<h1>CONFESSIONS</h1>
[[BEGIN: Enter the confessional booth.->Girl 1]]
<p>A story by Pauliina Ikäheimo / Paula Penttinen <a href="http://www.twitter.com/paulaeveliina">@paulaeveliina</a> / Kalle Hiitola <a href="http://www.twitter.com/kallehiitola">@kallehiitola</a> / Joonas Laakso <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jlaakso">@jlaakso</a></p>
<p>Made in Finnish Game Jam 2016, part of Global Game Jam 2016. Made at Next Games. <a href="http://www.twitter.com/nxtgms">@nxtgms</a> Made in Twine. <a href="http://twinery.org">http://twinery.org</a></p>
(set: $Karen to 1, $Sean to 1, $Elle to 1, $AlexAboutToMurderKaren to 0, $AlexAboutToMurderSean to 0, $ElleAboutToKillHerself to 0)
<h2>Elle</h2>
<p>Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been since Christmas since my last confession.
I… I have been faithful.
**But have you prayed, my child?**
I have prayed… every day. God is in my mind every day.
It’s not that. Everything is right with me and Him.
**God doesn’t want you to hide your sins, child.**
I’m not trying to hide. I’ve been angry. But I’m not angry with (link-reveal: "Him.")[
**[[Who are you angry with->Girl 1A]], then?**</p>]
<h2>Sean</h2>
<p>Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been too long since my last confession.
I need guidance. God help me, I need guidance. My wife is having an affair.
**Why do you think that is?**
(link-reveal:"Damned if I know. ")[Sorry. Sorry.]
I have always been there for my (link-reveal:"family. ")[I have provided. We have a good life.]
**There must be something she’s [[missing.->Husband 1A]]**</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been three weeks since my last confession.
**And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit (link-reveal:"will not be forgiven.")[
Now then, what brings you [[to my door, my child?->Hitman 1C]]]**</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>Yes, that is what I am most afraid of.
**Have you prayed to God for guidance? He is always (link-reveal:"there for you")[, even in your loneliest moments].**
No, not lately. I feel that this is beyond even Him...
**Don’t give up.
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good.**
[[For His mercy endures forever.->Housewife 1]]</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>I had hoped that it wouldn’t haunt me for the rest of my life.
But I guess it will.
**Have you prayed to God for guidance? He is always there for you, even in your loneliest moments.**
No, not lately. I feel that this is beyond even Him...
**Don’t give up.
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good.**
[[For His mercy endures forever.->Housewife 1]]</p>
<h2>Karen</h2>
<p>**In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.**
Uh, bless me, Father, for (link-reveal:"I have sinned.")[ I -
**[[Karen, is that you?->Housewife 1A]]**]</p>
<h2>Elle</h2>
<p>Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been a week since my last confession.
God is in my mind. I have prayed to Him every day. I am (link-reveal:"sorry")[ for hurting Cassie].
**[[The girl at school?->Girl 2A]]**</p>
<h2>Sean</h2>
<p>Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been… a week since my last confession.
I thought about what we talked about (link-reveal:"the last time")[, about my wife.]
[[I wasn’t honest with you.->Husband 2A]]</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been three days since my last confession.
**Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
You’ve never come this often before. Has something happened?**
Yet another mortal sin on my conscience. I... (link-reveal:"I have")[ taken a life again.]
**And what is it that makes this one [[special?->Hitman 2C]]**</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>I... I will try. [[Thank you, Father.->Housewife 2]]</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>You’re right. It’s just that…
(link-reveal:"No.")[
You’re right.] [[I’ll have to get this weakness out of me.->Housewife 2]]</p>
<h2>Karen</h2>
<p>**In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.**
Bless me, Father, for (link-reveal:"I have sinned.")[ My last confession was almost two weeks ago.]
*[[Long pause.->Housewife 2A]]*</p>
<h2>Elle</h2>
<p>Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been a day since my last confession.
**What troubles you, child?**
I tried to make up with Cassie from school. But she was so smug about it, I told her off.
**[[Are you sorry->Girl 3A]] for what you did?**</p>
<h2>The priest</h2>
<p>*The priest arrives home in the evening.*
**Honey, what are you doing?**
Dinner’s almost ready. How was your day?
**Nothing special. The funeral dragged on.**
I see. I had lunch on Penn. It was nice.
**[[Where on Penn?->Interlude A]]**</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been three days since my last confession.
**Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.
And here you are again. What can I do for you today, my child?**
I am feeling uneasy about something. I have been thinking about our talk. About letting people get close.
There is someone I’d like to let do exactly that.
**And you’re [[afraid that letting her close->Hitman 3C]] will make her suffer due to what you do?**</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>Yes, I do want to change. For her. [[The last thing I want to do is hurt her.->Housewife 3]]</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p> I know. [[But I can’t stop thinking about her...->Housewife 3]]</p>
<h2>Karen</h2>
<p>**In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.**
Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.
I have prayed but I haven’t been able to stop drinking or taking the pills. Being without is worse than the alternative.
I wished my husband was dead. He [[came home late one night->Housewife 3B]] smelling of perfume and cardamom.</p>
<h2>Elle</h2>
<p>Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been a week since my last confession.
I hate dad.
**I... Why... [[why do you feel that way?->Girl 4A]]**</p>
<h2>Karen</h2>
<p>[[Elle is not his daughter.->Housewife 3D]]</p>
<h2>Sean</h2>
<p>Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been… two weeks since my last confession.
I know I’m living a lie. I shouldn’t go on.
**You mentioned your daughter. [[How is she holding up?->Husband 4A]]**</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been almost two weeks since my last confession.
**For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
What’s on your mind?**
I have [[a confession to make->Hitman 4C]].</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>You’re right. I should start [[doing something respectable.->Housewife 4]] Thank you, Father.</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>No, it’s not. But I’m not sure if I’m just [[making matters worse...->Housewife 4]]
</p>
<h2>Karen</h2>
<p>Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was ten days ago.
**Go on, Karen.**
I’ve been thinking about things.
It’s so hard to quit, I feel sick and nauseous if I don’t take pills.
It hurts everywhere. And the alcohol isn’t enough to numb it.
Not enough to numb me for the presence of my cheating husband.
I can’t stand the sight of him.
Elle is just as burdening. It would be [[easier without them->Housewife 4C]].</p>
<h2>Elle</h2>
<p>Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been a week since my last confession.
I am still angry with Cassie.
**Why is that, child?**
It’s like before. She’s so mean to me. So I push her and call her names. Like, bitch this and that.
**Why do you think she is that way, I mean, [[towards you?->Girl 5A]]**</p>
<h2>Sean</h2>
<p>Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been a week since my last confession.
I have to make a decision, Father. And it’s going to hurt people. I feel selfish for making it.
**[[Are you sure that isn’t false?->Husband 5D]] Hanging on to your double life is selfish.**</p>
<h2>Sean</h2>
<p>
Do?
What I need is just... some... peace.
Why can't you all just leave me be?
**You can't choose all the people in your life.**
No. No, I can't.
But I can choose who to bring along with me.
*Long pause.*
**You have to take responsibility for your actions.**
Oh, I will, Father.
I just need room to think.
*[[Sean leaves.->Hitman 5]]*
</p>
(set: $Karen to 0)
<h2>Sean</h2>
<p>
Return? But I never left.
It's her... Karen has distanced herself.
**It takes two to reconcile. Or even to meet halfway.**
It feels so wrong. Why should I give up everything first?
**It's not about being first. It's about wanting to change for better. For yourself.**
I don't want to go on like this.
You're right, Father.
[[I have to step up.->Hitman 5]]
</p>
<h2>Sean</h2>
<p>
My heart is beating for three.
I want to be in the diner with Deanna.
I want to be at home with Karen.
I need Elle to be with me.
**Love is never wrong. There can't be too much love.
But are you truly giving everything when you're dividing your love like that?**
No. I know you're right. I have to choose, or none of us will be happy.
**Yes. Know yourself, and you can [[begin to fix things.->Hitman 5]]**
</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been three days since my last confession.
**If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
What is it today, Alex?**
I want to get out of this mess. Now. [[And you’re going to have to help me.->Hitman 5C]]</p>
<h2>Karen</h2>
<p>
**In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.**
Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was a week ago.
I accidentally (link-reveal:"overdosed")[ shortly after the last time]. I took the pills and wine in the evening. I passed out on the couch.
I felt really relaxed then. Wished (link-reveal:"I could")[ always feel like that]. I don’t know for how long (link-reveal:"I was passed out")[ but I woke up vomiting on the rug].
Of course as soon as I was done I fetched the cleaning supplies and started cleaning.
(link-reveal:"My husband walked in.")[ He looked at me with disgust.]
He doesn’t (link-reveal:"understand")[, because he is chasing after some other woman].
**What does he not understand?**
Me. God. Anything. (link-reveal:"He is committing adultery, fully aware that God forbids it.")[ Elle is aware of it.]
He should be punished.
**...Your husband has committed his own sins. However, you should at the moment focus on solving your own problems. Did you consider [[going to the group meeting?->Housewife 5A]]**
**...God punishes those He sees unworthy of his love. Your husband will face his own trials in due time. [[His crime is greater than yours in the eyes of our God.->Girl 6]]**
</p>
(set: $Sean to 0)
<h2>Elle</h2>
<p>It’s Cassie. She’s stealing mr Robertson’s attention. She’s a nuisance to everyone. I just want her to shut up.
**We all have the freedom to speak.**
Yes, but… she’s constantly stealing everybody’s time. She has all these ideas. I hate her. I’m sorry, but I hate her.
**Have you talked with Cassie? Does she know how you feel?**
I’m so angry with her.
**And…?**
(link-reveal: "I pushed her at the lockers.")[ I screamed at her and grabbed her hair, and](link-reveal:" I pushed her at the lockers.")[ She got blood on her face.]
**How did that make you feel?**
I’m so sorry, (link-reveal:"Father.")[ I smiled. I think felt joy.]
[[I am so sorry, God.->Husband 1]]</p>
<h2>Sean</h2>
<p>I don’t know. Maybe we’re a little distant, now. But I don’t know what I could do about that, when she’s just… not responding. I want to be with her, and she’s keeping distance.
**Where does she escape, what do you think?**
She gets calls she doesn’t want to talk about. And there’s (link-reveal:"excuses.")[ If I’m coming home late, she’s always been somewhere, and I don’t buy her explanations.]
They reek of [[stories.->Hitman 1]]</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>I have been restless and agitated these past weeks. It has been (link-reveal:"harder ")[and harder ]to find pleasure in anything besides my work.
I know that it is inevitably bringing me to a dark place but somehow I feel… compelled to keep going at it.
It’s like it is the (link-reveal:"only thing that")[, at the end of the day, keeps me sane.]
**It does sound like your current livelihood is starting to [[become an obsession to you->Hitman 1E]].**</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>Anything? I suppose so, at some point. Not now. I don’t know.
Maybe, just maybe letting certain people in my life and close to me could (link-reveal:"redeem me.")[ To some extent.]
I am just not sure if I’ll ever be able to do that. I am so lost. And alone.
**...Yes. That is something you will need to think about. Do remember that if you let anyone get close, your work will eventually have an effect on them as well. [[Sooner or later.->Hitman 1A]]**
**...Just remember that your past is something you can never talk to anyone about. [[No matter how close you want them to be to you.->Hitman 1B]]**</p>
<h2>Karen</h2>
<p>Uh, hey. Didn’t know you’d be here now… (link-reveal:"maybe I should go.")[
*The priest smells the alcohol in Karen’s breath.*
**No, no need. You came to make a confession and I will hear it. It is my duty as a priest.**
Well I -
**[[Go on.->Housewife 1B]]**]</p>
<h2>Karen</h2>
<p>My husband wants to leave me.
**Why does your husband want to leave you?**
I don’t know! I tried, I tried! I was good to him and to our daughter. And he… just does this!
**I know you must have been a good wife and a mother. But while we cannot correct the flaws (link-reveal:"in others")[ we can examine the flaws in us].**
What good does that do me? (link-reveal:"Now? ")[What are you trying to say?]
*The priest coughs at the strong smell of alcohol in Karen’s breath.*
**I knew you once, Karen. I know what sins the Devil uses to seduce you to be on his side. There are clubs and meetings here in the commune for help and –**
No! You don’t understand! I shouldn’t have come here. Goodbye, Father.
**[[Karen, wait -->Girl 2]]**
</p>
<h2>Elle</h2>
<p>Yes, her. She is so (link-reveal:"infuriating.")[ I got detention for all week for pushing her.]
It’s not like it even hurt.
**Why did you push Cassie, my child?**
She had all the attention, and she just (link-reveal:"gloated.")[ Mr Robertson used to like me.] I had to do something about her.
**Mr Robertson is your English teacher, right?**
Yes.
**[[How do you think mr Robertson thinks of you now?->Girl 2B]]**</p>
<h2>Elle</h2>
<p>I… I’m not sure. I guess he doesn’t like violence. But at least I (link-reveal:"did something about it.")[
**Do you know someone who doesn’t… do something about it?**
Yeah… I… Dad doesn’t do anything about mom being with other men.
**What men?**
She gets calls and meets other men [[when dad isn’t around.->Husband 2]]]</p>
<h2>Sean</h2>
<p>I mean, I know (link-reveal:"God sees me")[, but I was keeping things from you.]
**You were keeping things from yourself. (link-reveal:"Confess")[, and find solace.]**
It’s not just her. I’m also to blame.
I met someone. It was over (link-reveal:"breakfast.")[ We shared a pot of coffee, and… she’s unhappy in her relationship, as well.]
Her husband is just… (link-reveal:"not there.")[ Like my wife.] So we had pie, and we’ve met a couple of times per week.
**[[How does that make you feel?->Husband 2B]]**</p>
<h2>Sean</h2>
<p>It’s like, when I'm with her, I’m using my emotions for something productive. You know?
Like I’m (link-reveal:"not going to waste.")[ How can that be wrong?]
**You’re committed to your wife before God.**
I know. But… isn’t love more important than some vow, what, a decade ago? I know it isn’t right by (link-reveal:"Elle,")[ and I have to fix that,] but can’t two people be happy?
**(link-reveal:"Are you?")[ Happy?]**
[[No.->Hitman 2]]
</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>Usually I deal with people that I want (link-reveal:"nothing to do with")[, and don’t think that much about them afterwards].
Lowlifes, ruthless (link-reveal:"criminals")[, cold-blooded killers].
This (link-reveal:"one")[ was different].
(link-reveal:"She")[ was different].
I don’t know who would want someone (link-reveal:"like her")[ killed].
**[[But you must’ve known all along->Hitman 2D]] that you would eventually end up having someone like her as your target?**</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>Apparently I’ve been really good at lying to myself. To be (link-reveal:"honest")[, I never saw this coming].
I know, (link-reveal:"I know.")[ It has been naive of me.]
**I understand that you are starting to realise the factuality of what you make a living out of.
But why does (link-reveal:"an unknown")[ dead woman] shake you up this badly?**
She reminded me (link-reveal:"so much")[ of someone]…
**...I hope that you see now that you have to stop doing this. You work as a hitman now but it doesn’t mean that it’s who you are. [[You can still redeem yourself.->Hitman 2A]]**
**...Stop it! Get a grip of yourself. [[You are a hitman->Hitman 2B]], not a vigilante. If you want to keep killing for a living, you’ll have to be able to kill whoever the hit is on.**
</p>
<h2>Karen</h2>
<p>**Recite your sins, Karen.**
*She (link-reveal:"swallows hard")[ and hesitates to speak.]*
I have... bought pills from a dealer.
I’ve been using them for the past the week (link-reveal:"in the evenings.")[ With liquor.]
I feel better when I do that.
**I know you know it’s not healthy [[or morally acceptable.->Housewife 2B]]**</p>
<h2>Karen</h2>
<p>I know, I know.
It’s just makes things easier. I care (link-reveal:"less")[, I’m numb].
Before I felt so (link-reveal:"alone.")[ My husband always gone from home on business trips.]
My daughter always hanging around (link-reveal:"God knows where.")[ Oh, sorry! Didn’t mean to use God’s name in vain.]
**I’m sure that God is understanding in this situation. Did you start after [[your husband said he’d leave you?->Housewife 2C]]**</p>
<h2>Karen</h2>
<p>(link-reveal:"No.")[
I started before. Way before.]
Actually when (link-reveal:"you")[ dumped me.]
[[Remember that?->Housewife 2D]]</p>
<h2>Karen</h2>
<p>**I (link-reveal:"do.")[
But we both got married afterwards.]**
And see (link-reveal:"where it got me?")[ I’m a laughing stock!]
**Karen, [[listen to me.->Housewife 2E]]** </p>
<h2>Karen</h2>
<p>**I want you to pray to God for (link-reveal:"forgiveness and deliverance.")[
You need strength from God to overcome these trials on your path.]**
Will prayers (link-reveal:"help me?")[
Fix my family again?]
**Only God knows that. [[Place your trust in Him.->Girl 3]]**</p>
<h2>Elle</h2>
<p>I… I think I am. I’m not sure if God knows it.
**What about your other friends?**
I don’t have friends at school.
**[[Friends outside of school, then?->Girl 3B]]**</p>
<h2>Elle</h2>
<p>My boyfriend doesn’t like me getting agitated. He always says we gotta be stronger than that. To, like… use the anger to get stronger.
**That is wise. How old is your boyfriend, child?**
Well… he’s… a little older than me. A couple of years.
**[[What do you do together?->Girl 3C]]**</p>
<h2>Elle</h2>
<p>We hang out. He works at night, so sometimes we see early in the morning, or pretty late in the evening.
I come home and do my homework, and then message him, or we meet on my way to school and I skip the first class.
**And is God in your mind when you see your boyfriend?**
Yes. Yes. But I have thoughts. You know. It’s not pure.
But I am not ashamed, we’re alright.
I am sorry for my thoughts, really I am, but it’s not wrong. [[In my heart I know it’s not.->Interlude]]</p>
<h2>The priest</h2>
<p>Penn and Lee. There’s a bakery.
It’s crowded, but nice.
**[[Did you meet anyone?->Interlude B]]**</p>
<h2>The priest</h2>
<p>Oh, no. Just me. I like to eat alone.
You know that.
**Yes, I… Sometimes it’s nice to meet people. I rarely get the chance at work.**
But you meet so many people every day.
**[[They come there to make excuses.->Interlude C]]**</p>
<h2>The priest</h2>
<p>**To appease their God.
I’m just there, they don’t care about me.**
I see. Yes.
You’re just a tool, right?
**Yes. [[A medium.->Hitman 3]]**</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>It’s not just that. Well of course it’s that too, but there’s also something else.
Even if we could forget what I do, I’m still not sure if I’m anything but bad news to her.
**[[Why is that?->Hitman 3D]]**</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>She’s so young. And pure. I’m… I’m something else.
I’m afraid that I’m already too deep in this nightmare and I’ll end up pulling her into it too.
Or that she’ll hate me when she finds out who I am.
**...It’s good that you realise you’re putting her at risk by getting involved with her. It shows that you actually care for her and are [[willing to change.->Hitman 3A]]**
**...Maybe then you should [[stay away from her.->Hitman 3B]]**
</p>
<h2>Karen</h2>
<p>I think he is seeing someone.
I know we aren’t officially together anymore - he isn’t wearing the ring anymore - but to behave like that in front of our daughter!
**What does your husband and daughter think of [[your drinking and addiction->Housewife 3C]] to drugs?**</p>
<h2>Karen</h2>
<p>They don’t care.
I barely see my husband these days.
Of course, I’m sometimes out meeting with my dealer, or in the bar, but it still does seem like he deliberately avoids me and doesn’t want to talk with me at all.
My daughter is the same. She is away from home often. I understand that she has a boyfriend. She hasn’t introduced us.
She never listens to me and never talks to me. It’s like I’m surrounded by strangers.
**Those people are still your family.
You formed a union with your husband before God, [[and you gave birth to his daughter.->Housewife 3A]]**</p>
<h2>Karen</h2>
<p>**Karen... [[Don’t tell me -->Housewife 3E]]**</p>
<h2>Karen</h2>
<p>(link-reveal:"Elle")[ (link-reveal:"is")[ your [[daughter.->Girl 4]]]]</p>
<h2>Elle</h2>
<p>Dad is never there.
I need to ask questions, and he’s just not available. His phone isn’t on.
**...How is your father like when he is at home?**
I can never talk to him about this stuff.
He’s great when he’s home. He cooks, and takes me to the mall, and reads magazines with me.
Just… a perfect TV family, except mom’s high or boozing or hungover, and [[dad’s never there.->Girl 4B]]</p>
<h2>Elle</h2>
<p>**Why do you think that is?**
He works late? I don’t know. Mom resents him being away.
Or I think she does, I can’t tell. She likes getting wasted on her own, or with all the men she sees.
**Which men are that?**
I don’t know. But it’s okay, I don’t care. When she gets that way, I hang out with my boyfriend, and don’t think about it.
I miss dad. I don’t understand why he can’t be at home.
**We can’t... we can't always choose.
Doesn’t your father [[talk about it?->Girl 4C]]**</p>
<h2>Elle</h2>
<p>No. Mom and dad barely talk when they’re both at home. Without me… I don’t think they’d be together if it wasn’t for me.
I’m a weight that’s holding them both down.
**I’m sure they don’t think that way.**
We should all be just free. I want to be with my boyfriend, and mom can drink, and dad can be wherever he prefers.
**You should have dreams and goals in life of your own.**
I guess. I don’t know.
I want my boyfriend.
[[And dad to come home.->Husband 4]]</p>
<h2>Sean</h2>
<p>You know, she’s fine. She’s fine. Maybe she can’t tell what’s going on between my wife and me.
And I’m a good father. Really I am. We do things together. I know what’s going on in her life.
She hasn’t introduced her boyfriend yet, but I trust her. She tells me things.
**That’s good. You know [[you shouldn’t lie to her.->Husband 4B]]**</p>
<h2>Sean</h2>
<p>I don’t lie to her.
I just work a lot, and I’m not at home as much as I’d like to.
I make the best out of the time we have together.
**You don’t do that [[with your wife.->Husband 4C]]**</p>
<h2>Sean</h2>
<p>I… I don’t know if that’s fair? I mean, she’s distanced herself. That’s why I met the woman at the diner. I wouldn’t have opened up like that to a stranger if I wasn’t in pain.
**You should end the affair.**
But I have to consider Deanna. We’re in love. I can’t just cut her off. She depends on me.
Oh God, [[what has she done to me?->Husband 4D]]</p>
<h2>Sean</h2>
<p>**Your wife?**
Yes. I wouldn’t be in this mess if it wasn’t for her affair.
**You’ve made your own decisions. Don’t blame them on others.**
Yes, Father. [[You’re right.->Hitman 4]]</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>**Yes, that is what most people come here to do, you know. Go ahead.**
I’ve been trying to find another source of income. And it hasn’t exactly been a success so far.
**What have you been up to, then?**
I’ve been dealing certain substances to some people. Only a couple of them, and nothing too dangerous.
I don’t need more casualties on my conscience.
**I see. [[What’s bothering you about it?->Hitman 4D]]**</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>One of my clients seems to be something else than the ordinary housewife I thought she was.
She seemed so normal. Marriage problems and drinking a bit too much, but other than that nothing out of the ordinary.
But lately I’ve been having a feeling that I’m being followed each time after meeting her.
**Do you have any idea who could be following you?**
No. She must be involved in something dubious.
**...Be careful. And you know, there are [[other options besides murder and drugs.->Hitman 4A]]**
**...You should be wary of your clientele. But well done, finding another [[profitable business->Hitman 4B]] is not that easy out here.**
</p>
<h2>Karen</h2>
<p>**That might be the case, Karen. But our God wants us to live honorably with the choices we’ve made. **
I live in a situation that I can tolerate only with alcohol and drugs, how do you live honorably with that?
**...You need help, Karen. The AA gathers here every Tuesday at 7 pm. The people there can help you, and they are very discreet. [[I can sign you into the group.->Girl 5]]**
**...You are a sinner, giving into your inane desires for instant gratification. [[You must repent for being impure.->Girl 5]]**</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>**Why does it attract you? Are you sure that this is the path you want to follow?**
Of course I am not sure, and you should know that. It is not healthy.
It (link-reveal:"blurs my thoughts")[ and keeps tearing me apart].
And at the same time I feel like I cannot live without the (link-reveal:"moments")[ after a day’s work,] when (link-reveal:"finally, ")[for just a fleeting moment] I am at peace with myself. I guess it (link-reveal:"numbs the pain")[ for a while].
**I see. Is there anything that you can think of that could break you [[out of this vicious circle?->Hitman 1D]]**</p>
<h2>Elle</h2>
<p>I’ve been thinking about that. I can’t figure it out. I never did anything to her, well, before she got on my nerves, I mean.
**Do you think maybe she’s like you?**
What do you mean like me? We’re nothing like each other. Only I guess we’re now both angry.
Oh. I see.
But… I don’t know what set her off in the first place.
**What, as you say, set [[you->Girl 5B]] off, then?**</p>
<h2>Elle</h2>
<p>I feel… I feel so bad.
Because of dad, and mom, and everything. They should know. About how I feel. Why do I have to suffer alone?
**But you’re not alone. God is with you, every step of the way.**
Yes, Father. Only… God doesn’t make me feel right. Not when I’m crying, and there’s no one to take care of me, no one but Alex.
**Don’t you think Cassie might feel the [[same way?->Girl 5C]] What if she’s alone, too?**</p>
<h2>Elle</h2>
<p>
I never thought of that. She is so… likeable. I guess she could be lonely. And putting me down the same way I’ve been putting her down.
That’s just stupid.
**Yes. We’re not always so rational.
But as humans, we have the capability to judge ourselves. [[And become better.->Husband 5]]**
</p>
<h2>Sean</h2>
<p>I don’t know. I don’t know. I feel like I’m winning in this, I get to keep who I choose.
**You don’t know that. But living this lie should stop.**
I am so miserable. [[Except when I’m with Deanna.->Husband 5E]]</p>
<h2>Sean</h2>
<p>Then I don’t think about all this, and for a moment it’s better.
But I know my wife is hurting, and you implied that my daughter is hurting, too, even if I don’t see it.
I have to do something to end this. My family deserves better.
But don’t I deserve some happiness, too?
**...What are you [[going to do?->Husband 5A]]**
**...You should [[return to your wife->Husband 5B]] and daughter.**
**...[[What does your heart tell you?->Husband 5C]]**
</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>**And what exactly is this mess you are referring to? Your work?**
You know very well what I’m referring to. I want out. I want to stop harming people.
It’s rotting me inside. I can’t live like this!
**(link-reveal:"Hmm.")[
I see.]
And how exactly do you want me to (link-reveal:"help you?")[
I have nothing to do with your current dealings.]**
We both know that (link-reveal:"is not true!")[ You started this.]
[[You told me to live with it...->Alex 5D]]</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>**Yes, that is true. But I’m not the one who decided to (link-reveal:"continue killing.**")[
I didn’t kill him! I never meant to...] It was you who hid him! Not me!
You’re just trying to make me (link-reveal:"feel guilty")[ so that I wouldn’t blame you for what I’ve become].
(link-reveal:"Well I do")[, and you have to help me]!
**...Okay, okay. Calm down. [[I’ll help you.->Housewife 5]] We’ll find a way for you to quit.**
**...I merely helped you get away. I’m not going to let you blame me for anything and I sure as hell am not going to help you. [[You already owe me for everything I’ve done for you.->Housewife 5]]**
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been three days since my last confession.
**Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be (link-reveal:"found out.")[
[[Indeed, Father.->Hitman ending selector]]]**</p>
<h2>Elle</h2>
<p>Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been one week since my last confession.
I’ve been with (link-reveal:"Alex.")[ You know, my boyfriend.] We were driving around, and stopped to get shakes. When he (link-reveal:"went inside to get them")[, I kind of looked around the car]. And I (link-reveal:"found")[ a gun. It was under his seat].
**And what did you do with it?**
(link-reveal:"Nothing.")[ Of course.] But it made me think. Like for (link-reveal:"just…")[ for just a second…] I think I thought about mom, and dad, and (link-reveal:"myself.")[ I’m not sure what I thought.]
**It’s alright, child. You’re safe. We’re in (link-reveal:"a holy place.")[ You can tell. It’s not a sin.]**
I thought (link-reveal:"what if I shot")[ mom and dad]. We’d all be free.
**The police would catch you, and you would go to prison for life.**
I know.
**So that’s… that’s not really a good way to think.**
(link-reveal:"I know.")[ But there’s so little to hope for.]
**[[Hope is what you make of it.->Housewife ending selector]]**
</p>
<h2>Elle</h2>
<p>
Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been three days since my last confession.
I’m going away. With Alex. For good.
**What about your parents?**
I am tired of living my life with worrying about them all the time.
I don’t even care anymore if they figure out their relationship or not. They’re happier without me and I sure as hell don’t want them and their problems in my life anymore.
**Elle, my child. Remember that you are in a holy place.**
Sorry, Father. But this is how I feel.
**Are you sure you can trust this Alex?**
I am. He explained everything to me, even about his drug dealing, and the gun I found.
I think I can forgive him, he was just trying to get by and had to protect himself from some dangerous people.
Actually, he told me that you two know each other. He’s coming to say his goodbyes, as well, later today.
**I am sure he will.**
Be well, Father. And thank you for everything.
**Good Luck, Elle. And remember to pray.**
*Elle leaves.*
**[[I see.->Hitman 6]] My dearest Alex will have to be silenced, then.**
</p>
<h2>Karen</h2>
<p>
Yes, Father.
(link-reveal:"I…")[ I want to do the right thing.]
(link-reveal:"Will you")[ help me]?
**Of course, Karen. [[For old time’s sake.->Girl 6]]**
</p>
(set: $Sean to 1)
<h2>Karen</h2>
<p>Bless me Father for I have sinned.
*Karen’s voice is hoarse and she is swaying on her knees. Her pupils are large.*
**Karen, you seem odd. Is something the matter.**
I wanted it to end. Just that.
**Your drinking?**
(link-reveal:"Ha!")[ That, too.]
No, I wanted peace.
**Peace from what?**
From (link-reveal:"him.")[ I’m sick, and he doesn’t understand that.]
He goes sinning away, but I can’t help myself, I’m sick.
Besides, God would have wanted for him to be (link-reveal:"punished")[, isn’t that right]?
**Karen, what are you talking about?**
*Karen just blinks.*
I met my dealer. He seems like a nice guy. He’s always clean, but I know he’s got connections. He’s got that look on him.
I handed him the cash and took my pills. I looked him in the eye (link-reveal:"and said: ")[“Hey, you don’t happen to know anyone who can make a person gone?”]
**Karen!**
He said he knows someone, asked who I wanted gone? I said: my husband. The dealer (link-reveal:"asked why")[ I wanted my husband gone]. I answered: "Cause he’s a sinner, he goes cheating on his sick wife - I can’t stand it. I just need my medicine from time to time, that’s all."
**What have you done?**
[[I did God’s work.->Girl Ending 3]]
</p>
<h2>Elle</h2>
<p>*Elle steps in the booth, sobbing.*
Bless... Bless me Father. For I have sinned.
**What is it Elle? What is going on?**
It’s.. it’s my mother. She’s… she was killed. She’s dead.
**Karen...is dead? What happened? Elle, you have to tell me!**
Do you remember the gun Alex kept in his car I told you about?
**Yes, of course. Why?**
It was him. He killed her.
**Why would he ever want to hurt you like that? Did you tell him that you had thoughts about getting rid of your parents?**
Of course not! I would never say that! To anyone else I mean...
*A long pause. Elle keeps sobbing.*
I have no idea what’s going on... it doesn’t make any sense!
Why, WHY would Alex do this? I have no idea... I’m completely lost and now I don’t even have him by my side anymore!
He was supposed to be the one I can trust!
It haunts me, how he looked at me when our eyes locked just before he was taken away.
Like he was so sorry. He looked like his heart was just broken into tiny pieces.
I don’t understand.
**Rest assured my child, all will be fine in time. God will be there for you. You must pray.
And Alex will pay for what he has done.**
Yes, he will.
Thank you, Father. I will put my trust in God once again.
[[I don’t see I have any other options, anyway.->Hitman 6]]</p>
<h2>Elle</h2>
<p>*Elle steps in the booth, sobbing.*
Bless... Bless me Father. For I have sinned.
**What is it Elle? What is going on?**
It’s.. it’s my father. He’s… he was killed. He is dead.
**Sean...is dead? What happened? Elle, you have to tell me!**
Do you remember the gun Alex kept in his car I told you about?
**Yes, of course. Why?**
It was him. He killed my father.
**Why would he ever want to hurt you like that? Did you tell him that you had thoughts about getting rid of your parents?**
Of course not! I would never say that! To anyone else I mean...
*A long pause. Elle keeps sobbing.*
I have no idea what’s going on... it doesn’t make any sense!
Why, WHY would Alex do this? I have no idea... I’m completely lost and now I don’t even have him by my side anymore!
He was supposed to be the one I can trust!
It haunts me, how he looked at me when our eyes locked just before he was taken away. Like he was so sorry. He looked like his heart was just broken into tiny pieces. I don’t understand.
**Rest assured my child, all will be fine in time. God will be there for you. You must pray.
And Alex will pay for what he has done.**
Yes, he will.
Thank you, Father. I will put my trust in God once again.
[[I don’t see I have any other options, anyway.->Hitman 6]]
</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>I have thought a lot about our conversations.
And I think that you have only been listening to me because you’re afraid.
You’re afraid that I will blow your carefully crafted cover.
You think you’re helping people but you are not. And I won’t let you ruin anyone else’s life.
You’ve done enough.
**What are you talking about?
What have you done Alex?**
You’ll never see me again. I’m going away for good, with Elle.
And when you walk out of this church, the police will be waiting for you.
You won’t get away this time.
**You can’t do this! Do I really need to remind you that YOU killed your brother, not me!**
I did.
But it was only because you convinced me that it was the right thing to do.
You even made me think that it was God’s will.
As if God would punish an innocent young child who’s been taken advantage of by the priest who should have been helping him.
I have lived with the pain for fifteen years. It’s about a time you had your share of it.
*[[Alex walks out.->The End]]*
</p>
<h2>Alex</h2>
<p>I... I have done what I feared the most.
I have hurt her so much that she’ll never forgive me.
**What happened?**
I was going to quit after this hit.
I was going to do just one more, to get the money to go away with her.
And then God decided to intervene with my plans.
**What does God have to do with your hits?**
I cannot imagine a more cruel conviction than the one I’ve been sentenced.
From all the contract killers in the world I was hired to kill Elle’s closest person.
And I did it without knowing that I would be destroying everything for the both of us.
**You must pray, Alex. God will be with you again.**
No. I’m done with praying.
And I’m done with your advice.
I will turn myself in and atone for my sins.
**But you’ll be sentenced for life!**
I already have been, by her. I might as well spend the time in prison. It is the right thing to do.
*Alex leaves.*
**[[They’ll never know...->The End]]**
</p>
<h2>Karen</h2>
<p>Oh, dear God.
**What is it, Karen?**
(link-reveal:"Elle")[ is gone.]
**She left?**
Yes. She wrote us a letter.
**Us?**
(link-reveal:"Me and Sean.")[ For once we were both at home.]
Sean found the letter.
(link-reveal:"'Mom and Dad'")[ was written on the envelope.]
**If I may, what did the letter say?**
That she is leaving with her boyfriend, (link-reveal:"Alex.")[ Finally got his name.]
Elle didn’t write where they were going, but I’m not overtly worried. She’s a smart young woman.
**What about Sean?**
Sean was (link-reveal:"mad as hell at first")[ - oops, sorry.]
I said to him that our Elle is good girl and that she will return after a while. Because I am certain she will.
I also told him (link-reveal:"I was going")[ to the AA.]
**How did he take that?**
He was surprised.
I said that (link-reveal:"I wanted to")[ fix things.]
He asked me if I had been cheating.
I came clean with my addiction.
Sean wasn’t happy about it, but then -
**What?**
(link-reveal:"He confessed")[ that he had been cheating on me, but he regretted that.]
I forgave him.
**Did you make up? What happens now?**
(link-reveal:"Certainly.")[
In a way. ]
We are talking again.
(link-reveal:"We’ll see")[ how things go.]
[[There’s a lot to mend.->Girl Ending 1]]</p>
(if: $Karen is 0 and $Sean is 0)[(go-to: "Hitman 6")]
(else-if: $Sean is 1 and $Karen is 1)[(go-to: "Housewife Ending 2")]
(else-if: $Karen is 0 and $Sean is 1)[(go-to: "Hitman 6")]
(else-if: $Sean is 0 and $Karen is 1)[(go-to: "Housewife Ending 1")]
(if: $Sean is 1 and $Karen is 1)[(go-to: "Hitman Ending 1")]
(else-if: $Sean is 0 or $karen is 0)[(go-to: "Hitman Ending 2")]
<h2>The End</h2>
<p>
[[Return to title.->Title]]
</p>