Simulation

(set: $carAlarmQuest to 1) You decide to try helping find why the car alarm is going off.

(set: $dogQuest to 1) You decide to try helping find the lost dog.

(set: $boardRevealed to 1) This is the Bulletin Board at the town Library. There are a few notices posted on the board. Most of them are advertisements. [[Check out the board.->Board Posts]] [[Leave the board alone for now.->Library]]

{(if: $coins > 1)[(set: $carAlarmQuest to 2) (set: $coins to $coins - 1) You call the number from the flyer. "This is Bobby!" comes the male voice over the line. "Bobby? Like my neighbor, Bobby? This is $name!" you say, wondering why he didn't mention the annoying car alarm in person. "Guilty as charged! How did you get my number?" "It was on a flyer," you respond. "You said you needed help with a car alarm mystery!" "Oh, right, well it isn't going off now. If you find out, let me know?" You agree to pass the information on to your neighbor if you figure it out and hang up. ] (else-if: $coins is 0)[ You don't have enough money to make this call. You should [[head to the gas station->Gas Station]] to get some change.]}

--------------------------- Notice! Please help. Someone's car alarm keeps going off at all hours of the day and night. It's becoming a nuisance and interrupting my sleep and my work. Please call 555-222-3300 with any information. ------------------------ (link-repeat: "Ignore the Request.")[(replace: ?utility)[(display: "Ignore the Request.")]] | (link-repeat: "Decide to Help out")[(replace: ?utility)[(display: "Accept Car Alarm Quest")]] |utility>[ ]

A notice has been posted here about a Car Alarm. (link: "Car Alarm Flyer")[(display: "Car Alarm Flyer") ]

(set: $carAlarmQuest to 5) (set: $meetingReady to 1) The phone rings a few times, and the your neighbor Bobby picks it up. "This is Bobby!" he says, cheerfully. "Hey, Bobby. This is $name. I figured out why the car alarm was going off, our neighbor Doreen has a dog named Ziggy. It got out the other day and has been setting the alarm off while playing with the reflections in the hub cap." Bobby laughs. "Well, did the dog go home?" "Yeah, I took her home, the alarm should stop going off all the time, now!" "Thank goodness, it was driving me mad!" You both say goodbye and hang up. Mystery. Solved.

A notice has been posted here about a Lost Dog. (link: "Lost Dog Flyer")[ (display: "Lost Dog Flyer")

{ (if: $dogQuest <= 3)[ A small house sits behind a chain-link fence, pale siding washed almost white. A water bowl rests near the steps. A few toys are scattered nearby, untouched. Everything feels like it belongs to something that isn’t here. You get the sense you shouldn’t stay long. ] (else-if: $dogQuest is 4)[ A narrow one-story house sits behind a chain-link fence, its pale siding faded by the sun. A water bowl rests beside the porch steps, full but untouched. A few toys sit nearby, too clean, too still. Everything suggests something should be here. (link: "Call out to see if anyone is home")(display: "Lost Dog Visit") ] (else-if: $dogQuest is 5)[ This house belongs to a very kind lady named Doreen. Pale siding, chain-link fence, toys still in the yard. You helped her get her dog back, and she is incredibly thankful. She said you could stop by any time you'd like, but you notice her car is gone. ] } (display: "Navigation")

(if: $dogQuest >= 2 and $dogQuest < 5)[ (goto: "Dog Quest Gas Station") ] The gas pumps for this station look like they don't work - you've never seen anyone use them. A traffic cone sits in front of one. The glass doors to the inside of the place are covered with finger prints and ads. The windowed walls of the place are likewise covered in ads and you wonder what the point of windows here even is. It's the closest place to get change and snacks, though. (link-repeat: "Go Inside")[ (goto: "Inside Gas Station")] (display: "Navigation")

(if: $firstHomeLoad is 0)[ (set: $firstHomeLoad to 1)Your house sits where you left it, exactly where it should be. The siding, the windows, the front steps—nothing stands out, nothing feels out of place. It’s the kind of house you could forget while looking straight at it, the details sliding past without catching. The yard is plain, open, easy to see across. No real boundary, just a soft suggestion of where it ends. From here, you can see the neighbors clearly. They could see you, too, if they were looking. The front door waits the way doors do, familiar and patient. You’ve walked up these steps a hundred times. You hesitate for just a second before you do it again. (link-repeat: "Go inside.")[ (goto: "Interior Home")] ] (else-if: $firstHomeLoad is 1)[ This is your house. You recognize it immediately, which is good, because for a second you weren’t sure you would. The siding looks the same. The windows look the same. The door— The door has always been there. You’re certain of that. To the right, you see Bobby's house, the lawn pristine; to the left you see Claire's house. (link-repeat: "You go inside your door, leaving the chaos of the outside world behind you.")[(goto: "Interior Home")]] (display: "Navigation")

Overwhelmed by curiosity, you decide to go back outside. It won't hurt anything to explore a little. You don't really know much about your neighborhood, anyway. Your devices will probably be working when you get back home, anyway. When you step back outside, Lincoln and Maria are still chatting. They're sitting in chairs on his front porch now, though. You wave to them, shrug, and walk back to the payphone. ...ring... ...ring... (link: "Pick up the phone.")[ (display: "Pick up the phone.") ]

<h3>Welcome to </h3> <h2> If the Phone Rings, Answer it.</h2> <hr> What changes when communication belongs to the community instead of the individual? <hr> Press [[Start.]]

You decide to ignore the request.

{(if: $libraryVisited is 0)[ (set: $libraryVisited to 1) A modern building stands here with the word "LIBRARY" in blue letters above the sliding glass doors. You hesitate for a moment. You can't remember the last time you walked into a place like this. Books had long since become something that lived on a screen, and most answers usually came faster through a search bar. But today, this place looks like a hub of activity, the parking lot is nearly full. The doors slide open easily as you approach, and you find yourself standing near the circulation desk. A middle-aged man with dark hair and a professional blazer over a t-shirt looks up from the book he's reading. He smiles warmly. "Hey! Welcome to the Library! I'm Jim, let me know if you need any help." You approach the counter. [[Hi. I don't think I've ever been in here before.]] ] (else-if: $libraryVisited is 1)[ A modern building stands here with the word "LIBRARY" in blue letters above the sliding glass doors. You walk through the doors and stand inside, looking around. The library hums with quiet activity. A sign-up clipboard for the computers is nearly overflowing with names, a few people have added their names below the official printed lines. Several people linger near the circulation desk, or sit in the chairs nearby reading while waiting for their turn. Jim is behind the counter, helping someone sort through a stack of printed forms. (link-repeat: "Talk to Jim.")[(go-to: "Library Conversation")] (link-repeat: "Head somewhere else.")[(display:"Navigation")]]}

{ (if: $visitedBobby is 0)[ (set: $visitedBobby to 1) Bobby’s house sits just a little more put-together than the others, like it’s trying to win something no one officially announced. The siding is slatted vinyl, painted a pale, almost powdery blue that catches the light in a way that makes the house look brighter than it should be, even on overcast days. The red shutters and matching front door add a kind of deliberate cheer, the sort that feels carefully chosen rather than casually lived in. The yard is full of flowerbeds, not just along the edges, but reaching inward in neat, looping shapes, as if the lawn has been gently persuaded to make room for them. Low fencing borders each one, the same style repeated over and over, echoing itself in tidy patterns that guide the eye whether you mean to follow them or not. At the center of it all sits a white concrete birdbath. It’s placed just right, too perfectly centered, like the rest of the yard arranged itself around it rather than the other way around. The basin holds water that always seems still, even when the breeze moves through everything else. The whole space feels intentional. Maintained. Observed. It’s easy to imagine Bobby out here, tending to the flowers, adjusting the little fences, making sure everything stays exactly where it belongs. And yet, even with all that care, there’s a quiet sense that the yard would keep itself this way regardless, holding its shape long after anyone stopped checking.] (else:)[ This is Bobby’s house. Powder blue siding, perfect yard, red door—just as oddly perfectionist as the man himself. How does he even garden and never get dirt on himself? You've never even seen him out here.] } (display: "Navigation")

{(if: $coins > 1)[(set: $dogQuest to 2) (set: $coins to $coins - 1) You call the number from the flyer. "Hello?" a friendly female voice answers the phone. "Hello, I'm calling about your flyer. You lost your dog, Ziggy?" "Oh!" the woman's voice is excited. "Yes, I'm Doreen, from that flyer. I didn't think anyone would read it. Have you found her?" "Not yet," you say to her. "I saw that you said she ran towards the gas station, but there are two in town, can you give me more information?" "Sure," Doreen says calmly. "First, thank you for helping, it means a lot to get a call!" Her calm enthusiasm makes you think she really loves this dog, it makes you feel good to think you're helping out someone in your neighborhood. "I live on the south side of town, near the [[gas station over here->Dog Quest Gas Station]], and close to the [[park->Park]] on that side of town." "Okay, thanks Doreen, I'll let you know if I find her." "Thank you!" You replace the phone on the hook. ] (else-if: $coins is 0)[ You don't have enough money to make this call. You should [[head to the gas station->Gas Station]] to get some change. ]}

------------------------ Notice! Please help. My dog Ziggy got out while I was carrying groceries in from the car. She was last seen near Birch Street, heading toward the woods behind the gas station. She's a small white dog with short curly hair. Don't worry, she’s very friendly, answers to Ziggy, and will usually come running for a piece of cheese. Please contact Doreen at 555-111-2200 with any information. ------------------------ (link-repeat: "Ignore the Request.")[(replace: ?utility)[(display: "Ignore the Request.")]] | (link-repeat: "Decide to Help out")[(replace: ?utility)[(display: "Accept Dog Quest")]] |utility>[ ]

(set: $dogQuest to 5) Doreen opens the door and steps out. She's a short older woman with dark hair and a friendly smile. "Ziggy!" she exclaims, quickly coming to the fench to grab the dog from you. "Oh, you're such a trouble maker!" She gives the dog some scritches as she looks up to you. "Thank you, so much, what's your name?" "I'm $name, and I'm so glad I could help you find your dog. She really loves playing with hubcaps," thinking back to how you lured her to you, you add on, "and cheese, she came running after I said cheese." "Oh, yeah, it's probably the mirrored reflection, she loves to bark at mirrors." Doreen pets the dog again. "Thank you, again it was so good to meet you." "Nice to meet you as well, Doreen," you say as you start to walk off. Now that you know why the car alarm was going of, maybe you should run by the payphone to [[call the person who complained about it.->Payphone]]

Near the curb, a small mailbox leans just slightly forward, its black paint worn thin at the edges. The name Claire is printed neatly across the side in white letters, clean and deliberate. A split-level ranch sits a few steps back from the street, its red brick holding onto the day's warmth a little longer than it should. [[Knock on the door->Claire Door]] (display: "Navigation")

You wander to your book shelf and find a nice, thick novel. No internet, no television - and no way you're going back outside to talk to the strangers next door. You read your book until you fall asleep on the couch. Somehow, you wake up in your bed. The memories from the previous day seem a little hazy, but you recall that your phone hadn't been working... As you grab your cellphone and are met by a black screen. The phone won't turn on, and you have a strange feeling you've woken up back in the same (print: $days's 1st) [[morning]] at $hour:$minuteText.

------------------------------------------------- |utility>[ ] {(if: (passage:)'s name is "Make a Call")[ (if: $dogQuest is 1 and $carAlarmQuest is not 1)[ (link: "You should call the number about the lost dog.")[ (replace: ?quest)[ (display: "Lost Dog Call") ] ] ] (else-if: $carAlarmQuest is 1 and $dogQuest is not 1)[ (link: "You should call the number about the car alarm.")[ (replace: ?quest)[ (display: "Car Alarm Call") ] ] ] (else-if: $dogQuest is 1 and $carAlarmQuest is 1)[ (link: "Call about the lost dog |")[ (replace: ?quest)[ (display: "Lost Dog Call") ] ] (link: "Call about the car alarm.")[ (replace: ?quest)[ (display: "Car Alarm Call") ] ] ] (else-if: $dogQuest is 5 and $carAlarmQuest is 5)[ (link: "Call the number from the car alarm flyer.")[ (replace: ?quest)[ (display: "Car Alarm End") ]]] (else-if: $meetingReady is 1)[ (link: "You can't think of anyone to call now, maybe you should head to Town Hall?")[ (go-to: "Town Hall")]]] (if: $time >= 1320)[ It’s getting late. You should go home. (link: "Go Home")[ (set: $time to 1320) (goto: "Interior Home") ] ] (else:)[ Where do you want to go? (link: "Home")[ (set: $time to $time + 10) (goto: "Home") ] | (link: "Library")[ (set: $time to $time + 10) (goto: "Library") ] | (link: "Gas Station")[ (set: $time to $time + 10) (goto: "Gas Station") ] (link: "Park")[ (set: $time to $time + 10) (goto: "Park") ] | (link: "Payphone")[ (set: $time to $time + 10) (goto: "Payphone")] | (link: "Town Hall")[ (set: $time to $time + 10) (goto: "Town Hall") ] (link: "Bobby's House")[ (set: $time to $time + 10) (goto: "Bobby's House") ] | (link: "Claire's House")[ (set: $time to $time + 10) (goto: "Claire's House") ] (if: $dogQuest is 4)[ (link: "Take Ziggy Home")[ (set: $time to $time + 10) (goto: "Doreen's House") ] ] (else-if: $dogQuest is 5)[ (link: "Doreen's House")[ (set: $time to $time + 10) (goto: "Doreen's House") ] ] ] (if: $boardRevealed is 1)[ (link: "Go back to the Bulletin Board")[ (set: $time to $time + 5) (go-to:"Bulletin Board")]]} --------------------------------- Check your (link-repeat: "Pocket,")[(replace: ?utility)[(display: "Pocket")]] or (link-repeat: "Watch,")[(replace: ?utility)[(display: "Watch")]] or look at your (link-repeat: "To Do List")[(replace: ?utility)[(display: "Quest Notes")]].

(if: $dogQuest is 2)[ (goto: "Dog Quest Park") ](else-if: $visitedPark is 0)[ (set: $visitedPark to 1) The park stretches out between the houses, wider than it looks like it should be. A path curves through the grass in slow, careful bends, like it’s avoiding something that isn’t there anymore. The lawn is trimmed evenly, almost too evenly, the kind of neatness that doesn’t leave room for wild edges. Benches line the path at regular intervals, each one facing a slightly different direction, as if they were placed for different moments rather than different people. There’s no fence. No sign where it starts or ends. The neighborhood just loosens here, like it forgot to hold its shape. It’s quiet. The kind of quiet that feels like it’s waiting for something to happen in it. ] (else:)[ This is the park. Open grass, winding path, benches that never quite face the same way twice. It’s always this quiet. Across the street you can see Claire's house, and further down the road the gas station.] (display: "Navigation")

<audio id="offhook" autoplay> <source src="phone_off_hook.wav" type="audio/wav"> </audio>"Hello?" You feel strange picking up a phone that isn't yours. The line crackles for a moment before a voice comes on the other end. "Oh, hey! I wasn't expecting anyone to pick up. We're just running some tests on the line!" the bright female voice on the line seems flustered, but pleased. You wonder about what kind of tests this obsolete payphone might even need run on it, but you're not familiar with phones outside of the one you usually have in your pocket. "Thank you for answering," the woman starts - her voice is still startlingly bright and friendly. "We don't get many people who still pick up public phones!" There's a soft crackling over the line. "I bet it was strange for you to hear the phone ring!" [[It startled me.]] [[I almost ignored it.]] [[It felt familiar, somehow.]]

Here's what you have in your pocket: Money: $bucks bucks and $coins coins. |snackArea>[ ] {(if: $hasHotDog)[ (link: "Eat your hot dog")[ (set: $hasHotDog to false) (replace: ?snackArea)[ You unwrap the hot dog and take a bite. The bun is slightly stale, the dog is questionably luminous, and yet somehow it tastes like comfort. You finish the hot dog and throw the wrapper in a trash can like a functional adult. ] ]] (if: $hasDrink)[ (link: "Drink your drink")[ (set: $hasDrink to false) (replace: ?snackArea)[ You crack open the drink and take a long sip. Cold fizz burns pleasantly down your throat. Your brain feels at least 3% more functional. You toss the can in a trash can, ah responsibility. ] ]]} -------------------------------------------------

Quest Notes: {(if: $dogQuest is 0 and $carAlarmQuest is 0)[ You haven't started any quests. ](else:)[ (if: $dogQuest is 1)[ You have started trying to find the lost dog, maybe you could call the number from the flyer from the payphone. ] (else-if: $dogQuest is 2)[ You called about the lost dog, Doreen suggested you check the gas station or park. ] (else-if: $dogQuest is 3)[ You found Ziggy, and it only took a little coaxing with the word cheese. ] (else-if: $dogQuest is 4)[ You found Ziggy setting off someone's car alarm, better take her home! ] (else-if: $dogquest is 5)[ You found Ziggy and returned her to Doreen, what a happy ending! ] (if: $carAlarmQuest is 1)[ You have started trying to figure out the rogue car alarm problem, maybe you could call the number from the flyer on the payphone. ] (else-if: $carAlarmQuest is 2)[ You called Bobby to see if he had any clues. ] (else-if: $carAlarmQuest is 3)[ You found out who was the culprit in setting off the car alarm. ] (else-if: $carAlarmQuest is 4)[ You found out why the car alarm is going off, you should call Bobby and let him know what's going on. ] (else-if: $carAlarmQuest is 5)[ You found out that Ziggy was setting off the car alarm while playing with her reflection in the hub caps. Glad that mystery is silenced! ]] (if: $claireCoins is 1)[ Claire asked you to [[get some coins for her.->Gas Station]] ] (if: $checkLibrary is 1)[ Bobby mentioned you should [[check out the library.->Library]] ]} -------------------------------------------------

(set: $dogQuest to 1) (set: $carAlarmQuest to 1) [[click here to test->Test Room 2]]

(if: $dogQuest is 1 or $carAlarmQuest is 1)[ This flyer states that there is a community meeting happening soon. The date and time is not listed, though. You should check back later. ] (if: $dogQuest is 5 and $carAlarmQuest is 5)[ The flyer says there will be a community meeting tonight! "Residents are encouraged to attend a discussion about the recent distrubances in the neighborhood. Location: Town Hall Day: (print: $days's $day) Time: 7:00pm" [[You should head home and get ready. ->Meeting Ready]] ]

A payphone stands at the corner, set into a metal frame that looks less installed and more… embedded. The casing is worn but intact, its surface dulled by time rather than damage. The handset rests in its cradle, attached by a tightly coiled metal cord that hangs with a kind of rigid patience. The keypad is clean. The instructions below it are still legible. Insert coin. Dial number. Wait. This phone looks like it’s been here longer than the sidewalk. Like it remembers things no one living can recall. (if: $coins is 0)[ You don't have enough change to make a call. You should go to the [[gas station->Gas Station]] to get more coins.] (else-if: $coins > 1)[(link: "Make a Call")[(goto: "Make a Call")]] (display: "Navigation")

(set: $name to (prompt: "What can we call you?", "Neighbor")) You wake up on a bright (print: $days's $day) [[morning]]. The sun is shining, the birds are singing - but for some reason, the whole world feels just a little too quiet. You pick up your phone to see why your alarm didn't go off - but the battery must be completely drained, it won't even turn on. If you have played before, you can [[skip the tutorial.]] Otherwise, continue to explore your [[morning]].

{(set: $introCall to 0) (set: $coins to 0) (set: $bucks to 5) (set: $atmBucks to 500) (set: $paper to 3) (set: $metBobby to 0) (set: $metClaire to 0) (set: $metKayla to 0) (set: $metWayne to 0) (set: $metZach to 0) (set: $metMimi to 0) (set: $metDoreen to 0) (set: $metZiggy to 0) (set: $metJim to 0) (set: $metMyles to 0) (set: $metHolly to 0) (set: $metAngel to 0) (set: $metTravis to 0) (set: $metAnthony to 0) (set: $metLeslie to 0) (set: $metLiz to 0) (set: $metAiya to 0) (set: $metMitch to 0) (set: $visitedBobby to 0) (set: $visitedClaire to 0) (set: $visitedPark to 0) (set: $firstHomeLoad to 0) (set: $firstPhone to 0) (set: $dogQuest to 0) (set: $dogSolved to 0) (set: $carAlarmQuest to 0) (set: $carAlarmSolved to 0) (set: $days to (a: "Saturday", "Sunday", "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday")) (set: $day to 1) (set: $time to 480) (set: $hour to (floor: $time / 60)) (set: $minute to $time % 60) (set: $minuteText to (cond: $minute < 10, "0" + (str: $minute), (str: $minute))) (set: $libraryVisited to 0) (set: $boardRevealed to 0) (set: $meetingReady to 0) (set: $forcedHome to 0) (set: $hasDrink to false) (set: $hasHotDog to false) (set: $claireCoins to 0) (set: $dogQuestComplete to 0)}

(if: $dogQuest is 0 and $carAlarmQuest is 0)[ A large brick building with white cement columns beside the door. There are multiple windows with cheerful flowers growing in small white planter boxes. Flags and pennants snap briskly in the wind- when there is any- it's the picture of patriotic democracy! Town Hall looks pretty quiet today. ] (else-if: $dogQuest is 1 or $carAlarmQuest is 1)[ A large brick building with white cement columns beside the door. There are multiple windows with cheerful flowers growing in small white planter boxes. Flags and pennants snap briskly in the wind- when there is any- it's the picture of patriotic democracy! Town Hall looks pretty quiet today, but a poster has been hung on both columns. (link: "Read the flyer")[(display: "Read the flyer") ]] (else-if: $dogQuest is 5 and $carAlarmQuest is 5)[ A large brick building with white cement columns beside the door. There are multiple windows with cheerful flowers growing in small white planter boxes. Flags and pennants snap briskly in the wind- when there is any- it's the picture of patriotic democracy! Town Hall looks pretty quiet today, but a poster has been hung on both columns. The flyer looks like it has been updated. (link: "Read the flyer")[(display: "Read the flyer")] ] (display: "Navigation")

{(set: $hour24 to (floor: $time / 60)) (set: $minute to $time % 60) (set: $minuteText to (cond: $minute < 10, "0" + (str: $minute), (str: $minute))) (set: $hour12 to (cond: $hour24 is 0, 12, $hour24 > 12, $hour24 - 12, $hour24)) (set: $timeOfDay to (cond: $hour24 < 12, "in the morning", $hour24 < 17, "in the afternoon", "in the evening")) You look at your watch, the second hand ticking slowly. It's $hour12:$minuteText $timeOfDay on (print: $days's $day).} -------------------------------------------------

You step outside, curious to figure out what's going on. A man in the yard next door to yours waves at you. It seems like he might want to have a conversation, which feels uncomfortable to you, but you decide to head over. Maybe he knows why everything (link-repeat: "stopped working.")[ (display: "waves at you")]

You shake your head and turn back to your house. There's no reason for someone to be calling you, and you're not about to get involved with anyone else's business. As you walk back inside the neighbors call out for you to have a nice day, but you close the door without responding. [[Maybe I should just relax at home today.]] (link: "I wonder if the phone is still ringing?")[ (display: "I wonder if the phone is still ringing?") ]

<audio autoplay> <source src="double_ring.wav" type="audio/wav"> </audio>While you are talking to your neighbors, you hear a strange sound- almost like a bell of some sort? ...ring... ...ring... It takes several moments for recognition to settle in. It's the (link: "payphone across the street.")[ (goto: "payphone")]

You walk into the kitchen, clicking the remote to turn on the television to check the weather and then turn to the fridge to grab a drink. When you stand back up, the television has still not come on. You check the batteries, mash the buttons a few times, but nothing happens. Abandoning your breakfast preparation you walk over to the television and manually push the power button, but it still won't come on. The familiar refigerator is still humming in the background, so you're pretty sure the power is still on. [[What's going on?]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="double_ring.wav" type="audio/wav"> </audio>You walk up to the payphone. The heavy plastic shell is white, and the word 'PHONE' is printed on a plastic panel. Within is a payphone with a touchtone dial pad. This booth, unlike many you have seen, is in nearly pristine condition. ...ring... ...ring... [[Who would even be calling? It can't be for me.]] [[Pick up the phone.]]

(set: $introCall to 1) (set: $metBobby to 1) (set: $metClaire to 1) (set: $claireCoins to 1) Ready to jump into adventure, $name? Why don't you head [[Home]]

A friendly woman, tall with blonde hair that's shaved on one side and long on the other has walked out of her home on the other side of your home from Bobby's. She approaches you and Bobby just as you're done introducing yourselves and start talking about electronic devices not working. She walks with a self-assured confidence and a half smile on her face. "Hey," Bobby says as she approaches. "I'm Bobby, and this is $name." "Bobby, $name, I'm Claire - I can't believe I've lived here for seven years and never even knew your names." She looks nervous about being out talking to strangers, and you feel a deep level of kinship to her, because you are also quite nervous to find yourself in a conversation with strangers, too. Her white shirt proudly proclaims her to be a "goblin," another point in this neighbor's favor. "Do you have any idea why our devices don't seem to be working today?" Bobby asks Claire. "Are you having the same problem?" With a slight wince she shakes her head. "I have no idea, this is usually my day to binge my shows, since I'm so busy all week. I hope they come back on soon. I promise to let you both know if I find out anything else, if you'll do the same for me." You smile warmly at your newly-met neighbors. "I would be happy to join such a pact." "I'll join as well," Bobby says with a chuckle. "I think we're all curious why it feels like anything [[digital is dead.]]

You walk towards the fence that separates the yards and give a weak smile. You've seen this man before, he has white hair, fair skin, and a familiar face - but you struggle to remember who he is. "Hey," the man had an awkward look on his face. "You know, I've lived next door to you for three years now, and I'm afraid I can't recall your name, I'm sorry. I'm Robert, but you can call me Bobby." "Bobby, good to meet you. Strange, I don't think we have ever spoken before, you can call me $name," you respond. "Yeah, it's weird, $name. I figure you poked your head out because your devices aren't working either, huh?" You nod and start to feel some measure of relief. At least you're not the only one experiencing (link-repeat: "something weird.")[ (display: "something weird") ]

You decide on honesty, and tell the strange phone woman, "I almost ignored it." "Well," she sounds a little more serious now. "I'm glad you didn't, you've really helped me out by picking up the phone!" "No problem," you respond, feeling much warmer about using the payphone to talk to someone. You glance back towards your house and notice the neighbors are still watching you. They both look equal parts amused, confused, and slightly horrified. "Is there anything else I can help with for your tests?" You ask the woman. "Not right now, $name, but in the future, if the phone rings? You should answer it," there's a slight glitch in her voice as she finishes her sentence, and the line abruptly goes dead. The dialtone is a harsh sound after the friendly voice. You linger for a few seconds, listening to the dial tone. It would've been nice to ask if she knew what was going on with things not working. After a moment, you realize that you don't recall telling her your name. [[You hang up the phone and go back to your neighbors.]]

(set: $time to $time + 20)You place the phone back on the hook and turn, walking slowly back to your neighbors who are still talking. Claire is standing on your side of the yard, Bobby is still in his own yard. They appear to be sharing a joke as you walk up. Claire chuckles while saying, "Well, if there's something wrong with our cellphones, at least we know we still have at least one way to communicate." They both nod, and you find yourself nodding with them. "I wonder if anyone over at the library knows what's going on?" Bobby asks the group. "It seemed pretty busy over there earlier." "I could walk over there," you say even though you still feel confused about the payphone. Maybe a walk will clear your head. "It seems a waste to drive on such a [[lovely day."->Lovely Day]]

Overcome by a strange feeling, almost like nostalgia, you consider why you picked up the payphone. You've never used a payphone in your life. You don't even remember this one being here when you moved in, and yet the weathered surface of the phone's enclosure speak of years of standing in the elements. "This may sound weird," you start off. "But it felt familiar, somehow." The line is quiet for a moment before the overly-friendly voice responds, "That's interesting, $name. Your help has been invaluable. Thank you for answering, have a great day." "Wait," you say, anxiously, "do you know why other things aren't working? Like cellphones, televisions, or computers?" There is a crackling sound over the line for a moment before the dialtone returns. You stand there lingering for a moment, listening to the sound of the dialtone. You don't remember telling the woman your name. [[You hang up the phone and go back to your neighbors.]]

It has been years since you've used a payphone. You don't entirely remember this one being here when you first moved in, and it sends a shiver down your spine to think of missing something when you must have seen it every day you've been living here. "Honestly," you start out after you realize you've been silent too long. "It startled me, I don't think I've heard a payphone ring in years. I haven't even used one in years." The woman on the other end of the line hums, "Yes, we get that quiet a lot, $name. People forget the payphone. They either expect them to be there, and don't notice if they really are or not, or they've gotten so used to personal devices they forget that communication used to happen in public spaces." Her words make you stop and think even more about how often you actually use landline phones at all. "I think you may be right. Do you happen to know why some things aren't working? My cellphone, the television..." you start to say back to her - but the line makes a crackling sound and the dialtone buzzes in your ear. You can't recall telling her your name, but you're certain she used it. Confused, you decide to go back to (link: "your conversation with you neighbors.")[(goto: "You hang up the phone and go back to your neighbors.")]

"Do I need a card or something?" You ask, feeling awkward. "Only if you want to check out books," Jim responds. "What's your name?" "Oh, right, I'm $name," you say. He steps around the counter, and the first thing you notice are his sneakers. They're bright enough to be almost startling, vibrant colors woven into patterns that somehow make perfect sense against blue jeans, a t-shirt, and a blazer. It strikes you that this is a man who takes knowledge seriously, but also knows how to weave whimsy and play into the mundanity of learning. "I'd be happy to help you," he says with an easy smile. "You look like you have questions, say more." [[Oh, I have questions, alright.->Library Conversation]]

Jim smiles again, "Not much exciting about the computers; they're just basic workstations with a few apps on them. But, with some devices not working? Everyone has been fighting for time on these computers. Even though the wait list is currently over 3 hours, more people keep signing up." He looks sad for a moment. "If you want to sign up, you should probably come back tomorrow. The wait is already hours long."

(set: $boardRevealed to 1) "There's a lot you can learn at a library without the need for the computers," Jim smiles and indicates the back section of the main room, "We have books on a variety of topics." You consider the last time you applied yourself to learning something new. "We also have a section with maps, globes, and all manner of charts and graphs if you want to learn more about geography, the topographical chart is the most interesting one to me," he continues. You don't even know how to read a map. Unless it's the map on your GPS, with the locations entered and the blue line showing you precisely where to go. "We also have a bulletin board over there by the printer - people post ads for local events, small businesses, classes, all sorts of things. It really used to be a powerful communication hub for the community back in the day," Jim says, looking over to the small area to the right of the main door. "Anyways," he turns back to you. "There's plenty to keep you busy here if you need a diversion, tonight we have a group meditation class. The calendar is over by the bulletin board, too."

Jim shrugs, "I don't think anyone really knows what's going on with devices not working right now," he starts thoughtfully. "It looks like it is pretty widespread, though. Even though the computer list is overwhelmed right now there are a lot of people who saw the list and left without putting their name down." You glance back at the list, filled with names on every line with additional names written in below. There are at least 30 people waiting. "Well, I'm glad it isn't just me, I guess?" But, deep down, you aren't glad it isn't just you. Something impacting this many people must be a pretty big problem somewhere.

Jim smiles at you while you decide what question to ask next. ------------------------- |library>[ ] ------------------------- (display: "Library Navigation")

You decide to head home and go to bed. It's 10 PM, the street lights are on, and people all over town are getting ready for bed. You can't get anything else done tonight. Reaching your home, you step inside the door, happy to be home after a long day of exploring. (goto: "Home Interior")

It’s late, and you’re done for the day. (link-repeat: "Check devices")[ (replace: ?utility)[(display: "Check Devices")] ] (link-repeat: "Eat a meal")[ (replace: ?utility)[(display: "Eat a Meal")] ] (link-repeat: "Go to bed")[ (goto: "Go To Bed") ] |utility>[]

You get ready for bed and settle in for the night. The house is quiet around you, and the day finally begins to loosen its grip. (set: $day to $day + 1) (if: $day > 7)[ (set: $day to 1) ] (set: $time to 480) ------------------------------- You wake the next morning at home, a little more rested and ready to face the day. (set: $hour24 to (floor: $time / 60)) (set: $minute to $time % 60) (set: $minuteText to (cond: $minute < 10, "0" + (str: $minute), (str: $minute))) (set: $hour12 to (cond: $hour24 is 0, 12, $hour24 > 12, $hour24 - 12, $hour24)) (set: $timeOfDay to (cond: $hour24 < 12, "in the morning", $hour24 < 17, "in the afternoon", "in the evening")) It's $hour12:$minuteText $timeOfDay on (print: $days's $day). ------------------------------ (display: "Home Navigation")

You've worked hard to decorate your home in a minimalistic style. You have a living room with a couch, television, your desk, a laptop, and a book shelf with more collectibles displayed than books. In the kitchen, your fridge hums away happily - one of the things you're extremely glad didn't go out! - and another television stands silently, faced towards the table where you eat your meals. In your bedroom there's a bed, closet, and a dresser. Your bathroom counter is empty except for a few toiletries and two towels hang on a bar on the wall. The house feels still around you, and eerily quiet without the constant hum of all the electronics you own. ------------------------- |homeAction>[] (if: $time >= 1320)[ (display: "Night Navigation") ] (else:)[ (display: "Home Navigation") ]

What would you like to do? |utility>[ ] {(link-repeat: "Check devices")[ (replace: ?homeAction)[(display: "Check Devices")] ] (link-repeat: "Eat a meal")[ (replace: ?homeAction)[(display: "Eat a Meal")] ] (link-repeat: "Take a nap")[ (replace: ?homeAction)[(display: "Take a Nap")] ] (if: $meetingReady is 1)[ (link-repeat: "Go to Meeting")[ (replace: ?utility)[(goto: "Meeting")] ] ] (link-repeat: "Go back outside")[ (goto: "Home") ]}

You make something simple from what you have in the kitchen. The familiar motions help settle the day a little. The quiet in the house feels louder without the usual background hum of notifications and device chatter. (set: $time to $time + 30)

You wander through your home checking your devices. The television still won't come on, your cellphone won't turn on, and your laptop also will not come on. You're fairly certain the problem is still ongoing.

You lie down for a while, just to rest your eyes. The quiet of the house wraps around you, and before long you drift off. When you wake up again, the light in the room has shifted. (set: $time to $time + 120)

{|gasnav>[ **Gas Station** ATM Funds: $atmBucks Bucks: $bucks Coins: $coins [[Use the ATM->ATM]] [[Get Change->Get Change]] [[Buy a Hot Dog->Buy Hot Dog]] [[Buy a Drink->Buy Drink]] [[Go Outside->Gas Station]] ]}

The gas station has three walls that are mostly windows and one wall that is solid brick, likely where the back room and fridge areas are. The lights flicker at random and there's a low-level buzz that is persistant and sounds like something is about to burn out. There are heated rollers with various gas station foods, candy, snacks, and fridges filled with beverages of every kind. Behind the counter, a blond man with a smile that is plastered on his face runs the register. He greets you as you walk in, but then returns to his own entertainment after fulfilling his work duty. The slushy machine has an out of order sign. There's a television hanging in the corner displaying the footage from several security cameras, the pictures are fuzzy and filled with static. ------------- |gasStationAction>[ ] (display: "Gas Station Nav")

A faded sign reads: **CHANGE AVAILABLE IN WHOLE DOLLARS ONLY. 1 BUCK = 4 COINS.** You have $bucks bucks and $coins coins. {(if: $bucks >= 1)[ (link: "Trade 1 buck for 4 coins")[ (set: $bucks to $bucks - 1) (set: $coins to $coins + 4) (goto: "Get Change") ]] (if: $bucks >= 2)[ (link: "Trade 2 bucks for 8 coins")[ (set: $bucks to $bucks - 2) (set: $coins to $coins + 8) (goto: "Get Change") ]] (if: $bucks >= 3)[ (link: "Trade 3 bucks for 12 coins")[ (set: $bucks to $bucks - 3) (set: $coins to $coins + 12) (goto: "Get Change") ]]} [[Leave the counter->Inside Gas Station]] [[Go back outside->Gas Station]]

A hot dog rotates endlessly under a heat lamp. It looks both safe and spiritually complicated. Cost: 2 bucks (if: $bucks >= 2)[ (link: "Buy a Hot Dog")[ (set: $bucks to $bucks - 2) (set: $hasHotDog to true) The cashier hands you a hot dog of questionable origin. ]] (else:)[ You don't have enough bucks. ] [[Leave the counter->Inside Gas Station]] [[Go back outside->Gas Station]]

Rows of drinks hum softly behind cloudy glass. Cost: 1 buck (if: $bucks >= 1)[ (link: "Buy a Drink")[ (set: $bucks to $bucks - 1) (set: $hasDrink to true) You grab a cold drink. ]] (else:)[ You don't have enough bucks. ] [[Leave the counter->Inside Gas Station]] [[Go back outside->Gas Station]]

You stand in front of the ATM. |atmUtil>[ ---------------------------------- Balance: $atmBucks Pocket: $bucks bucks and $coins coins. ---------------------------------- (if: $atmBucks >= 1)[ (link-repeat: "Withdraw 1")[ (set: $atmBucks to $atmBucks - 1) (set: $bucks to $bucks + 1) (rerun: ?atmUtil) ]] (if: $atmBucks >= 5)[ (link-repeat: "Withdraw 5")[ (set: $atmBucks to $atmBucks - 5) (set: $bucks to $bucks + 5) (rerun: ?atmUtil) ]] (if: $atmBucks >= 10)[ (link-repeat: "Withdraw 10")[ (set: $atmBucks to $atmBucks - 10) (set: $bucks to $bucks + 10) (rerun: ?atmUtil) ]]] [[Back to the counter->Inside Gas Station]] [[Go back outside->Gas Station]]

You unwrap the hot dog and take a bite. The bun is slightly stale, the dog is questionably luminous, and yet somehow it tastes like comfort. You finish the hot dog and throw the wrapper in a trash can like a functional adult. (set: $hasHotDog to false) [[Back to Pocket->Pocket]]

You crack open the drink and take a long sip. Cold fizz burns pleasantly down your throat. Your brain feels at least 3% more functional. You toss the can in a trash can, ah responsibility. (set: $hasDrink to false) [[Back to Pocket->Pocket]]

{(if: $claireCoins is 1)[Claire opens the door and looks at your hands first. "Did you get the coins?" Coins: $coins Claire Quest: $claireCoins Bucks: $bucks (if: $coins >= 4)[ [[Give Claire 4 coins for 1 buck->Claire Give 4]] ] (if: $coins >= 8)[ [[Give Claire 8 coins for 2 bucks->Claire Give 8]] ] [[Not right now->Claire's House]] ] (else-if: $claireCoins is 2)[ You have given Claire enough coins for now. (display: "Navigation")] (else-if: $claireCoins is 0)[ You knock, but you don't think Claire is home right now. After waiting for several minutes you decide to stop lurking on her porch. (display:"Navigation")]}

(set: $coins to $coins - 4) (set: $bucks to $bucks + 1) (set: $claireCoins to 2) Claire takes the coins with obvious relief and hands you a folded buck. "Thank you. I just needed enough for one call." [[Back->Claire's House]]

(set: $coins to $coins - 8) (set: $bucks to $bucks + 2) (set: $claireCoins to 2) Claire smiles and presses 2 bucks into your hand. "This is more than enough. Thank you." [[Back->Claire's House]]

Insert coin. Dial number. Wait. The instructions are still clear. Like someone expects you to follow them. { |quest>[] (if: $dogQuest is 0 and $carAlarmQuest is 0 and $meetingReady is 0)[ You can't think of any numbers to call. You should [[head to the library->Library]] and check the bulletin board for information.] } (display:"Navigation")

The gas pumps for this station look like they don't work - you've never seen anyone use them. A traffic cone sits in front of one. The glass doors to the inside of the place are covered with finger prints and ads. The windowed walls of the place are likewise covered in ads and you wonder what the point of windows here even is. -------------------------------------- |quest>[ ] -------------------------------------- (link-repeat: "Search for Ziggy the Dog")[ (replace: ?quest)[(display: "Search for Dog")]] (link-repeat: "This is no place for a dog. Look in the Park")[(go-to: "Dog Quest Park")]]

This is the park. Open grass, winding path, benches that never quite face the same way twice. It’s always this quiet. Across the street you can see Claire's house, and further down the road the gas station. [[Search for Ziggy the Dog->Dog Quest Search Park]]

(set: $dogQuest to 3) As you wander around the park, searching for the fluffy white runaway, you hear a very obnoxious car alarm going off. Looking in the direction of the sound, you see a shiny red sports car. Dashing madly around the tires, barking and jumping at the hubcaps, is a very fluffy white dog with far more energy than a dog should have. [[Call out Ziggy's name->Dog Quest Ziggy]]

(set: $dogQuest to 4) (set: $carAlarmQuest to 5) With the alarm still going off, you walk towards the scene. "Ziggy!" you call. The dog, much like a knight attempting to slay a dragon, continues to pursue the car's tires. "Ziggy! Cheese!" you call again, more insistent this time, and adding in the keyword Doreen mentioned. The dog freezes, turns to face you, then comes running full tilt with her tongue hanging out of her mouth. Moments later a furry missle collides with your legs. This dog must be made completely out of fur and wiggles. You lift the dog up, inspect her collar, and see the address printed on the tag. This house is just around the corner from your house, and you can easily see the front yard from here. The car alarm goes quiet and Ziggy looks at the car with menace in her eyes. You're pretty sure this is the car alarm from the quest flyer. You should call the person from that notice and let them know you solved their problem. [[Take Ziggy home->Doreen's House]]

(set: $hour24 to (floor: $time / 60)) (set: $minute to $time % 60) (set: $minuteText to (cond: $minute < 10, "0" + (str: $minute), (str: $minute))) (set: $hour12 to (cond: $hour24 is 0, 12, $hour24 > 12, $hour24 - 12, $hour24)) (set: $timeOfDay to (cond: $hour24 < 12, "in the morning", $hour24 < 17, "in the afternoon", "in the evening")) You head home and get ready to go to the meeting. You don't want to get distracted by anything else, since it's already $hour12:$minuteText $timeOfDay. Some light cleaning and a snack take up your remaining time, glancing at your watch you see it's 6:45pm finally, so you head out to the meeting at [[Town Hall->Meeting Event]].

(set: $time to 1145) As you approach the Town Hall building, you realize you've never seen it so busy. In the crowd you spot Bobby and Claire speaking to one another and you go to stand with them. They both greet you as you walk up. On the steps, a podium is now standing ready for the mayor to speak to the town. Mayor Kayla walks up to the podium, smiles her campaign-winning smile, and begins her speech [[about what's going on.->What we think we know]]

"Ladies and gentlemen of Stillwell, I know you're all very concerned with things going on in the town. In what looks like a potential communication infrastructure disaster, people are reporting that cellphones just won't turn on. In addition, electronics in homes are also behaving strangely; televisions won't work, mobile devies won't come on, and home computers are only good for document editing. We are working with state and federal leadership to find out why our communications infrastructure seems to only work in public spaces like the library." As the mayor's speech goes on into promises to get to the bottom of the problem, you notice Doreen has walked up next to you. You introduce her to Bobby and Claire with a brief explanation that she's the owner of the dog that kept setting off the car alarm. Everyone shares a laugh, including one of the gas station attendants, you think his name is Zach, and Jim from the library. "We would be pleased if everyone who is interested would join us at the Lucky Duck bar and grill for some drinks and refreshments to talk more about this ongoing crisis," the mayor says slightly louder than the rest of her speech. She smiles, steps away from the podium, and steps inside Town Hall. You turn to your new group of friends with a shrug. "Sounds fun, I don't remember the last time I went to a social event." The rest of the group nods, and you all make your way to [[Lucky Duck->Lucky Duck Bar and Grill]].

You walk into the restaurant and notice several people standing around, chatting in small groups, or ordering drinks. A table has been set out with various snacks, small sandwiches, and desserts. ---------------- |introductions>[ ] ---------------- (display: "Character Call")

(link-repeat: "Bobby and Claire are standing in the middle of the room, a young woman is with them.")[(replace: ?introductions)[(display: "Bobby, Mimi, and Claire")]] (link-repeat: "Jim the librarian is standing to the left, talking to someone you don't know.")[(replace: ?introductions)[(display: "Jim and Aiya")]] (link-repeat: "Mayor Kayla is standing next to the day clerk from the gas station and another gentleman you don't know.")[(replace: ?introductions)[(display: "Kayla, Wayne, and Zach")]] (link-repeat: "Two gentlemen who are unfamiliar to you are talking nearby, the woman wearing a red beret.")[(replace: ?introductions)[(display: "Travis, Anthony, and Beth")]] (link-repeat: "A mysterious woman is talking to the bartender, and two other gentlemen are standing nearby.")[(replace: ?introductions)[(display: "Holly, Myles, Mitch, Angel")]] (link-repeat: "Doreen is off to the side talking to two other women you haven't met yet.")[(replace: ?introductions)[(display: "Doreen, Leslie, Liz")]] (link-repeat: "You've talked to everyone here, now what?")[ (replace: ?introductions)[ You're done meeting everyone. [[It time to say goodnight->Closing Screen]] ] ]

(set: $metKayla to 1) (set: $metWayne to 1) (set: $metZach to 1) You walk over to the mayor and introduce yourself. "Good to meet you, $name! I've seen you aroud town before. This is Zach," the man on the left waves. "And this is Wayne," the other man waves. "They both work for the gas station on the south side of town. Very important to the running of Stillwell, they keep me caffeinated." She delivers the line seriously, but you have a pretty good idea she's joking. Kinda. The four of you talk for a few minutes, and you look around to see who else you can meet. If you're going to be social, may as well go all out!

(set: $metBeth to 1) (set: $metTravis to 1) (set: $metAnthony to 1) You walk up to the trio standing having a heated debate about pedagogy, although they all seem to be agreeing with one another. The banter seems playful, friendly, but serious at the same time. "Hello," the woman with the red beret says, "My name is Beth, but you can call me little red, everyone else does." This makes the two gentlemen chuckle, and the taller man says, "That's because she loves stories, and she wears that hat so much. I'm Anthony, and I work with the children in the hospital." You nod, it sounds like important work. "I'm $name, and I'm just a student for now, living in my mom's old house by the park." "Ah, over by Bobby?" the second man says. "I'm Travis, I work with him occasionally." "Yes, he's my neighbor, along with Claire," you point over to the trio where your two neighbors are still talking. "He's a great guy," Travis responds. You ask what the group was talking about and they all start chattering at once, apologize to one another, and then explain the conversation. Your head swims after a few minutes- they are all obviously brilliant people. "Do you guys know why technology is acting weird?" you ask, but they all shake their heads. "Hopefully we can all figure it out together," you add with a smile. They all agree. You look around the room for more people to meet.

(set: $metHolly to 1) (set: $metMyles to 1) (set: $metMitch to 1) (set: $metAngel to 1) You approach the woman standing near the bar tender. She has long hair the color of fire and a warm smile. The bartender has a name tag that reads, "MYLES," and he asks if you need anything. "I'm just introducing myself to everyone here," you say with a smile, declining his offer of a drink. "I'm $name, and I live over by the park." "I'm Holly," the woman says with another warm smile. "I work at the school, in the English department." "I'm Angel," the gentleman with the robust beard says. "I also work at the school, teaching youth to own their story and tell it proudly." "Well, that must make me Mitch," the other man says. "I'm the principal of the school, and I love helping youth grow into brilliant adults." You exchange a few stories with your neighbors, Mitch excuses himself to go talk to Aiya about new sport events for the youth in town. Your neighborhood knowledge is growing as you meet the various people who live here.

(set: $metDoreen to 1) (set: $metLeslie to 1) (set: $metLiz to 1) You approach Doreen, who seems like she's been your friend for years. You remember her chaotic dog and the trouble it caused in the neighborhood. She smiles and waves you over as you get closer. "Hey, $name, this is Leslie and Liz, they're artists who live here in town. They are having a pottery class the next two weeks - how to make pottery with Leslie, and how to paint pottery with Liz - you should check them out," Doreen tells you excitedly. "I know I will be going." You greet the two artists and talk to them for a while about their work before asking them if they have any idea why technology isn't working right. "I'm not sure," Liz says carefully, "but I am definitely interested in looking into the problem more, we have a pretty good group here after the Town Hall Meeting, I'm sure we'll figure something out." Leslie agrees with a nod, "Yes, I see Principal Mitch over there with some other teachers, and the librarian, Jim, too - a powerhouse of knowledge in this room, for sure." You speak with them for a few minutes about solving the communication crisis before finding someone else to talk to.

(set: $metMimi to 1) You walk over to your neighbors and say hello. "Hey, $name. This is my daugher, Mimi," Bobby says, pointing to the young woman standing with them. She has short dark hair and smiles as she's introduced. "I heard you helped my dad with that car alarm," she says. "It really was driving him crazy. Maybe you can help us find out why our technology isn't working, too?" You nod and share a few more minutes of small talk. Since you've decided to be social, you may as well talk to everyone here.

(set: $metAiya to 1) You approach the librarian with a shy smile. You're not sure if he will remember you, but since this is just about everyone in the neighborhood you may as well get to know at least their names. "$name, it's good to see you," Jim says as you walk up. You're shocked he remembers who you are. "You're out of your natural habitat, Jim," you respond with a smile. Jim laughs and introduces you to Aiya, a local student and sports enthusiast who helps coach youth at the local community center. You're starting to think this is an amazing community, and look around for more people to meet after you talk to Jim and Aiya for a few minutes.

<center><h2>Thank you</h2></center> Stillwell is a conceptual town that I created for a game I made in Creative Coding with Professor DuBose. I have decided to weave that liminal town into this game in a very different manner. This game is being actively designed to answer the very important research question: What changes when communication belongs to the community instead of the individual? After this introduction, my goal is to create a much wider game where the player investigates why communication infrastructure is failing and how to get it back. Along their journey they will get to know all the characters you just met better, solving smaller issues around town that will eventually lead to the answer. Feel free to [[play again->Reset Game]] or visit my website at lofi-liminal.com to read more about my research and other projects. ~ Jillina Harken ~

(link-repeat: "What's going on with the computers?")[(replace: ?library)[(display: "Tell me about the computers.")]] (link-repeat: "Any idea what's going on with cellphones in town?")[(replace: ?library)[(display: "What's going on with the cellphones?")]] (link-repeat: "What other information do you have?")[(replace: ?library)[(display: "What other information can you help with?")]] (link-repeat: "Go back outside.")[(replace: ?library)[(display: "Before You Leave")]] (if: $boardRevealed is 1)[ (link-repeat: "Check out the Bulletin Board")[(go-to: "Bulletin Board")]]

"Hey," Jim says as you walk towards the door. "You should really check out the bulletin board before you leave, people leave all kinds of information there." He turns and walks towards the counter, slipping back behind it to check books out for someone else that's walked up. "If you're lost and don't know where to go next, it might help." [[Check out the bulletin board->Bulletin Board]] or [[walk out the door->Library]].

"Well, I know one thing," Bobby says as he starts walking back to his front door. "I'm going to stop by the gas station to get some change, if I have to make any calls for work, I'll have to use that old payphone!" Claire nods her agreement, "Yes, that's a great idea. $name, would you mind grabbing me a few coins as well? I'll pay you back when you bring them by. I have a few dollars at home." She turns and starts walking back to her house. "Yeah, I will probably head over there soon," you agree, already thinking about where you should head first. You could check out the [[Library]] and see what's on the bulletin board, head to the [[Gas Station]] for some change to use the payphone, or [[go inside and relax->Interior Home]] for a little while. (set: $claireCoins to 1) (set: $checkLibrary to 1) (display: "Navigation")

(display: "Navigation")

Two posts catch your eye; one is about (link-repeat: "a lost dog")[(replace: ?quest)(display: "Lost Dog Flyer")] and the other is about a (link-repeat: "loud car alarm")[(replace: ?quest)(display: "Car Alarm Flyer")]. |quest>[ ] You decide to head back [[outside->Library]].