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It's dark. You're lying down. You're comfortable.
[[Look around]]
[[Feel around]]
[[Wait]] Your eyes strain to make sense of your surroundings.
[[Feel around]]
[[Wait]]Your eyes fail to adjust to the darkness. You can barely move. Your heart begins to race. You can feel your muscles tense.
[[Panic]]
[[Stay calm->Panic]]Slowly, you reach out. You're surrounded on all sides by something smooth and hard. You feel your breath bouncing off the ceiling, inches from you. If you slide your fingers across the wall to either side, you feel a subtle grain. It's wood. You're in a wood box.
[[Look around]]
[[Wait]]Wait... There's a voice. Multiple voices. Too many voices to count; they swirl together, creating unintelligible buzzing. The voices push against the walls of your box, threatening to invade your space. Your head. You try to scream.
[[*ding*]]A sky blue light illuminates your surroundings. You're in a box. There's a few inches on either side.
[[What was that sound?->A tablet?]]
[[Where is the light coming from?->A tablet?]]There's a tablet. An iPad, maybe? There are no symbols or markings. Just a bright, blue screen. You have a notification. It's asking for your sign in information.
[[Check the notification]]
[[Sign in]]
[[Look around->The light illumintes]]You have to sign in first.
[[Sign in]]You put in your name.
<<textbox "$name" $name>>
[[You put in your gender.]]The light from the tablet allows you a better grasp of your surroundings. The box is wood, yes, but it's particularly nice. It's been sanded and polished. You're lying on top of what appears to be several blankets stacked on top of themselves. Your head is resting on a silk pillow.
[[Check the notification]]
[[Sign in]]<<set $name to "You">>
<<set $gender to "">>
<<set $fb to "BookFace">>
<<set $loveAmanda to "2">>
<<set $timeforyou to "2">>
<<goto "Wake Up">>[[Male->Welcome to $fb][$gender to "male"]]
[[Female->Welcome to $fb][$gender to "female"]]
[[Other->Welcome to $fb][$gender to "other"]]The screen flashes. The once blue screen is now filled with a long stream of text and pictures. After a moment, you recognize pictures you've taken. Words you've said and typed. This is your newsfeed, but from nearly 5 years ago.
A picture sits in the middle, staring back at you. You don't remember it specifically, but you recognize yourself. And Jeremy. You're standing next to each other, smiling. You're holding a foam finger in the air, mouth agape probably yelling something about school spirit. Jeremy's smile is thinner. His hands are in the pockets of his purple and black letterman's jacket, colors that make him look paler and thinner than he already is. Unfortunate school colors.
[[Read the comments->Basketball game comments]]
[[Scroll up->Statuses and Jeremy]]
[[Scroll down->End of the line]]<i>$name </i> Go panthers!!!!!
<i>Amanda</i> we crushed north central
<i>Jeremy</i> yah we did
<i>Jonathan </i> of course we did!
<i>$name </i> this is year is state. for sure
[[Go back->Welcome to $fb]]You scroll past a few statuses. You barely remember them. Some you don't remember at all. They're mostly about school. Homework. Baseball practice. And Jeremy, of course. He was your friend for as long as you can remember.
You weren't alike, but that was fine. You liked being the loud one. When you were kids, he was always the better one at hide and seek; you were always better at tag. You liked that. You think he did too.
[[Continue Scrolling->Another Picture]]There doesn't seem to be anything else here.
Just a white box with blue text: <i>Posts from 5 Years ago</i>
[[Scroll up->Welcome to $fb]]You find another picture. A selfie with Jeremy. It looks like you took the picture; you're right arm is out of frame awkwardly. Your head is tilted back to fit in the frame. Jeremy is smiling with teeth, which was rare. His whole face is lit up by the smile.
[[Linger on the picture->This was one of the good times]]
[[Read the comments->Selfie comments]]
[[Continue scrolling->Sports and Amanda]]You pause. Your eyes flit over Jeremy's face. His eyes are bright and cheerful. He wasn't like this often. You don't remember what happened to get him to smile. You hope it was a joke you told.
You always felt good making him laugh. It was a challenge. If he laughed, it was really funny. No pity laughs from him. You liked that. Most of the time.
You can't help but smile.
[[Check the comments->Selfie comments]]
[[Continue scrolling->Sports and Amanda]]<i> $name </i> look at those teeth! XD
<i> Jeremy </i> dude...
<i> $name </i> if you smiled more often i wouldn't have to make a big deal about it
<i> Amanda </i> so cuuuuuuuuuuuuute
<i> JeremyMom </i> my favorite duo :)
<i> $name likes this </i>
[[Go back->Another Picture]]Another picture, this one similiar to the first. You and Jeremy again, but there's a girl as well. She's clinging onto Jeremy's side, her cheek pressed against his. Her perfect, white teeth beaming; a stark contrast to Jeremy's thin smile.
You look the same, almost. But you recognize the slumped shoulders, the forced smile, the increased personal space. You remember this picture. All too well, you remember Amanda. You remember her sharp, squeaky laughs. You remember how she clung to Jeremy like
[[he was on a leash->You never liked her]]
[[she knew him better than you->You were jealous of her]]
[[the last leaf of autumn->She was beautiful, in her own way]]She lorded him around like a pet. She'd dress him up in pretty outfits. Try to teach him new tricks. When he didn't learn, she'd cry until he did.
[[But she made him happy]]She used to flash you nasty looks. Like you didn't know him better than anyone. Like you were temporary, meant to be thrown away. Like he would be happier without you. He didn't believe you, of course. Said you were imagining things. <i> She's really nice when you get to know her. </i>
You didn't want to get to know her.
[[But still, she made him happy->But she made him happy]]She wasn't pretty. Her skin hugged tightly to her thin frame. She looked fragile. Sometimes you wondered if she had an eating disorder. Jeremy punched you in the arm after asking her once. You apologized; you didn't mean anything by it. Really you didn't. She said it was alright, but you could tell she had been asked before. Her smile was bright, but she wasn't good at hiding the tears in her eyes.
You told a joke, trying to push the guilt out of your stomach. Her thin frame shaking with laughter. Laughter like thunder. She seemed bigger.
[[She was beautiful, in her own way.->I shouldn't have]]
[[She wasn't so bad->But she made him happy]]
[[Read the comments]]He laughed around her. More than he did around you. But, somehow she made him happy. And you were thankful for that.
[[Read the comments]]
[[Keep scrolling]]No more about her. She was dating your best friend. It's best to forget some things.
[[Keep scrolling.]]Your heart lurches in your chest. It beats against your ribs, pounding blood against your eyes. The dance.
Of course, the dance is next. You didn't have anyone to go with, but that was fine. You never did. You and Jeremy always went together. Stag, your mom called it. You liked it that way. Low pressure.
But now Jeremy had Amanda to go with. All your traditions and friendships were shadowed by her. You didn't want them to break up; you just wanted your friend back. But you had to admit, if they broke up...
[[No, that's not fair to him->The screen cracks]]
[[Everything could be normal->The screen cracks]]
[[He deserved better->The screen cracks]]Your heart lurches in your chest. It beats against your ribs, pounding blood against your eyes. The dance.
Of course, the dance is next. You didn't have anyone to go with, but that was fine. You never did. You and Jeremy always went together. Stag, your mom called it. You liked it that way. Low pressure.
But now Jeremy had Amanda to go with. She wore a short purple dress, school colors. She almost had as much school spirit as you. Almost. It was the first time you noticed the shape of her hips. You stole glances all night, blushing every time she caught you staring. You were lucky it was dark.
[[It wasn't like that->The screen cracks]]
[[I couldn't help it...->The screen cracks][$loveAmanda to "1"]]<i> Amanda </i> Happy One Month :)
<i> Jeremy and $name like this </i>
[[Keep scrolling]]A sudden violent crack fills the box. You drop the tablet, but it hangs in the air like a window. A single line, beginning from the top right corner traveling down to the bottom left corner, scars the tablet. Faintly you hear music. And a crowd.
[[Touch the tablet]]At your touch, the screen glows brighter. The picture's colors bloom and distort, stretching beyond the tablet. You hear the screen cracking more and more, but your vision has been swallowed by the picture.
The light fades, and you find yourself in a grey landscape like the inside of a static filled television set. You hear numerous voices, but see only two figures. One tall and slender; the other small and thin. They're twenty or so feet from you. They seem to be talking to each other, but you can't make out what they're saying.
[[I understand...]]
[[What is going on?]]You squint against the strange lighting. The tall figure sways, hands planted firmly in his pockets. The shorter figure, who you realize is wearing a dress, has her arms crossed. She's rolling back and forth from the tips of her toes to the balls of her feet.
You're back at the dance. You feel your chest grow tight as the shorter figure walks towards you. Amanda.
[[You remember what shes says]]<i> Jeremy is getting a drink. He'll be back. </i>
Oh God, the silence. Say something. Say anything. Tell her she looks nice. Or, ask her about school...
<i> I get the feeling you don't like me very much. </i>
[[shake your head]]
[[shrug->nod]]
[[don't do anything->nod]]
[[nod]]
<<if $loveAmanda eq 1>><<goto "You kissed her">><<else>><<goto "Why didn't you keep your fucking mouth shut">><</if>>You squint against the strange lighting. Jeremy sways, hands planted firmly in his pockets. Amanda has her arms crossed over her purple dress. She's rolling back and forth from the tips of her toes to the balls of her feet.
You're back at the dance. You feel your chest grow tight as Amanda walks towards you.
[[You remember what she says]]<<if $loveAmanda eq 1>><<goto "You kissed her">><<else>><<goto "Why didn't you keep your fucking mouth shut">><</if>><i> Jeremy is getting a drink. He'll be back. </i>
Oh God, the silence. Say something. Say anything. Ask her about school. Tell her she looks nice. No, don't say that...
<i> Is everything ok? You seem stressed. </i>
[[nod->play it cool]]
[[shrug->play it cool]]
[[don't do anything->you don't feel well]]
[[shake your head->you don't feel well]]<i> You don't have to pretend. I'm not stupid. </i>
She crosses her arms and looks behind her. Probably for Jeremy.
<i> Look. I like Jeremy. A lot. And I'm not going away. I know you're his friend, or whatever. But I'm also here. I make him happier than you. You need him way more than he needs you. He has me now. </i>
[[slap her->Slapped her]]
[[don't say anything->Stay calm]]
[[That's not true]]<i> Ok. At least your honest...I guess. </i>
She crosses her arms and looks behind her. Probably for Jeremy.
<i> Look. I like Jeremy. A lot. And I'm not going away. I know you're his friend, or whatever. But I'm also here. I make him happier than you. You need him way more than he needs you. He has me now.</i>
[[slap her->Slapped her]]
[[don't say anything->Stay calm]]
[[That's not true]]Everything is fine. You're just tired. You tell her that. Or, something...close. Your cheeks are blisteringly hot; you pray she doesn't notice.
<i> Oh, ok. I think we're all getting tired. </i> She smiles.
She steps closer, her dress billowing as she rotates her hips to the slow beat of the song.
<i> Do you want to dance? Jeremy always leaves when the slow songs come on. </i>
[[No. I'm good.->It'll be fun.]]
[[Sure...->It'll be fun.]]
[[Yes.->It'll be fun.]]It's getting late. You're not feeling well. You tell her that. Or, something...close. Your cheeks are blisteringly hot; you pray she doesn't notice.
<i> Oh, ok. I think we're all getting tired. </i> She smiles.
She steps closer, her dress billowing as she rotates her hips to the slow beat of the song.
<i> Do you want to dance? Jeremy always leaves when the slow songs come on. </i>
[[No. I'm good.->It'll be fun.]]
[[Sure...->It'll be fun.]]
[[Yes.->It'll be fun.]]She puts her arms around your neck.
<i> Come on, it'll be fun! </i>
She sways back and forth. You follow her lead and put your hands on her hips. Her dress is smooth, cotton probably. Your whole body seems to shake when you touch her. You try to smile. She laughs.
<i> Sorry. Jeremy doesn't like the slow dancing. Just humor me this one song? </i>
You take a few breaths, desperately trying to slow your beating heart. Your face is close to hers. You can feel her breath on your neck. Somehow your heart races faster; you think you may die here.
[[Oh God, you tried to kiss her.]]She recoils, stammering.
<i> No, I... </i>
She looks back. Probably for Jeremy.
<i> I was just trying... I'm sorry. </i>
She takes a few steps backwards before breaking into a run.
[[What the fuck did you do...]]You feel everyone's eyes on you. A faint ringing builds and builds until it drowns out the music. Your senses are swarmed by the crowd.
[[Shake your head]]Your brain is boiling. You take three deep breaths, trying your best to keep your smile. Don't let her get to you.
<i> Hey, what are you guys talking about? </i>
Jeremy's back. You didn't see him walk up. He hands you a drink before turning to hand one to Amanda. She stares at you, wrapping her arm around Jeremy's waist.
<i> We were talking about how great of a pair we are. Right, $name? </i>
[[Oh God, you threw your drink on her.]]You open your mouth to speak, but your brain is boiling. All you can manage are stammers.
<i> Hey, what are you guys talking about? </i>
Jeremy's back. You didn't see him walk up. He hands you a drink before turning to hand one to Amanda. She stares at you, wrapping her arm around Jeremy's waist.
<i> We were talking about how great of a pair we are. Right, $name? </i>
[[Oh God, you threw your drink on her.]]She recoils, mouth wide. She freezes for a moment stuck staring at her soiled dress.
She looks up at Jeremy, then back to you. You open your mouth to say something, but can't find words.
She takes a few steps backwards before breaking into a run, tears pooling in her eyes. Jeremy runs after her.
[[What the fuck did you do...]]You're back in the box. The tablet is hanging in the air, its screen pristine and unblemished. Its light illuminates your surroundings
The picture of the dance stares back at you.
[[Pick up the tablet]]You hesitate, but what else is there to do in this <i> box </i>?
[[Continue scrolling->After the Dance]]
[[Read the comments->Dance Comments]]<i> JeremyMom </i> My boy and his girlfriend Amanda :) Love you both
<i> $name Mom </i> Looking good you two!
<i> Amanda </i> delete this.
<i> $name </i> said I was sorry......
<i> Amanda </i> seriously
<i> $name likes this </i>
<i> Jeremy </i> come on
[[Continue scrolling->After the Dance]]You scroll past a flurry of statuses. Song lyrics. Quotes. Memes. Thinly veiled attacks at Jeremy or Amanda.
Amanda responded in kind with a flurry of her own passive aggressive comments. The few comments Jeremy posted are asking you to <i> stop the bull shit </i> or <i> grow up </i>.
[[Keep scrolling->New friends]]
[[Read the statuses->The statuses]]An album. Looks like a dozen or so pictures.
<i> Darrell </i> added 14 new photos -- with <i> $name </i> and <i> 4 others </i>
[[Open the album]]
[[Continue Scrolling->A number of statuses]]<i> $name </i> What a waste of a weekend. So bored
<i> $name </i> Anyone want to see the new Marvel movie????? Just hit me up
<i> $name </i> "Is this the way a toy feels when its batteries run dry?"
<i> $name </i> DejaMoo the feeling youve heard this bull before
<i> $name </i> a lifetime of friendship over just like that.
<i> $name just took "Which Greek god are you?" </i> Hades. cool
[[Keep scrolling->New friends]]You scroll past a number of statuses. There are longer and longer periods of inactivity, with days and eventually weeks in between status updates.
[[Continue scrolling->Sibling]]Darrell, Jackie, Adam, Nat, Joe. You remember them. They were fun. This album was from a party Darrel hosted at his parents' house. You and Adam got along pretty well during chemistry, so you were invited.
They were good people; always tried to make you feel welcome. Though you never did. You had fun around them but there was never a real connection. Not that you'd ever tell them that. You liked hanging out with them.
[[Look through the pictures]]
[[Continue scrolling->A number of statuses]]She recoils, mouth wide. She freezes for a moment stuck staring at you wide eyed.
She blinks and looks back, probably looking for Jeremy. She turns back to you. You open your mouth to say something, but can't find words.
She takes a few steps backwards before breaking into a run, tears pooling in her eyes.
[[What the fuck did you do...]]You're dancing in a few pictures. Sarcastically, of course. It may be more accurate to call it flailing, but it made others laugh. Which you liked.
A couple pictures are grainy and blurred. You think you were all watching a movie, but it's hard to say. You can see the silhouette of Nat's face on the far left. It was probably Joe's picture then. They were dating at the time.
[[Read the comments->Picture comments]]
[[Continue scrolling->A number of statuses]]<i> Darrell </i> @Joe howd that salsa treat you hahahahaha
<i> Joe </i> you could have warned me it was that hot. the fuck man not cool
<i> Darrell </i> nah
<i> Nat </i> i tried to warn you -.-
<i> Jackie </i> @Nat you look so cute in these pictures!!!
<i> Joe </i> i thought you were being a wimp
<i> Darrell and Adam like this </i>
<i> Nat </i> :) thanks :)
<i> Nat </i> thanks to @Jackie. not @Joe >.<
[[Go back->Look through the pictures]]You stop, a particular status catching your eye.
<i> $name </i>
Yay another yelling match. Let's look at the score. Josephine 1 Mom and dad 0 Homework -999
You remember writing this. Your sister, Josephine, had been diagnosed with dyslexia about a month or two before. She was supposed to do a book report on <i> Because of Winn-Dixie </i> but your parents were having trouble finding the right...motivation.
It felt like every night was a screaming match. If Mom and Dad were louder then the homework was done. If Josephine was louder, well, it was still done but with a lot more swearing.
[[You couldn't get a word in. There didn't seem to be any time left for you.->Tablet Cracks Again][$timeforyou to "1"]]
[[They had enough to worry about. You didn't want to add to that.->Tablet Cracks Again][$timeforyou to "0"]]A sudden violent crack fills the box. Your hand twitches, but you're prepared this time. You keep hold. The thick crack returns, stretching from the top left to the bottom right like a crooked smile. Gingerly, you let go of the tablet, allowing it to hang in the air. You hear yelling, faint as though far away. You know what's coming.
[[Touch the tablet->Sibling Argument]]At your touch, the screen glows brighter. The words of the status grows and distort. The text swirls around your head. You hear the screen cracking more and more, but your vision has been swallowed by the image of hallway.
The light fades. To your right, family pictures hang on a plain, featureless wall. To your left, a familiar grey landscape stretches as far as you can see. You hear your mother. Shouting. Your sister's voice returns in equal verocity.
[[This again]]
[[I don't want to see this->This again]]
[[Wait for the yelling to stop->This again]]<i> I'm not learning anything. I don't want to read the stupid book. </i>
<i> I don't care if you want to read it or not. You are not going to fail your book report. </i>
<i> It's a stupid book. I don't-- </i>
<i> I don't care. You're--
No. No! No!
You're going to read the fucking book, Josephine!
No! I hate you! No! </i>
There was a pause. Then the muffled sound of crying. It seems Mom won this one. You hear footsteps.
[[Wait->Memory 2 fork]]<<if $timeforyou eq 1>><<goto "Can't tonight">><<else>><<goto "I'm fine">><</if>><i> Oh God, $name. I didn't-- You scared me </i>
She lets out a sigh, moving a picture frame slightly.
<i> Sorry you had to hear that. That must get-- That must get pretty old, huh? God, I wish Dad was home. </i>
[[Can I talk to you about something?->Memory 2 Talk]]<i> Oh God, $name. I didn't-- You scared me </i>
She lets out a sigh, moving a picture frame slightly.
<i> Sorry you had to hear that. That must get-- That must get pretty old, huh? God, I wish Dad was home. </i>
Her eyes linger on you. You can't help but fidget.
<i> Are you feeling ok? You're awfully quiet. </i>
[[Nod->Memory 2 Yes]]
[[Shake head->Memory 2 No]]
[[Say nothing->Memory 2 No]]Her lips tighten, her eyebrows furrowing slightly.
<i> You need to take better care of yourself. You can't live without sleep. </i>
Her gaze breaks as she lets out a deep sigh. She rubs her temples.
<i> Ok. How about we do something fun this weekend? When Dad gets back. You've been working hard in school. We all deserve a break. </i>
She pauses a moment, looking at you across her hand as it rubs the bridge of her nose.
[[Nod->Memory 2 End Nod]]
[[Shake head->Memory 2 End Shake]]
[[Say nothing->Memory 2 End Nod]]Her lips tighten, her eyebrows furrowing slightly. She lets the question linger.
Her gaze breaks as she lets out a deep sigh. She rubs her temples.
<i> Ok. I'm glad there's at least one quiet person in the house. Gives me hope for this family. Just let me know if you need anything. Ok? </i>
She pauses a moment, looking at you across her hand as it rubs the bridge of her nose.
[[Nod->Memory 2 End Nod]]
[[Shake head->Memory 2 End Shake]]
[[Say nothing->Memory 2 End Nod]]<i> Of course, $name. Uh... </i>
She rubs her temples, taking long deep breaths.
<i> Can you give me a minute? I have a huge headache. Can this-- Can you wait until tomorrow, sweetie? My head is about to explode. </i>
She pauses a moment, looking at you across her hand as it rubs the bridge of her nose.
[[Nod->Memory 2 End Nod]]
[[Shake head->Memory 2 End Shake]]
[[Say nothing->Memory 2 End Nod]]You try to speak out. To say something. But as you shake your head, as you begin to persist, the memory fades.
You're back in the box. The tablet is hanging in the air, its screen pristine and unblemished. Its light illuminates your surroundings
The picture of the dance stares back at you.
[[Pick up the tablet->After Memory 2]]It could wait. Mom worked so hard, especially when Dad traveled for work. She didn't deserve an extra burden.
She bends down to hug you. She's saying something, but you can't tell what. She sounds muffled, a sharp ringing drowning out any sound.
[[Shake your head->Mem 2 Back in the Box]]You read the status again.
<i> $name </i>
Yay another yelling match. Let's look at the score. Josephine 1 Mom and dad 0 Homework -999
[[Read the comments->Mem 2 Comments]]
[[Continue scrolling->Less posting]]You're back in the box. The tablet is hanging in the air, its screen pristine and unblemished. Its light illuminates your surroundings.
[[Pick up the tablet->After Memory 2]]<i> Josephine </i> thanks
<i> $name likes this </i>
<i> $name 's Mom </i> :-/
[[Continue scrolling->Less posting]]There isn't much here. The occasional status update, asking for help with homework or saying how bored you were, is all you find.
You keep scrolling and happen across another one of Darrel's albums. You're tagged in a few pictures. You look like you're having fun. God, your hair has gotten long though.
[[Read the comments->2nd album comments]]
[[Continue scrolling->Lighthouse]]<i> $name </i> great night :) lets do it again soon
<i> Darrel </i> hell yah!
<i> Joe </i> stop bailing on us then @ $name !!!
<i> $name </i> sorry aunt got really sick :(
<i> Jackie </i> oh no :( :( I hope she gets better
<i> $name </i> she's doing better. lots of time in hsopital
<i> Darrel and 2 others like this </i>
<i> $name </i> *hospital*
<i> Joe </i> :(
[[Continue scrolling->Lighthouse]]A lone picture sits at the top of your newsfeed. An old, decrepit lighthouse sits on a rocky beach. Before you have time to look deeply at the picture, a sudden violent crack fills the box. You were expecting it. Maybe, you even welcome it.
As you place the tablet in front of you to hang like a picture frame, the sound of crashing waves echoes slightly all around you.
[[Touch the tablet->Loose ends]]At your touch, the screen glows brighter. The picture's colors bloom and grow. The lighthouse solidifies. You hear the screen cracking more and more, but your vision has been swallowed by the lighthouse's stained brick.
The light fades. You are on a beach, though you wouldn't know from the look of it. All that you see is the corpse of the lighthouse in front of you; to all other sides, grey static persists onward in all directions.
[[You and Jeremy used to come here as kids. Younger kids. <i> Kids </i> kids.->The seashell]]<i> What did you want to talk about? </i>
You turn to your left. Jeremy is standing there sullen as ever. Maybe more so. His eyes are fixed on the lighthouse straight ahead.
<i> I don't have a lot of time. This isn't exactly close to where I live. </i>
[[Um...]]
You look around. You're not really sure what to talk about. You're surprised he came. It's been awhile.
[[There's something in your hand.]]A seashell? No, <i> the </i> seashell. Even you're surprised you kept it all these years.
<i> $name ? You wanted to talk? </i>
[[Nod->Yes Seashell]]
[[Give him the shell->Give Seashell]]
[[Shake your head->No Seashell]]
[[Say nothing->No Seashell]]You remember throwing stones at the old lighthouse windows. Most of them were broken already, so there wasn't any real harm. Whoever threw the highest won and got to take home the seashell.
This wasn't <i> any </i> seashell. This was <i> the </i> seashell. It was an ancient dragon's last scale. One day he'll come back in search of it and reward who ever gifts it back to him. Power. Riches. Anything the heart desired. Granted.
[[There's a voice]]<i> Ok? Why the fuck did you-- </i>
He turns from you and throws his hands in the air.
<i> I thought you wanted to-- God, I don't know. </i>
[[Say nothing->No No Seashell]]
[[Give him the seashell->Give Seashell]]<i> Ok. Then talk. I don't have-- </i>
Jeremy pauses, staring at your hands.
<i> Jesus, you kept that? <i>
[[Give him the seashell->Give Seashell]]
[[Shake head->No Seashell]]He laughs, palming the seashell over in his hands.
<i> Wow. Haven't thought about this in-- </i>
He catches himself and hands the seashell back to you.
<i> I appreciate what you're trying to do. I'm not mad. </i>
He turns.
<i> Just keep it. </i>
He begins walking away from the lighthouse.
[[Call out->Call out Seashell]]
[[Say nothing->End Seashell]]<i> I can't--if you're not going to make any sense, I can't make this work. </i>
He slams his hands into his pockets and begins walking away from the lighthouse.
<i> Let me know when you have something to actually, you know, say. </i>
[[Call out->Call out Seashell]]
[[Say nothing->End Seashell]]You let out a squeak, finding a hard lump in your throat. You try to find words, but all you can hear is loud ringing.
[[Shake your head->Back Seashell]]The sound of the waves are slowly drowned out by the sharp ringing you've grown to expect.
[[Shake your head->Back Seashell]]The lighthouse is waiting for you, ever vigilant even when it's no longer operated. You hadn't had time to realize before, but there's a status attached the picture. There are no comments.
[[Read the status->Goodnight]]
[[Read the comments->End Comments]]
[[Continue scrolling->End]]
There are no more posts from you. However, numerous others seem to have posted on your timeline in quick succession.
[[Read one->2]]<i> $name </i>
Goodnight everyone. I always loved the lighthouse.
[[Continue scrolling->End]]
[[Read the comments->End Comments]]<i> Joe and 6 others like this </i>
<i> Jackie </i> Beautiful picture
[[Read the status->Goodnight]]
[[Continue scrolling->End]]
<i> Jackie </i>
You will always be in our hearts. I wish I knew you were in pain. I'm so sorry.
[[Read another->3]]<i> Josephine </i>
I could really use you right now. Miss you so much.
[[Read another->1]]<i> Jeremy </i>
Just wanted to say I was sorry. In your memory, your mom and me are starting a fund for suicide awareness. Every day, approximately 105 Americans die by suicide.
[[Read another->4]]<i> Jeremy </i>
Suicide takes the lives of over 38,000 Americans every year.
[[Read another->5]]<i> Jeremy </i>
80% -90% of people that seek treatment for depression are treated successfully using therapy and/or medication. You are not alone!
[[Read another->The End]]Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
For more information about suicide in America, you can go to https://afsp.org/about-suicide/suicide-statistics/
For information on what you can do to help, you can go to https://www.qprinstitute.com/