,,,,,,Welcome to Pass The Buck!
This is an interactive fiction game about money, small towns, and the choices that change our lives. It's a game that's designed to be played multiple times, so you can see how different choices affect the people of Stony Meadow in different ways. We hope you enjoy!
[[Begin]]
(set: $goal_number to (random: (0,3)))
(if: $goal_number is 0)[(set: $goal to "KD")]
(if: $goal_number is 1)[(set: $goal to "Martha")]
(if: $goal_number is 2)[(set: $goal to "Frank")]
(if: $goal_number is 3)[(set: $goal to "Felix")]
(set: $kd to 0)
(set: $kd_drugs to false)
(set: $kd_trans to false)
(set: $kd_book to false)
(set: $kd_intown to true)
(set: $martha to 0)
(set: $martha_intown to true)
(set: $frank to 0)
(set: $frank_date to false)
(set: $frank_dinner to false)
(set: $frank_intown to true)
(set: $felix to 0)
(set: $felix_dealer to false)
(set: $felix_equipment to false)
(set: $felix_politics to false)
(set: $felix_jail to false)
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/d98ac5_2c7b70daa95f4e0fa5cb8da1df224dfd.mp3" autoplay><img src="https://i.gyazo.com/c3d59872006e6fd37ccb258bbc96e3be.png" width="256" height="256">
...is the man with the long white beard and the wild, electric eyes holding you up to his face. "Hello? Dollar bill? Can ya hear me?"
You can hear him, to your own great surprise. You can't respond.
"Ah, silly me." The man slaps his own forehead. "You can't answer. I'll just have to assume it worked."
He looks back at you and gives a toothy grin. "Welcome to sentience! I'm sure you're very confused, but just roll with it. You're in a tiny town called Stony Meadow, surrounded by beautiful forests and hills, home to simple people who love simple things. Some of those simple people, though, are very unhappy, or at least very lost. And I'm just a humble shopkeeper."
This last sentence is punctuated by a wink. You realize that for the first time you're experiencing sarcasm.
"So I'm giving you the ability to help them," the shopkeeper, or wizard, or whatever he is, continues. "You can't talk to them or anything, but you can influence their decisions. Well, only the decisions that involve spending money. And you can only make them do something they were already thinking of doing. So. Your options are limited here."
You have so many questions, and you can't ask any of them.
"There's four people who I think you can maybe influence, but the one I'm especially worried about is $goal."
$goal. You turn the name around in your newly awakened mind.
(if: $goal is "Martha")["She lives in a little house with her husband and her kid," the man goes on. "She loves her family, is a great mom, very good with money and taking care of the house, blah blah blah. She's also critically bored. You gotta help her live a little."](elseif: $goal is "Felix")["He loves this town a lot," the man goes on, "but he's also a colossal dumbass. Definitely prone to making stupid choices. I really think you can help him blossom."](elseif: $goal is "Frank")["Sweet guy, extremely lonely," the man goes on. "Spends all his time wandering in the woods. Which might be fine, I don't know, your call."](elseif: $goal is "KD")["KD's a high school student, and you know how high school is." Unexpectedly, you do. "Lots of identity crises, lots of things to figure out. Lots of little influences that turn out to be very important."]
A bell dings. You realize it's the bell above the door to the General Store, the counter of which you and the wizard-shopkeeper are currently behind.
(if: $goal is not "Martha")["Ah, right on cue," whispers the shopkeeper, and you can see that $goal has just walked in. "I'm gonna give you back as change.(if: $goal is "Felix")[ [[Go start making some choices."->Felix Introduction]]](elseif: $goal is "Frank")[ [[Go start making some choices."->Frank Introduction]] ](elseif: $goal is "KD")[ [[Go start making some choices."->KD Introduction]] ]](else:)["Ah, right on cue," whispers the shopkeeper. "That's Martha's husband, Jake. I'm gonna give you back as change. [[Go start making some choices."->Martha Introduction]] ]
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(set: $character to (random: (0,3)))From your spot in the cash register drawer of the General Store, you watch as the people of Stony Meadow cycle through, buying everything from eggs to flowers to mechanical parts to expensive jewelry. Anything the people need, the shopkeeper seems to be able to supply.
He keeps you tucked beside the main compartments of the drawer, separate from the other dollar bills, until the bell over the door heralds the arrival of one of the four people you can actually do something for.
"Here you go again," the shopkeeper whispers, pulling you out of the drawer to pass you along to(if: $character is 0)[(if: $kd is 0)[ [[KD.->school/sandwich]] ](elseif: $kd is 1)[(if: $kd_drugs)[ [[KD.->book/weed]] ](else:)[ [[KD.->book/friends]] ]](elseif: $kd is 2)[(if: $kd_trans)[ [[KD.->doctor/college]] ](elseif: $kd_book)[ [[KD.->college/florida]] ](elseif: $kd_drugs)[ [[KD.->weed/teacher]] ]](elseif: $kd is 3 and $kd_intown)[ [[KD.->KD Ended]] ](elseif: $kd is 3 and not $kd_intown)[ [[KD.->Random person]] ]](if: $character is 1)[(if: $frank is not 4)[(set: $task to (random: (0,4)))(if: $task is 0)[ [[Martha.->lonnie chocolate (task 1)]] ](elseif: $task is 1)[ [[Martha.->soup (task 2)]] ](elseif: $task is 2)[ [[Martha.->bread (task 3)]] ](elseif: $task is 3)[ [[Martha.->washing machine (task 4)]] ](elseif: $task is 4)[ [[Martha.->cough medicine (task 5)]] ]](else:)[(if: $martha is 0)[(if: $frank_intown)[ [[Martha.->jake lost job]] ](else:)[ [[Martha.->jake kept job]] ]]](elseif: $martha is 1 and $martha_intown)[ [[Martha.->Martha Ended]] ](elseif: $martha is 1 and not $martha_intown)[ [[Martha.->Random person]] ]](if: $character is 2)[(if: $frank is 0)[ [[Frank.->bar/frosting]] ](elseif: $frank is 1)[(if: $frank_date)[ [[Frank.->dinner/hike]] ](else:)[ [[Frank.->book/gear]] ]](elseif: $frank is 2)[(if: $frank_date)[ [[Frank.->ring/cabin]] ](else:)[ [[Frank.->cabin/typewriter]] ]](elseif: $frank is 3)[ [[Frank.->town/city]] ](elseif: $frank is 4 and $frank_intown)[ [[Frank.->Frank Ended]] ](elseif: $frank is 4 and not $frank_intown)[ [[Frank.->Random person]] ]](if: $character is 3)[(if: $felix is 0)[ [[Felix.->gas/weed]] ](elseif: $felix is 1)[ (if: $felix_dealer)[ [[Felix.->lotto/train]] ](else:)[ [[Felix.->equipment/bribe]] ]](elseif: $felix is 2)[(if: $felix_politics)[ [[Felix.->donate/bribe]] ](else:)[ [[Felix.->buy the diner/help someone]] ]](elseif: $felix is 3 and not $felix_jail)[ [[Felix.->Felix Ended]] ](elseif: $felix is 3 and $felix_jail)[ [[Felix.->Random person 2]] ]]
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KD’s old school binder is falling apart entirely and she could really use another one. She has already started walking toward the general store when her stomach rumbles loudly. She slows to a stop, considering. She could go get the binder…but hers will probably last a little while longer. She’s almost done with high school, anyway! What she could really go for is a sandwich at the local diner, maybe a cherry cola as well. Oh man, that did sound good.(set: $kd to 1)
[[be a responsible student and buy school supplies->school]]
[[go get a sandwich->sandwich]]
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(set: $kd to 2)KD is on her way to the bookstore - she has a small list of books that she’s been meaning to buy and finally has some time to actually go and buy them. The path to the bookstore leads her past Felix’s home, and (if: $felix_jail)[she's briefly reminded that she heard he got thrown in jail for bribery, of all things. Yikes.](else:)[he’s hanging out front when she goes.
“Hey KD!” The two strike up a quick conversation, and KD remembers that Felix had offered to sell her some weed at some point. She considers. The books will still be around regardless, but if she rejects Felix now, maybe he won’t want to sell to her again, or there won’t be a good opportunity. This feels like a choice straight out of an after-school special.
[[buy weed->weed]]]
[[buy books->bookstore]]
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All of KD’s money goes in her top drawer, though she leaves it open frequently enough that when you get there, you can see her moving around her room. One afternoon, while KD is studying, her phone pings. She is getting invited out with her friends! But you know she’s been saving up money to buy a bunch of books. If she goes out with her friends, she’s not going to have the money needed to buy those books.(set: $kd to 2)
[[books over friends->bookstore]]
[[friends over books->go out with friends]]
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(if:(history:)contains "book/friends")[While going out with her friends would be fun, KD has been saving for a while. KD texts her friends she’ll join them another night. The next day, KD’s friend tells her she and her family are about to move to Florida.]
KD makes her way to the bookstore and is pleasantly surprised to find that the money she had saved is enough to buy an extra book! She starts looking through the titles and her attention is caught by two different titles. There’s <i>The College Admissions Process</i>, and also, to your surprise as a humble dollar bill whose supernatural insight only goes so far, KD also pauses on a book called <i>Navigating Trans Identity</i>.
[[The College Admissions Process->book about college]]
[[Navigating Trans Identity->book about being trans]]
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For the last couple months of her junior year, KD has been working hard on a big project. Just as she was about to turn it in, her computer crashes - hard.
No matter what she tries, it's completely dead, and she has no back up. She flies into a panic. If she told her parents, they'd just tell her to talk to her teacher, and KD knows there's no WAY her teacher would understand. Maybe she could talk to Felix? He seemed like he kind of understood this sort of thing, or maybe he’d have some sort of good advice.
(if: $felix_jail)[Oh, wait, no, he's still in jail. Damn. She's going to have to talk to her teacher.]
(else:)[
[[Talk to Felix->KD:Stoner Ending]]]
[[Be brave and talk to the teacher->KD:Teacher Ending]]
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KD read through <i>Navigating Trans Identity</i> in record time, unable to put down the book once they picked it up. Suddenly, things started to click into place. It was something they had been considering for a while, but not in a way that they had had words for until now. After some conversations with their parents, KD started using they/them/theirs pronouns. Generally, the people of the town didn’t fully understand, but were happy to accommodate them.
As KD approached senior year, they realized they had a big choice to make. They had heard of a doctor in the city that knew a little bit about trans identity, and maybe she could help them. But, college was expensive, and it was about time that they start visiting colleges.
[[Make an appointment with the doctor->KD:Top Surgery Ending]]
[[Visit Smithfield University->KD:College Ending]]
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KD had flipped through some of the college admission process book, but found it too dry to be really engaging. Right now, she’s planning a trip for her last month of summer break before senior year. She has enough money for the last week that she has two choices - she can go visit Smithfield University, or she could go visit her friend who moved to Florida.
[[Visit Smithfield University->KD:College Ending]]
[[Visit your friend in Florida->KD:Florida Ending]]
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You decide while KD is hungry, the binder is more important right now. Besides, there’s food at home, right? She can just get some when she goes back.
KD makes her way to the general store and looks at their variety of binders, trying to pick a color or design that truly speaks to her. She finds one in a dark red and black plaid that has a tiny skull on it. She smirks.
She uses you to pay for the binder and makes her way back out of the store. The wizard smiles a little as he places you inside the register. “We’ll see how that works out, [[hm?”->General Store]]
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(set: $kd_drugs to true)You decide KD is too hungry. She makes her way to the diner, settling into one of the many booths that are available, listening to the music coming from the jukebox. The only other person in the diner is sitting at another booth, slowly sipping a coffee.
(if: $felix_jail)[It's a delicious sandwich. KD decides to head to the General Store for some chocolate milk afterward. She'll deal with not having any school supplies [[later.->General Store]]](else:)[After she starts eating the sandwich she ordered, she watches as Felix talks with the other customer, making arrangements to meet at his place later for the customer to buy something. When Felix passes her table, she can’t help but ask -
“What was that all about?”
“Oh, I grow weed. I hook a lot of people in this town up.”
KD is a little surprised, but after thinking about it another moment, realizes she probably shouldn’t be. “That’s pretty awesome! I’ve never tried it before - but I’ve heard it’s interesting.”
After she finishes her sandwich, she leaves you for Felix as a tip. You can’t help but wonder if getting the sandwich was the better decision(if: $felix is 0)[ [[after all.->gas/weed]] ](elseif: $felix is 1)[ (if: $felix_dealer)[ [[after all.->lotto/train]] ](else:)[ [[after all.->equipment/bribe]] ]](elseif: $felix is 2)[(if: $felix_politics)[ [[after all.->donate/bribe]] ](else:)[ [[after all.->buy the diner/help someone]] ]](elseif: $felix is 3)[ [[after all.->Felix Ended]] ]]
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(set: $kd_drugs to true)Books shmooks! KD needs some time with her friends in this stressful time in her life. High school is a time to be irresponsible, after all!
She goes out and is so relieved she does, because as it turns out, her friend is moving to Florida soon after.
(if: $felix_jail)[You get handed to KD's friend's older brother, who's old enough to go to the General Store and [[buy fireworks.->General Store]]](else:)[While they’re out, they run into Felix, who offers to sell them some weed at a discount. They accept, and all of them together get high and have a blast together. You're back in Felix's pocket and(if: $felix is 0)[ [[very satisfied about KD's choices.->gas/weed]] ](elseif: $felix is 1)[ (if: $felix_dealer)[ [[very satisfied about KD's choices.->lotto/train]] ](else:)[ [[very satisfied about KD's choices.->equipment/bribe]] ]](elseif: $felix is 2)[(if: $felix_politics)[ [[very satisfied about KD's choices.->donate/bribe]] ](else:)[ [[very satisfied about KD's choices.->buy the diner/help someone]] ]](elseif: $felix is 3)[ [[very satisfied about KD's choices.->Felix Ended]] ]]
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You figure that whatever KD is considering with the other book, college might offer that same perspective. You steer KD toward the college book, and she adds it to her pile.(set: $kd_book to true)
(if: $frank_date is true)[The bookstore owner, who you immediately recognize as Emil, takes you and slips you into the cash register drawer. It's not long before you're (if: $frank is 0)[ [[right back in Frank's pocket again->bar/frosting]] ](elseif: $frank is 1)[(if: $frank_date)[ [[right back in Frank's pocket again->dinner/hike]] ](else:)[ [[right back in Frank's pocket again->book/gear]] ]](elseif: $frank is 2)[(if: $frank_date)[ [[right back in Frank's pocket again->ring/cabin]] ](else:)[ [[right back in Frank's pocket again->cabin/typewriter]] ]](elseif: $frank is 3)[ [[right back in Frank's pocket again->town/city]] ](elseif: $frank is 4)[ [[right back in Frank's pocket again->Frank Ended]] ]]
(else:)[The bookstore owner slips you into the cash register drawer. You find yourself given as change to another customer, and, like most things in this town, you end up back at the [[General Store]].]
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(set: $kd_trans to true)You get the sense that KD being drawn to <i>Navigating Trans Identity</i> might be more important to KD in the long run than how to get into college. As KD leaves you in the register, you wonder when you’ll next end up in KD’s pocket.
(if: $frank_date is true)[The bookstore owner, who you immediately recognize as Emil, takes you and slips you into the cash register drawer. It's not long before you're (if: $frank is 0)[ [[right back in Frank's pocket again->bar/frosting]] ](elseif: $frank is 1)[(if: $frank_date)[ [[right back in Frank's pocket again->dinner/hike]] ](else:)[ [[right back in Frank's pocket again->book/gear]] ]](elseif: $frank is 2)[(if: $frank_date)[ [[right back in Frank's pocket again->ring/cabin]] ](else:)[ [[right back in Frank's pocket again->cabin/typewriter]] ]](elseif: $frank is 3)[ [[right back in Frank's pocket again->town/city]] ](elseif: $frank is 4)[ [[right back in Frank's pocket again->Frank Ended]] ]]
(else:)[The bookstore owner slips you into the cash register drawer. You find yourself given as change to another customer, and, like most things in this town, you end up back at the [[General Store]].]
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What’s the harm? The experience will probably be better for KD than some stuffy old books anyway.
She and Felix go to hang out and he helps her through figuring out the basics of using a water bong. She gets giggly, and the two of them talk for a little while about their aspirations. She learns more about how much Felix really wants to help the town, his well-intentioned attempts to do so. She talks about how lost she feels, the uncertainty of where she’s going next.
Felix, while sympathetic, can’t totally relate, and offers what little advice he can - he talks about how much he’s come to love the little town of Stony Meadow. When the weed is starting to wear of, KD heads out, and(if: $felix is 0)[ [[you remain with Felix.->gas/weed]] ](elseif: $felix is 1)[ (if: $felix_dealer)[ [[you remain with Felix.->lotto/train]] ](else:)[ [[you remain with Felix.->equipment/bribe]] ]](elseif: $felix is 2)[(if: $felix_politics)[ [[you remain with Felix.->donate/bribe]] ](else:)[ [[you remain with Felix.->buy the diner/help someone]] ]](elseif: $felix is 3)[ [[you remain with Felix.->Felix Ended]] ]
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(set: $kd to 3)(set: $kd_intown to false)KD goes to the doctor and for the first time, is able to have conversations about their identity that they feel fully understood in. Together, they develop a plan for KD’s future. KD moves to the city and finds a queer community there, where they feel implicitly understood. They visit home often, and it becomes clear how much they’ve grown.
In a few years, the doctor refers KD for top surgery. While they didn’t hate their breasts, they felt that their body would just be more fitting without them. The excitement and joy they experienced after the surgery only affirms the decision.
(if: $goal is not "KD")["Seems like KD is happy," says the shopkeeper, holding you in the palm of his hand. "But wasn't there someone else you're [[supposed to be helping?->General Store]] ]
(else:)[You've achieved your goal and gotten KD to an ending! As for whether it's a happy one, well...what do you think?
[[credits]] ]
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(set: $kd to 3)(set: $kd_intown to false)KD goes to visit the college. It seems perfect - there are people studying outdoors, and the class that KD goes to is engaging. There will be so many experiences out there for KD, away from the town, somewhere that exploration is more possible.
KD starts up the application process soon after senior year starts, and gets the acceptance letter in early spring. KD spends the next four years at college, settles down in a nice city, but (if: $kd_trans)[they](else:)[she] can’t help but somehow feel that something is missing.
(if: $goal is not "KD")["Seems like KD is content," says the shopkeeper, holding you in the palm of his hand. "But wasn't there someone else you're [[supposed to be helping?->General Store]]]
(else:)[You've achieved your goal and gotten KD to an ending! As far as whether it's a happy one...what do you think?
[[credits]] ]
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(set: $kd to 3)(set: $kd_intown to false)You figure KD should reconnect with her friend. She goes and they have a great time at the beaches. When it comes time to apply for colleges, KD decides she’s going to just move to Florida, get a job and split a place with her friend instead. That’s just what she does - the two become roommates, and it works well enough for them both.
(if: $goal is not "KD")[Fortunately, she spends you on some road trip snacks before she leaves. That would have been awkward, if you'd gone to Florida and forgotten $goal. Instead, you're back at the [[General Store]]]
(else:)[You've achieved your goal and gotten KD to an ending! As far as whether it's a happy one...what do you think?
[[credits]] ]
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(set: $kd to 3)Felix it is.
She goes to the diner to talk to him about her problems, and he does have a solution for her - he sells her some more weed and it does chill her out. She realizes how little what she was stressing about matters - all she needs to do is graduate.
She manages to do so, using weed as a way to manage her stress levels. Even past graduation, if she ever starts experiencing some stress, she knows just where to find Felix that he can offer her something to take off the edge. She stays in Stony Meadow, working at a gas station, killing time.
(if: $goal is not "KD")[You end up back at the General Store. The wizard seems disappointed. "I really feel like there's a lot that kid is missing," he says with a wistful sigh. "Ah well. Let's see where you end up next, [[my little friend.->credits]] ]
(else:)[You've achieved your goal and gotten KD to an ending! As far as whether it's a happy one...what do you think?
[[credits]] ]
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(set: $kd to 3)KD takes a deep breath and goes to talk to her teacher. She offers to help KD try to recover the computer, since she has experience with crapped out machines.
To KD’s surprise, it works! They aren’t able to salvage the computer entirely, but the teacher is able to get the project off of it.
When it comes time to go to college, KD remembers the kindness that the teacher showed to her, and ends up going into education. She comes back to Stony Meadow and ends up working in the same high school, and is always sure to extend kindness to students who need it.
(if: $goal is not "KD")[The shopkeeper, who doesn't look a day older than when he first enchanted you, smiles. "KD seems content," he says. "But what about $goal? [[Let's get you moving again."->General Store]] ]
(else:)[You've achieved your goal and gotten KD to an ending! As far as whether it's a happy one...what do you think?
[[credits]] ]
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(set: $frank to 1)You’ve been with Frank for a couple days now, and are starting to get the sense that he really is struggling with feeling like his only relationships are surface level. You know people appreciate him, but you’re just a dollar - you can’t tell him that.
Tonight, he’s trying to decide what he’s going to do. He’s considering just staying in and watching some nature documentaries with a big tub of chocolate frosting from the general store. But maybe he should go downstairs and hang out with some of the people that are down there, have a few drinks.
[[go hang out with people->bar]]
[[get some sugar and stay in->frosting]]
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(set: $frank_date to true)You figure Frank could use some social interaction - sometimes people are the only answer for loneliness.
He goes down from his apartment into the Stony Saloon and sets up at the bar. After only an hour another man comes in and settles right beside him.
Frank is surprised to see Emil here - after many years of living in the town they really haven’t spoken that much, but he knows enough to know that Emil runs the bookstore.
A spider scurrying across the bar causes Emil to scream and provides the perfect excuse for Frank to rescue him and start a conversation. Over the course of the night, Frank finds himself staring into Emil’s brilliant blue eyes more often than he would expect.
Frank buys him a drink, and they both laugh and talk for hours. You watch from behind the bar as Emil slips him his number and Frank goes upstairs, buzzed and warm.
As a dollar bill, you don't understand what it feels like to have a crush on someone, but when you eventually end up back at the general store after the barkeep stops by there the next day, the wizardly shopkeep seems to be pleased with [[what's going on.->General Store]]
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Frank goes out to the general store and gets himself some chocolate frosting. You figure he just wants to stay in tonight. Nothing wrong with a little bit of alone time.
Frank chats with the shopkeeper for a little bit before checking out with the frosting. You end up back in the register, and [[hope that Frank enjoys the night.->General Store]]
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(set: $frank to 2)After getting back into Frank’s hands, you can tell things have gotten even better between him and Emil. They’ve been chatting a little more, and Frank has finally gotten up the courage to ask Emil on a date.
But now he’s struggling - he doesn’t know where he should take Emil. It’s been a very long time since Frank’s been on a date, especially one that’s mattered so much to him. He knows going out to the diner in town seems like a solid and reliable choice, but it could be nice to take Emil on a hike, as well.
[[take Emil out to dinner->dinner]]
[[take Emil on a hike->hike]]
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(set: $frank to 2)You watch from Frank's window sill as he wanders between the two rooms of his apartment over and over again, seeming very restless and bored.
Eventually, after checking ever square foot of his apartment, he realizes that he doesn't have anything to do in his apartment. Since he doesn’t have to work at the repair shop today, Frank grabs you and heads out to town to see if he can’t find something do in town.
[[head to the bookstore->book]]
[[buy some hiking gear->gear]]
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(set: $frank_date to true)Frank takes Emil out to the local diner. At first he’s flustered - it’s kind of adorable, seeing him behave like a teenager when he so often seems put together.
Emil seems to think so, too, and he calms him down enough that they’re able to go back to the ease of conversation they had(if:(history:)contains "bar")[at the bar](if:(history:)contains "book")[at the bookstore].
They talk about how they both moved here from the city, how much Frank loves the natural life and how, while Emil misses some of the convenience of the city, he loves the sleepy town and the appreciation the people have for books.
At the end of dinner, you’re left on the table with the bill. You watch as from just outside the window by the table, they share a quick kiss before heading their different ways home.
Eventually, Felix swings by, finishing off his shift, and(if: $felix is 0)[ [[picks you up.->gas/weed]] ](elseif: $felix is 1)[ (if: $felix_dealer)[ [[picks you up.->lotto/train]] ](else:)[ [[picks you up.->equipment/bribe]] ]](elseif: $felix is 2)[(if: $felix_politics)[ [[picks you up.->donate/bribe]] ](else:)[ [[picks you up.->buy the diner/help someone]] ]](elseif: $felix is 3 and not $felix_jail)[ [[picks you up.->Felix Ended]] ](elseif: $felix is 3 and $felix_jail)[ [[picks you up.->Random person 2]] ]
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(set: $frank_date to false)Frank decides it could be nice to take Emil on a hike. After all, he loves the outdoors, it’d be nice to show Emil something he really enjoys.
Unfortunately, it becomes clear rather quickly that Emil is not an outdoorsy person. He’s struggling to keep up with Frank even on a fairly simple trail, and they don’t really get a chance to talk. By the time the hike is over, Frank offers to take Emil out for a quick bite, but he declines and heads home - ostensibly to shower.
Frank goes to the general store and buys some chocolate frosting, and you end up back in the register.
[[Oops?->General Store]]
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Frank heads to the bookstore to browse their collection. The moment he walks in, the cashier and owner, Emil, extends a greeting, and his bright blue eyes follow Frank as he moves around the store.
Eventually, as Frank browses Jack London novels with you sticking out of his pocket, Emil comes over to offer some help. The two strike up a conversation and ended up talking for several hours. They've never really spoken before, and they quickly learn that they gel really well. Both of them love black licorice. Both of them are introverts, although Frank finds solace in the woods while Emil prefers a cup of tea and a good book. Both of them have recently felt like their lives are missing something.
They're eventually interrupted by a two-year-old customer with hands covered in chocolate pudding, but Frank promises to meet Emil for a night out later that week.
As he's walking home, Frank realizes he never bought a book, but he doesn’t mind. He's found something even better.
The only question is, what to do now?
[[ask Emil out for dinner->dinner]]
[[ask Emil to come hiking->hike]]
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(set: $frank to 3)You’ve been back in Frank’s hands for a while now.
After their successful date, Emil and Frank are together almost all the time, and everything seems to be going great. Their shared love of small towns and the kind of people that live there helps them bond quickly. Frank really seems to love Emil and Emil certainly reciprocates.
But there’s something off, and you may be just a humble dollar, but you think you know what it is. Frank adores the outdoors, the woods, the hills, the mountains--but Emil only enjoys those things in reading them. Frank seems to struggle with this as with all the time he spends with Emil, he rarely gets out into the wilderness nowadays.
Still, Frank's been saving up, and you can sense he's moving towards making a commitment, one way or another.
[[buy an engagement ring->ring]]
[[buy your own cabin in the woods->Frank:Hermit Ending]]
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(set: $frank to 4)Frank has been saving a good amount of money at this point. You’ve watched him pinch pennies, nickels, anything in order to get enough money.
Daily, he’s been scribbling notes in a notebook, something that seems like if he developed it, it could become a full story. Even more than that, it's Frank's story: the changes of moving into the tiny town, all the people he’s encountered, and the meaning he’s found in nature.
He’s also been going out into the trails more and more often, and you know he's contemplating getting a cabin out there, somewhere he could really engage with nature.
[[buy a cabin->Frank:Hermit Ending]]
[[buy a typewriter->Frank:Author Ending]]
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(set: $frank to 4)Eventually, Frank manages to talk Emil around to his perspective about staying in Stony Meadow, especially when a beautiful house right at the edge of the woods became available for purchase.
Frank and Emil were married in the large field by the small brook that ran through town. It's late May, and the flowers are in full bloom, petals flying through the air. At Frank's request, the whole town is invited, and everyone has a lovely time.
As it happens, Emil is quite the dancer, and everyone is impressed by his ability to spin and twirl Frank (who has no clue how to dance) across the small dance floor the townsfolk helped put up. After the celebration, Frank rows Emil across the brook to their brand new home.
While they both continue at their respective jobs in the months that follow, they also take up a mutual hobby of painting. Emil enjoys painting still lifes, while Frank enjoys taking his canvas into the woods, painting weeds and herbs, trees and wildlife.
While Emil sometimes gets a bit bored in town, Frank always manages to cheer him up.
(if: $goal is not "Frank")[You end up back at the general store when Emil spends you on some new paint. "Good to see you, little friend," says the shopkeeper with a grin. "You've done so much good for these fine gentlemen, let's see [[what else you can do."->General Store]]]
(else:)[You've achieved your goal and gotten Frank to an ending! As far as whether it's a happy one...what do you think?
[[credits]] ]
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(set: $frank to 4)Looking to reconnect with nature, Frank asks around town to see if the locals have any advice. One night in the bar, Old Man Jacobs mentions that he's trying to find something to do with his uncle’s old cabin in the woods.
This is the perfect opportunity for Frank, and he lets Old Man Jacobs know that he was interested in buying it. (if: $frank_date)[Frank is really excited about the prospect of living in the middle of the woods.
At least until he tells Emil.
Emil is not as enthusiastic about this opportunity. The woods aren't really his thing, and he doesn't want to trek into the woods everytime he wants to see Frank.
Frank promises to come visit often, and it works for a while, though eventually he and Emil slowly drift apart.
But] Frank loves his cabin, loves going out each day to work in his garden, loves walking among the wildlife. He's mostly alone, but he no longer seems lonely.
(if: $goal is not "Frank")[You eventually end up back at the general store when Frank makes one of his periodic trips into town for supplies. "Seems like Frank is content," says the shopkeeper. "[[Let's get you moving again.->General Store]]]
(else:)[You've achieved your goal and gotten Frank to an ending! As far as whether it's a happy one...what do you think?
[[credits]] ]
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(set: $frank to 3)Maybe for Emil, giving up some of Frank's life as a wilderness bachelor is worth it. The general store carries diamond rings, because of course it does, and Frank picks out a particularly nice one before nervously handing you to the shopkeeper and walking out the door with a spring in his step.
"I love romance," says the shopkeeper, smiling and wiping away a single tear as he [[places you back in the register.->General Store]]
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(set: $frank_intown to false)(set: $frank to 4)The typewriter and the time off were just enough - Frank is able to finish his story. It takes him a little while to get it picked up, but once it’s picked up, it really gets picked up. People fall in love with his charming narrative, the subtle wit, and, most of all, the excellent descriptions of nature, and the beauty inherent in the world.
Suddenly, Frank is traveling far more than he expected, doing book tours and readings in different places. He finds it exhausting, and is always a little relieved when he has a chance to return home to Stony Meadow.
(if: $goal is not "Frank")[On one of these returns, you end up back at the general store when Frank stops for some much-needed caffiene. "That man looks tired," says the shopkeeper. "But at least he's successful. [[Let's get you moving again, little friend.->General Store]]]
(else:)[You've achieved your goal and gotten Frank to an ending! As far as whether it's a happy one...what do you think?
[[credits]] ]
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You haven’t seen Frank in a while. Turns out that Frank’s proposal worked, and he and Emil were engaged.
You learn that Frank had slipped the ring into a book he was “buying” at the store. Emil accepted, of course.
As months have passed, you’ve noticed they’ve been having a bit of a disagreement on where to live after they are married. Neither of their current apartments would fit the other. Emil seems to support moving into the city; they’ll have more options there as well as more things to do. Frank isn’t too sure about this; he moved to Stony Meadow for a reason and isn’t sure he’s ready to go back.
[[move to the city->Frank:City Ending]]
[[stay in Stony Meadow->Frank:Homeowner Ending]]
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(set: $frank_intown to false)(set: $frank to 4)(set: $frank_date to false)After much discussion, Frank comes to see his fiance's perspective. After all, Frank left the city because it was too hectic and stifling. Surely navigating that will be much easier with Emil by his side.
They are married in the large field by the small brook that runs through town. It's late May, and the flowers are in full bloom, petals flying through the air. At Frank's request, the whole town is invited, and everyone has a lovely time. As it happens, Emil is quite the dancer, and has the ability to spin and twirl Frank (who has no clue how to dance) across the small dance floor the townsfolk helped put up.
Happily married, the newlyweds move into a nice apartment in Cityopolis. While Frank misses the quiet of Stony Meadows, Emil makes it all worth it. Frank finds a passion for writing poems about the trees and animals he loves so much, and even gains some minor fame for one of his collections.
(if: $goal is not "Frank")[All this comes later, of course. Fortunately for your mission to help $goal, the shopkeeper, who is of course in attendance at the wedding, uses the distraction of the dance to swap an ordinary dollar bill with you in Frank's wallet. "You've done so much good for these fine gentlemen, let's see [[what else you can do."->General Store]]]
(else:)[You've achieved your goal and gotten Frank to an ending! As far as whether it's a happy one...what do you think?
[[credits]] ]
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Martha is right on her way out the door, you in the wallet in her hand. "Lonnie?" she calls out as she glances around the kitchen. Where the hell are her keys?
She's so distracted, Lonnie almost bumps into her. Martha sighs in exasperation as she discovers her daughter fully stained by thick layers of chocolate.
“Sorry Mommy,” the little one says, with a giggle.
Martha carries her daughter up into the bathroom. Guess it’s “shower time”. Wonderful.
She tries to wash her daughter as quickly as possible. Ah, should she just dress her and bring her to the General Store, or call the babysitter?
(if: $kd is 0)[ [[pay KD to babysit Lonnie->school/sandwich]] ](elseif: $kd is 1)[(if: $kd_drugs)[ [[pay KD to babysit Lonnie->book/weed]] ](else:)[ [[pay KD to babysit Lonnie->book/friends]] ]](elseif: $kd is 2)[(if: $kd_trans)[ [[pay KD to babysit Lonnie->doctor/college]] ](elseif: $kd_book)[ [[pay KD to babysit Lonnie->college/florida]] ](elseif: $kd_drugs)[ [[pay KD to babysit Lonnie->weed/teacher]] ]](elseif: $kd is 3 and $kd_intown)[ [[pay KD to babysit Lonnie.->KD Ended]] ](elseif: $kd is 3 and not $kd_intown)[ [[pay someone to babysit Lonnie.->General Store]] ]
[[bring Lonnie with you as you shop->General Store]]
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Martha is halfway home from the store, thinking about the soup she's going to make tonight. It's a recipe she knows by heart, as she makes it every Thursday night: carrots, onions, tomatoes--
Martha immediately freezes. Oh no! She forgot the tomatoes!
[[drive back and get tomatoes->General Store]]
(if: $felix is 0)[ [[take Lonnie and Jake out to dinner->gas/weed]] ](elseif: $felix is 1)[ (if: $felix_dealer)[ [[take Lonnie and Jake out to dinner->lotto/train]] ](else:)[ [[take Lonnie and Jake out to dinner->equipment/bribe]] ]](elseif: $felix is 2)[(if: $felix_politics)[ [[take Lonnie and Jake out to dinner->donate/bribe]] ](else:)[ [[take Lonnie and Jake out to dinner->buy the diner/help someone]] ]](elseif: $felix is 3 and not $felix_jail)[ [[take Lonnie and Jake out to dinner->Felix Ended]] ](elseif: $felix is 3 and $felix_jail)[ [[take Lonnie and Jake out to dinner->General Store]] ]<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/d98ac5_22d76f9c081747edb1ece038fe9b3169.mp3" autoplay><img src="https://i.gyazo.com/2529a5d3cb04561d1ce148551134772b.png" width="256" height="256">
Today, Martha is shopping at the General Store, looking for the groceries she needs for today’s dinner. She reaches the bread section and contemplates it.
Ok, white bread is 50% off. Her favorite bread. But she’s also trying to diet. Also, white bread isn’t very good for health. And wheat bread is 20% off.
Tough choices. Hugely consequential. Definitely impacting her life in lasting ways.
[[buy white bread->General Store]]
[[buy wheat bread->General Store]]
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It’s another one of these boring Thursday afternoons in Stony Meadow. Which also means it’s “groceries time” - as Martha likes to call it to make it sound a bit, maybe just a tiny bit, less tedious.
Routine, however, flies quickly out the window as Martha walks in the laundry room and is greeted by generous amounts of water on the floor.
She screams.
Then she walks to the washing machine and starts unloading the clothes. Oh hell, this machine really is getting old.
[[pick up some parts at the general store so Jake can fix it->General Store]]
(if: $frank is 0)[ [[pay his coworker Frank to fix it->bar/frosting]] ](elseif: $frank is 1)[(if: $frank_date)[ [[pay his coworker Frank to fix it->dinner/hike]] ](else:)[ [[pay his coworker Frank to fix it->book/gear]] ]](elseif: $frank is 2)[(if: $frank_date)[ [[pay his coworker Frank to fix it->ring/cabin]] ](else:)[ [[pay his coworker Frank to fix it->cabin/typewriter]] ]](elseif: $frank is 3)[ [[pay his coworker Frank to fix it->town/city]] ](elseif: $frank is 4 and $frank_intown)[ [[pay his coworker Frank to fix it.->Frank Ended]] ](elseif: $frank is 4 and not $frank_intown)[ [[pay his coworker Frank to fix it.->Random person]] ]]
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As everyone always says, when it rains, it pours. Lonnie and Jake are both sick with some sort of passing cold.
When they’re both napping for a bit, Martha rushes out to the general store to get some more cough medicine. She knows that Jake prefers the unflavored version, but Lonnie favors the grape.
[[get the unflavored one->General Store]]
[[get the grape one->General Store]]
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(set: $martha to 2)Things seem to have only gotten worse for Jake and Martha since you last saw them. Jake breaks two cars while trying to fix their tires, causes a short circuit in a TV, and misreplaces the buttons of three remotes.
When you hear that there's been layoffs at the repair shop, it's no great surprise that Jake was the first to go.
Martha doesn't seem surprised either. In fact, she seems to have a plan.
[["I'll get a job."->Martha:Job Ending]]
[["Let's leave."->Martha:City Ending]]<img src="https://i.gyazo.com/2529a5d3cb04561d1ce148551134772b.png" width="256" height="256">
For the first time since you've circled through her hands, Martha seems to have a new energy to her. You quickly pick up that a big round of layoffs happened at Jake's work, but he was luckily able to hold onto his job.
And if all this fuss did anything, it made him decide to start going above and beyond.
Within a few weeks, Jake got a promotion, and for the first time ever, their family was starting to really save up money.
"You should treat yourself, hon," you hear Jake suggest over dinner. "You do so much for me, for Lonnie. You should take a trip or something."
"I have always wanted to travel," says Martha, wistfully. "But shouldn't we save?"
[[save the money->Martha:Saving Ending]]
[[plan a trip]]
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(set: $martha to 1)“You take care of Lonnie from now on. I got this.”
Though puzzled at first, Jake understands that his wife is serious when, the following day, she grabs formal clothes at the General store as they are shopping. Martha is going to start working.
With her practical mindset and skill with money, she makes a great accountant, and honestly, she seems happier now than you've ever seen her. Jake seems happier, too.
(if: $goal is not "Martha")[You yourself end up back at the General Store when Jake spends you on flowers for his wife. "Ah, I love romance," says the shopkeeper with [[a soft smile.->General Store]] ]
(else:)[You've achieved your goal and gotten Martha to an ending! As far as whether it's a happy one...what do you think?
[[credits]] ]
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(set: $martha to 1)(set: $martha_intown to false)“Guess it’s time to move out of here,” she tells her husband. "There will be more opportunities in Cityopolis."
Can they really leave Stony Meadow? They both grew up here. Their first memories ever, and together, were here. Their grandparents were born and died here. Their whole life, they thought it was where they belonged.
But now that Jake lost his job, they question this assumption for the first time. Is Stony Meadow still is their home now that they can’t survive anymore in it? No matter what the answer is to that, staying is no longer an option. They have a daughter.
Martha books a moving bus, here a week later. Furniture is loaded. Martha gives a tip to the bus driver. Meadow City, here we come!
(if: $goal is not "Martha")[Fortunately for your goal to help $goal, she spends you on road trip snacks at the general store [[before they head out.->General Store]] ]
(else:)[You've achieved your goal and gotten Martha to an ending! As far as whether it's a happy one...what do you think?
[[credits]] ]
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(set: $martha to 1)Martha looks at her husband, quite surprised. The most recent date they had was a few weeks after she knew she was pregnant with Lonnie.
“Sure," she finally says. “Give me a moment to get ready”.
She climbs up to her room, opens her closet. Her eyes wander on a side she hasn't looked at in years, and there, her eyes freeze on a dress. Red, short, the dress she wore to her last date.
She put it on, takes out her best jewelry, sprays a perfume long forgotten in her drawer. Martha is ready, for her date, and for travelling the world with the man she had forgotten she loves.
(if: $goal is not "Martha")[You yourself end up back at the General Store when Jake spends you on flowers for his wife. "Ah, I love romance," says the shopkeeper with [[a soft smile.->General Store]] ]
(else:)[You've achieved your goal and gotten Martha to an ending! As far as whether it's a happy one...what do you think?
[[credits]] ]
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(set: $martha to 1)“I promised Lonnie I’d take her out to the park. Maybe another day?”
Martha dresses Lonnie, grabs her wallet, kisses her husband and walks out.
As soon as they get to the playground, Lonnie breaks free from her mother’s grip and starts dancing in the sand. Martha sits on a bench and watches of her daughter play, bathed in the sunlight, surrounded by the trees. This sight takes her to the Bahamas, where she sees her precious little daughter dancing in the clear water and the crystalline sand.
Martha stops the ice cream truck. She exchanges you for two Vanilla ice creams. She’s ready to travel the world, with Lonnie.
(if: $goal is not "Martha")[As most things in this town do, you end up back at the [[General Store]] ]
(else:)[You've achieved your goal and gotten Martha to an ending! As far as whether it's a happy one...what do you think?
[[credits]] ]
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(set: $martha to 1)(set: $martha_intown to false)Martha looks at Jake.
“Sorry, hon, not today,” she says.
She grabs the tablet lying on the table and goes out to her garden. She sits in front of the flowers and purchases the e-book <i>The path to enlightenment: how travelling can change your life. </i> She opens it to the first page…
Three hours later, Martha reaches the final page. She puts down her tablet and looks at the stars. The Bahamas, Hokkaido, China, Hyderabad - the world is waiting for her.
(if: $goal is not "Martha")[She spends you on a travel pillow at the General Store before she heads out. "Sorry, little friend, you don't get to travel the world," says the [[shopkeeper.->General Store]] ]
(else:)[You've achieved your goal and gotten Martha to an ending! As far as whether it's a happy one...what do you think?
[[credits]] ]
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You’ve been with Felix for a couple days now, carried through shifts at the diner, conversations at the bar, and drives throughout town.
This morning he gets up at 8:00 AM and tends to his garden--which is absolutely full of marijuana. Sticking out of his pocket, you wonder if dollar bills are capable of getting high.
Felix spends the morning picking leaves and planting new seeds until he realizes he’s run out.
He sighs and eats a quick breakfast of eggs and toast, and tosses his cat Finnick some catnip before heading out. On his way he notices he’s kind of low on gas. So he stops by the general store, and causally greets the shopkeeper before checking what’s in stock.
(set: $felix to 1)
[[fill up the tank with gas->fill with gas]]
[[buy more weed seeds (don't worry, it's legal)->buy weed]]
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Felix buys gas, and you find yourself back in the hands of the shopkeeper once again. "That seems like a wise choice," says the shopkeeper cheerfully. [["Let's see who you're going to end up with next."->General Store]]
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(set: $felix_dealer to true)Felix buys some seeds for his garden, and you find yourself back in the hands of the shopkeeper.
“Haha, nice,” says the shopkeeper, nodding. [[“Let’s see what happens next.”->General Store]]
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You’ve been with Felix for a while now. Planting the seeds in his garden let him confidently sell more weed, but he ran out of gas and missed a day of work at the diner.
Things don’t seem to be going to well over there. In fact, Felix is noticing that the town as a whole doesn’t seem to be doing well. With you in his pocket, Felix takes a long walk around the quiet town before ending up at the bar again. Not many people are here tonight, everyone seems to be staying in nowadays.
He drinks quietly, alone, beneath the tv blaring news about the record breaking lottery, followed by a story on the upcoming Unity Rally in Cityoplis.
(set: $felix to 2)
[[buy a train ticket and go to the rally->train ticket]]
[[buy a lottery ticket->Felix:Lottery Ending]]
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Day after day, Felix loyally returns to the diner to help out Old Man Jacobs. Cooking, waiting, cleaning; Felix would do almost anything for this place. While it certainly isn’t as popular as it once was, it's still a place people come together, somewhere you take your family and friends for good times and good food.
However, today, just as Felix is opening up, a health inspector arrives. Overall the diagnosis is grim; a lot of the diner’s cooking equipment is outdated and hazardous. Felix (and therefore you) knows Old Man Jacobs doesn’t have enough to buy all new equipment.
(set: $felix to 2)
[[spend money on some new equipment for the diner->equipment]]
[[bribe the health inspector->bribe]]
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(set: $felix to 3)(set: $felix_ending to "lottery")The next day Felix brings you to general store and buys 10 lotto tickets from the shopkeeper. “Feeling lucky eh?” the shopkeeper inquires as the money and tickets swap hands.
Felix says nothing, but responds with a shrug.
After he leaves the shopkeeper holds you up and squints. “Huh. Not how I would have done it but whatever. I’m sure it will turn out fine.”
A week later, the town is abuzz with the news that Felix has indeed won the lottery.
As time passes, Felix uses the money he won to improve Stony Meadows, the town he loves. Newly paved roads, libraries, parks, services, renovation. He even pours some of his winnings into a huge community center where the people of Stony Meadows can finally come back together.
And it works for the most part; life generally improves. But as Felix becomes mapped up in big ideas and big projects, he forgets where all this started. The diner is closed down after having faced hard times for a while. Even the recent renovations did not help its business. When Felix learns of this, he loses some of his passion for the town, and although he continues his work, the fire inside is certainly dampened.
(if: $goal is not "Felix")["Still can't believe he actually won," says the shopkeeper. "I mean I guess you ARE money, shoulda trusted you." [[He chuckles to himself.->General Store]]]
(else:)[You've achieved your goal and gotten Felix to an ending! As for whether it's a happy one, well...what do you think?
[[credits]]]
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(set: $felix_politics to true)Inspired by the message of unity and togetherness, Felix decides to take a day to go into the city for the Unity Rally. There, he finds so many other people like him, people who love their communities and want to protect and nurture them. He returns to Stony Meadows feeling inspired and reinvigorated.
You, of course, learn this second-hand, as Felix uses you to buy the ticket at the station, handing you to the worker there. You hop from person to person until you find yourself back at the General Store. The shopkeeper smiles at your return and places you in the register, [[ready for whoever comes along next.->General Store]]
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(set: $felix_jail to true)In a desperate attempt to keep his favorite place in town open, Felix attempts to bribe the health inspector. The next day Felix is arrested and imprisoned in the town jail for bribery.
However, Felix manages to sneak you and some other money into jail with him. You're honestly not sure how he pulled that off.
[[bribe the jailer->bribe again]]
[[stay in jail...for now]]
[[no, seriously, stay in jail, the whole time->Felix:Stay in Jail Ending]]
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(set: $felix_equipment to true)Felix lends Old Man Jacobs a hearty amount of his earnings from selling his home-grown weed, which helps to finance all new equipment for the diner. It manages to meet health regulations and stay open, much to Felix’s delight.
You, meanwhile, are spent by Old Man Jacobs at the general store for new cutlery. The shopkeeper nods at you knowingly and places you in [[the register.->General Store]]
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(set: $escape to (random: (0,49))) (if: $escape is 27)[(set:$felix to 1)(set: $felix_jail to false)Against truly incredible odds, Felix manages to bribe a guard to let him speak to a judge and appeal his case. After a long, passionate speech about Felix’s love for both the diner and the town, the judge greatly lessens his sentence for whatever reason, and you and Felix are both free and out on the town again. He spends you at the General Store on yet more marijuana. "Didn't expect to see you again," says the store owner with a laugh, [[sticking you in the register.->General Store]] ](else:)[The Guard refuses the bribe. Feels like we could have seen that coming.
[[stay in jail...for now]] ]
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(set: $felix_jail to true)Well, jail isn’t much fun. Felix has even started talking to the picture of George Washington on the front of a dollar-bill, which would be crazy if it wasn't you.
Though Felix doesn’t regret trying to help the diner out. After a while, he gets way too bored, and starts to try to think of a way out of here.
[[bribe again]]
[[stay in jail...for now]]
[[...seriously, just stay in jail->Felix:Jail Ending]]
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(set: $felix to 3)(set: $felix_jail to true)Eventually, failing bribe after bribe disheartened Felix. He gave up the money he had kept hidden the whole time in order to buy things from the commissary.
(if: $goal is not "Felix")[You eventually make it back into the shopkeeper’s hands, who looks a bit sad when [[you return to him.->General Store]]]
(else:)[Felix lives the rest of his life in prison after repeated bribery charges mounted up. He finds comfort in his work as a cook in the prison's kitchen, as well as his circle of fellow prisoners, with whom he became popular because of his good cooking and good laughs. While it isn’t the community he first loved, it's a community he learns to love nonetheless.
You've achieved your goal and gotten Felix to an ending! As for whether it's a happy one, well...what do you think?
[[credits]]]
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(set: $felix to 3)Inspired by the Unity Rally, Felix has apparently set out to make change in his community, and puts you away with a bunch of other money labelled "election fund" to run for mayor of the town.
While he starts off strong, his campaign begins to lag due to his lack of experience and "it's alllll good, man" attitude. In order to show himself as a serious candidate, Felix needs to do something.
[[make a big donation->donate]]
[[bribe the incumbent mayor->political bribe]]
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With the improved business the diner got as well as his increased sales, Felix is able to save up quite a bit of money.
One day, while he's at the bar, he overhears the owner talking about wanting to expand and renovate the bar. Felix is pretty into this idea: more people would come here if it wasn’t so cramped and old fashioned.(set: $felix to 3)
[[help renovate the bar->Felix:Diner Closed Ending]]
[[wait for another opportunity->Felix:Diner Ending]]
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Donation it is. This leaves Felix with a choice: a donation to the public library, or a donation to the local, powerful Stony Meadow Super-PAC.
[[donate to the PAC ->Felix:Mayor Ending]]
[[donate to the library]]
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(set: $felix_jail to true)Attempting to bribe the current mayor with a one dollar bill truly could not have gone more poorly. Felix didn't even get a chance to hand you off before he was arrested, kicked out of the race, and sent right to jail.
[[bribe a guard->bribe again]]
[[stay in jail...for now]]
[[no, seriously, stay in jail the whole time->Felix:Stay in Jail Ending]]
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(set: $felix to 3)With help from the powerful political movers and shakers, Felix is easily able to push ahead of his opponent and win the election, despite his utter inexperience. "It's all good, man" gets spun into a campaign slogan. You, being a humble dollar bill, try not to think about the ethical implications of what just happened.
At least as mayor, Felix attempts to truly bring the community together. He lobbies hard for better infrastructure, better business incentives, and several community events and fundraisers.
And Stony Meadow flourishes, bringing new businesses and people to town, and connecting the residents like never before. Felix is one of the most popular and successful mayors this town has ever had.
(if: $goal is not "Felix")[It takes a while for you to even make it back to the wizard, but you eventually trickle down to the General Store again. "There you are!" says the storeowner. "All this time with the mayor, I thought you'd forgotten $goal! [[Let's get you moving again.->General Store]] ]
(else:)[You've achieved your goal and gotten Felix to an ending! As for whether it's a happy one, well...what do you think?
[[credits]] ]
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(set: $felix to 1)(set: $felix_dealer to false)(set: $felix_politics to false)Although the library workers and patrons appreciated Felix’s support, it was nothing compared to the behind-the-scenes political movers backing his opponent.
Disgruntled and disillusioned with politics, Felix decides to go back to working at the diner, the place he loved the most.
He spends you at the General Store one afternoon. The storekeeper watches him leave, then looks at you thoughtfully. [["Fuck politics, am I right?"->General Store]]
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(set: $felix to 3)A little while after Felix considers helping the bar owner, he's approached by Old Man Jacobs.
"Now, as you know, Felix," said his boss, "the diner hasn't been doing well for some time. In fact, the equipment you bought us has helped us do the best we have in years. I know you love this place, and you've got a lot of disposable income from....your side business. You want to buy this old diner, fix it up and make it live again?"
Felix accepts with so much speed that you're not sure you could have changed his mind if you'd tried.
Felix pours his heart, soul, and savings into the diner. New decor, new menus, more food, not a spot unimproved. The grand reopening brings almost the whole town in for a bite. While Felix is the owner, he still works there most days as he had for years, and it brings him--and you--joy to see so many townsfolk enjoy his diner, his cooking, his company.
(if: $goal is not "Felix")[After a while, he spends you at the General Store on supplies, and you're almost sad to go. "Good to see you again, friend," says the shopkeeper to you, a toothy grin on his face. "You spent so long with mister big-shot diner owner, I thought you'd forgotten $goal! [[Let's get you moving again.->General Store]] ]
(else:)[You've achieved your goal and gotten Felix to an ending! As for whether it's a happy one, well...what do you think?
[[credits]] ]
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(set: $felix to 3)The owner and Felix strike a deal; Felix is offered partial ownership if he helps fiance the renovations. This sounds great to you, and Felix quickly accepts.
With new and nicer spaces in the bar, many more people began to show up over the next few months. It fills Felix with joy to see all these happy people interacting with each other.
Felix soon regrets this, however, as the bar begins to take up some of the <i>diner’s</i> recently acquired business. Despite his efforts to help, the diner is forced to close after years of hard times.
Felix is devastated by this, despite the success of the bar. In his sadness, he pours his heart and soul into the bar, and makes it a fine establishment, but he still occasionally parks in the diner's empty parking lot and stares sadly at the closed door.
(if: $goal is not "Felix")[After a while, he spends you at the General Store on supplies for the bar. "Good to see you again, friend," says the shopkeeper to you, a toothy grin on his face. "You spent so long with Felix, I thought you'd forgotten $goal! [[Let's get you moving again.->General Store]] ]
(else:)[You've achieved your goal and gotten Felix to an ending! As for whether it's a happy one, well...what do you think?
[[credits]] ]
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The repairman, Jake, is tired after a long day of work. As he does everyday, he drives to his little house, parks his car, and enters.
“Honey, I’m home," he says, as he does everyday.
From the living room come the sounds of “The Desperate Housewives,” as they do everyday. “Hi Martha," Jake calls into the living room as he enters.
Martha looks at him, smiles faintly, and looks back at the TV. “Hey Jake,” she says, as she does everyday.
Jake smiles. He tosses his wallet to Martha. “I'm beat, hon. I'm gonna head to bed. You got the budget?"
"Yeah, of course, goodnight Jake," says Martha, taking the wallet without taking her eyes off the screen.
When the credits of the episode pass, Martha finally directs her attention to the wallet. She counts the money and winces slightly, then makes some notes in a notebook.
She takes you and a few other bills out of the wallet and sets you aside with a sticky note marked:(if:(history:)contains "KD Introduction")[ [[KD, for babysitting Lonnie.->school/sandwich]] ](else:)[ [[KD, for babysitting Lonnie.->KD Introduction]] ]
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Felix clocks out of his shift at 9 PM, but decides to stay until 11--Old Man Jacobs needs all the help he can get.
Felix takes his usual route to get home, speeding down Kennedy street at a cool 45 mph (speed limit 50). That is, of course, until the car starts sputtering out. Sitting in Felix's wallet in the front seat, there's nothing that you can do. Not that you have anything you could do. You're just a one-dollar bill.
Frustrated, Felix pulls over, pops the hood, and tries to navigate his way through the mechanical maze of his car. He keeps at it for about half an hour, and you can hear him (hearing, what a concept!) occasionally removing and inspecting pieces before placing them back in, almost like he's trying to convince non-existent onlookers that he knows what he's doing.
"Need some help?" a voice says. You can tell, using some sort of monetary sixth sense you seem to have developed, that it's a mechanic from the repair shop.
Felix insists on paying him for his help.(if:(history:)contains "Martha Introduction")[ [[So much for staying with Felix.->bread (task 3)]] ](else:)[ [[So much for staying with Felix.->Martha Introduction]] ]
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Frank is used to getting money from the odd jobs he helps people with. He doesn’t always ask for it, but he tends to get it anyway. He moved here a few years back and has since managed to integrate himself into the town. He tends to keep a bit to himself, but everybody knows his name.
He’s been staying in the second level of the Stony Saloon for a while, and has gotten to know most of the frequent customers. Even after only a few minutes in his pocket, though, you can tell he’s still searching for that spark of excitement that he expected from leaving the city to come to this town.
Tonight, he’s leaving the bar and going to the diner. As much as he loves the people, occasionally he gets tired of the nightlife at the bar.
He gets breakfast for dinner, fried eggs, toast, and hash browns. After, he sits and enjoys his coffee while watching the night sky get darker outside. Eventually, he leaves a tip and heads out the door. You remain sitting on the table until Felix, the diner boy,(if:(history:)contains "Felix Introduction")[ [[picks you up.->gas/weed]] ](else:)[ [[picks you up.->Felix Introduction]] ]
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One of the nice things about watching Lonnie is that the house is only a few blocks away and it's easy enough for KD to walk back and forth. She's enjoying the fresh air when her mother’s car drives up and rolls down the window.
“KD! Could you go to Frank’s place and give him some of the money we owe him for helping fix up the roof? I’ll pay you back!” KD’s mom seems in a rush, so KD agrees.
“Lame,” she whispers once her mother drives away. Sure, she’ll get paid back, but who knows how long it’ll take?
A little more grumpy now, she walks to Frank’s house, knocking on the door. When there’s no answer, KD rolls her eyes and knocks louder.
About an hour later, Frank comes home and opens the door to find you sitting on the floor in the (if:(history:)contains "Frank Introduction")[ [[pile of money with a small note.->bar/frosting]] ](else:)[ [[pile of money with a small note.->Frank Introduction]] ]
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/d98ac5_f1cb8309d75a4cd4a737633675222753.mp3" loop autoplay>(if: $kd_trans)[<img src="https://i.gyazo.com/f76e788db2700472f4d8e1cf12673689.png" width="256" height="256">](else:)[<img src="https://i.gyazo.com/a6d41ffd181110734dccaa462870d3d0.png" width="256" height="256">]
KD seems about the same as the last time you saw (if: $kd_trans)[them](else:)[her]. You get the sense that, for better or for worse, there's nothing more you can do for (if: $kd_trans)[them](else:)[her].
KD carries you around for a while. Eventually, (if: $kd_trans)[their](else:)[her] bike breaks down, and (if: $kd_trans)[they use](else:)[she uses] you to pay(if: $frank is 0)[ [[Frank to fix it.->->bar/frosting]] ](elseif: $frank is 1)[(if: $frank_date)[ [[Frank to fix it.->dinner/hike]] ](else:)[ [[Frank to fix it.->book/gear]] ]](elseif: $frank is 2)[(if: $frank_date)[ [[Frank to fix it.->ring/cabin]] ](else:)[ [[Frank to fix it.->cabin/typewriter]] ]](elseif: $frank is 3)[ [[Frank to fix it.->town/city]] ](elseif: $frank is 4 and $frank_intown)[ [[Frank to fix it.->Frank Ended]] ](elseif: $frank is 4 and not $frank_intown)[ [[for a new chain at the general store.->General Store]] ]
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/d98ac5_f1cb8309d75a4cd4a737633675222753.mp3" autoplay><img src="https://i.gyazo.com/2529a5d3cb04561d1ce148551134772b.png" width="256" height="256">
Martha doesn't seem to have changed much since you last saw her. It seems that, for better or for worse, you've influenced her as much as you can.
She uses you to(if: $kd is 0)[ [[pay KD for babysitting.->school/sandwich]] ](elseif: $kd is 1)[(if: $kd_drugs)[ [[pay KD for babysitting.->book/weed]] ](else:)[ [[pay KD for babysitting.->book/friends]] ]](elseif: $kd is 2)[(if: $kd_trans)[ [[pay KD for babysitting.->doctor/college]] ](elseif: $kd_book)[ [[pay KD for babysitting.->college/florida]] ](elseif: $kd_drugs)[ [[pay KD for babysitting.->weed/teacher]] ]](elseif: $kd is 3 and $kd_intown)[ [[pay KD for babysitting.->KD Ended]] ](elseif: $kd is 3 and not $kd_intown)[ [[pay for groceries.->General Store]] ]
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/d98ac5_22d76f9c081747edb1ece038fe9b3169.mp3" autoplay>(if: $frank_date)[<img src="https://i.gyazo.com/854b71ad62a8be9dd2eecdd5d078f45e.png" width="256" height="256">](else:)[<img src="https://i.gyazo.com/5e4b5ba000ab5838edd5182072548185.png" width="256" height="256">]
Frank doesn't seem to have changed much since you last saw him. It seems that, for better or for worse, you've influenced him as much as you can.
He uses you to(if: $felix is 0)[ [[leave a tip for Felix.->gas/weed]] ] (elseif: $felix is 1)[(if: $felix_dealer)[ [[leave a tip for Felix.->lotto/train]] ](else:)[ [[leave a tip for Felix.->equipment/bribe]] ]](elseif: $felix is 2)[(if: $felix_politics)[ [[leave a tip for Felix.->donate/bribe]] ](else:)[ [[leave a tip for Felix.->buy the diner/help someone]] ]](elseif: $felix is 3 and not $felix_jail)[ [[leave a tip for Felix.->Felix Ended]] ](elseif: $felix is 3 and $felix_jail)[ [[buy some bug spray.->General Store]] ]
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/d98ac5_7efda25fa0ea4b65a13f738903ab075d.mp3" autoplay>Writers: Trish Gagnon (KD, Frank), Gwen Urbancyzk (Felix, Frank), Salma Alaoui Moustain (Martha), (link: "Hannah McLean")[(goto-url: 'https://mcleanhannahl.wixsite.com/website')] (misc).
Art: (link: "Valeria Ruiz")[(goto-url: 'https://www.instagram.com/graphite_threads/')]
Music: Nathan Ward
Twine Designer and Editor: (link: "Hannah McLean")[(goto-url: 'https://mcleanhannahl.wixsite.com/website')]
Made for (link: "Ludum Dare 44")[(goto-url: 'https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/44')]
Special thanks to the Digital Humanities Initiative at Hamilton College
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/d98ac5_49d96c71e68c4a5bbe138d154b12d48f.mp3" autoplay><img src="https://i.gyazo.com/808e8d6276192d062c443041568ac317.png" width="256" height="256">
Felix doesn't seem to have changed much since you last saw him. It seems that, for better or for worse, you've influenced him as much as you can.
He spends you at(if: $frank is not 4)[(set: $task to (random: (0,4)))(if: $task is 0)[ [[Lonnie's lemonade stand.->lonnie chocolate (task 1)]] ](elseif: $task is 1)[ [[Lonnie's lemonade stand.->soup (task 2)]] ](elseif: $task is 2)[ [[Lonnie's lemonade stand.->bread (task 3)]] ](elseif: $task is 3)[ [[Lonnie's lemonade stand.->washing machine (task 4)]] ](elseif: $task is 4)[ [[Lonnie's lemonade stand.->cough medicine (task 5)]] ]](else:)[(if: $martha is 0)[(if: $frank_intown)[ [[Lonnie's lemonade stand.->jake lost job]] ](else:)[ [[Lonnie's lemonade stand.->jake kept job]] ]]](elseif: $martha is 1 and $martha_intown)[ [[Lonnie's lemonade stand.->Martha Ended]] ](elseif: $martha is 1 and not $martha_intown)[ [[the general store.->General Store]] ]
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/d98ac5_fe3b59f8dab24c8c8f7216ac22169233.mp3" autoplay><img src="https://i.gyazo.com/c3d59872006e6fd37ccb258bbc96e3be.png" width="256" height="256">
Wait, didn't that person already leave town?
The shopkeeper blinks, then laughs. "Oops! Hard to keep track of what's happening when. [[Let me put you back in the register"->General Store]].
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/d98ac5_49d96c71e68c4a5bbe138d154b12d48f.mp3" autoplay><img src="https://i.gyazo.com/808e8d6276192d062c443041568ac317.png" width="256" height="256">
(set: $felix to 3)(set: $felix_jail to false)After several months, Felix is let out on good behavior. However, he soon learns that the diner had been closed in the time he was in prison. Distraught, he visits the bar almost every night for weeks. Eventually, though, he pulls himself back up though, and growing and selling weed becomes his main job.
(if: $goal is not "Felix")[You find yourself back with the shopkeeper, watching Felix walk out the door. The shopkeeper looks troubled. "I feel like he could have done something more with himself," [[he sighs wistfully.->General Store]]](else:)[You've achieved your goal and gotten Felix to an ending! As for whether it's a happy one, well...what do you think?
[[credits]]]
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/d98ac5_fe3b59f8dab24c8c8f7216ac22169233.mp3" autoplay><img src="https://i.gyazo.com/5e4b5ba000ab5838edd5182072548185.png" width="256" height="256">
Frank decides to walk to the general store and see what's on offer there. Walking into the shop, he browses the large and truly amazingly assorted collection of goods the shopkeeper somehow always has.
A set of hiking equipment eventually catches Frank’s eye. He's always meant to explore the woods and the hills surrounding Stony Meadows, but hasn't gotten around to it yet.
With a glint of inspiration in his eyes, he hands you over to the shopkeeper, who mutters “Hmmm...interesting” before [[placing you back in the cash register.->General Store]]
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/d98ac5_7efda25fa0ea4b65a13f738903ab075d.mp3" autoplay><img src="https://i.gyazo.com/2529a5d3cb04561d1ce148551134772b.png" width="256" height="256">
But what’s a bigger decision a mother could make besides investing in her daughter’s future?
Martha opens a savings account for little Lonnie and put all the money she saves there. College is expensive, Lonnie will need that money when the time comes. Life is fine. She can keep marking time.
(if: $goal is not "Martha")[Fortunately, being a single dollar bill, you're not in the savings account. Martha spends you on bread at the General Store. "I don't think she's very happy," says the shopkeeper thoughtfully as he watches her walk away. "Ah, well. [[Let's get you moving again."->General Store]] ]
(else:)[You've achieved your goal and gotten Martha to an ending! As far as whether it's a happy one...what do you think?
[[credits]] ]
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/d98ac5_22d76f9c081747edb1ece038fe9b3169.mp3" autoplay><img src="https://i.gyazo.com/2529a5d3cb04561d1ce148551134772b.png" width="256" height="256">
One afternoon, Martha sits in front of her computer. She promised to take Lonnie on a picnic, but she has a few minutes before then, so she starts looking up travel destinations. A click on www.stonymeadowtravel.com, and her jaw drops.
“Oh. My. God”
The sparkling blue and vivid green of the Bahamas bewitches her. She scrolls down, and is even more at awe as the pink cherry blossoms of Hokkaido and the flaming red of the White Horse Temple of the Luoyang flee before her eyes.
She knew she wanted to travel the world. Now, she knows where she wanted to start.
At that moment, Jake enters the house.
“Honey,” he said. “Do you want to go out for dinner tonight?”
[[go to dinner with Jake->Martha:Husband Ending]]
[[take Lonnie on a picnic->Martha:Daughter Ending]]
[[keep looking at the website->Martha:Eat Pray Love Ending]]
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/d98ac5_22d76f9c081747edb1ece038fe9b3169.mp3" autoplay>[[You are a one-dollar bill.->Begin 2]]You are a one-dollar bill.
This is the first thing you're aware of. The second thing you're aware of is that you've never been aware of anything before. The third thing you're aware of is that you've never <i>had</i> a "before."
[[The fourth thing you're aware of...->Begin 3]]
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/d98ac5_2c7b70daa95f4e0fa5cb8da1df224dfd.mp3" autoplay><img src="https://i.gyazo.com/c3d59872006e6fd37ccb258bbc96e3be.png" width="256" height="256">
Wait, isn't Felix in jail?
The shopkeeper blinks, then laughs. "Oops! Hard to keep track of what's happening when. [[Let me put you back in the register"->General Store]].
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/d98ac5_49d96c71e68c4a5bbe138d154b12d48f.mp3" autoplay>↶↷Welcome to Pass The Buck! This is an interactive fiction game about money, small towns, and the choices that change our lives. It's a game that's designed to be played multiple times, so you can see how different choices affect the people of Stony Meadow in different ways. We hope you enjoy! Begin