Not Weird. Queer

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(set: $ryan to 0, $deaths to 0, $happy to 0, $self to 0, $day to 0) What is your gender? * [[Male]] * [[Female]] * More coming soon :)

{ (set: $deadname to (either: "Jessica", "Allison", "Zoë"), $ally to (either: "Sean", "Kyle", "Ryan"), $choices to (ds: "Tyler", "Jason", "Jake", "Peter", "Cole", "Andrew"), $gender to "male", $noun to "boy", $sbj to "he", $obj to "him", $pos to "his", $robj to "his", $ref to "himself", $misgender to "female", $misnoun to "girl", $missbj to "she", $misobj to "her", $mispos to "her", $misrobj to "hers", $misref to "herself") (set: $name to (prompt:"What is your name?", (either: ...$choices))) (event: when $name is $ally)[(set: $name to (prompt: "I already picked that name, silly.", (either: ...$choices)))] (event: when $name is $deadname)[(set: $name to (prompt: "Please pick a different name.", (either: ...$choices)))] } ''Welcome, (live: 0.5s)[$name]!'' (text-style: "outline")[ [[Play!->Part 1 opening]]]

{ (set: $deadname to (either: "Owen", "Ryan", "Kyle"), $ally to (either: "Allison", "Jessica", "Zoë"), $choices to (ds: "Abby", "Gabby", "Emily", "Katie", "Peyton", "Ciara"), $gender to "female", $noun to "girl", $sbj to "she", $obj to "her", $pos to "her", $robj to "hers", $ref to "herself", $misgender to "male", $misnoun to "boy", $missbj to "he", $misobj to "him", $mispos to "his", $misrobj to "his", $misref to "himself") (set: $name to (prompt:"What is your name?", (either: ...$choices)))  } ''Welcome, (live: 0.5s)[$name]!'' (text-style: "outline")[ [[Play!->Part 1 opening]]]

$name finally wakes up after $pos alarm rings for the fourth time. $name quickly throws on a vaugly (if: $gender is "male")[masculine](else-if: $gender is "female")[feminine] outfit and rushes to the kitchen to grab some breakfast, inevitably running into $pos mom. $name's mom: "$deadname, if you don't hurry up, you're going to be late, again." $name cringes at the mention of //that// name. "Okay, Mom. I'm going. Love you." $name's mom: "Love you, too. Have a good day!" $name doesn't like being reffered to as $deadname, but that's the name $sbj was given. With a heavy sigh, $name grabs $pos backpack and jumps out the door. [[Go catch the bus->Catch the bus part 1]] (set: $day to it + 1)

(set: $name to "Welcome!", $gender to (current-time:), $day to 0, $part to 0) ''Not Weird. Queer'' ^^(a working title)^^ (text-style: "outline")[ [[Start]]]

''Welcome (if: $whategg)[back ]to the debug page!'' ^^Good on ya for exploring everything... hehe^^ Character info: * name: $name * gender: $gender * pronouns: $sbj/$obj/$pos/$robj/$ref Character stats: * happiness score: $happy * self-esteme score: $self * previous day's happiness: $lasthappy { Events: * current day: $day (part $part) * deaths: $deaths * met $ally: (print: $ryan > 0) ** rode on the bus with $ally today: (print: $bus) ** invited $ally to the book club: (print: $club) ** made friends with $ally: (print: $talk) (if: $complete)[* completed the happy ending] (set: $whategg to true) Hard restart(click:"Hard restart")[(reload:)] `(`caution: resets your game and returns you back to the start page) } Passage history: <ol>(for: each _passage, ...(history:))[<li>_passage</li>]</ol>

$name walks to the bus stop and gets on the next bus. There are three open seats left. (if: $ryan is 0 and $day > 1)[You sit at an empty seat and [[your classmate sits next to you->On the bus with Ryan]].] { (else:)[<ul><li>$sbj sits (cond: $ryan is 0, [[with a classmate->On the bus with Ryan]], [[with $ally->On the bus with Ryan]])</li><li>$sbj sits [[next to a stranger->On the bus with a stranger]]</li><li>$sbj sits [[alone->On the bus alone]]</li></ul>] }

{ (if: $ryan > 0)[$name sits with $pos (if: $ryan > 2)[friend](else:)[classmate], $ally. (if: $ryan > 2)[(either: "$name laughs as $ally talks about $pos adorable cat Randle", "$ally jokes about Mrs. Pendle's math homework. $name agrees that it's rediculous", "$name and $ally talk about some friendship stuff", "$ally gives some insightful introspection").] (else:)[They make small talk on the way to school.]] (else:)[(if: $day is 2)[$name's classmate introduces $ref as $ally. ] $name makes some kind of conversation with $ally. $ally thinks $name is a $misnoun and $name doesn't bother to correct $obj.] } (if: $ryan is 0)[Even so, i](else:)[I]t's nice to (if: $ryan > 2)[sit with a friend ](else:)[have company ]on the bus. [[Arrive at school->Arrive at school part 1]](set: $happy to it + 1, $ryan to it + 1, $bus to true)

{ (if: $ryan > 1)[$name decides not to bother $ally with $pos problems today.] (if: visits is 1)[$name says hi to the stranger and $missbj nods back without saying anything more. $name stares out the window as $sbj thinks about $pos homework.] (else:)[$name and the stranger attempt to make strained conversation but $name ultimately ends up staring out the window.] (if: visits > 1)[ Another day, another awkward day.] } [[Arrive at school->Arrive at school part 1]]

(if: $ryan > 1)[$name decided not to bother $ally with $pos problems today. ]$name stares out the window as $sbj thinks about $pos (either: "English", "biology", "art", "math", "history") homework. (if: visits > 1)[ Another day, another lonely day.] [[Arrive at school->Arrive at school part 1]](set: $happy to it - 1)

As $name walks up to $pos middle school(if: $bus)[ with $ally], $sbj (if: $self > 1)[notices that flowers of multiple colors and varieties are in bloom.](else-if: $self < 0)[is annoyed to be at school once again but whatever.](else:)[worries about the upcoming hay fever season.] (nth: $day, [[Go to biology class->Biology class part 1]], [[Go to math class->Go to math class part 1]], [[Go to PE class->PE class part 1]], [[Go to art class->Art class part 1]])

$name goes to $pos biology class. The teacher, Mr. Kinsey, is (if: visits > 1)[still] lecturing about parts of flowers. //Flower genders are weird…// [[Sigh->Flower biology question]].

Mr. Kinsey asks a question about flower (nth: visits, "anthers", "pistils", "sepals"). $name knows the answer to the question. What should $sbj do? * [[raise $pos hand->Answer the flower question]] * (cond: $ryan > 0, [[whisper to $pos friend $ally->Whispers to Ryan]], [[whisper to $pos classmate->Whispers to Ryan]]) * [[do nothing->Not flower question]]

Mr. Kinsey picks on $name, calling $pos "$deadname." $name cringes when the teacher calls $obj that name but $sbj doesn't bother to complain. [[Go to lunch->Lunch day 1]]

$name whispers to (if: $ryan is 0)[$pos classmate ]$ally about how it's weird that flowers can be both genders at the same time. (if: $ryan > 0)[$ally agrees. $name says off-handedly that $sbj wishes people could be that flexible, too. $ally smiles. //Maybe I've made a friend,// $name thinks to $ref. (set: $happy to it + 1)](else:)[$ally nods mildly. $name feels awkward, looks away, and drops the subject.](set: $ryan to it + 1) [[Go to lunch->Lunch day 1]]

It’s lunch now. $name sits down at a table and starts eating the sandwich $pos mom made for $obj. Someone sitting at the other end of the table looks at $obj sideways. "What?" $name says to him. He laughs, saying, "Why you always dressed so funny?" $name looks down and frowns. "What do you mean…?" "You a (if: $gender is "female")[freaking sissy](if: $gender is "male")[crazy feminazi] or something?" The bully laughs [[too loudly->React to the bully]] to be comfortable. (set: $happy to it - 1)

$name stares out the window as $pos classmate (cond: visits is 1, $ally, (either: "Becky", "Peter", "Josh", "Chara")) answers the question. $name knew the answer, but $sbj was too embarased to answer. Maybe next time. [[Go to lunch->Lunch day 1]] (set: $happy to it - 1)

(if: $ryan > 0)[From behind $name, $ally walks up to the bully. "What the fuck are you doing, asshole?" $sbj says. $ally motions to $name. "Come on, $deadname, let’s get out of here." Grateful for the help, $name follows $ally [[out of the lunch room->Go to the field]].](else:)[$name burys $pos attention into $pos sandwich and when the roaring in $pos ears becomes unbearable $sbj [[storms out of the cafeteria->Cry in the hallway]].]

$name goes to the afterschool book club(if: $club)[ with $ally]. $name sits down (if: $club)[ next to $ally]and as usual, starts writing. { Today, $sbj is writing (if: $happy > 2)[a short story about (if: $gender is "male")[(nth: visits, "his favorite taco place downtown", "a PewDiePie Let's Play", "his Hotwheels colection").] (else-if: $gender is "female")[(nth: visits, "her neighbor's new kitten", "a sentient Pintrest board", "the color chartreuse").]] (else:)[a poem (if: $happy < 1)[about knives.(if: $self < -1)[ All the knives]] (else:)[metaphorically describing (nth: visits, "a heated argument", "the bottom of a well", "the darkness in space").]] } Soon, it is time for everyone to [[share their pieces of writing->Story sharing]].

$ally takes $name out to the field and asks $obj how $sbj's doing. $name stares at $pos shoes and shrugs. * (cond: $self > 1 and $ryan > 4, [[Talk about $name's problems->Talk to Ryan day 4]], [[Talk about $name's problems->Talk to Ryan day 1]]) * [[Tell $ally that everything's fine->Not talk to Ryan day 1]] (set: $happy to it + 1)

$name stops in the hallway and checks to see that no one else is there. (if: $self < -2)[$badEnding(set: $deaths to it + 1)](else:)[The day's been rough but $name calms down and makes it to through the school day. [[Go to the book club->Book club part 1]](set: $happy to it + 1)]

(set: $ryan to it + 1, $happy to it + 1)$name looks up at $ally. $name: "I just hate that people keep doing that." $ally: "Yeah. That guy was a real jerk." $name: "Uh, thanks for standing up for me." $name stares at $pos shoes. "Not a lot of people do that." $ally: "No problem, $deadname. That guy bother you again, just let me know." $name: "I will." (if: $ryan > 2)[$ally: "So, what you’re doing afterschool?" $name: "Not much. Just my book club.(if: $day > 2 and $self < 2)[ I don't even know why I keep going.]" $ally: "Can I come with?" $name smiles. "[[Of course->Book club part 1]]." (set: $club to true)](if: not ($ryan > 2))[[[Go to the book club->Book club part 1]].]

$name continues staring at $pos feet. "I'm doing fine." $ally nods. "If you ever want to talk…" $name smiles weakly. "Thanks, $ally." (if: $ryan > 2)[$ally: "So, what you’re doing afterschool?" $name: "Not much. Just my book club. (if: self < 1)[I don't even know why I keep going.]" $ally: "Can I come with?" $name smiles. "[[Of course->Book club part 1]]."](if: not ($ryan > 2))[[[Go to the book club->Book club part 1]].]

(set: $ryan to 0, $happy to 0, $self to 0, $bus to false, $club to false, $talk to false, ) ''Not Weird. Queer'' ^^(a working title)^^ (if: $deaths > 0)[(if: $deaths > 1)[You can do this, $name. I believe in you!] (text-style: "outline")[ [[Try again->Part 1 opening]]]](else-if: $complete)[Welcome back! (text-style: "outline")[ [[Start]]]]

The club president asks if there are any volunteers. $name looks down at $pos story. { <ul> (if: $club)[<li>[[Share $name's story->Share your story with Ryan]]</li> (if: not $talk)[<li>[[Do nothing->Not share story with Ryan]]</li>]] (else:)[<li>[[Share $name's story->Share poem without Ryan]]</li> <li>[[Do nothing->Not share poem without Ryan]]</li>] </ul> }

{ (if: $talk)[ $ally stops $name before they part ways for the day. $ally: "Hey, $name. Want to hang out this weekend?" $name: "Yeah, that sounds fun." $ally: "Saturday afternoon at the park?" $name: "Okay." $ally: "Sounds good. See you then!" It's really cool to hear $ally call $obj "$name" instead of "$deadname." (set: $happy to it + 1)] (else:)[ (if: $club)[ (if: $ryan > 4)[Before heading off, $ally says, "Remember, you're super awesome,] (else:)[Before heading off, $ally says, "Remember, if you ever need to talk, I'm here for you,] $deadname." It hurts to hear $pos friend call $obj by that name, but $name knows $ally doesn't know any better. (set: $happy to it + 1)]] After the club meeting, $name goes home. (if: $happy < 0)[(set: $self to it - 1)] (else-if: $happy > 2 and $self < 5)[(set: $self to it + 1)] (set: $lasthappy to $happy, $happy to 0, $bus to false) (if: $talk)[That day went surprisingly well. $name is feeling hopeful for tomorrow. $name is ready to start [[$pos weekend->Afternoon day 5]].] (else:)[ (if: $self < -2)[$badEnding (set: $death to true, $deaths to it + 1)] (else:)[ (if: $lasthappy > 2)[The day surprisingly didn't suck. Hopefully tomorrow won't suck, either.] (else-if: $lasthappy < 0)[The day was a rough one, but nothing $sbj hasn't seen before.] (else:)[The day was fine. Nothing noteworthy. Tomorrow will be another.] $name is ready to start a (link-goto: "new day", (nth: $day, "Morning day 2", "Morning day 3", "Morning day 4", "Morning day 1")).]] }

$name shares $pos poem with the club. The other members (if: $self < 0)[start to ]snap(if: $happy < 0)[ quietly after an awkward silence](if: $self > -1 and $happy > -1)[ for $obj]. After a few more club memebers share their writing, it's time to [[go home->Go home part 1]]. (set: $happy to it + 1)

(set: $happy to it - 1)$name stares at $pos poem. Embarassed, $sbj feels angry at $ref but it's too late to do anything about it. [[Go home->Go home part 1]]

Tomorrow morning rolls around. $name wakes up with $self self esteme points and a blank slate of happiness points. { (if: $self < 0)[$name had way overslept again. Hastily, $sbj threw on a (if: $gender is "male")[feminine](else-if: $gender is "female")[masculine] outfit and combed through $pos unruly hair. While rushing through the door, $pos mom chided $obj about oversleeping all the time.] (else-if: $self > 0)[$name was awake before $pos alarm rang so $sbj had time to make $ref breakfast without being late for the bus. $name picked a vaugely (if: $gender is "male")[masculine](else-if: $gender is "female")[feminine] outfit and made a sandwich for lunch.] (else:)[$name hit snooze on $pos alarm clock twice before jumping out of bed. $name picked a gender-neutral outfit and made it out the door on time, but only because $pos skipped breakfast.] } Of course, $pos mom called $obj $deadname again. Even though it's annoying, $name isn't really sure that there's anything $sbj can do about it. [[Go catch the bus->Catch the bus part 1]] (set: $day to it + 1)

For the special player who played this special game: Thank you for making it through this game(if: $complete)[ again]. No, seriously. I know it's very alpha (version [[alpha-af!->debug]]), but it means a lot to me that you took the time to click through the options, read through all the dialogue, (if: $deaths > 0)[persevered to get $name to a better place, ]and deal with all my nasty bugs and grammar problems. (if: $whategg)[You've even stumbled upon my little [[debug]] page. Good on ya ;)] I hope you enjoyed playing $game as much as I enjoyed making it. $name also thanks you eternally for helping $obj get through $pos journey. You completed $pos adventure with $self self esteem points. Hopefully, we've all learned a little more about ourselves and the people around us. With hope, Cmd Jake Max ---- Your feedback is important (this game is alpha-af). Consider filling out a <a href= "https://forms.gle/mc2JKRCaoz9jvtki9" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">brief survey</a>. [[Play again->Restart]] (set: $complete to true)

---- ^^version $version - <a href= "https://forms.gle/mc2JKRCaoz9jvtki9" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">feedback</a>^^

(set: $game to "//Not Weird. Queer//", $version to "0.0.004 alpha-af", $name to "Welcome!", $deadname to "fsn", $ally to "pwt", $part to 0, $day to 0, $ryan to 0, $bus to false, $club to false, $talk to false, $happy to 0, $self to 0, $deaths to 0, $complete to false, $badEnding to "This world is a cruel and unforgiving one. The world crumbles around $obj and $pos vision turns black. $name has died. [[Game over->Restart]].", $alpha_afEnding to "[[to be coninued...->Thank you for playing (alpha-af)]]", $whategg to false)

{  (set: $name to "Caleb", $deadname to "Jessica", $ally to "Ryan", $whategg to true, $complete to false, $happy to 0, $self to 3, $gender to "male", $noun to "boy", $sbj to "he", $obj to "him", $pos to "his", $robj to "his", $ref to "himself", $misgender to "female", $misnoun to "girl", $missbj to "she", $misobj to "her", $mispos to "her", $misrobj to "hers", $misref to "herself") Select day: (cycling-link: bind $day, "1", "2", "3", "4", "0") | Select part: (cycling-link: bind $part, "1", "2", "0") | Select outfit: (cycling-link: bind $outfit, "neutral", "gender", "not gender") (live: 1.0s)[ (if: $day is a str)[(set: $day to (num: $day))] (if: $part is a str)[(set: $part to (num: $part))] (if: $part is 2)[(set: $bus to true, $club to true, $talk to true)] (else:)[(set: $bus to false, $club to false, $talk to false)]] }

During math class, $name needs to go to the bathroom. $name walks out into the hallwall and has to make a choice. Which bathroom should $sbj use? * [[$gender->Your bathroom]]  * [[$misgender->Not your bathroom]]  * [[other->No bathroom]]

$name goes to the bathroom and does what $sbj needs to do. As $sbj walks out, $sbj sees a teacher walk in. "What were you doing in the $noun's bathroom," $sbj demands. "Um, using the bathroom…?" "You can't use the $noun's bathroom, $deadname," the teacher says. "You're a $misnoun." "You're right. I'm sorry," $name whispers before heading back to math class. Despite the confrontation, you still feel like you did the [[right thing->Back to math class]]. (set: $happy to it + 1)

$name goes into the $misnoun's bathroom. It bothers $obj to need to hide who $sbj is but the fear keeps $obj from doing differently. Afterwards, $name heads [[back to math class->Back to math class]]. (set: $happy to it - 1)

Unfortunately, $name's school doesn't have a gender-neutral bathroom. $name frowns but $sbj really has to pee, so $sbj makes a choice. * [[$gender->Your bathroom]] * [[$misgender->Not your bathroom]]

Back in math class, $name zones out as Mrs. Pendle goes over (nth: visits, "lowest common denomenators", "basic inequalities", "exponent rules"). Eventually, it's time for [[lunch->Lunch day 2]].

$name picks a table (if: $ryan > 1)[with $ally ]and starts eating $pos sandwhich. { (if: $club)[They talk about reading, writing, and the book club. $ally encourages $name to share $pos writing with the other club members because it's good.] (else-if: $ryan > 1)[They talk about their interests. $name decides to invite $ally to $pos afterschool book club.(set: $club to true)] (else:)[$ally sees $name sitting alone in the cafeteria and decides to join $obj.] } Today, no one bullies $name during the lunch period. $name can't remember the last time that happened. All too soon, it's time to go to $pos [[next class->English class part 1]]. (set: $ryan to it + 1, $happy to it + 1)

^^[[$game->debug]] | (live: 0.5s)[(if: $name is not "Welcome!")[Name: ]$name | Day: $day (Part $part)] ^^ ----

$name heads to PE class. Coach Paul splits the class into boys and girls teams to play dodgeball. You walk over to the $noun's team(if: $ryan > 4)[ with $ally]. Coach Paul calls $name out. "$deadname, stop wasting time and get on your team already." $name shivers upon hearing //that// name. What should $name do? { <ul> (if: $self > 1)[<li>stay on the [[$noun's team->Defend gender PE]]</li>] <li>play on the [[$misnoun's team->Don't defend gender PE]]</li> </ul> }

$name goes to $pos art class with $ally. Today, the class is (if: visit is 1)[working on](else:)[finishing up] their paper-mâché sculptures. { $ally stares quizzically at $name's sculpture. It's a stylized depiction of (if: visit is 1)[pain, (if: $gender is "male")[covered with sharp corners and dark, jarring colors.] (else-if: $gender is "female")[curvacious and gracefully helpless, spotted with bright, popping complimentary colors.]] (else:)[(if: $gender is "male")[masculine] (else-if: $gender is "female")[feminine] pain.] } "What's yours about?" $ally asks. $name frowns at $pos sculpture. { <ul> (if: $self > 1 and $ryan > 4)[<li>[[Talk about $name's hardships->Talk to Ryan day 4]]</li>] <li>[[Evade $ally's question->Not talk to Ryan day 4]]</li> </ul> }

The last class of the day is English class. Mr. Francis is lecturing about misplaced and dangling modifiers. { As $name's taking notes, $sbj doodles (if: $happy > 1)[(if: $gender is "male")[sexy sports cars](else-if: $gender is "female")[cats with party hats]] (else-if: $self < 0)[a way to leave this world behind] (else:)[nothing of particular importance] in the margins of $pos notes. } { Eventually, the bell rings. (if: $self > -1)[$name (if: $ryan > 3)[excitedly ]heads to $pos [[after school book club->Book club part 1]](if: $club)[ with his new friend, $ally].] (else:)[$name slowly packs $pos things and heads [[into a quiet hallway->Cry in the hallway]].] }

Tomorrow morning rolls around. $name wakes up with $self self esteme points and a blank slate of happiness points. { (if: $self < 0)[$name had way overslept again. Hastily, $sbj threw on a (if: $gender is "male")[feminine](else-if: $gender is "female")[masculine] outfit and combed through $pos unruly hair. While rushing through the door, $pos mom chided $obj about oversleeping all the time.] (else-if: $self > 0)[$name was awake before $pos alarm rang so $sbj had time to make $ref breakfast without being late for the bus. $name picked a vaugely (if: $gender is "male")[masculine](else-if: $gender is "female")[feminine] outfit and made a sandwich for lunch.] (else:)[$name hit snooze on $pos alarm clock twice before jumping out of bed. $name picked a gender-neutral outfit and made it out the door on time, but only because $pos skipped breakfast.] } As $name is leaving, $pos mom calls out to $obj, "Have a good day, $deadname!" "Thanks," $name mumbles. $name really doesn't like the name $deadname. [[Go catch the bus->Catch the bus part 1]] (set: $day to it + 1) ^^(If you've already seen this scenario before, that's because a unique third morning scenario hasn't been written, yet.)^^

---- { (enchant: "true", (text-color: yellow))(enchant: "false", (text-color: gray)) (live: 1.0s)[self: $self | happy: $happy ($lasthappy) | $ally: $ryan bus: (print: $bus) | club: (print: $club) | talk: (print: $talk) (if: $part is 2)[outfit: $outfit | action: $action ] deaths: $deaths | complete: (print: $complete)] }

(set: $ryan to it + 1, $talk to true)$name looks up at $ally. $name: "Well, there's something I want to tell you." $ally: "Cool." $name: "I… don't think I'm normal." $ally: "What do you mean by that? No one's actually 'normal,' silly.” $name: "I don’t know. It's just that, I’ve always felt different." $ally: "Different how…?" $name: "You know how everyone think’s I’m a $misnoun?" $ally: "Oh. Yeah?” $name: "Well, I don't think I’m actually a $misnoun. I mean, I've always felt weird when people called me '$missbj' and '$misobj' or associated me with (if: $gender is "male")[feminine](else-if: $gender is "female")[masculine] things." $ally: "I see." $name looks [[down at $pos feet->Ryan accepts you]].

$name decides $sbj wants to play on the $noun's team. { (if: $ryan > 4)[$ally supports $obj, too. The two of them stand their ground, and Coach Paul lets $name stay on the $noun's team. (set: $ryan to it + 1, $happy to it + 1)] (else:)[$name's classmates stare at $obj weirdly and (if: $self > 2)[$sbj stands $pos ground. Coach Paul lets $name stay. (set: $happy to it + 1)] (else:)[$sbj stares at the ground for a moment before walking to the $misnoun's team.]] } $name isn't particularly good at sports, but dodgeball is easy enough. The class period (if: $self > 2)[goes without a hitch](else:)[is tolerable]. (if: $ryan > 6 and $self > 1)[$ally wants to [[talk after class->Ryan wants to talk day 3]].](else:)[[[Go to lunch->Lunch day 3]]]

$name decides it's easier if $sbj plays on the $misnoun's team. (if: $ryan > 4)[$ally noices $name's discomfort but doesn't say anything. $name probably shouldn't have let it go so easily.](else:)[$name feels shitty about playing on the $misnoun's team but whatever. This is how life is.] $name isn't particularly good at sports, but dodgeball is easy enough. The class period is tolerable. [[Go to lunch->Lunch day 3]] (if: $self > 1)[(set: $happy to it - 1)]

{ (if: visits is 1)[$name shares $pos story with just $ally. $ally tells $name that it's really good.] (else:)[$name shares $pos story and the other club members snap enthusiasically. $ally beams and tells $name that $sbj did a great job.] } [[Go home->Go home part 1]] (set: $happy to it + 1)

(if: $ryan > 3)[$ally has homework to get done, so $sbj doesn't have lunch with $name. ]$name eats his sandwich in peace, thinking about (if: $gender is "male")[(nth: visit, "male topic 1", "male topic 2", "male topic 3")](else-if: $gender is "female")[(nth: visit, "female topic 1", "female topic 2", "female topic 3")], when $sbj gets bullied by this girl and it sucks ass. "Why do you dress so weird, you gay bitch?" she hollered from the other side of the lunch table. (if: $self < 0)[$name gets angry, and wonders if there's [[another way to live->Confront the bully]].](else:)[$name burries $pos head in $pos sandwhich and [[ignores her->After lunch day 3]].] (set: $happy to it -1)

$ally asks $name what $sbj wrote, so $name shares $pos story with just $ally. (if: visits is 1)[$ally [[nods supportingly->Go home part 1]]](else:)[$ally tells $name that $pos writing is really good. $ally: "Why don't you share it with the club?" $name: "I don't know. (if: $self < 1)[I guess I'm not that confident.]" $ally: "It's really good. You should share it next time, okay? I think they'll love it." $name: "Okay. Maybe next time." (if: visits > 1)[ $name wishes $sbj had the courage to share $pos stories with the rest of the club. Maybe next time.(set: $happy to it - 1)] [[Go home->Go home part 1]]]

(set: $part to 1) Part 1: (text-style: "outline")[ [[Discovery->Morning day 1]]]

(set: $day to 0, $part to 2) Part 2: (text-style: "outline")[[[Choice->Morning day 6]]]

$ally asks $name why $sbj insisted on playing on the $noun's team with $obj for dodgeball today. $name can tell that $sbj is truly curious and trying to help. * [[Explain $name's reasons->Talk to Ryan day 4]] * [[Evade $ally question->Not talk to Ryan day 4]]

Tomorrow morning rolls around. $name wakes up with $self self esteme points and a blank slate of happiness points. { (if: $self < 0)[$name had way overslept again. Hastily, $sbj threw on a (if: $gender is "male")[feminine](else-if: $gender is "female")[masculine] outfit and combed through $pos unruly hair. While rushing through the door, $pos mom chided $obj about oversleeping all the time.] (else-if: $self > 0)[$name was awake before $pos alarm rang so $sbj had time to make $ref breakfast without being late for the bus. $name picked a vaugely (if: $gender is "male")[masculine](else-if: $gender is "female")[feminine] outfit and made a sandwich for lunch.] (else:)[$name hit snooze on $pos alarm clock twice before jumping out of bed. $name picked a gender-neutral outfit and made it out the door on time, but only because $pos skipped breakfast.] } $name's mom: "$deadname, honey, you have everything you need?" $name sighs. "Yes, Mom. Love you." $name's mom: "Love you, too. Have a good day!" $name really wishes $pos mom didn't have to call $obj //that// name. [[Go catch the bus->Catch the bus part 1]] (set: $day to it + 1) ^^If you've already seen this scenario before, that's because a unique fourth morning scenario hasn't been written, yet.^^

$ally cracks a smile. "That’s actually really cool!" $name: "Oh. You think so?" $ally: "Yeah! I think so. You're saying that you're actually a $noun, like me." $name: "Um, yeah. Kind of, I guess. Yeah." $name shuffles from foot to foot. $ally: "Hey, $deadname. You okay?" $name: "Um, I don't actually being called $deadname." $ally: "Oh. I'm sorry." $name: "It's okay. You didn't mean it." $ally: "Well, is there something else I could call you?" $name: "Um, is it okay if you call me $name instead?" $ally: "$name. That's a cool name. I like it." $name: "Yeah. I like it, too." $ally: "$name, a cool name for a cool a $noun." $name: "Yeah! Thanks." $name laughs along with $pos friend. $name hasn't felt this good about $ref since… $sbj can't remember when. { (if: not $club)[$ally: "So, what you’re doing afterschool?" $name: "Not much. Just my book club.(if: $self < 0)[ I don't even know why I keep going.]" $ally: "Can I come with?" $name smiles. "Um, of course!" (set: $club to true) ] (if: $day is 3)[(set: $self to it + 1)] (nth: $day, "The programmer's not sure how you got here, but you're not supposed to be here. Odds are, you're just a dirty little hacker, aren't ya? [[Go home->Go home part 1]]", "The programmer's not sure how you got here, but you're not supposed to be here. Odds are, you're just a dirty little hacker, aren't ya? [[Go home->Go home part 1]]", [[Go to lunch->Lunch day 4]], [[Go to lunch->Lunch day 4]])(set: $happy to it + 1) }

$name hangs out with $ally during the lunch period. (set: $ryan to it + 1) { (if: $talk)[ $name: "Hey, thanks for understanding." $ally: "Of course. You're my friend, $name. That's what friends are for." $ally called $name by the correct name. $name had no idea it'd feel this good to be validated. (set: $happy to it + 1)] (else:)[They debate whether (if: $gender is "male")[tacos or pizza](else-if: $gender is "female")[girly thing 1 or pretty thing 2] is the superior (if: $gender is "male")[midnight snack] (if: $gender is "female")[thing].] } (nth: $day, "The programmer's not sure how you got here, but you're not supposed to be here. Odds are, you're just a dirty little hacker, aren't ya? [[Go home->Go home part 1]]", "The programmer's not sure how you got here, but you're not supposed to be here. Odds are, you're just a dirty little hacker, aren't ya? [[Go home->Go home part 1]]", [[Go to art class->Art class day 3]], [[Go to the book club->Book club part 1]])

$name: "It's nothing. Don't worry about it." $ally: "Okay." But $sbj looks unconvinced. (if: visits > 1)[ $name wants to tell $ally what's going on, but $sbj doesn't know how to find the right words. //Maybe next time.//(set: $happy to it - 1)] (nth: $day, "The programmer's not sure how you got here, but you're not supposed to be here. Odds are, you're just a dirty little hacker, aren't ya? [[Go home->Go home part 1]]", "The programmer's not sure how you got here, but you're not supposed to be here. Odds are, you're just a dirty little hacker, aren't ya? [[Go home->Go home part 1]]", [[Go to lunch->Lunch day 3]], [[Go to lunch->Lunch day 4]])

$name walked up to the bully. "Why? Why do you say these things?" The bully looked at her hand and then $name again. "Chill out, dude, I was just joking. Can't you take a joke?" (if: $self < 0)[Stunned, $name backed up and ran [[out of the cafeteria->Cry in the hallway]].](else:)[$name frowned. "It's not funny." The girl sighed. "Whatever, weirdo." Amazingly, the bully [[left $obj alone->After lunch day 3]] for the rest of lunch.]

After lunch but before $pos next class, $name met up with $ally and told $obj about lunch. $ally was deeply saddened. $ally: "She had no right to harass you like that!" $name: "…" $ally: "She didn't. I won't let you or anyone else tell me otherwise." $name: "Thanks." $ally: "No problem, $deadname.(if: $club)[ See you at the [[book club->Book club part 1]].]" { (if: not $club)[ [[Go to the book club->Book club part 1]]] } (set: $happy to it + 1, $ryan to it + 1)

Tomorrow morning rolls around. $name wakes up with $self self esteme points and a blank slate of happiness points. Life is looking up. $name wonders what adventures life will bring next. $name looks in $pos wardrobe. What should $sbj wear today? * [[$gender clothing->Your gender clothing]] * [[$misgender clothing->Not your gender clothing]] * [[gender-neutral clothing]] (set: $day to it + 1)

$name looks in the mirror at $pos (if: $gender is "male")[(nth: visits, "masculine outfit")](else-if: $gender is "female")[(nth: visits, "feminine outfit")]. It's emboldening to be able to dress the way $sbj feels on the inside. [[Go catch the bus->Catch the bus part 2]] (set: $happy to it + 1, $outfit to "gender")

$name quickly throws on a (if: $gender is "male")[(nth: visits, "feminine outfit")](else-if: $gender is "female")[(nth: visits, "masculine outfit")] and hurries out to the kitchen. $name is embarrassed that $sbj didn't have to courage to express $pos true self. [[Go catch the bus->Catch the bus part 2]] (set: $happy to it - 1, $outfit to "not gender")

$name decides that $sbj doesn't feel like taking risks today, but also doesn't want to hide $ref, so $sbj puts on a (nth: visits, "gender-neutral outfit"). $name figures $sbj can always fight another day. [[Go catch the bus->Catch the bus part 2]] (set: $outfit to "neutral")

$name sits on the bus with $pos friend, $ally. (if: $outfit is "gender")[$ally has a supportive reaction to $name's gender-affirming outfit](else-if: $outfit is "not gender")[$ally tells $name to take $pos time with things](else:)[$ally reminds $name that $sbj will always support $name's choices]. (either: "$name and $ally talk about stuff on the bus ride.") The weather's been warming up, and it's a beautiful day outside. Birds are singing, flowers are blooming. On days like these, kids like you should be [[arriving at school->Arrive at school part 2]] (set: $happy to it + 1, $ryan to it + 1)

After the club meeting, $name goes home. { (if: $happy < 0)[(set: $self to it - 1)] (else-if: $happy > 1)[(set: $self to it + 1)] (set: $lasthappy to $happy, $happy to 0, $bus to false) (if: $self < 2)[$badEnding(set: $death to true, $deaths to it + 1)] (else:)[ (if: $lasthappy > 2)[The day surprisingly didn't suck. Hopefully tomorrow won't suck, either.] (else-if: $lasthappy < 0)[The day was a rough one, but nothing $sbj hasn't seen before.] (else:)[The day was fine. Nothing noteworthy. Tomorrow will be another.] (if: $action > 10)[$alpha_afEnding] (else:)[$name is ready to start a (link-goto: "new day", (nth: $day, "Morning day 6", "Morning day 7", "Morning day 8")).]] }

(set: $day to 0, $part to 2)It's Saturday afternoon. After a morning of lounging in bed and watching Cartoon Network, it's time to go hang out at the park with $ally. [[Head to the park]]

$name meets $ally at the park. They start talking about reading and books. $name: "Um, what kind of books do you like to read?" $ally: "Me? Oh, I like all kinds of books. I love how stories allow you gain new experiences and new perspectives that you wouldn't otherwise." $name nods. "Yeah. That is really cool." $ally: "What kind of books do you like to read?" $name: "(cycling-link: bind $book, "I don't know…", "Adventure", "Romance", "Science fiction", "Fantasy", "Horror", "Mysteries", "Manga and stuff")." { $ally: (live: 1.0s)[ (if: $book is "Adventure")["The characters in adventure books are so cool. I wish I could go on cool adventures, too."] (else-if: $book is "Romance")["Romance novels always play out so dramatically, but deep down, they show that all love is the same. Human."] (else-if: $book is "Science fiction")["Yeah! I love space ships and robots and aliens. It's so fun to imagine what the future will be like."] (else-if: $book is "Fantasy")["Fantasy worlds are breathtaking. Who wouldn't want to live in a world full of magic?"] (else-if: $book is "Horror")["Isn't it so cool when a horror book takes advantage of your lack of imagination and throws you for a loop?"] (else-if: $book is "Mysteries")["A good mystery book is like a good puzzle. I can't put it down until I've solved it."] (else-if: $book is "Manga and stuff")["Manga? I guess manga is literature. But I got to say, those artists are super talented."] (else:)["Oh."]] } (event: when $book is not "I don't know…")[$name smiles at the thought. "[[Yeah->Talk about writing]]."]

$ally laughs. "Hey, what're you smiling about?" $name: "It's just nice to find someone who enjoys books, too." $ally: "Yeah. That is nice." $name: "It was my love of reading that led me to join the book club." $ally: "Oh, cool! Do you like to write (if: $book is not "I don't know…")[(lowercase: $book)] outside of the club?" $name: "(if: $book is not "I don't know…")[Well, I like to write all sorts of things, not just (lowercase: $book). But, y](else:)[Y]eah, I do. It's a really rewarding experience, expressing myself on paper." $ally: "Yeah. Writing is really fun. I'd love to read some of your other stories some time." $name: "Ha ha. Maybe." $ally: "Hey, have you thought about other ways of expressing yourself?" $name: "Other ways? [[Like art->Other ways of expression]]?"

$ally: "Writing is art, silly." $name: "Yeah, I guess it is." $ally: "I notice that sometimes, you dress like a $misnoun, but other days, you dress more gender-neutral. Why don't you try dressing like a $noun?" $name gestures to $pos vaugely (if: $gender is "male")[masculine](else-if: $gender is "female")[feminine] outfit. "I dress like a $noun sometimes." $ally points to $name's jacket. "That's only (link-goto: (cond: $gender is "male", "vaugely masculine", $gender is "female", "vaugely feminine"), "It's not that easy")."

$name and $ally talk about different things as the day goes by. Spring's here, so the weather is nice and the days are starting to get longer. Eventually, it's time to [[go home->Go home day 5]]. (set: $happy to 3, $ryan to it + 1)

$ally: "But not everyone's an asshole, right? I'm not a shithead to you just because you're really a $noun." $name: "Yeah. It's nice having a friend like you." $ally: "I mean, I can't imagine what it'd be like for the world to think that I'm a $misnoun and for people to ridicule me for acting like a $noun. That must suck a lot." $name laughs nervously. "I mean, it's just life. I kind of accept it, now." $ally: "That doesn't seem fair. I mean, why should I be able to act like a $noun but you can't?" $name: "I don't know. I just know that if I dress like a $misnoun and try act like a $misnoun, the bullies will leave me alone." $ally: "Sure, but you're not a $misnoun. That's not the real you. If you don't act like yourself, you're always going to be angry pretending, being someone you don't like." $name: "Yeah. [[I guess->Lighten up a little]]."

"Believe in yourself," $ally says. "I believe in you." $name: "Thanks." $name goes home feeling lighter about $ref. Maybe if $sbj tries expressing $ref more, things will start getting better. { (set: $action to 0) (if: $happy < 0)[(set: $self to it - 1)] (else-if: $happy > 1)[(set: $self to it + 1)] (set: $lasthappy to $happy, $happy to 0, $bus to true) } $name is ready to start a [[new week->Part 2 opening]].

$name and $ally walk to their middle school, chatting about (nth: $day, "topic 1", "topic 2", "topic 3", "topic 4", "topic 5", "topic 6"). { (if: visits is 1)[//Today is going to be a good day,// $name thinks to $ref.] (else:)[ (if: $self > 1)[] (else-if: $self < 0)[] (else:)[] ] } (nth: $day, [[Go to biology class->Go to biology class part 2]], [[Go to English class->Go to English class part 2]], "$alpha_afEnding", "$alpha_afEnding")

$ally: "Hey, I get that it's not easy. But nothing worth having is ever easy, right?" $name smiles. "I guess that's true. Yeah." $ally: "And hey, $name, don't sell yourself short. No one ever laughs at your writing because you're a good writer. Your stories have a lot of depth in them." $name laughs. "Now you're just teasing me. I write about PewDiePie Let's Plays." $ally: "I liked that one! You had a really confident voice throughout that story. Now, if you could be as confident about yourself as you sound in your writing, you'd be unstoppable." $name: "That's silly." But that idea makes $name [[feel powerful->Watch the sunset with Ryan]].

$alpha_afEnding

(set: $bioteam to (nth: visit, "Isaac", "Evan", "Luke"))$name and $ally go to biology class. Mr. Kinsey announces that today, the class will be starting group projects. $name groans. Group projects are the worst. $name and $ally form a team of 3 with their classmate $bioteam. Start on the [[group project]].

The three are working on a flower anatomy poster. $ally addresses you by the correct pronoun, and $bioteam gets confused. What should $name do? * Explain to $bioteam that $name uses [[$sbj/$obj pronouns->Defend gender biology]] * Tell $bioteam [[not to worry about it->Don't defend gender biology]]

$name explains to $bioteam that $sbj prefers $sbj/$obj pronouns. { (if: $outfit is "gender")[$bioteam thinks that's cool, and uses the correct pronouns for $name for the rest of the class period. (set: $action to it + 1.5)] (else-if: $outfit is "not gender")[$bioteam is a little confused by this, and stumbles over $name's pronouns for the rest of the class period. (set: $action to it + 0.5)] (else:)[$bioteam thinks that's interesting, and mostly uses the correct pronouns for $name for the rest of the class period.(set: $action to it + 1)] } After class, Ryan apologizes to $name for [[putting $obj on the spot->Ryan apologizes defend biology]]. (set: $happy to it + 1)

[[Ryan apologizes defend biology]] (set: $happy to it - 1)

$ally pulls $name aside before they have to get to their next class. $ally: "Hey, $name, I'm sorry about putting you on the spot there." $name: "It wasn't your fault, $ally. It's nice of you to apologize, though." $ally: "Wel, it just doesn't feel right to expose you like that. I'll try to remember next time." $name: "I mean, I should be acting more like myself, right? If I'm not afraid to be a $noun, then you won't have to watch yourself." $ally: "That's the spirit. See you at lunch!" $name says goodbye to $ally and heads to [[$pos next class->Go to history class]].

Today in history class, Mr. Coulter is (nth: visits, "playing a movie about the civil war", "lecturing about the Articles of Confederation"). $name writes a poem about (if: $gender is "male")[something masculine](else-if: $gender is "female")[something feminine] in $pos notebook. //History is// so //boring//. [[Go to lunch->Lunch day 6]]

[[Go home part 2]]

(live: 1.0s)[{ (enchant: $name, (text-color: lime)) (enchant: $deadname, (text-color: red)) (enchant: $ally, (text-color: cyan)) }]

$name goes to $pos art class with $ally. Today, the class is (if: $day is 3)[working on](else:)[finishing up] their paper-mâché sculptures. { $name's sculpture is a stylized depiction of pain, (if: $gender is "male")[covered with sharp corners and dark, jarring colors.] (else-if: $gender is "female")[curvacious and gracefully helpless, spotted with bright, popping complimentary colors.] } "I like how your sculpture's turning out," $ally tells $name. $name: "Huh?" $ally: "Yeah. I like how the colors and shapes come together to express this deep, (if: $gender is "male")[masculine](else-if: $gender is "female")[feminine] pain." $name: "Thanks." $name looks at [[$ally's sculpture->Ryan's sculpture]]

$name studies $ally's sculpture. It's a fairly tall structure comprised of complex hubs stacked atop one another, each bearing its own theme. Some are monochromatic while others are speckled with rough textures. One hub even has parts of the inner copper frame intentionally left bare. $name: "Your scupture is really cool, too. So diverse and abstract." $ally studies $pos own sculpture for a second. "Sure, but it's nowhere near as cool as yours, (if: $talk)[$name. Yours feels like you](else:)[$deadname]." [[Go to the book club->Book club part 1]]

$name looked down at $pos feet. "Well, it's not that easy. When I write a poem or a short story, most of the time, people don't understand it enough to make fun of me. But when I tried dressing like a $noun, like really going all out…" $ally put $pos hand on $name's shoulder. "Hey. I don't know very much about what it's like to be you, but if you don't like being associated with (if: $gender is "male")[feminine](else-if: $gender is "female")[masculine] things, I'm going to guess that you aren't happy dressing like a $misnoun, either." $name: "Yeah, but it's not that easy. I can't just dress like a $noun because I want to. People make fun of me and treat me like I'm a monster just because I don't dress or act the way they think I should." $ally: "I know, some people can be absolute shitheads, bullying you for no good reason. I got bullied a lot at my other school, for different reasons." $name: "Oh. I didn't know that. [[That sucks->You have a choice]]."

Tomorrow morning rolls around. $name wakes up with $self self esteme points and a blank slate of happiness points. (if: $self > 5)[Life is looking up. $name wonders what adventures life will bring next.](else-if: $self < 3)[](else:)[] $name looks in $pos wardrobe. What should $sbj wear today? * [[$gender clothing->Your gender clothing]] * [[$misgender clothing->Not your gender clothing]] * [[gender-neutral clothing]] (set: $day to it + 1)