing someone. “Put the gun down!” He commands.
But you don’t listen to him. There’s an impasse. You find that the receptionist glances at you from time to time. She is trying to delay time.
{(live: 1s)[
[[“I really will shoot.”]]
]}
(if: $loaded is true)[{(live: 1.5s)[
[[Shoot at her table.]]
]}]
Bang. She screams. “Do your job!” you shout. She nods in tears and moves her fingers faster. After a minute, she says in a trembling voice, “It’s done.”
You are relieved. You drop your gun and the guard rushes to subdue you at once. But nothing else really matters to you now. You’ve saved Sara. [[That’s the big point.]]The receptionist avoids your eyesight at once. But she still does not speed up. You are annoyed by her attitude. You should do something. You tell yourself.(click: "You should do something.")[
Next instant, you hear a weird sound. Then you feel your belly warm and itchy. Then there’s deadly pain. Now you see it – the old lady has stabbed you with a razor-blade knife.
When you’re distracted, the guard raises his gun and shoots you. The blinding pain on your left chest beats you to the ground. Your sight starts to [[blur.->saved]]]
...
{(live: 1s)[(transition: "dissolve")[
Hours later. In the prison.
You hear footsteps getting near. Soon a man in a gray suit appears. He looks at you for a second. Then he opens the cell door and [[comes in]].](stop:)]}“Well done, Stephan.” He sits by your side with a smile, “Based on this experiment, you’ll be easily proved innocent. You can count on me.”(click: "this experiment")[
“Experiment?” You frown, [[“What experiment?”]]]
He stares at you, and suddenly bursts into laughter. “Come on, you really believe there’s a bank that can restore people’s lifespans?” He takes off his glasses and wipes it with his handkerchief, “It’s a test, Steve. An alternate simulated world based on your memory. To figure out if you actually committed the crime. It’s pretty real, isn’t it?” He squeezes his eyes, looking around the cell.(click: "isn’t it?")[
You remain silent. You really wish you could say he was lying without hesitation. But you couldn’t. “What about [[Sara->END6]]?” You ask.]
“Sara?” Robert puts his glasses on, “She died. Not long after you entered here.” He turns to you, and holds you by your shoulders for comfort. “Look, I know it’s tough on you, but for those you cannot change, you must let it go.” He pats your shoulder, “At least you’ll be free, Stephen.”(click: "free")[
You do not say anything this time. But now you finally remember the bank’s name. It’s called –
{(live: 1s)[
''End 6: Bank of LIES''
]}
{(live: 1.7s)[
[[Try again?->Open]]
]}]
You stop in front of a grand, white-bricked building.(click: "a grand, white-bricked building.")[
Here it is – your destination, if your phone doesn’t tell you another joke like when it forgot waking you up half an hour ago. You stand there, head slightly raised, eyes fixed on its gold-rimmed sign. Now you see its name – [[Bank Of…]]]