<<linkappend "What happened? ...">>
<img src="assets/images/death screen elden ring.webp">
<</linkappend>>---
I hope you enjoyed this latest release! If my work resonated with you, I'd be so grateful if you considered supporting my efforts with a donation. Any amount, big or small, means the world and allows me to keep pouring my heart into creating quality experiences for you. With your support, I'll be inspired to push further updates filled with passion and care.
<a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/karankanwar" target="_blank"><img src="assets/images/buy-me-a-coffee.png" alt="Buy Me A Coffee" style="height: 60px !important;width: 217px !important;" ></a><<set $saneAppPick to false>>
<<include [[on insanity]]>>
You are greeted by the calculator interface, its minimalistic design accented with an orange outline, standing in stark contrast to your chaotic thoughts.
<img src="assets/images/compressed/calculator_orange.webp">
You have clicked on the calculator app icon. Why? Who knows. Maybe you wanted to calculate something, or maybe your brain just short-circuited again. All sorts of thoughts flood your mind—maybe you just want to see what the app looks like, maybe you're trying to calculate the number of stars in the sky, or maybe you're just one step away from doing your taxes in the middle of the forest.
You feel like your life choices have always been questionable at best. You opened the app, but now what? Are you going to calculate your way out of this forest, or just add another entry to the ever-growing list of bizarre decisions you've made today?
<div class="choice">[[calculate something]] </div>
<div class="choice">[[this is stupid, go back to app screen->use your phone]] </div>A decently smart idea strikes you: call someone and tell them you are sorry. Wait a minute... you're not in your final moments here, and besides, that's such an overused cliché. No need to turn this into a dramatic movie scene when you're just a bit lost in the woods.
Scrap that idea. Let's just call someone and tell them to come find you. Better yet call the police. What would you tell the police?
<div class="choice">[[You let your imagination run wild->police convo]] </div>
<<set $appChoice to "contacts">>
<<set $saneAppPick to true>>He's a conspiracy theorist who talks about the lizard people spying on him and delivers these long sermons on privacy and anonymity whenever the moment strikes him. He says all our leaders are lizard people who wear masks of human skin and they aim to keep us under their control.<<set $JohnDoeIntroduced to true>><<set $saneAppPick to true>>\
<<set $appChoice to "maps">>\
<<if !visited("Calculator")>>\
<<include [[on insanity]]>>\
<</if>>
Now that you open the app, you are greeted with the map of your locality. Great, now you can see where you need to go. With a sense of anticipation, you push the button that says "find my location". Eagerly waiting for the app to pinpoint your exact coordinates, you're met with a series of frustrating pop-ups saying "no network available". A frown creases your brow as you recall your neighbor John telling you once in passing that GPS does not run on cellular networks. It seems his statement isn't entirely true, given the fact that you have pressed that "find my location" button at least a dozen times now, and it doesn't show anything except that same old static map of your locality.
Perplexed, you exit the app and restart it, hoping for a different outcome, but the result remains unchanged. You toggle your phone's network settings, switching between airplane mode and cellular data, but the app stubbornly refuses to update your location. Frustration mounts as you wonder if there's an issue with your phone's GPS receiver or if the app itself is experiencing a glitch.
If only you could get network coverage where you are, it very likely would have worked.
<div class="choice">[[Continue->player psyche choice]] </div>Who cares if it's the ghost of your long-lost pet hamster coming back for revenge, or just a really determined centipede plotting world domination? Ignorance is bliss, and you'll take bliss over getting spooked any day.
With a mental shrug and a whispered apology to whatever lurking creature you may have unintentionally offended, you continue sitting, feeling pretty proud of your ability to dodge potential terror with the finesse of a Skyrim NPC. After all, who needs jump scares when you've got a perfectly good imagination to conjure up nightmares of your own?
<div class="choice">[[continue sitting]]</div>After deciding to abandon the idea of burying the phone, you take a deep breath, feeling a sense of clarity wash over you. You chuckle softly at your momentary lapse in judgment, realizing the absurdity of your impulse. "Yeah," you mutter to yourself, "just a moment of weakness." You shake your head, amused at how the mind can play tricks in moments of desperation.
As you begin to fill in the hole you had dug, you reflect on the unpredictability of life and the strange urges it can inspire. "The universe beckons us to make irrational decisions every time," you muse aloud, your voice carrying through the quiet forest. "But it's up to us to tell the universe, 'begone thot'." With a wry smile, you pat down the earth, burying not your phone, but the notion of giving in to impulsive whims.
Feeling lighter now, you set off once more, determined to find your way out of the forest without burying any more of your possessions.
But then a thought that's been lingering at the back of your mind surface. A thought you have been trying to bury for so long. The fact that you might not make it back.
<<include [[pos neg feelings]] >>
You have no clue what to do now, So you start walking in a direction you think would lead you to something interesting.
<div class="choice">[[continue->feelings change with speed]]</div>
<<set $phoneBuried to 1>You pull it away and its fangs leave you. But you're left with an unsettling sensation—like something slimy is oozing out of your pores. You can't see it, and honestly, you'd rather not even think about it.
Now that the critter's no longer hitching a ride on your skin, you can finally gather your thoughts. It's still snugly nestled inside your shirt, while you're left grappling with it from the outside. The only solution that comes to mind is...
<div class="choice">[[remove your Tshirt carefully]]</div><div id="banner-container">
<img src="assets/images/compressed/start-banner.webp">
<div id="banner-text">Fickle Solitude</div>
</div>
<span style="font-size:1.9em">T</span>he summer night air was thick with the scent of pine and earth as you stepped out of your house. The stale air inside had been suffocating, pressing down on you with a weight that made it hard to breathe. The warmth of the day still lingered, but you welcomed the cool breeze against your skin, the whisper of the leaves in the wind a comforting soundtrack as you began to walk.
The town is so eerily quiet at this hour, you could hear a pin drop—assuming the pin wasn't too shy to make a sound. You reminisce about Ravenhedge, that bustling metropolis you called home a few years back, where the nightlife rivaled a rock concert and tranquility went extinct faster than a dodo on rollerblades. Now, here you are in Meadowview, where the silence is so thick you could spread it on toast and call it tranquility jam.
As you wander through the empty streets, your thoughts turn inward, reflecting on the path your life has taken. You ponder the questionable decisions that brought you to this moment, the lofty dreams you once cradled like precious newborns, and the superhero version of yourself you once aspired to become. There was a time when your ambition could have powered a small city, and your purpose could have filled a motivational speech marathon. But alas, those dreams now gather dust in the attic of your mind, overshadowed by the relentless monotony of adulting. You never quite stumbled upon your hidden talent—unless you count binge-watching TV shows as a skill—and the lingering scent of unfulfilled potential follows you like a stray cat begging for scraps.
Out of the corner of your eye, you catch a glimpse of a purple cat sprinting up a wall. You whip your head around, but there's nothing there. Of course, why would there be a purple cat? You've never seen one, and with your limited knowledge of animal fur colors, you're desperately trying to convince yourself that purple cats simply don't exist. Maybe it's just your lack of sleep catching up with you, though you don't feel particularly tired right now.
<div class="choice">[[continue walking->found stone to sit]] </div>You step out for some fresh air, only to find yourself lost and stranded in the forest overnight. As the calls of nature beckon, you'll be faced with a series of choices that reveal deeper truths about your identity and values.
From the seemingly innocuous decision of where to answer nature's call to profound dilemmas that test your moral compass, every choice carries weight. Will you embrace your primal instincts and mark your territory without shame? Or will you cling to societal norms in search of the perfect discreet bush?
Prepare for an adventure that seamlessly blends absurd humor with introspective self-discovery. Whether you feel kinship with your caveman roots or prefer to retain a veneer of sophistication, the choices you make will shape your wildly entertaining journey through the woods.
The setting is the protagonist was taking a walk outside his house at night because he was asphyxiated by the stale air of his house. He blacks out and then wakes up in an unfamiliar environment. then the story startsThe lady, a connoisseur of outdoor relief, knows that not just any bush will do. It must be a bush of distinction, one that offers both style and substance. She seeks out the most luxuriant, well-manicured shrubs, with leaves so soft they could be mistaken for cashmere. The bush must be dense enough to provide complete coverage, yet not so dense that one risks becoming entangled in its branches during a moment of vulnerability.
Once the perfect bush has been selected, the lady carefully parts the foliage, creating a discreet entrance to her private sanctuary. She delicately lifts her skirt, mindful not to disturb the delicate ecosystem that surrounds her. With a gentle rustle, she lowers herself onto the plush carpet of moss and leaves, feeling at one with the earth beneath her.
As she attends to her business, the lady can't help but feel a sense of superiority over her male counterparts. While they may be content with any old tree or even an anthill, she knows that true refinement lies in the details. She savors the moment, breathing in the fresh air and listening to the gentle whispers of the wind through the leaves.
<div class="choice">[[continue->lady meet skunk]]</div>
<<set $gender to "female">>You go find tree. Because tree found, you take anaconda out. You whistle because whistle good.
You look around, make sure no bear or squirrel watching. Coast clear, you proceed with business. You lean against tree, feel like king of forest. Suddenly, you hear rustling in bushes. You freeze, anaconda still in hand.
<<linkreplace "What is it?">>\
<img src="assets/images/compressed/skunk_meme.webp">
<b>Nani???!</b>
Out jumps angry skunk, ready to spray. You panic, anaconda start shrinking. You try to run, but pants drop to knees. You hop like crazy rabbit, trying to escape stinky fate.
But too late. Skunk aims, fires, and scores direct hit. You howl like wounded wolf, anaconda now hiding in shame. You stumble away, leaving trail of pungent odor behind.
As you limp through forest, you realize important lesson: always check for skunks before taking anaconda out. You make mental note, vowing to be more careful next time nature calls.
But for now, you must find river to wash away stench of defeat. You hold head high, you know even greatest warriors sometimes fall victim to surprise skunk attack. You are still king of forest, even if you smell like rear end of moose.
<div class="choice">[[continue->why unga bunga]]</div>
<</linkreplace>>
<<set $gender to "male">>Deciding to pinpoint the location of the sound, you pull out your phone and turn on the flashlight. The beam cuts through the darkness as you cautiously move it around, trying to make out the source of the noise. You narrow down the general direction and take a few tentative steps toward it.
As the light lands on a spot near the base of a tree, you see something that makes your skin crawl—literally. A large centipede, its countless legs moving in a disturbingly synchronized manner, scurries across the ground. You instinctively take a step back, nearly tripping over your own feet.
<<linkreplace "click to reveal">>
<<set $centiEncounter = true>>
<img src="assets/images/compressed/centi_on_leaves.webp">
There are a few things that come to mind
<div class="choice">[[crush the critter and assert dominance]] </div>
<div class="choice">[[walk away like a pussy]] </div>
<</linkreplace>>So you are a child. You can simply close this game window you know? However, if you wish to proceed further and continue playing, who am I to stop you. The (text-style:"italic")["choice"] is yours to make.
[["Start the game already, who cares about being //mildly// traumatised. I am not as impressionable as you think!" ->Start]]<<set $saneAppPick to false>>\
<<set $appChoice to "youtube">>\
<<if !hasVisited("Calculator")>>\
<<include [[on insanity]]>><</if>>\
With a resigned sigh, you decide to make the most of it and open youtube, the ultimate procrastination tool of the digital age. Despite the gravity of your situation, you start watching a silly video about a cat trying to fit into a small box. The absurdity of it all isn't lost on you; here you are, lost in the wilderness, and your last moments of battery life are being drained by internet antics.
The video has a hard time loading, indicating limited connectivity in these parts. You remain where you are, knowing that if you move, you'll likely lose the small amount of network connectivity you currently have. After waiting some time the video manages to load in low quality:
#### Fat Cat Struggles to Fit into Tiny Box
<video controls><source src="assets\videos\fat-cat-vid-compressed.mp4" type="video/mp4"></video>
The title of the video, "Fat Cat Struggles to Fit into Tiny Box," catches your eye. You're taken aback by the sheer audacity of the uploader. This cat isn't fat—far from it. You've seen some real chonkers in your endless hours as the top tier time-waster on this video-sharing platform, and this cat doesn't even come close. Honestly, you feel personally offended on behalf of all the genuinely plump felines out there.
You find yourself oddly comforted by the mindless entertainment. Instead of panic, you feel a strange calm wash over you. If you're going to be lost, at least you're lost with a smile on your face, courtesy of the cute feline.
As soon as you finish watching the video, the battery dies.
<div class="choice"> [[continue->black screen]] </div>Under the dense canopy of the forest, the night pressed in, wrapping you in an eerie stillness broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves. Stranded in this labyrinth of trees, you find yourself facing a primal urge, one that demands immediate attention. You need to pee now. However, despite the urgency, you can't help but feel a wave of tiredness and laziness wash over you.
<<if !$rested>>A distant memory surfaces, mocking you for your folly. You had the chance to rest on that inviting boulder you passed earlier, but no, you had to be the hero. You thought sheer willpower could move mountains—or in this case, a boulder. But alas, reality hit hard, reminding you of your human limitations. So now, here you are, lounging on a branch, feeling the weight of exhaustion and the sting of your own hubris. Ah, the sweet irony of it all.<br><</if>>\
You find a thick tree branch on the forest floor and decide to make it your temporary refuge. Flopping down onto it, you sink into its reassuring solidity, feeling the fatigue of the day settling into your bones. Leaning back against the rough bark, you close your eyes, indulging in the luxury of doing absolutely nothing. Ah, the glamorous life of a wilderness adventurer—sitting on a branch, too tired and lazy to heed nature's call.
Suddenly, a thought crossed your mind, much like the countless other random musings that have struck you in moments of solitude: what if, like Aladdin, you stumbled upon a magical lamp that could change your life forever?
Aladdin had been in a desperate situation when he discovered the lamp, and now, you find themselves in a similar predicament. Lost, alone, and in need of a miracle, you couldn't help but wonder if fate might intervene and present you with a lifechanging opportunity. With a weary but hopeful sigh, you lean back against the rough bark, letting the cool night air soothe your tired muscles. Whatever tomorrow may bring, you're ready to face it, lamp or no lamp
<div class="choice">[[continue->piss preassure buildup]]</div>The moon looks bigger than usual tonight—or is your mind playing tricks on you? It seems so close, almost within arm's reach. Maybe just a short walk and you could touch it, like a cosmic tourist attraction.
<img src="assets/images/compressed/big_moon_first.webp">
You continued deeper into the forest, the memories and thoughts swirling in your mind, mingling with the sounds of the night.
You feel exhausted. You've seen athletes run marathons without breaking a sweat, while here you are struggling to keep up even at a slow walking pace. Each step feels like a monumental effort, and your legs are starting to feel like lead. The lack of exercise is really taking its toll. You start to wonder if maybe you should have spent less time binge-watching shows and more time moving. The realization hits you like a ton of bricks—well, more like a ton of regret.
You eye a hefty boulder nearby, a prime spot for a breather. Continuing to walk now would be foolish; you can feel your legs shaking. If you don't pause for a pit stop now, you might end up crawling home like a wounded soldier.
You have the following choices
<div class="choice">[[take a short break and sit]] </div>
<div class="choice">[[keep on walking]] </div>But wait—where exactly are you right now? Come to think of it, you're pretty deep into the forest, having left the beaten path ages ago. You glance up at the sky, half-expecting it to offer some sort of cosmic GPS signal.
<img src="assets/images/compressed/big_moon_second.webp">
The moon is massive tonight—seriously, what's up with that? It shouldn't be possible for the moon to be this big or this close. Or maybe you've suddenly developed a superpower and can see for miles? Every crater and crevice is crystal clear, and you're starting to wonder if you should call NASA or just enjoy your newfound moon-vision.
Whatever the case may be, you could really use something to eat, and you're not exactly thrilled at the idea of foraging for berries or something in this forest. What if the fruit has a bug in it? Not that you'd be able to tell in this darkness anyway. No, you need something from the civilized world—a meal that comes with utensils.
You turn on your phone, silently thanking the modern world for conveniences like GPS. With this, you should be able to navigate your way out of this mess.
<img src="assets/images/compressed/low_battery.webp">
But then, your heart plummets when you see the dreaded red battery icon. Your phone, a model from a new and upcoming company, was a bargain deal thanks to your friend's employee discount. Memories of all the years together flood your mind - the thousands of tapped out texts, the selfies immortalizing life's highlights, those bleary 3am premium video binges when insomnia reigned. Through relationships blossoming and withering, career zeniths and nadirs, illnesses and renewing health, this little handheld life-raft had been your omnipresent constant.
That rational part of your psyche scoffs at the notion of becoming so attached to an inanimate hunk of silicon and plastic. But the primal core of your being instinctively recognizes this slowly expiring device as more than a mere tool - it's been your psychological crutch, your talisman against the chaos and uncertainty of the world. To lose it out here, untethered in this vast wilderness? The prospect chills you to your very marrow.
Regardless, you don't have a better alternative, so you use your phone, hoping to get what you want before the battery dies completely.
<div class="choice">[[use your phone]]</div>Sure you are a furry but not an animal. Atleast not yet.
You stare down at the base of the tree, a primal urge stirring within you. This is your domain now, your territory to mark and claim as your own. You eye the bark, feeling that familiar itch to let loose and give it all you have. \
<<if $gender is "male">>Then you go stand there near the tree and do your business.\
<<elseif $gender is "female">>Then you squat near the tree and relieve yourself.\
<<elseif $gender is "nonBinary">>Then you find a comfortable position near the tree to take care of your needs.\
<</if>>
You start to think how it would have been like if you had done this task like an animal. What is the difference between an animal and a furry? Well, one is an animal and the other is an animal in an animal fur-suit. But its more than that. On the surface, it might seem like just someone in fur-suit, but it's actually about the love and support the furry community shares and the positive vibes that come with it. You like how you are allowed to be a part of such a tight knit community.
<<include [[tight knit and cancel culture ramblings]] >>
You were so lost in your thoughts that you did not perceive the presence of a skunk just barely a foot away from you. <<include [[skunk bukkake]]>>
<div class="choice">[[continue->run from skunk]]</div>
<<set $furry to 1>><<if $gender is "male">>Of course, you be man, you think you strong man. You walk with big steps, chest out, ready for anything. You see big challenge, you face it with roar. No fear, no doubt.
<<elseif $gender is "female">>Of course you are a female, and your presence commands respect and admiration. Your strength and grace shine through every challenge you face, turning obstacles into opportunities with effortless poise. The world is enriched by your unique perspective and indomitable spirit, making every adventure you undertake all the more remarkable.
<<elseif $gender is "nonBinary">>Of course you are non-binary. Your journey isn't defined by conventional norms but by your own rules and values.<</if>>\
You can pee like dogs if you want. But not like those well-behaved pet dogs, no. You're a street hound, peeing on cars and poles with one leg high in the air, marking your territory.
Do you want to do that? You kinky freak?
<div class="choice">[["yes, I would like to walk on all fours like an authentic furry"->furry on all four]]</div>
<div class="choice">[["no, I still have a teeny tiny bit of sanity left"->bipedal furry]]</div>You stare at the black screen, unable to tell where your phone ends and the darkness of the forest begins. It's so dark out here, you could be holding a rock instead of your phone and wouldn't even know the difference.
Your vision takes some time to adjust to the darkness. You were staring at the phone screen for some time, while the thing was alive. Now that its dead you may bury it so that it may rest in peace.
<div class="choice">[[bury it->bury it maybe]] </div>
<div class="choice">[[wtf that's a stupid thought]] </div>You dig into the forest ground, like a dog, trying to create a hole for your beloved companion to rest. The absurdity of the situation hits you but you feel compelled to be obtuse. It's as if you feel like some outside force is making you do these things because they want to see where it goes. They might have been watching you since you left your house on this odd odyssey you've undertaken. You have a feeling the outside force is so close to you that maybe it is YOU.
<div class="choice">[[stop thinking, just do it]] </div>Despite knowing deep down that it's a futile endeavor destined for disappointment, you decide to go with it anyway. After all, what's life without a few colossal wastes of time and resources?
You stare at the hole in somber contemplation, realizing you'll need to buy a new phone to replace the one that you call dead. Unless, of course, you can somehow use magic to make smartphones spontaneously fruit from the earth's fertile loins. Fat chance of that happening before you inevitably starve or get mauled by a pack of feral hogs roaming these godforsakken woods.
A bitter chuckle escapes your chapped lips as you ponder the unpleasant reality - even if you miraculously make it back to so-called civilization, you'll be phoneless. Fitting, considering modern society views the screen-zombies glued to their devices as barely human anyway. Maybe this twisted experiment in primal survival is exactly what you need to reconnect with your troglodyte roots.
You survey the meager supply of weathered wooden planks scattered about, half-considering constructing some semblance of a shelter rather than pressing onward. A morbid thought slithers into your mind - maybe this ramshackle pile of potential building materials will serve as your coffin before ever becoming a roof over your head.
<<include [[pos neg feelings]]>>
You stand there looking over the hole you created. Your are holding the electronic brick that you used to call your phone in your hand. It's time to say goodbye to your companion.
You toss the phone inside the hole, letting it fall with a dull thud like a worthless piece of garbage. Somehow your nonchalant action seems to betray the bond you once shared with this lifelong digital sidekick. Memories flash through your mind of all the moments captured, the critical times it served as your connection to the world, your trusted navigator and faithful companion through life's ups and downs. Yet here you are, callously discarding it into an unceremonious grave.
A pang of guilt tugs at your conscience as you watch the inert device lying in that pitiful hole. This device that entertained you, enabled you, comforted you through lonely nights - reduced to being literally and figuratively dumped like garbage. You can't help but feel you've mistreated an old friend in its final moments.
Pushing those nagging feelings aside, you methodically cover the hole with soil, sealing your former companion away for good. As the last mound of dirt falls, you let out a heavy sigh. That's enough ridiculousness for one night. Time to leave the past buried and press onward into the unknown future stretching before you.
You turn and stride forward with a stiffened jaw. No use mourning an inanimate object out here in the savage dominion of nature. Survival takes precedence over all else, even cherished former relationships. Still, you can't quite shake the sense that some small piece of your humanity got inadvertently entombed back there alongside your retired digital other half.
<div class="choice">[[continue->feelings change with speed]] </div>
<<set $phoneBuried to 2>>You start pressing the buttons. Their clean, appealing design triggers a sudden OCD urge within you, compelling you to keep tapping. The orange outline is so tasteful, so elegant. Your fingers glide over the buttons, and for a moment, you lose yourself in the sheer perfection of it all. It's not just a calculator; it's a statement.
<img src="assets/images/compressed/calculator_orange.webp">
You can't help but admire the crisp, minimalistic aesthetic of the calculator interface, much like Patrick Bateman with a new business card.
There was a certain sequence of symbols that, when entered into the calculator, would show the message "I love u" when turned upside down. You used to do this as a kid, but now you can't seem to remember which buttons to press. You try entering some random symbols, hoping to jog your memory.
While you're standing in the middle of the forest, fiddling with your phone's calculator, the battery dies on you. A pang of sadness hits—you can't play with the calculator anymore. For a moment, you'd almost forgotten that you're lost in the woods.
<div class="choice"> [[continue->black screen]] </div>
<<set $appChoice to "calculator">><<set $saneAppPick to true>>\
<<if !hasVisited("Calculator")>>\
<<include [[on insanity]]>>\
<</if>>\
<<if $tryCall is "friend">>\
So, press the phone icon after this guy's name, hoping he would pick up so you can tell him all about your situation.
<<elseif $tryCall is "mom">>\
So, you dial your mother's number, hoping she would pick up so you can tell her all about your situation.
<<elseif $tryCall is "emergencyhelpline">>\
So, you dial the emergency helpline number, hoping they would pick up so you can tell them all about your situation.<</if>>\
You already mentally mapping out the precise narrative beats to effectively convey the sheer insanity of your present circumstances.
<<if $centiEncounter>>\
The part with the centipede goes first for context, then I'll really ramp up the tension by describing how I crossed that semi-crevasse without a spattering of dignity left intact...
<<else>>\
The part with the fox goes first for context, then I'll really ramp up the tension by describing how I crossed that semi-crevasse without a spattering of dignity left intact...
<</if>>\
You're so absorbed in plotting out this soon-to-be oral epic that you nearly miss the dejected "No Signal" warning flashing across the screen. A hollow laugh tumbles from your lips as despair's icy tendrils slither up your spine.
"Excuse me, what? How can that be?" Your voice wavers with equal parts confusion and umbrage at this machine's sheer temerity. "But...but I distinctly remembered luxuriating in the splendorous glow of three - count 'em, THREE - bars mere moments ago! This smacks of technological treachery at the highest order!"
<div class="choice"> [[this sucks->player psyche choice]] </div>I don't even want to imagine how would it feel to have one crawl on your skin. Or maybe <<linkappend "I do">>
<img src="assets/images/compressed/centi_on_hand.webp">
Well that's a terrible thought.
<</linkappend>><style>
.container {
font-family: "arial";
border: 2px solid #9DBBDE;
background-color: #1760B2;
border-radius: 50px 50px 50px 0px;
padding: 0px 5px;
display: flex;
flex-direction: row;
}
.container img {
max-width: 100px;
max-height: 100px;
width: 100%;
margin-right: 20px;
border-radius: 50%;
margin-bottom: 15px;
margin-left: 10px;
border: 3px solid #ffff
}
.imgContainer {
height: 100%;
}
.time-right {
font-family: "arial";
margin-right: 40px;
text-align: right;
color: #aaa;
}
.text {
display: flex;
flex-direction: column;
justify-content: space-between;
padding-top: 25px;
padding-left: 15px;
width: 100%;
}
</style>
<div class="container">
<div class="imgContainer">
<img src="assets/images/compressed/anon-cropped.webp" alt="Avatar" style="width:100%;">
</div>
<div class="text">Hey, I stumbled upon this mind-blowing site. You have to check it out. It's packed with all the hidden truths the mainstream doesn't want you to see!!!<span class="time-right">[10:00 PM]</span>
</div>
</div>You click the link, fully aware of how brain-melting his conspiracy theories can be, but perhaps this link contains something sensible. The website takes some time to open. You realise that your internet connection is patchy here. You are barely getting 2G speed. You wait for the website to load anyway, thinking that you might as well see it through now that you've clicked it. Otherwise, it will be another item to the long list of items you put off for later.
The website opens, and you are immediately bombarded by a large wall of text proclaiming, "You are being lied to by the government."
You are caught completely off guard as loud patriotic music suddenly blares from your phone. Perhaps there was a video embedded in the website that triggered the audio playback, or maybe it's been programmed to automatically play this music whenever someone visits. Regardless of the reason, you can't help but feel a wave of annoyance wash over you, solidifying your belief that this is indeed a terrible website.
While you're standing in the middle of the forest, fiddling with your phone's volume buttons, the battery dies on you. The frustrating website appears to have siphoned the last dregs of your phone's battery, diverting them solely to blast the speakers with the intrusive patriotic melody.
As annoyance mounts, you can't help but lament the blatant disregard for user experience exhibited by such a poorly designed platform. This unfortunate event only serves to reinforce your disdain for the website and its questionable practices, leaving you with a lingering sense of frustration and disbelief.
<div class="choice">[[continue->black screen]] </div>
<<set $websiteLinkClicked to true>>You think yo need a moment to clear your mind of all intrusive thoughts. Maybe try a little meditation? But you wonder if closing your eyes in this forest would be a wise decision.<<if $centiEncounter is true>> You remember your encounter with the centipede, and suddenly your heart begins a drum solo that would make even the most seasoned rock star jealous. You consider that if your eyes are closed, your old foe will have a very easy time crawling towards your face, and by the time you open your eyes feeling the sensation, its fangs would already be an inch away from your iris.<</if>>
After some thought you drop the idea of meditating. Right now, it's best to find a way out of this forest and to the comfort of your home. You can meditate as much as you want there.
But then a thougth that's been lingering at the back of your mind surface. A thought you have been trying to bury for so long. The fact that you might not make it back.
<<include [[pos neg feelings]]>>
You have no clue what to do now, So you start walking in a direction you think would lead you to something interesting.
<div class="choice">[[continue->feelings change with speed]]</div>As you sit there, you feel something crawling on your wrist. you immediately look down in horror to find this :
<<linkreplace "click to reveal">>
<<set $centiEncounter = true>>\
<img src="assets/images/compressed/centi_on_hand.webp">
<span class="rumble">aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhHHH</span>
<div class="choice">[[...->wtf centipede on my arm]] </div>
<</linkreplace>>You start walking, but after a few steps, a nagging thought hits you: ''Where the hell am I even going?''
''Why did I leave the sweet, sweet comfort of my house for this so-called hero's journey anyway?'' you ponder, feeling like a character in a poorly scripted B-movie. And is there going to be a resolution to the mess you've stumbled into, like in every cliché story ever told? But alas, this is no story, you remind yourself, scanning the forest for any sign of a plot twist. This is real life—and real life doesn't come with a guaranteed happy ending or a convenient plot twist to save your sorry ass.
Now you know you're just overthinking. Stop it, get some help. Your internal monologue is spiraling into a black hole of inaction. Yeah, that's right, you need action in your life. No more sitting around, thinking like that greek statue you saw on the internet—minus the chiseled abs and profound wisdom, of course...
<img src="assets/images/compressed/thinker_statue_french.webp" >
Or maybe it was French, not Greek. Ahh, who cares? The point is, that statue's got nothing on your existential crisis.
<<include [[variable passage 1]]>>
<div class="choice">[[There is nothing interesting here, lets go back->big moon]] </div>Adrenaline surges through you. No way are you wrestling a centipede inside your shirt. The thought alone makes your blood run cold. You grit your teeth and apply pressure, determined to end this nightmare before it gets worse.
But alas, despite your best efforts, it manages to sink its fangs into your skin, injecting a venom that introduces you to a whole new level of pain. Suddenly, stubbing your toe feels like a luxurious spa day in comparison.
You attempt some impromptu centipede wrangling, hoping to coax the little demon into releasing its death grip, but it's a futile endeavor. You and your multi-legged adversary are locked in a battle of wills, like two cowboys staring each other down in a dusty western showdown. You contort your body into positions that would make the Hunchback of Notre Dame proud, twisting and bending like a pretzel on steroids.
As you stand in this strange situation, you start to doubt your knowledge about bugs, clinging to hope that maybe this species of centipede isn't venomous after all. You're no expert in insect studies or whatever that's called, but what if this little bug is just misunderstood? Perhaps it's more like a ninja with harmless tricks. You hope you won't end up like a side character in a typical horror movie, but the uncertainty of whether you'll escape unharmed turns your stomach into a knot of raw fear, the outcome hanging in the balance.
You muster all your remaining strength for one final tug, determined to wrench the centipede's head away from your skin. At this point, even if it means a little collateral damage, you can't endure this position a moment longer.
<div class="choice">[[Pull the devil away]]</div>
<<set $centipedeBit to true>>Your first instinct is to crush it under your foot, putting an end to the unsettling encounter. You raise your foot and bring it down swiftly. Crushing bugs has been your favourite pastime, you psychopath.
But the centipede is quicker than you imagined. It darts away with surprising speed, disappearing under the stone you had just been sitting on. You stare at the spot where it vanished, feeling a mix of frustration and relief.
Even if you wanted to see under the stone, you recognize that attempting to lift the stone is a futile endeavor—seriously, have you seen the size of that thing? It's practically a boulder!—you wisely conclude that leaving the bug to its own devices is probably for the best.
With a shrug, you resign yourself to the fact that some battles are just not worth fighting. Besides, you've got places to be and things to do, right? So, standing there, pondering the merits of bug squashing versus bug ignoring, you decide to take the high road and let the critter go about its business in peace.
With one last glance at the stone—that is now ominously silent —you shake your head and continue on your way. After all, who needs the hassle of a bug hunt when there are much more important things to worry about? Like, say, avoiding tripping over your own feet in the dark.
<<include [[centipede on arm imagine]]>>
<div class="choice">[[continue walking]] </div>
<<set $domCenti = true>>You stagger through the dense forest, blood seeping from the wound in your stomach, painting a grim trail on the foliage. Each step feels like a Herculean effort, and the world spins around you, first clockwise, then anticlockwise, in dizzying successions. Vertigo grips you like a vice, and you find yourself slouched against a nearby tree for support, the world swaying in and out of focus.
As you struggle to stay conscious, flashes of regret and bad decisions flood your mind. Why did you venture into this forsaken forest alone?
The area of the bite has swollen to a massive size. touching it cause a weird sensation to run through your body. You can't think straight and you don't know how much time has passed since you last started walking.
Intense pressure builds in your stomach and abdomen, forcing you to double over as you empty the contents of your stomach onto the forest floor. Your legs give out beneath you, and you collapse a few feet away from your vomit, unable to move. Could the venom have contained a paralyzing agent? It's possible. Exhaustion weighs heavy on your limbs, exacerbated by the prolonged struggle with the centipede. The effects of the venom, if any, seem to be multiplying, leaving you helpless on the forest grounds. Maybe someone will come to your aid. Maybe you'll summon the strength to rise again. Only time will tell.
Your thoughts blur together, mingling with the throbbing pain in your gut. All you know for certain is that time is slipping away, and with each passing moment, the darkness creeps closer, whispering promises of oblivion.
<<include [[death text]]>>Your feelings change as fast as a cat's opinion of water. Your negative and positive thoughts are intertwined like star-crossed lovers in a chaotic romance, unable to part from each other's embrace.
One moment, you're riding high on your spirits, feeling like you could cut mountains in half. The next, you feel like even an ant has a better life than you. Maybe you're experiencing that condition you once heard your friend's edgy girlfriend dramatically describe. She said something like, "I'm bipolar, sweetie, now let me choke you while we cuddle", to your bewildered friend. Needless to say, he enjoyed every second of it.
You're not entirely sure what bipolar means. Does it have something to do with mood swings? Then again, aren't all women just bipolar? You feel as if countless people are casting their sharp gazes in your direction. You're aware you might have entertained an inappropriate thought or two. It's a good thing there's no one around here to cancel you for it or someone who would love to scream in your ear.
"Gotta be careful, they are always watching." That was basically your paranoid neighbor's catchphrase. You weren't as paranoid as him; after all, there was no "Big Brother" watching you, and this universe isn't set in 1984 either. However, as you left your home today, an inexplicable feeling washed over you—a sense that someone, or something, was observing your every move.
At first, you brushed it off as a figment of your imagination, a result of your neighbor's constant ramblings. But as time progressed, the feeling intensified. It was as if an invisible presence was shadowing you, entertaining themselves by watching your actions from an unseen vantage point. You couldn't quite shake the notion that you are being watched.
<<if !$JohnDoeIntroduced>>\
Your neighbour is a man who likes to be called John Doe, His real name is John G. Walker. <<include [[John Doe]]>><</if>>\
Could it be that your neighbour John's paranoia held a grain of truth? Perhaps there are forces at work, beings from higher dimensions that had taken an interest in your life.
<div class="choice">[[continue->alladin lamp musing]]</div>The moon hung low in the sky, casting eerie shadows that danced along the path. You walked aimlessly, trying to clear your mind. The stress of the past few weeks had been overwhelming, and tonight, you just needed to escape. You didn't pay attention to where you were going, your feet carrying you farther from the familiar streets of your neighborhood and deeper into the woods at the edge of town.
You saw the forest ahead and thought it wouldn't hurt to take a walk there. The more trees around, the better, right? As you entered the woods, the memories of hiking trips you took in school flooded back. Life had seemed so straightforward then, every problem and every triumph feeling monumental in its own right.
When you were in school, you often thought most things sucked. The pressures of grades, friendships, and teenage angst weighed heavily on you. But now, as you look back, those problems seem insubstantial, mere bumps in the road compared to the struggles you face today.
A thought crosses your mind: maybe a decade from now, you'll look back on your current problems and realize they were nothing to worry about. Life has a way of putting things in perspective, showing you that what seems overwhelming now might later be seen as a minor challenge—or a laughable footnote in a lifetime of chaos.
<div class="choice">[[keep on walking ->big ass moon]]</div>You like anthropomorphic characters with a weird passion. Some people call you degenerate, but you prefer the term "furry". A lifestyle choice, an identity, a way of life that lets your inner beast run free.
And now that you find yourself in this godforsaken forest, you might as well start making animal sounds and walk on all fours. You are not walking on all fours now, are you? No! Granted you are a little mentally unstable but that would be too much, not to mention that it would be really hectic.
You are a
<label><<radiobutton "$gender" "male" checked>> man</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$gender" "female" >> woman</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$gender" "nonBinary" >> non-binary</label>
<div class='choice'>
[[Continue->bipedal question]]
</div>You try to not think of what other people think of you now. You feel the need to express yourself even if it is embarrassing.
You stare down at the base of the tree, a primal urge stirring within you. This is your domain now, your territory to mark and claim as your own. You eye the bark, feeling that familiar itch to let loose and stake your claim like only a true street hound can.
Throwing propriety to the wind, you bend down and assume the position - one leg hiked high in the air, foot leaving the ground entirely as you teeter precariously on your remaining appendages. It's a bold stance, one that screams, "I'm not just any domesticated house pet - I'm a street mutt who plays by his own rules."
As the stream begins to flow, you can't help but revel in the sheer liberation of it all. This is no dainty tinkle against a hydrant - no, you're going full-force, spraying that tree trunk with reckless abandon. Every fiber of your being expels pure liquid defiance, a bold statement that you are the alpha dog of this patch of forest.
Nearby, a skunk watches you, its eyes wide and its face clearly saying, "What in the world is this lunatic doing?". The little guy must have thought tonight was a good time to get outside, eat some bugs, relish in the scenery of the beautiful forest. But sadly it now has to see your bizarre antics. The skunk is deathly silent and still, no doubt intimidated by your display of sheer virility.
You start to think about the differences between a furry and an animal. Well, one is an animal and the other is an animal in an animal fur-suit. But its more than that. On the surface, it might seem like someone in fur-suit, but it's actually about the love and support the furry community shares and the positive vibes that come with it. You like how you are allowed to be a part of such a tight knit community.
<<include [[tight knit and cancel culture ramblings]] >>
"Looks like I've hit the bottom of the tank" you think. When at last you're finished, you give one final shake, splattering the surrounding foliage with bitter reminders of your presence. Straightening up, you let out a guttural howl, proclaiming your dominance over this domain to any would-be challengers lurking in the underbrush.
You take one last look at the skunk, who appears to be inching closer. You nod, ready to engage in this absurd showdown of animal dominance, fully prepared to flex your human muscles in the most ludicrous display of one-upmanship.
But you forgot the skunk's secret weapon. <<include [[skunk bukkake]]>>
<div class="choice">[[continue->run from skunk]]</div>
<<set $furry to 2>>As you searched for a suitable spot to answer nature's call, the thought of finding a genie's lamp continued to occupy your mind. Your imagination ran wild, considering the endless possibilities that three wishes could offer.
But then, a practical notion crept in: the ultimate loophole, wishing for more wishes. It seemed like the perfect solution, the key to unlocking unlimited desires. After all, who wouldn't want to have their every whim fulfilled without restriction?
Yet, a nagging doubt lingered. If genies truly existed and granted such wishes, wouldn't someone have exploited this loophole by now? Surely, the genie must have anticipated the temptation to wish for infinite wishes and made provisions to prevent it.
You chuckled at the absurdity of it all. Perhaps there was an unspoken rule among genies, a silent agreement to deny such requests in order to preserve their own sanity. After all, the last thing they would want is to be inundated with endless demands from greedy mortals like yourself. Because otherwise, people like yourself would suck the genies dry (figuratively, of course).
A sense of urgency urged you to find a suitable spot to relieve yourself. After all, enough was enough with the brain ramblings—you were up, you were ready, you just needed to handle this pressing matter. So, what kind of spot would suit your current needs?
* [[The Ladies]] : A secluded spot behind a cluster of bushes, shrouded in the gentle embrace of nature's greenery, offering privacy and a sense of security. The perfect choice for those who prefer a bit of discretion and comfort, where the rustling leaves and chirping birds provide a soothing backdrop to one's intimate moments. Here, amidst the tranquil sanctuary of foliage, one can find solace and peace, away from prying eyes and the chaos of the outside world. It's a haven where one can reconnect with their inner self, allowing nature to embrace them in its tender embrace, as they answer the call of the wild with grace and poise.
* [[The dudes]] : find tree. any tree. no tree? no problem. find ant hill.
* [[non binary fellas]] : muh gender muh choice. You are pretty flexible when it comes to choosing a spot for doing your business in this wilderness. You are so flexible, some would say you are fluid (insert cringe laughter track background). Anyway, You belong to the non conformist gang.
* [[furry]] : Hmmm, you umm... You take nonconformity like really seriously. You may or may not consider yourself non binary when it comes to gender, but you are first and foremost a furry when it comes to identity.<<set $rested to false>>
Despite the exhaustion, you decide to push forward. You take a deep breath, feeling the strain in your muscles, and force yourself to continue down the path.
As you walk, every step feels heavier, but you focus on the rhythm of your movements. The forest around you is quiet, the only sound the crunch of leaves beneath your feet and the distant call of an owl.
The moonlight filters through the canopy, casting eerie shadows that tango with your imagination. Your mind drifts to the stories you've heard about this place—like your landlord's tall tale about his cousin finding a ghost in the forest or some nonsense like that. You dismissed it then because you figured he was just one late payment away from headlining his own chilling documentary on financial misfortune.
Suddenly, a rustling sound from the bushes ahead snaps you back to reality. You freeze, heart pounding, and peer into the darkness. For a moment, everything is still. Then, a small figure emerges – a fox, its eyes glowing in the moonlight. It pauses, watching you with curiosity.
<img src="assets/images/compressed/fox-eyes.webp">
After a moment of intense scrutiny, the fox seems to lose interest and slinks away into the shadows. Damn shame, really. You were already mentally fluffing up its fur in your mind. Oh well, guess you'll have to settle for chasing after butterflies or something equally less awesome.
<div class="choice">[[continue walking]]</div>Yeah that's what you will do. But thinking about that won't do you any good. The predicament you find yourself in is undoubtedly dire, with each passing moment amplifying the urgency of your plight. Perhaps shifting to a different location holds the promise of a breakthrough?
You consider the possibility: What if, by some stroke of luck, you stumble upon a signal? The mere thought ignites a spark of optimism amidst the gloom. After all, what harm is there in exploring this avenue of chance? Venturing forth, driven by hope and determination, could unveil unforeseen opportunities and lead to a resolution that defies the odds.
<div class="choice">[[look for signal->look for signal]] </div>As you were attending to your business, you suddenly find a skunk giving you the most intense stare you've ever received. You feel utterly violated by its lecherous gaze. Clearly, this must be the first time this forest-dwelling Casanova has encountered such a sight—after all, how many women wander into these woods to relieve themselves?
Caught mid-stream, you ponder your options: flee in panic or stand your ground. The risk of ruining your clothes in a hasty retreat makes you reluctantly decide to finish the task at hand.
Uncertain of what to do, you lock eyes with the creature. It seems prudent to maintain vigilance, lest this audacious skunk decides to capitalize on the moment and take advantage of a poor damsel tonight.
You observe the skunk inching closer to you, akin to a guy at a bar unsure of how to make a move. "What do you do for fun Oh Mr. Skunk?," you think wryly. Then it dawns on you: skunks have something they like to do.
<<linkreplace "...">>\
They are notorious for their exceptional farting abilities of course. Just as this revelation hits, the skunk twists it's mighty canon of an ass towards you...
<img src="assets/images/compressed/skunk_meme.webp">
and bukkakes you with his scent.
nani???
Skunks could certainly sabotage romantic evenings with their own kind, but who's to say their female counterparts aren't into it?
"Stop it! It's no time to ponder on skunk fetishes" you think.
<div class="choice">[[run away->run from skunk lady]]</div>
<</linkreplace>>You navigate through the dense thicket, every step a calculated risk, holding your phone aloft like a modern-day Indiana Jones questing for the elusive treasure of Connectivity. You brave through tangled vines and looming branches, each obstacle a test of your determination in pursuit of the ultimate prize: a stable signal amidst the wilderness.
As you press on through the labyrinthine depths of the forest, time seems to warp, stretching the journey into an endless odyssey. With each stride, you channel the agility of a newborn deer on ice, delicately maneuvering past nature's obstacles with a grace born of necessity.
Yet, just as your resolve seems unbreakable, a cruel twist of fate unfolds. With a flicker, your phone's screen dims and then unceremoniously extinguishes, leaving you stranded in the heart of the forest.
<div class="choice">[[that sucks a lot->black screen]] </div><<set $websiteLinkClicked to false>>
The input box is right there on the bottom of the screen. You can click it and start writing what you think would be helpful bits about your situation. Time is ticking, and your phone's about to go dark any second now.
Maybe write something like:
<<textbox "$temp" "stuck in forest.help plez UWU" autofocus>>
<div class="choice">
<<link [[press send button]]>><</link>>
</div><<set $gender to "nonBinary">>
DEV NOTICE: This path is done yet.
<<include [[donation page]]>><<if $saneAppPick>>\
Yeah, that seems like a sane thing to do... Wait, isn't that precisely what someone who is not sane would think?
<<elseif not $saneAppPick>>\
You pause and ponder whether using this will do you any good. Isn't this like an insane choice?
<</if>>\
The line between sanity and insanity is often more blurred than you care to admit. How do we truly know if we are sane or not? What is the essence of insanity? How can we, with our subjective minds, judge the boundaries of sanity?
You start to ponder, perhaps everyone is an impostor, masquerading under the guise of normal behavior. We conform to societal norms, projecting an image of rationality. But what if those we deem insane are simply those who refuse to conform? Perhaps they are the ones who see the world as it is, unfiltered by societal expectations.
Insanity, then, might not be a matter of mental aberration but a refusal to play along with the collective illusion of normality. Maybe true sanity lies in recognizing the absurdity of it all and choosing not to participate in the charade.
But then again, these thoughts can spiral endlessly. Perhaps it is more practical, and arguably more sane, to focus on the task at hand.<<set $saneAppPick to true>>\
<<set $appChoice to "onlineMessaging">>\
<<if !visited("Calculator")>>\
<<include [[on insanity]]>>\
<</if>>
Anyway you see the phone screen shining in your hand. You have to do something now.
You can see a list of names. The people have had conversations with recently. The name at the top has a bright blue dot indicating that it is a recent unread message.
It came from John Doe, your neighbor, though technically his name is John G. Walker. <<include [[John Doe]]>>
You once asked him why he still uses this messaging app if it shares his data with the lizard people, and he replied that everyone else using the app is a idiot who does not understand the world. However, since he occasionally needs to communicate with such idiots, he created an account on the app using a fake phone number obtained from some shady website.
You open his message because and you are curious and the bright blue dot is really itching you.
His message is:
<<include [[chat message]]>>
below it is a link to website you believe is about online anonymity.
You can click the link and browse the website. But the cool forest breeze and the hooting of some owl reminds you where you are.
You think telling him about your situation would be better. He can get help for you by informing some authorities. Maybe they will make a search party to come find you in that case.
<div class="choice">[[click the link]] </div>
<div class="choice">[[message him]] </div>As you sit on the thick tree branch, lost in contemplation, another pressing matter begins to demand your attention. The discomfort slowly builds, a subtle yet insistent pressure in your lower abdomen. At first, it's merely a nagging sensation, easily ignored amidst the chaos of your thoughts. But soon, it grows more persistent, each passing moment amplifying the urgency. You really need to piss it seems.
You shift uncomfortably on the branch, trying to distract yourself from the increasing need. Every rustle of leaves, every distant sound of the forest only serves to remind you of your predicament. Your muscles tense, fighting against the inevitable, but the pressure continues to mount, relentless in its insistence.
With each passing second, the discomfort becomes more pronounced, a relentless drumbeat in the back of your mind. You find yourself torn between the desire to find relief and the inconvenience of addressing your bodily needs in the middle of the wilderness.
But as the pressure reaches its peak, you realize that nature's call cannot be ignored any longer. With a resigned sigh, you steel yourself for the inevitable task ahead, knowing that finding a suitable spot to relieve yourself is now your top priority, no matter how inconvenient the timing may be.
<div class="choice">[[gotta find a spot to do your business]]</div>It's understandable that nobody would bother ensuring the range of cell phone towers extends to the forest. After all, who in their right mind would willingly leave the creature comforts of modern civilization to go galavanting amongst the mosquito-infested foliage? Certainly not the high-brow executives calling the shots at the major telecom conglomerates.
If you found the people responsible for this lack of forest cell coverage, you would...
<div class="choice">\
<<link [[hurl bricks at their faces->knowing player psyche]]>><<set $physicallyViolent = 1>>\<</link>>\
</div>\
<div class="choice">\
<<link [[angrily berate them->knowing player psyche]]>><<set $verballyViolent = 1>><</link>>\
</div>\
<div class="choice">\
<<link [[think there is no need to be angry at them->knowing player psyche]]>><<set $understandingPerson = 1>><</link>>\
</div>\You imagine a scenario where you call the police helpline and how it would turn out given your absurd disposition.
''//Emergency helpline operator: //'' This is the emergency helpline. What is your emergency?
''//You: //'' Um, hi, I'm like, totally stuck. Please help senpai UWU
''//Emergency helpline operator: //'' Is someone holding you at gunpoint and you can't tell me without giving it away that you called this number? Do you need immediate assistance? If so, say "The night is chilly today."
''//You: //'' There is no one with me. I am alone and thirsty for your love senpai.
''//Emergency helpline operator: //'' Right... So, which drugs are you currently on?
''//You: //'' Your love is the only drug I need. It has been the ultimate addiction, and I'm not looking for rehab.
Your brain overheats trying to come up with what the operator would say next in this ridiculous scenario you came up with.
You see the phone in your hand and think how can you afford to waste time day dreaming about something so stupid in this dire situation. The jungle does not have any signs for directions and your phone is going to die any moment now.
You consider a few options:
<div class="choice">\
<<link [[call mommy->call someone]]>>\
<<set $tryCall to "mom">>\
<</link>></div>\
<div class="choice">\
<<link [[call your friend->call someone]]>>\
<<set $tryCall to "friend">>\
<</link>></div>\
<div class="choice">\
<<link [[call emergency helpline->call someone]]>>\
<<set $tryCall to "emergencyhelpline">>\
<</link>></div>\For too long, you've deluded yourself with fanciful notions of "temporary" misadventure - a mere detour en route to triumphant return. But those flimsy illusions hold no sway against the harsh glare of reality now burning through the haze of self-delusion. As you gaze out over the sprawling, primordial expanse engulfing you from all sides, a tremor of existential dread rattles your core. This isn't just some whimsical sojourn into the unknown to be cheerily recounted over hot toddies back in civilization. You are obscenely, indisputably...stuck. Marooned in an endless sea of unfamiliar green, with nary a lifeline to the world you once knew.
Hmm.. Why have you started suspecting you will never make it out? Do you perhaps want to see yourself suffer? Do you feel like you are the protagonist of some epic novel that needs to go through rough situations for the sake of character development? Or maybe you are just curious to see where it goes. After all you are resting your ass comfortably wondering what happens next to you because you are detached from the consequences.
Wait, you are not resting... you are standing in the middle of the forest and it's really unpleasant here. Why did you have this strange thought. Who are you? Are you the puppet or the puppet-master?
Right now you believe, its fair to assume you are both.You press the send button, hoping that John Doe won't think this is a prank. However, you notice that the message isn't getting delivered. Opening your status bar, you discover there's no internet connection here.
<div class="choice">[[continue->player psyche choice]] </div>You gingerly start peeling off your T-shirt, making sure to keep the fabric taut at your back to prevent any unexpected centipede field trips toward your face. The mere thought of that creepy crawler anywhere near your eyes or attempting an ear canal expedition sends a jolt of revulsion through you
You successfully strip off your T-shirt, trapping the centipede within its fabric confines. If you had a lighter, you'd probably torch this nightmare bundle along with the entire forest for good measure. Fortunately for everyone else, your lack of equipment prevents any fiery escapades.
With a heave of relief, you hurl the bundle of horror away from you and hastily stride in the opposite direction. Despite knowing that centipedes probably wont be exactly keen on following you, you can't help but sneak frequent glances over your shoulder, just to be sure. At this point, your level of befuddlement is such that you couldn't care less about the centipede's travel preferences.
<div class="choice">
<<if $centipedeBit>>
<<link [[continue walking|death by centipede venom]]>><</link>>
<<else>>
<<link [[continue walking|continue walking]]>> <</link>>
<</if>>
</div>Though you already stink, it would be better to not linger on. You find your feet suddenly possessed by an Olympic sprinter's spirit, propelling you in the opposite direction of the skunk faster than you ever thought possible. <<if $furry is 2>>For a moment you consider running on all fours. But given what happened, you think it's better do human things for a while.<</if>>
As you bolt away from the scene, you can't help but feel a sense of liberation in your wild instincts, no matter how uncouth they may seem to the 'civilized' crowd.
Sure, the so-called "civilized" folk might turn up their noses at your feral habits. <<if $furry is 2>>But deep down, you know there's no greater freedom than the freedom to lift a leg and leave your mark wherever you damn well please.<</if>>
<div class="choice">[[continue->skunk imagine]]</div>Though you already stink, it would be better to not linger on. You find your feet suddenly possessed by an Olympic sprinter's spirit, propelling you in the opposite direction of the skunk faster than you ever thought possible.
Then, a curious thought crosses your mind: you've been referring to the skunk as 'he'. What if it's actually a 'she'? You realize you've inadvertently misgendered the animal. If the skunk had a Twitter account, it might have launched into a scathing rant about how you are so terrible for misgendering him... her? But what if the skunk doesn't identify as either gender? What if it's an LGBTQIA skunk? These thoughts are useless- lets be practical, skunks won't be able to pay for a phone and would turn to thievery in order to rant online about issues they think everyone cares about.
<div class="choice">[[continue->skunk imagine]]</div>You can't really stop yourself from pressing the Calculator app icon. Doing something absurd is often deeply alluring to you.
Ultimately, the allure of absurdity lies in its ability to surprise, delight, and inspire. It reminds us that life doesn't always have to be taken so seriously, and that sometimes, the most meaningful experiences come from the most unexpected places.
But you are not absurd like everyone else... no. You are special. You are a limited edition absurd.
<div class="choice">[[continue->calculate something]] </div>
<<set $saneAppPick to false>>As soon as you realized what's up, it bukkaked you with its signature scent.
<img src="assets/images/compressed/skunk_meme.webp">
nani???You stand there, staring blankly at the hole you've created in the ground. A grave, you'd like to call it, but even you know that this pathetic excavation is an insult to the entire concept of burial. It looks more like the work of a drunk gopher than a respectful final resting place. You shake your head in disbelief at your own ineptitude, wondering how you managed to botch something as simple as digging a hole.
Glancing down at your phone, you notice its screen shining under the moonlight as you tilt it at just the right angle. A thing of beauty, now dead – much like your hopes and dreams of being a competent hole-digger. You never aspired to be in the top 1% of hole diggers but you didn't think you would be this bad at it.
Then, like a bolt from the blue, realization dawns upon you once more. It's as if the universe has decided to aim its peculiar thought cannon directly at your brain today, for reasons unbeknownst to you. Yet, amidst the barrage of eccentric musings, this particular thought stands out—not for its strangeness, you suppose. You've come to a simple yet profound realization: the phone isn't dead after all. It's merely the battery that has exhausted its charge. Quite the revelation, isn't it?
You don't need to bury it now.
It feels like you're scrambling to find reasons to avoid the task you set out to do initially. Maybe it's because, deep down, you knew burying your phone is kinda silly. If someone catches you in the act, they might suspect there is something shady in your phone, something that would make you feel utterly embarrassed if it were to be revealed.
You believe you still have a choice. A choice you can make that signifies your free will. You are the maker of your destiny. You may not be able to choose what happens to you (who can?) but the power to decide what you do in these circumstances remains yours alone.
You decide among the following choices
<div class="choice">[[bury the phone for good]] </div>
<div class="choice">[[No need to bury the phone, you just had a moment of irrationality]] </div><<set $rested to true>>
With a heavy sigh, you make your way to the large stone and sit down, feeling the cool surface against your legs. As you catch your breath, you take in your surroundings. The forest is eerily quiet, the only sound the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze.
Sitting there, you reflect on your current state. How did it come to this? You used to be so full of energy, able to take on anything. Now, even a simple walk feels like a Herculean task. You wonder if it's too late to turn things around, to regain the vitality you once had.
As you sit on the stone, catching your breath and lost in your thoughts, a sudden rustling sound breaks the stillness. Your heart skips a beat, and you snap your head toward the noise. The forest, which had seemed so peaceful moments ago, now feels charged with an unsettling energy. The leaves whisper secrets you can't decipher, and the shadows seem to shift and stir on their own. You strain your eyes, peering into the darkness, trying to discern if it was just the wind or something more.
<div class="choice">[[Try to pin point the location of the sound]] </div>
<div class="choice">[[Must have been the wind]] </div>You realize that this is more than just a subculture – it's a sanctuary. A place where dreams are painted in vibrant colors, where every character has a story, and where every individual, no matter how different, is welcomed with open arms. It's a reminder that we all have a wild, untamed spirit within us, yearning to be set free.
But what if it's an echo chamber? You wonder if sometimes we're just reinforcing our own beliefs and missing out on other perspectives. It's comforting to be surrounded by like-minded people, but maybe it's also important to step outside that comfort zone and hear different voices. It's a balance, you guess – staying true to what you love while still being open to new ideas and growth.
Because otherwise, you end up with cancel culture, and it's heartbreaking. You've noticed that some of the most tight-knit communities tend to take an active role in canceling others. Maybe it's a reflex action because these people have been ostracized and shunned all their lives. But now, they're continuing the same cycle of hate and non-acceptance. It's ironic and sad – a community built on the ideals of love and acceptance sometimes ends up replicating the very behaviors it sought to escape from.You can see various apps on your screen. Which app do you choose to open
<div class="choice">\
<<if hasVisited("Calculator")>>\
[[Calculator (use again??) ->scnd time calc]]\
<<else>>\
[[Calculator]]\
<</if>>\
</div>
<div class="choice">[[online messaging app]]</div>
<div class="choice"> [[Contacts app]] </div>
<div class="choice"> [[Maps]] </div>
<div class="choice"> [[YouTube]] </div><<if $centiEncounter>>You can feel sweat trickling down your nose, courtesy of that recent heart-stopping encounter with the giant centipede. Because nothing says "welcome to the forest" like a big, creepy and possibly venomous bug.<<if $subCenti>> You can't help but lament how little it took to scare you away. You pussy.<<elseif $domCenti>> You were not really scared— just taken by surprise, your adrenaline reached heights you never thought were possible. Showing little bugs their rightful place under your foot is what you do best. Alas, this one got away.\
<</if>>\
<<else>>\
You trudge forward, legs screaming in protest with every arduous step. A homely, unassuming rock looms in your mind's eye - the one you callously spurned not half a mile back. It had beckoned you with its humble, yet comfortable existence, but like a pompous fool, you arrogantly dismissed its siren call.
Who needs some dusty old boulder to rest upon?" you had scoffed, visions of grandiose endurance spurring you onward. "I'll simply power through this pathetic trail like a True Adventurer™!
You can almost hear the stone's echoing voice mocking you from afar. "Too good for little old me, were you? Well, now your doughy buttocks shall know true suffering as you trudge onward, you arrogant sod!"
Gritting your teeth, you press onward, determined not to let an anthropomorphized piece of geologic detritus get the better of you. With each grueling step, visions of that perfectly contoured, moss-adorned surface taunt your addled mind. "Imagine how restorative a quick sit could have been," the phantasmic rock cackles. "But no, you simply had to let pride overrule common sense! Bask in the folly of your choices, fool!"
Despite your tiredness, you feel its getting easier to walk as time goes by.
<</if>>You notice your body feels oddly lighter now, like you've traded in gravity for helium. Maybe all that overthinking has finally short-circuited your brain. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what's going on, but does it really matter? You're starting to get bored, and let's face it, it's probably time to head back before you start floating away like a confused balloon.Your mind races as you process the sight before you. "Okay, okay, that's enough nature for one night," you think, your heart still racing from the encounter. "Who knew forests were so... lively?" You can feel a shiver run down your spine as you imagine the sensation of those tiny legs crawling over your skin.
<<include [[centipede on arm imagine]]>>
<div class="choice">[[continue walking]] </div>
<<set $subCenti = true>>You have relieved yourself. But at what cost? You stink now. A foul, putrid odor clings to you like a bad breakup song. If there were any creatures nearby, they must have gagged and fled in terror. Given that you can't see anyone around, they probably already absconded.
You also experienced a severe case of caveman-tongue... more like caveman-thought. In that primal moment, you were so deeply proud of your masculinity that you felt like there was nothing more masculine than a full-blown caveman. Yes, for now you are not so far off than your ancient ancestors anyway.
Your caveman forefathers lived in these very forests, hunting and gathering, battling skunks and fearsome beasts. They pissed on trees with reckless abandon, marking their territory like the kings of the wilderness they were. And as you leaned against that sturdy oak, taking your own territorial tinkle, you felt an overwhelming connection to your roots.
For a fleeting moment, you were one with your primitive kin – a hairy, loincloth-clad brute, grunting and chest-thumping his way through the untamed wild. You could practically smell the campfire smoke and taste the charred meat on your tongue.
But then reality came crashing back. The stench hit you like a woolly mammoth stampede, reminding you that while you may feel like a noble caveman, you still have to face the modern consequences of your actions. No amount of chest-beating or aggressive tree-marking could mask the fact that you, sir, are quite literally a walking biohazard.
So embrace your inner caveman if you must, but remember – even the fiercest of hunters knew when to hold their noses and move upwind. Your ancestors would be proud...but also probably a little grossed out.
<div class="choice">[[continue->skunk imagine]]</div>You unleash a flurry of flailing and shaking, as though you've suddenly become the star of an impromptu, high-energy tribal dance. You rigorously try to shake off the centipede from your arm. But... it doesn't go away, not so fast, as if it's enjoying the ride a little too much.
In horror, you watch as the centipede scuttles up your arm, its tiny legs tickling your skin as it crawls with disturbing precision, quicker than you can say "Yamete Kudasai!". It quickly reaches your back, where you frantically try to twist your elbow in weird ways so as to reach the large bug. The centipede finds the entrance to inside your T-shirt through the back of your neck and crawls in.
Your heart goes from zero to NASCAR in a split second as the centipede pulls a Houdini act and vanishes into the fabric, sending shivers down your spine that feel like an icy grip squeezing your heart, then radiating outward. With a burst of adrenaline-fueled panic, you grab the bug mid-crawl on the side of your stomach, through the fabric, and hold it away from your skin like it's a grenade with a bad attitude.
The little devil is still lurking inside your shirt, but you're determined to keep it as far away from your skin as possible. It's like a twisted game of "The Floor is Lava," except instead of lava, it's a venomous centipede. Oh, the joys of outdoor adventures.
<div class="choice">[[crush the centipede]] </div>
<div class="choice">[[remove your Tshirt carefully]] </div>
<<set $centipedeBit = false>>Why did this thought occur to you? It's like you're puppeteering someone against their will, and they're fighting back with the only weapon they have: a confetti cannon of absurdity. It feels like you have been doing this as soon as you stepped out of your house.
But you are not controlling anyone. Maybe you are the one being controlled. Controlled by your compulsions, perhaps? Yes that's right! You are the victim here, not the perpetrator. As far as you know, you're just stuck in the jungle—or maybe it's a forest; you're not quite sure—and the main thing on your agenda is finding your way back before the mosquitoes turn you into their all-you-can-eat buffet.
With a shake of your head, you push the idea aside and focus on more practical solutions to your predicament. You take a deep breath, steeling yourself for the task ahead, and set off once more, determined to find your way out of the forest without resorting to ridiculousness.
<div class="choice">[[continue->consider meditation]]</div>
<<set $phoneBuried to 0>>You are getting ahead of yourself, you think. It's time to get out of this dark place.
@@.tom;"You might be wondering what this handsome man has in store for you,"@@ said a booming voice coming from no general direction.
You are taken aback by the general lack of sincerity in the voice. Part of you feels angry that the speaker isn't stating their name and business. You retort, @@.me;"My mother always taught me to introduce oneself first before going on unnecessary rants about one's aesthetics. Did your mother never tell you that?" you say to the darkness.@@
@@.tom;"My mother died when I was 5"@@ the voice replies.
@@.me;"Oh..."@@
@@.tom;"Ahahahaha, look at your face! How could you fall for such an old trick?"@@
@@.me;"..."@@
The voice keeps laughing at your expense, the sound echoing ominously in the darkness. You are fairly certain this voice belongs to the man you saw in the forest a minute ago.
@@.me;"Regardless of your taste for dark humor, don't you think it's about time you actually introduce yourself? or atleast take me to heaven if you are the grim reaper or something"@@
@@.tom;"You are not going to heaven. What are you on about?"@@
@@.me;"That's... not surprising. Anyway, I always thought hell is a much cooler place. Well it's a much hotter one but you get the idea."@@
@@.tom;"You seem to be under the assumption that you are dead. Well, no, you haven't died, at least not yet"@@
You get the chills when you hear "not yet." This is getting seriously sketchy. It's like you've become that clueless character in a horror movie who wanders into the woods at night without a clue. Oh wait... that's you to a T. You are wishing for a knight <<if $romPref is "female">>with some nice ass (personality)<</if>> to step in and save you from this wretched dragon's claws. <<if $gender is "male">>Regardless of the snake in your pants, you are clearly a maiden in distress in this situation.<</if>> Your breathing quickens as panic sets in. Frantically, you scramble to think of something—anything—that might save you from this threatening individual. Your heart races, and a cold sweat forms as you desperately search for the right words.
@@.me;"So I'm still alive? Well, before you decide to kill me or torture me or whatever, you should know this: the police are on their way. They'll find you, so you'd better run while you still can!"@@ You say with a forced bravado. But as the words leave your mouth, they feel far less convincing.
@@.tom;"First of all, I have all the time in the world, and secondly, are you seriously trying to bluff the Bluff-master here? I saw you <<nobr>>
<<switch $appChoice>>
<<case "calculator">>
fiddle around with that calculator app on your phone
<<case "youtube">>
watch a cat trying to fit in a box.
<<case "contacts">>
when you were trying to call
<<switch $tryCall>>
<<case "mom">>
your mommy. Did the forest scare you? did you wet your diaper? haaahaha
<<case "friend">>
your friend. What even is their actual name? You saved their number as "friend" as if they are some generic npc that are not relevant to the plot
<<case "emergencyhelpline">>
the police. You forgot to check the signal before making the call
<</switch>>
<<case "maps">>
open the maps app and then clicking the same button a dozen times. It's frustrating having to click something over and over again to make it work. How can you live with this junk tech?
<<case "onlineMessaging">>
<<if $websiteLinkClicked is true>>fiddling with that terrible page on the world wide web. It was a really terrible design with information all over the place and the sound so loud even a dead man would wake up
<<else>>typing that message on your phone to this mysterious person. You forgot to check the signal before going through all the trouble of typing something in the message bar.
<</if>>
<</switch>><</nobr>>. And by the way, your technology is so primitive it can't even cover your entire planet, let alone help you out here. It is so amusing how backwards you guys are. But nice try, though"@@
<div class="choice">[[continue->introduce tom]]</div>You raise an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity reflects in your voice as you say|player>[ "of all the people in the world you have come specifically to me. It's obvious you need me. And all I need is chill life."]
|tom>["That's understandable. But sometimes, a little adventure can make a chill life even better. Maybe we can find a balance between the two. What do you say?"]
<div class='choice'>[[You really want to stress on living comfortably->extreme comfort]]</div>
<div class='choice'>[[You are okay with going on adventures and taking risks sometimes->balance]]</div>
(set:$playerWant to "comfort")After a moment of considering, you say with a sigh.|player>[ "A bit of excitement now and then might be nice but I really want a carefree life."]
|tom>["No one can live without any worries. It's more about how we handle them. Maybe this adventure can help you find new ways to enjoy that chill life you want, without feeling overwhelmed."]
(display: "donation page")After a moment of considering, you say with a sigh.|player>["I suppose that sounds reasonable. A bit of excitement now and then wouldn't hurt. Alright, let's see where this goes."]@@.me;"So...You have been watching me? You degenerate stalker punk."@@ You say furiosly. @@.me;"You watched me piss as well didn't you? <<nobr>>
<<if $gender is "female">>
you pervert! Are you going to ask for feet pics now?
<</if>><</nobr>>\
Also, why do you refer to our tech infrastructure as primitive? Are you a time traveller or something? Don't tell me you are my grandson! Are you here to find if the grandfather paradox is real?@@
@@.tom;"We're getting sidetracked. My name is Tom."@@
@@.me;"So now you're getting to introductions? Don't change the subject!"@@
@@.tom;"Look, I have seen a lot naked people, and I have observed a lot of people from far"@@
@@.me;"...You know that is not helping your case right? Also, its called 'stalking' in case you didn't know."@@
@@.tom;"Listen closely, young one. I am something of a god myself. Your survival might just depend on what I have to say."@@
@@.me;"You? A god?... You looked more like some bloke who overdosed on meth and spanks children sexually. But fine, I'll play along. What's the crucial info? I'm all ears."@@
You hear an audible sigh of defeat from this god who calls himself Tom. After a few seconds of uncomfortable silence he speaks up: @@.tom;"You saw the moon heading towards Earth right? It's about to crash into the Earth's surface and everyone will die!"@@
You feel a sudden clarity, as if you've finally grasped the meaning of life like never before. It struck you as odd how large the moon seemed when you last looked at it. So it was actually moving towards Earth. The voice of the alleged God started speaking again.
@@.tom;"But you can be saved from death. Become my champion and show the evil forces terrifying the galaxy the power of friendship, democracy and divine judgment! oh young one!"@@
@@.me;"You are mixing different agendas here and You definitely copied that cliche champion concept from some fantasy novel didn't you? oh old one!"@@
@@.tom;"Was it that obvious? Hah. I knew it was a bad idea to reuse things from your own world on you... In any case, what I am offering you here is a chance to become my ''representative''. You can call yourself champion, apostle... whatever you prefer."@@
<div class="choice">[[continue->what you want]]</div>You raise an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity reflects in your voice as you say|player>[ "of all the people in the world you have come specifically to me. It's obvious you need me. And all I need is love"]
|tom>["I am sure you can find something or someone that loves you"]
|player>["What do you mean by //something//?"]
|tom>["Well... Robots, Androids, AI, Programs... whatever you want to call them are also a thing in this world"]
|player>["Are you saying I should just start dating my Alexa and call it a day? "]
|tom>["The universe is vast and full of possibilities. I'm sure you'll find the right person for you in time. So let's not stress too much about romantic preferences for now."]
|player>[""]
(set:$playerWant to "love")<<nobr>>
<<if $gender is "male">>
<<set $HeShe to "He">>
<<set $HisHer to "His">>
<<set $heshe to "he">>
<<set $himher to "him">>
<<set $hisher to "his">>
<<set $himselfherself to "himself">>
<<set $boygirl to "boy">>
<<set $boysgirls to "boys">>
<<set $manwoman to "man">>
<<set $menwomen to "men">>
<<set $guygirl to "guy">>
<<set $guysgirls to "guys">>
<<elseif $gender is "female">>
<<set $HeShe to "She">>
<<set $HisHer to "Her">>
<<set $heshe to "she">>
<<set $himher to "her">>
<<set $hisher to "her">>
<<set $himselfherself to "herself">>
<<set $boygirl to "girl">>
<<set $boysgirls to "girls">>
<<set $manwoman to "woman">>
<<set $menwomen to "women">>
<<set $guygirl to "girl">>
<<set $guysgirls to "girls">>
<<elseif $gender is "nonBinary">>
<<set $HeShe to "They">>
<<set $HisHer to "Their">>
<<set $heshe to "they">>
<<set $himher to "them">>
<<set $hisher to "their">>
<<set $himselfherself to "themself">>
<<set $boygirl to "person">>
<<set $boysgirls to "people">>
<<set $manwoman to "person">>
<<set $menwomen to "people">>
<<set $guygirl to "person">>
<<set $guysgirls to "people">>
<</if>><</nobr>>\
\
As you keep running away, it dawns on you that avoiding your problems has become somewhat of a routine. The reason you're in this godforsaken forest is precisely because of that—you wanted to procrastinate a little under the guise of "getting some fresh air and taking a walk."
Your pace slows as exhaustion sets in. Hunger gnaws at your stomach, and thirst parches your throat.
While contemplating your next move, you spot a man in a slick black suit staring at you intensely. You stare back, jaw agape, half-expecting a mosquito to fly in and give you a tongue-tickling smooch. Realizing a French kiss with a mosquito isn't on your bucket list, you snap your mouth shut and take a step back. The man's smile is awkwardly creepy, and it wouldn't have bothered you so much if you were somewhere with police, cellphone coverage, and people within shouting range.
You've seen movies where cannibal serial killers have hideouts in the wilderness, away from prying eyes where they can do their gruesome deeds. It's dawning on you—this might be your final scene.
The man starts talking, but his words are inaudible. Is he trying to be funny? You're in the middle of scouting for a fallen branch to smack this weirdo if he gets too close when suddenly, you find yourself in a pitch-black place.
Hmm... You're pretty sure there are no light switches in forests. This is an unexpected turn of events, even for you. It feels so unnatural to be plunged into darkness like this, especially out here in the wild. Come to think of it, there was more light in the forest at night than usual before it turned pitch black. Might have had something to do with the moon being so big tonight.
But now you are here-in real, hard hitting darkness... There's only one rational explanation—or maybe more. Why are you being so dramatic? Anyway, you think you might be dead. The man probably had a sniper positioned at your back, which explains why you didn't hear a gunshot before you collapsed. The sniper must have gotten a headshot. He must be a pro, though you're not sure why the man would hire a sniper. He could have just shot you himself. Maybe it was part of some deranged fantasy. You've seen the internet and you know there are plenty of people with bizarre hobbies, like watching someone die in the middle of the forest by a sniper.
You feel a certain weight lift off your shoulders. No more worrying about finding food and water now that you're dead. But why are you still feeling hungry? Wait, is this hell? What if you're doomed to feel hungry and thirsty forever, yet never able to satisfy those needs? You won't even be able to die now that you're already dead. Now you get why the ghosts in horror movies were so restless and tormented. The eternal, unfulfilled cravings, the never-ending despair—it's all starting to make sense. This realization hits you with a new kind of dread, one that goes beyond the physical. You might be trapped in an endless cycle of suffering, with no escape in sight.
You feel like you are just on the wrong trajectory. There might be food for ghosts. They might be able to eat something? Maybe they can feed on human emotions? The idea intrigues you. If ghosts thrive on fear, joy, or sorrow, perhaps you can find a way to sustain yourself.
This new possibility gives you a sense of purpose. For now, you think you should get out of this pitch-black place and find yourself a nice old castle or a suspiciously low-priced suburban house to haunt. It's time to feed on some screams by doing a few jumpscares here and there.
You might even be able to start a family with another ghost you find.
<div class="choice">\
<<link [[You prefer a female ghost->booming voice]]>>\
<<set $romPref to "female">>\
<</link>></div>\
<div class="choice">\
<<link [[You prefer a guy ghost->booming voice]]>>\
<<set $romPref to "male">>\
<</link>>\
</div>\
<div class="choice">\
<<link [[Both type of ghosts would do->booming voice]]>>\
<<set $romPref to "both">>\
<</link>>\
</div>\
<div class="choice">\
<<link [[You don't want any love->booming voice]]>>\
<<set $romPref to "none">>\
<</link>>\
</div>\<img src="assets/images/forest-no-moon.jpg">
After an undetermined amount of time passes, you open your eyes and sit upright with a jolt. The events that led you here slowly fill your memory. You remember having that conversation with that Tom fella who calls himself god. Then you emptied your tank before encountering that foul beast who marked you with his vicious scent. You don't stink anymore but its probably because your nose is accustomed to the smell by now.
A long time must have passed while you were lying here in the forest... were you not in the city the last time you looked around? This is strange... You remember seeing street lights. Perhaps you are so tired and homesick that you are experiencing dreams while awake, maybe nightmares... You know are not totally making this up because you once saw a reddit post about someone who claimed she found her boyfriend kissing her divorced mother so she broke up with him only to later realise the hanky panky kissing scene was in her dream. But no harm was done because her boyfriend was an understanding and empathetic individual. He married her mother... Some trolls were talking about the original poster calls her boyfriend daddy now but you don't think that's realistic like at all. She probably calls him mother-fucker.
<<include [[donation page]] >>You raise an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity reflects in your voice as you say|player>[ "of all the people in the world you have come specifically to me. It's obvious you need me. And all I need is power"]
|tom>["HO HO HO So you want power eh? That's interesting"]
(set:$playerWant to "power")You wake up with a lingering dizziness. Lying on your back in a familiar street, you spot a purple blob on a streetlight at the edge of your vision. You roll onto your stomach to get a better look, but immediately regret it as the world around you begins to violently vibrate with a sudden movement. You're fairly certain your surroundings aren't actually shaking—it's your vision that's unsteady. You close and open your eyes several times, hoping the disorientation will pass. When you try to stand, you stumble diagonally, still troubled by a mild headache. On all fours now, you cover and rub your eyes, pressing your forehead repeatedly in an attempt to relieve the nausea. You eventually lie back down, conserving energy and close your eyes.
The street is eerily silent; everyone is probably tucked away in bed.
<<nobr>><<switch $romPref>>
<<case "none">>
You find yourself yearning for the comfort of a soft bed and smooth sheets.
<<case "male">>
You find yourself yearning for the comfort of a soft bed, smooth sheets, and the embrace of a warm, comforting man.
<<case "female">>
You find yourself yearning for the comfort of a soft bed, smooth sheets, and the embrace of a warm, comforting woman.
<<case "both">>
You find yourself yearning for the comfort of a soft bed, smooth sheets, and the embrace of a warm, comforting companion.
<</switch>><</nobr>>
<div class='choice'>[[Continue->no moon sky]]</div>Come to think of it, the skunk really did a number on you. As you try to process what it was thinking, an imaginary dialogue forms in your mind: "How dare you relieve yourself on my favorite tree? I wipe my bottom with that every day! Now you've drenched it in your foul liquid, you fiend. I will murder you!"
<img src="assets/images/compressed/skunk_eyebrows_cropped.webp">
You find yourself running because it would be terrible if the skunk is as vicious as you think it is.
<div class="choice">[[continue running like an idiot in the middle of the forest->meet first regalith]]</div>[[someone to love you->love]]
[[living a comfortable life->comfort]]
[[to have a lot of power over everyone->power]]@@.me;"A custom job title? As if we didn't already have enough Chief Inspiration Officers, Chief Happiness Officers and Chief Frosting Officers. I'm not complaining though. What are the benefits? The real, substantial benefits?"@@
@@.tom;"You can travel all over the Universe and you get to play games"@@
@@.me;"And?"@@
@@.tom;"Oh you drive a hard bargain. What more do you want?"@@
That is a good question. What ''do'' you want?
You never really thought you'd get this far. You were convinced your negotiating skills were terrible, but this guy seems like an easy mark. You shift your weight onto your right foot and begin to seriously consider how to scam this god when, suddenly, a terrible headache hits you. It feels as if your eyeballs are trying to push their way out of your skull. You touch your face, noticing it's slightly hot, and to your slight relief, your eyes are still where they belong.
<div class='choice'>[[Continue->scnd start]]</div><<silent>>
<<set $tempStr = "">>
<<set $tempNum = 0>>
<<set $centiEncounter to false>>
<<set $invisibleLink to false>>
<<set $subCenti to false>>
<<set $domCenti to false>>
<<set $centipedeBit to false>>
<<set $tryCall to "">>
<<set $JohnDoeIntroduced to false>>
<<set $rested to false>>
<<set $furry to 0 >>
<<set $phoneBuried to 0>>
<<set $gender to "unspecified">>
<<set $romPref to "none">>
<</silent>><<set _contentWarn = "">>\
(dialog:bind _contentWarn, [This game contains material that some readers may find disturbing and/or offensive, including violence, horror and sexual references. It is not appropriate for children.
So... Are you old enough?]
, "Yes, I am old enough. Now start the game!","No, I'm a child. A very honest one at that")
(event: when _contentWarn is "Yes, I am old enough. Now start the game!")[(go-to: "Start")]
(event: when _contentWarn is "No, I'm a child. A very honest one at that")[(go-to: "You can leave")]
(if:$invisibleLink is true)[ [[Start]] ]
(if:$invisibleLink is true)[ [[You can leave]] ]