Thoughts of School

7:20 a.m., Thursday, time for you to head to school! The bus goes through your street, but you always decide to walk there instead. You enjoy the cool November breeze as you take your time walking there. You're receiving quite a bit of homework, but it's [[nothing spectacular.->at school]]

8 a.m., sitting in homeroom. The taste of your breakfast lingers lightly on your tongue. You can't remember exactly what it was, but you recognize the savory taste of eggs. You wake up more by talking with Emma, Kevin, Johnny, and Celia. They're all happy to see you, and you're happy to talk with them. After a while, they break off and go do their own things. You should do the same. You know the bell for first period will ring soon, so you can either [[sort through your homework->homework]] or [[play on your cell phone.->cell phone]]

You've never had much trouble with homework, but there's no harm in checking, right? You have four assignments due today, and they should all be in your [[assorted folders.->counting]]

It's still early in the day, so you decide to quickly check your cell phone. Let's see... No unanswered texts, as usual, and no one ever calls anyone anymore. You're no exception, except you know that you once called Kevin when you were both in third grade. You chuckle a little at the memory. The bell rings; it's time for first period. You pick up your book bag and begin the five minute [[walk there.->first period]]

*Ding! Ding! Ding!* That was the bell, and you need all five minutes of the passing period to reach class on time. Oh boy, [[this won't be good...->after first]]

(set: $Experience to "no") First period wasn't fun... You're just glad it flew by quickly. You won't make a stupid mistake like that again. Thankfully it was just a small assignment; you'll make it up later. Your next class passes quickly as well. Towards the end of second period, Emma walks up to you and asks: "Hey, have you ever gotten into a lose-lose situation before? Bryan brought it up, and it's been bugging me more than it should." [["Sure, I have."->i have]] [["No, I always avoid those."->bail]] [["I don't know..."->depends]]

On time as always. This day won't be anything special. "Good morning, class! Before we begin, please staple your assignment together and bring it up to the front table," you hear your English teacher say. You pull out your English folder and--wait, where's your homework? You distinctly remember doing it last night, so where is it? [[Great start to the day...->after first]]

In the middle of the circle are three male students, two of whom are standing and looking down at the third student on the ground. You notice that the grounded boy has a black eye and a bruise on his left arm. He looks familiar somehow. The two bullies say something to the boy; you've heard it somewhere before, just not out loud. The second bully then kicks the kid across the floor. Some feeling grips your stomach. Is there anything you want to do? [[Turn away from the incident.->turn away]] (if: $View is "risk")[[[Step in to protect the boy.->protect]]]

With some reluctance, you turn your back on the crowd and walk towards your fourth class. There's really nothing you can do here. As you walk, the world around you slows, and the crowd becomes static behind you. All you see is the entrance to your classroom. Rumors spread very quickly in high school, and the whispers start as soon as group work time begins. Among the murmurs, you hear that the principal has dragged the bullies to his office. You can at least take some solace in that; your principal does have very strong character. Before you know it, [[it's time for lunch.->lunch]]

Some feeling within compels you to jump into the circle. You put yourself between the bullies and the kid on the ground. A bully yells at you to screw off. You refuse. You're no fighter, but [[you won't let this continue.->battle]]

(set: $Experience to "yes") "And what did you do then?" [["I just had to leave."->bail]] [["That's not the whole question."->depends]]

(set: $View to "bail") "Oh. (if: $Experience is "yes")[I guess it doesn't make sense to just continue and lose."](if: $Experience is "no")[I guess it is better to just avoid those."] (if: $Experience is "yes")["No, it really doesn't,"](if: $Experience is "no")["Yeah,"] you reply. "Stay safe and minimize your losses, you know?" (if: $experience is "yes")[Emma looks up and says, "That must have been a difficult choice for you, being there."] (if: $experience is "yes")[You reply, "I could've lost more. It wasn't worth any risk."] Emma nods, and you both continue to your [[next class.->passing period]]

(set: $View to "risk") "Huh?" "I wasn't alone at the time." You add, "You could call it a lose-lose situation, but one loss was worse than another." "Oh," Emma looks down a little. "Sorry for asking." "It's no problem at all." "Did you...do you think you made the right choice?" [["...Yes."->continue]] [["...No."->continue]]

Third period wasn't special today, yet you had considerably more fun there than usual. As you walk towards fourth period, however, you notice a crowd of students in the hall forming a circle around something. You walk up to [[investigate.->student being bullied]]

"Well, that's fine," Emma says with a smile on her face. "You're a kind person." You both wave good-bye to each other, then walk off to your [[next classes.->passing period]]

The cafeteria always had too many people in it, not to mention its food is awful. You don't know for sure, but your gut feeling is that every high school cafeteria is like this. Where do your tax dollars go, anyway? Regardless, you buy a slice of your favorite pizza and some 1% milk, then sit with Emma, Kevin, Johnny, and Celia. As you all talk and laugh, you think about how lucky you are to have the same lunch period as everyone else. You have a chance to chime in to the conversation with a new subject. [["It's great to eat together, isn't it?"->friendship]] [["What's everyone doing for the weekend?"->planning]]

(set: $Talk to "friends") There's a pause, just a moment long, before Kevin smiles and says "Yeah, honestly, lunch together is the best part of school." "We do this everyday," Emma adds, "but you're right, it's always fun." "High school wouldn't be nearly as enjoyable without our friends," Celia agreed. "Yeah," then Johnny turns to you. "I couldn't agree with you more. It's great." You smile, both outside and inside, knowing your friends think and feel as you do. The conversation shifts to your weekend plans and other topics, and the talking and laughing continues. You make plans with everyone to come over to your house next Saturday, and you're happy everyone is planning on coming. Lunch is over now. Everyone shares a group hug before waving each other good-bye. [[Time for the rest of your classes.->after school]]

(set: $Talk to "planning") Kevin is the first to talk. "I'm going hiking with my family. We want to visit the forests one last time before it really gets cold." Kevin does love the outdoors a lot. Emma is next. "I'm going with Celia to the YMCA." "We have some volunteering to do there," Celia adds, "but in general it's just a good place to hang out at." She's right, and they love helping out. Finally, Johnny says, "I guess I'll be working hard at home. I've got a big project due on Tuesday, and I'll need a lot of time to finish it." Dang, if Johnny needs extra time, you know it's a tough project. "What about you?" Celia turns to you. [["I'm going to the mall."->next weekend]] [["Homework as usual."->next weekend]] [["Volunteering as well."->next weekend]] [["I'll be playing tennis a lot."->next weekend]] [["I don't have anything special planned."->next weekend2]]

Your last four classes went very well. You didn't forget your homework for any of them, and you even did well on a test you had completely forgotten about. It was a great way to end the school day. Thursday is one of the days where you stay after school to play Duel Monsters, a trading card game, with Celia and Johnny. You find a table in the foyer, then sit down and take out your decks. Today Celia is watching you and Johnny play; the last time Celia played against you, she had destroyed your life points within three turns. You all had a good laugh about it, but Celia agreed that you should [[duel Johnny this time.->duel]]

"Oh, that's cool!" Kevin nods slightly. You then say "Hey, my mom said you can all come over to my house next Saturday. What do you guys think?" "Yeah, awesome!" everyone shouts at once. A few other students glance your way, but soon go back to their meals. Your table looks around, then repeats "Yeah, awesome!" in a softer voice. You all struggle to suppress your laughter. "Great, then I'll see you all next week then!" "Of course! Hey, lunch is almost over. Good luck with your classes, everyone!" You all disperse and head to [[the rest of your classes.->after school]]

One... two... three... fo--wait, where's your assignment for first period English? You know you did it earlier, so [[why isn't it here?->first bell]]

"You don't? Oh well, that's still cool." Kevin nods slightly. You then say "Hey, my mom said you can all come over to my house next Saturday. What do you guys think?" "Yeah, awesome!" everyone shouts at once. A few other students glance your way, but soon go back to their meals. Your table looks around, then repeats "Yeah, awesome!" in a softer voice. You all struggle to suppress your laughter. "Great, then I'll see you all next week then!" "Of course! Hey, lunch is almost over. Good luck with your classes, everyone!" You all disperse and head to [[the rest of your classes.->after school]]

"Oh, you'll find out! I'm about to summon it!" Johnny gives you a mischievous grin while Celia giggles to the side. You respond: [["Tell me!"]] [["Bring it on!"->the joke]]

As it turns out, even the Seven-Headed-Dragon isn't invincible, and five turns later you just barely manage to win. "Ah, I lost," Johnny says with a smile on his face, "but I'll beat you next time!" "Yeah," you reply. "It's always fun playing Duel Monsters with both of you." "Here, I'll play against you next, Johnny," Celia turns to him. Johnny nods, and they both shuffle their decks. Then, behind Johnny, you notice another girl eyeing your game. You can see she has her own deck of Duel Monsters out, but she's just sitting at her own table watching you play and talk. She doesn't know that you've noticed her. [[(Keep watching Celia and Johnny's game.)->keep watching]] [[(Invite the stranger to your table.)->invite]]

Your game with Johnny plays out as usual. He plays his best monsters and spells, and you counter with your own good cards. A couple turns in, Johnny draws his card, smiles, then says to you, "You couldn't begin to imagine what monster lurks in my deck!" You respond: [["Tell me!"]]

"Behold, my ultimate Seven-Headed Dragon! Yahahahahahahaha!" Everyone at your table starts laughing uncontrollably. A passing student asks, "I don't get it. What was that all about?" [["Here, I'll show you."->video]]

You take out your laptop and show the student the video. <iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zUxsVVU2PyA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> After the video finishes, the student laughs "Wow, that *was* entertaining!" "I know, right?" Johnny chimes in. You all say bye to the student before your [[game continues]].

(set: $Look to "ignore") You turn your attention to Celia and Johnny's game. They've finished shuffling, and Johnny is playing first. He begins by summoning a Runic Guardian and setting two cards face-down. Celia's turn ends with her summoning a Typhoon Eagle and destroying one of the face-down cards. The game continues for a long time with Celia and Johnny countering each other blow for blow. You find yourself being absorbed by the game as unexpected moves turn up here and there. Then, suddenly, you notice the unknown girl put away her deck, stand up, and walk away, a hint of sadness on her face. You glance at the clock in the foyer. How has this game lasted twenty minutes already?! An image flashes in your mind, some place with people you've never seen before, before it leaves your memory, leaving you slightly bewildered. Celia finally wins in her game. "Whew, that was a great game, wasn't it?" Johnny nodded, "Yeah, you really gave me a run for my money. School's closing soon, so we should get going." "Yeah. Hey, I'll see you tomorrow, okay? Have a good evening," you find the words leaving your mouth. "Yep. See ya!" Johnny and Celia go their separate ways. [[You should be going too.->leaving]]

(set: $Look to "invite") You tell Celia and Johnny, "You guys keep playing here." You then stand up and walk over to the girl. You can't see them, but you know Celia and Johnny have stopped playing and are watching you. Only now does the girl realize you've noticed her. "Hey," you say to her, "do you want to play Duel Monsters with us?" "Oh, umm..." she stammers, "I don't know... I'm not very good." "That's okay," Celia walks up behind you. "We don't play competitively or anything; we just like to have fun with the game." Johnny comes up as well. "Yeah, come and join us." The girl looks around at all of you. "Okay," she says finally before joining you [[at your table.->table]]

The girl introduces herself as Sam, and you end up playing a number of good games with her. While her deck is a bit unsteady in certain places, she plays her cards very well. Throughout her games, Celia and Johnny both give her some good tips while encouraging her. You think to yourself that Sam will become far more skilled in the future. The school's closing time rolls around. Sam puts her deck in her backpack and stands up beaming. "Thanks, guys! Today was really fun!" "Of course!" Celia smiles. "Come find us here again next Tuesday. We'll be happy to see you!" Sam nods, then turns to you. "Thanks for inviting me over. I haven't had that much fun in a long time." "You're welcome. Have a good evening now!" Sam then runs out to the school's parking lot, where her mom is waiting. You, Celia, and Johnny wave good-bye to her as she leaves. "I'm glad you invited her over," Johnny tells you. "We made a new friend today." "Yeah," Celia agreed. "I'm happy for her. School's over now, so I'll see you both later!" Johnny and Celia each give you a hug before going their separate ways. [[It's time for you to go home too.->leaving]]

Your backpack is ready. Your jacket is on. You step outside and see the November afternoon sky. You always liked how the sky looked after school. As you stand outside your school's door, the cars drive in and leave. The sun sinks lower over the horizon. The sky grows darker, yet the air feels warmer. You've felt this all before. You slowly close your eyes and [[fall backward...->wake up]]

Your eyes open halfway. Your bed sheets are only covering half your body, but you still slept well. You roll out of bed and check your alarm clock. 9 a.m., two hours until your first class. What a vibrant dream that was, although it's all in the past. Those carefree days have long since gone. You eat your breakfast as you think on those events. ~ You forgot your English homework that day. You didn't have any time to finish a new assignment before first period, so it made no difference what you did in homeroom. All you could do was accept the consequences and make sure you didn't do it again. You've never met that bullied boy before; at least not in person. He looked like one of the victims of cyberbullying who became well-known across the internet. By the time you found out about him, it was already too late. (if: $View is "bail")[You hated that people could be so cruel with their words, but you hated even more that you were powerless to do anything in the face of overwhelming spite. You believed things were hopeless back then...](if: $View is "risk")[You wanted more than anything to reach out for him, but nothing could be done for the past. All you could do was improve yourself from there...] Lose-lose situation... You heard about it somewhere, and it must have occupied you subconsciously. ~ [[You start sorting through your school supplies.->still reflecting]]

Your notebooks and pencils are all there; you made sure of that yesterday. ~ Emma, Kevin, Johnny, and Celia were friends from years past. (if: $Talk is "friends")[You got the chance to let your thoughts be known in your dream, but you never actually said that in the past. When you all went off to college, you felt firsthand just how important they were to you. At least now you've learned something about appreciation.](if: $Talk is "planning")[You often made plans to hang out with them, just like in your dream. You thought you were thinking about the future, but you were really living in the present. When you all went off to college, you felt firsthand just how important they were to you. The good-byes were bittersweet.] (if: $Look is "ignore")[That unknown girl in the foyer wasn't someone you ever knew, but you recognize that image all too well. The viewer is sitting to the side while watching other people happily playing cards with each other. You were once that viewer, and that went on for weeks before someone truly noticed you. The girl was a figment of your imagination, but a part of you hopes that someone invites her soon...](if: $Look is "invite")[You've never actually met Sam before, but you definitely sympathized with her. Once when you were younger, you also sat to the side watching people play cards with each other. It took weeks before someone invited you to play. Maybe that's why you always look for "Sams" whenever you go to the Duel Monsters club. Why some members would think of excluding new people is beyond your understanding.] ~ [[All prepared.->look out window]]

You walk up to your dorm window and open the blinds. The morning light falls on you as you look outside at the buildings and students. That dream has given you a lot to think about. (if: $View is "risk" and $Talk is "friends" and $Look is "invite")[You seem to have learned new things from your experiences though. Your reflections can't change what is past, but they can make things better as time passes.] You put your mind at ease. What are your thoughts? [[(I'll be more responsible from now on.)->final thoughts]] [[(I'll make more out of my time.)->final thoughts]] [[(I'll try to be more optimistic about things.)->final thoughts]] [[(I'll stand up for what I know is right.)->final thoughts]] [[(I won't take for granted those around me.)->final thoughts]] [[(I'll be honest with those I care about.)->final thoughts]] [[(I'll be more inviting to new people.)->final thoughts]] [[(I'll make sure people have better experiences than I did.)->final thoughts]] (if: $View is "risk" and $Talk is "friends" and $Look is "invite")[[[(I'll find more things to improve myself on.)->final thoughts2]]]

Yes. If nothing else, you will at least improve yourself there. You should head out soon. Hopefully your next dream will be a happy one. [[Time to go]].

Yes. There's always more to improve. Even if you've met all your past goals, there's still a lot you can do for yourself and for others. You should head out soon. Hopefully your next dream will be a happy one. [[Time to go]].

The End. Thoughts of School, by Jeffrey Wan. Thank you for playing!

One bully throws a punch at you, but an incredible agility takes control of your body as you sidestep it in the blink of an eye. This is good; they're focusing all their attention on you now. Twenty seconds continue of you dodging and parrying the bullies attacks. By this time the principal has caught wind of the situation, and he drags the bullies to his office. You suddenly remember how strong that man is both in muscle and in character. You help the boy up on his feet. He smiles vibrantly and thanks you, then you walk off to your class while he presumably goes to the nurse's office with his friends. Fourth period goes on as usual, but you're feeling good about yourself. [[Time for lunch.->lunch]]