Episode 1 ~ Known Unknowns

<a href="javascript:void(0)" data-passage="meeting1"> # **Known Unknowns** ## episode one: the to-do list </a>

YOU: Okay well a more accurate way of saying that might be that me and Summer were best friends and Allen was also there. KAZ: Ah. * [[Don't get me wrong, he was okay.|confession42]] * [[Summer and I had a connection.|confession43]]

YOU: Uh... you might say *halfway* there? *(Kaz whistles.)* <%= display("confession5") %>

YOU: Look just let me finish, okay? It was— we had a moment. KAZ: A *moment* moment? <%= display("confession5") %>

YOU: That depends. Where do you think it's going? KAZ: Somewhere really really gay. *(You lie face down on the desk and groan.)* KAZ: *(leaning forward)* Oh my god. <%= display("confession5") %>

YOU: I mean, you know, we were *kids*. Nothing happened. We never actually... kissed. KAZ: Okay... YOU: ...But we were like five seconds away from *extremely* kissing. KAZ: So like— YOU: So like I definitely went for it. KAZ: Whoa. And? YOU: Have you seen her panic face? KAZ: With the like—? *(They open their eyes really wide.)* YOU: Yeah. She did that. And then she got up and said she had to go home. *(Kaz sucks in air through their teeth.)* YOU: She practically ran out of there. Like she seemed really, really afraid. That was the last time we ever hung out as friends. KAZ: Wait. *That's* how you left it? You never tried to talk to her again? * [[I sent Allen.|confession35]] * [[I got nowhere.|confession36]] * [[I was too afraid.|confession37]]

YOU: This is... complicated. KAZ: You know you can tell me anything, right? Even, like, weird stuff where you think "oh I don't know if they'd be into that"? YOU: I know. I'm just not quite sure where to start. KAZ: How about a general subject area? YOU: Uh, me. KAZ: Okay. YOU: And Allen. And Summer. KAZ: Okay... YOU: ...And I think maybe your sister? KAZ: I— Anja? YOU: Actually, wait. No. Hold on. Rewind. You know how me and Summer and Allen were like all best friends forever back in middle school? *(They nod.)* <%= display("confession1") %>

YOU: I'm not gay. *(They raise their eyebrows.)* YOU: I'm not! Not exactly. KAZ: Right. YOU: I'm just, you know, a little bisexual. KAZ: "A little"? YOU: ...Okay, fine. A lot. Completely. I'm canonically bisexual, is that what you wanted to hear? KAZ: YEP. *(Kaz jumps on you and gives you an excessively tight hug.)* YOU: What is this? Why are you doing this thing with your body? KAZ: Because I'm your frieeeeend! And you're queeeeeeeer!! *(You exhale and pat them on the shoulder.)* YOU: Yes. Thank you Kaz. *(They get down off you.)* KAZ: So... does anyone else know? Have you told Allen? * [[Of course not.|confession17]] * [[I will eventually.|confession19]]

<% portrait("kaz1") %> *(You click your phone off and sit down at the Editor's desk.)* KAZ: Well? YOU: ...I don't know how it happened, but she's coming to my house. KAZ: Huh. Does this mean you're done fighting? YOU: I think we're probably just going to fight in a new location. *(Kaz turns on a computer.)* KAZ: She'll come around soon. Trust. YOU: Uh-huh. KAZ: I mean, you're great! What's not to love about you? *(You stare at Kaz.)* KAZ: ...What? What'd I say? Did I say something dumb? * [[I have to tell you something.|confession15]] * [[Can I ask you something?|confession16]]

*(You click your pen.)* YOU: Okay, so. The to-do list for the 2016-2017 school year: 1) Publish newspaper — that's a weekly one. 2) Do a major recruiting drive. 3) Conceal sexual orientation from boyfriend— KAZ: Or tell him! YOU: Let's stick with "conceal" for now. 4) Resolve lingering gay angst with ex-best friend. 5) Improve relationship with *current* best friend's sister. 6) Keep grades up and get into university. And... 7) Either prove or disprove the existence of ghosts, both generally and in the specific context of Middle Canada College. *(You put your pen down.)* YOU: ...That's doable, right? KAZ: For you? Totally. In fact, you can get started this weekend. YOU: Huh? KAZ: Kipling's party, dude. Summer's going to be there. Perfect opportunity to talk to her. * [[How do you know?|confession12]] * [[She doesn't want to talk.|confession29]] * [[I don't know...|confession30]]

YOU: How do you know? KAZ: Because everyone's going to be there, dumbass. Didn't you get the invite? YOU: Yes... KAZ: Well so did everyone. YOU: I'm not sure I want to do this in front of a huge audience. KAZ: Yeah but Kipling's house is massive! We can totally find a secluded place for you two to declare your love for each other. * [[We don't love each other.|confession32]] * [[I have a boyfriend.|confession13]] * [[Is this going to be a thing now?|confession14]]

YOU: I have a boyfriend. KAZ: Sure, yeah. That's a thing. But what about — and hear me out on this — what about a *girlfriend* instead? YOU: Oh god. KAZ: Or in addition! You've got a lot of options now! <%= display("confession31") %>

YOU: Please tell me that you trying to hook me up with girls isn't going to be a thing now? KAZ: I can't do that, Na. Because it will absolutely be a thing. So get used to it. <%= display("confession31") %>

YOU: Hey, uh... I have something to tell you. <%= display("confession28") %> * [[This is complicated.|confession6]] * [[I've got something to confess.|confession25]]

YOU: Hey, so I have something to ask you. <%= display("confession28") %> * [[This is complicated.|confession6]] * [[How much do you know about me and Allen and Summer?|confession26]]

YOU: Alright, calm down. There has to be an explanation. *(They look at you expectantly.)* YOU: Well I don't *have* the explanation! I'm just saying there is one. KAZ: Here's an explanation for you: IT WAS A GHOST. * [[We were seeing things.|ghost3]] * [[It was just a raccoon.|ghost4]] * [[Ghosts aren't real.|ghost5]]

YOU: Maybe we were just seeing things. KAZ: Yeah. *Like a ghost.* YOU: Or a hallucination! You were... doing drugs! That's something that happens! KAZ: It was just *weed*, Nadia. A lot less than I normally smoke too. YOU: So then it was withdrawal. *(They grip you by the shoulders.)* KAZ: We *both* saw it. It was a creepy *ghost* raccoon with creepy *ghost* eyes making creepy *ghost* noises at us! * [[Maybe it was just blind.|ghost9]] * [[I don't know what I saw.|ghost10]]

YOU: Look we don't know if it was a ghost. It could have just been a normal raccoon. KAZ: Normal?! You think that's what normal raccoons look like?? YOU: I'm not a raccoon anatomy expert! KAZ: No. *Pupils*. Na. Did you see a pupil? * [[Pupils act weird sometimes.|ghost8]] * [[Maybe it was just blind.|ghost9]] * [[I don't know what I saw.|ghost10]]

YOU: Ghosts aren't real, Kaz. KAZ: LOOKED PRETTY REAL TO ME. YOU: What it looked like was a raccoon! KAZ: A *crazy ghost raccoon*. I mean for god's sake Nadia it didn't have any *pupils.* * [[Pupils act weird sometimes.|ghost8]] * [[I don't know what I saw.|ghost10]]

YOU: *(calling down)* Summer? Is that you?? SUMMER: ...Yes! YOU: You okay?? SUMMER: I'm covered in mud! *(You carefully make your way down into the ravine.)* YOU: What happened? SUMMER: I fell into a ditch. YOU: Clearly. *(You help pull her up.)* SUMMER: I was standing up there. *(She points up to where you'd just been walking.)* I was leaning against a tree for some reason. I don't remember the reason. Then I, uh, fell. * [[How did you manage that?|ravine10]] * [[Did you hit your head?|ravine5]]

YOU: Are you okay? Did you hit your head? SUMMER: No, just my body. YOU: Is your body okay? SUMMER: That's a vague question. *(She tries to wipe her hands off on her jeans but they just come up as muddy as before.)* ...No less okay than normal I guess. YOU: Good. Come on. <%= display("ravine1") %>

*(You reach out to give her your hand as you climb back up the hill but she doesn't grab it. You awkwardly pull it back and climb up next to her without saying anything. After a short while you reach the top of the stairs.)* SUMMER: Thanks for getting me. YOU: Of course. *(She looks down at the ground.)* SUMMER: I'm sorry for running away. Yesterday. At school, I mean. * [[It's okay.|ravine6]] * [[I wish things weren't so awkward.|ravine7]] * [[I'm not going to jump you.|ravine8]]

YOU: Okay. Well... I'll see you around then. SUMMER: Okay. Um, bye. *(She runs off.)* YOU: ...Bye. <%= next("cameras1") %>

YOU: I remember where you live too. 13 Strathclyde Road. SUMMER: Yeah. YOU: I don't remember your postal code though. SUMMER: That's fine. Bye. *(She runs off.)* YOU: ...Bye. <%= next("cameras1") %>

YOU: No, of course not. And you can't tell him. KAZ: Why would I tell him? YOU: I don't know. KAZ: *When* would I tell him? YOU: I don't know! Just... you can't tell anyone, okay? KAZ: Obviously, duh. YOU: *Anyone*. KAZ: I heard you. *(You sink down in your chair.)* KAZ: Are *you* going to tell him? * [[He won't like it.|confession18]] * [[Eventually...|confession19]] * [[I haven't decided.|confession20]]

YOU: Oh yeah that'd go over well. "Hey remember when one of your best friends decided to never talk to you again? That was actually because I totally hit on her and freaked her out and also I've been hiding this for you the entire time we've been dating." KAZ: You don't think he'd understand? Maybe cut you a fucking break? *(You shake your head.)* <%= display("confession21") %>

YOU: I will... Eventually... KAZ: Just not right now. YOU: Exactly. *(You rub your forehead)* KAZ: There's no rule that says you have to, you know. * [[I feel bad lying to him.|confession39]] * [[He gets jealous.|confession21]] * [[I guess...|confession40]]

YOU: I haven't quite figured that out just yet. KAZ: *(nodding)* Worried about how he'll react. YOU: Yeah, kind of! ...I don't know. It's a big thing, you know? KAZ: There's no rule that says you have to. * [[I feel bad lying to him.|confession39]] * [[He gets jealous.|confession21]] * [[I guess...|confession40]]

YOU: The problem is Allen gets kind of jealous. If he finds out he was a consolation prize for Summer, he will be less than pleased. KAZ: Consolation prize. Woof. * [[Not anymore.|confession22]] * [[Yeah well...|confession23]]

YOU: I mean, he's not. Not anymore. But back then... I don't know, he was nice and he was comfortable and he was really into me. It was kind of what I needed. And I do love him! I totally do. But... I don't know. KAZ: But you'd rather be with Summer. <%= display("confession24") %>

YOU: Yeah well... If Allen had been my first choice I wouldn't even be in this situation now. KAZ: Does that mean you'd rather be with Summer? <%= display("confession24") %>

YOU: No, that's the thing! I had a crush on her when I was *thirteen*. We're entirely different people now. I'm sure even if we had ever dated we would have broken up in like a month anyway. *(You sigh.)* YOU: I don't want to give up Allen. But maybe I do wish it had all gone differently. And I want my friend back. KAZ: You know what? This is a lot. YOU: No kidding. KAZ: You need to organize your thoughts somehow. A gameplan. *(They snap their fingers and point excitedly at your agenda.)* A list! * [[Good idea.|confession9]] * [[You think?|confession38]]

YOU: I've got something to confess. KAZ: Is it a murder? Are we going to have to go on the lam? YOU: No, it's nothing like that. It's just something I did a while ago. Something non-criminal. KAZ: Hmm. That's less exciting but go ahead. <%= display("confession26") %>

YOU: How much do you know about me and Allen and Summer exactly? And all the stuff that happened. KAZ: I know that the three of you were like best friends forever back in middle school but that's about it. <%= display("confession1") %>

YOU: Yeah... Yeah, I guess I do. KAZ: Exactly! *(They scoot their chair a bit closer to you and grab your hand.)* KAZ: You realize you're my stereotypical gay best friend now, right? YOU: I thought you were *my* gay best friend. KAZ: Hey, we can argue about who the gay one in this relationship is later. *(They give you a friendly pat on the knee.)* KAZ: ...But it's totally you. <%= next("nexttime") %>

KAZ: Sure, what's up? YOU: Can you lock the door first? KAZ: Seriously? YOU: Just humour me, okay? KAZ: ...You're the boss. *(They go over, lock the door, and start rummaging through their bag.)* YOU: No, don't lock the door *and* get high! Just lock the door. KAZ: Sorry, sorry. Force of habit. *(They sit back down in their chair and wheel over to you.)* KAZ: So...

YOU: I don't know if that's the best idea. KAZ: Of course it's the best idea. Best ideas are all I know how to come up with. YOU: She doesn't want to talk though. KAZ: Who needs talk when you have *~the language of love~?* YOU: I'm being serious! KAZ: Okay, okay. Look, you go up to her. You lay *everything* out on the table — no talking around it — and then you let her say whatever she says. And then either it'll be cool or it won't but at least it'll be settled. YOU: Hmm. KAZ: And hey, if it doesn't work out we can spend the night trying to hook you up with a girl! * [[I have a boyfriend.|confession13]] * [[Is this going to be a thing now?|confession14]] * [[I immediately regret this.|confession41]]

YOU: I don't know... KAZ: What's not to know? YOU: You said that as if it was a rhetorical question but actually there are like a dozen things not to know. KAZ: It's perfect. She'll be there, you'll be there... YOU: Everyone else'll be there... KAZ: It's a big house. I'm sure you'll find somewhere private to confess your undying love for one another. * [[We don't love each other.|confession32]] * [[I have a boyfriend.|confession13]] * [[Is this going to be a thing now?|confession14]]

*(They exhale.)* KAZ: Look, I know you think Anja's a total bitch or whatever but she's not the type of person to just hold a grudge for no reason. *(You scoff.)* KAZ: Okay but actually though. She's decent. She gets, you know, overprotective and stuff. But... <% s.overprotective = true; %> * [[Well she's mad about something.|smoking26]] * [["Overprotective?"|smoking2]] * [[You should have heard her.|smoking24]]

YOU: "Overprotective?" KAZ: It's her nature. *(You shake your head.)* KAZ: ...You know she warned me about you, eh? YOU: What do you mean? KAZ: When I like, you know, came out or whatever. We were talking and— *(They cough.)* ...and she was like "some people aren't going to be cool with it." At school. And you were one of the people she said. YOU: Me? KAZ: Yeah she specifically said, "Like Nadia." * [[I was the *first* example?|smoking3]] * [[Did she say why?|smoking4]] * [[I was cool!|smoking5]]

YOU: I was the *first* example? *(Kaz shrugs.)* KAZ: Maybe? It was a long conversation. <%= display("smoking6") %>

YOU: Did she say why? KAZ: She just thought you'd have a problem. YOU: But she must *know* she was wrong, right? At this point. KAZ: *(shrugging)* I don't know? She's never *said* she was wrong. <%= display("smoking6") %>

YOU: I was cool! When was I ever not cool? KAZ: *(leaning back)* She said it, not me. YOU: I researched, remember? KAZ: I remember. The first thing you said to me was "I read an infographic."<% s.infographic = true; %> YOU: I did! It was informative. KAZ: And over time I've come to understand that this is your version of being cool. YOU: See? We get each other. <%= display("smoking7") %>

YOU: *(rolling your eyes)* So I'm a bigot on top of everything else. Great. <%= display("smoking7") %>

YOU: Even if I wanted to I'd never get away with it. My parents would come down on me so hard if they even got a *hint* of it. KAZ: In that case you might want to spray some Febreeze on your blazer there. YOU: ...Wait, are you saying I smell like pot? Why do I smell like pot? You're the one smoking. KAZ: You're in the same room as me. That's kinda how it works. YOU: Oh shoot. *(You start brushing yourself off.)* <%= display("smoking8") %>

*(Kaz chuckles.)* KAZ: Hey I know you love stress and hate fun, but pot is great. * [[I don't see what's so great about it.|smoking29]] * [[I'll take your word for it.|smoking28]] * [[I don't hate fun.|smoking30]]

*(A huge bang rings out from the hallway. Kaz tumbles backwards onto the floor as you jolt your head back up.)* YOU: *(hushed)* Shit! KAZ: What was that? * [[Construction?|smoking19]] * [[Security?|smoking9]] * [[A teacher?|smoking10]] * [[The building settling?|smoking22]] * [[Who cares? Let's go.|smoking11]]

YOU: Think it's a teacher? KAZ: What kind of teacher stays after school this late? *(You hear another loud noise from out in the hall.)* YOU: I don't know, but I bet it's one we don't want to be caught by. <%= display("smoking23") %>

YOU: Does it *matter*? Whatever it is it's not going to be a fan of you smoking up. *(You hear another loud noise from out in the hall.)* <%= display("smoking23") %>

YOU: Think it's security? KAZ: Does this school even *have* security? *(You hear another loud noise from out in the hall.)* YOU: I don't really want to find out! <%= display("smoking23") %>

<% portrait("kaz1") chapter(2) %> #### **Newspaper Office** — After School ##### **Tuesday, 6 September 2016** *(Middle Canada College, three years later. You're standing in front of your desk at the school newspaper office.)* YOU: We good to go? KAZ: Ready whenever you are, boss. YOU: Okay. Then as Editor-in-Chief of the Middleman I hereby convene the first staff meeting of Volume 103. Let's start with the roll call. *(You open up your agenda.)* YOU: Nadia Nazari. Here. *(You put a checkmark next to your name.)* Kaz Kaczmarek? KAZ: Here. *(They put up their hand.)* *(You make another check and then set down your pen.)* YOU: ...I feel like that used to take a lot longer. KAZ: *(looking around the empty room)* I guess that's what happens when 90% of the staff graduates all at once. * [[We'll have to do a recruiting drive.|meeting7]] * [[Shoot.|meeting8]] * [[What happened to Ash?|meeting9]]

YOU: A photographer would be nice. KAZ: Who needs photographers? This is the era of Google image search. YOU: We could also probably use someone who knows about copyright law. KAZ: That's the beauty of print, Na. You can't issue a takedown notice to something that isn't online. YOU: Oh that's right. We also need a webmaster. <%= display("meeting10") %>

YOU: More reporters, for one thing. KAZ: Oh come on. You don't need the help. YOU: Traditionally the editor edits things that *other* people write for her. KAZ: So you get to take things in a bold new untraditional direction! <%= display("meeting15") %>

YOU: Copy editors for one thing. KAZ: We have spell check. That's basically the same thing. <%= display("meeting15") %>

YOU: Someone who knows how to work the photocopier for one thing. KAZ: Oh, don't worry about that. I almost definitely know how to use one of those. <%= display("meeting15") %>

<% portrait("summer1") %>*(You run over to Summer's locker and tap her on the shoulder. She whips around, looking a bit taken aback.)* YOU: Summer! Oh my god. SUMMER: Oh. Hi. YOU: You're back. *(She looks around.)* YOU: I mean... you switched schools in the middle of Grade 9 so— SUMMER: I remember. YOU: I didn't expect to see you here again, that's all. SUMMER: Oh. Well, you did. I'm back. *(Silence.)* * [[What brings you back?|summer2]] * [[We should hang out.|summer3]] * [[Come out to the paper.|summer4]] * [[Can we talk?|summer5]]

YOU: So what brings you back? SUMMER: My parents. University applications. YOU: Oh. SUMMER: I wanted to stay in public school. But... you know. YOU: Yeah. * [[We should hang out.|summer3]] * [[Come out to the paper.|summer4]] * [[Can we talk?|summer5]] * [[How *was* public school?|summer7]]

YOU: We, um, should hang out some time. SUMMER: I'm sure I'll see you around. YOU: I mean outside of school. <%= display("summer8") %>

YOU: Hey uh. I'm the editor-in-chief at the Middleman now and we like really need new people. SUMMER: Oh. *(She turns to Anja, who's watching from a few feet away.)* Well, good luck. YOU: Maybe you'd— SUMMER: I should go. I have to go. YOU: Oh. Okay. <%= display("summer6") %>

YOU: Hey, can we talk? SUMMER: We are talking. YOU: I mean about... you know. <%= display("summer8") %>

YOU: Public school, huh? How was that? SUMMER: Good. *(She turns to Anja, who's watching from a few feet away.)* YOU: So— SUMMER: Listen, I have to go. YOU: Oh. Yeah, of course. <%= display("summer6") %>

SUMMER: Bye. *(She walks away.)* YOU: Okay. ...Bye. <%= next("invitation17") %>

SUMMER: Oh. *(She turns to Anja, who's watching from a few feet away.)* I don't... think that's a good idea. YOU: Oh. Uh... <%= display("summer6") %>

<% if (s.phase < 5) {s.phase = 5;} s.shesback = true; portrait("allen1"); s.time += 1; if (!s.toldallen) { s.toldallen2 = true; } %> *(You sneak up behind Allen and give him a quick kiss him on the ear.)* ALLEN: Oh no, I've been stealth kissed! YOU: Ha ha! That's right. The deadliest kind. *(You jump up and sit on his table.)* YOU: Did you see her yet? ALLEN: Who? <% if (!s.toldallen) { %> YOU: Summer! She's back! ALLEN: Summer? *Summer* Summer? YOU: I know! ALLEN: Who changes schools in grade 12? YOU: Summer Okamura, apparently. ALLEN: Wow... Well, I haven't seen her. YOU: Oh. *(You swing your legs off the side of the table.)* YOU: Are you going to talk to her when you see her? <% } else { %> YOU: What do you mean, who? Summer! Duh. ALLEN: Oh. I haven't really talked to her. *(You push him)* YOU: What do you *mean*? Your former best friend reappeared at school after years of silence and you don't even want to talk to her? <% } %> ALLEN: *(scratching his head)* I honestly don't even know what I'd say. <% s.toldallen = true %> * [[You could say hi.|shesback10]] * [[You could ask how she's been.|shesback11]] * [[You could ask if she forgives me yet.|shesback12]]

YOU: She was in class this morning. I tried to talk to her but she pretended like she couldn't see me. Then she ran out of there once the bell rang and I haven't seen her since. ALLEN: Honestly? That's probably for the best. YOU: What? ALLEN: Ugh. I just mean, there's a lot of bad blood there, right? Maybe it's better if you don't dredge all that up. * [[It was years ago.|shesback3]] * [[I guess.|shesback4]] * [[I just want to make up.|shesback5]]

YOU: It's bad blood from *three years* ago though. Maybe she forgives me for... whatever. ALLEN: What makes you think she stopped being crazy since then? YOU: She wasn't *crazy*, Allen. ALLEN: *(holding his hands up)* Telling your friend you never want to see her again for no reason sounds pretty crazy to me. <%= display("shesback6") %>

YOU: *(making a :/ face)* I guess. ALLEN: Just try not to get too obsessed with Summer right now, okay? If she wants back into your life she can tell you so herself. YOU: Yeah, yeah. *(You get up from the table.)* * [[I'm going to go interview people.|shesback8]] * [[I'm going to go get ready for class.|shesback9]] * [[I'm going to go.|shesback7]]

YOU: I just wish we could kiss and make up, you know? ALLEN: Uh... why would you want to kiss her? YOU: That was a joke, Allen. ALLEN: Oh. Okay. YOU: *(rolling your eyes)* I'm just saying I want my old friend back, you know? *(He reaches over the table and squeezes your hand.)* ALLEN: I do too. But she's not our old friend any more. <%= display("shesback6") %>

YOU: ...Yeah. ALLEN: Look I know you don't want to hear this but you can't be obsessed with Summer forever, okay? If she wants back into your life she can tell you so herself. YOU: Whatever. *(You get up from the table.)* * [[I'm going to go get ready for class.|shesback9]] * [[I'm going to go interview people.|shesback8]] * [[I'm going to go.|shesback7]]

*(Twenty minutes later.)* ROUILLÉ: ...A language of the poets and the philosophers. A language that is simply insulted by your speaking of it. You will not be speaking Français out loud in this class, as you do not know how to do this with the respect this language deserves... *(You drop your pen on the ground and it rolls over towards Anja's foot. As you bend over to pick it up, Anja sighs loudly and scoots her chair a couple of inches away from you.)* * [[Seriously?|desk2]] * [[I'm not contagious.|desk3]] * [[Harder than that to get away from me.|desk4]]

YOU: Seriously? *(She doesn't look at you.)* * [[Is this how it's going to be all year?|desk17]] * [[Just suck it up for today.|desk6]] * [[...Okay then.|desk8]]

YOU: I'm not *contagious*, you know. ANJA: Believe me, if I thought I could catch what *you* have, I'd be wearing a gas mask. * [[Okay then.|desk8]] * [[Just suck it up for today.|desk6]] * [[Is this how it's going to be all year?|desk17]]

YOU: *(mumbling)* You'll have to scoot a lot further than that if you want to get away from me. *(She rolls her eyes.)* ANJA: I'll take what I can get. * [[Okay then.|desk8]] * [[Just suck it up for today.|desk6]]

*(She starts pacing around the room)* ROUILLÉ: You are here because you cannot speak French. You are very bad at it. Now some of you are saying to yourselves, "I am not that bad at French." This is false. You are worse even than you imagine you are. Others perhaps are thinking, "Well. Docteure Rouillé is one to talk, since her English is so bad." In fact, my English is much much better than your French. There is simply no comparison... * [[...|desk1]]

YOU: Look, whatever. Just suck it up for today. Then next class we can get here early and sit wherever we want and then that's the end of it. <%= display("desk7") %> YOU: Uh... or not I guess? <%= display("desk16") %>

*(Dr. Rouillé stands up and claps twice.)* ROUILLÉ: Okay class. The desks you are sitting at now, these are your desks. You will sit at these desks for the whole year and you will not trade the desks. *(Murmurs from the class.)* ROUILLÉ: Yes, yes, okay. You are trapped in the desk and it is very awful for you. But if I let you move the desk then you will spend the whole year saying to me, "Oh, Docteure Rouillé. So and so stole my desk." "Oh, Docteure Rouillé. This boy won't let me sit next to that boy." "Oh, Docteure Rouillé. I do not like the way my neighbour sharpens her pencil so I need to swap." This way, it is easier. For me. *(You turn back to Anja.)*

YOU: Should we call animal control? KAZ: Animal control! Not unless the City of Toronto has a bunch of *ghostbusters* on staff. <%= display("ghost1") %>

YOU: Pupils act weird some times. Look at yours! KAZ: Okay well I can't look at my pupils because pupils are the things I look at things with, but that's different. YOU: What if that creepy purple smoke is like... I don't know, raccoon drugs? KAZ: Nadia, listen to yourself. YOU: Me?? You're the one with the yourself you should be listening to! <%= display("ghost20") %>

YOU: Maybe it was just blind! KAZ: Yeah right! It was looking right at us! YOU: No, it had its face *pointed* at us. It wasn't necessarily looking. KAZ: You're splitting hairs. YOU: And you're... clumping hairs together! <%= display("ghost20") %>

YOU: I don't know *what* I saw. I was freaking out. You were too. KAZ: "WERE"? <%= display("ghost20") %>

YOU: *(under your breath)* Okay then... <%= display("desk7") %> YOU: Uh... whoops? <%= display("desk16") %>

<% portrait("anja1"); s.room = "ROOM ERROR"; chapter(6); %> #### **French Class** — Afternoon *(You get to class and take a seat in the far corner of the room. Anja stands in the aisle just ahead of you, chatting with someone else in the class. You look around anxiously as nearly every seat except for the one right next to you gets filled. It's still empty when Jayden finally steps through the door.)* YOU: *(under your breath)* Crap. *(Without thinking, you reach over, grab Anja by the blazer, and pull her down into the seat next to you.)* ANJA: Hey—!? YOU: Sorry. ANJA: The hell's wrong with you? *(She starts to stand. You tighten your grip.)* YOU: *(hushed)* I just need this seat to be filled right now. *(Anja follows your gaze over to where Jayden is standing. She sighs and sits back down, theatrically rolling her eyes. You exhale.)* ANJA: Hiding from a boy? Seriously? What are you, twelve? * [[I'm not *hiding*.|desk10]] * [[I just don't want him to get the wrong idea.|desk11]] * [[Thank you.|desk12]]

YOU: I'm not hiding from anyone. *(Jayden spots you and frowns. You give him a what-are-you-gonna-do shrug.)* YOU: Just... trying to avoid some awkwardness. ANJA: Oh yeah. Because that move you just pulled wasn't awkward at all. YOU: Look— <%= display("desk13") %>

YOU: I just don't want him to get the wrong idea. *(Jayden spots you and frowns. You give him a what-are-you-gonna-do shrug.)* ANJA: Ha. If an *empty chair* gives him the wrong idea, good luck giving him the right one. YOU: He's not— <%= display("desk13") %>

YOU: Uh. Thanks. *(Jayden spots you and frowns. You give him a what-are-you-gonna-do shrug.)* YOU: Sorry about that. <%= display("desk13") %>

<% portrait("anja1","rouille") %>ANJA: Whatever. I don't care. But the next time you want to involve me in your drama, try to at least do it without assaulting me. YOU: It's not *drama*. ANJA: You're right. Drama would be much less boring. *(D<sup>re</sup> Rouillé enters the class and everyone quiets down.)* ROUILLÉ: Bonjour, class. *(She writes "BASE DE FRANÇAIS" in big letters on the blackboard and underlines it a few times.)* ROUILLÉ: Okay. Je m'appelle Docteure Rouillé. You may not call me Madame Rouillé because that is not my name. I am a Docteure, so I am Docteure Rouillé. Got it? *(Murmurs and nods from the class.)* ROUILLÉ: Super. Now who can tell me what I wrote on the board? * [[I can.|desk14]] * [[...|desk15]]

*(You raise your hand. Docteure Rouillé points at you and snaps.)* ROUILLÉ: You are? YOU: Nadia Nazari. ROUILLÉ: Okay Nadia. Go ahead. YOU: The... base of French? *(Rouillé sighs. Anja gives a little derisive snort.)* ROUILLÉ: Non, non. It says "*Core* French". And this is the level of French you are in. <%= display("desk5") %>

*(No one moves or says anything.)* ROUILLÉ: No one? *(Silence.)* ROUILLÉ: Okay. Well this is it exactly. What I have written is "Core French". Which is the class you are in. <%= display("desk5") %>

<% chapter(1) %> *(It was a gorgeous afternoon in August, just a few weeks before you started high school. You were out in the pool in your backyard with Summer Okamura. She swam up next to your pool float.)* SUMMER: You know, if we lived on Titan we would be swimming in liquid methane right now. *(You lifted your sunglasses and replied...)* * [[Probably wouldn't be as nice.|prologue2]] * [[Which one is Titan?|prologue3]]

YOU: I'm guessing that wouldn't be quite as nice. SUMMER: Well it would be minus 180 degrees for one thing. YOU: Ah. SUMMER: And very poisonous. Although if we actually lived on Titan we probably would have evolved to drink methane. YOU: Or at least swim in it. SUMMER: Mm-hmm. *(She swam over the edge of the pool.)* <%= next("prologue4") %>

<% s.prologue3 = true; %> YOU: Which one is Titan again? SUMMER: Saturn's biggest moon! Obviously. YOU: Right. I knew that. SUMMER: No you didn't. YOU: No I didn't. *(She smiled and kicked herself back towards the edge of the pool.)* <%= next("prologue4") %>

YOU: How long's a year on Titan? SUMMER: A month. YOU: 30 days? SUMMER: No, <% if (s.prologue3) { %> the thing that Titan does is called a "month". <% } else { %> Titan orbits Saturn so the thing that it does is called a "month". <% } %> Saturn's the one with the year. YOU: Okay, Ms. Technicality-pants. How long is a year on *Saturn*? SUMMER: It's uh... um... *(She bit her thumbnail.)* Don't tell me... YOU: Couldn't even if I wanted to. SUMMER: 29 years! YOU: So we're not even half a Saturn year old yet. SUMMER: I think if you lived out there you probably wouldn't count your age in years. *(You smiled.)* <%= display("prologue8") %>

*(You rummaged around in the fridge.)* YOU: What do you want to drink? We're out of liquid methane. SUMMER: Diet Coke? *(You grabbed one out of the fridge and handed it to her.)* YOU: Tell me more about Titan. SUMMER: What do you want to know? * [[Who discovered it?|prologue5]] * [[How long's a year there?|prologue6]] * [[How big is it?|prologue9]] * [[Why are you so interested in it?|prologue7]]

YOU: I'm amazed you can remember all this planet stuff. SUMMER: Haven't you ever memorized the details of something you really like? YOU: ...Maybe. <%= display("prologue10") %>

*(She put her pop down and got up from the stool.)* SUMMER: Come on, let's go up and watch a movie. <%= next("prologue11") %>

*(It was nice and cool up in your room. The lights were off, the blinds were down, and the ceiling fan was running. The two of you laid next to each other on your bed, drifting in and out of consciousness. Every time your eyes fluttered open for a few seconds hers would be closed. She looked peaceful. At one point you traced a little pattern on her arm — five criss-crossing lines. She giggled lightly and opened her eyes.)* SUMMER: What is that? YOU: A star. SUMMER: A star? YOU: Yeah, you know. Because of space. You love space. SUMMER: I love planets. There's a difference. YOU: Planets are in space. SUMMER: *Everything* is in space. YOU: Exactly. It makes sense. *(She smiled for a second. Then her face dropped a bit.)* SUMMER: ...Hey. Are you mad Allen isn't here? * [[Why would I be mad?|prologue12]] * [[If I wanted him here I'd have invited him.|prologue13]] * [[Best friends take precedence.|prologue14]]

YOU: What? No. Why would I be mad? SUMMER: I mean... *(She looked down.)* I know you like hanging out with him and everything. YOU: Sure, but I like hanging out with *you* more. <%= display("prologue16") %>

<%= display("prologue15") %> YOU: Summer, if I had wanted Allen here I would have asked him. SUMMER: It's just... I know you like hanging out with him. YOU: I like hanging out with *you* more though. <%= display("prologue16") %>

*(You followed her as she hurried down the stairs.)* SUMMER: Yeah. No. I uh... I promised my mom I'd clean a bunch of things. YOU: Oh... uh. Okay... SUMMER: Things in my house. Today. So uh I really have to go now so I can do that. YOU: Wait, you don't have to go! I mean, we don't have to— SUMMER: I— Sorry Nadia. Bye. YOU: Okay. Uh... *(She ran out the front door.)* YOU: ...Bye. <%= next("title") %>

<%= display("prologue15") %> YOU: Summer, you're my best friend. Best friends outweigh regular friends, and Allen's just a regular friend. SUMMER: He is? YOU: Of course. SUMMER: It's just... *(She looked away.)* I know you like hanging out with him. YOU: I guess. But I like hanging out with *you* more. <%= display("prologue16") %>

*(You shook your head.)* YOU: No way. SUMMER: Okay...

<% portrait("anja1","jayden1") %> YOU: *(mumbling)* ...oh crap. *(Jayden basically leaps up from his desk and jogs over to yours. Anja shoots you a quick glance.)* JAYDEN: So, want to partner up? YOU: Ah. Well— ANJA: Sorry Jayden. She's taken. YOU: I am? JAYDEN: She is? ANJA: Yes. See I'm a huge bitch with no friends and nobody loves me so I begged Nadia to take me as a partner and she said yes. Probably out of pity. *(Jayden looks at you.)* YOU: Oh. Uh. That's right. I mean I wouldn't frame it in *exactly* those terms but... JAYDEN: I see. YOU: Sorry. I totally would have— JAYDEN: Pfft. Nah! It's cool. It's super totally cool. Absolutely. ANJA: *(looking at her phone)* I guess you better go find someone else. JAYDEN: ...Right. Later, Nadia. * [[See you.|save2]]

<% portrait("anja1") %> *(You wave bye. He walks away.)* ANJA: You're welcome. YOU: *(slumping down)* Ughhh. ANJA: I can't even begin to tell you how much you owe me. YOU: I'm sorry about that. It's just that Jayden's... ANJA: Completely in love with you. YOU: *(rubbing your forehead)* Yes. ANJA: And annoying. YOU: I mean... ANJA: He's nice to you because he wants to sleep with you. That's annoying. It annoys *me* anyway. * [[So what, he should be *mean* to me?|save3]] * [[He'll get the hint eventually.|save4]] * [[Why do you care?|save5]] * [[I guess it is a bit annoying.|save8]]

YOU: So what, he should be *mean* to me if he wants to sleep with me? Is that the way you do things? ANJA: He should treat you exactly as nicely as you deserve to be treated. And if he wants to sleep with you he can just ask. YOU: I have a boyfriend. ANJA: Gee, really? I hadn't noticed. *(The bell rings.)* <%= display("save6") %>

YOU: He'll get the hint. ANJA: Ha. YOU: ...Eventually. ANJA: Sure. *(The bell rings.)* <%= display("save6") %>

YOU: Why do you care anyway? ANJA: Why do *you* care why *I* care? YOU: Why do *you* care why *I* care why— uh... why you... *(She smirks and shakes her head as the bell rings.)* <%= display("save6") %>

ANJA: Okay. *(She holds out her hand.)* Give me your phone. * [[Okay...|save10]] * [[Uh?|save9]] * [[Is this a trick?|save11]]

YOU: I'm going to mark down "Recruiting Drive" on our To-Do List. KAZ: What else is on there? YOU: Uh... *(You flip the page.)* "Write Entire First Issue." *(You lean back against your desk.)* <%= display("meeting2") %>

YOU: Well, shoot. Looks like my tenure is off to a great start. <%= display("meeting2") %>

YOU: What happened to Ash? KAZ: Ashley Bridges? I think she was saying she's super busy with sports this year and can't come out. YOU: Wasn't there like that one Grade 9 kid? KAZ: Grade 10 now. But he stopped coming in at the end of the year. YOU: What was his name again? KAZ: *(uncertainly)* Jo...sh? YOU: Ugh. <%= display("meeting2") %>

KAZ: Relax, okay? You're going to make a great Editor-in-Chief. The best one ever, probably. * [[Doubt it.|meeting17]] * [[Maybe...|meeting16]]

YOU: A cartoonist or two would be good. KAZ: Pfft. We can do that. How hard can it be to draw? YOU: Extremely? <%= display("meeting10") %>

YOU: We need a graphics editor for one thing. And a graphics team for the graphics editor to manage. KAZ: Pfft. Who needs graphics when you have someone who can pick out a really really cool typeface? <%= display("meeting15") %>

YOU: Someone's got to distribute all those papers, for one thing. KAZ: Pfft. We've got arms. <%= display("meeting15") %>

*(You sigh. They pat you on the shoulder.)* <%= display("meeting10") %>

<%= display("meeting18") %> YOU: Maybe... But I've got a looong way to go before they immortalize me in an oil painting. <%= display("meeting19") %>

YOU: Yeah right. I got this job by default. KAZ: Who cares how you got it? All that matters is *that* you got it! You're the editor now! Your name's on the thing! Own it! <%= display("meeting18") %> YOU: Yeah well, something tells me I'm not going to get immortalized in an oil painting any time soon. <%= display("meeting19") %>

*(You look up at the wall above the editor's desk, where a portrait of the paper's founder Osgoode Terauley hangs.)*

<% portrait("kaz1","anja1") %> KAZ: Hey, if an oil painting will make you feel better I know this Chinese website that'll do 'em for cheap. *(There's a knock on the door. You turn and see Kaz's twin sister Anja standing in the doorway.)* KAZ: Oh, hey. ANJA: Hey Kaz. *(She looks around.)* ...I thought you said you had that newspaper thing tonight. * [[This is the newspaper thing.|meeting29]] * [[You here to sign up?|meeting30]]

ANJA: Hey just so you know? I'm keeping my eye on you this year. So don't pull any shit. YOU: Uh... excuse me? ANJA: You heard me. * [[What kind of shit?|meeting21]] * [[I don't need you "keeping an eye" on me.|meeting22]] * [[Could we not fight?|meeting27]]

YOU: And what kind of "shit" would I pull exactly? ANJA: I'm not sure I want to give you any ideas. Just stay away from Summer, alright? * [[Summer's back?|meeting31]] * [[I don't want to fight.|meeting11]]

YOU: You know what? I can handle myself without you "keeping an eye" on me, thanks. ANJA: I'll believe that when I see it. * [[What's your problem?|meeting26]] * [[Could we not fight?|meeting27]]

KAZ: Uh... Better go without me. I think it's going to be a late night. ANJA: Fine, then I'm taking the car. *(She holds out her hand.)* KAZ: ...Shit, the keys are in my locker. Hold on. *(Kaz runs out the door.)* ANJA: Hustle, Kaczmarek! * [[...|meeting24]] * [[So...|meeting25]]

<% portrait("anja1") %>*(You drum your fingers on the table. Anja taps her foot. There's a few seconds of silence.)* <%= display("meeting20") %>

<% portrait("anja1") %>YOU: So... *(She stares at you.)* YOU: How's, uh— <%= display("meeting20") %>

YOU: What is your problem? ANJA: You. Stay away from Summer this year, got it? <%= display("meeting31") %>

YOU: Look, Anja. I don't want to fight. ANJA: *(shrugging)* Fine. If you can behave yourself around Summer then we won't have a problem. <%= display("meeting31") %>

<% portrait("anja1","kaz1") %>*(Kaz jogs back in and dangles their car keys in front of Anja.)* KAZ: Voila. ANJA: Thanks. *(She grabs them.)* Have a fun time with your newspaper. *(She gives you a pointed look and then leaves.)* <%= next("smoking13") %>

<% portrait("kaz1"); chapter(3); %> #### **Newspaper Office** — Night *(Six hours later.)* YOU: *(stretching)* Alright. I'm calling it. I think we're in a good enough position for the rest of the week. KAZ: Awesome. *(They shut their laptop and start rummaging through their bag.)* YOU: Sorry about the overtime. I'm sure press night'll get shorter once we recruit some more staffers. KAZ: It's cool dude. Late night at the paper means late night in an empty building, which means... *(They pull a small plastic tube out of their bag and pop it open.)* I get to smoke some marijuana! And *you* get to sit and *watch* me smoke marijuana. *(Kaz slides their rolling chair over to the window and cracks it open a bit. You lay down on the floor as they slip a joint out of the tube and light it.)* * [[I can't believe you're already getting high.|smoking14]] * [[Why does your sister hate me?|smoking15]] * [[We've got a lot of work ahead of us.|smoking16]]

YOU: I can't believe you're already getting high first day of school. KAZ: I got high on the day *before* the first day of school too. *(They take a hit and then hold out their joint.)* Want some? YOU: Nah, I'm good. KAZ: Still, huh? *(You shrug.)* KAZ: I don't see why you don't try it. It's basically legal now anyway. * [[I'd just rather not.|smoking27]] * [[Not legal yet.|smoking32]] * [[I'd never get away with it.|smoking12]] * [[I don't see what's so great about it.|smoking29]]

YOU: Hey so... what's up with Anja? KAZ: Lots. *(They take a hit.)* You'll have to be more specific. YOU: I mean why does she have it in for me? KAZ: *(shrugging)* Dunno. * [[I don't either.|smoking21]] * [[She's never said?|smoking17]] * [[I'm getting sick of it.|smoking18]]

YOU: It's going to be a *lot* of work running this paper this year. KAZ: Aw, you still worried about that? YOU: ...Yes? It's only been four hours. Why would I stop being worried? KAZ: We'll do fine. *(They cough.)* And we'll get some volunteers in once everyone hears how great it is to work on the paper: Free pizza, getting your name in print, not having to do an extracurricular sport, awesome parties... * [[We don't throw awesome parties.|smoking20]] * [[Print journalism is dying.|smoking34]]

YOU: She's never said? KAZ: I hate to break it to you but you don't really come up in conversation. YOU: You don't think it's slightly weird that your sister never brings up the fact that she hates your best friend? *(They shrug.)* KAZ: It's not like we're automatically friends with each other's friends. Like I never talk to Summer Okamura and that's not really a big deal. * [[Anja still hangs out with Summer?|smoking33]] * [[I'm getting sick of it.|smoking18]]

YOU: I'm kind of getting sick of it. One day she just... started being completely awful to me. And it's been *years*! And she's never stopped! I just don't know what her *problem* is! KAZ: Hmm. YOU: ...No offence. <%= display("smoking1") %>

YOU: We *don't* throw awesome parties though. KAZ: That can go on the to-do list. YOU: And we couldn't exactly advertise it even if we did. KAZ: Not *officially*. But word can spread. YOU: I don't even know how to host a party. Do you? KAZ: Not really. *(They lean back.)* But I *am* an expert at attending them. <%= display("smoking7") %>

YOU: I don't either, honestly. It's kind of bugging me. KAZ: Mmm. YOU: Like what'd I do to her, you know? <%= display("smoking1") %>

YOU: Think it's the building settling? *(You hear a second loud bang out in the hall.)* KAZ: That didn't sound settled to me. *(The two of you sit in silence listening for another noise.)* KAZ: Right, you know what? I'm not waiting around to find out. *(They toss the joint out the window.)* Let's go. <%= next("purple1") %>

<% portrait("allen1"); chapter(4); %> #### **Parking Lot** — Before School ##### Wednesday, 7 September 2016 YOU: *(undoing your seatbelt)* Thanks for the ride. ALLEN: Tell me, are you ever going to get your *own* driver's license? * [[I have you to drive me.|ride2]] * [[We live in Toronto.|ride3]] * [[Why, you getting sick of me?|ride4]]

YOU: Why do *I* need to drive when I have a wonderful boyfriend to take me around? ALLEN: Wow. So glad to be a part of your network of personal chauffeurs. YOU: *(smirking)* It's a very sought after position, I'll have you know. ALLEN: Mm-hmm. *(You give him a quick kiss.)* YOU: Plus, the job does have some perks. <%= display("ride5") %>

YOU: Hey, we live in Toronto. If I really need to I can just take the TTC anywhere. ALLEN: Oh, does this mean you're going to start taking the streetcar to school? YOU: Now why would I do that when I have my wonderful boyfriend to drive me? ALLEN: Ah. I see how it is. <%= display("ride5") %>

YOU: Why, you sick of spending time with your lovely girlfriend? ALLEN: *(smiling)* Yep, every minute is torture. <%= display("ride5") %>

YOU: What. KAZ: We're going to do a story about this! We're going to blow this whole ghost raccoon thing *wide open*! YOU: You're high. KAZ: Yes. *And*, in *addition* to that, I'm having a great idea. *(You scoff.)* KAZ: Think about it. Our school is haunted by *evil spirits* and we have an exclusive on the story. It'll break huge! More readers, more prestige, more volunteers! Its win-win-win. * [[Oh yeah, very prestigious.|ghost12]] * [[You think people would read it?|ghost13]] * [[This isn't a tabloid.|ghost14]] * [[We still don't know if it was real!|ghost2]]

YOU: Oh yeah. Ghost investigations. Very prestigious. Let's call the Pulitzer committee now. KAZ: People would eat it up! <%= display("ghost15") %>

YOU: You honestly think people are going read unsubstantiated ghost stories? KAZ: Yes, obviously! Have you *seen* the internet? Anyway, it won't be unsubstantiated *once we substantiate it*. YOU: I don't know... The Middleman is a hundred-and-three-year-old publication! We can't just turn it into a *rag*. <%= display("ghost24") %>

YOU: So what, we run a tabloid now? KAZ: No of course not. Tabloids are way more focussed on celebrities and politics. <%= display("ghost15") %>

YOU: Kaz. The Middleman is a hundred-and-three-year-old publication! We can't just... turn into a *rag*! <%= display("ghost24") %>

YOU: ...Fine. We'll investigate it. But we can't just run with "We Saw A Ghost." It's got to be properly journalized. KAZ: We're going to journalize the hell out of it, Nadia. *(You shake your head.)* YOU: The stuff you manage to talk me into... <%= next("ride1") %>

YOU: I'm not a— a *ghost hunter*, Kaz. Even if I wanted to, I wouldn't know where to start. KAZ: What are you talking about? You're the best reporter at this paper! If anyone can do this it's you. YOU: I'm the *only* reporter at this paper. KAZ: That's a technicality. *(You sigh.)* YOU: ...Okay. We will investigate, and *if* there is some *real evidence* that something is going on, *then* I will *consider* publishing a story. KAZ: That sounds like an unambiguous yes to me! <%= next("ride1") %>

YOU: Uh... what was that? KAZ: What was that? That was a *GHOST*, that's what that was! <%= display("ghost1") %>

<% portrait("kaz1") %> *(...and then time snaps forward again, and you and Kaz are screaming and running out of the school. You come to a stop on the front lawn and slump down against a tree as you try to catch your breath.)* KAZ: Holy shit. Hoooly shit. * [[What was that?|ghost18]] * [[Are you okay?|ghost7]] * [[Should we call animal control?|ghost6]]

YOU: Are you okay? KAZ: Am I *okay*? No I'm not okay! I just saw a damn ghost. <%= display("ghost1") %>

KAZ: Right. Okay. *(They toss the joint out the window.)* Let's get out of here. <%= next("purple1") %>

YOU: Is this seriously how it's going to be all year? ANJA: No. Because next class I will be sitting over there. *(She points at the opposite side of the room with her pen.)* As far from you as humanly possible. <%= display("desk7") %> YOU: You were saying? <%= display("desk16") %>

<% portrait("anja1","rouille"); chapter(8); %> #### **French Class** — Morning *(You idly draw a star pattern in your notebook, tracing the five intersecting lines over and over again. Anja looks down at the sketch. You quickly flip the page over.)* YOU: ...You know staring at me isn't going to make me disappear right? ANJA: I'm not staring. YOU: Yes. You are. And it's creeping me out, so stop. ANJA: Whatever. ROUILLÉ: Okay class. I have been informed that there is a requirement for students to speak French while taking this course. This is against my better judgement, because you cannot speak French well at all, but I am forced to do this by the government. Therefore, I am assigning you this new task. *(She claps once.)* ROUILLÉ: You will compose a conversation, in French, between two persons, using the vocabulary words you have learned. This will of course be a disaster. None of you are able to speak at even the level of a small child. It will be simply an insult to me and to this fine language. You will now take the last minutes of class to decide a partner. *(Up ahead of you, Jayden perks up and turns to look at you.)* * [[Oh crap.|save1]]

YOU: Yeah... I guess it is a bit. ANJA: "A bit." You have an absurdly high tolerance for bullshit, Nazari. *(She quickly checks the time on her phone.)* But I suppose that's to be expected given your taste in boyfriends. YOU: Wow. For a second there I almost thought you were about to compliment me. *(She smirks and shakes her head as the bell rings.)* <%= display("save6") %>

YOU: Uh? *(You grab your phone and look down.)* <%= display("save12") %>

YOU: O...kay...? *(You timidly extend the phone out to her.)* <%= display("save12") %>

*(You grab your phone and look down.)* YOU: Is this some kind of trick? <%= display("save12") %>

ANJA: *(rolling her eyes)* Contact info, Nazari. YOU: Right. Yeah. *(She grabs it out of your hand and taps a few things.)* ANJA: There. *(She hands it back.)* We'll set something up in a few days. YOU: We will? ANJA: We will. *(She gets up and leaves the room.)* <%= next("obsessed1") %>

*(You groan.)* KAZ: Come on! Aren't you glad you told me? Don't you already feel lighter? Happier? More excited about the future? * [[...Yeah.|confession27]]

YOU: Okay, we don't "love" each other. KAZ: You don't know that. You don't know how she feels. YOU: I know how *I* feel. All I want is for us to be friends. That's it. KAZ: I'm just saying! Wouldn't this party be a totally awesome and romantic time for you two to realize your true feelings? *(You groan and put your hand over your face.)* <%= display("confession41") %>

<% s.room = "newsoffice"; if (s.phase === 0 && s.lockers0 && s.secondfloor0 && s.greathall0 && s.frontsteps0 && s.newsoffice0 && s.foyer0 && s.library0) { s.kazambush = true; } if (s.phase === 0) { s.newsoffice0 = true; } if (s.phase === 2) { s.phase = 3; } %> #### **Newspaper Office** — Lunch At some point in its long history, the Middleman office was reserved full-time for newspaper staff. Now during the day it's used as just another regular classroom. The editor's desk — your desk — is pushed up against the wall right now to make way for the rows of desks and chairs. A fancy portrait of the newspaper's founder, Osgoode Terauley, hangs on the wall above. <% if (s.phase === 2 || s.phase === 3) { %> <% if (s.sherbourne) { %> Mr. Sherbourne <% } else { %> <%= link("Mr. Sherbourne","sherbourne1") %>, one of your teachers, <% } %> stands at the chalkboard, erasing some leftover material from last period. <% } %> <% if (s.phase > 3) { %> The room is empty except for <% if (s.sherbourne) { %> Mr. Sherbourne, <% } else { %> <%= link("Mr. Sherbourne","sherbourne1") %>, <% } %> who sits marking papers up at the front of the class. <% } %> The [[second floor hallway|secondfloor]] is back out to the east.

<% s.room = "secondfloor"; if (s.phase === 0 && s.lockers0 && s.secondfloor0 && s.greathall0 && s.frontsteps0 && s.newsoffice0 && s.foyer0 && s.library0) { s.kazambush = true; } if (s.phase === 0) { s.secondfloor0 = true; } %> #### **2nd Floor** — Lunch <% if (s.phase > 4 && s.time > 4 && !s.holdyourhorses) { %> As you walk down the hall, <%= link("Jayden Finch","jayden1") %> waves you down and runs over to talk to you. <% } else { %> The main second floor hallway feels unusually cramped this year, what with the north wing being closed for repairs. There's no sign of the strange purple smoke which was spewing out from the boarded up entryway last night. <% if (s.phase < 4) { %> <% if (s.olivia) { %> Olivia Kwon <% } else { %> <%= link("Olivia Kwon","olivia1") %> <% } %> leans against the wall, eating a bag of chips. <% } %> <% if (s.phase > 4) { %> <% if (s.diamonds || (s.exist && !s.existearly)) { %> Miles <% } else if (s.existearly && !s.diamonds) { %> <%= link("Miles","diamonds1") %> <% } else { %> <%= link("Miles","exist1") %> <% } %> sits on a bench by the window, staring down at the soccer field. <% } %> Your [[office|newsoffice]] (currently just a regular classroom) is closed and empty to the west. The [[library]] is to the east. Stairways at either end of the hallway lead down to the [[Great Hall|greathall]] and to the corridor with [[your locker|lockers]] in it. <% } %> <% if (s.holdyourhorses) {s.holdyourhorses = false;} %>

<% s.room = "lockers"; if (s.phase === 0 && s.lockers0 && s.secondfloor0 && s.greathall0 && s.frontsteps0 && s.newsoffice0 && s.foyer0 && s.library0) { s.kazambush = true; } if (s.phase === 2) { s.phase = 3; } if (s.phase === 0) { s.lockers0 = true; } %> #### **Lockers** — Lunch <% if (s.phase > 4 && s.time > 4) { %> As you walk down the hall, <%= link("Jayden Finch","jayden1") %> waves you down and runs over to talk to you. <% } else { %> With the North Wing closed for repairs, the cramped hallways in the (relatively) newer part of the building have been pressed into service as makeshift locker rooms. You and the other Roxton House girls seem to have all been dumped here on the west side of the school. A stairwell leads up to the [[second floor|secondfloor]] here. The [[Great Hall|greathall]] lies to the east and the [[front of the school|foyer]] is off to the south. <% } %>

<% s.room = "library"; if (s.phase === 0 && s.lockers0 && s.secondfloor0 && s.greathall0 && s.frontsteps0 && s.newsoffice0 && s.foyer0 && s.library0) { s.kazambush = true; } if (s.phase === 0) { s.library0 = true; } if (s.phase > 1 && s.phase < 5) { s.phase = 5; } %> #### **Library** — Lunch Whatever was making noise in here last night doesn't seem to have done any damage. The only thing that's at all abnormal is the cluster of empty shelves in the middle of the room. <% if (s.bridget) { %> Bridget tends to her book piles, looking more and more stressed with every moment. <% } else { %> A <%= link("Grade 11 redhead","bridget1") %> you've never met bustles anxiously behind the desk. <% } %> <% if (s.shesback) { %> Allen <% } else { %> <%= link("Allen","shesback1") %> <% } %> sits at an empty desk, thumbing through his phone. The [[second floor hallway|secondfloor]] is back out the doors to the west.

<% s.room = "foyer"; if (s.phase === 0 && s.lockers0 && s.secondfloor0 && s.greathall0 && s.frontsteps0 && s.newsoffice0 && s.foyer0 && s.library0) { s.kazambush = true; } if (s.phase === 0) { s.foyer0 = true; } %> #### **Foyer** — Lunch <% if (s.phase === 0 && s.kazambush ) { %> You run into <%= link("Kaz","talktopeople1") %> on your way down the hall. <% } else if (s.phase > 4 && s.time > 4 && !s.holdyourhorses) { %> As you walk down the hall, <%= link("Jayden Finch","jayden1") %> waves you down and runs over to talk to you. <% } else { %> The foyer at the front of the school is a small weirdly-lit beige area that sits empty pretty much all day. A place of honour has been given to a large plaque celebrating the "Old Boys" that paid to refurbish the room for the school's centennial in 1987. A scuffed brass coat of arms is laid into the floor here, just a bit off-centre. <% if (s.phase > 2) { %> <% if (s.anyleads) { %> Kaz <% } else { %> <%= link("Kaz","anyleads1") %> <% } %> sits on one of the big couches off to the side, scrolling through their phone. <% } %> The main hallway leads north from here to the [[Great Hall|greathall]], while a smaller corridor branches northwest towards [[your locker|lockers]]. Some people are gathered on [[steps|frontsteps]] just outside. <% } %> <% if (s.holdyourhorses) {s.holdyourhorses = false;} %>

<% s.room = "frontsteps"; if (s.phase === 0 && s.lockers0 && s.secondfloor0 && s.greathall0 && s.frontsteps0 && s.newsoffice0 && s.foyer0 && s.library0) { s.kazambush = true; } if (s.phase === 0) { s.frontsteps0 = true; } if (s.phase === 2) { s.phase = 3; } %> #### **Front Steps** — Lunch A scattering of students are sitting on the concrete steps out front of the school. <% if (s.phase < 4) { %> <% if (s.railing) { %> Blake <% } else { %> <%= link("Blake Jones","railing1") %> <% } %> waves his hands around and tries to balance on a railing. <% } else { %> <% if (s.youokay) { %> Blake <% } else if (!s.youokay && s.railing) { %> <%= link("Blake","youokay1") %> <% } else { %> <%= link("Blake Jones","youokay1") %> <% } %> cringes in pain on the ground as his buddies laugh at him. <% } %> <% if (s.phase > 4) { %> <% if (s.olivia) { %> Olivia Kwon <% } else { %> <%= link("Olivia Kwon","olivia13") %> <% } %> and Tibor <% if (!s.hitibor) { %> Felvonó <% } %> are lying on one of the picnic tables out front. <% } %> The [[school entrance|foyer]] is back north.

<% s.room = "greathall"; if (s.phase === 0 && s.lockers0 && s.secondfloor0 && s.greathall0 && s.frontsteps0 && s.newsoffice0 && s.foyer0 && s.library0) { s.kazambush = true; } if (s.phase === 0) { s.greathall0 = true; } %> #### **Great Hall** — Lunch <% if (s.phase > 4 && s.time > 4 && !s.holdyourhorses) { %> As you walk down the hall, <%= link("Jayden Finch","jayden1") %> waves you down and runs over to talk to you. <% } else { %> Since there's no cafeteria at Middle Canada College, the central Great Hall serves as something of a lunch hub. <% if (s.phase < 4) { %> The tables are all packed with students, and those that can't fit have either camped out on the floor or found some other place on campus to eat. <% } else { %> At this point though most of your fellow students have finished eating and the room has largely emptied out. <% } %> <% if (s.phase === 0) { %> Kaz continues wolfing down unsettling pizza combinations while Miles watches. <% } else if (s.phase === 2) { %> Kaz tries to wipe pizza sauce from their face as Miles keeps pointing out spots they missed. <% } %> <% if (s.phase === 1 || s.phase === 3) { %> <% if (s.exist) { %> Miles <% } else { %> <%= link("Miles","exist1") %> <% } %> sits off on his own reading a very large hardcover book. <% } %> <% if (s.phase < 4) { %> On the other side of the hall, <% if (s.helpyou) { %> Anja <% } else { %> <%= link("Anja","helpyou1") %> <% } %> eats lunch with <% if (s.hiaubrey) { %> Aubrey. <% } else { %> Aubrey Shepway. <% } %> <% } else { %> <% if (s.helpyou) { %> Anja <% } else { %> <%= link("Anja","helpyou1") %> <% } %> seems to have switched tables to chat with <% if (s.hiamy) { %> Amy. <% } else { %> Amy Vineway. <% } %> <% } %> A large staircase leads up to the [[second floor|secondfloor]] here. Your [[locker|lockers]] is down a hall to the west and the [[front of the school|foyer]] is to the south. <% } %> <% if (s.holdyourhorses) {s.holdyourhorses = false;} %>

<% portrait("kaz1") %> #### **2nd Floor** — Night <% if (!s.purple2 && !s.purple3) { %> You step out of the **[[office|purple2]]** and quietly shut the door behind you. Another loud bang sounds out from the closed library to the east. <% } %> Wisps of purple smoke spill out into the darkened hallway from under the boarded up entrance to the old <% if (s.purple3) { %> North Wing. <% } else { %> **[[North Wing|purple3]]**. <% } %> <% if (s.purple2 || s.purple3) { %> The newspaper <% if (s.purple2) { %> office <% } else { %> **[[office|purple2]]** <% } %> lies to the west, and the locked library lies to the east. <% } %> <% if (s.purple2 && s.purple3) { %> Kaz runs ahead down the **[[stairs|purple4]]** to the main floor. <% } else { %> A **[[stairwell|purple4]]** leads down to the main floor. <% if (s.purple5) { %> Kaz <% } else { %> **[[Kaz|purple5]]** <% } %> looks around anxiously. <% } %>

<% s.purple2 = true; %> <% if (s.purple4) { s.purple2a = true; } %> *(You pause <% if (!s.purple4) { %> in the middle of the hall.<% } else { %> at the foot of the stairs.<% } %>)* YOU: Wait, should we go back <% if (s.purple4) { %> up <% } %> and turn off the light? KAZ: No, dude! Then they'll see it go off and they'll know someone's here. Just leave it. *(You nod.)* <% if (!s.purple4) { %> <%= next("purple1") %> <% } else { %> <%= next("purple4") %> <% } %>

<% s.purple3 = true; %> *(You walk up to the boarded up archway and try to see through one of the cracks in the construction hoarding.)* KAZ: *(in an anxious whisper)* Na! What are you doing? YOU: Trying to see where this smoke is coming from. KAZ: In case you've forgotten that's exactly the kind of question we're trying to avoid right now. * [[The school might be burning down.|purple7]] * [[You aren't curious?|purple6]] * [[Okay, okay.|purple8]]

<% s.purple4 = true; %> #### **Lockers** — Night <% if (!s.purple5a && !s.purple2a) { %> <% if (s.purple2 && s.purple3) { %> You run down to the first floor and catch up with <% if (s.purple5) { %> Kaz. <% } else { %> **[[Kaz|purple5]]**. <% } %> <% } else { %> You and <% if (s.purple5) { %> Kaz <% } else { %> **[[Kaz|purple5]]** <% } %> run down to the first floor. <% } } %> Purple smoke drifts down from <% if (s.purple2) { %> upstairs <% } else { %> **[[upstairs|purple2]]** <% } %> and past the rows of lockers along the hall, seemingly drawn towards the **[[foyer|purple9]]** at the front of the school to the southeast. To the east is the **[[Great Hall|purple10]]**. <% if (s.purple5a || s.purple2a) { %> Kaz nervously paces back and forth at the foot of the stairs. <% } %>

<% s.purple5 = true; %> <% if (s.purple4) { s.purple5a = true; } %> YOU: *(hushed)* Okay, what's the plan? KAZ: Honestly our best bet is probably <% if (!s.purple4) { %> going down to <% } %> the front door. YOU: The *front door*? KAZ: Well it's better than going out a window! <% if (!s.purple4) { %> <%= next("purple1") %> <% } else { %> <%= next("purple4") %> <% } %>

YOU: You aren't *at all* curious about this weird purple substance? KAZ: Escape now, investigative journalism later. *(They tug on your blazer.)* YOU: ...Fine. <%= next("purple1") %>

YOU: Kaz, the *school* might be burning down. KAZ: Then we'll pull the fire alarm on the way out. *(They tug on your blazer.)* Seriously, let's *go*. YOU: ...Fine. <%= next("purple1") %>

YOU: ...Fine. Let's go. <%= next("purple1") %>

#### **Foyer** — Night The mist thickens as you make your way to the front of the school. By the time you reach the foyer you can barely see a few feet in front of your face. You stick your hand out and try to stumble towards the main entrance. Suddenly, a **[[raccoon|purple14]]** with blank white eyes is standing in front of you, blocking your path.

YOU: Okay uh, this way. *(You start to run towards the Great Hall.)* KAZ: Wait, <% if (s.purple5) { %> I thought we were going to the front door. Shouldn't we go the other way? <% } else { %> shouldn't we go to the front door? <% } %> * [[I'm trying to avoid the smoke.|purple12]] * [[You're right.|purple11]]

YOU: Yeah I'm trying to avoid the *crazy purple smoke.* KAZ: Right. Okay. Not suffocating. Good plan. <%= next("purple13") %>

*(You look back and forth between the two hallways.)* YOU: Yeah, you're right. You lead the way. *(They run off towards the foyer.)* <%= next("purple9") %>

#### **Great Hall** — Night You silently make your way down the corridor and into the Great Hall. The air thickens around you as the purple mist starts to pour in from all directions. You know that there are hallways leading west to the **[[lockers|purple15]]** and south to the **[[foyer|purple16]]**, but you can barely make them out. The grand staircase which leads **[[back upstairs|purple17]]** is completely blanketed in smoke. [[Kaz|purple15]] puts their hand out in front of their face and tries to grasp at the air.

*(THE RACCOON STARES AT YOU WITH ITS EMPTY WHITE EYES AND TIME SEEMS TO SLOW TO ONE QUARTER SPEED. IT OPENS ITS MOUTH AND SCREECHES AT YOU AND YOU HEAR THE SCREECH AND IT SOUNDS LIKE THIS.)* RACCOON: <%= emoji("scream") %> <%= emoji("scream") %> <%= emoji("no_good") %> * <a href="javascript:void(0)" data-passage="purple19" style="display:inline-block;"><%= emoji("question") %></a> * <a href="javascript:void(0)" data-passage="purple20" style="display:inline-block;"><%= emoji("fearful") %></a> * <a href="javascript:void(0)" data-passage="purple21" style="display:inline-block;"><%= emoji("put_litter_in_its_place") %> <%= emoji("panda_face") %></a>

YOU: Uh maybe this was the wrong way after all. KAZ: I think we should go back. YOU: I think you're right. <%= next("purple23") %>

#### **Foyer** — Night You manage to stumble out of the great hall and down the corridor to the foyer. By the time you reach the front of the school the mist is so thick that you can barely see a few feet in front of your face. Out of the smoke steps a **[[raccoon|purple14]]** with blank white eyes.

YOU: What the heck is going on up there? KAZ: Beats me! But I don't want to stick around to find out. YOU: You're right. Let's go back. <%= next("purple23") %>

YOU: <%= emoji("question") %> RACCOON: <%= emoji("sos") %> YOU: <%= emoji("question") %> <%= emoji("question") %> <%= emoji("question") %> RACCOON: <%= emoji("sos") %> <%= emoji("boy") %> YOU: <%= emoji("point_right") %> <%= emoji("boy") %> <%= emoji("question") %> RACCOON: <%= emoji("boy") %> <%= emoji("skull") %> <%= emoji("boy") %> <%= emoji("skull") %> <%= emoji("scream") %> * <a href="javascript:void(0)" data-passage="purple24" style="display:inline-block;"><%= emoji("splayed_hand") %> <%= emoji("mute") %> <%= emoji("ok") %></a> * <a href="javascript:void(0)" data-passage="purple25" style="display:inline-block;"><%= emoji("ghost") %> <%= emoji("question") %></a>

YOU: <%= emoji("fearful") %> RACCOON: <%= emoji("heavy_exclamation_mark") %> YOU: <%= emoji("point_right") %> <%= emoji("fearful") %> <%= emoji("sweat_drops") %> RACCOON: <%= emoji("bangbang") %> <%= emoji("scream") %> YOU: <%= emoji("raised_hand") %> <%= emoji("no_entry") %> <%= emoji("no_entry") %> <%= emoji("sweat_drops") %> <%= emoji("sweat_drops") %> RACCOON: <%= emoji("scream") %> <%= emoji("no_good") %> <%= emoji("no_good") %> * <a href="javascript:void(0)" data-passage="purple24" style="display:inline-block;"><%= emoji("splayed_hand") %> <%= emoji("mute") %> <%= emoji("ok") %></a> * <a href="javascript:void(0)" data-passage="purple18" style="display:inline-block;"><%= emoji("warning") %> <%= emoji("no_entry") %> <%= emoji("no_entry") %> <%= emoji("no_entry") %></a>

YOU: <%= emoji("put_litter_in_its_place") %> <%= emoji("panda_face") %> RACCOON: <%= emoji("x") %> <%= emoji("thumbsdown") %> YOU: <%= emoji("point_right") %> <%= emoji("put_litter_in_its_place") %> <%= emoji("panda_face") %> <%= emoji("heavy_check_mark") %> RACCOON: <%= emoji("no_entry_sign") %> <%= emoji("put_litter_in_its_place") %> <%= emoji("panda_face") %> <%= emoji("heavy_exclamation_mark") %> <%= emoji("no_entry_sign") %> <%= emoji("put_litter_in_its_place") %> <%= emoji("panda_face") %> <%= emoji("bangbang") %> YOU: <%= emoji("interrobang") %> RACCOON: <%= emoji("boy") %> <%= emoji("boy") %> <%= emoji("boy") %> <%= emoji("boy") %> <%= emoji("boy") %> <%= emoji("boy") %> <%= emoji("boy") %> <%= emoji("no_good") %> <%= emoji("no_good") %> <%= emoji("no_good") %> * <a href="javascript:void(0)" data-passage="purple24" style="display:inline-block;"><%= emoji("splayed_hand") %> <%= emoji("mute") %> <%= emoji("ok") %></a> * <a href="javascript:void(0)" data-passage="purple18" style="display:inline-block;"><%= emoji("warning") %> <%= emoji("no_entry") %> <%= emoji("no_entry") %> <%= emoji("no_entry") %></a> * <a href="javascript:void(0)" data-passage="purple25" style="display:inline-block;"><%= emoji("ghost") %> <%= emoji("question") %></a>

YOU: <%= emoji("heavy_exclamation_mark") %> <%= emoji("sweat_drops") %> RACCOON: <%= emoji("anger") %> <%= emoji("no_good") %> <%= emoji("no_good") %> <%= emoji("skull") %> <%= emoji("skull") %> <%= emoji("fr") %> <%= emoji("scream") %> <%= emoji("coffin") %> <%= emoji("scream") %> <%= emoji("gun") %> <%= emoji("dart") %> <%= emoji("coffin") %> <%= emoji("coffin") %> <%= emoji("no_good") %> <%= emoji("fr") %> <%= emoji("no_good") %> <%= emoji("fr") %> <%= emoji("skull") %> <%= emoji("fr") %> <%= emoji("skull") %> <%= emoji("boy") %> <%= emoji("skull") %> <%= emoji("skull") %> <%= emoji("boy") %> <%= emoji("skull") %> <%= emoji("skull") %> <%= emoji("skull") %> <%= emoji("skull") %> <%= emoji("skull") %> <%= emoji("skull") %> <%= emoji("scream") %> <%= emoji("bangbang") %> <%= emoji("gun") %> <%= next("ghost19") %>

#### **????** — Night You turn to leave the Great Hall but find yourself completely disoriented. The thick purple smoke has settled throughout the room, obscuring everything that's more than a few feet in front of your face. You stumble ahead blindly with Kaz. Suddenly, a **[[raccoon|purple14]]** with blank white eyes appears in front of you.

ANJA: *(shaking her head)* Unbelievable. ROUILLÉ: Okay! Maintenant, the conjugation! <%= next("summer9") %>

YOU: So yeah. Summer doesn't want to see me anymore. And I figured maybe after enough time had passed... *(You shrug.)* But I guess not. KAZ: And you're *sure* that's what she wanted? YOU: "Don't talk to me" seems pretty unambiguous to me. KAZ: I don't know. Allen's pretty dumb— YOU: Hey. KAZ: Well he is! Maybe he got the message wrong or something. *(You shake your head.)* YOU: I think if Summer actually wanted to be friends with me she would have talked to me by now. KAZ: I don't know dude. I'll admit I don't know Summer that well, but I *really* don't think she's the type of person to kick someone out of her life just for being gay. Like that just does not fit the data at all. * [[I'm not "gay" exactly.|confession7]]

YOU: Anyway, I'm pretty sure this is why your sister hates me. KAZ: What? No way. YOU: I'm serious. She and Summer started being friends *right* after all this happened, and that's exactly when she started being a huge bitch to me. KAZ: That doesn't sound like her at all. YOU: What other explanation is there? KAZ: Look, you don't know her the same way I do. I get that you two don't get along, but *trust me* when I tell you she would never hate you just because you're gay. That's like. Not her speed. At all. * [[I'm not "gay" exactly.|confession7]]

YOU: I asked Allen to go talk to her. I didn't give him the details, obviously. But he knew we had a fight. He went and asked her if she would forgive me. It was a pretty emphatic no. KAZ: How emphatic are we talking here? YOU: She literally said she never wanted to see me again. Allen had my back, thank god, but then she just cut him out too. KAZ: Wow. That is... brutal. * [[I think that's why Anja hates me.|confession34]] * [[That's the source of all the drama.|confession8]] * [[And Summer's still avoiding me now.|confession33]]

YOU: No, I did. Emails, texts, slipping a note in her locker. She just didn't want to talk to me at all. KAZ: Wow. That *sucks*. YOU: Eventually I ended up sending Allen over. I figured she would at least be willing to talk with him, tell him what was going on. KAZ: And? YOU: Summer told him that she never wanted to see me again. Either of us. And that was it. *(Kaz shakes their head.)* * [[I think that's why Anja hates me.|confession34]] * [[That's the source of all the drama.|confession8]] * [[And Summer's still avoiding me now.|confession33]]

YOU: I mean, of course I tried at first. But eventually I just got too scared. There was *so* much going on there. Just with me and her and... You know, what if she told people? Or what if she freaked out even more than she already had? So I stopped leaving messages and I stopped trying to talk to her in the halls. My last ditch was to send Allen. KAZ: And this was before you two were dating? YOU: Yeah. We were all friends, you know? I figured he might be able to get through to her at least. But Summer told him she never wanted to see me again. Like full stop. And then he sided with me and that was that. *(Kaz shakes their head.)* * [[I think that's why Anja hates me.|confession34]] * [[That's the source of all the drama.|confession8]] * [[And Summer's still avoiding me now.|confession33]]

YOU: Anyway, that's the source of all this drama. Me and Summer and your sister and everything. And I don't know what to do about it. KAZ: Wait, Anja? What does she have to do with this? YOU: Anja started hating me right when all this happened, and that's also right when Summer and her became friends. Which suggests to me that Summer told Anja what happened and she tried to take it out on me as some kind of weird revenge. KAZ: *Pfft.* No way. YOU: Think about, why else would she be so intent of keeping me away from her? She thinks I'm going to try and hit on her again. KAZ: No way in hell, Na. YOU: But— KAZ: Look, you need to trust me on this, okay? If Anja even knows — which I doubt by the way, because *I* didn't know and I know you way better than she does — *if* she knows, she absolutely would not hate you for it. She is not that kind of person. Really. Really really. There's no way she cares about you being gay. * [[I'm not "gay" exactly.|confession7]]

YOU: He's my boyfriend though! I'm not supposed to lie to him. KAZ: Okay buddy. Rule number 1? Being in the closet *is not the same as lying.* YOU: It's lying by omission. KAZ: Na, stop being logical for a second and start being smart. The only person who has any say over the timing of your coming out is you. And *no one* is entitled to anything more than you want to give them. I don't care if he's the *pope* of boyfriends, you don't owe him a damn thing. YOU: Okay. KAZ: Where it *does* get a bit complicated is with Summer. Are you saying you want to be with her instead? <%= display("confession24") %>

YOU: I guess... KAZ: There isn't! For real, Nadia. You're the one driving this car. You decide who you tell and when, and it is always, *always* optional. Boyfriend, best friends, parents, whoever. They don't get to know until you're ready to tell him. YOU: Right. Okay. KAZ: Seriously. *(They point at you.)* YOU: I know, I know. I'm just worried I'm making it worse by keeping quiet. Like we've been dating for years and I never told him about Summer. How is he going to react? KAZ: Why should he even *have* a reaction? Does it affect him at all? YOU: Well, no. I mean, maybe? I don't think so... KAZ: Do you still have feelings for her? <%= display("confession24") %>

<% portrait() %>*(The class finishes. You walk out of the room and see Summer just down the hall, taking some things out of her locker.)* * [[Summer!|summer1]]

*(They get up and start pacing around.)* KAZ: Okay. Okay okay okay. We have to do something about this. * [[Like what?|ghost21]] * [[No we don't.|ghost22]]

YOU: Like what? *(They stop and snap their fingers.)* KAZ: Like *journalism*, that's what! <%= display("ghost11") %>

YOU: Uh, no we don't. KAZ: Are you kidding me? That was like the hugest thing *ever*! We have to tell the whole school! YOU: We can't *tell* people! No one will believe us! *(They stop and snap their fingers.)* KAZ: No. But they *will* believe the oldest continually-published high school newspaper in Canada. <%= display("ghost11") %>

YOU: We still don't know if any of this was real. KAZ: So we investigate and find out! Isn't that our job? YOU: No! *(They sigh.)* <%= display("ghost15") %>

YOU: <%= emoji("splayed_hand") %> <%= emoji("mute") %> <%= emoji("ok") %> RACCOON: <%= emoji("x") %> <%= emoji("ok") %> <%= emoji("x") %> <%= emoji("ok") %> <%= emoji("x") %> <%= emoji("ok") %> <%= emoji("x") %> <%= emoji("ok") %> <%= display("purple22") %>

YOU: <%= emoji("warning") %> <%= emoji("no_entry") %> <%= emoji("no_entry") %> <%= emoji("no_entry") %> RACCOON: <%= emoji("scream") %> <%= emoji("scream") %> <%= emoji("scream") %> <%= emoji("scream") %> <%= emoji("x") %> <%= emoji("x") %> <%= emoji("x") %> <%= display("purple22") %>

YOU: I'd just... rather not. KAZ: *(holding up their hands)* Hey, no pressure. It'd just be rude not to offer, that's all. YOU: You're too kind, really. <%= display("smoking8") %>

YOU: I don't see what's so great about it. KAZ: Well for one thing it makes you all... relaxed. And silly. And chill. And horny. <%= display("smoking31") %>

YOU: I'll take your word for it. KAZ: Seriously! It makes you all... relaxed. And silly. And chill. And horny. <%= display("smoking31") %>

YOU: *(huffing)* I don't "hate fun." KAZ: Aw, I'm just kidding around. YOU: Fun is great! I love to have fun. KAZ: Of course. YOU: Like the newspaper! That's fun right? KAZ: Absolutely. YOU: We had tons of fun tonight. KAZ: Boatloads. YOU: Hey, I love fun so much that I don't need drugs to artificially inflate my fun-having. If anything *you're* the one that hates fun. KAZ: *(leaning back)* No, totally. I'm amazed I didn't recognize our dynamic sooner. <%= display("smoking7") %>

YOU: Ugh, gross. KAZ: It *does* though! *(You roll your eyes and sigh loudly.)* KAZ: It makes you *horny*! YOU: I get it. It makes you horny. God. *(They take another hit.)* KAZ: Hey Nadia. YOU: I'm not having this conversation. KAZ: Nadia. Nadia. Nadia. ...Nadia. YOU: What? KAZ: I'm horrrrrrnnnnyyyyyyyyyyy... *(giggling fit)* <%= display("smoking7") %>

YOU: Well she's mad about *something*, and whatever it is I don't know how to get her off my back. KAZ: I don't suppose you've tried talking to her. <%= display("smoking25") %>

YOU: God you should have heard her when you left the room earlier. She was like "I'm watching you." She literally said that. Who says that? KAZ: I'm sure it wasn't that bad. <%= display("smoking25") %>

YOU: Technically it's still against the law. KAZ: Dude, have you *been* to Chinatown lately? There's like a weed shop on every corner. YOU: That doesn't mean anything. Last time I was in Chinatown I literally saw a giant sign that just said "ILLEGAL FIREWORKS" on it. KAZ: Well regardless, pot is great. You should think about trying it some time. * [[I don't see what's so great about it.|smoking29]] * [[I'll take your word for it.|smoking28]]

YOU: I don't think you realize how intimidating your sister can be exactly. KAZ: I'm sure you two would totally get along if you actually gave it a chance. YOU: Maybe... KAZ: Definitely. You love me, and she loves me, and I love both of you. Therefore by the transitive property you two should love each other. *(They lean back in their chair.)* It's logic. <%= display("smoking7") %>

<% s.summersback_kaz = true; %> YOU: I didn't realize Anja and Summer still hung out. KAZ: Oh yeah, totally. They've been buds for like... years now. YOU: Is it true she's back at MMC this year? KAZ: Yeah, I saw her earlier today. Wonder what made her transfer... *(You stare up at the ceiling.)* KAZ: You hung out with her a lot back in middle school, right? What happened there? * [[We had a falling out.|smoking35]] * [[We grew apart.|smoking36]] * [[She stopped talking to me.|smoking37]]

YOU: Print journalism is dead, Kaz. We're relics of the past. KAZ: I am literally the exact opposite of that. YOU: In an official capacity, I mean. No one reads newspapers any more, and how are we supposed to get volunteers if we can't even get readers? KAZ: We'll get tons of readers! As soon as we do our first huge story people will be lining up just to see our awesome journalist skills. YOU: Oh sure yeah. Just "do" a huge story. Because one of those comes along every day, right? KAZ: *(leaning back)* Now you're getting it. <%= display("smoking7") %>

YOU: This *is* the newspaper thing. ANJA: ...Wow, Nazari. Some turnout. *(You glare at her.)* ANJA: *(to Kaz)* You ready to go or what? <%= display("meeting23") %>

YOU: You here to sign up? ANJA: Ha. *(She turns to Kaz.)* You ready to go or what? <%= display("meeting23") %>

YOU: Wait, Summer's back? ANJA: Against everyone's better judgment, yes. And if you start any more shit with her there's going to be trouble. Understand? YOU: I— <%= display("meeting28") %>

YOU: We kind of had a... falling out. You could say. KAZ: What? There was an actual *fight*? I never knew that! Details! <%= display("smoking38") %>

YOU: I guess you could say we grew apart. KAZ: Okay... YOU: Like yeah it used to be me her and Allen and we were all super tight but then we sort of... uh... KAZ: Let me guess: you started dating Allen and things got awkward. <%= display("smoking38") %>

YOU: She just kind of stopped talking to me. She wouldn't answer my texts or my emails or talk to me in the hall. And then she changed schools and uh there you go. KAZ: Do you have any idea why? <%= display("smoking38") %>

YOU: Uh, well... It's... complicated. <%= display("smoking7") %>

YOU: Who discovered it? SUMMER: Huygens. YOU: Never heard of him. SUMMER: He's pretty famous. They named a spacecraft after him. *(You nodded.)* YOU: Space famous. Got it. SUMMER: He was also the first person to realize Saturn had rings. YOU: What'd they think before that? SUMMER: Well Galileo saw them years earlier. But he thought they were like... ears. YOU: Ears! *(You laughed.)* SUMMER: I know, right? Some people just can't recognize a beautiful thing when they see it. <%= display("prologue10") %>

YOU: So why are you so interested in Titan anyway? SUMMER: I don't know, I was just thinking about it today for some reason. You know it's the only place in the solar system with surface liquid? Besides Earth obviously. That makes it kind of special. <%= display("prologue8") %>

YOU: How big is it? SUMMER: Big. Bigger than Mercury even. YOU: What? That's not fair! How come Mercury gets to be a planet but Titan's stuck being a moon? *(She shrugged.)* SUMMER: That's what happens when you get caught up in someone else's orbit. <%= display("prologue10") %>

SUMMER: ...Yeah? YOU: Yeah. Of course. *(Your voice got quiet.)* ...You're... SUMMER: ...I'm...? YOU: ..... <%= next("prologue17") %>

# <a href="javascript:void(0)" data-passage="prologue1">August 2013</a>

YOU: <%= emoji("ghost") %> <%= emoji("question") %> RACCOON: <%= emoji("no_entry_sign") %> <%= emoji("put_litter_in_its_place") %> <%= emoji("panda_face") %> <%= emoji("bangbang") %> <%= emoji("anger") %> <%= emoji("anger") %> <%= emoji("anger") %> <%= display("purple22") %>

KAZ: Look, I get it. It's not what they would have done back in Osgoode Terauley's day. But back in Osgoode Terauley's day we wouldn't have even been *working* for the paper, because we wouldn't have been allowed in the school, because they didn't even let you *on campus* if you weren't a white Anglican boy! YOU: I think they also allowed Methodists. KAZ: It's a hundred years later. We have to update our approach for the 21st century! * [[...Fine.|ghost16]] * [[I'm not a ghost hunter.|ghost17]]

*(The two of you get out of the car and start walking towards the school.)* * [[What do you have first today?|ride6]] * [[You ever experienced anything unusual around here?|ride7]] * [[Did you know Summer was back?|ride8]]

YOU: What do you have first today? ALLEN: Gym. YOU: Gym?! That's your *first* period? ALLEN: Somebody's gotta have it in the morning. * [[Should have dropped it when you had the chance.|ride13]] * [[Sucks to be you.|ride18]] * [[You seem unusually fine with this.|ride17]]

YOU: Hey, random question. Have you ever experienced anything... strange around here? ALLEN: Strange like how? * [[Something unexplained.|ride24]] * [[Something involving raccoons.|ride25]] * [[Something involving ghosts.|ride26]]

<% s.toldallen = true; s.toldallen1 = true; %> YOU: Hey so... did you know Summer was back? ALLEN: Okamura? YOU: Do we know another Summer? ALLEN: Huh. *(He scratches his head.)* I thought she was still at Moore Park Collegiate. YOU: She transferred back apparently. That's what <% if (s.summersbackkaz) { %> Kaz says <% } else { %> Anja said <% } %> anyway. ALLEN: I... wow. No, I didn't know. * [[I haven't seen her yet.|ride9]] * [[Should we talk to her?|ride10]] * [[I'm kind of nervous about it.|ride11]]

YOU: I haven't even seen her yet. I don't know how I went the whole day yesterday without running into her. ALLEN: Well that's good. YOU: "That's good"? ALLEN: I just mean... you two didn't really leave it on the best terms. I'd hate to see you get into a fight or something. *(You groan.)* YOU: Do you really think it'll be that bad? ALLEN: Honestly, I have no idea. *(He rubs your shoulder.)* * [[We've got to at least try.|ride21]] * [[Why does this have to be so hard?|ride14]] * [[I wonder why she's back here.|ride22]]

YOU: Should we... talk to her, do you think? ALLEN: Ehhh... I don't know if that's the best idea. You two didn't exactly leave it on the best terms. YOU: That's putting it mildly. <%= display("ride12") %>

YOU: I'm kind of nervous about seeing her again, you know? Like, what am I going to say? ALLEN: Do you really think you should talk to her? YOU: Yeah. Of course. ...Do you think I shouldn't? ALLEN: She did say she never wanted to see you again. YOU: Yeah but it's been *years* now. Maybe— I don't know. <%= display("ride12") %>

*(He rubs your shoulder.)* ALLEN: Give her space, right? That's what we always said. If she wants to talk to us she'll make the effort. * [[I guess...|ride15]] * [[I hate it.|ride14]] * [[It's been years.|ride16]]

YOU: I guess... ALLEN: Don't worry so much about it, okay? YOU: Yeah. *(The two of you reach the front steps.)* <%= display("ride23") %>

YOU: Ugh, I just hate it. Why does this have to be so difficult? ALLEN: It's not your fault. It's hers. Don't forget that. YOU: Yeah... *(You cross your arms.)* <%= display("ride23") %>

YOU: It's been years though. Maybe it's time for a new strategy. I mean what if *she's* thinking the exact same thing? ALLEN: She was the one who got rid of *us*, remember? If she wants to try a new strategy, it's on her. YOU: I guess so... <%= display("ride23") %>

ANNETTE: Oh. Um. No. That's not— *(She looks up.)* Well... YOU: What? ANNETTE: Human ghosts can't really go *into* animals, is the thing. There's just technical reasons. Like let's say you die next to a bird and your spirit leaves the prison of your body. It doesn't just go *into* the bird, right? * [[I don't know, does it?|bonetheft12]] * [[Okay...|bonetheft2]] * [[Did the bird kill you?|bonetheft3]]

YOU: *(very uncertainly)* Okay... ANNETTE: You said that very uncertainly. YOU: I mean I believe you. I just don't really know, um, soul rules. <%= display("bonetheft13") %>

YOU: Did the bird kill you? ANNETTE: What? No. Kill you? YOU: I don't know! ANNETTE: It's *next* to you. Why would a bird kill you? YOU: It could be like an eagle or something? ANNETTE: An *eagle*? When have you *ever* heard of an eagle killing someone? * [[It could happen.|bonetheft4]] * [[I haven't done the research.|bonetheft5]]

YOU: It could happen! Eagles are huge! Have you ever seen an eagle? ANNETTE: Yes. And it didn't kill me. YOU: Well you can't generalize from a single data point. <%= display("bonetheft6") %>

YOU: I haven't done the research but that doesn't mean it's never happened. <%= display("bonetheft6") %>

ANNETTE: Okay, regardless. Your soul doesn't go into the bird. Whether or not it killed you. Not unless it's forced. <%= display("bonetheft7") %>

YOU: How do you force a soul to do something? ANNETTE: Well I mean, magic. Duh. But... YOU: But? ANNETTE: It's just... this *particular* spell is a tad... intense. *(She fiddles with the brim of her hat.)* How do I put this? You need remains. YOU: Remains. ANNETTE: Human remains. YOU: Eugh. ANNETTE: Bones, specifically. * [[Where do you get bones?|bonetheft8]] * [[Whose bones?|bonetheft9]] * [[Why do the remains have to be human?|bonetheft10]]

YOU: Where do you get *bones*? Do I want to know? <%= display("bonetheft14") %>

YOU: Whose bones are we talking about exactly? <%= display("bonetheft14") %>

YOU: Wait why do you need *human* remains? ANNETTE: Kind of a conservation of energy type of thing? Except with bones. A human soul cannot be moved into a non-human body without the application of a human skeleton. YOU: Do they put that in your witch textbooks? ANNETTE: They're called "spellbooks." And yes. * [[I didn't realize it was so scientific.|bonetheft23]] * [[So where do you get the bones?|bonetheft22]]

YOU: Who would *ever* think it's okay to steal bones from a graveyard? ANNETTE: I know. YOU: That's self-evidently awful. <%= display("bonetheft17") %>

YOU: I mean. I don't know. Does it? ANNETTE: What? No. Of course not. YOU: What do you mean, "of course not"? Don't say "of course not"! I don't know the soul rules. <%= display("bonetheft13") %>

ANNETTE: They're not rules. They're just principles that operate in supernature. The only way the soul would go into a tiny vessel like a bird would be if someone forced it in. <%= display("bonetheft7") %>

ANNETTE: Yes, well. That's the problem. See, you can't use the bones associated with the soul in question. YOU: Why not? ANNETTE: You know how you can't tickle yourself? It's kind of like that, except with magic. So you have to find *other* bones to do the spell with. YOU: Meaning... ANNETTE: Meaning there may be — *may* be — a minor, mostly academic debate about whether it is acceptable to steal bones from a, uh, graveyard. YOU: You're joking. ANNETTE: It's very fringe! Not representative of witchcraft in general! * [[What could there possibly be to debate?|bonetheft15]] * [[Who would think that's okay?|bonetheft11]] * [[And that's the only way to do it?|bonetheft16]]

YOU: What could there *possibly* be to debate? ANNETTE: I know. YOU: It's self-evidently awful. <%= display("bonetheft17") %>

YOU: So that's really the only way? Stealing bones from a graveyard? ANNETTE: You're not supposed to! It's a dick move. YOU: But people do? ANNETTE: *(sighing)* Some people. Internet weirdos. Not many. Bone magic is really just not cool. But if you *really* want to do the spell, then yeah. It basically has to be from a graveyard. YOU: Wow. ANNETTE: Or a crypt. Or a morgue. Or if you really wanted to go all the way with it I guess you could just murder someone for their bones. <%= display("bonetheft18") %>

ANNETTE: I know! Look, Reformed Coven doesn't do it, Wiccans don't do it, Urban Forest Witches don't do it, *regular* Forest Witches don't do it. No one does it! ...With the exception of some extreme elements on the internet. YOU: Like on tumblr? ANNETTE: Like... on facebook. YOU: *(slightly revolted)* Oh god. <%= display("bonetheft18") %>

*(The bell rings.)* YOU: Okay. I want to follow up on this later. ANNETTE: Sure. What do you have now? YOU: French. Avec la Docteure. You? ANNETTE: Functions — the weirdest named class of them all. YOU: Cool. Enjoy functioning. ANNETTE: Au revoir. <%= next("save7") %>

<% s.phase = 6; portrait("annette1"); %> *(You slip the envelope into your bag and then rummage around your locker for a while. After a minute or so you pull out your French textbook and shut the door.)* ANNETTE: *(from above)* Party, huh? YOU: Gah! *(You jump backwards and look up. Annette's sitting on top her locker, dangling her feet over the edge.)* ANNETTE: Sounds fun! YOU: Were you up there the whole time?? ANNETTE: In physical form, yes. But my spirit was in the astral plane. YOU: Right. *(You close your combination lock.)* ANNETTE: Hey, what was that thing you wanted to ask me yesterday? The witch question or whatever? YOU: Oh yeah... * [[Does anything supernatural ever happen around here?|bonetheft20]] * [[I wanted to know about ghosts.|bonetheft21]]

YOU: I was just curious: Is there much supernatural activity around here, would you say? ANNETTE: At Middle Canada College? Oh sure, tons. It's awesome. * [[Tons? Really?|bonetheft24]] * [[Is the school haunted?|bonetheft25]] * [[Anything that involves purple smoke?|bonetheft26]]

YOU: I was hoping to ask you a bit about ghosts. ANNETTE: Sure. What kind of ghosts? * [[There are different kinds?|bonetheft30]] * [[The kind you might find around here.|bonetheft31]] * [[The kind you might find in an animal.|bonetheft32]]

YOU: So... whose bones are we talking about exactly? <%= display("bonetheft14") %>

YOU: I didn't realize it was all so scientific. ANNETTE: Hey, actual witchcraft is a *craft*. You can't just mess around. Another rule is the soul and the skeleton can't have come out of the same body. They need to be "neutral" you might say. YOU: So does that mean there's a bone supply store you can go to or something? ANNETTE: Not, uh... exactly? YOU: Okay...? ANNETTE: The thing is there's uh... some people. *Some* people out there on the fringe. Who think it's acceptable, sometimes, to maybe steal bones from a, uh, graveyard. YOU: You can't be serious. ANNETTE: I want to stress this is a tiny group of people. YOU: From a *graveyard*. ANNETTE: Very non-mainstream. * [[Who would think that's okay?|bonetheft11]] * [[And that's the only way to do it?|bonetheft16]]

YOU: You think? KAZ: Absolutely! You're like the queen of lists, and this is a perfectly listable situation. *(They grab your notebook off the editor's desk and shove it in your hands.)* YOU: ...You know what? You're right. Let's do it. <%= display("confession11") %>

YOU: You know what? You're right. That's what I do for all my tasks. I should do it for this too. *(You grab your notebook off the desk and flip it open.)* KAZ: See? That's why we're such a great team. I'm smart enough to come up with the best ideas of all time and you're smart enough to go along with them. <%= display("confession11") %>

### Next Time *(maybe)* Nadia goes to Kipling's party. Kaz fails to play it even a little cool. Lingering gay angst lingers unabated. A hipster gets punched in the face. *and* It's a real gong show over there in general. <% chapter(11) if (localStorage && s.autosave) { localStorage.setItem('ku_autosave_end1', JSON.stringify(story.state)); } %> <br /> **<a href="index.html" style="margin-top:2em">Main Menu ➤</a>**

<% if (s.phase === 0) {s.phase = 2;} else if (s.phase === 1 || s.phase === 2) {s.phase = 3;} s.helpyou = true; portrait("anja1"); if (s.phase < 4) { s.hiaubrey = true; } else { s.hiamy = true; } s.time += 1; if (s.phase > 4 && s.time > 4) {s.holdyourhorses = true;} %> *(You approach Anja's table. She sits up a bit straighter and scowls at you.)* ANJA: Can I help you? * [[Never mind.|helpyou2]] * [[I have some questions.|helpyou3]] * [[How's it going?|helpyou4]]

YOU: Actually, uh. Never mind. Sorry to bug you. ANJA: Great. Bye. <%= display("helpyou5") %>

YOU: I was just hoping I could ask you a few questions. ANJA: Well, you can't. Bye. <%= display("helpyou9") %>

YOU: Just... wanted to. Um. How's it... going? *(She raises an eyebrow.)* ANJA: Fine. YOU: ...Cool. ANJA: ...Was that it? * [[That was it.|helpyou6]] * [[Just wanted to have a friendly chat.|helpyou7]] * [[I wanted to ask some questions.|helpyou8]]

*(You turn and walk away. <% if (s.phase < 4) { %> Aubrey scrunches her brow <% } else { %> Amy leans over <% } %> and whispers something as you leave.)* ANJA: *(mumbling)* I have no idea. <%= next() %>

YOU: I— Yep. That was it. ANJA: Fantastic. Bye. <%= display("helpyou5") %>

YOU: I was actually hoping we could have a nice friendly chat. ANJA: Oh. YOU: You know, maybe— ANJA: Honestly I'm not interested in that. At all. YOU: Okay. Uh. I'll just... go... then. <%= display("helpyou5") %>

YOU: I was actually hoping I could ask you some questions. If that's okay. ANJA: It's not. YOU: It's not? ANJA: No. I don't really want to answer any of your questions. So goodbye. <%= display("helpyou9") %>

*(She goes back to talking with <% if (s.phase < 4) { %> Aubrey. <% } else { %> Amy. <% } %>)* YOU: ...Okay then. <%= next() %>

<% portrait("kaz1","miles1"); s.room = "greathall"; chapter(5); %> #### **Great Hall** — Lunch KAZ: *(putting a slice of pizza upside down on top of a second slice of pizza)* So, did you talk to her? YOU: I couldn't! As soon as the bell rang she was gone. Haven't seen her since. KAZ: She's got to be around somewhere. Don't think she's the type to leave at lunch. *(Your classmate Miles Golden sits down next to the two of you.)* MILES: Who are we talking about? KAZ: *(mouth full of pizza)* Smhmr Mhmhurra. *(Miles looks at you.)* YOU: Summer Okamura. She transferred back this year and I haven't even talked to her yet. MILES: Oh. Well, she definitely didn't go home. We just spoke a few minutes ago. * [[What'd she say?|pizza2]] * [[Where was this?|pizza3]] * [[I've got to go.|pizza4]]

YOU: You did? What'd she say? MILES: She said "Hi." YOU: And what'd you say? MILES: I said "How's it going." YOU: How *was* it going? MILES: Fine. Wait, did you mean for her or for me? YOU: For her. MILES: Yeah, fine. * [[What about for you?|pizza6]] * [[Where was this?|pizza3]] * [[I've got to go.|pizza4]]

YOU: Where was this? MILES: Upstairs in that hall that leads to the Library. *(You stand.)* YOU: Upstairs. Thanks, Miles. MILES: I doubt she's still in the exact same spot. YOU: It's somewhere to start at least. <%= display("pizza10") %>

YOU: Okay. Then I'm going to go track her down. *(You stand.)* <%= display("pizza10") %>

YOU: ...How's it going for you? MILES: *(shrugging)* Also fine. KAZ: Okay, now that we're all caught up *(They gesture at you with the half-eaten slice of double pizza.)* you need to get out there and start asking ghost questions. MILES: ...Ghost questions? YOU: "I" need to get out there? I thought this was a team effort. KAZ: I'm in the middle of lunch! I can't do journalism on an empty stomach. MILES: I'm sorry, you did say "ghost questions." I didn't mishear that? * [[Yeah, ghost questions.|pizza7]] * [[Kaz will explain.|pizza8]]

YOU: That's right, ghost questions. You don't know anything about ghosts, do you? MILES: I know they don't exist. KAZ: I thought you'd be more open-minded than that, Miles. MILES: I'm very open-minded — about things that exist. * [[What makes you so sure?|pizza12]] * [[You've never experienced anything supernatural around here?|pizza13]] * [[Alright, you're no help.|pizza14]]

<%= display("pizza11") %> YOU: And then once they're done eating they will come out and help with the investigation. KAZ: Hey, I'm literally eating as fast as I can! *(They take another huge bite.)* Sh ghhh ghmmhmh hrgjbbh! *(You smile and wink at Kaz.)* <%= next() %>

KAZ: Mmhh, mmhh! *(They swallow a big bite.)* Don't forget. We have to start our investigation. YOU: Got it. Find Summer, ask ghost questions. MILES: Ghost questions? KAZ: There's got to be somebody out there who can tell us about haunted raccoons. MILES: ...What kind of investigation *is* this? * [[We're investigating the unexplained.|pizza9]] * [[Kaz will explain.|pizza5]]

YOU: Kaz will explain. Ideally in a way that doesn't make us sound completely crazy. KAZ: No promises.

YOU: Hmm. How are you so sure? MILES: For one thing, science. And there's no need for a second thing because science. <%= display("pizza14") %>

YOU: You've never experienced anything supernatural around here? MILES: No. Furthermore, no one has. <%= display("pizza14") %>

YOU: Okay, well you're no help. *(You stand.)* I'm going to get going. MILES: Wow. I see how it is. YOU: *(waving)* See you guys. KAZ: Mhhuhh huhmmhh! <%= next() %>

YOU: How was your summer? ANNETTE: Amazing. I was a camp counsellor. YOU: At a witch camp? ANNETTE: No just a regular camp. *(She opens her locker.)* I mean it is 90% witches but you don't *have* to be magic to go there. We just do normal camp stuff. YOU: A historically witchy camp. ANNETTE: Yeah. Exactly. Oh, and speaking of historically witchy! *(She points at her hat.)* Check it out. New hat. * [[Nice.|witchcamp4]] * [[I've never understood how you're allowed to wear that at school.|witchcamp2]]

YOU: Is the school haunted then? ANNETTE: Well, that's a complicated question to answer. "Haunted" one of those words that laypeople use all the time but it actually means like five entirely different things. YOU: Do any of those entirely different things apply here? <%= display("bonetheft27") %>

YOU: Really? I wouldn't have figured somewhere this boring would have *tons* of spiritual... whatever. ANNETTE: Oh no! I mean, it's a school and schools are nexuses for that kind of thing. Especially old ones. YOU: Huh. What is it about schools specifically? <%= display("bonetheft27") %>

YOU: Anything that might involve weird purple smoke? ANNETTE: Purple smoke? Well, it's a common spell by-product. Among other things. You could also probably just like buy a fog machine that spits out purple smoke if you really wanted to. YOU: Okay but assuming it's magic and it's not a fog machine. What type of spells are we talking here? ANNETTE: Gosh, let's see... Not even sure where to start. There's future vision, jealousy annulment, jealously *amplification*, bird rejuvenation — certain types of bird rejuvenation anyway — animal hypnosis, conjuring psychic imprints of the dead... *(You snap your fingers.)* YOU: That one. Psychic dead imprints. What's that all about? <%= display("bonetheft27") %>

ANNETTE: Well it's like this. When you go through life you leave a little trail of yourself. *(You look behind you. She smirks.)* ANNETTE: A *spiritual* trail. The imprint of your energy. Think of it like leaving tire tracks in the mud, except the tires are your soul. And just like with non-soul tires, when you go over the same place over and over again the imprint gets deeper. YOU: Wait, what's the mud in this metaphor? ANNETTE: Your life. You're standing in it. *(She hops down off the locker.)* ANNETTE: Think of it. You walk the same hallways over and over again, right? And on a fixed schedule. This class for first period, that class for that one. Whenever you repeat yourself like that you're making a mark on the fabric of existence. *(She holds her arms out, and does a little quarter turn.)* There are psychic imprints of past lives all around us right now. That's basically what a ghost is. * [[Can they see us?|bonetheft28]] * [[Do they ever manifest?|bonetheft29]]

YOU: Can they see us? ANNETTE: See? I don't know. They can hear everything, though. Or they could if they wanted to. YOU: That's kind of creepy. ANNETTE: Really? I find it comforting! There's always someone around who's been through what you've been through. YOU: Hmm. So let's say one of these... psychic imprints, you said? *(She nods.)* YOU: Let's say one of those is like around. Is it possible they could end up inside of something else? Get caught in something? <%= display("bonetheft33") %>

YOU: Do they ever manifest in the real world? ANNETTE: Wellll... that's less common than people think. And less spectacular too. The influence of all that energy makes itself felt but it's like... air pressure. It's diffuse, and you can't really pull out any one individual aspect of it. YOU: So you can't see them, in other words. ANNETTE: Well, yeah. *(She points at the hallway.)* You can't. It takes magic to actually get any kind of genuine apparition going. YOU: But you're saying with the right spell someone could make one of these... psychic imprints appear? ANNETTE: Definitely. YOU: Could they stick it inside of something? <%= display("bonetheft33") %>

YOU: There are *kinds* of ghosts? ANNETTE: Oh yeah. Lots of kinds. People have all sorts of ways of leaving their spiritual imprints on the fabric of the universe. YOU: Can you give me some examples? <%= display("bonetheft27") %>

YOU: I don't suppose there are any types of ghosts you would find around here? ANNETTE: At Middle Canada College you mean? Oh yeah, absolutely. Tons. <%= display("bonetheft24") %>

YOU: I'm thinking of like... the type that would be inside an animal? ANNETTE: Animal ghosts? Yeah, that can happen. They're creatures of habit, just like humans. More than humans, really. They don't really have the same level of psychic potency but they leave imprints regardless. YOU: I have no idea what any of that means. ANNETTE: It's like this. Everything living thing leaves a little trail of itself as it goes through life. Think of it like leaving tire tracks in the mud. Except the tire is a soul and the mud is the fabric of existence. YOU: Okay... ANNETTE: Take a student here, for example. They go to class every day. Take the same books out from to the same locker, walk down the same halls, go in the same room, sit at the same desk. All those actions leave spiritual marks. The more you do something, the deeper the tracks. And when they get deep enough you get what's called a "psychic imprint". *(She hops down from the lockers.)* A ghost, in other words. YOU: And that also happens with animals? ANNETTE: More or less. YOU: So... does that mean a human ghost — for example — could end up possessing a raccoon body? <%= display("bonetheft1") %>

ANNETTE: You mean like an urn or an old chest of drawers or something? YOU: Or like a raccoon. <%= display("bonetheft1") %>

YOU: I have to go. ALLEN: You're not going to go looking for her, are you? <%= display("shesback13") %>

YOU: I'm going to go interview some more people. ALLEN: Yeah? What about? YOU: It's... a long story. And also it may not even be a story so, uh, yeah. ALLEN: Okay...? YOU: I'll tell you later. Once I have more concrete information. ALLEN: If you say so. Have fun being an interviewer, I guess? <%= next() %>

YOU: I'm going to go get ready for class. ALLEN: ...You're not mad at me, are you? <%= display("shesback13") %>

YOU: Doesn't have to be complicated. You could just say "Hi." ALLEN: Right. Just ask what's up? Pretend like she hasn't been freezing us out for years? You really think that'd work? YOU: ...Maybe not. *(You sigh loudly.)* <%= display("shesback2") %>

YOU: You could try and reconnect. See how she's been all this time. ALLEN: The fact that you're asking *me* to do this suggests you don't think it'll go well. *(You sigh loudly.)* <%= display("shesback2") %>

YOU: You could... ask if she forgives me yet. ALLEN: I don't see why *she* has to forgive *you* when *you* didn't do anything. YOU: I know. But. Maybe if we reached out to her...? ALLEN: Hmm. I don't know. <%= display("shesback2") %>

YOU: You know, I've never understood how you're allowed to wear those at school. ANNETTE: Religious headgear, school colours, modest construction. Used a bit of mind control juice to seal the deal. *(You flash her an unimpressed expression.)* ANNETTE: Just a bit!! <%= display("witchcamp3") %>

YOU: Oh hey, actually. I was hoping I could ask you some witch-related questions. ANNETTE: Well, you came to the right person. I'm nothing if not witch-related. What's up? YOU: I was just wondering, have you ever— *(The first period bell rings.)* YOU: Oh shoot. ANNETTE: Damn, I've got to run. *(She shuts her locker.)* Let's pick this up later, okay? YOU: Sounds good. *(She waves and runs off.)* <%= next("history1") %>

<% if (s.phase < 3) {s.phase = 3;} s.anyleads = true; portrait("kaz1"); s.time += 1; if (s.phase > 4 && s.time > 4) {s.holdyourhorses = true;} %> YOU: Any leads yet? KAZ: Nah. I just asked Ethan if he'd ever seen a ghost, and he said "On television?" and I was like "No. At school." and he then he talked about one of those ghost hunter shows for like ten minutes. YOU: Which one? KAZ: I think it was called Ghost Quest? Ghost Squad? Ghost Police? Ghost Police? I think it was Ghost Police. YOU: I don't think it was Ghost Police. KAZ: Apparently they have one of those ghost scanners on there. We should get one. * [[Let's try traditional methods first.|anyleads2]] * [[We don't have the budget for it.|anyleads3]] * [[Couldn't hurt.|anyleads4]]

YOU: Let's try traditional methods first. KAZ: *(tapping on phone)* Traditional. Got it. YOU: ...Are you ordering it right now? KAZ: Hmm? Oh, yeah. Definitely. *(You roll your eyes.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: We don't really have the budget for that kind of equipment. KAZ: *(tapping on phone)* Too late. I already ordered it. YOU: What?! KAZ: Relax. It'll come out of my allowance. YOU: I'm not sure your mom's credit card counts as an "allowance." KAZ: I don't know, I think her not noticing is basically the same as me being allowed. <%= next() %>

YOU: I guess it... couldn't hurt? KAZ: *(tapping on phone)* Okay great because I already ordered it. *(They look up.)* You want me to get you one too? YOU: I think we'll be fine sharing yours. KAZ: Okay, but I'm keeping it in the divorce. <%= next() %>

<%= display("pizza11") %> *(You give Kaz a friendly wink and walk off.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: You might say we're trying to investigate unexplained phenomena? MILES: That's literally every investigation. KAZ: Don't be a smart ass, Miles. *(They take a huge bite off the side of the double slice.)* Mhm yhmm dmghh mh hrghhm hmflh. *(Miles looks to you again.)* YOU: Your guess is as good as mine. <%= next() %>

YOU: It's okay. I get it. *(She nods.)* <%= display("ravine9") %>

YOU: Hey, do you want to come back to my house and clean up? SUMMER: I'm okay. YOU: You sure? It's pretty close. SUMMER: I remember where you live. 344 Bridgefield Avenue. M4Z 1R6. YOU: You could borrow a hoodie. SUMMER: I think I'm just going to go home instead. YOU: Okay. *(Silence.)* SUMMER: ...My home's the other way. * [[I remember.|ravine3]] * [[Okay, well...|ravine2]]

YOU: I really wish things weren't so awkward between us. SUMMER: That'd be nice. YOU: Yeah. *(She kicks at the ground.)* <%= display("ravine9") %>

YOU: I'm not going to jump you, okay? SUMMER: O...kay...? YOU: You don't have to be afraid of me, that's all I'm saying. *(She nods, still avoiding eye contact.)* <%= display("ravine9") %>

*(You look back up at the trail.)* YOU: How'd you manage that? SUMMER: Earth's gravity did most of the work. YOU: That's a very "you" answer. SUMMER: Heh. *(She tries to wipe her hands off on her jeans but they just come up as muddy as before.)* Not sure what other kind I'd give. <%= display("ravine1") %>

<% portrait("summer1") %> #### **Yellow Creek** — After School *(You stop for breath on the stairs leading up out of the Vale of Avoca.)* YOU: Ugh, I forgot how many ravines there are on this stupid walk. *(All of a sudden, you hear a rustling and groaning from the bushes below. You look over the side of the stairs and see a familiar figure down in the mud at the bottom of the ditch.)* * [[Summer?|ravine4]]

YOU: I told you, you should have dropped it when you had the chance. ALLEN: Are you kidding? It's such an easy credit. YOU: Physical exertion at 8:35 in the morning does not fit my definition of "easy." *(You reach the front steps.)* <%= display("ride20") %>

YOU: You seem unusually fine with the prospect of being gross and sweaty all day. <%= display("ride19") %>

YOU: Well, sucks to be you. Enjoy being gross and sweaty all day. <%= display("ride19") %>

ALLEN: "Gross." You know you can't resist my masculine odours. YOU: *Ugh.* ALLEN: My powerful musk seeping out of every pore. YOU: That's it. We're breaking up forever. ALLEN: Please. You'll be back. You *know* you can't resist the odours. *(You chuckle and roll your eyes.)* <%= display("ride20") %>

ALLEN: Anyway, I'm gonna go change. *(He gives you a little peck.)* Later. YOU: Have a good day. <%= next("witchcamp5") %>

YOU: What if I am? ALLEN: I just don't want you to get hurt, that's all. *(You shrug.)* YOU: I'll see you after school. <%= next() %>

YOU: We've got to at least *try*, don't we? ALLEN: Honestly, I think the best thing we can do right now is play it cool and try not to bother her. If she wants to see us again, she'll make the effort. YOU: I guess... <%= display("ride23") %>

YOU: I wonder what made her come back after all this time... ALLEN: I don't think it's worth worrying about. YOU: Oh, come on. You've got to be a little curious. ALLEN: I put that girl out of my mind a long time ago. As long as I've got you, there's no reason to let her get to me. YOU: *(sighing)* I wish it were that easy. *(You reach the front steps.)* <%= display("ride23") %>

ALLEN: Hey, I've got to go change. I've got gym first period. YOU: Wow, I have never been happier about our completely different schedules. *(You kiss him on the cheek.)* See you at lunch. *(He waves goodbye and runs ahead.)* <%= next("witchcamp5") %>

YOU: I don't know, something... unexplained, maybe? Something that didn't make sense? ALLEN: There's a lot that goes on here that I don't get, but mostly that's just because I suck at reading social cues. YOU: You are completely inept, and that's what I love about you. ALLEN: ...Wait, is it actually? *(You chuckle.)* ALLEN: See, this is a perfect example of me not getting things. *(You kiss him on the cheek.)* YOU: Don't worry about it. *(The two of you get up to the front steps.)* ALLEN: Hey, I've got to go and change. Gym first period. YOU: Oof. I'm already second-hand exhausted on your behalf. *(You wave goodbye.)* See you at lunch. *(He waves and runs ahead.)* <%= next("witchcamp5") %>

YOU: Something involving a wild animal, for example? A weird raccoon? ALLEN: I mean I've seen plenty of raccoons on Campus, but it's Toronto. There are raccoons everywhere. YOU: Yeah, but not *weird* raccoons. ALLEN: Ohhhh like one of those cute internet raccoons that steals a donut or learns how to open a fridge or whatever? YOU: Well— ALLEN: No, I get it. You're trying to make clickbait. YOU: Ugh, I'm not making *clickbait*. ALLEN: Are you sure? Because I happen to know a thing or two about the 12 worst carbs. YOU: I hate you. ALLEN: Hey, don't be ashamed of it. Everyone loves clickbait. That's why they click it. YOU: You are actually the worst boyfriend that has ever existed. ALLEN: "Girlfriends hate him!" *(You push him.)* YOU: Gaah! Go away. Go to whatever class you have. ALLEN: Gym. YOU: Yeah, go do that! Go be smelly and gross. *(He winks at you and runs ahead into the school.)* <%= next("witchcamp5") %>

YOU: I don't know... something involving ghosts, for example? ALLEN: That's a weird example. Ghosts? YOU: Yeah, you know. Spirits, hauntings... ALLEN: I have never been haunted at school, no. I have been attacked by vampires though. Does that count? *(You smile and roll your eyes.)* <%= display("ride23") %>

<% if (s.phase < 3) {s.phase = 3;} if (s.phase < 4) {s.existearly = true;} s.exist = true; portrait("miles1"); s.time += 1; if (s.phase > 4 && s.time > 4) {s.holdyourhorses = true;} %> *(You wave hi at Miles. He nods.)* MILES: So, has anyone told you that ghosts exist yet? * [[Nope.|exist2]] * [[The investigation is still ongoing.|exist3]] * [[Are you gloating?|exist4]]

YOU: No one. MILES: Well that stands to reason. They don't, see. So no one would. YOU: Yes, I get it Miles. You know everything. MILES: What is going on with this anyway? You and Kaz are super into this paranormal junk now? When did this happen? * [[I saw something.|exist5]] * [[There have been reports.|exist6]]

YOU: The investigation is still ongoing. MILES: That sounds like a "No." YOU: It's a "Not yet." MILES: I don't get it, why did you and Kaz suddenly become obsessed with the paranormal? You're normally so level-headed. ...Well, actually I guess Kaz isn't, but *you* normally are. * [[I saw something.|exist5]] * [[There have been reports.|exist6]]

YOU: You gloating? MILES: Just trying to remind you of some basic facts. Ghosts aren't real, so whatever you're looking into, it's probably not a ghost. YOU: I know. You're right. MILES: Why did you and Kaz suddenly become obsessed with the paranormal, anyway? You're normally so level-headed. ...Well, actually I guess Kaz isn't, but *you* normally are. * [[I saw something.|exist5]] * [[There have been reports.|exist6]]

<% if (s.phase < 3) {s.phase = 3;} s.railing = true; s.time += 0.5; %> BLAKE: Heeyyyy, Nadia! What's up, dude? YOU: Not much. Can I ask you a few questions? BLAKE: Sorry, no time for an interview right now. Gotta focus on sitting on this sick railing. *(He fist-bumps a dude sitting next to him.)* YOU: Okay. Later then. BLAKE: You know it! <%= next() %>

YOU: Okay, before I tell you this? You can't do that thing you normally do. MILES: You'll have to be more specific. YOU: There. The thing you're doing right now. *(Miles shrugs. You sigh.)* YOU: I saw something. I don't know what it was. But it didn't look *non*-supernatural, let's put it that way. MILES: Interesting. YOU: Go ahead, tell me I'm stupid and crazy. MILES: Well, no. You're clearly not either of those things so something else must be going on. Describe what you saw. * [[Purple smoke and a weird raccoon.|exist7]] * [[I don't even know.|exist8]]

YOU: There have been some unconfirmed reports of... uh... things that *look like* they could be ghosts. I'm just trying to cover all my bases. MILES: Reports from who? YOU: I can't reveal my sources. But they described *very vivid* experiences. The school being flooded with a strange purple fog. Animals that seemed possessed. MILES: Okay, well. There's lots of explanations here that don't require ghosts. 1) You're being lied to. 2) Your sources let their imaginations run away from them — it does happen. 3) They saw what they saw but there's a mundane explanation. Animal behaviour can be unpredictable, for example. And lots of things cause smoke. YOU: *Purple* smoke? MILES: Maybe! Optical illusion, weird chemical reaction, something else. Who knows. My point is if something *did* happen, then you need to go and actually investigate the scene, not just philosophize on metaphysics. YOU: ...You're right. That's a good idea, Miles. MILES: If there's one thing I have in great quantities, it's good ideas. <%= next() %>

<% if (s.phase < 5) {s.phase = 5;} s.bridget = true; s.time += 1; %> *(You walk up to the check-out desk. The frazzled Grade 11 behind the counter has a look of minor terror on her face as she moves books back and forth between various giant piles.)* YOU: Um, hi. GRADE 11: Oh! Hi! Do you want books? Because there's a book situation right now and we can get you books but — oh god. *(She shoves one of the piles to stop it from falling over.)* YOU: No, no books. I just wanted to talk. I'm Nadia Nazari, I edit the Middleman. GRADE 11: Bridget Leaside. Hi. *(She sticks out her right hand, which is full of a book. After a second and a half she realizes and sticks her left hand out instead. You shake it.)* * [[Busy day?|bridget2]] * [[Anything unusual happen here lately?|bridget3]]

YOU: Busy day today? BRIDGET: *(speaking extremely quickly)* Um normally this job is really easy and quiet because people don't really come in here that much and no one reads books anymore unless they have to for class which is why I took it for my community service hours but for some reason today— oh god. YOU: Today...? BRIDGET: Books. *Everywhere.* *(She slams one of the books on the counter for emphasis, causing one of the piles behind her to topple over.)* BRIDGET: Aaaaaaa! *(She disappears under the counter and starts grabbing books off the floor.)* BRIDGET: I come in early to unlock the Library on Tuesdays and Wednesdays because Ms. Jameson's not in those days and *normally* when that happens it's just an empty library. But today three whole shelving units just had all their books out and on the floor. In a pile. *(She pops her head back up and brushes her hair out of her face.)* BRIDGET: Not three *shelves*. Three *units*. Like hundreds of books probably and I have to sort them all and I don't know how to sort them and oh god please don't kill me. * [[I'm not going to kill you.|bridget5]] * [[Which books?|bridget6]] * [[What do you think happened?|bridget7]] * [[Anything else weird around here?|bridget8]] * [[Do you need help?|bridget9]]

YOU: You're a library volunteer, right? Has anything weird been happening around here lately? BRIDGET: Um. Yes. ...Yeah. Kind of. YOU: Kind of? BRIDGET: Well it definitely wasn't the weirdest thing I've ever experienced. Not by a long shot. But it was pretty weird by library standards. You see these books? *(She points at the towering piles behind her, sweeping her arm out widely enough to accidentally bump into one. It wobbles.)* BRIDGET: Aaaaa oh god! YOU: Yep? BRIDGET: Okay, *normally* they go on shelves. But today when I came in early and unlocked the library they were all on the ground. There was a big pile. Like a hundred books probably. And now I have to sort them and I don't know how to sort them and oh god. * [[You unlock the Library in the morning?|bridget12]] * [[Which books?|bridget6]] * [[What do you think happened?|bridget14]] * [[Do you need help?|bridget9]] * [[What *was* the weirdest thing you've ever experienced?|bridget13]]

BRIDGET: *(conspiratorially)* ...Are you doing detective work? YOU: Journalism actually. BRIDGET: My g— uh, my really good friend is a detective.<span class="asterisk">*</span> She could probably help you. *(She hands you a business card. You read it.)* YOU: "Teen Detective." BRIDGET: She was the one who rescued all those cats from that weird illegal cat cafe? She's really great. YOU: Uh-huh. BRIDGET: And smart, and confident, and funny... YOU: We don't really have room for private investigators in the budget, but thanks for the tip. *(You slip the card into your blazer pocket.)* BRIDGET: You're welcome. I, uh... have to get back to this. YOU: No prob. Nice meeting you. <%= next() %> <div class="footnote">\* See <a href="http://birdland.camp/" target="_blank">BIRDLAND</a> for all the exciting details!</span>

YOU: I'm not going to kill you. BRIDGET: I'm holding you to that. * [[Which books were they?|bridget6]] * [[What do you think happened?|bridget7]] * [[Anything else weird around here?|bridget8]]

YOU: Which books were knocked over? BRIDGET: All the shelves in the middle of the room. *(She gestures over with a book.)* No real pattern. Lots of history — First World War stuff especially — but also a big non-fiction chunk. Honestly it was like a wild animal came through or something. YOU: Mind if I investigate? BRIDGET: Ye-es... Just. Please don't knock anything else down. I don't think I could take it. YOU: I'll be careful. *(She nods and then leans over the desk a bit.)* <%= display("bridget4") %>

YOU: What do you think happened? BRIDGET: I mean... *(She scratches her head with a book.)* No way to know for sure. But someone must have just knocked them over last night. That's the only thing I can think of. YOU: Hmm. BRIDGET: ...I mean it was either that or a wild animal and I really really really really hope there aren't wild animals in here now. <%= display("bridget17") %>

YOU: Okay but aside from the books being knocked over, has anything *else* weird been going on here? Unexplained stuff? BRIDGET: No. *(She pauses and her eyes go wide.)* Oh god. Are you saying something else happened? I'm not sure I could handle that. * [[No, of course not.|bridget11]] * [[That's what I'm investigating.|bridget10]]

YOU: Need any help sorting everything out? BRIDGET: Yes. I mean no. I mean yes I do but I have someone coming to help me. My g— uh, my really close friend is kind of a library expert. She's dealt with worse situations than this.<span class="asterisk">*</span> For now I just have to... contain... the disaster... somehow. YOU: Okay. I won't bother you then. BRIDGET: Okay. Thanks. Nice meeting you. YOU: You too. <%= next() %> <div class="footnote">\* See <a href="http://birdland.camp/" target="_blank">BIRDLAND</a> for all the exciting details!</span>

YOU: That's what I'm here to investigate, actually. Have you heard of any incidents involving strange-coloured smoke, or weird animals, or anything like that? BRIDGET: No... No, nothing like that. Just books... on the ground. And it's not really that mysterious anyway, I think someone just knocked them over. YOU: Right. Okay, well let me know if anything else happens. The office is just down the hall. I mean it's a classroom during the day, but yeah. <%= display("bridget4") %>

YOU: No, no. Nothing. Just... curious that's all. *(She exhales in relief.)* YOU: Say, do you mind if I go and look at those books that got knocked over? BRIDGET: Of course. You're allowed to look at anything. It's the library. Just... don't knock anything more over. Please. YOU: *(nodding)* I'll be careful. <%= display("bridget4") %>

YOU: It's your job to open the Library every morning? BRIDGET: Just Tuesdays and Wednesdays because Ms. Jameson isn't here those days. *Normally* when I do it it's not so hard as this though... * [[Who do you think did it?|bridget15]] * [[Does that mean you lock up too?|bridget16]]

YOU: What do you think happened? BRIDGET: Um. *(She scratches her head with a book.)* Well, I wasn't here. So I don't know. But I think someone probably knocked them off the shelf? I don't know why they'd do that though. YOU: You think it was just some person then? BRIDGET: I mean it looked like a wild animal had come through, but there's no way one of those could have gotten in. ...At least I hope not. YOU: Okay. So you don't think it's connected to anything *else*? Some pattern of other strange, possibly unexplained phenomena? *(Her eyes go wide.)* BRIDGET: Oh god, you're not saying something *else* happened, are you? * [[No, just curious.|bridget11]] * [[That's what I'm investigating.|bridget10]]

YOU: What *was* the weirdest thing you've ever experienced? BRIDGET: Trust me, you don't want to know. * [[You unlock the Library in the morning?|bridget12]] * [[Which books?|bridget6]] * [[What do you think happened?|bridget14]]

YOU: Who do you think's responsible? BRIDGET: I don't know. It's not like we have any way of knowing. There are no, uh, cameras or anything. ...at least I hope there aren't. <%= display("bridget17") %>

YOU: Does that mean you lock up, too? *(She shakes her head.)* BRIDGET: The custodians do that. At least, they're supposed to. That's a long time after the end of the day though so I'm never around for that. YOU: I see. So you have no idea how this happened then. *(She shakes her head. Then she glances around quickly.)* <%= display("bridget4") %>

<% portrait("jayden1") %> JAYDEN: Nadia! Hey! *(He puts his hand on your upper arm.)* YOU: Jayden. Hiiiii. How's it *(you shrug yourself out from him)* going? JAYDEN: Good, good. Hey did you get my texts? YOU: Hmm? Oh! * [[Yeah.|jayden2]] * [[Sorry.|jayden3]] * [[Must not have come through.|jayden4]]

YOU: Yeah, no I did. I just didn't have time to answer, working on the paper and everything. JAYDEN: Oh. YOU: I've seriously been so busy, you have no idea. JAYDEN: Oh no hey, I get it. It's cool. <%= display("jayden12") %>

YOU: Oh... Last night, right? Sorry, I super busy with the paper. JAYDEN: Oh. *(He makes a "pfft" noise and waves his hand.)* Don't even worry about it. YOU: I was going to reply but it was a really late night, and I was really tired after we wrapped up press night and— JAYDEN: Totally cool. <%= display("jayden12") %>

YOU: Oh, uh, no. No. I guess they didn't come through. JAYDEN: Oh, weird. YOU: Yeah. *(You click your phone screen on.)* No, definitely. Nothing here. When'd you send them? JAYDEN: Last night. YOU: Nope. Didn't get any texts last night. But I'm on Wind so you know how it is. Lot of dropped calls, that sort of thing. JAYDEN: Oh. Well, that's okay. Wasn't urgent. I was just wondering what your schedule is this year. * [[Let me check.|jayden5]] * [[I don't know off the top of my head.|jayden6]] * [[Why do you ask?|jayden10]]

YOU: Let's see... *(You take out your agenda.)* I have French next, then— <%= display("jayden7") %>

YOU: You know what? I'm just totally blanking right now. Ha. I'm so forgetful sometimes. You know me! JAYDEN: Oh, you should totally check then. Lunch is almost over. Did you put it in your agenda? YOU: ...Yes. Yes I did. Good call, Jayden. *(He winks at you. You get your agenda out.)* YOU: Okay let's see... I've got French next... <%= display("jayden7") %>

JAYDEN: No way! Core French? With Rouillé? YOU: Oh. Yeah. Do—? JAYDEN: Awesome! We're in the same class! *(He holds up his hand for a high five. You lightly slap it.)* JAYDEN: We get to be French buddies. YOU: Oh. Great. JAYDEN: Why don't we sit next to each other? It'll be fun. YOU: Su-ure... Yeah.... If that works out. Sure. *(The bell rings.)* JAYDEN: Alright, cool! I've got to run to my locker. Save me a seat, eh. * [[I'll try.|jayden8]] * [[Will do.|jayden9]]

YOU: Oh. Yeah. I'll try. Ha ha. You never know... with desks. *(Jayden laughs loudly.)* JAYDEN: Totally. See you in class! *(He walks away. You give him a thumbs up.)* <%= next("desk9") %>

*(You flash him a thumbs up and smile uneasily.)* YOU: Will do! JAYDEN: You're the best, Nadia. *(He pats you on the shoulder.)* See you in class! YOU: Yep. *(He walks away.)* YOU: That's what you'll do... <%= next("desk9") %>

YOU: Why do you ask? JAYDEN: Heh. I was just curious. You know. We might have something together. Could be fun hanging out in class. Something like that. * [[Gotcha. Let me check.|jayden11]] * [[I don't know off the top of my head.|jayden6]]

YOU: Gotcha. Okay, let me check. *(You dig out your agenda.)* YOU: Let's see... I've got French class next, I've got— <%= display("jayden7") %>

<% portrait("allen1"); chapter(9); %> #### **Parking Lot** — After School YOU: ...So now not only do I have to sit next to her — which believe me was bad enough already — I have to actually work with her on a project outside of school. Which is going to be hell, obviously. Like if this is how she's being in public, can you *imagine* how she'll be when there are no witnesses? We're going to need to meet in like the middle of Eaton Centre food court just so she doesn't find an opportunity to kill me. ALLEN: Nadia. YOU: And I am still no closer to figuring out why she hates me or why she doesn't want Summer to talk to me, and I asked Kaz and of course they have no idea. So now Summer hates me and won't tell me anything and Anja hates me and won't tell me anything and no one else knows anything so they couldn't tell me anything even if they wanted! And meanwhile I just have to sit around being miserable. ALLEN: *Nadia.* Slow down. YOU: I'm plenty slow! You speed up. ALLEN: You're spiraling here. You need to stop before you get completely obsessed with Anja. * [[I'm not obsessed.|obsessed11]] * [[This is a big deal!|obsessed12]]

YOU: I didn't know what else to do! I panicked. ALLEN: You panicked. Over a French assignment. YOU: It's not just— Forget it. <%= display("obsessed5") %>

YOU: It was that or work with Jayden. Would you have preferred that? ALLEN: Jayden's harmless. YOU: *(mumbling)* Easy for you to say. ALLEN: ...*Should* I worry about Jayden? YOU: What? Ugh, no, of course not. Just— forget it. <%= display("obsessed5") %>

YOU: I thought maybe this could be a way to get on her good side. ALLEN: That's what I don't get? Why does it matter? YOU: Why does it *matter*? ALLEN: Seriously. Why do you need her to *like* you? Do you not have enough friends already? Why do you even care about Anja Kaczmarek? YOU: That's not— You know what? Just forget it. <%= display("obsessed10") %>

*(You start walking a bit faster.)* ALLEN: What is with you right now? YOU: Nothing. You're getting grumpy and I am not in the mood. *(He laughs.)* ALLEN: I think you might be a bit grumpy yourself there. *(Allen stops at his car. You keep walking past it.)* ALLEN: Hey, come on. Where are you going? * [[Home.|obsessed6]] * [[Away.|obsessed7]] * [[...|obsessed8]]

YOU: I think I'm just going home. ALLEN: You're going to walk all the way to your house? YOU: It's not that far. We used to do it all the time. ALLEN: Oh, come on, Nadia. Let me at least give you a ride. *(You keep walking.)* ALLEN: You can still be mad at me in the car! <%= next("ravine11") %>

YOU: Away. From here. ALLEN: Nadia, come on. You're just going to walk off by yourself? *(You keep walking.)* ALLEN: ...Let me at least give you a ride home! YOU: *(over your shoulder)* I'll survive! *(He throws up his hands.)* <%= next("ravine11") %>

*(You don't reply.)* ALLEN: Nadia! ...Seriously? *(You keep walking.)* ALLEN: Okay, fine! Have a good night! Let me know when you stop hating me! <%= next("ravine11") %>

YOU: Okay why are you getting on my case about this? ALLEN: I'm not. YOU: Literally every single thing you've said in this conversation has been an attack. ALLEN: Oh come on, that's not fair. YOU: Whatever. <%= display("obsessed10") %>

*(You start walking a bit faster.)* ALLEN: I don't get why you keep getting involved with this girl when clearly it's just making you miserable. YOU: No I get it. I'm an idiot. *(Allen stops at his car. You keep walking past it. He sighs.)* ALLEN: ...Nadia, where are you going? * [[Home.|obsessed6]] * [[Away.|obsessed7]] * [[...|obsessed8]]

YOU: *(nodding)* Cool. *(Silence. Jayden raises his eyebrows.)* JAYDEN: So... YOU: Right! The texts. You wanted to know my schedule. JAYDEN: Yeah. Yeah. Just curious. * [[Let me check.|jayden5]] * [[I don't know off the top of my head.|jayden6]]

YOU: Oh my god, could you stop being dramatic? I'm not *obsessed* with her. I'm upset I have to *work* with her. ALLEN: You were on this all last night too. YOU: Yeah, because she was being super mean to me in class. Which she still is, by the way. ALLEN: She's always been mean to you. Why are you surprised now? YOU: I'm not! But it still sucks. ALLEN: And why did you agree to work with her anyway if she makes you so miserable? * [[I didn't know what else to do.|obsessed2]] * [[It was her or Jayden.|obsessed3]] * [[I wanted to get on her good side.|obsessed4]] * [[Why are you getting on my case?|obsessed9]]

YOU: This is kind of a big deal! You'll forgive me for being upset. ALLEN: It's a French assignment. YOU: With someone who's basically my mortal enemy at this point. ALLEN: You don't think you're being a little dramatic here? YOU: Not really! You've seen how she is to me. ALLEN: Well if she makes you so miserable then why did you agree to work with her? * [[I didn't know what else to do.|obsessed2]] * [[It was her or Jayden.|obsessed3]] * [[I wanted to get on her good side.|obsessed4]] * [[Why are you getting on my case?|obsessed9]]

YOU: I immediately regret telling you everything. *(They laugh.)* KAZ: Come on, Na! You are now officially out of the closet to someone! Don't you already feel lighter? Happier? More excited about the future? * [[...Yeah.|confession27]]

YOU: It was late at night. I saw the school fill up with weird purple smoke. It started getting hard to see or to navigate. Then there was a raccoon, in the halls. It screeched at me, and it sounded... I don't even know how it sounded but it sounded weird. MILES: Sounds to me like there are lots of explanations that don't involve ghosts. Maybe that smoke was some kind of weird gas leak that disoriented you. Maybe that raccoon was just a regular raccoon that got in here and it seemed weirder than normal because it was in an unfamiliar context. But also... maybe you were just seeing things? *(You open your mouth to say something.)* MILES: I'm not saying you're crazy! Just that your eyes might have been playing tricks. You said it happened at night? Why were you at school so late? YOU: I'd been working on the paper. MILES: For how many hours? YOU: I... don't remember... MILES: And had you eaten dinner? YOU: ...Does candy count as dinner? MILES: No. * [[It felt really real though.|exist9]] * [[Okay I see your point.|exist10]]

YOU: I'm not even sure *what* I saw, honestly. I don't even know how to describe it. MILES: If you're so unsure, why jump to the conclusion that it was supernatural? YOU: That's... a good point, actually. MILES: I know it is. That's why I said it. YOU: Okay but supernatural or not, it's still completely unexplained. How do I investigate something like that? MILES: *(shrugging)* You're the reporter. But my advice is to stay focused on the real world and see what *it* tells you, rather than trying to tease out ghost stories from random classmates. YOU: *(nodding)* I'll try that. Thanks Miles. <%= next() %>

YOU: It fell really real though. MILES: Hallucinations tend to do that. YOU: Hmmph. MILES: I can't tell you whether or not something happened because I wasn't there. But I *can* tell you that you're not going to figure this out by listening to ghost stories. You need to actually investigate the real world. Look for evidence. Be a journalist! That's what you do, right? YOU: Right. Okay. Thanks Miles. <%= next() %>

YOU: Yeah, yeah. I see your point. MILES: Don't bother with ghost stories is all I'm saying. If something *did* happen, then it happened in the real physical world. If you're going to investigate anything, investigate that. YOU: Right. Okay. Thanks Miles. <%= next() %>

<% s.phase = 1; portrait("kaz1"); %> KAZ: Hey, Na. How's it going? YOU: Not great. I've basically searched the entire school for Summer and I can't find her. KAZ: Have you asked anyone if they've seen her? YOU: Um. No...? KAZ: I'd say try that. *(They pat you on the shoulder and keep walking.)* And ghost questions! Don't forget the ghost questions! YOU: Right. Okay. Talk to people. Got it. <%= next() %>

<% s.youokay = true; s.time += 0.5; %> YOU: You okay there Blake? BLAKE: ...Guhhhhhhh.... *(He sticks his thumb up.)* <%= next() %>

<% if (s.phase < 3) {s.phase = 3;} s.diamonds = true; portrait("miles1"); s.time += 0.5; %> YOU: Hey, what are you looking at? MILES: Hmm? *(He looks at you and then back outside.)* Oh. Nothing. YOU: What do you mean nothing? MILES: I was just thinking about something. My eyes aren't even processing information really. Do you never do that? YOU: Sometimes. But I'm always thinking about the thing I'm looking at a little bit too. Like if I'm staring at a rug I'll draw little diamonds on it in my mind and then try and count the number of diamonds and after I cover the rug in diamonds I'll do it again with triangles or squares or something. MILES: Oh my god. That sounds so distracting. How do you ever get thinking done? YOU: Well I'm usually thinking of a bunch of things all at once. I think it'd be more distracting to *not* be keeping my mind busy like that. MILES: Huh. To each his own. <%= next() %>

<% portrait("kaz1"); chapter(10); %> #### **Library** — After School ##### Friday, 9 September 2016 KAZ: *(hushed)* Hurry up! YOU: One more second, one more second... *(They peer anxiously around the corner of the shelving unit.)* YOU: There. *(You step down off the stool.)* Now we're covered in here *and* out in the hall. KAZ: *(squinting up at the top shelf)* I can't believe you know how to set up a spy cam. Should I be worried? * [[Very.|cameras3]] * [[It's a legitimate technique.|cameras2]]

YOU: Oh don't make it sound so pervy. KAZ: Impossible. *(You step back a few steps and survey your work.)* YOU: It's a legitimate investigative technique. Now if something else happens in here we'll have hard evidence. No late night stake-outs required. KAZ: Aw, but I love our late night stake-outs. YOU: We've never even done one. KAZ: I know, but I *would* have loved them. <%= display("cameras4") %>

YOU: Very. Nothing escapes the watchful eye of the Middleman. KAZ: Wow, Na. I had no idea you were into this kinda thing. YOU: Ha ha. *(You take a few steps back and survey your work.)* But you have to admit it's a great idea. Now the next time something weird happens here we'll have it on tape. *And* we won't have to physically stake out the school to get it. KAZ: Oh for sure. Definitely. I'm just... damn, you know. Every time I think I've got you figured out, you find some new way to surprise me. <%= display("cameras4") %>

*(You smile.)* YOU: Okay, let's go back to the office and get them recording. *(The two of you walk back down the hall.)* KAZ: Hey, you never told me what happened with Allen. YOU: We made up. It's fine. KAZ: Seriously? * [[He was being stupid.|cameras5]] * [[I was being stupid.|cameras6]] * [[We were both being stupid.|cameras7]]

YOU: Yeah, he was just being stupid. And I think he knew he was being stupid. We talked that night and we both felt bad about it, so we made up. KAZ: Eh, you were right to be pissed off at him though. YOU: Yeah, I was. But that doesn't mean I have to stay mad. KAZ: *(shaking their head)* I don't know, I don't think I would have let him off so easy. YOU: I mean I hate to pull rank on you but I *am* the relationship expert here, so... <%= display("cameras8") %>

YOU: Yeah, it was fine. I realized that night I was being kind of stupid and oversensitive. KAZ: It didn't sound like you were being oversensitive. YOU: That's not how it works though. No one ever *feels* like they're being oversensitive. Anyway, we talked and we were sorry and we hugged each other and now it's fine. KAZ: Eh, I think you let him off easy. YOU: Maybe. *(You shrug.)* But sometimes that's just what you do in a relationship. <%= display("cameras8") %>

YOU: Honestly, we were both being dumb. So we hugged and we told each other that we were being dumb and we apologized and now we're good. KAZ: Really? Just like that? YOU: Yeah, of course. Part of being a relationship is working through silly little fights like that. Like what else am I going to do, stay mad at him forever? KAZ: Eh, I would have at least made him work for it a bit. I think you let him off too easy. YOU: You Kaczmareks just love your grudges, don't you? <%= display("cameras8") %>

*(Your phone buzzes.)* KAZ: That him? *(You look down.)* YOU: No. It's your sister. KAZ: Really? What's she want? YOU: Let me see. <%= next("plans1") %>

<% portrait() %> <div class="phonename">Anja Kaczmarek</div> <div class="themtext">Hey</div> <div class="themtext">We need to decide when we're working on this French thing.</div> <div class="youtext">What's up?</div> <div class="youtext">Oh.</div> * [[Weekend?|plans2]] * [[Monday?|plans3]] * [[Whenever.|plans4]]

<div class="youtext">Are you free this weekend?</div> <div class="themtext">Yes</div> <div class="themtext">but I don't really want to spend it working on French homework</div> <div class="themtext">Let's do Monday instead.</div> <div class="themtext">unless that's when you do your newspaper?</div> <div class="youtext">No, monday is fine.</div> <div class="themtext">Good, let's meet somewhere outside of school.</div> <%= display("plans5") %>

<div class="youtext">how's monday?</div> <div class="themtext">Fine.</div> <div class="themtext">Somewhere outside of school though.</div> <%= display("plans5") %>

<div class="youtext">I can do whenever</div> <div class="themtext">Very helpful.</div> <div class="themtext">Monday night?</div> <div class="youtext">Works for me.</div> <div class="themtext">Somewhere outside of school.</div> <%= display("plans5") %>

<div class="themtext">I don't really want to stay in this building any longer than necessary.</div> * [[A coffee shop?|plans6]] * [[The library?|plans7]] * [[Someone's house?|plans8]]

<div class="youtext">Do you want to go over to the Aroma?</div> <div class="themtext">On Spadina? You can never get a table there.</div> <div class="youtext">If it's full we can go to that Second Cup up the street</div> <div class="themtext">ew no. That one barista guy completely creeps me out.</div> <div class="youtext">Tim Hortons?</div> <div class="themtext">I'm going to pretend you didn't say that.</div> <div class="youtext">Fine, no coffee.</div> <div class="youtext">Why don't you just come over to my house?</div> <%= display("plans9") %>

<div class="youtext">library?</div> <div class="themtext">You planning to conduct this dialogue in total silence?</div> <div class="youtext">We can go to one of the big ones where you're allowed to talk.</div> <div class="youtext">the reference library, Bloor and Yonge.</div> <div class="themtext">the MURDER library.</div> <div class="youtext">I mean, one time there was a murder.</div> <div class="themtext">...</div> <div class="youtext">Look just come over to my place. My parents are going out that night anyway. We can do the thing without any distractions and then you can go.</div> <%= display("plans9") %>

<div class="youtext">let's just go to one of our houses</div> <div class="themtext">you're joking</div> <div class="youtext">?</div> <div class="themtext">sorry I'm not particularly crazy about the idea of having you in my home.</div> <div class="youtext">I've been there literally dozens of times.</div> <div class="themtext">Visiting someone else.</div> <div class="themtext">While I wasn't there.</div> <div class="youtext">Fine. My place.</div> <div class="youtext">...Hello?</div> <div class="themtext">Not crazy about that either.</div> * [[Why not?|plans11]] * [[It won't be that bad.|plans12]] * [[Do you have a better idea?|plans13]]

<div class="youtext">...Hello?</div> <div class="themtext">I'd rather not.</div> * [[Why not?|plans11]] * [[It won't be that bad.|plans12]] * [[We have to go somewhere.|plans13]]

<div class="themtext">Fine.</div> <div class="themtext">But I want you to know this is against my better judgement.</div> <div class="youtext">yeah no got it.</div> <%= next("confession10") %>

<div class="youtext">Why not?</div> <div class="youtext">seriously it's just for homework</div> <div class="youtext">once we're done you'll never have to set foot in there again.</div> <%= display("plans10") %>

<div class="youtext">It won't be that bad.</div> <div class="youtext">I'm not going to attack you as soon as you get in the door.</div> <div class="themtext">ugh</div> <%= display("plans10") %>

<div class="youtext">We have to go somewhere.</div> <div class="youtext">Do you have a better idea?</div> <div class="themtext">I guess not.</div> <div class="youtext">okay then.</div> <%= display("plans10") %>

YOU: Like don't get me wrong we both liked hanging around with Allen. He was fine. But me and Summer were closer. Way closer. We hung out with him every week, sure, but there was a while there where Summer and I were hanging out every *day.* Or every other day at least. I mean it varied, but every three days would have been an anomaly. I guess I'd have to go back and check my old schedule to be certain but— <%= display("confession44") %>

YOU: Summer and I just had a connection. You know when you're friends with someone and it's just... not the same as with anyone else? That was me and her. We would see each other every day, and it would just feel like the most normal and right thing in the world. I mean, mostly every day. Every other day at least. I supposed it varied, but every three days would definitely have been an anomaly. I guess I'd have to go back and check my old schedule to be certain but— <%= display("confession44") %>

KAZ: Stay on target. YOU: Oh. Uh, right. Anyway. I'd go over to her house, or she'd go over to my house, or we'd both just go walking around together. And if we weren't together we'd be texting or chatting or like sometimes we'd even call each other. KAZ: *(confused)* On the telephone? YOU: I mean, you know me. I'm very comfortable doing things on my own. But with Summer, when she wasn't around there'd be this feeling... *(You clear your throat.)* YOU: Anyway. One afternoon she came over to swim and after spending all day in the pool we decided to take a nap. And we were lying... um... in the same bed... very close to each other... KAZ: ...Is this story going where I think it's going? * [[Where do you think it's going?|confession2]] * [[...Maybe halfway there.|confession3]] * [[Shut up and listen.|confession4]]

YOU: Okay. Well if you get any idea of who it was, will you come tell me? My office is just down the hall. I mean it's a classroom during the day but after school it's an office. *(She leans over the desk a bit and looks around.)* <%= display("bridget4") %>

YOU: Nice. ANNETTE: Right? *(She runs her hand along the brim.)* <%= display("witchcamp3") %>

<% portrait("annette1") %> *(You walk into the school and head to your locker, looking around for any signs at all of last night's weirdness. But as far as you can tell the school looks completely normal. People groggily wander through the halls, getting ready for first period. When you get to your locker you see your classmate Annette Dupont standing at the one right next to yours.)* YOU: Oh, hey Annette. *(You open your combination lock.)* ANNETTE: Nadia. Hey! Are we locker neighbours now? YOU: Guess so. Did they move you? ANNETTE: Oh yeah. I was deep in the North Wing last year, but of course now they're renovating so... *(She sighs longingly.)* * [[Sounds like you miss it already.|witchcamp7]] * [[I didn't see you here yesterday.|witchcamp6]] * [[How was your break?|witchcamp1]]

<% if (s.phase < 3) {s.phase = 3;} s.sherbourne = true; portrait("sherbourne"); s.time += 1; %> YOU: Oh! I didn't realize there was anyone in here. SHERBOURNE: It's quite alright. Can I help you? * [[Just looking for someone.|sherbourne2]] * [[Just checking the office.|sherbourne3]] * [[Sorry, wrong room.|sherbourne4]]

<%= display("sherbourne6") %> YOU: ...Mr. Sherbourne. I'm looking for Summer. I don't suppose you've seen her? SHERBOURNE: Sorry, I'm new. "Fresh meat." *(He laughs.)* Still learning everyone's name. What's your friend look like? <%= display("sherbourne10") %>

<%= display("sherbourne6") %> YOU: ...Mr. Sherbourne. I was just checking the office for something. *(He looks around and snaps.)* SHERBOURNE: Ah, yes. The newspaper office. Of course. You must work for the Middleman. YOU: I'm the Editor. *(He whistles.)* SHERBOURNE: Big job. Congratulations. YOU: Oh. Thanks. SHERBOURNE: You know, I was friends with a bunch of the newspaper kids when I went here. They worked hard. *(He smirks.)* When they weren't partying, that is. * [[I'm still adjusting to it.|sherbourne7]] * [[You went here?|sherbourne8]] * [[You haven't seen my friend Summer, have you?|sherbourne9]]

<%= display("sherbourne6") %> YOU: ...Mr. Sherbourne. I think I just have the wrong room. I'll get out of your hair. <%= display("sherbourne5") %>

*(You start to leave. He points at you.)* SHERBOURNE: ...Hey, you were in my class this morning, right? YOU: History, yeah. *(He chuckles.)* SHERBOURNE: Well I'm a history teacher, so that figures. You're... Don't tell me... Natalie? YOU: Nadia. SHERBOURNE: Ah, shit. *(He snaps and laughs.)* Whoops! Sorry about the language. I can be a real "urban dictionary" sometimes. YOU: Uh-huh. SHERBOURNE: Don't tell Headmaster Lodge I swore in front of you, alright? *(He holds up his hand and does a stage whisper)* He's a real hard-ass. YOU: Your secret is safe with me, sir. ...er, Mister. *(He winks at you and goes back to what he was doing.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: Oh, sorry sir. I was just— SHERBOURNE: *(holding up a hand)* Mr. Sherbourne. Or Marc. I know, I look like an *(finger quotes)* "old man" but I'm still a *bit* too young to be a "sir."

YOU: I'm still adjusting to it, honestly. It's a lot to handle. SHERBOURNE: I bet you'll do fine. You strike me as the type of girl that can rise to a challenge like that. YOU: Oh. Thank you. ...Well, I'll get out of your hair. <%= display("sherbourne5") %>

YOU: Wait, you went to MCC? SHERBOURNE: Oh yes. I know I must look ancient to you, but it's only been six or seven years since I was walking around in that same get-up. *(He points at you with a <% if (s.phase > 3) { %> pencil.) <% } else { %> bit of chalk.) <% } %>* ...Well, minus the skirt that is. YOU: I don't suppose you've heard any ghost stories about this place? *(He gives you a quizzical look.)* YOU: Like, old legends? Supernatural sightings? That kind of thing. SHERBOURNE: Sorry. I don't know anything about ghosts, I'm afraid. YOU: Oh. Right, of course. Sorry for bothering you. I'll get out of your hair now. <%= display("sherbourne5") %>

YOU: Say, have you seen Summer around? I was looking for her earlier. SHERBOURNE: Sorry, this is my first year teaching here. Still haven't learned who all you "new kids" are. *(He laughs.)* What's your friend look like? <%= display("sherbourne10") %>

YOU: Hawaiian? Short-ish hair? Kind of looks panicked all the time? SHERBOURNE: Nope, sorry. YOU: Oh. Okay. Well, thanks. <%= display("sherbourne5") %>

ALLEN: ...So it went well is what you're saying. YOU: *(opening your combination lock)* She won't even give me the time of day. ALLEN: Told you. * [[She'll come around.|invitation2]] * [[Don't gloat.|invitation3]]

YOU: Don't gloat, babe. No one likes a sore— *(You open your locker and bits of glittery confetti fall out.)* ...glitter? <%= display("invitation4") %>

YOU: Summer will come around. She just needs a bit more— *(You open your locker and bits of glittery confetti fall out.)* ...glitter? <%= display("invitation4") %>

*(Allen scrunches up his face and looks in your locker. You reach in and pull out a confetti-covered golden envelope which seems to have been slid into the top slot. You open it up, revealing a fancy embossed card.)* YOU: *(reading)* Dear Ms. Nadia Nazari, you are hereby and officially notified of this most cordial invitation to a party, soirée, and general get-together at the home of one Christopher "Kip" Kipling III, who would humbly request to enjoy the pleasure of your company, and the company of your Plus One — *(You poke Allen.)* — at his Annual Official Back-to-School Rager on Saturday. Sincerely, Christopher "Kip" Kipling III. Directions on back. *(You flip the card over.)* ALLEN: Somebody really needs to tell Kipling about Facebook invites. * [[I think it's charming.|invitation15]] * [[You're my plus one.|invitation14]]

*(You and Allen walk down the hall together.)* ALLEN: Summer? As in *our* Summer? YOU: Yeah, that's what I'm saying. She must have transferred back from Moore Park. ALLEN: After three years? YOU: Two and a half. You haven't seen her? ALLEN: No, this is the first I've heard of it. * [[I tried talking to her.|invitation6]] * [[Can you talk to her?|invitation7]] * [[I really want to make up with her.|invitation8]]

YOU: I tried talking to her. ALLEN: And? YOU: She froze me out. It wasn't as bad as in Grade 9, but... ALLEN: Sorry. YOU: I was hoping she could have found it in her to forgive me. *(You start opening your combination lock.)* Dumb, I realize. ALLEN: Hey. *(He pats you on the shoulder.)* You're not dumb, okay? We just need to give her more space. YOU: How much does she need though? She's already had plenty of— *(You open your locker and bits of glittery confetti fall out.)* ...glitter? <%= display("invitation4") %>

YOU: I don't suppose you'd be willing to go talk to her? ALLEN: Me? Why me? YOU: Clearly she always hated me more than you. ALLEN: Yeah, I don't know about that... What would I even say? * [[Hi?|invitation12]] * [[Sorry?|invitation13]]

YOU: I really want to make up with her, Allen. It's been so long. ALLEN: Are you sure that's the best idea? YOU: What? ALLEN: ...Trying to talk to her, I mean. You didn't exactly leave it in the best place. * [[That's exactly why.|invitation9]] * [[I guess you're right.|invitation10]] * [[It's been years.|invitation11]]

YOU: Look, Anja. I don't want to fight. ANJA: *(shrugging)* Fine. As long as you behave yourself we won't have a problem. YOU: I— <%= display("meeting28") %>

YOU: That's exactly why I want to talk to her! We left it in an awful place when she left. I think maybe it's time for us to just see if we can let bygones be— *(You open your locker and bits of glittery confetti fall out.)* ...glitter? <%= display("invitation4") %>

YOU: I guess. It's just frustrating you know. She's frozen us out for so long, you know? I just wish we could go back to when we were kids and things were— *(You open your locker and bits of glittery confetti fall out.)* ...glitter? <%= display("invitation4") %>

YOU: It's been years though! What if she doesn't hate us anymore? Maybe she's finally turned the— *(You open your locker and bits of glittery confetti fall out.)* ...glitter? <%= display("invitation4") %>

YOU: You could say hi? ALLEN: "Hey, how's it going. How have things been since you told us never to speak to you again?" YOU: You don't think she might have changed? ALLEN: I think if she did she can come to us and tell us herself. YOU: But maybe we can be the bigger people here, you know? I want to at least try to bury the— *(You open your locker and bits of glittery confetti fall out.)* ...glitter? <%= display("invitation4") %>

YOU: Maybe you could say sorry. *(He shakes his head and sighs)* YOU: For both of us I mean. I know you don't want to... ALLEN: Want? I don't *need* to. I didn't do anything wrong. YOU: I know. ALLEN: Neither did you. She was the one who cut us out. YOU: I know! But is it really so bad if we try anyway? Sooner or later someone is going to have bite the— *(You open your locker and bits of glittery confetti fall out.)* ...glitter? <%= display("invitation4") %>

<% if (s.phase < 3) {s.phase = 3;} if (s.phase > 4) {s.hitibor = true;} s.olivia = true; portrait("olivia1"); s.time += 1; %> YOU: Hey Olivia Kwon. OLIVIA: Hey bud, how's it treatin' ya? YOU: How's... what treating me? OLIVIA: Right! *(She laughs and punches you in the shoulder.)* * [[You ever seen a ghost around here?|olivia3]] * [[Have you seen Summer?|olivia4]] * [[Want to work for the paper?|olivia5]]

<% s.olivia3 = true; %> YOU: This is going to sound a bit out there, but... have you ever seen a ghost around here? OLIVIA: Don't think so, bud. Not unless you count that time Ethan came in with a sheet on his head. YOU: ...Oh yeah. What was the deal with that? OLIVIA: Who can say? Dude's a weird kid. <% if (s.phase > 4) { %> TIBOR: *(nodding)* Kid's a weird dude. <% } %> <%= display("olivia8") %>

<% s.olivia4 = true; %> YOU: Hey, have you seen Summer today? OLIVIA: Who? YOU: Summer Okamura. OLIVIA: ...The girl who was in our class like three years ago? YOU: Two and a half. And she's back now. OLIVIA: No shit! I should go say hi. * [[Did you not see her in class?|olivia12]] * [[If you find her, let me know.|olivia6]] * [[Did you two know each other?|olivia7]]

<% s.olivia5 = true; %> YOU: Hey, I'm trying to recruit some more people to write for the Middleman. You interested? *(She laughs.)* OLIVIA: Not really much of a writer myself. * [[You'd make a good sports writer.|olivia10]] * [[There are lots of other jobs.|olivia11]] * [[We've got free pizza.|olivia2]]

<% if (!s.olivia3) { %>* [[You ever seen a ghost around here?|olivia3]] <% } %><% if (!s.olivia4) { %>* [[Have you seen Summer?|olivia4]] <% } %><% if (!s.olivia5) { %>* [[Want to work for the paper?|olivia5]] <% } %>* [[I'll see you around.|olivia9]]

YOU: I figured you'd be a natural. OLIVIA: Me too! Turns out it's kind of different. And I was pretty aggro about it so I just bailed constantly. *(She shakes her head.)* D2, bud. I'm telling ya. <%= display("history4") %>

YOU: You going to keep it up? OLIVIA: Nah, dude. Strictly ice from here on. Bummer I have to wait all the way until winter term though. YOU: There's always lacrosse. OLIVIA: Buddy! *(She laughs and shakes her head.)* <%= display("history4") %>

YOU: Hey, I gotta go but I'll see you around. OLIVIA: For sure. Have a good one. YOU: Later, Olivia Kwon. <% if (s.phase > 4) { %> See you Tibor. TIBOR: Buh. <% } %> <%= next() %>

<% portrait("olivia1") %> #### **History Class** — Morning *(You make your way to your first period history class and sit down. A couple of minutes later, Olivia Kwon slams her books down on the desk next to you and then jumps over them to get in the chair.)* OLIVIA: What's up, bud? YOU: Oh, hey Olivia Kwon. How was your summer? OLIVIA: It was fine, eh! Fuckin' fine-and-a-half. Took up rollerblading. YOU: No kidding? OLIVIA: Mighty Ducks, dude! Keeping my game up. Can't always get out to a rink. YOU: Wow. How'd that go? OLIVIA: *(with a huge grin)* I ate shit every day of the *week*! It's fuckin' hard as hell. * [[I figured you'd be a natural.|history2]] * [[You going to keep it up?|history3]]

YOU: I actually bet you'd be a pretty good sports writer. You definitely use some... descriptive language. OLIVIA: Buddy! Just 'cause I can play 'em doesn't mean I can write 'em. Sorry. YOU: Alright, alright. Just thought I'd ask. <%= display("olivia8") %>

YOU: There's lots of stuff to do besides writing. How are you with a camera? *(She shows you her cracked, taped-up phone.)* OLIVIA: You don't want me near your hardware. I get a little rough and tumble. YOU: Fair enough. <%= display("olivia8") %>

YOU: You sure? Staffers get free pizzaaaaa~♫ OLIVIA: Oh, you are a *temptress*. Still though, I gotta pass. The written word ain't for me. YOU: Alright, but if you ever want to succumb to temptation, you let me know. OLIVIA: *(laughing and shaking her head)* This girl! <% if (s.phase > 4) { %> *(She punches Tibor in the shoulder.)* <% } %> <%= display("olivia8") %>

YOU: Well if you find her let me know. I've been looking all lunch and I haven't seen her. OLIVIA: For sure. That girl can camo, eh? YOU: *(shrugging)* I guess it's easy to do when we're all wearing identical outfits. OLIVIA: Ha! You're true, buddy. True fuckin' say. <%= display("olivia8") %>

YOU: Oh, did you two know each other back in the day? OLIVIA: Nah, not even! But I should still say hi, right. Fuckin' neighbourly, know what I mean? Polite and shit. YOU: Right. <%= display("olivia8") %>

<% if (s.phase > 4) {s.hitibor = true;} s.olivia = true; portrait("olivia1"); s.time += 1; %> *(You knock on the table. Olivia Kwon sits up.)* OLIVIA: Oh shit! Nadia! How's it goin', girl? YOU: Hey Olivia Kwon. *(You look over her shoulder.)* Hey Tibor. TIBOR: *(raising his hand without sitting up)* Muhh. OLIVIA: What can I do ya? * [[You ever seen a ghost around here?|olivia3]] * [[Have you seen Summer?|olivia4]] * [[Want to work for the paper?|olivia5]]

YOU: Plus one! *(You jab him with the invitation.)* You're my plus one! ALLEN: Erhhh.... *(He scratches his neck.)* YOU: Plus ooooooone!! Allennnn!!! <%= display("invitation16") %>

YOU: Well I think it's charming. *(You brush some glitter off your blazer.)* Messy, but charming. ALLEN: Hmm. YOU: Anyway! It'll be fun. ALLEN: If you say so. *(You jab him with the invitation.)* YOU: You're coming, right? ALLEN: Erhhh.... *(He scratches his neck.)* YOU: Allennnnn!!! <%= display("invitation16") %>

YOU: Were you here yesterday? I don't think I saw you at all. ANNETTE: No, I wasn't in. I managed to sleep through the first day. YOU: The *entire* first day? ANNETTE: It was late at night on Monday and I couldn't get to sleep and I wanted to be well rested. So I brewed up a little sleepytime potion. YOU: And it didn't work? ANNETTE: No it actually worked *extremely* well. I had a very restful twenty-nine hours. YOU: Ah. ANNETTE: But! I'm here today, I'm ready to learn, and... *(She points at her hat.)* I got a new hat! Check it out. * [[Nice.|witchcamp4]] * [[I've never understood how you're allowed to wear that at school.|witchcamp2]]

YOU: Do you think it's the construction in the north wing? KAZ: This late at night? No way anyone's still working. YOU: Who else could it be? *(You hear another loud noise from out in the hall.)* KAZ: You know what? I'm not sure I want to find out. *(They toss the joint out the window.)* Let's get out of here. <%= next("purple1") %>

YOU: Sounds like you really miss the place. ANNETTE: Ugh, it was so awesome in there! All crumbly and dirty and full of spiders. I don't see why they had to replace everything. YOU: *(nodding)* That is definitely your aesthetic. ANNETTE: Right? I mean the asbestos and the mold not so much but otherwise it was a total dream. *(She sighs again.)* YOU: Too bad. ANNETTE: Yeah. Oh, but speaking of my aesthetic! *(She points at her hat.)* Check it out. New hat. * [[Nice.|witchcamp4]] * [[I've never understood how you're allowed to wear that at school.|witchcamp2]]

ALLEN: I'll think about it. YOU: Okay, but think correctly. *(You shoo him off.)* <%= next("bonetheft19") %>

<% portrait("olivia1","sherbourne") %> *(Your history teacher, Mr. Sherbourne, enters the class and shuts the door.)* SHERBOURNE: Alright everyone. Books out, phones away. You know the drill. *(The class two-thirds complies as Mr. Sherbourne goes and sits on top of his desk.)* SHERBOURNE: Okay! This is Canadian History. And for those of you who haven't read your schedules, I am Mr. Sherbourne. *(He stands back up.)* SHERBOURNE: ...But I don't want you to think of me as "Mr. Sherbourne". You can call me Marc. *(He goes over and writes "MARC" on the whiteboard.)* That's Marc with a C. *(He underlines the C.)* Now, this course-- *(The door creaks open. You look over.)* * [[!!!|history5]]

<%= portrait("sherbourne", "summer1") %> *(Summer Okamura sheepishly steps through the door. You shoot up in your seat.)* SHERBOURNE: Looks like we got a straggler on our hands! SUMMER: *(mumbling)* Sorry sir. *(She goes and sits down in the nearest open seat, on the opposite side of the room from you. Sherbourne laughs.)* SHERBOURNE: You missed the first few minutes, but there's definitely no calling me "sir" in this class. *(He underlines the C again.)* Now, where were we...? * [[...|history6]] * [[Summer!|history7]]

*(You stare at her. After a few seconds she looks up and you manage to catch her eye. You wave. She quickly looks back down at her notebook. You awkwardly lower your hand.)* <%= display("history8") %>

YOU: *(whispering)* Summer! Hey! *(She doesn't look up. You glance at Sherbourne quickly and then turn back to her.)* YOU: *(whispering louder)* Summer! *(She looks up. You wave. She quickly looks back down at her notebook. You awkwardly lower your hand.)* <%= display("history8") %>

SHERBOURNE: ...Look, I know history might seem "old" and "stuffy" to you kids. I get it! It's not the most "on fleek" subject ever. But I'm going to try and show you how important our country's story truly is. And I bet by the end of the course you *might* just find it more "relatable" than any facebook meme. *(He sits back down on his desk.)* SHERBOURNE: Now. Let me tell you all about a "sick dude" by the name of Sir Wilfrid Laurier... <%= next("pizza1") %>

YOU: Wait, did you not see her in history class? OLIVIA: What? YOU: In class today. She was there. She came in late. OLIVIA: ...Huh. Nah. No idea. <%= display("olivia8") %>

<div class="characters"><%= display("profile-sidebar") %></div> ### Kaz Kaczmarek <img src="img/kaz1.png" /> **Relationship:** Best Friend **Born:** 31 March 1999 Toronto, Ontario **Gender:** X **House:** Montrose **Interests:** Weed **Job:** Senior Layout Editor Gosh, how do you even sum up someone like Kaz? "Loveable goofball pothead genderqueer graphic design genius" is a start, but I feel like that doesn't even cover the half of it. We never really hung out before they came out to everyone in Grade 10, but by total coincidence we both started working at the paper that same week and we've been basically inseparable ever since. I kind of love them more than anyone else in the entire world?? <%= back() %> <div class="smallcharacters"><%= display("profile-bottom") %></div>

<div class="characters"><%= display("profile-sidebar") %></div> ### Anja Kaczmarek <img src="img/anja1.png" /> **Relationship:** Mortal Enemy **Born:** 31 March 1999 Toronto, Ontario **Gender:** F **House:** Montrose **Demeanor:** Icy **Height:** 6 ft. Anja and Kaz are perhaps the least identical twins in the history of twindom. Unlike her sibling, Anja is mean, and aloof, and sarcastic. And oh yeah, and she completely hates my guts. I'm pretty sure it has something to do with my falling out with Summer but beyond that I have no idea. <%= back() %> <div class="smallcharacters"><%= display("profile-bottom") %></div>

* <%= sidelink("Nadia","profile-nadia") %> * <%= sidelink("Kaz","profile-kaz") %><% if (s.met.indexOf("anja") != -1 || s.chapter > 2) { %> * <%= sidelink("Anja","profile-anja") %><% } %> * <%= sidelink("Summer","profile-summer") %><% if (s.met.indexOf("allen") != -1 || s.chapter > 4) { %> * <%= sidelink("Allen","profile-allen") %><% } %><% if (s.met.indexOf("annette") != -1 || s.chapter > 4) { %> * <%= sidelink("Annette","profile-annette") %><% } %><% if (s.met.indexOf("miles") != -1 || s.chapter > 5) { %> * <%= sidelink("Miles","profile-miles") %><% } %><% if (s.met.indexOf("olivia") != -1 || s.chapter > 4) { %> * <%= sidelink("Olivia","profile-olivia") %><% } %><% if (s.met.indexOf("jayden") != -1 || s.chapter > 5) { %> * <%= sidelink("Jayden","profile-jayden") %><% } %><% if (s.met.indexOf("sherbourne") != -1 || s.chapter > 4) { %> * <%= sidelink("Sherbourne","profile-sherbourne") %><% } %><% if (s.met.indexOf("rouille") != -1 || s.chapter > 6) { %> * <%= sidelink("Rouillé","profile-rouille") %><% } %>

### Journal <% if (s.chapter > 7) { %> #### **Thursday, 8 September 2016** <% } %> <% if (s.chapter > 9) { %> **After School:** Okay, Allen was officially being a total jerk about Anja situation, so I ditched him and walked home alone. On the way I ran into Summer. Which is to say I saw her at the bottom of a muddy ditch. I pulled her out. Things were still awkward but she was grateful. Operation Make My Ex Best Friend Hate Me A Little Bit Less is moving forward... <% } %> <% if (s.chapter > 8) { %> **Morning:** I have no idea what compelled her to do it, but Anja completely saved my butt today. The Docteure gave us a group assignment and she stepped in so I wouldn't have to partner with Jayden. Only problem is now we have to work together, and that is going to be somewhat less than pleasant. <% } %> <% if (s.chapter > 7) { %> **Before School:** <% if (s.toldallen) { %> Allen was practically gloating when I told him how my talk with Summer went. Almost feels like he's rooting for us to not get along sometimes. Got an invitation to Kipling's party on Saturday, which should be a lot of fun. <% } else { %> Told Allen about Summer. He seemed a bit weird about it, but before I could press him on it the conversation got derailed by Kip's elaborate party invitation. Looks like I'm going to his place on Saturday. <% } %> Also, had an... unsettling ghost talk with Annette. According to her there are "psychic imprints of past lives" all over the school, and someone with the right spell could totally summon them into an animal form. Only thing is they'd basically need to steal human bones from a graveyard to pull it off. Yuck. <% } %> <% if (s.chapter > 4) { %> #### **Wednesday, 7 September 2016** <% } %> <% if (s.chapter > 6) { %> **Afternoon:** Literally grabbed Anja in class and forced her into the seat next to me so I didn't have to sit with Jayden. God knows what I was thinking. Now I'm stuck to her all year and she is clearly NOT happy about it. So much for getting on her good side. Then after class I FINALLY managed to talk to Summer, but she basically just blew me off. <% } %> <% if (s.chapter > 5) { %> **Lunch:** Went around and interviewed a bunch of people. No one seems to know anything about ghosts. <% if (s.toldallen2) { %> Told Allen about Summer and honestly he was kind of a jerk about it. Then, <% } else { %> (None of them had seen Summer either.) <% } %> Jayden ambushed me on the way to class and tried to claim seat next to me in French class. A worrying development. <% } %> <% if (s.chapter > 4) { %> **Morning:** Summer is in my history class!! I tried to get her attention while Sherbourne was rambling but she just looked away. In other words, she's still avoiding me. Sigh. Maybe I'll see her at lunch. **Before School:** <% if (s.toldallen1) { %> Told Allen about Summer on the way into school. He reacted... weird. Also, found <% } else { %> Had a nice ride in with Allen. Found <% } %> out I'm next to Annette's locker this year. (She was in the North Wing before they closed it for construction.) <% } %> <% if (s.chapter > 1) { %> #### **Tuesday, 6 September 2016** <% } %> <% if (s.chapter > 3) { %> **Night:** Wrapped up first issue after literally hours of work. Kaz "celebrated". As we were leaving, we had a strange encounter in the halls. Not going to commit all details to writing in case someone finds this and thinks I've lost my senses, but it involved purple smoke coming out of the North Wing and a weird raccoon. Kaz has convinced me we need to investigate. <% } %> <% if (s.chapter > 2) { %> **After School:** First Editorial meeting was as empty as expected. Fortunately I've got Kaz, and the two of us can at least scrape something together for this week. Anja says Summer's back at MCC this year. Wonder if she'll talk to me finally.<% } %> <% if (s.chapter > 1) { %> **Morning:** First day of Grade 12. Started new notebook (obviously). No big surprises so far. Looking forward to first newspaper as editor. Less looking forward to the fact that no one will be there. <% } %>

<div class="characters"><%= display("profile-sidebar") %></div> ### Nadia Nazari <img src="img/nadia1.png" /> **Relationship:** Self **Born:** 27 August 1999 Richmond Hill, Ontario **Gender:** F **House:** Roxton **Reporting Style:** Plucky **Family Business:** Nazari Eyewear Solutions That's me! I'm the Editor-in-Chief of the *Middleman*, Middle Canada College's 103-year-old student newspaper. I kind of have a lot on my plate this year. <% if (s.chapter > 2) { %> For one thing, <% } else { %> For example: <% } %> the entire staff of the paper graduated last year, meaning I have to run the whole operation with only my best buddy Kaz to help me. <% if (s.chapter > 2) { %> For another, my estranged friend Summer has come back to MCC after two and half years, and she *still* isn't talking to me. <% } %> <% if (s.chapter > 3) { %> And on top of everything else, I have to figure out what's going on with this freaky ghost situation. <% } %> <% if (s.chapter < 4) { %> I get the sense that <% } %> Grade 12 is going to be <% if (s.chapter > 2) { %> a complicated <% } else { %> an interesting <% } %> year. <%= back() %> <div class="smallcharacters"><%= display("profile-bottom") %></div>

<div class="characters"><%= display("profile-sidebar") %></div> ### Summer Okamura <img src="img/summer1.png" /> **Relationship:** Estranged Ex-Friend **Born:** 21 August 1999 Hilo, Hawaii **Gender:** F **House:** Shaw **Favourite Planet:** Neptune **Favourite Emotion:** Panic Back when we were kids, Summer and I were inseparable. Then one afternoon in the summer before Grade 9 there was what you might call "an incident." We stopped talking, and a few months later she was gone. <% if (s.chapter > 2) { %> Now for some reason she's transferred back to MCC. Maybe this is our chance to finally clear the air... <% } %> <%= back() %> <div class="smallcharacters"><%= display("profile-bottom") %></div>

<div class="characters"><%= display("profile-sidebar") %></div> ### Allen Rhodes <img src="img/allen1.png" /> **Relationship:** Boyfriend **Born:** 3 June 1999 Coquitlam, British Columbia **Gender:** M **House:** Crawford **Dating Since:** Grade 9 **Known Since:** Forever I do really love this boy. When Summer decided to kick me out of her life, Allen was the one who stuck by me. I would have had a *real* tough time that year if it hadn't been for his support. We've been dating for a long time now and he's around the nicest guy you ever could hope to be with. <%= back() %> <div class="smallcharacters"><%= display("profile-bottom") %></div>

<div class="characters"><%= display("profile-sidebar") %></div> ### Annette Dupont <img src="img/annette1.png" /> **Relationship:** Locker Neighbour **Born:** 28 January 1999 Winnipeg, Manitoba **Gender:** F **House:** Roxton **Orientation:** Asexual **Hat Game:** On Point You know how teen movies always have those stereotypical archetypes? Like the jock, the cheerleader, the goth? Well Annette's the witch. Specifically she's a member of the Reformed Coven of Canada, the world's largest mainstream witchcraft denomination. She's a bit of a keener on that front too, which makes her the go-to information source for all matters supernatural. <%= back() %> <div class="smallcharacters"><%= display("profile-bottom") %></div>

<div class="characters"><%= display("profile-sidebar") %></div> ### Miles Golden <img src="img/miles1.png" /> **Relationship:** Buddy **Born:** 6 August 1999 Toronto, Ontario **Gender:** M **House:** Roxton **Intellect:** Annoyingly Large **People Skills:** Nearly Adequate Miles is a pretty okay dude. He and Kaz share a deep love of graphic design and literally no other personality traits or interests whatsoever. Somehow though they're still pretty good friends. <%= back() %> <div class="smallcharacters"><%= display("profile-bottom") %></div>

<div class="characters"><%= display("profile-sidebar") %></div> ### Jayden Finch <img src="img/jayden1.png" /> **Relationship:** Erhhh... **Born:** 8 July 1999 Toronto, Ontario **Gender:** M **House:** Crawford **Determination:** High **Chill:** None Jayden's a nice enough guy. He just really, really has a hard time getting certain messages. Like the "I have absolutely zero interest in dating you" message, for example. I think if he cooled his jets he'd be a lot easier to hang around. But as it stands, yeesh. <%= back() %> <div class="smallcharacters"><%= display("profile-bottom") %></div>

<div class="characters"><%= display("profile-sidebar") %></div> ### Olivia Kwon <img src="img/olivia1.png" /> **Relationship:** Buddy **Born:** 20 February 1999 London, Ontario **Gender:** F **House:** Shaw **Position:** Enforcer **Nationality:** Canadian (Extremely) Oh, Olivia Kwon. How can anyone not love this girl? She's like the textbook definition of "rough and tumble". Her ability to completely obliterate her fellow skaters has helped the MCC Girls' Hockey Team win the Southern Ontario Independent School Championships three years running. (Admittedly, not the fiercest competition in the world.) <%= back() %> <div class="smallcharacters"><%= display("profile-bottom") %></div>

<div class="characters"><%= display("profile-sidebar") %></div> ### Marc Sherbourne <img src="img/sherbourne.png" /> **Relationship:** Teacher **Born:** 13 November 1991 Kapuskasing, Ontario **Gender:** M **Subject:** History **Routine:** Cool Hip Teacher **Convincingness:** Low I don't know how old Mr. Sherbourne is, but he's clearly extremely interested in demonstrating that he's down with the teens. As a history teacher he's mostly fine. When he's not trying to get too, you know, chummy. <%= back() %> <div class="smallcharacters"><%= display("profile-bottom") %></div>

<div class="characters"><%= display("profile-sidebar") %></div> ### D<sup>re</sup> Thérèse Rouillé <img src="img/rouille.png" /> **Relationship:** Teacher **Born:** 1 November 1946 Montreal, Quebec **Gender:** F **Subject:** French **Doctorate:** Earned **Disdain:** Limitless Docteure Rouillé is Middle Canada College's most notorious hard-ass. She loves the French language more than anything on this Earth, so I have no idea why the administration continues to torture her by making her teach the worst French speakers in the entire school. Being in her class *can* get weirdly relaxing after a while though — there's not much pressure to perform for someone when you know you're guaranteed to disappoint them. <%= back() %> <div class="smallcharacters"><%= display("profile-bottom") %></div>

### About *Known Unknowns* is a game by **<a href="http://bphennessy.com/" target="_blank">Brendan Patrick Hennessy</a>** with art by **<a href="http://izzymarbella.com/" target="_blank">Izzy Marbella</a>**. It was written in **<a href="http://twinery.org/" target="_blank">Twine</a>**, an open-source tool for telling interactive, non-linear stories. Thanks extremely to <a href="http://furkleindustries.com/">**furkle**</a><span style="display:none">, baby</span> for all the technical help, and to **Katherine Morayati** for the testing and advice. Thanks also to Bruno Dias, juxi, Cat Manning, and Emily Short for being wonderful lovely supportive people who are great. Please send questions or comments to **<a href="mailto:feedback@known.zone">feedback@known.zone</a>** <div class="copyrightnotice">*© 2016 brendan patrick hennessy*</span>

Are you sure you want to return to the Episode Select screen? **<a href="index.html">yes please</a>** *return to the main menu* **<a href="javascript:history.back()">never mind</a>** *keep playing the game*

<% if (localStorage) { %> <% if (!(Number(localStorage.getItem("ku_youaregreat")) > 100)) { %> **<a href="javascript:newgame()" data-passage="prologue0">start new game</a>** <% } %> <% if ((Number(localStorage.getItem("ku_youaregreat")) > 100) && (Number(localStorage.getItem("ku_youaregreat")) < 111)) { %><%= chapterlink() %><% } %> <% if (Number(localStorage.getItem("ku_youaregreat")) > 100) { %> **<a href="javascript:newgame()" data-passage="prologue0">restart game</a>** *your current progress will be deleted* <% } %> <% } else { %> **<%= link("start new game","prologue0") %>** *autosave isn't working properly on this device, sorry!* <% } %> **<%= link("chapter select","chapterselect") %>** <% if (localStorage) { %> *your progress will not be saved or overwritten in this mode* <% } %> **<a href="index.html">back to main menu</a>** <div class="preload"><img src="img/nadia1.png" /><img src="img/kaz1.png" /><img src="img/anja1.png" /><img src="img/summer1.png" /><img src="img/allen1.png" /><img src="img/annette1.png" /><img src="img/olivia1.png" /><img src="img/miles1.png" /><img src="img/jayden1.png" /><img src="img/sherbourne.png" /><img src="img/rouille.png" /></div>

<% portrait("allen1"); chapter(7); %> #### **Lockers** — Before School ##### Thursday, 8 September 2016 <% if (s.toldallen) { %> <%= display("invitation1") %> <% } else { %> <%= display("invitation5") %> <% } %>

### Chapter Select <%= link("**1** ~ Prologue (You're...)","prologue0") %> <%= link("**2** ~ That Newspaper Thing","meeting1") %> <%= link("**3** ~ A Friggin' Ghost","smoking13") %> <%= link("**4** ~ The Worst Boyfriend That Has Ever Existed","ride1") %> <%= link("**5** ~ Unexplained Phenomena","pizza1") %> <%= link("**6** ~ You Are Worse Even Than You Imagine You Are","desk9") %> <%= link("**7** ~ A Little Trail Of Yourself","invitation17") %> <%= link("**8** ~ For A Second There","save7") %> <%= link("**9** ~ No Less Okay Than Normal","obsessed1") %> <%= link("**10** ~ Some New Way To Surprise Me","cameras1") %>

<%= sidelink("Nadia","profile-nadia") %> **·** <%= sidelink("Kaz","profile-kaz") %><% if (s.met.indexOf("anja") != -1 || s.chapter > 2) { %> **·** <%= sidelink("Anja","profile-anja") %><% } %> **·** <%= sidelink("Summer","profile-summer") %><% if (s.met.indexOf("allen") != -1 || s.chapter > 4) { %> **·** <%= sidelink("Allen","profile-allen") %><% } %><% if (s.met.indexOf("annette") != -1 || s.chapter > 4) { %> **·** <%= sidelink("Annette","profile-annette") %><% } %><% if (s.met.indexOf("miles") != -1 || s.chapter > 5) { %> **·** <%= sidelink("Miles","profile-miles") %><% } %><% if (s.met.indexOf("olivia") != -1 || s.chapter > 4) { %> **·** <%= sidelink("Olivia","profile-olivia") %><% } %><% if (s.met.indexOf("jayden") != -1 || s.chapter > 5) { %> **·** <%= sidelink("Jayden","profile-jayden") %><% } %><% if (s.met.indexOf("sherbourne") != -1 || s.chapter > 4) { %> **·** <%= sidelink("Sherbourne","profile-sherbourne") %><% } %><% if (s.met.indexOf("rouille") != -1 || s.chapter > 6) { %> **·** <%= sidelink("Rouillé","profile-rouille") %><% } %>