Lucid Coma

Browser lacks capabilities required to play.

Upgrade or switch to another browser.

Loading…

<<narrate>> You decide to tough it out and stay in your body. Agonizing pain continues to buffet your body and you find yourself slowly fading away into nothingness. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/fade_darkness.jpg">> <<fadein 2s 2s>> <<button [[You fade into nothingness|$misc.passage_param.shift()]]>><</button>> <</fadein>>

<<angel>> Hi there! Oh, it's you again. Did you die again? What did you do this time? <</angel>> <<story-image "assets/characters/angel.jpg">> <<narrate>> You look at the beautiful figure floating in front of you. After being confused for a while, you remember you were here before. More importantly, it means you are dead again. You remember the girl in front of you being an angel who explained the whole returning to life stuff when you died right after waking up. <</narrate>> <<mc>> I tried to enter my body again, but it seems like it was still too soon. <</mc>> <<narrate>> The angel looks at you in exasperation. <</narrate>> <<angel>> Look, did you feel enormous pain when you tried to enter your body? <</angel>> <<mc>> Well yes, I hurt all over <</mc>> <<angel>> And did it not occur to you this may be because it would not work? Do you think it is normal for people to have their body hurt so much they pass out? And in your case die? <</angel>> <<mc>> Well... <</mc>> <<narrate>> The angel rolls her eyes. <</narrate>> <<if $game.num_revival > 0 >> <<if $game.num_revival == 1>> <<angel>> Oh, it looks like you're in luck. Apparently you can revive one more time. <</angel>> <<else>> <<angel>> Oh, it looks like you're in luck. Apparently you can revive $game.num_revival more times. <</angel>> <</if>> <<angel>> If you die again however, your life will really be over and you will automatically move on to paradise. It will not matter if you resolved things or not, whatever happens to those around you will be out of your hands. <</angel>> <<narrate>> You break out in a cold sweat, really fearing for your life now. If you don't protect those around you, who will? Nobody else even knows what happened to you. They will just treat it as you being unable to wake from your coma. <</narrate>> <<mc>> I understand, it will not happen again. <</mc>> <<angel>> I don't really care to be honest, just passing the message. At any rate, if you die like this again, it may be for the best to move on, call it 'survival of the fittest'. <</angel>> <<narrate>> Being put down like that makes you feel a bit ashamed. You should have known better. <</narrate>> <<angel>> So, do you want to try returning to life? Or will you move on? As I said before, you will return to life a few moments before your death. This means that if you could not avoid death, you will indeed just die again. However, if you were able to avoid it, you could stay alive. <</angel>> <<button [[I want to try living once more|Death_ReturnToLife]]>> <<set $game.num_revival-->> <</button>> <<button [[I choose to move on|Death_Paradise]]>><</button>> <<else>> <<angel>> Well, too bad. It seems like you used up all your revival chances, so no next life for you. It looks like you are bound for heaven then. Bye now! <</angel>> <<narrate>> You don't even get a word in before you feel yourself being sucked towards a bright light. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/bright_light.jpg">> <<button [[You slowly drift into the unknown, everything is now out of your hands|End]]>><</button>> <</if>>

<<mc>> I want to try living once more. <</mc>> <<story-image "assets/characters/angel.jpg">> <<angel>> Ok, off you go. <</angel>> <<narrate>> The angel waves her hand and you feel yourself fading to darkness once more. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/fade_darkness.jpg">> <<button [[Fade to darkness once more|$misc.passage_param.shift()]]>><</button>>

<<mc>> I have been through enough, I will go on to paradise. <</mc>> <<story-image "assets/characters/angel.jpg">> <<angel>> Ok then, enjoy! Paradise is really boring though. <</angel>> <<narrate>> Before you can ask what she means, she waves her hand and you feel yourself getting sucked towards a bright light. Everything turns white. You feel a profound sense of relief enveloping you. In the back of your mind however, a tiny voice sounds saying 'is this really fine?', but it is too late to do anything. You slowly drift into the unknown, everything is now out of your hands. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/bright_light.jpg">> <<button [[You slowly drift into the unknown, everything is now out of your hands|End]]>><</button>>

<<dev>> This is the end of the line for this storyline for now. Make sure to try again making different choices to see where it leads you. <</dev>> <<dev>> Please look forward to future releases. Thanks for playing! <</dev>>

<<narrate>> During the intro, you get to choose the name of the main character. What is his name? <</narrate>> <div class="textbox"> <<textbox "$character_info.names.mcName" "John">> </div> <<narrate>> You can also choose the name of the ex-girlfriend. What is her name? <</narrate>> <div class="textbox"> <<textbox "$character_info.names.gfName" "Hannah">> </div> <<button [[Alright, let's get started|Intro_End]]>> <<set $game.maxEnergy to 10>> <<set $game.energy to $game.maxEnergy>> <<update_willpower $game.willpower+1>> <</button>>

<<fadein 2s>> <<mc thinking>> ... Huh? Where am I? <</mc>> <</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 3s>> <<narrate>> You awaken from what feels like a very long sleep. Unfortunately, you can't seem to see anything. <</narrate>> <</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 6s>> <<mc thinking>> Why is it so dark? No wait, I can't open my eyes? What's happening? <</mc>> <</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 9s>> <<narrate>> You start to panic as you feel trapped in your own body, unable to move anything. <</narrate>> <</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 12s>> <<mc thinking>> Ow, I'm hurting all over! Please, make it stop! I have to open my eyes. Come on, OPEEEEEEN! <</mc>> <</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 15s>> <<button [[Open your eyes|Intro_2]]>><</button>> <</fadein>>

<<narrate>> Finally, your eyes open and you jump quickly out of the bed you were lying down in. You find yourself in an unfamiliar room. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/locations/hospital_room.png">> <<mc thinking>>This is … a hospital?<</mc>> <<narrate>>You look back at the bed you were lying in and see your body still lying there.<</narrate>> <<mc>>WHAAAAT!? What is this?<</mc>> <<narrate>>You look at yourself.<</narrate>> <<mc>> Whoa, I'm translucent. Nonononononono, I'm dead!? <</mc>> <<narrate>>You then notice the medical devices connected to your body, periodically beeping away.<</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Hm, it looks like I'm still alive. Wow, this is an out-of-body experience? I never believed such a thing was possible. <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> I can also no longer feel any pain, this is awesome. <</mc>> <<narrate>>You look at your body more closely, however you see no signs of any wounds. If anything, you look like you're sleeping peacefully.<</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> That's weird, why was I in so much pain? What happened to me? I can't remember anything. <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> Let's see, what can I remember? What is my name again? <</mc>> <div class="textbox"> <<textbox "$character_info.names.mcName" "John">> </div> <<button [[Ah yes, that's my name|Intro_3]]>><</button>>

<<mc thinking>> Right, my name is $character_info.names.mcName. I remember most of my life, but I can't for the life of me remember how I got here. <</mc>> <<narrate>>Suddenly it hits you.<</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Right, I remember! I was on a date with my girlfriend. Or should I say ex-girlfriend? She used that time to break up with me. <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> Damn, I still have trouble remembering. What was her name again? <</mc>> <div class="textbox"> <<textbox "$character_info.names.gfName" "Hannah">> </div> <<button [[Of course, how could I forget|Intro_4]]>><</button>>

<<mc thinking>> So, we were out on a date and she broke up with me. After the obligatory "it's not you, it's me" bullshit, we were ready to part ways. I was just standing there, not knowing what to say, feeling awkward. <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> And then … that truck came out of nowhere. I didn't even think about it, I just pushed her out of harm's way. Did I succeed? <</mc>> <<narrate>>As you agonize over that question, your ex-girlfriend enters, looking unharmed.<</narrate>> <<story-image `$character_info.avatars.settings_avatar_gf`>> <<mc thinking>> Ah, there she is. And looks like she is unharmed. <</mc>> <<mc>> Hey $character_info.names.gfName, am I glad to see you. <</mc>> <<narrate>>You call out to her, but she doesn't respond.<</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Ah crap, she probably can't see me. <</mc>> <<mc>> $character_info.names.gfName!!!! <</mc>> <<narrate>>You try shouting at her, waving your arms wildly, but there is no response.<</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> No doubt about it, she can't hear me. Well crap, what am I going to do now? <</mc>> <<button [[At that moment, a doctor enters|Intro_5]]>><</button>>

<<doc>> Hello $character_info.names.gfName, you're here to check up on him again? <</doc>> <<story-image `$character_info.avatars.settings_avatar_gf` "assets/misc/doctor_profile.jpg">> <<gf>> Hello $character_info.hospital.names.docName. Yes, even though he's been like that for 6 months, I can't help but keep coming here. <</gf>> <<mc thinking>> Whoa, I've been in this state for 6 months? No wonder I don't seem to have any wounds. But why am I still in a coma? And why did it hurt so much when I woke up? <</mc>> <<doc>> I can understand how you feel, seeing your boyfriend like that. <</doc>> <<narrate>>$character_info.names.gfName looks torn, her face full of guilt.<</narrate>> <<gf>> No... On our last date, when that truck came ... He pushed me out of the way, saving my life but almost giving up his own. Even though I had just broken up with him. <</gf>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName is close to tears. $character_info.hospital.names.docName seems taken aback, clearly hearing this for the first time. <</narrate>> <<doc>> I'm sorry, I didn't understand your circumstances. <</doc>> <<narrate>>$character_info.hospital.names.docName moves closer and pulls her in for a hug.<</narrate>> <<mc>> Hey, this really isn't appropriate, you know! <</mc>> <<narrate>> Seeing your ex-girlfriend being hugged right in front of you makes you feel jealous and you move to pull him away from her. However, your arm passes right through him, encountering no resistance whatsoever. <</narrate>> <<mc>> Whoa! <</mc>> <<energy_button [[You stumble into the doctor|Intro_6]] $game.energy-2>><</energy_button>>

<<narrate>> As you were expecting to touch $character_info.hospital.names.docName and feel resistance but got none, you're thrown off balance and stumble into him. However, being in an ethereal form, you pass through him. At that moment, you feel a suction force, pulling you completely into his body. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/possession.jpg">> <<doc_mc thinking>> Whoa, that was scary! <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>> You regain your balance and stand up straight, but you notice something odd. When you look at your girlfriend, you see her looking right at you. She looks a bit flustered. <</narrate>> <<doc_mc thinking>> Hm? <</doc_mc>> <<gf>> Ah, my apologies, I didn't mean to offload on you. <</gf>> <<doc_mc thinking>> Huh? I'm in the body of $character_info.hospital.names.docName? What the hell is this? <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>>As you're examining yourself, $character_info.names.gfName speaks up, sounding somewhat troubled.<</narrate>> <<gf>> Are you alright? You look a bit pale. Is it because of what I said? If so, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have … <</gf>> <<doc_mc>> Ah no, don't worry. My apologies $character_info.names.gfName, I just had a bit of a dizzy spell, don't worry about it. <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>>$character_info.names.gfName seems relieved but also somewhat worried.<</narrate>> <<gf>> I see, are you sure you're alright? <</gf>> <<doc_mc>> Positive, but I'll take my leave and rest a bit. See you later $character_info.names.gfName. <</doc_mc>> <<button [[You flee the room, not even waiting for a response|Intro_7]]>><</button>>

<<narrate>> You walk quickly, paying no attention to where you're going. As you enter a room, you snap out of your daze. You look around you and see a tidy office. You recognize this office, it is the office of $character_info.hospital.names.docName. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/locations/hospital_doctors_office.jpg">> <<doc_mc thinking>> Hm? How did I know that? <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>> Suddenly you realize, not only did you take over his body, you have some of his memories too. <</narrate>> <<doc_mc thinking>> So this is his office, huh? Hm, from his memories it looks like he was just about to start his shift. This might be a bit problematic, but I'll have to try to pose as him until I figure out how to get out of his body. Alright, let's go to the consultation room. <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>> You walk to the consultation room to start $character_info.hospital.names.docName's shift. <</narrate>> <<button [[Start the shift|Intro_8]]>><</button>>

<<narrate>> You examine and treat patient after patient with relative ease. During the work, you realize $character_info.hospital.names.docName automatically takes over whenever you loosen the control, so every patient is treated right. The moment you actively do something, control is automatically transferred back to you. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/doctor_working.jpg">> <<narrate>> Finally, your shift is almost done and the last patient enters. As you have become used to it now, you just let $character_info.hospital.names.docName do his thing. <</narrate>> <<doc_mc>> Come in! <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>> An attractive woman comes into the examination room and greets $character_info.hospital.names.docName. You stand up and shake her hand. <</narrate>> <<patient1>> Hello, I'm $character_info.hospital.names.patient1Name, nice to meet you. <</patient1>> <<doc_mc>> Hello, nice to meet you, I'm $character_info.hospital.names.docName. How can I help you? <</doc_mc>> <<patient1>> Well, lately I've been having trouble sleeping and I'm very often tired, so much so that it starts to affect my day-to-day life. <</patient1>> <<narrate>> As with all patients before, you mainly let $character_info.hospital.names.docName do what he should. When he suggests some tests to check her heart and lungs, you realize this is the perfect moment to check how much control you really have over him. <</narrate>> <<doc_mc thinking>> Let's see what we can make him do. Sorry $character_info.hospital.names.patient1Name, but I have to use you as a guinea pig for a little while. <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>> Meanwhile, the patient is ready for the examination. You give control back to $character_info.hospital.names.docName, deciding to take control on some specific moments. <</narrate>> <<doc_mc>> Alright, let's have a look. <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.docName puts on his exam gloves and starts to examine her. <</narrate>> <<doc_mc thinking>> I wonder if I can make him touch her inappropriately. <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>> You try to touch her in some intimate places not needed for the examination, but it doesn't work. $character_info.hospital.names.docName resists your attempts and you feel his unease growing. <</narrate>> <<doc_mc thinking>> Alright, so if I try to make him perform an action he would never think of doing, it will fail, causing adverse effects on the person I'm controlling. If I were to continue, I'm sure I would get expelled from his body. <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>> You give control back to $character_info.hospital.names.docName until he's completely at ease again. <</narrate>> <<energy_button [[The doctor continues his examination|Intro_9]] $game.energy-1>><</energy_button>>

<<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.docName continues his examination while you ponder on what action you can take next. Vaguely you're aware of him asking some questions during his examination. <</narrate>> <<story-image "assets/misc/doctor_profile.jpg" "assets/misc/patient1_profile.jpg">> <<doc_mc>> Do you work? Maybe too much? Are there any changes in your life? <</doc_mc>> <<patient1>> I work, but no more than usual. There are no changes in my life either. <</patient1>> <<narrate>> Suddenly you think of something else to try. <</narrate>> <<doc_mc thinking>> I couldn't have him blatantly disregard his professional etiquette, but I wonder if I can walk the line? <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>> While $character_info.hospital.names.docName is still examining $character_info.hospital.names.patient1Name, you very slightly exert control again. Since touching her inappropriately didn't work, you decide you could try letting your hands linger longer than strictly necessary. To your surprise, that does work. <</narrate>> <<doc_mc thinking>> Aha, So I can make him do some things he normally wouldn't do, although I can't go too far. I feel he's slightly uneasy, but not as bad as before. <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>> You continue your influence and feel his unease grow little by little. You can't go any further than you already did, but the longer you do it, the more uneasy $character_info.hospital.names.docName becomes. <</narrate>> <<doc_mc thinking>> Luckily $character_info.hospital.names.patient1Name doesn't seem to mind or even notice the lingering touches. I wouldn't want him to get a bad reputation just because I was experimenting. <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>> You get back to interfering, but... <</narrate>> <<energy_button [[... you're suddenly expelled from his body|Intro_10]] $game.energy-4>> <<update_willpower $game.willpower+1>> <</energy_button>>

<<narrate>> You're no longer controlling $character_info.hospital.names.docName, but he keeps examining the patient without any interruptions. <</narrate>> <<story-image "assets/misc/doctor_profile.jpg" "assets/misc/patient1_profile.jpg">> <<mc thinking>> Oh? I got pushed out? <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> I wonder why I got expelled. Maybe I'm not strong enough to influence him more and longer yet? I wonder if I will be able to do more with some training. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You try to control him again, but it's like hitting a brick wall, no opening whatsoever. You wonder if his unease grew too big and now rejects you, or if you're just out of energy? Or maybe even just timing? <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> I'll have to experiment further to find out more about my limits. <</mc>> <<narrate>> When you look at $character_info.hospital.names.docName, you don't notice anything out of the ordinary. He's still genuinely examining and helping the patient. You realize even though you're just a ghost of sorts, you're not completely helpless. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> From the looks of it, $character_info.hospital.names.docName didn't even notice I had taken over. He does look somewhat embarrassed though, He's probably always been completely professional, so that makes sense. <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> Since he clearly knows what happened, but doesn't react strongly, he thinks everything that happened were just his own actions? <</mc>> <<narrate>> You contemplate for a while longer until you think you have a good grasp on the situation and how your new ability works. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Since I can no longer influence him, I should go back to my room. I can try again at a later time. <</mc>> <<button [[You return to your hospital room|Intro_11]]>><</button>>

<<narrate>> You return to your room and see your body still alive, seemingly resting peacefully. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/locations/hospital_room.png">> <<mc thinking>> I'm still not used to seeing myself like this. Let's try to return to my body. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You try to return to your body and to your surprise it works with ease. However, the moment you're back in your own body, you're assaulted by extreme pain. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Aaaah, this hurts like hell. Should I try to tough it out? Or should I escape once again. Well, I feel like I should try and stay in my body. <</mc>> <<button [[Stay in your body|Intro_12]]>><</button>>

<<set $misc.passage_param to ["Intro_13"]>> <<include Stay_In_Body>>

<<narrate>> You slowly rouse and find yourself in a dark space. Unlike before, you feel like you can open your eyes and move, but it is just very dark. Then, a person materializes right before your eyes. <</narrate>> <<story-image "assets/characters/angel.jpg">> <<angel>> Hi there! <</angel>> <<narrate>> You see a beautiful woman looking at you gently. <</narrate>> <<mc>> Euhm, hello. Who're you? And where am I? <</mc>> <<angel>> Ah well, I am $character_info.hospital.names.angelName. As for where you are, this would be the realm between worlds. It looks like your mind wasn't able to take the strain of the pain racking your body and you went into shock. It would seem you died. <</angel>> <<mc>> What!? Oh no, I'm actually dead? Did I go back into my body too soon? <</mc>> <<narrate>> As you think of everything you missed out on in life, you start despairing. <</narrate>> <<angel>> It's a shame really. If you had managed to stay alive, you could have found out who was responsible for getting you into a coma as well as why you're still in a coma even though your body clearly healed. <</angel>> <<narrate>> These unexpected words pierce through the despairing thoughts. <</narrate>> <<mc>> What do you mean? I got into an accident with a truck didn't I? So the driver should be responsible? <</mc>> <<angel>> Well, the driver certainly bears some responsibility, but he was only executing his orders. The mastermind is still firmly hidden in the shadows. Who knows what will happen to those around you now that you're gone. <</angel>> <<mc>> Mastermind? What is this, some kind of mystery game? I'm just a regular person, nobody would go that far just to get me out of the way. <</mc>> <<angel>> I agree with you on the regular person, but even regular people can be dragged into something by others, you know. <</angel>> <<angel>> Let's just say that those around you may have something to do with your predicament, even if they never had any intention of getting you involved. Unfortunately, the other regular people around you may now be in danger too. <</angel>> <<mc>> No way! Is there anything that can be done? Can I still warn them? Or can you? <</mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.angelName bursts out laughing <</narrate>> <<angel>> Hahaha, sure, people will definitely believe you if you tell them. As for me, they'll just think it was a dream. <</angel>> <<mc>> So that's it? I die a pointless death, learning somebody deliberately targeted me only to realize everyone around me might be in danger? <</mc>> <<angel>> Well all death is pointless you know. Meaningful deaths only exist in stories and even then it's usually bullshit. <</angel>> <<narrate>> With that statement, $character_info.hospital.names.angelName pushes you back into despair, far worse than when you arrived. You can't help but feel she may just be a demon set to torment you. <</narrate>> <<button [[You clutch your head, lamenting your death|Intro_14]]>><</button>>

<<angel>> Hm? Hold on, you saved somebody's life? <</angel>> <<story-image "assets/characters/angel.jpg">> <<narrate>> Amidst your despair, you hear the question. You ignore it however, as it no longer matters. <</narrate>> <<angel>> Well, that changes things. People who save somebody's life sometimes get to revive. <</angel>> <<narrate>> A small ray of hope shines through your despair. <</narrate>> <<mc>> What? I did push my ex-girlfriend out of the way when that truck came towards us. Does that mean I may be able to revive? <</mc>> <<angel>> There are a large number of things that may influence whether or not you can revive, saving somebody isn't necessarily enough. Let me check your case real quick. <</angel>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.angelName takes what seems like a huge ancient book and flips through it. <</narrate>> <<angel>> Ho ho, it seems you qualify to be revived. Wow, it isn't every day somebody is eligible to revive, I'm actually getting excited. <</angel>> <<narrate>> For the first time since you arrived in this place, you feel like not everything is lost. You internally apologize to $character_info.hospital.names.angelName for thinking she might be a demon in disguise. <</narrate>> <<mc>> Wait, so other people have revived before as well? Why does nobody know about it? <</mc>> <<angel>> Haha, imagine you telling somebody you met an angel and revived. Do you really think they would believe you? <</angel>> <<mc>> Ah, probably not. I imagine they would just think I was confused because of my near-death experience. <</mc>> <<angel>> Exactly, and that isn't the only reason you haven't heard about it. A lot of people don't remember this experience clearly. To most people, this just feels like a dream, so they don't even believe it themselves. So when they revive, it isn't very different from actually waking up from a deep sleep. Others do remember, but choose to keep silent because they either don't believe it themselves or are just scared about the reactions they would get. <</angel>> <<mc>> So, will it be the same for me? I'll also not remember clearly? And I may forget your warning about people near to me being in danger? <</mc>> <<angel>> You should remember, since you're a bit of a special case. When people die, they're usually suffering, but you can apparently leave your body, causing that feeling to instantly disappear, so you should have a much clearer head upon reviving. <</angel>> <<angel>> Oh, and by the way, you probably have heard about revivals in the past. I would imagine the term 'miraculous recovery' rings a bell? <</angel>> <<mc>> Hm? Yes, you mean these are people who revived? <</mc>> <<angel>> Well, not all of them, but at least a few will have been revived. <</angel>> <<mc>> I see. <</mc>> <<narrate>> All of this is a lot to take in, but instead of dwelling on it too long, you decide to switch gears for now. <</narrate>> <<mc>> So what exactly does that mean? I'll return to life? Won't I just die again? <</mc>> <<angel>> You will return to life a few moments before your death. This means that if you couldn't avoid death, you will indeed just die again. However, if you were able to avoid it, you could stay alive. In cases of heavily injured people, it's often true that they die again. However, sometimes they will stay alive since a lot of luck is involved as well. Just a small change can make a big difference, and they do get a do-over. <</angel>> <<mc>> So I should try to get out of my body then instead of staying in. <</mc>> <<angel>> That would be my recommendation, yes. Oh, and by the way, revival isn't necessarily a one-time thing. For now, you can only revive once, but some actions may make you eligible again. I can't say which actions allow for it, but keep that in mind. <</angel>> <<angel>> In other words, depending on your actions, even if you die again, you may still have the possibility to revive. Every time you will be given a choice whether you want to return or move on, since some people don't want to revive. Of course, depending on the circumstances of your death, revival may not be possible, so don't do anything too crazy. <</angel>> <<mc>> I see, so I should be careful. On another note, what does 'move on' mean? <</mc>> <<angel>> Well, I can't say too much about it, but in short, it means you go to heaven to live in peace for all eternity. Although in your case it may not be that peaceful since you know those around you may be in danger. <</angel>> <<mc>> I see, thank you for the explanation. Seems like I have little choice, I'll have to revive and try to stay alive to figure out what happened and to keep those around me out of harm's way. <</mc>> <<angel>> So, you've made your choice? <</angel>> <<set $misc.passage_param to ['Intro_15']>> <<button [[Yes, I choose to return to life|Death_ReturnToLife]]>><</button>>

<<narrate>> You find yourself back in your body, still in agonizing pain. You quickly jump out of your body again. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/locations/hospital_room.png">> <<mc thinking>> Looks like I can go in and out of my body easily enough, but if I stay in too long, I die. Better try every now and then to see if I can wake up from this coma, although I will have to be careful not to die. For now though, I should get some sleep and explore a little more tomorrow. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You hover over your body and fall asleep. <</narrate>> <<button [[After a good night's sleep, you wake up feeling refreshed|Intro_16]]>><</button>>

<<set $game.current_day to 2>> <<update>> <<narrate>> As you wake up, you think about what you've learned yesterday. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> So my accident was no accident after all and what's more, I'm being kept in this coma for some reason. I'll need to figure out who has it out for me and why and stop them somehow. I also can't ignore the people around me as they may be in danger as well. <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> I've been in this coma for a long time now, so things are probably not that urgent. I should first try to get used to my condition and figure out what I can and cannot do. This may be a bit dangerous, but I won't be able to do anything without knowing my limits. <</mc>> <<narrate>> With that in mind, you start experimenting. You try all sorts of things to find the limits of your capabilities and just like that a week passes. <</narrate>> <<button [[Unknowingly, a week has passed|Intro_17]]>> <<set $game.maxEnergy to 10>> <<set $game.energy to $game.maxEnergy>> <</button>>

<<set $game.current_day to 9>> <<update>> <<image "./assets/misc/time_passing.jpg">> <<narrate>> As you hover over your bed, getting ready to sleep, you go over what you've learned. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> It seems I can only take over some people. I haven't been able to figure out what the difference is, but it feels like some people are more resistant to influence than others. I can only take over people for a short period of time. When my energy runs out or their tolerance reaches its limits, I get pushed out. <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> Whenever I sleep, I can recharge my energy. Energy is consumed whenever I am in somebody's body, although how much energy depends on what actions I take. The more active I am, the more energy is consumed. <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> I haven't confirmed this yet, but it feels like I should be able to increase my energy somehow. Having taken over quite a few people right now, I feel I have more energy than I did before, although I'm not yet sure exactly how that happens. I'll have to see what happens as I go. <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> While in my astral form, I can only go so far. Currently, my range is this hospital alone. It feels like I should be able to go further once I have more energy. <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> If I have taken over a body, it seems like there is no limit to how far I can go. However, if my energy runs out and I get pushed out, I instantly return next to my own body. No idea how that works though, I should probably think about it as being teleported here. <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> Whenever I take over somebody, I can influence what they do. While doing so, I don't get noticed and the person thinks of these actions as their own. If I just possess them, without doing anything, they just go about their daily lives. While doing so, I can grasp some of their thoughts although just the surface ones. <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> The limitation to this possession is that I cannot do as I please. When I try to do something they would normally not do, they resist it and I get thrown out even without depleting my energy. <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> It does look like I can influence them bit by bit however, so even if I can't have them do something right away, as long as I make some progress towards that goal, they become more open towards it. As long as I go about it the right way, I should be able to get them to do what I want. Still, I should probably be careful about it, who knows what happens with that influence. <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> During this past week, I haven't found any clues about my coma or the person or people responsible. I should probably start by possessing the people nearby, here in the hospital as well as the people visiting me one by one and try to find some clues. <</mc>> <<button [[Alright, time to start my investigation|Intro_End]]>><</button>>

<<narrate>> __Summary of the game:__ You wake from a coma you've been in for a few months, although you can't seem to wake up completely. Instead, when you get up, you're in your astral form. Upon dying from trying to forcefully stay in your body, you're told that your coma was no accident and that you and those close to you're in danger, so you set out to find the person or people responsible. You also learn that some actions will allow you to revive once more. Unfortunately, you have already died once, so your revival opportunity for saving your ex-girlfriend is no longer available. When doing some experiments on your condition, you find you can possess certain people and influence their behavior. You cannot force them to do things they would never do, but you can gradually push them to be more open to your influence. Doing so does influence their day to day life as well however, so you should be careful. You can only possess people for a certain period of time before you run out of energy and are forced to recuperate. Right now, you can only travel within a few blocks of the hospital your body resides in due to a lack of energy. Some actions will increase your energy, allowing you to go further out and possess people for a longer period of time. Whenever you're possessing somebody, you can go out further, but when you run out of energy, you automatically return to your hospital room. Having learned all that, you set out to find clues about your accident. You also decide to keep an eye out for those around you to make sure they aren't in danger. <</narrate>> <<include Help_Info>> <<dev>> The above information can be accessed at any time via the 'Help' button in the panel on the left. Good luck with your new life in a coma! <</dev>> <<button [[Let's start your investigation|Hospital_Room]]>> <<set $misc.intro_done to true>> <<set $game.current_day to 9>> <<update>> <</button>>

<<include Hospital_Delivery_Room_Text_Header>> <<include Main_Story>> <<include Side_Stories>> <<random_scenes_include $story.random.hospital.delivery_room.events "Hospital_Delivery_Room_Text_Scene_">> <<include Hospital_Delivery_Room_Text_Footer>>

<<narrate>> You find yourself in a delivery room. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/locations/hospital_delivery_room.jpg">>

<<button [[Go out into the hallway|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_3]]>><</button>>

<<quest_button "A woman is giving birth" "Hospital_Delivery_Room_Scene_1">><</quest_button>>

<<narrate>> It looks like there is activity in the delivery room, so you decide to check it out. <</narrate>> <<rnd_doc>> Alright, everything looks good so far. You're doing great. Just a little bit longer, and we'll be meeting your baby. How are you feeling? <</rnd_doc>> <<narrate>> The doctor smiles warmly at the woman lying in the bed. The woman breathes heavily, squeezing her partner's hand. <</narrate>> <<rnd_woman>> I'm doing okay, but this is so intense. Is it supposed to hurt this much? <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_nurse>> Yes, it's completely normal to feel this way. The contractions are strong, but you're handling them like a champ. Keep breathing, nice and slow. <</rnd_nurse>> <<narrate>> The nurse looks at the woman reassuringly, a sharp contrast with the nervous looking man holding the woman's hand. <</narrate>> <<rnd_man>> You're amazing. You're doing so well. Just a few more minutes, okay? <</rnd_man>> <<narrate>> The woman laughs weakly. <</narrate>> <<rnd_woman>> If I ever say I want to do this again, remind me of this moment. <</rnd_woman>> <<narrate>> The doctor chuckles softly. <</narrate>> <<rnd_doc>> We hear that a lot. But in a little while, that pain will feel like a distant memory. You'll be holding your baby in your arms. <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_nurse>> Okay, let's check in on your progress. You're at 9 centimeters now. Almost there! <</rnd_nurse>> <<rnd_woman>> Thank goodness. I thought this was going to take forever. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_man>> Is it time to push yet? <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_doc>> Not quite yet, but it's getting close. We're just waiting for the next wave of contractions to give you the green light. <</rnd_doc>> <<narrate>> The woman grimaces as the next contractions set in. <</narrate>> <<rnd_woman>> Here it comes... <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_nurse>> That's it, just focus on your breathing. You're so close now. We're with you every step of the way. <</rnd_nurse>> <<rnd_man>> I love you. You're doing so great. Just remember, we're in this together. <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_doc>> Okay, I think it's time. Let's get ready for the next stage. You're doing great—just a little more effort, and you'll meet your baby. <</rnd_doc>> <<mc thinking>> Looks like a new life is about to be born. I better leave them to it. <</mc>> <<random_scenes_button 1 $story.random.hospital.delivery_room.scenes_found [[You decide to return to the hallway|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_3]]>><</random_scenes_button>>

<<include Hospital_Elevator_Text_Header>> <<include Main_Story>> <<include Side_Stories>> <<random_scenes_include $story.random.hospital.elevator.events "Hospital_Elevator_Text_Scene_">> <<include Hospital_Elevator_Text_Footer>>

<<narrate>> You find yourself in an elevator. You are currently on the $game.hospital_current_floor. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/locations/hospital_elevator.jpg">> <<narrate>> On the buttons of the elevator, you see more information about the different floors - Ground floor: Lobby - Floor 1: Short term patient rooms + Nurses station - Floor 2: Long term patient rooms + General examination rooms - Floor 3: Maternity ward - Floor 4: Oncology ward <</narrate>>

<<button [[Go to the ground floor lobby|Hospital_Lobby]]>> <<set $game.hospital_current_floor to 'ground floor'>> <</button>> <<button [[Go to the 1st floor hallway|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_1]]>> <<set $game.hospital_current_floor to '1st floor'>> <</button>> <<button [[Go to the 2nd floor hallway|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_2]]>> <<set $game.hospital_current_floor to '2nd floor'>> <</button>> <<button [[Go to the 3rd floor hallway|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_3]]>> <<set $game.hospital_current_floor to '3rd floor'>> <</button>> <<button [[Go to the 4th floor hallway|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_4]]>> <<set $game.hospital_current_floor to '4th floor'>> <</button>>

<<quest_button "You see a woman pressing the button repeatedly" "Hospital_Elevator_Scene_1">><</quest_button>>

<<quest_button "Two nurses are riding the elevator, sharing gossip" "Hospital_Elevator_Scene_2">><</quest_button>>

<<narrate>> You see a woman pressing the button multiple times, looking frustrated. <</narrate>> <<rnd_woman1>> Why is it always the longest wait when you're already running late for an appointment? I swear, this elevator knows when I'm in a rush. <</rnd_woman1>> <<narrate>> Another woman is in the elevator, laughing at the outburst. <</narrate>> <<rnd_woman2>> Of course! Hospitals have a sixth sense for that. You've got an appointment at 3, and suddenly it's 3:10, and the elevator's like, 'Oh, you need to go to the 6th floor? Let's stop at every single floor first. You're welcome!' <</rnd_woman2>> <<rnd_woman1>> Right? It's like the elevator is just doing its part to make sure you experience every level of hospital chaos. 'Oh, you wanted to get to your doctor's appointment? How about you get a bonus tour of the hospital while we're at it?' <</rnd_woman1>> <<narrate>> The other woman grins. <</narrate>> <<rnd_woman2>> Exactly. And then when the doors finally open, there's always someone getting on who's like, 'Oh, I was going to the 7th floor, but I guess I'll take a ride to the basement now.' <</rnd_woman2>> <<rnd_woman1>> Of course! And the person who gets in just before the doors close always has a full-on conversation like, 'Oh yeah, the surgery went great. I'm just here for a follow-up.' I don't need to know about your knee replacement, Brenda! I'm just trying to get to the cardiologist. <</rnd_woman1>> <<rnd_woman2>> Ha! I'm just waiting for the day when the elevator's like, 'Oh, you're here for a quick check-up? Well, here's a surprise—let's make it an all-day event.' <</rnd_woman2>> <<rnd_woman1>> Seriously, at this point, I'm expecting to get a map and a snack pack. Just throw in a 'sorry for the wait' coupon for the cafeteria, and I'll be good. <</rnd_woman1>> <<rnd_woman2>> Totally. Maybe the hospital could start a loyalty program. 'Congratulations! You've been stuck in the elevator for 15 minutes! Here's a free coffee!' <</rnd_woman2>> <<rnd_woman1>> Ha! And if you survive the elevator, they give you a free sticker for your 'Bravery in the Hospital' card. At least it would be something to show for all this waiting. <</rnd_woman1>> <<narrate>> The women share a laugh at this. <</narrate>> <<rnd_woman2>> I'd wear that sticker proudly, especially after I've had to dodge six wheelchairs, two IV poles, and that one guy who always gets on talking about his 'routine procedure.' <</rnd_woman2>> <<narrate>> At this point, the elevator reaches its destination. <</narrate>> <<rnd_woman1>> Well, we made it. Barely. I guess we can go fight for a seat in the waiting room now. <</rnd_woman1>> <<rnd_woman1>> Yep, one step closer to the never-ending waiting game. And let's be real, after all that, I'm going to need a nap before they even call my name. <</rnd_woman1>> <<random_scenes_button 1 $story.random.hospital.elevator.scenes_found [[Smiling, they exit the elevator|Hospital_Elevator]]>><</random_scenes_button>>

<<narrate>> You see two nurses riding the elevator, gossiping away. <</narrate>> <<rnd_nurse1>> So, did you hear about Dr. Stevens and that new resident? Apparently, they've been seen chatting a little too much in the break room lately. <</rnd_nurse1>> <<rnd_nurse2>> Oh, I noticed that. I thought I was imagining things. You know, it's always the quiet ones who make the biggest noise around here. <</rnd_nurse2>> <<rnd_nurse1>> Exactly! And get this, I overheard her say she's never had a partner like Dr. Stevens—'He's so hands-on.' I mean, come on. They're both way too professional for that, right? <</rnd_nurse1>> <<rnd_nurse2>> Professional? Sure. Professional at giving us all the juiciest gossip in the hospital. Honestly, I'm just waiting for the moment someone walks in and finds them sitting together, having a full-on heart-to-heart about 'complicated cases.' <</rnd_nurse2>> <<rnd_nurse1>> Haha! Oh, and speaking of gossip—have you seen the new cafeteria manager? She's been giving everyone side-eye whenever they grab extra cookies. I feel like I'm getting judged just by going in there for my afternoon snack! <</rnd_nurse1>> <<rnd_nurse2>> Tell me about it. I caught her staring at my salad like she was trying to calculate how many calories it was. I'm like, lady, I'm just trying to live my best nurse life here, okay? <</rnd_nurse2>> <<rnd_nurse1>> Yeah, and you know she's definitely making the salad dressing in the back and putting a little extra... something in it to make us rethink that second serving of pasta. <</rnd_nurse1>> <<rnd_nurse2>> Ugh, that pasta! I think it has a mind of its own. You swear you're going to take one serving, and next thing you know, you're holding a whole plate of it like you've joined some pasta cult. <</rnd_nurse2>> <<rnd_nurse1>> At this point, the real question is: who's got the secret stash of chocolate in their locker? Because I need that in my life right now. <</rnd_nurse1>> <<rnd_nurse2>> I heard Katie in the ICU has a whole drawer full. She's practically the Willy Wonka of our unit. If you ask nicely, she might even share. <</rnd_nurse2>> <<rnd_nurse1>> Katie?! That's it, I'm making a trip to the ICU after my shift. She's been holding out on us all this time! <</rnd_nurse1>> <<rnd_nurse2>> Better bring your best 'I'm really stressed out' face. You know how she is—she only shares if she feels like you've really earned the chocolate. <</rnd_nurse2>> <<rnd_nurse1>> I can do stressed. I've got an Oscar-worthy performance ready to go. <</rnd_nurse1>> <<rnd_nurse2>> Good luck. If anyone can get chocolate out of Katie, it's you. <</rnd_nurse2>> <<narrate>> Continuing their gossip, they leave the elevator. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Wow, I had no idea you could gossip this much in just a short elevator ride. <</mc>> <<random_scenes_button 2 $story.random.hospital.elevator.scenes_found [[Still marveling at the conversation, you watch them leave|Hospital_Elevator]]>><</random_scenes_button>>

<<include Hospital_Exam_Room_Text_Header>> <<include Main_Story>> <<include Side_Stories>> <<random_scenes_include $story.random.hospital.exam_room.events "Hospital_Exam_Room_Text_Scene_">> <<include Hospital_Exam_Room_Text_Footer>>

<<narrate>> You find yourself in an examination room. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/locations/hospital_exam_room.jpg">>

<<button [[Go out into the hallway|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_2]]>><</button>>

<<quest_button "A patient enters the examination room" "Hospital_Exam_Room_Scene_1">><</quest_button>>

<<quest_button "The doctor calls a patient in the examination room" "Hospital_Exam_Room_Scene_2">><</quest_button>>

<<quest_button "A fidgety patient enters the examination room" "Hospital_Exam_Room_Scene_3">><</quest_button>>

<<narrate>> You see a patient entering the examination room. Having nothing better to do, you decide to take a look. <</narrate>> <<rnd_doc>> So, what seems to be the problem today? <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_man>> Doc, I'm just feeling a little... off, you know? Like, I'm always tired, my back hurts, and I've been having some headaches. <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_doc>> Hmm, sounds like we might have a classic case of... 'life'. <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_man>> Life? Is that a diagnosis? <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_doc>> Oh, absolutely. It's an epidemic. Usually caused by too much working, too little sleeping, and, unfortunately, too much Netflix. <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_man>> Hey! I thought Netflix was supposed to help with stress. <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_doc>> Well, in moderation. But I think it's the binge-watching that's doing the damage. You know, you can't heal your back pain by watching a whole season of a show in one sitting. <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_man>> That's... disappointing. What am I supposed to do with all my free time now? <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_doc>> Well, you could try... moving. You know, walking, stretching, maybe even lifting something other than the remote. <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_man>> Lifting things? That sounds exhausting. <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_doc>> It's all about balance. Get your body moving, and you'll start to feel better. In fact, I'd say it's the first step to a healthy recovery. Plus, if you've been on the couch long enough, you're probably just stiff from your 'couch potato' lifestyle. <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_man>> I knew it. The couch has betrayed me. <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_doc>> It happens. The couch is a very persuasive friend, but you have to show it who's boss. <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_man>> So, what's next? Do I need to change my diet too? <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_doc>> Diet can help, yes. I'm not saying you have to become a kale enthusiast, but maybe lay off the snacks that require zero effort to open. Anything that involves unwrapping or a microwave might be a red flag. <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_man>> I don't know, Doc. My microwave burritos are really good. <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_doc>> Ah, yes, they're the gateway food to more serious issues. But don't worry, small changes can make a big difference. <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_man>> Alright, I'll try it. But can I still watch one episode of my favorite show while I make those changes? <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_doc>> Sure, one episode. As long as you're doing squats during the opening credits. <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_man>> Deal. But if I start doing squats in the middle of a cliffhanger, I'm coming back here to blame you. <</rnd_man>> <<narrate>> You chuckle at the exchange. As they start the actual examination, you decide to leave the room <</narrate>> <<random_scenes_button 1 $story.random.hospital.exam_room.scenes_found [[You leave the examination room|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_2]]>><</random_scenes_button>>

<<narrate>> A doctor beckons a patient in the examination room. You decide to follow as well and take a look. <</narrate>> <<rnd_doc>> Alright, Mrs. Green, I've looked over your test results, and I see you've been trying a new diet plan. How's it going? <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_woman>> Oh, it's going... well, I'm 'trying' to stick to it. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_doc>> Trying? What does that mean? <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_woman>> Well, I mostly stick to it... except for weekends, holidays, and Tuesdays. Oh, and sometimes Wednesdays. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_doc>> Ah, I see. So, basically, the diet is a part-time commitment? <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_woman>> Exactly! I call it the 'flexible eating plan.' It's like, I'm eating healthy... but only when I feel like it. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_doc>> I see. So, when you're not eating healthy, what are you eating? <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_woman>> Well, I'm a big fan of 'what's in the fridge'—mostly pizza, chips, and anything that doesn't require me to turn on the stove. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_doc>> A classic approach. Very... modern. Have you been feeling any different since you started? <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_woman>> Yeah, I've been feeling... like I have the energy to, you know, think about going for a walk. But then I just... sit back down and keep thinking about it. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_doc>> Ah, yes. The 'think-about-it' workout. It's all the rage these days. <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_woman>> Right? And I'm really good at it. I've mastered the art of thinking about exercise without actually doing it. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_doc>> Well, at least you're staying mentally fit. But let's talk about your diet. Are you getting enough vegetables? <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_woman>> Oh, of course. I have vegetables... well, it's more like salsa... with my chips. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_doc>> That... counts? Technically? But we might need to work on the vegetable part. How about we start with something easy—like a salad? <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_woman>> Ah, salad. The food that looks like grass but isn't nearly as fun. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_doc>> True, but it's a good way to get some nutrients. And if you top it with a little dressing, it's practically like dessert. <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_woman>> Hmm, you might be onto something there. I'll give it a shot... but only if the dressing is 90% ranch. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_doc>> Baby steps, Mrs. Green. Baby steps. <</rnd_doc>> <<mc thinking>> From the sound of things, she still has a way to go. <</mc>> <<random_scenes_button 2 $story.random.hospital.exam_room.scenes_found [[Chuckling, you leave the examination room|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_2]]>><</random_scenes_button>>

<<narrate>> You see a patient entering the examination room. He seems somewhat fidgety. <</narrate>> <<rnd_doc>> So, what's going on today, Mr. Collins? <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_man>> Well, Doc, I've been feeling... strange. I think I might have developed a rare condition. <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_doc>> A rare condition, you say? What makes you think that? <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_man>> I've been Googling my symptoms, and I think I have... alien hand syndrome. <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_doc>> Alien hand syndrome? That's an interesting diagnosis. What makes you think that? <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_man>> Well, lately, my hand has been doing its own thing. It grabs snacks, opens doors, and—get this—sometimes even tries to high-five people when I'm not in the mood. <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_doc>> Hmm, sounds like your hand might be a little overzealous. But I don't think it's aliens. It's more likely that you've been eating too much salty food. Your hand could just be... craving attention. <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_man>> Salty food, huh? I did have a bag of chips earlier... <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_doc>> There you go. Your hand is just on a snack hunt. It's not aliens. It's snack-deprived. We'll call it 'hand hunger.' <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_man>> Hand hunger... that's... oddly comforting. <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_doc>> Yep. Totally treatable. Just maybe lay off the chips for a while. And, you know, try some actual conversation with your hand. Maybe it's lonely. <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_man>> I'll try. But if it starts trying to type out a message to an extraterrestrial, I'm coming back here for a second opinion. <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_doc>> Deal. And if your hand starts texting aliens, we might need to set up a group therapy session for your whole arm. <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_man>> Good to know. Thanks, Doc. <</rnd_man>> <<mc thinking>> Hehe, there really are all kinds of people out there. <</mc>> <<random_scenes_button 3 $story.random.hospital.exam_room.scenes_found [[Laughing, you leave the examination room|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_2]]>><</random_scenes_button>>

<<include Hospital_Hallway_Floor_1_Text_Header>> <<if $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[0] >= 2>> <<include Main_Story>> <<include Side_Stories>> <</if>> <<liveblock>> <<if _exploration_success>> <<if $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[0] == 1>> <<include Hospital_Hallway_Floor_1_Text_Exploration_1>> <</if>> <<if $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[0] == 2>> <<include Hospital_Hallway_Floor_1_Text_Exploration_2>> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[0] < 2 >> <<energy_button 'Explore' $game.energy-2>> <<set $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[0]++>> <<set _exploration_success to true>> <</energy_button>> <</if>> <<if $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[0] >= 1>> <<include Hospital_Hallway_Floor_1_Text_Room_1>> <</if>> <<if $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[0] >= 2>> <<include Hospital_Hallway_Floor_1_Text_Room_2>> <</if>> <<include Hospital_Hallway_Floor_1_Text_Footer>> <</liveblock>>

<<narrate>> You stand in a hospital hallway, and see a number of doors as well as an elevator. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/locations/hospital_hallway.jpg">>

<<button [[Enter an elevator|Hospital_Elevator]]>><</button>>

<<mc thinking>> The nurses station is on this floor, I should check it out from time to time. <</mc>>

<<mc thinking>> Quite a number of patient rooms on this floor as well, might as well look into them from time to time. <</mc>>

<<button [[Enter the nurses station|Hospital_Nurses_Station]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Enter a patient's room|Hospital_Patient_Room]]>><</button>>

<<include Hospital_Hallway_Floor_2_Text_Header>> <<if $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[1] >= 2>> <<include Main_Story>> <<include Side_Stories>> <</if>> <<liveblock>> <<if _exploration_success>> <<if $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[1] == 1>> <<include Hospital_Hallway_Floor_2_Text_Exploration_1>> <</if>> <<if $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[1] == 2>> <<include Hospital_Hallway_Floor_2_Text_Exploration_2>> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[1] < 2 >> <<energy_button 'Explore' $game.energy-2>> <<set $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[1]++>> <<set _exploration_success to true>> <</energy_button>> <</if>> <<if $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[1] >= 1>> <<include Hospital_Hallway_Floor_2_Text_Room_1>> <</if>> <<if $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[1] >= 2>> <<include Hospital_Hallway_Floor_2_Text_Room_2>> <</if>> <<include Hospital_Hallway_Floor_2_Text_Footer>> <</liveblock>>

<<narrate>> You stand in a hospital hallway, and see a number of doors as well as an elevator. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/locations/hospital_hallway.jpg">>

<<button [[Go back to your room|Hospital_Room]]>><</button>>

<<mc thinking>> Looks like there are a number of examination rooms here. Wouldn't hurt to take a look once in a while. <</mc>>

<<mc thinking>> A few elevators, I should be able to get to other floors with this. And who knows, maybe outside? <</mc>>

<<button [[Enter an examination room|Hospital_Exam_Room]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Enter an elevator|Hospital_Elevator]]>><</button>>

<<include Hospital_Hallway_Floor_3_Text_Header>> <<if $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[2] >= 2>> <<include Main_Story>> <<include Side_Stories>> <</if>> <<liveblock>> <<if _exploration_success>> <<if $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[2] == 1>> <<include Hospital_Hallway_Floor_3_Text_Exploration_1>> <</if>> <<if $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[2] == 2>> <<include Hospital_Hallway_Floor_3_Text_Exploration_2>> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[2] < 2 >> <<energy_button 'Explore' $game.energy-2>> <<set $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[2]++>> <<set _exploration_success to true>> <</energy_button>> <</if>> <<if $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[2] >= 1>> <<include Hospital_Hallway_Floor_3_Text_Room_1>> <</if>> <<if $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[2] >= 2>> <<include Hospital_Hallway_Floor_3_Text_Room_2>> <</if>> <<include Hospital_Hallway_Floor_3_Text_Footer>> <</liveblock>>

<<narrate>> You stand in the maternity ward of the hospital, and see a number of doors as well as an elevator. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/locations/hospital_hallway.jpg">>

<<button [[Enter an elevator|Hospital_Elevator]]>><</button>>

<<mc thinking>> Looks like there are some delivery rooms here. I'm definitely going to take a look there sometime. <</mc>>

<<mc thinking>> Quite a number of patient rooms on this floor as well, might as well look into them from time to time. <</mc>>

<<button [[Enter a delivery room|Hospital_Delivery_Room]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Enter a patient's room|Hospital_Maternity_Patient_Room]]>><</button>>

<<include Hospital_Hallway_Floor_4_Text_Header>> <<if $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[3] >= 2>> <<include Main_Story>> <<include Side_Stories>> <</if>> <<liveblock>> <<if _exploration_success>> <<if $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[3] == 1>> <<include Hospital_Hallway_Floor_4_Text_Exploration_1>> <</if>> <<if $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[3] == 2>> <<include Hospital_Hallway_Floor_4_Text_Exploration_2>> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[3] < 2 >> <<energy_button 'Explore' $game.energy-2>> <<set $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[3]++>> <<set _exploration_success to true>> <</energy_button>> <</if>> <<if $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[3] >= 1>> <<include Hospital_Hallway_Floor_4_Text_Room_1>> <</if>> <<if $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration[3] >= 2>> <<include Hospital_Hallway_Floor_4_Text_Room_2>> <</if>> <<include Hospital_Hallway_Floor_4_Text_Footer>> <</liveblock>>

<<narrate>> You stand in the oncology ward of the hospital, and see a number of doors as well as an elevator. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/locations/hospital_hallway.jpg">>

<<button [[Enter an elevator|Hospital_Elevator]]>><</button>>

<<mc thinking>> Looks like there are some exam rooms here. Might as well take a look sometimes. <</mc>>

<<mc thinking>> Quite a number of patient rooms on this floor as well, might as well look into them from time to time. <</mc>>

<<button [[Enter an exam room|Hospital_Oncology_Exam_Room]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Enter a patient's room|Hospital_Oncology_Patient_Room]]>><</button>>

<<include Hospital_Lobby_Text_Header>> <<include Main_Story>> <<include Side_Stories>> <<random_scenes_include $story.random.hospital.lobby.events "Hospital_Lobby_Text_Scene_">> <<include Hospital_Lobby_Text_Footer>>

<<narrate>> You find yourself in a large lobby. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/locations/hospital_lobby.jpg">>

<<energy_willpower_check_button "Go towards the entrance" "Hospital_Lobby_Entrance" $game.energy-0 20 "noquest">><</energy_willpower_check_button>> <<button [[Enter an elevator|Hospital_Elevator]]>><</button>>

<<narrate>> You are finally here, in the entrance of the hospital, ready to go out into the world once more. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/locations/hospital_entrance.webp">> <<dev>> This is the end of the main story for now. Stay tuned for updates in which you will be able to roam the wider world and try to figure out what has happened to you and save yourself and those around you from peril. <</dev>> <<dev>> You can still go back into the hospital for now and find all events you may not have found yet. See the 'Stats' page for more information. <</dev>> <<button [[Go back to the lobby|Hospital_Lobby]]>><</button>>

<<quest_button "You hear a conversation between siblings" "Hospital_Lobby_Scene_1">><</quest_button>>

<<narrate>> You see two siblings meeting up, the brother coming from the elevator, leaving the hospital and the sister coming in through the front door. <</narrate>> <<rnd_woman>> Hey, how's mom doing today? I was just planning to visit her. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_man>> I just came from her room. She's doing okay. They said her vitals are stable, but she's still really groggy from the meds. Honestly, she looked a little confused when I talked to her. It's like she's not fully there. <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_woman>> Yeah, I know the meds can do that. When I was there earlier, she kept asking if I brought her favorite slippers, like, five times in a row. I almost asked the nurse if they'd accidentally switched her with someone else. But at least she's resting. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_man>> True. The rest will help, but I'm hoping she'll start waking up more in the next day or two. She seems to be holding up better than yesterday, though. Less pain, at least. <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_woman>> That's good to hear. I know she hates being stuck in bed, so it's tough on her. How's the physical therapist? Is he coming by to start working with her yet? <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_man>> Yeah, he stopped by this morning. He just had her move her legs a little. Nothing major yet, but he said she'll have more sessions soon. I think he wants to ease her into it. <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_woman>> Good. I've brought some of those crossword puzzles she likes. Maybe if she's more alert, it'll help keep her mind occupied. She can get pretty bored, and that's when she starts worrying about everything. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_man>> That's a great idea. She'll like that. Also, the doctor mentioned that if everything goes smoothly, she could be out of here in a few days. But they're still keeping an eye on her recovery. It's all about the next few days. <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_woman>> I'm hoping she'll be able to bounce back faster than we're expecting. You know how stubborn she is. I bet she'll be complaining about hospital food by the end of the week. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_man>> I can already hear her. 'Why do they think I want gelatin for dinner?' <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_woman>> Exactly! But in the meantime, let's just make sure she's getting plenty of rest. I'll go check on her and give you a call if anything changes, okay? <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_man>> Sounds good. And hey, thanks for keeping an eye on her, too. We're in this together. <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_woman>> Always. I'll see you later. And I'll keep you posted! <</rnd_woman>> <<random_scenes_button 1 $story.random.hospital.lobby.scenes_found [[Saying their goodbyes, they part ways|Hospital_Lobby]]>><</random_scenes_button>>

<<include Hospital_Maternity_Patient_Room_Text_Header>> <<include Main_Story>> <<include Side_Stories>> <<random_scenes_include $story.random.hospital.maternity_patient_room.events "Hospital_Maternity_Patient_Room_Text_Scene_">> <<include Hospital_Maternity_Patient_Room_Text_Footer>>

<<narrate>> You find yourself in a room in the maternity ward <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/locations/hospital_maternity_patient_room.jpg">>

<<button [[Go out into the hallway|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_3]]>><</button>>

<<quest_button "You take a peek in one of the rooms with newly born babies" "Hospital_Maternity_Patient_Room_Scene_1">><</quest_button>>

<<narrate>> Upon entering the room, you see a man staring at his newborn. <</narrate>> <<rnd_man>> Do you think he knows how to use that little hand yet? Or is he just flexing it to assert dominance? <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_woman>> I'm pretty sure he's just showing us who's really in charge here. <</rnd_woman>> <<narrate>> The man nods seriously at this remark. <</narrate>> <<rnd_man>> Right. I mean, he already has more control over the remote than I do. <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_woman>> I'm just waiting for him to start texting his friends at 3 AM asking for snacks. <</rnd_woman>> <<narrate>> The man laughs. <</narrate>> <<rnd_man>> Oh, don't worry. He's already planning his social media presence. Watch out for his first post: 'The world is big, but my crib is the center of it.' <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_woman>> Great. He'll be an influencer before he can even roll over. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_man>> Speaking of rolling over, do you think that's the next milestone? First words, then rolling, then... cashing in on those baby product sponsorships? <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_woman>> I'm hoping the first words are 'sleep through the night,' but we'll see. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_man>> I like your optimism, but we might be getting 'Wahhh' for a few months first. <</rnd_man>> <<narrate>> The woman glances at the baby. <</narrate>> <<rnd_woman>> Honestly, though, how does something so small manage to be so loud? <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_man>> They're like tiny, adorable foghorns. The volume is impressive. <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_woman>> The only thing louder than him crying is the sound of us Googling 'How to get a baby to sleep.' <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_man>> I've memorized every sleep training video on YouTube by now. At this point, I could teach a class. <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_woman>> Let's hope he agrees to the syllabus... or we're both failing this course. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_man>> I think the only thing we're passing right now is exhaustion. <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_woman>> And caffeine. The true MVP of this whole thing. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_man>> Oh, absolutely. I've become one with the coffee machine. If it had arms, I'd ask it for a hug. <</rnd_man>> <<narrate>> The woman laughs. <</narrate>> <<rnd_woman>> I'm honestly convinced that without coffee, I would have been a puddle of human goo by now. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_man>> We're surviving on caffeine and love, right? Mostly caffeine, though. <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_woman>> You know, I was expecting a little less noise and a little more sleeping in this whole newborn thing. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_man>> We should have done some more research. Maybe watched a documentary on 'What To Expect When You're Expecting To Never Sleep Again.' <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_woman>> Oh, definitely. I think they should include a section on 'How to Function on 3 Hours of Sleep and Not Turn Into Zombies.' <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_man>> I'm already practicing my zombie walk. It's like a morning ritual now. <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_woman>> I have a feeling we'll be better at it than the baby in a few weeks. He's got some competition for 'world's most dramatic yawn.' <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_man>> He might win the dramatic award, but I've got a solid chance for 'Best Parent Stumble While Holding a Bottle at 4 AM.' <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_woman>> Don't even get me started on the 3 AM feedings. I swear, it feels like we're feeding him a gourmet meal while I'm holding a mug of cold coffee. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_man>> And somehow, he's already mastered the art of pretending to be asleep while he's actually still wide awake and silently judging us. <</rnd_man>> <<narrate>> The woman chuckles. <</narrate>> <<rnd_woman>> He definitely gives us that look. Like he knows he's got us wrapped around his tiny, non-functional finger. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_man>> Oh, for sure. The way he stares at us while he's crying—it's like he's waiting for us to apologize for ruining his life. <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_woman>> It's the guilt trip of a lifetime. I feel like I've committed a crime just by trying to sleep for 20 minutes. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_man>> At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if he starts writing passive-aggressive notes to us. Like, 'Dear Mom and Dad, I don't appreciate your attempts to make me sleep. Love, The Baby.' <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_woman>> Honestly, I think he might. He's already got the dramatic flare down. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_man>> And don't even get me started on diaper changes. I'm starting to think there should be a PhD in that. <</rnd_man>> <<narrate>> The woman grins. <</narrate>> <<rnd_woman>> I'm about 5 minutes away from calling in a professional diaper changer. If they had a service for that, I'd sign up. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_man>> Right? I mean, if he's going to cry that loud, at least he could give me some applause after I've successfully wrestled him into a fresh diaper. <</rnd_man>> <<narrate>> The woman laughs. <</narrate>> <<rnd_woman>> The only applause we're getting right now is from our exhausted brains slapping us for taking on this role. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_man>> Well, we're in this together. For better or for worse, and for a lot of caffeine. <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_woman>> Mostly caffeine. But yeah, we got this... somehow. <</rnd_woman>> <<narrate>> The man glances at the baby. <</narrate>> <<rnd_man>> I think he's plotting his next move already. <</rnd_man>> <<rnd_woman>> Great. Bring on the next challenge, kiddo. We're ready. <</rnd_woman>> <<random_scenes_button 1 $story.random.hospital.maternity_patient_room.scenes_found [[Smiling at the heartwarming conversation, you leave the room|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_3]]>><</random_scenes_button>>

<<include Hospital_Nurses_Station_Text_Header>> <<include Main_Story>> <<include Side_Stories>> <<random_scenes_include $story.random.hospital.nurses_station.events "Hospital_Nurses_Station_Text_Scene_">> <<include Hospital_Nurses_Station_Text_Footer>>

<<narrate>> You find yourself in the nurses station. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/locations/hospital_nurses_station.webp">>

<<button [[Go out into the hallway|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_1]]>><</button>>

<<quest_button "You hear 2 nurses talking" "Hospital_Nurses_Station_Scene_1">><</quest_button>>

<<narrate>> As you pass the nurses station, you hear 2 nurses talking. One of the nurses is shuffling through charts, looking exhausted. <</narrate>> <<rnd_nurse1>> So, I'm pretty sure my coffee has just become my blood type at this point. You think they'll let me donate coffee instead of plasma? <</rnd_nurse1>> <<narrate>> The other nurse laughs. <</narrate>> <<rnd_nurse2>> I'd donate coffee to you, but I'm afraid I'll end up drinking it myself. I just found an empty cup in the break room, and I swear I looked at it like it was a treasure chest. The level of desperation is real. <</rnd_nurse2>> <<rnd_nurse1>> Oh, definitely. I think they should install a coffee IV drip in the break room. Maybe even a 'permanent caffeine infusion' option. I mean, if they're putting IVs in everyone else, why not us? <</rnd_nurse1>> <<rnd_nurse2>> I'm not opposed. Honestly, I think I'm running on a combination of adrenaline, caffeine, and sheer willpower at this point. How else do we survive this? <</rnd_nurse2>> <<narrate>> The first nurse smirks. <</narrate>> <<rnd_nurse1>> You know what's worse? When you finally get a break, but the second you sit down, your pager goes off. Like, it's some kind of cosmic joke. <</rnd_nurse1>> <<rnd_nurse2>> I'm convinced the universe has it out for us. 'Oh, you thought you could rest? Here, have a 2 AM emergency for your trouble.' <</rnd_nurse2>> <<rnd_nurse1>> And the best part? You'll get to the patient's room and realize all they wanted was a blanket. A warm blanket. Not even a cup of water, just a blanket. <</rnd_nurse1>> <<narrate>> The second nurse groans. <</narrate>> <<rnd_nurse2>> That's when you question your entire life choices. Like, why am I here, answering pages, running on fumes... for blankets? <</rnd_nurse2>> <<rnd_nurse1>> Honestly, though, I think the hospital should issue a 'blanket emergency' manual. Like, 'Step 1: Provide a blanket. Step 2: Watch as the patient immediately falls asleep and doesn't need anything else for three hours.' <</rnd_nurse1>> <<narrate>> The second nurse laughs. <</narrate>> <<rnd_nurse2>> Honestly, some patients act like they're in a five-star hotel. I had one yesterday ask if I could bring them sushi. I mean, sushi? What kind of hospital is this?! <</rnd_nurse2>> <<rnd_nurse1>> That's when I draw the line. I don't even know if we have a sushi place nearby, and frankly, if it's a delivery driver, I'm going to be so mad if they arrive faster than I did. <</rnd_nurse1>> <<rnd_nurse2>> Right? We're over here running between rooms, and a sushi delivery person waltzes in like they own the place. <</rnd_nurse2>> <<rnd_nurse1>> Honestly, we should start charging for 'premium service'—$10 if they want anything beyond the basics. I bet we'd make a killing. 'Do you want a pillow with that blanket? Extra $5.' <</rnd_nurse1>> <<narrate>> The second nurse laughs. <</narrate>> <<rnd_nurse2>> Or if they want a soda with their lunch, that's a $7 fee. And let's not even get started on the 'extra side of ranch.' <</rnd_nurse2>> <<rnd_nurse1>> Ooh, extra ranch. That's the platinum level of hospital services. <</rnd_nurse1>> <<rnd_nurse2>> At this rate, we should just run a side business: 'Nursing by day, room service by night.' <</rnd_nurse2>> <<rnd_nurse1>> I like it. I'll add some sushi to the menu. 'Specialty today: fish sticks and a side of your medication. Delivered with a smile.' <</rnd_nurse1>> <<narrate>> The second nurse laughs hard. <</narrate>> <<rnd_nurse2>> Next time, we might be the ones paging the doctors: 'Can you come to our station? We've got an emergency sushi order.' <</rnd_nurse2>> <<random_scenes_button 1 $story.random.hospital.nurses_station.scenes_found [[Laughing at the silly conversation, you return to the hallway|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_1]]>><</random_scenes_button>>

<<include Hospital_Oncology_Exam_Room_Text_Header>> <<include Main_Story>> <<include Side_Stories>> <<random_scenes_include $story.random.hospital.oncology_exam_room.events "Hospital_Oncology_Exam_Room_Text_Scene_">> <<include Hospital_Oncology_Exam_Room_Text_Footer>>

<<narrate>> You find yourself in an examination room. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/locations/hospital_oncology_exam_room.jpg">>

<<button [[Go out into the hallway|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_4]]>><</button>>

<<quest_button "You see a doctor and a woman in an examination room" "Hospital_Oncology_Exam_Room_Scene_1">><</quest_button>>

<<narrate>> You see a woman sitting on an examination table, talking to her doctor. The doctor speaks with a gentle but professional tone. <</narrate>> <<rnd_doc>> Good morning, Mrs. Harris. How are you feeling today? <</rnd_doc>> <<narrate>> The woman looks tired but tries to smile. <</narrate>> <<rnd_woman>> Morning, Dr. Williams. Honestly, I'm tired. This treatment... it's a lot, but I'm hanging in there. How's everything looking on your end? <</rnd_woman>> <<narrate>> The doctor sits across from her and looks at her chart. <</narrate>> <<rnd_doc>> We've been reviewing your test results, and while there's been some progress with the treatment, I want to talk through some important details with you today. The tumor has shrunk, which is a good sign, but we also need to discuss the next steps in your care. How have you been feeling about everything so far? <</rnd_doc>> <<narrate>> The woman pauses, taking a deep breath. <</narrate>> <<rnd_woman>> I mean, I try not to think about it too much. But the fear of it not working... the waiting… it gets to me. I know I should be optimistic because the treatment's working, but it feels like I'm always waiting for the other shoe to drop. <</rnd_woman>> <<narrate>> The doctor nods thoughtfully. <</narrate>> <<rnd_doc>> I understand. It's perfectly normal to feel that way, especially when facing something as uncertain as cancer. It's a lot to carry, and no matter what we know about the treatment, there's always that fear of it not being enough. I'm here to give you the most accurate information I can, and to support you through every step, even when it's hard. <</rnd_doc>> <<rnd_woman>> I really appreciate that, Dr. Williams. But... do you think I have more time? I just keep thinking about everything I might miss... my family, my grandchildren growing up... I want to know if I should be planning for the future, or if I should be preparing for something else. <</rnd_woman>> <<narrate>> The doctor pauses, maintaining eye contact with a compassionate expression. <</narrate>> <<rnd_doc>> I wish I could give you a definitive answer, but the truth is, cancer doesn't always follow a clear path. What I can tell you is that we are seeing positive signs from the treatment, and we're doing everything we can to extend your time. We'll continue to monitor your condition closely, and if any changes happen, we'll make adjustments as needed. It's important to me that we give you the best care possible, and part of that includes being transparent with you. We don't know exactly what the future holds, but we are actively working to give you more of it. <</rnd_doc>> <<narrate>> The woman answers the doctor, voice shaking a little. <</narrate>> <<rnd_woman>> It's just hard. I thought I had more time before all of this. And now every day feels... uncertain. I just don't know how to deal with that uncertainty. How do you keep going when you're not sure what's next? <</rnd_woman>> <<narrate>> The doctor answers her softly. <</narrate>> <<rnd_doc>> I won't lie to you, it's not easy. The uncertainty can feel overwhelming, and it's okay to feel lost or scared sometimes. But I want you to know that you're not facing this alone. You have a team that's here for you—me, the nurses, the specialists—we're all working together to give you the best possible care, and we'll keep you informed every step of the way. You don't have to carry the weight of the unknown on your own. <</rnd_doc>> <<narrate>> The woman nods, wiping her tears. <</narrate>> <<rnd_woman>> Thank you. It's just that... I want to be there for my family, but I don't know how much more I can handle. The treatments are wearing me out, and I'm so tired. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_doc>> It's okay to be tired. The treatments are tough, but they're also doing important work in your body. If you're ever feeling overwhelmed or need a break, we can talk about ways to manage your energy better. Whether it's adjusting your treatment schedule or helping with any side effects, we'll make sure you're as comfortable as possible. You need to take care of yourself, too. <</rnd_doc>> <<narrate>> The woman answers quietly. <</narrate>> <<rnd_woman>> Do you think I'll be okay? I know you don't have a crystal ball, but... I need some hope right now. <</rnd_woman>> <<narrate>> The doctor pauses, then speaks gently but earnestly. <</narrate>> <<rnd_doc>> I believe you have a lot of fight left in you, and we're doing everything we can to give you the best chance. Hope is important, and I don't want to take that away from you. Just know that we're here to support you, no matter what happens, and we're going to keep giving it our all. <</rnd_doc>> <<narrate>> The woman nods slowly, wearing a small, weary smile. <</narrate>> <<rnd_woman>> Thank you, Dr. Williams. I'm scared, but hearing you say that... it helps. I'll keep fighting. <</rnd_woman>> <<rnd_doc>> That's all any of us can do. And we'll be right here, fighting with you every step of the way. <</rnd_doc>> <<narrate>> You whisper softly to the woman, knowing she can't hear you. <</narrate>> <<mc>> Hang in there, and good luck! <</mc>> <<random_scenes_button 1 $story.random.hospital.oncology_exam_room.scenes_found [[Silently, you leave the examination room|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_4]]>><</random_scenes_button>>

<<include Hospital_Oncology_Patient_Room_Text_Header>> <<include Main_Story>> <<include Side_Stories>> <<random_scenes_include $story.random.hospital.oncology_patient_room.events "Hospital_Oncology_Patient_Room_Text_Scene_">> <<include Hospital_Oncology_Patient_Room_Text_Footer>>

<<narrate>> You find yourself in a room in the oncology ward <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/locations/hospital_oncology_patient_room.jpg">>

<<button [[Go out into the hallway|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_4]]>><</button>>

<<quest_button "You hear 2 patients talking in their room" "Hospital_Oncology_Patient_Room_Scene_1">><</quest_button>>

<<narrate>> You enter a room with 2 cancer patients softly talking to each other. <</narrate>> <<rnd_man1>> I used to come here to visit my sister. Never thought I'd be the one in the bed, you know? <</rnd_man1>> <<narrate>> His voice is quiet, while he looks out of the window. The other man answers softly. <</narrate>> <<rnd_man2>> I didn't expect it either, but here we are. <</rnd_man2>> <<rnd_man1>> Yeah. It feels different when you're sitting on this side of things. I've been trying to stay positive, but some days... it's hard. <</rnd_man1>> <<rnd_man2>> I know exactly what you mean. Some days feel like you're just pretending. Like, you put on this brave face, but inside... it's different. It's hard to stay strong when everything feels out of your control. <</rnd_man2>> <<narrate>> The first man nods, looking down. <</narrate>> <<rnd_man1>> I feel that too. I want to be strong for my family, for my kids, but... some days, I just want to break down and let myself feel all of it. <</rnd_man1>> <<rnd_man2>> You don't have to be strong all the time. I used to think that way—like I had to keep it all together. But there's strength in being honest about what you're feeling. It's okay to have moments where you just sit with it and let it hurt. <</rnd_man2>> <<narrate>> After a long pause, the first man speaks up again. <</narrate>> <<rnd_man1>> Do you... do you think it's okay to be afraid? <</rnd_man1>> <<rnd_man2>> I think it's more than okay. Fear is part of it. The unknown... the waiting... it gets to all of us. But fear doesn't mean you're weak. It just means you're human. <</rnd_man2>> <<rnd_man1>> I'm scared of missing things. I keep thinking about the moments I won't be around for. Things my kids will do, things my wife and I will never get to do together. <</rnd_man1>> <<narrate>> The second man sighs. <</narrate>> <<rnd_man2>> Yeah. That's one of the hardest things. We all have these dreams, these plans... and then everything changes. I can't tell you how many nights I've stayed up, just wishing I had more time. More time with my loved ones, more time to make things right. <</rnd_man2>> <<rnd_man1>> I'm trying to focus on what I do have, though. The moments I still get to share with them, even if they're smaller than I imagined. I don't know if I'll ever fully get over the fear of leaving them behind, but I want to make the most of every day. Even the hard ones. <</rnd_man1>> <<rnd_man2>> That's the best we can do. Focus on today. On the moments we can still have, even if they don't look like what we planned. Life has a way of throwing us curve balls we never see coming, but we don't have to face them alone. We have people who care. <</rnd_man2>> <<narrate>> The first man pauses, wiping a tear away. <</narrate>> <<rnd_man1>> Thank you. For saying that. It helps more than you know. <</rnd_man1>> <<narrate>> The second man smiles gently. <</narrate>> <<rnd_man2>> Anytime. We're all just trying to figure it out, one day at a time. And we're here for each other. <</rnd_man2>> <<mc thinking>> Some people here really have it rough. <</mc>> <<random_scenes_button 1 $story.random.hospital.oncology_patient_room.scenes_found [[Sighing, you leave the room|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_4]]>><</random_scenes_button>>

<<include Hospital_Patient_Room_Text_Header>> <<include Main_Story>> <<include Side_Stories>> <<random_scenes_include $story.random.hospital.patient_room.events "Hospital_Patient_Room_Text_Scene_">> <<include Hospital_Patient_Room_Text_Footer>>

<<narrate>> You find yourself in another patient's room. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/locations/hospital_room.png">>

<<button [[Go out into the hallway|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_1]]>><</button>>

<<quest_button "You hear two patients talking about their recovery" "Hospital_Patient_Room_Scene_1">><</quest_button>>

<<narrate>> You hear 2 patients talking about their recovery. Curious, you decide to listen in on their conversation. <</narrate>> <<rnd_man1>> I feel like I've been through a wrestling match with a bear… but the bear was really good at using a scalpel. <</rnd_man1>> <<narrate>> You see him looking at a bandage on his arm. The other patient chuckles. <</narrate>> <<rnd_man2>> Well, at least you survived the bear! I feel like I've been in a long, awkward handshake with a robot. No idea how I ended up with this weird bruise on my leg! <</rnd_man2>> <<rnd_man1>> Hey, we're survivors. You know what they say: 'What doesn't kill you makes you stronger… or it gives you a really cool scar!' <</rnd_man1>> <<rnd_man2>> Yeah, except I don't think the nurses would call my purple leg 'cool.' They've been eyeing it like it's an alien species. <</rnd_man2>> <<rnd_man1>> I mean, I'd definitely be a little suspicious if I didn't know you already. But honestly, they should put a sign on us—'Caution: Walking, Talking, But Possibly Still Mostly Drugged.' <</rnd_man1>> <<rnd_man2>> Totally. I just tried to order Jell-O, but I ended up asking for a pizza. I'm pretty sure I'm not allowed to have pizza for at least a week. My brain's still on vacation. <</rnd_man2>> <<rnd_man1>> Oh, same! I asked for a pillow and they brought me a smoothie. But hey, smoothies are soft, so it's not the worst mistake. <</rnd_man1>> <<rnd_man2>> Look at us! Just two people living the dream, eating mystery smoothies and pretending to walk without feeling like we're part of a zombie movie. <</rnd_man2>> <<rnd_man1>> Exactly. Maybe in a few weeks, we'll be able to do the 'I'm fine' walk instead of the 'I'm definitely not fine, but I'm pretending' shuffle. <</rnd_man1>> <<rnd_man2>> Can't wait. We'll be out of here in no time, and then we can swap war stories over that pizza we're definitely not supposed to have yet. <</rnd_man2>> <<narrate>> You chuckle to yourself as you leave them to their weird conversation. <</narrate>> <<random_scenes_button 1 $story.random.hospital.patient_room.scenes_found [[Go out into the hallway|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_1]]>><</random_scenes_button>>

<<include Hospital_Hospital_Room_Text_Header>> <<include Main_Story>> <<include Side_Stories>> <<liveblock>> <<random_scenes_include $story.random.hospital.room.events "Hospital_Hospital_Room_Text_Scene_">> <</liveblock>> <<include Hospital_Hospital_Room_Text_Footer>>

<<narrate>> You find yourself in your hospital room, looking down upon your motionless body. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/locations/hospital_room.png">>

<<button [[Try to regain control of your body|Hospital_Hospital_Room_Enter_Body]]>><</button>> <<button [[Go to sleep|Sleep]]>><</button>> <br> <<button [[Go out into the hallway|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_2]]>><</button>>

<<energy_willpower_check_button "A janitor enters your room" "Hospital_Hospital_Room_Janitor_Scene_1" $game.energy-5 0>><</energy_willpower_check_button>>

<<energy_willpower_check_button "A nurse enters your room" "Hospital_Hospital_Room_Nurse_Scene_1" $game.energy-5 3>><</energy_willpower_check_button>>

<<narrate>> You try to return to your body and as before, it works with ease. However, the moment you're back in your own body, you're assaulted by extreme pain again. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Aaaah, this hurts like hell. What do I do, stay in? Or get out again? <</mc>> <<button [[Stay in your body|Stay_In_Body]]>> <<set $misc.passage_param to ["Death", "Hospital_Room"]>> <</button>> <<button [[Get out of your body|Hospital_Room]]>><</button>>

<<narrate>> A janitor enters your room and begins cleaning. <</narrate>> <<story-image "assets/misc/janitor_profile.jpg">> <<mc thinking>> Might as well practice my control for a bit on him. <</mc>> <<number_guess_button [[You decide to take over the janitor|Hospital_Hospital_Room_Janitor_Scene_1_1]] $game.energy-2>><</number_guess_button>>

<<narrate>> The takeover happens smoothly and very soon, you are in control. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/possession.jpg">> <<janitor_mc thinking>> Hm, what should I make him do? Well, he's already holding a broomstick like a microphone, I may as well have him sing a song. <</janitor_mc>> <<energy_button [[You control the janitor to sing a song|Hospital_Hospital_Room_Janitor_Scene_1_2]] $game.energy-3>><</energy_button>>

<<narrate>> You control the janitor to bring out the best of himself. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/singing.gif">> <<janitor_mc thinking>> Wow, that cost me a lot of energy, this guy really does not like to sing. <</janitor_mc>> <<narrate>> Feeling a bit tired, you decide you have done enough for now. <</narrate>> <<random_scenes_button 1 $story.random.hospital.room.scenes_found [[You leave the body of the janitor|Hospital_Room]]>> <<update_willpower $game.willpower+1>> <</random_scenes_button>>

<<narrate>> A nurse enters the room to wash your body and change the sheets. <</narrate>> <<story-image "assets/misc/malenurse_profile.jpg">> <<mc thinking>> Might as well practice my control for a bit on him. <</mc>> <<number_guess_button [[You decide to take over the nurse|Hospital_Hospital_Room_Nurse_Scene_1_1]] $game.energy-2>><</number_guess_button>>

<<narrate>> The takeover happens smoothly and very soon, you are in control. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/possession.jpg">> <<nurse_mc thinking>> Hm, what should I make him do? He's listening to music, let's make him dance. <</nurse_mc>> <<energy_button [[You control the dance to dance|Hospital_Hospital_Room_Nurse_Scene_1_2]] $game.energy-3>><</energy_button>>

<<narrate>> You control the nurse to dance like a real star. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/dancing.gif">> <<nurse_mc thinking>> I suppose he does not like to dance, it cost me a lot of energy to get him to do it. Well, I guess it makes sense, if somebody were to walk in, it may look a bit silly. <</nurse_mc>> <<narrate>> Feeling pleased with your work, you decide to call it a day <</narrate>> <<random_scenes_button 2 $story.random.hospital.room.scenes_found [[You leave the body of the nurse|Hospital_Room]]>> <<update_willpower $game.willpower+1>> <</random_scenes_button>>

<<if $misc.intro_done>> <<include Help_Info>> <<else>> <<include Help_Intro>> <</if>> <<include Back>>

<<dev>> The main character, $character_info.names.mcName, can take over the body of some people. Whenever he does, the textbox will change like the one below where the main character has taken over the body of the doctor. <</dev>> <<doc_mc>> In this case, the image on the left will be that of the body taken over. The name at the top will show the one controlling the body as well as the original owner (between parentheses) in the color of the controller. The text in the box will be what the controller is saying or thinking. <</doc_mc>> <<doc>> Just as a reminder, this is how the doctor looks when he isn't possessed by the main character. <</doc>> <<mc>> And this is how the main character looks when he isn't possessing somebody. <</mc>> <<narrate>> __Mechanics:__ There are 2 important stats in this game, energy and willpower. ''__Energy__'': You need energy to perform actions like exploring or taking control of people. If you don't have enough, you won't be able to take action. Restore it by sleeping. Some people have more energy than others and a bit of their energy may linger with you. If that happens, your maximum energy will rise allowing you to do more every day. Make sure to explore everything to find these people. ''__Willpower__'': Not all people are easy to take over. The higher your willpower, the higher the chance you can take over somebody. Whenever you successfully influence somebody, you will gain additional willpower. This isn't limitless, so if it no longer rises, it means you have reached your current maximum potential. As you progress through the story, the maximum willpower will rise as well, allowing you more freedom in taking over people. <</narrate>> <<narrate>> __Progression:__ To progress through the game, you need to find the correct events. There are 3 types of events: <span style='color:yellow'>''__Main story events__''</span> will progress the main story and are needed to find out what happened to you and do something about it. Every main story event will only happen once. Main story events are marked with a yellow exclamation mark. <span style='color:limegreen'>''__Side story events__''</span> will progress one of several standalone side quests. Side quests are not required to clear the game, but several events in side stories will help you build willpower, which is needed to progress in the game. Every side story event will only happen once. Side story events are marked with a green exclamation mark. ''__Random events__'' are standalone events, not needed for the main story. Don't ignore them however, a few help build willpower which is needed to progress the game. The same random event can happen multiple times (including the ones building willpower). Random events are marked with a white exclamation mark. <</narrate>> <<dev>> In your room, you can also return to your body in an attempt to wake up. Bear in mind that doing so too early and staying in your body will result in you dying. Whether or not you can resurrect will depend on your actions as some actions will allow you to revive one more time. If you don't have any revival chances left, dying will result in you going to paradise (end). <</dev>>

<<narrate>> This section will become available after the intro. <</narrate>>

<<image "./assets/misc/possession.jpg">> <<narrate>> To successfully take over a person, you need to attune with their wavelength. Guess the correct number between 1 and 9 (both included) in 3 tries to successfully take over. If you fail to guess the correct number, the takeover will fail and you will and you will lose some energy. <</narrate>> <<set $game.num_guess.secretNumber to either(1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9)>> <<set $game.num_guess.attempts to 0>> <<set $game.num_guess.guess to 0>> <<liveblock>> <<if $game.num_guess.attempts < $game.num_guess.maxAttempts and $game.num_guess.guess != $game.num_guess.secretNumber>> <<if $game.num_guess.attempts > 0>> <<set _higher_lower to "higher">> <<if $game.num_guess.guess > $game.num_guess.secretNumber>> <<set _higher_lower to "lower">> <</if>> <<narrate "orange">> You guessed incorrectly, the actual number is _higher_lower than $game.num_guess.guess. <</narrate>> <</if>> <<set _attempts_left to $game.num_guess.maxAttempts - $game.num_guess.attempts>> <<narrate>> Guesses left: _attempts_left <</narrate>> <div class="textbox"> <<textbox "$game.num_guess.guess" $game.num_guess.guess>> </div> <<button Guess>> <<set $game.num_guess.attempts++>> <<update>> <</button>> <<elseif $game.num_guess.guess == $game.num_guess.secretNumber>> <<narrate "green">> You succeeded in matching your wavelength to your target. The takeover succeeded. <</narrate>> <<energy_button $game.num_guess.link $game.num_guess.energy>><</energy_button>> <<else>> <<narrate "red">> You failed in matching your wavelength to your target. The takeover failed. <</narrate>> <<set $game.num_guess.failed to true>> <<button "You failed">> <<set $game.energy to $game.num_guess.energy>> <<updatemeter 'energy' `$game.energy/$game.maxEnergy`>> <<update>> <<goto $game.num_guess.fail_passage>> <</button>> <</if>> <</liveblock>>

TODO success

TODO fail

<<button "Back">><<script>>Engine.backward();<</script>><</button>>

<<include Settings_Avatar>> <<include Settings_Girlfriend>> <br> <<include Back>>

<<narrate>> The image below is the currently selected avatar for the main character. Select one of the avatars below this picture to change it. <</narrate>> <<liveblock>> <<image `$character_info.avatars.settings_avatar` 'height:300px;'>> <div class="row"> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar' 'assets/avatars/avatar_mc_1.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar' 'assets/avatars/avatar_mc_2.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar' 'assets/avatars/avatar_mc_3.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar' 'assets/avatars/avatar_mc_4.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar' 'assets/avatars/avatar_mc_5.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar' 'assets/avatars/avatar_mc_6.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar' 'assets/avatars/avatar_mc_7.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar' 'assets/avatars/avatar_mc_8.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar' 'assets/avatars/avatar_mc_9.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar' 'assets/avatars/avatar_mc_10.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar' 'assets/avatars/avatar_mc_11.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar' 'assets/avatars/avatar_mc_12.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar' 'assets/avatars/avatar_mc_13.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar' 'assets/avatars/avatar_mc_14.jpg'>> </div> <</liveblock>>

<<narrate>> The image below is the currently selected avatar for the ex-girlfriend of the character. Select one of the avatars below this picture to change it. <</narrate>> <<liveblock>> <<image `$character_info.avatars.settings_avatar_gf` 'height:300px;'>> <div class="row"> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar_gf' 'assets/avatars/avatar_gf_1.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar_gf' 'assets/avatars/avatar_gf_2.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar_gf' 'assets/avatars/avatar_gf_3.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar_gf' 'assets/avatars/avatar_gf_4.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar_gf' 'assets/avatars/avatar_gf_5.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar_gf' 'assets/avatars/avatar_gf_6.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar_gf' 'assets/avatars/avatar_gf_7.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar_gf' 'assets/avatars/avatar_gf_8.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar_gf' 'assets/avatars/avatar_gf_9.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar_gf' 'assets/avatars/avatar_gf_10.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar_gf' 'assets/avatars/avatar_gf_11.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar_gf' 'assets/avatars/avatar_gf_12.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar_gf' 'assets/avatars/avatar_gf_13.jpg'>> <<avatar_selection 'settings_avatar_gf' 'assets/avatars/avatar_gf_14.jpg'>> </div> <</liveblock>>

<<narrate>> You go to sleep recovering <<print $game.maxEnergy - $game.energy>> energy. <</narrate>> <<set _sleep_random to random(0, 2);>> <<if _sleep_random == 0>> <<image "assets/misc/dreams/dreamscape_1.png" "opacity:0.5">> <<elseif _sleep_random == 1>> <<image "assets/misc/dreams/dreamscape_2.png" "opacity:0.5">> <<elseif _sleep_random == 2>> <<image "assets/misc/dreams/dreamscape_3.png" "opacity:0.5">> <</if>> <<energy_button [[You wake up, feeling refreshed|Hospital_Room]] $game.maxEnergy>> <<set $game.current_day++>> <</energy_button>>

<<include Progress>> <br> <<include Back>>

<<narrate>> Here you can find statistics about the progress in the game. <</narrate>> <<set _progress_main_story to $story.main.progress - 1>> <<set _progress_side_stories to [$story.side.hospital.progress[0] - 1, $story.side.hospital.progress[1] - 1, $story.side.hospital.progress[2] - 1, $story.side.hospital.progress[3] - 1, $story.side.hospital.progress[4] - 1]>> <<set _progress_random_events to $story.random.hospital.elevator.scenes_found.length + $story.random.hospital.exam_room.scenes_found.length + $story.random.hospital.delivery_room.scenes_found.length + $story.random.hospital.lobby.scenes_found.length + $story.random.hospital.patient_room.scenes_found.length + $story.random.hospital.room.scenes_found.length + $story.random.hospital.nurses_station.scenes_found.length + $story.random.hospital.maternity_patient_room.scenes_found.length + $story.random.hospital.oncology_exam_room.scenes_found.length + $story.random.hospital.oncology_patient_room.scenes_found.length>> <<set _count_random_events to $story.random.hospital.elevator.events + $story.random.hospital.exam_room.events + $story.random.hospital.delivery_room.events + $story.random.hospital.lobby.events + $story.random.hospital.patient_room.events + $story.random.hospital.room.events + $story.random.hospital.maternity_patient_room.events + $story.random.hospital.nurses_station.events + $story.random.hospital.oncology_exam_room.events + $story.random.hospital.oncology_patient_room.events>> <<statistic 'Main story' _progress_main_story $story.main.steps>> <<statistic 'Side story \'$character_info.hospital.names.oldManName\'' _progress_side_stories[0] $story.side.hospital.steps[0]>> <<statistic 'Side story \'Husband\'' _progress_side_stories[1] $story.side.hospital.steps[1]>> <<statistic 'Side story \'Ex-girlfriend\'' _progress_side_stories[2] $story.side.hospital.steps[2]>> <<statistic 'Side story \'Father\'' _progress_side_stories[3] $story.side.hospital.steps[3]>> <<statistic 'Side story \'Cancer patient\'' _progress_side_stories[4] $story.side.hospital.steps[4]>> <<statistic 'Random events found' _progress_random_events _count_random_events>>

<<set $game to {} >>  <<set $game.maxEnergy to 9>>  <<set $game.energy to $game.maxEnergy>>   <<newmeter energy>> <<sizing 100% 20px>> <<colors 'green' 'red' 'black'>> <<label 'Energy: $game.energy / $game.maxEnergy' 'yellow' center>> <</newmeter>>  <<character 'dev' '$character_info.names.devName' 'assets/misc/dev.jpg' '$character_info.colors.dev_textbox_color'>> <<character 'mc' '$character_info.names.mcName' '$character_info.avatars.settings_avatar' '$character_info.colors.mc_textbox_color'>> <<character 'gf' '$character_info.names.gfName' '$character_info.avatars.settings_avatar_gf' '$character_info.colors.female_textbox_colors[0]'>> <<character 'mom' '$character_info.names.momName' 'assets/characters/mother/mother_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.female_textbox_colors[1]'>> <<character 'littlesis' '$character_info.names.littlesisName' 'assets/characters/littlesister/littlesister_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.female_textbox_colors[2]'>> <<character 'bigsis' '$character_info.names.bigsisName' 'assets/characters/bigsister/bigsister_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.female_textbox_colors[3]'>> <<character 'doc' '$character_info.hospital.names.docName' 'assets/misc/doctor_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.male_textbox_colors[0]'>> <<character 'doc_mc' '$character_info.names.mcName ($character_info.hospital.names.docName)' 'assets/misc/doctor_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.mc_textbox_color'>> <<character 'doc2_mc' '$character_info.names.mcName ($character_info.hospital.names.doc2Name)' 'assets/misc/doctor_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.mc_textbox_color'>> <<character 'angel' '$character_info.hospital.names.angelName' 'assets/characters/angel.jpg' '$character_info.colors.female_textbox_colors[4]'>> <<character 'patient1' '$character_info.hospital.names.patient1Name' 'assets/misc/patient1_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.female_textbox_colors[5]'>> <<character 'policeman' '$character_info.hospital.names.policemanName' 'assets/misc/policeman_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.male_textbox_colors[1]'>> <<character 'receptionist' '$character_info.hospital.names.receptionistName' 'assets/misc/receptionist_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.female_textbox_colors[0]'>> <<character 'nurse_mc' '$character_info.names.mcName ($character_info.hospital.names.nurseName)' 'assets/misc/malenurse_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.mc_textbox_color'>> <<character 'janitor_mc' '$character_info.names.mcName ($character_info.hospital.names.janitorName)' 'assets/misc/janitor_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.male_textbox_colors[2]'>> <<character 'oldman' '$character_info.hospital.names.oldManName' 'assets/misc/oldman_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.male_textbox_colors[3]'>> <<character 'oldman_mc' '$character_info.names.mcName ($character_info.hospital.names.oldManName)' 'assets/misc/oldman_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.mc_textbox_color'>> <<character 'oldwoman' '$character_info.hospital.names.oldWomanName' 'assets/misc/oldwoman_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.female_textbox_colors[1]'>> <<character 'man1' '$character_info.hospital.names.man1Name' 'assets/misc/man1_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.male_textbox_colors[4]'>> <<character 'man1_mc' '$character_info.names.mcName ($character_info.hospital.names.man1Name)' 'assets/misc/man1_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.mc_textbox_color'>> <<character 'woman1' '$character_info.hospital.names.woman1Name' 'assets/misc/woman1_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.female_textbox_colors[2]'>> <<character 'cancer' '$character_info.hospital.names.cancerName' 'assets/misc/cancer_patient_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.female_textbox_colors[3]'>> <<character 'cancerfriend_mc' '$character_info.names.mcName ($character_info.hospital.names.cancerFriendName)' 'assets/misc/cancer_patient_friend_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.mc_textbox_color'>> <<character 'cancer2_mc' '$character_info.names.mcName ($character_info.hospital.names.cancer2Name)' 'assets/misc/cancer_patient2_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.mc_textbox_color'>> <<character 'newfather_mc' '$character_info.names.mcName ($character_info.hospital.names.newFatherName)' 'assets/misc/newfather_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.mc_textbox_color'>> <<character 'newmother' '$character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName' 'assets/misc/newmother_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.female_textbox_colors[4]'>> <<character 'patient2' '$character_info.hospital.names.patient2Name' 'assets/misc/patient2_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.male_textbox_colors[5]'>> <<character 'strangeman' '$character_info.hospital.names.strangeManName' 'assets/misc/strangeman_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.male_textbox_colors[0]'>> <<character 'child' '$character_info.hospital.names.childName' 'assets/misc/child_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.female_textbox_colors[5]'>> <<character 'childmom' '$character_info.hospital.names.childMomName' 'assets/misc/childmom_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.female_textbox_colors[2]'>> <<character 'childdad' '$character_info.hospital.names.childDadName' 'assets/misc/childdad_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.male_textbox_colors[1]'>> <<character 'comamom' '$character_info.hospital.names.comaMomName' 'assets/misc/comamom_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.female_textbox_colors[3]'>> <<character 'comadad' '$character_info.hospital.names.comaDadName' 'assets/misc/comadad_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.male_textbox_colors[2]'>> <<character 'coffeemom' '$character_info.hospital.names.coffeeMomName' 'assets/misc/coffeemom_profile.webp' '$character_info.colors.female_textbox_colors[4]'>> <<character 'coffeedad' '$character_info.hospital.names.coffeeDadName' 'assets/misc/coffeedad_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.male_textbox_colors[3]'>> <<character 'coffeedaughter' '$character_info.hospital.names.coffeeDaughterName' 'assets/misc/coffeedaughter_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.female_textbox_colors[5]'>> <<character 'visitor_mc' '$character_info.names.mcName ($character_info.hospital.names.visitorName)' 'assets/misc/visitor_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.mc_textbox_color'>> <<character 'rnd_man1' 'Man 1' 'assets/misc/avatar_man.jpg' '$character_info.colors.random_textbox_colors[0]'>> <<character 'rnd_man2' 'Man 2' 'assets/misc/avatar_man.jpg' '$character_info.colors.random_textbox_colors[0]'>> <<character 'rnd_woman1' 'Woman 1' 'assets/misc/avatar_woman.jpg' '$character_info.colors.random_textbox_colors[0]'>> <<character 'rnd_woman2' 'Woman 2' 'assets/misc/avatar_woman.jpg' '$character_info.colors.random_textbox_colors[0]'>> <<character 'rnd_man' 'Man' 'assets/misc/avatar_man.jpg' '$character_info.colors.random_textbox_colors[0]'>> <<character 'rnd_woman' 'Woman' 'assets/misc/avatar_woman.jpg' '$character_info.colors.random_textbox_colors[0]'>> <<character 'rnd_nurse' 'Nurse' 'assets/misc/femalenurse2_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.random_textbox_colors[0]'>> <<character 'rnd_nurse1' 'Nurse 1' 'assets/misc/femalenurse1_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.random_textbox_colors[0]'>> <<character 'rnd_nurse2' 'Nurse 2' 'assets/misc/femalenurse2_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.random_textbox_colors[0]'>> <<character 'rnd_doc' 'Doctor' 'assets/misc/doctor_profile.jpg' '$character_info.colors.random_textbox_colors[0]'>>

JFire studios<br> [[Donate|"https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jfire"]]

<<if !$versionNumber>> <<include SetupParameters_0_1_0>> <<set $versionNumber to "0.1.0">> <</if>> <<if $versionNumber == "0.1.0">> <<include SetupParameters_0_1_1>> <<set $versionNumber to "0.1.1">> <</if>>  <<updatemeter 'energy' `$game.energy/$game.maxEnergy`>>

<<image "./assets/misc/circular flame logo.png" "max-width:50%;margin:auto">>

<div class="row"> <div class="column">Day:</div> <div class="column"><<live $game.current_day>></div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="column">Willpower:</div> <div class="column"><<live $game.willpower>></div> </div> <br/> <<showmeter 'energy' "Energy: `$game.energy / $game.maxEnergy`">>

<<link '<i id="menu-item-hints"/>Hints' "Hints">><</link>> <<link '<i id="menu-item-stats"/>Stats' "Stats">><</link>> <<link '<i id="menu-item-help"/>Help' "Help">><</link>> <<link '<i id="menu-item-settings"/>Settings' "Settings">><</link>>

Version $versionNumber

<<set $game.current_day to 1>>  <<set $game.hospital_current_floor to '2nd floor'>>  <<set $game.num_revival to 0>>  <<set $game.intro_done to false>>  <<set $game.has_clues to false>>  <<set $game.maxWillpower to 19>>  <<set $game.willpower to 5>>   <<set $character_info to {}>>  <<set $character_info.colors to {}>> <<set $character_info.colors.dev_textbox_color to '#22870c'>> <<set $character_info.colors.mc_textbox_color to '#102594'>> <<set $character_info.colors.male_textbox_colors to ['#881cd2', '#1ed8cf', '#758af0', '#2545e7', '#1dd784', '#15975c']>> <<set $character_info.colors.female_textbox_colors to [ '#f41919', '#f4711a', '#f41a5c', '#f41a9d', '#eb34db', '#e35812']>> <<set $character_info.colors.random_textbox_colors to ['#a6a6a6']>>  <<set $character_info.avatars to {}>> <<set $character_info.avatars.settings_avatar to 'assets/avatars/avatar_mc_1.jpg'>> <<set $character_info.avatars.settings_avatar_gf to 'assets/avatars/avatar_gf_1.jpg'>>  <<set $character_info.names to {}>> <<set $character_info.names.devName to 'Dev'>> <<set $character_info.names.mcName to '???'>> <<set $character_info.names.gfName to 'Hannah'>> <<set $character_info.names.momName to 'Mom'>> <<set $character_info.names.littlesisName to 'Lily'>> <<set $character_info.names.bigsisName to 'Nicole'>> <<set $character_info.hospital to {}>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names to {}>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.patient1Name to 'Belle'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.docName to 'Dr. Roberts'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.doc2Name to 'Doctor'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.angelName to 'Angelina'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.policemanName to 'Policeman'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.receptionistName to 'Receptionist'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.nurseName to 'Nurse'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.janitorName to 'Janitor'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.oldManName to 'Roger'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.oldWomanName to 'Mary'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.man1Name to 'Vincent'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.woman1Name to 'Valerie'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName to 'Selena'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.cancerFriendName to 'Larry'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.cancer2Name to 'Alec'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.newFatherName to 'Egbert'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName to 'Joan'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.patient2Name to 'Jack'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.strangeManName to 'Strange man'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.childName to 'Paige'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.childMomName to $character_info.hospital.names.childName+'\'s Mom'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.childDadName to $character_info.hospital.names.childName+'\'s Dad'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.comaMomName to 'Teri'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.comaDadName to 'Herbert'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.coffeeMomName to 'Mother'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.coffeeDadName to 'Father'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.coffeeDaughterName to 'Daughter'>> <<set $character_info.hospital.names.visitorName to 'Andrew'>>  <<set $story to {}>> <<set $story.main to {}>> <<set $story.side to {}>> <<set $story.random to {}>> <<set $story.random.chance_multiplier to 4>>   <<set $story.main.steps to 18>>  <<set $story.main.progress to 1>>  <<set $story.main.progress_day to 0>>  <<set $story.side.hospital to {}>> <<set $story.side.hospital.steps to [2, 1, 9, 5, 4]>>  <<set $story.side.hospital.progress to [1, 1, 1, 1, 1]>>  <<set $story.side.hospital.progress_day to [0, 0, 0, 0, 0]>>   <<set $story.random.hospital to {}>> <<set $story.random.hospital.elevator to {}>> <<set $story.random.hospital.elevator.events to 2>> <<set $story.random.hospital.elevator.scenes_found to []>> <<set $story.random.hospital.exam_room to {}>> <<set $story.random.hospital.exam_room.events to 3>> <<set $story.random.hospital.exam_room.scenes_found to []>> <<set $story.random.hospital.delivery_room to {}>> <<set $story.random.hospital.delivery_room.events to 1>> <<set $story.random.hospital.delivery_room.scenes_found to []>> <<set $story.random.hospital.lobby to {}>> <<set $story.random.hospital.lobby.events to 1>> <<set $story.random.hospital.lobby.scenes_found to []>> <<set $story.random.hospital.patient_room to {}>> <<set $story.random.hospital.patient_room.events to 1>> <<set $story.random.hospital.patient_room.scenes_found to []>> <<set $story.random.hospital.room to {}>> <<set $story.random.hospital.room.events to 2>> <<set $story.random.hospital.room.scenes_found to []>> <<set $story.random.hospital.maternity_patient_room to {}>> <<set $story.random.hospital.maternity_patient_room.events to 1>> <<set $story.random.hospital.maternity_patient_room.scenes_found to []>> <<set $story.random.hospital.nurses_station to {}>> <<set $story.random.hospital.nurses_station.events to 1>> <<set $story.random.hospital.nurses_station.scenes_found to []>> <<set $story.random.hospital.oncology_exam_room to {}>> <<set $story.random.hospital.oncology_exam_room.events to 1>> <<set $story.random.hospital.oncology_exam_room.scenes_found to []>> <<set $story.random.hospital.oncology_patient_room to {}>> <<set $story.random.hospital.oncology_patient_room.events to 1>> <<set $story.random.hospital.oncology_patient_room.scenes_found to []>>  <<set $misc to {}>> <<set $misc.passage_param to []>>  <<set $misc.hospital to {}>> <<set $misc.hospital.hallway_exploration to [0, 0, 0, 0]>>

<<set $game.num_guess to {}>> <<set $game.num_guess.secretNumber to 0>>  <<set $game.num_guess.guess to 0>>  <<set $game.num_guess.attempts to 0>>  <<set $game.num_guess.maxAttempts to 3>>  <<set $game.num_guess.link to ''>>  <<set $game.num_guess.fail_passage to ''>>

<<if $story.main.progress <= 2>> <<include Hints_Intro>> <<else>> <<include Hints_Header>> <<hints_include 2>> <<hints_include 3>> <<hints_include 4>> <<hints_include 9>> <<hints_include 17>> <<include Hints_Plans>> <<set $misc.has_clues to false>> <<hints_plans_include 3>> <<hints_plans_include 5>> <<if $story.main.progress >= 6 and $story.main.progress <= 16>> <<set $misc.has_clues to true>> <<include Hints_Plans_6>>  <</if>> <<hints_plans_include 7>> <<hints_plans_include 8>> <<hints_plans_include 9>> <<hints_plans_include 10>> <<hints_plans_include 11>> <<hints_plans_include 12>> <<hints_plans_include 13>> <<hints_plans_include 14>> <<hints_plans_include 17>> <<hints_plans_include 19>> <<if !$misc.has_clues>> <<include Hints_Plans_Unknown>> <</if>> <</if>> <<include Hints_Footer>>

<<narrate>> Preparing to think about your situation, you focus your thoughts. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/introspection.jpg">> <<mc thinking>> So, what do I know so far? <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> Even though I have been in a coma for 6 months and my body has completely healed, I can't wake up. Even when I try to enter my body, I'm in a great deal of pain. The last time I tried, I died. Luckily, by some miracle, I was able to revive. <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> When I was in that place between life and death, I saw an angel who warned me the accident was not an accident at all. Not only that, it seems it's not only me, those around me are in danger as well. There may also be somebody purposely keeping me in a coma. Strangely enough, I haven't seen anybody suspicious yet. <</mc>>

<<include Back>>

<<narrate>> Once you progress far enough in the main story, you will be able to gather your thoughts and think about the future here. If you ever feel stuck, this may help you to progress again. <</narrate>> /* History */

<<mc thinking>> I overheard a conversation between a policeman and a receptionist. Looks like the police are indeed looking into my accident, thinking it was no accident after all. I had been hesitant to believe it earlier as everything that happened just seemed too surreal, but I guess I'll have to start believing it and try to find out more. <</mc>>

<<mc thinking>> I overheard another conversation between the policeman and the receptionist. Could the mafia really be involved in my accident like he said? <</mc>>

<<mc thinking>> My mother and little sister visited me. While thinking about the past, I realized my uncle died in an accident last year that seemed to have similar circumstances as mine. Could he have been targeted too? <</mc>>

<<mc thinking>> I followed the nurse who changed my serum and she injected the sac with something she brought from the outside. So my serum is actually being tampered with! This is most likely what is keeping me from waking up. <</mc>>

<<mc thinking>> A mysterious man came to my room. He only looked at me for a bit and then left. When I went to the lobby and overheard the receptionist and policeman talking, I learned that this man is most likely one of the higher-ups in the mafia. What does such a person have to do with me? <</mc>> /* Future */

<<narrate>> Having recalled everything you know, you try to think about the next course of action <</narrate>>

<<mc thinking>> I don't really have an idea on how to proceed, I should probably explore a bit. <</mc>>

<<mc thinking>> I should check the lobby in a few days, maybe the policeman will come back. <</mc>>

<<mc thinking>> The officer asked the receptionist to keep an eye out for suspicious people. I may as well do the same although I doubt anyone would be stupid enough to waltz into my room if they were involved. <</mc>>

<<mc thinking>> The only thing going into my body is serum. The nurse should be back in a few days to swap it again. I should follow her at that time to try and find out. <</mc>>

<<mc thinking>> Following the nurse after she changed my serum did not yield any results. I should try to follow her from the entrance in a few days when she has to come change it again. <</mc>>

<<mc thinking>> I should follow the nurse a few more times to see if she's tampering with other people's serum. <</mc>>

<<mc thinking>> I followed the nurse again, but she did not tamper with any serum. I should follow her again to verify I'm the only one she targets. <</mc>>

<<mc thinking>> Now that I verified that she only tampers with my serum, I should try to interfere when she tries again. <</mc>>

<<mc thinking>> I may have failed in taking over the nurse, but I can still take over somebody nearby to interfere. Let's wait for her again when my serum needs replenishing. <</mc>>

<<mc thinking>> A mysterious man came into my room, just staring at me for a while and then left. I should try to follow him to the lobby to learn more. <</mc>>

<<mc thinking>> I've gathered all the information I can inside the hospital. I should make sure I'm strong enough and go out into the world to gather more. <</mc>>

<<mainstory_include 1 0 'Hospital_Lobby'>> <<mainstory_include 2 0 'Hospital_Room'>> <<mainstory_include 3 2 'Hospital_Lobby'>> <<mainstory_include 4 1 'Hospital_Room'>> <<mainstory_include 5 2 'Hospital_Lobby'>> <<mainstory_include 6 2 'Hospital_Room'>> <<mainstory_include 7 2 'Hospital_Room'>> <<mainstory_include 8 1 'Hospital_Room'>> <<mainstory_include 9 2 'Hospital_Lobby'>> <<mainstory_include 10 1 'Hospital_Lobby'>> <<mainstory_include 11 1 'Hospital_Lobby'>> <<mainstory_include 12 1 'Hospital_Lobby'>> <<mainstory_include 13 1 'Hospital_Lobby'>> <<mainstory_include 14 2 'Hospital_Lobby'>> <<mainstory_include 15 1 'Hospital_Room'>> <<mainstory_include 16 1 'Hospital_Room'>> <<mainstory_include 17 0 'Hospital_Lobby'>> <<mainstory_include 18 0 'Hospital_Room'>>

<<quest_button "A police officer walks up to the reception desk" "Main_Story_Scene_1">><</quest_button>>

<<quest_button "You think about the exchange in the lobby" "Main_Story_Scene_2">><</quest_button>>

<<quest_button "The police officer is back" "Main_Story_Scene_3">><</quest_button>>

<<quest_button "Your mother and little sister are sitting beside your bed" "Main_Story_Scene_4">><</quest_button>>

<<quest_button "The police officer is back for another visit" "Main_Story_Scene_5">><</quest_button>>

<<quest_button "You hover over your body, frustrated by your lack of progress" "Main_Story_Scene_6">><</quest_button>>

<<quest_button "The nurse is replacing your serum again" "Main_Story_Scene_7">><</quest_button>>

<<quest_button "Your ex-girlfriend has come for a visit" "Main_Story_Scene_8">><</quest_button>>

<<quest_button "You wait at the front entrance until the nurse shows up" "Main_Story_Scene_9">><</quest_button>>

<<quest_button "You wait at the front entrance again until the nurse shows up" "Main_Story_Scene_10">><</quest_button>>

<<quest_button "You wait at the front entrance again until the nurse shows up" "Main_Story_Scene_11">><</quest_button>>

<<quest_button "Today is the day when the nurse has to change your serum again" "Main_Story_Scene_12">><</quest_button>>

<<quest_button "As you wander the lobby, you spot your ex-girlfriend" "Main_Story_Scene_13">><</quest_button>>

<<energy_willpower_check_button "The nurse has to change your serum again during her shift" "Main_Story_Scene_14" $game.energy-6 15>><</energy_willpower_check_button>>

<<quest_button "You feel helpless as you can't find a way to get more information" "Main_Story_Scene_15">><</quest_button>>

<<quest_button "You are in your room, taking a nap" "Main_Story_Scene_16">><</quest_button>>

<<quest_button "The receptionist is reporting the mysterious man" "Main_Story_Scene_17">><</quest_button>>

<<quest_button "You contemplate about the mystery man" "Main_Story_Scene_18">><</quest_button>>

<<narrate>> When entering the lobby, you see a policeman walking up to the reception desk. <</narrate>> <<story-image "assets/misc/receptionist_profile.jpg" "assets/misc/policeman_profile.jpg">> <<receptionist>> Hello, how can I help you? <</receptionist>> <<policeman>> Hello, I came to enquire about a patient here, $character_info.names.mcName. Can you tell me if there are any changes to his condition? <</policeman>> <<receptionist>> Let me take a look. <</receptionist>> <<narrate>> The receptionist checks her computer and opens your medical chart. You try to read some of the information on the screen, but it's all mumbo jumbo to you. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> As expected, I understand absolutely nothing about these medical terms and don't even know good from bad values in these reports. <</mc>> <<receptionist>> From the looks of it, there has been no change. Even though his body healed completely, he remains in a coma. At this point, we can only wait and see if and when he wakes up. <</receptionist>> <<policeman>> I see, no change huh? It's a shame. <</policeman>> <<receptionist>> Euhm, this may be presumptuous of me, but I heard a rumor that an investigation into the cause of his accident is going on. From what I heard, his accident may not have been an accident after all. <</receptionist>> <<narrate>> The receptionist smiles seductively at the officer. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> I guess she likes her gossip, trying to find out some juicy details from the officer. At any rate, I'm also curious, so she's doing me a favor. <</mc>> <<policeman>> We are indeed investigating the cause of his accident, which is why I hoped there may have been a change in his condition. However, I cannot say more on the matter at this point. <</policeman>> <<receptionist>> I understand, thanks for sharing. <</receptionist>> <<policeman>> No problem, but please keep it to yourself as much as possible, we don't really want to advertise it. It may also just be baseless speculation. Thanks for your help, I'll come by every once in a while to check up on his condition. <</policeman>> <<narrate>> As the officer turns to leave, the receptionist offers him another radiant smile. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Asking her to keep this quiet is just going to fuel her desire to gossip. Well, at any rate I was able to learn there is indeed something fishy about my accident. <</mc>> <<narrate>> While thinking, you follow the policeman to the entrance. When you are close to it however, you feel your body being pushed back. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> What's this? It feels like I'm underwater and a current is pushing me back. Does that mean I cannot leave the hospital? <</mc>> <<narrate>> You push against the current, but all you achieve is exhausting yourself. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> It feels like I should be able to break through it, if only I was stronger. But currently, it is impossible for me to break through, I cannot leave the hospital in my current state. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Thinking more deeply about it, you come to a realization. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Sometimes, when having taken over somebody, although I have expended a lot of energy, I feel like I have become stronger. When that happens, it gets easier to take over people. As long as I keep doing that, I should get stronger. At some point I'll probably be strong enough to break through this barrier. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Having had this realization, you resolve yourself to taking over more people in order to train yourself and get stronger. You realize this may be invaluable in getting to the bottom of this mystery. <</narrate>> <<mainstory_button [[You move away from the entrance|Hospital_Lobby]]>><</mainstory_button>>

<<mc thinking>> Let's wait for the nurse again. She changed my serum only yesterday, so she does not have to change it today, but I should still see if she tampers with others. <</mc>> <<story-image "assets/misc/nurse_profile.jpg">> <<narrate>> After waiting for a while, you notice the nurse entering the building. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> There she is, time to follow her again. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Like before, she enters the nurses station and chats with her colleagues. Afterwards, she walks towards the room with the serums. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Well, let's see what she does today. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You follow her in, but unlike the day before, she does not tamper with any of the serums. Soon, she exits the room and starts her rounds. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Nothing today, huh? Well, no matter, I should follow her again tomorrow. At that time, if she does nothing to the serums either, I can safely assume I'm the only one being targeted. <</mc>> <<mainstory_button [[You exit the serum room and return to the lobby|Hospital_Lobby]]>><</mainstory_button>>

<<mc thinking>> Let's wait for the nurse again. Nothing happened yesterday, let's see if I have more luck today. <</mc>> <<story-image "assets/misc/nurse_profile.jpg">> <<narrate>> After waiting for a while, you notice the nurse entering the building. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> There she is, time to follow her again. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Like before, she enters the nurses station and chats with her colleagues. Afterwards, she walks towards the room with the serums. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Well, let's see what she does today. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You follow her in, but like the day before, she does not tamper with any of the serums. Soon, she exits the room and starts her rounds. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Nothing again. I really am the only one she's targeting. Tomorrow should be my turn again, I should try to interfere when she tampers with the serum. <</mc>> <<mainstory_button [[You exit the serum room and return to the lobby|Hospital_Lobby]]>><</mainstory_button>>

<<mc thinking>> Today, my serum needs changing again, it's time to try and interfere. <</mc>> <<story-image "assets/misc/nurse_profile.jpg">> <<narrate>> After waiting at the entrance for a while, you see the nurse arriving. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> There she is, time to begin my mission. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Feeling nervous, you follow the nurse to the nurses station where she chats with her colleagues as always. After a while, she walks towards the room with the serums. You quickly follow her in. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> There she is, getting the serums. She should get the syringe out soon. <</mc>> <<narrate>> As you observe her actions, she finally moves to pull out the syringe. You quickly take advantage of this and try to take her over, but it fails. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Damn, I can't take over. It feels like I'm running into a wall. During this time, I haven't been able to take over everyone, but I never encountered a feeling quite like this. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Unaware of your actions, the nurse successfully injects the contents of the syringe in the serum and leaves the room. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Shit, I failed! I guess taking over to hinder her is not an option. Still, that wall was really hard, I never felt anything like it. Could it be because she is much more on guard than other people here? <</mc>> <<narrate>> You feel like your deduction should be correct as it corresponds with other failed takeovers you had when you were experimenting after waking up. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> No matter, in another few days, she has to do it again. At that time, I'll take over somebody outside this room and come in. <</mc>> <<mainstory_button [[Your plans made, you return to the lobby|Hospital_Lobby]]>><</mainstory_button>>

<<narrate>> As you wander in the lobby, you see $character_info.names.gfName entering. Smiling, you approach her. Knowing full well she can't hear you, you go up to greet her. <</narrate>> <<story-image `$character_info.avatars.settings_avatar_gf`>> <<mc>> Hi there $character_info.names.gfName, nice to see you again. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Only then it dawns on you that she looks ill at ease, constantly looking over her shoulder. Hearing her mutter to herself quietly, you move closer in an effort to overhear. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Okay, just stay calm. You're being paranoid. You've walked that street a hundred times before. Nothing is out of the ordinary... but that guy had been behind me for too long. He hadn't passed. No one walks that slow. <</gf>> <<mc thinking>> Was somebody following her? <</mc>> <<narrate>> You look outside, but don't see anyone suspicious. Meanwhile, $character_info.names.gfName is still talking to herself. <</narrate>> <<gf>> No, no, it's fine. I'm just overthinking it. People walk at different paces. Maybe he was just headed the same way. But it was weird. Really weird. He was too close. I had crossed the street, and he crossed with me. He was constantly behind me, a little too close, like he was making sure we were walking in sync. <</gf>> <<gf>> Focus. Focus. Don't panic. This happens all the time, right? You see someone walking in the same direction, and suddenly they look like they're following you. Just... breathe. It's fine. Still, when I looked back, he didn't just glance at me, he looked. <</gf>> <<narrate>> While walking towards the elevators, she keeps looking over her shoulder. <</narrate>> <<gf>> It doesn't look like he's still following me. Maybe I was wrong after all. <</gf>> <<narrate>> The elevator arrives and she gets in. Only 2 nurses are with her in the elevator and they're absorbed in their own conversation. $character_info.names.gfName slowly relaxes. As the elevator comes to a halt, she walks out with a visibly lighter step. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I almost turned around to ask him what he wanted, but I didn't dare as it might be too confrontational. I was afraid he might get mad. Or just smile and lie. But from the looks of it, I might have looked crazy if I had confronted him, since he no longer seems to follow me. <</gf>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName arrives at your room and enters. It looks as if she has completely calmed down. You follow her, wondering if you can find out more. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Hi $character_info.names.mcName, I'm back for a visit! <</gf>> <<narrate>> Her voice sounds cheerful, completely devoid of any of the earlier tension. She seats herself in a chair next to your bed, looks at your body and starts talking. <</narrate>> <<gf>> While coming here, I could've sworn I was being followed. I saw a shady man a little bit behind me, walking exactly the same pace and route I was taking. I lost sight of him just before entering the hospital. <</gf>> <<narrate>> She smiles slightly. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I'm probably just on edge since seeing the police again after so long, there's no way a random man would be following me. The street was deserted in several places. Had he wanted to do anything to me, he could've easily done so. I'm probably just jumping at shadows. <</gf>> <<narrate>> She shakes her head, smiling wider now. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I shouldn't let fancy take me like that. People being followed, that doesn't happen in real life. Let's relax a bit with a book. <</gf>> <<narrate>> She takes her book from her backpack again and settles in to read. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Could there be more to it? Could somebody actually have been following her? <</mc>> <<narrate>> You frown, looking at her worriedly. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Still, if they wanted to hurt her, would they have waited this long? She's been coming here regularly for months now. And she did say he didn't do anything even when given the opportunity. It may be nothing. I don't feel at ease though, I need to figure my situation out before something does happen. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You settle down, lost in thought. A while later, $character_info.names.gfName gets up and leaves. <</narrate>> <<mainstory_button [[You watch her go, still lost in thought|Hospital_Room]]>><</mainstory_button>>

<<mc thinking>> Today, my serum needs changing again. Time to interfere! <</mc>> <<story-image "assets/misc/nurse_profile.jpg">> <<narrate>> After waiting at the entrance for a while, you see the nurse arriving. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> There she is, time to begin my mission. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Unlike last time, rather than nervous, you feel determined to succeed. As always, the nurse enters the nurses station and talks with her colleagues. A little while later, she walks towards the serum storage room. Instead of following her, you quickly look around for somebody to possess. Unfortunately, there is nobody nearby. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Hm, not many people pass by here. <</mc>> <<narrate>> However, just as you think you're about to go further out to find somebody, a janitor passes by. You quickly take over. <</narrate>> <<number_guess_button [[You take over the janitor|Main_Story_Scene_14_1]] $game.energy-3>><</number_guess_button>>

<<narrate>> The takeover proceeds smoothly as you take control of the janitor <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/possession.jpg">> <<janitor_mc thinking>> Success! Now to enter the room. <</janitor_mc>> <<narrate>> You quickly influence the janitor and try to enter the room. Unfortunately, his will resists and you are unable to make him enter. <</narrate>> <<janitor_mc thinking>> Huh? Why did it fail even though I have taken over? Dammit, I need to get out quickly and try again, there is not much time. <</janitor_mc>> <<narrate>> You release the janitor and look around again. This time, a doctor passes by. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Alright, let's try it with the doctor. <</mc>> <<number_guess_button [[You take over the doctor|Main_Story_Scene_14_2]] $game.energy-3 'Hospital_Lobby'>><</number_guess_button>>

<<narrate>> Like with the janitor before, you now possess the doctor. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/possession.jpg">> <<doc2_mc thinking>> Alright, that worked. Now to make him enter the room. <</doc2_mc>> <<narrate>> However, just like before, the doctor does not make a move towards the door and firmly resists your influence. <</narrate>> <<doc2_mc thinking>> Dammit, why? <</doc2_mc>> <<narrate>> As you're racking your brain, the nurse exits the room. Realizing you missed your chance, you release the doctor. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Damn, I was so sure that was going to work, but it failed again. But why though? <</mc>> <<narrate>> After calming down, you start thinking about what you just encountered. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Ah, of course. The janitor was always going to fail. He has no authority to enter that room. Only medical personnel are allowed to enter the room. That's why I could not influence him to enter, it would clash with his will. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Having come to this realization, you think about the doctor. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> The doctor has the credentials to enter and sometimes needs to be in there, so that's not the problem here. Then what is? <</mc>> <<narrate>> You keep thinking, all the while watching the people pass by. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Ah of course, he had no business there. I can only influence people to a certain extent, but it makes no sense to walk into a room when you have no business there. So of course the doctor resisted the impulse. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Having come to that realization, you think of the next course of action. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> I'm still right outside the room, let's see who else walks in and out. If I can find somebody who does have business there, I could influence them to walk in at the right time. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You start observing the traffic in the corridor near the serum room. Unfortunately, it seems lady luck is not on your side. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Even after waiting for multiple hours, only a few people have entered this room. There really are too few people going in and out of this room. At this rate, there is no way to make somebody walk in at the same time as the nurse. I could wait here for days or even weeks, and still not get a chance. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Feeling dejected, you once again find yourself at a dead end. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Aaah, how frustrating! I know she is tampering with my serum. I also know exactly when and where it happens, but I'm still powerless to do anything against it. Is there really nothing I can do? <</mc>> <<mainstory_button [[Feeling helpless and frustrated, you return to the lobby|Hospital_Lobby]]>> <<set $game.maxEnergy++>> <<update_willpower $game.willpower+1>> <</mainstory_button>>

<<narrate>> You are in your room, trying to think of a way to get out of your current predicament. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> My serum is interfered with, causing me to stay in a coma. If not for me waking up and living like some sort of ghost, whoever is behind this would be able to keep doing it without anyone ever finding out. How scary! <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> Still, waking up like this is not very helpful, I've been unable to do anything useful so far. I could gather some information, but interfering is beyond me at this point. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Your thoughts go over everything you learned up to this point, but you realize you really don't know much yet. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Besides knowing somebody is tampering with my serum, I really don't know anything. Who is targeting me? And for what reason? Are other people in danger? Is the serum going to kill me at some point? Or maybe somebody will take more drastic measures at some point? <</mc>> <<narrate>> Helpless and at your wits end, you decide to ignore the matter of the nurse for the time being as you are powerless to do anything about it. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> At this point, I can only rely on the police and hope they get a breakthrough in their investigation. Other than that, the only thing I can do for now is keep exploring and hope for some information to be gained. <</mc>> <<mainstory_button [[Let's go back to exploring|Hospital_Room]]>><</mainstory_button>>

<<narrate>> You are in your room, lazily floating around and taking a nap. At some point, you feel like somebody's watching you and you wake up. When you open your eyes, you see an unfamiliar man standing in your room. <</narrate>> <<story-image "assets/characters/mob/mobboss_profile.jpg">> <<mc thinking>> Hm? Who is this? I've never seen him before. He doesn't look like a doctor or nurse, he's even wearing a suit. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You observe the man, but he does not move at all, he just stands there looking at your body. Not a trace of emotion can be seen on his face. You shudder. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> I can't help but feel this man is dangerous. I'm not sure why, just a gut feeling I guess. I just hope he's not here to do anything to me. I'm currently powerless to do anything. <</mc>> <<narrate>> After a short while, the man turns around and leaves your room. You exhale slowly in relief. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> That was scary even though he didn't do anything. Maybe I was overthinking things? Still, I have never seen that man before in my life. Not that I know many middle aged men who usually wear suits anyway. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Thinking about the man, you forget to follow him. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Oh no, I should follow him, maybe I can find out more. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You quickly leave your room, chasing after the man, but you don't see him anymore. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Crap, he's already gone. Maybe I can catch up to him! <</mc>> <<narrate>> You enter an elevator going to the lobby and look for the man. Unfortunately, it seems he's long gone. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> That was fast. Although I was a bit slow in following, I got to the entrance quite quickly, but still couldn't catch up. <</mc>> <<mainstory_button [[Having failed the pursuit, you now find yourself in the lobby|Hospital_Lobby]]>><</mainstory_button>>

<<narrate>> As you roam around in the lobby, you see the receptionist calling somebody. Overhearing the conversation, you realize she's calling the policeman about the mysterious man you saw in your room. <</narrate>> <<story-image "assets/misc/receptionist_profile.jpg" "assets/misc/policeman_profile.jpg">> <<receptionist>> Hello officer, I'm the receptionist from the hospital. Do you remember telling me to look out for suspicious individuals who would want to see $character_info.names.mcName? Well, somebody just came to see him, although he left shortly after. <</receptionist>> <<mc thinking>> Let's listen in, maybe I'll get to know some more details. Shame I can't hear the other side of the conversation though. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Your worries about not being able to follow the complete conversation turn out to be unfounded however. <</narrate>> <<receptionist>> Ah, you'll come in person? Sure, no problem. I still have a few hours in my shift, so I'll be here. <</receptionist>> <<mc thinking>> Ah, he's actually coming here? Nice, that way I'll be able to follow the entire conversation. Strange though, they must really be paying a lot of attention to this for a policeman to just come over for something like this. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You decide to hang around so as to not miss the conversation between the policeman and the receptionist. After waiting for half an hour, you recognize the policeman entering the building. <</narrate>> <<receptionist>> Hello officer, welcome back. I didn't expect you so soon. <</receptionist>> <<mc thinking>> You and me both, he probably rushed right over. Is this that important? <</mc>> <<policeman>> Hello. I had just finished another assignment, so the timing was ideal. <</policeman>> <<receptionist>> Oh, so it was like that. Anyway, you are here about that man, right? <</receptionist>> <<policeman>> I am. Can we talk privately? <</policeman>> <<receptionist>> Sure, follow me. <</receptionist>> <<narrate>> They go behind the counter in a small office. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Back in that small office, huh? Not surprising really as they talked about keeping an eye on people here too. Luckily I can follow them easily and listen to their conversation. This form of mine really does have its benefits. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You follow the policeman and the receptionist into the office. <</narrate>> <<policeman>> So, on the phone, you told me somebody came to see $character_info.names.mcName, right? Can you tell me the entire story? <</policeman>> <<receptionist>> Sure, although there is not much to tell. A little while ago, a man came up to the reception desk and asked for $character_info.names.mcName's room number. As you instructed me not to draw any attention, I just told him the room number and he left towards the elevators. <</receptionist>> <<receptionist>> I did not call you immediately as there were quite a lot of people waiting in line, so I took care of that first. During that time, I saw the man leaving again. He really didn't stay long. Taking into account the time needed to go to the room and back, he can't have been inside for more than 5 to 10 minutes. <</receptionist>> <<receptionist>> Once I was done with tending to the people waiting in line, I called you. <</receptionist>> <<narrate>> The policeman silently listens and patiently waits for the receptionist to finish talking. <</narrate>> <<policeman>> Did anything happen during that time? <</policeman>> <<receptionist>> Not that I'm aware of, anything specific you have in mind? <</receptionist>> <<policeman>> Did anybody check up on $character_info.names.mcName after that? <</policeman>> <<receptionist>> I don't think so, do you think this man may have done something to him? Although if that was the case, I would have known about it. It's one thing if something happens to a patient naturally, but if somebody actually harmed a patient, I would get notified immediately and be asked to notify the police. <</receptionist>> <<mc thinking>> Seems like this policeman had the same thoughts as me, thinking they may be here to harm me. <</mc>> <<policeman>> I see, in that case, all is well. I'll go and take a look later in person, but it looks like everything is fine. Now, would you recognize the man if you saw his picture? <</policeman>> <<receptionist>> Probably, it has not been that long and since you asked me to keep an eye out, I remember him clearly. <</receptionist>> <<policeman>> Aha, perfect. I have with me a number of pictures of different people we suspect have ties to the mafia and may be involved. Please have a look. Do you recognize any of them? <</policeman>> <<narrate>> The receptionist takes the pictures and starts looking at them one by one. The office is silent for a while. <</narrate>> <<receptionist>> Ah, this is the man. <</receptionist>> <<narrate>> The receptionist hands one of the pictures to the policeman, indicating that is the man who came to visit. As you take a look, you also recognize him. <</narrate>> <<policeman>> Are you absolutely sure this is the man that came to visit? <</policeman>> <<receptionist>> Yes, there is no doubt about it. The only difference with this picture is that he was wearing a different suit. Other than that, it's exactly the same. Why do you ask? Who is this man? <</receptionist>> <<policeman>> Hm, this is slightly troublesome. That man is suspected to be one of the higher-ups in the mafia. To date, we haven't found any hard evidence of that, but there has been a lot of circumstantial evidence pointing to this fact. <</policeman>> <<receptionist>> What, really!? <</receptionist>> <<narrate>> The receptionist exclaims in shock. You too take quite a hit from this revelation. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Not only is the mafia most likely involved in this, but one of their higher-ups came here personally? What the hell is going on here? <</mc>> <<narrate>> The policeman does not answer right away, he seems pensive. <</narrate>> <<policeman>> Like I said, he's suspected of it. So far, we don't even know for sure if he has any ties with the mafia. This could all be some misunderstanding. That being said, this might be a valuable clue in this case. Thank you for that. <</policeman>> <<receptionist>> Not a problem. Please let me know if I can do anything else. <</receptionist>> <<policeman>> Not for the moment, but please keep a lookout for people visiting $character_info.names.mcName. If there are any other suspicious people or if that man comes back, I would like to know. <</policeman>> <<receptionist>> Sure, not a problem. <</receptionist>> <<policeman>> Thank you very much for your cooperation. That's it for today, I'll quickly check in on $character_info.names.mcName and be on my way. <</policeman>> <<receptionist>> Alright, see you later officer. <</receptionist>> <<narrate>> They leave the office. The receptionist goes back to the reception desk and the police officer goes towards the elevators. You follow behind the policeman. During the ride up, the policeman looks lost in thought. A little later, he arrives at your room. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> He seems to be thinking really hard about something. I wonder if he knows more about this man or the reason for his visit. <</mc>> <<narrate>> The policeman looks at your body and at the medical equipment beeping away, still lost in thought. You only hear him mumble a few words. <</narrate>> <<policeman>> Indeed, nothing happened, how strange. <</policeman>> <<narrate>> The policeman does not stay long and soon leaves the room. <</narrate>> <<mainstory_button [[You watch the policeman leave, staying behind in your room|Hospital_Room]]>><</mainstory_button>>

<<narrate>> As you drift over your body, you think about recent events. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Why was one of the higher-ups of the mafia here? What would they have to do with me? And why didn't he do anything? If he wanted me dead, it couldn't have been easier. <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> Come to think of it, they were able to inject me with serum all this time, how hard can it be to just kill me the same way? Are they afraid of being discovered? Would the resulting autopsy reveal things they want to keep hidden? At least as long as I'm alive, nobody will look too closely. <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> But then, if that's the case, everything should be as they want it, so there should be no need to check up on me personally. Why was he here? Was it just as a diversion? To point people in the wrong direction? I can't make heads or tails of it. <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> And then there's the police officer. He's been here a lot lately. And when the receptionist called him, he was here almost instantly. Sure, he had an explanation for that, but what if he wasn't telling the truth? Is there something here that's so important he would rush here so fast? Could it be they're using me as bait to lure out the mafia? <</mc>> <<narrate>> Confused, you mull things over, but you fail to arrive at any reasonable explanation. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> I have too little information to form a conclusion. Hell, I don't even have enough for a wild guess at this point. I'll have to get out of the hospital to gather further information, I can't get any more staying inside. <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> To get out of the hospital, I'll have to be strong enough though. I'll have to work hard to increase my strength in this form, since it seems very unlikely I'll be able to regain my consciousness and simply walk out of here. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Knowing there's no other way, you resolve yourself to gain enough strength to leave the hospital in your astral form. <</narrate>> <<mainstory_button [[Back to room|Hospital_Room]]>> <<set $game.maxWillpower to 20>> <</mainstory_button>>

<<narrate>> Upon returning to your room, you think about the exchange you witnessed in the lobby between the policeman and the receptionist. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> So my meeting with that angel was most likely not a dream. At least the things she said seem to be true. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Up till now, you did not fully believe everything that happened was real, but now you were forced to reevaluate. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> If there is indeed something fishy about my accident, the other things the angel said may also be true. That means that the people around me, my friends and family may be in danger. I can't do much in my state, but I should still try to figure out what is going on and who may be the culprit. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You resolve yourself to keep roaming the hospital trying to find some tidbits of information. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Just like today, I can try to overhear some conversations. In my current state, this is actually very easy to do. I just need to be at the right place at the right time. <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> Alternatively, I can possess people to find out more. Unfortunately when taking over people I can only hear some surface thoughts, so it's not like I can read people's minds to find out more. When I do possess people, I'll have to try and wheedle out some information from other people. <</mc>> <<mainstory_button [[Having set a course of action, you are ready to discover everything|Hospital_Room]]>><</mainstory_button>>

<<narrate>> When entering your room, you see your mother and your little sister. You can't help but smile a bit. <</narrate>> <<story-image "assets/characters/mother/mother_profile.jpg" "assets/characters/littlesister/littlesister_profile.jpg">> <<mc thinking>> Ah, it's my mother and little sister. They were here earlier too, but I was experimenting with taking people over, so I only saw them when I got back and fell asleep immediately. This time I can actually see them properly. <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> Too bad I can't interact with them. It's impossible to take them over and even if I did, I could not just talk to them as myself. I can only make them say and do things they would normally do, so it's impossible for me to let them know I'm awake. Sigh, everything would be much easier if I could just gather some people to talk directly to. <</mc>> <<narrate>> While looking at your family members, you think about your older sister. <</narrate>> <<story-image "assets/characters/bigsister/bigsister_profile.jpg">> <<mc thinking>> I haven't seen my older sister yet, I guess she is still mad at me. We used to get along so well, why did we have to start fighting right before I got hit by that truck. When I'm back, I'll have to make amends. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Resolving to get back in your older sister's graces, you look at your mother and little sister again. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> My little sister looks sad, just staring at my face. How I wish I could comfort her. Mom looks worried, seems like she lacks sleep. I wonder if my condition is causing her to be unable to sleep. <</mc>> <<narrate>> As you think about the recent events, you become more worried for their safety. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> I need to find a way to find the culprit and resolve this, otherwise they will be in danger too. Maybe they're already in danger, but as long as I am stuck in this place there is nothing I can do. I really feel helpless. Even though I can influence my surroundings, it is far from enough to deal with this properly. <</mc>> <<littlesis>> Mom, has there been any change? Do you know when $character_info.names.mcName will wake up? <</littlesis>> <<mom>> I talked to the doctor a little while ago, but it seems there has been no change. Even the doctors can't say when he will wake up. We can only wait. <</mom>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.littlesisName turns back to your body. <</narrate>> <<littlesis>> Come on big brother, please wake up, I miss you. <</littlesis>> <<narrate>> Seeing her like this, your heart aches. While knowing she can't hear you, you still answer her. <</narrate>> <<mc>> I will do everything in my power to wake up as soon as possible and find out what's going on. Don't worry, I will definitely protect you. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Unfortunately, she can't hear you and just keeps looking at you in silence. You look at your mom again. She still looks more worried than sad. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Mom really has had a tough life. Dad died a year after my little sister was born, I can hardly remember him. Now that I think about it, I never did ask how he died, it felt like a difficult topic, so I avoided it. After my dad died, mom had to raise the 3 of us all alone. My big sister always seemed angry at mom and was always acting up. Me and my little sister were less of a handful, but still, taking care of 3 children alone is not easy. <</mc>> <<narrate>> While thinking about the past, a small smile forms on your face. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Even though life was tough, my dad's brother, my uncle, often visited and helped take care of us. Because of him, my mothers' burden was alleviated a bit. As for me, he really was a father figure for me, teaching me all sorts of things. <</mc>> <<narrate>> However, at this point, the smile that had formed on your face disappears. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Uncle died in an accident a year ago. I never did find out how exactly, but after the accident, the police would often show up and talk to mom for a long time. We were always sent away when that happened, I suppose she did not want us involved. <</mc>> <<narrate>> At this point, a doubt starts creeping in your mind. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Hm, my uncle died of an accident and now I met with one as well. Could it be that I was not the first to be targeted? The time between the accidents is very short and the fact that the police were this involved, it may very well be connected. <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> However, at this point it's all conjecture, I don't have enough information. I should keep my eyes open for any information about his accident while looking into mine, but it should not get priority. Getting to the bottom of my accident will be hard enough. <</mc>> <<narrate>> While you were thinking, your mother and sister got up and were about to leave. <</narrate>> <<littlesis>> We have to go now big brother, please wake up soon ok? <</littlesis>> <<mom>> Bye darling, please come back to us soon. <</mom>> <<narrate>> Your sister holds your hand and your mother kisses your forehead. After that, they turn to leave. <</narrate>> <<mc>> See you soon mom, $character_info.names.littlesisName. I promise I will do my best to wake up. <</mc>> <<mainstory_button [[Your mom and little sister leave your room|Hospital_Room]]>><</mainstory_button>>

<<narrate>> When entering the lobby, you see the policeman walking up to the reception desk again. <</narrate>> <<story-image "assets/misc/receptionist_profile.jpg" "assets/misc/policeman_profile.jpg">> <<receptionist>> Hello officer, welcome back. Are you here to enquire about $character_info.names.mcName again? <</receptionist>> <<policeman>> That's indeed one of the reasons I'm here. Are there any changes? <</policeman>> <<receptionist>> Let me take a look. <</receptionist>> <<narrate>> Like before, the receptionist checks your medical chart on her computer. <</narrate>> <<receptionist>> Still no change I'm afraid. <</receptionist>> <<policeman>> That's about what I expected, don't worry about it. As for the other matter, can I briefly speak with you in private? <</policeman>> <<narrate>> The receptionist seems confused, but gestures for the policeman to follow her in the back room. <</narrate>> <<receptionist>> Please follow me, we can speak privately in this office. It's a little cramped, but it should do. <</receptionist>> <<narrate>> You quickly follow the two into the office. There is indeed not much space. It seems this space is used more as a storage room than an office. While you are looking around, the policeman starts his explanation. <</narrate>> <<policeman>> Do you remember, the first time I was here, you asked if there was more to this accident than meets the eye. And last time I was here, I told you we had found some clues pointing to the mafia? <</policeman>> <<receptionist>> Yes, although you said there was not much chance of this being true. <</receptionist>> <<policeman>> Well, we haven't made much progress with the case, but we did find some more clues pointing to the mafia. While this is still by no means enough to draw conclusions, it is enough to take precautions. <</policeman>> <<narrate>> The receptionist gasps in surprise. <</narrate>> <<receptionist>> Is there something I can do to help? <</receptionist>> <<policeman>> That is precisely why I'm here. Since the clues are still too few and we lack manpower, we cannot station somebody here to keep an eye on things. In addition, doing so may alert whoever instigated this mess. In that regard, we would like to ask you to keep track of anyone who visits $character_info.names.mcName. <</policeman>> <<receptionist>> Anyone? So also his family? I remember seeing his mother and sister a few days ago, but they have been here quite often. <</receptionist>> <<policeman>> No, his immediate family can be ignored. What I would like you to watch out for is if there are any unrelated people showing up. If there are any, please let me know. <</policeman>> <<narrate>> The policeman passes a card with his telephone number to the receptionist. <</narrate>> <<receptionist>> Anything else I should do? <</receptionist>> <<policeman>> No, please just act naturally towards everyone just as you have before. Most likely the people visiting may be other family members or friends, so it's not because you don't know them that they're involved. And if they are involved, it may be dangerous for you to do any more than this. <</policeman>> <<receptionist>> Ok, I can do that. I'm not always here however and people who know his room can just go to it, so I might not see everyone. <</receptionist>> <<policeman>> That's alright, this is only a measure to gain some insights, the odds of finding somebody suspicious this way is very low. But it is better than doing nothing. <</policeman>> <<receptionist>> I understand. I'll do my best <</receptionist>> <<narrate>> The receptionist and police officer leave the office and return to the counter. <</narrate>> <<policeman>> Well then, I'll be off. Let me know if something happens. <</policeman>> <<receptionist>> I will, goodbye officer! <</receptionist>> <<narrate>> After this exchange, the policeman turns around and leaves <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Well, I should probably keep an eye out as well. So far I haven't seen any suspicious people, but who knows. Although would anybody really be so stupid as to waltz in my room when they were involved in my accident? <</mc>> <<mainstory_button [[You walk away from the desk|Hospital_Lobby]]>><</mainstory_button>>

<<mc thinking>> These last few days, I haven't been able to gather more information. Even though I have been roaming around everywhere in this hospital, I can't seem to find any clues. Am I missing something? <</mc>> <<story-image "assets/misc/nurse_profile.jpg">> <<narrate>> While thinking about your predicament, a nurse walks in. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Ah, she's here to replace my serum again. It feels strange to be dependent on a sac of fluids entering your body to survive though. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You watch the process with interest, although you have seen it several times before. The nurse expertly switches the serum sacs and leaves. The process only takes a few minutes. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Well, at least my body can survive for a few more days. <</mc>> <<narrate>> While looking at the serum dripping into your body, you suddenly realize you may have missed something. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Wait a minute! My body does not wake up, even though my injuries have healed. If I forcefully try to wake up my body it hurts all over. So far I haven't seen anybody do anything to my body. But, what if the serum was tampered with before it even got here? <</mc>> <<narrate>> You realize this is an avenue you never explored before. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> I have no evidence of any tampering however, the nurse has always just replaced it without doing anything suspicious. But since this is the only thing that is going into my body, I should definitely check it out. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You quickly go out of your room and try to follow the nurse. Unfortunately, you had been thinking for too long and she is long gone. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> No matter, in a few days, she should come back here to replace the serum again, I will have to follow her at that time. <</mc>> <<mainstory_button [[You return to your room, feeling you might have found a clue|Hospital_Room]]>><</mainstory_button>>

<<narrate>> You are in your room, waiting for the nurse to arrive, when the door opens. <</narrate>> <<story-image "assets/misc/nurse_profile.jpg">> <<mc thinking>> Aha, there she is, back to replace my serum. Time to follow her. <</mc>> <<narrate>> The nurse expertly replaces your serum and leaves the room, while you follow after her. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Let's see where she goes and what she does. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You follow her for a while, but all she does is enter a bunch of rooms and replace the serums. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Well, this is boring. They say patience is a virtue, but this is just plain boring. Still, my life literally depends on this, so I can't slack off. <</mc>> <<narrate>> During the entire day, you keep following her every move, but there is nothing special. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> All this time, she's just doing her job, nothing shady whatsoever. Could I have been wrong? <</mc>> <<narrate>> After following her for a few hours, her shift is finished and after saying goodbye to the other nurses, she leaves the hospital. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> This barrier is still here, so I can't follow her further than this. At any rate, her shift has ended, it is highly unlikely for me to find anything else. Was I mistaken about the serum? It seemed so promising, but I saw no trace of anything shady with the nurse. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Dejected, you start moving towards your room. While moving, you realize not all is lost. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> No, I can't give up yet. If there is anything wrong with the serum, I should find out if I follow her from the start of her shift until she changes my serum. In a few days she will have to come again. I should wait at the entrance and follow her from there. <</mc>> <<mainstory_button [[Fully grasping your final clue, you return to your room|Hospital_Room]]>><</mainstory_button>>

<<narrate>> As you are relaxing in your bed, the door opens, admitting your ex-girlfriend $character_info.names.gfName. <</narrate>> <<story-image `$character_info.avatars.settings_avatar_gf`>> <<mc thinking>> It's been a while since I saw her. She's been here a few times, but I was always 'out'. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You chuckle to yourself, thinking how weird that sounds under the circumstances. Knowing she can't hear you, you address her anyway. <</narrate>> <<mc>> Hi $character_info.names.gfName, it's been a while, you're looking good. <</mc>> <<gf>> Hi $character_info.names.mcName, I'm back for a visit. <</gf>> <<narrate>> Startled, you gape at her before you catch yourself. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> For a minute there, I thought she could hear me. Unfortunately, she's just doing the same as me, talking while knowing nobody can hear. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You adopt the voice of an evil person. <</narrate>> <<mc>> Come dear child, tell me your deepest and darkest secrets, muhahahahaaaa. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You give it up quickly though, realizing the loneliness you find yourself in. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> All this playing around just makes me realize how long it's been since I talked to anyone as myself. It's not like I haven't had any interaction with anyone, but that was always while taking over another person. I wish I could talk to somebody normally again. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You sigh, and decide to just watch her. $character_info.names.gfName takes a chair and sits beside your bed, looking at you. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Did you know that after your accident, the police came to my house several times to ask questions? It was almost as if they didn't believe it was an accident. <</gf>> <<narrate>> Startled, you listen more closely. <</narrate>> <<gf>> They kept asking me to go over the accident again and again, it was so hard. The only thing I wanted to do was cry, but they kept asking. At some point I thought they blamed me and I broke down in tears. <</gf>> <<narrate>> She looks sad again talking about it, almost back in tears. <</narrate>> <<gf>> When I did, they apologized and reassured me I had done nothing wrong. After that, they left me alone, so I thought they'd wrapped everything up. But a few days ago, I saw one of the officers that questioned me in the lobby. And I could swear I heard them mention your name. <</gf>> <<narrate>> She looks thoughtful. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I probably heard wrong, right? Or maybe there's somebody with the same name here, it's a big hospital after all. <</gf>> <<narrate>> A weak smile on her face, she looks as if she's convincing herself. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Anyway, I avoided him, I'd rather not be put to the question again. At any rate, he didn't come here, so I'm probably wrong. I'm not even sure why it's still on my mind, I should just let it go. <</gf>> <<narrate>> Sighing, she takes a book from her backpack and starts reading. During her monologue, you just listened, not moving an inch. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Why on earth would they keep asking her the same questions. Did they already know even then this was no mere accident? But how could they have known so fast? <</mc>> <<narrate>> You look at $character_info.names.gfName, seeing she has calmed down again after talking about it. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> I don't think she actually suspects it was more than just a simple accident at the moment. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You close your eyes in prayer. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Please let her be safe. As long as nothing out of the ordinary happens to her, she won't suspect anything wrong and won't start asking questions. If she actually were to suspect something, she may alert the wrong people when trying to find out more. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Once again you resolve yourself to figure out the truth as soon as possible so you can keep everyone you care about safe. After that, you just relax, watching $character_info.names.gfName read. After a while she gets up. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I'll be back later, ok? Please wake up soon. <</gf>> <<narrate>> She tucks her book back into her backpack and prepares to leave. Before she does, she looks at your body and softly caresses your cheek, looking sad. <</narrate>> <<mainstory_button [[Coming to her senses, she leaves the room|Hospital_Room]]>><</mainstory_button>>

<<mc thinking>> The nurse should be coming back today to change my serum. All I can do for now is wait for her to enter. I just hope she's not already here or enters through some other door. She did leave here last time though, so I think my odds are good. <</mc>> <<story-image "assets/misc/nurse_profile.jpg">> <<narrate>> After waiting for a while, you notice the nurse entering the building. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Aha, she's finally here. Time to follow her again. I just hope it's not as mind numbing as last time. <</mc>> <<narrate>> The nurse walks to the nurses station and greets some of the other nurses while you follow her in. The noise in the room is enormous. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Wow, there is plenty of space in this room and it still feels cramped with all the gossip flying around here. I saw some tv series about hospitals and doctors when I was younger and it seems at least some things in them come from reality. If all gossip here is to be believed, there are quite a number of affairs going on here. Still, I hope the nurse leaves quickly, I'm not a fan of this henhouse. <</mc>> <<narrate>> After chatting for a while, the nurse is finally ready to start her shift. She leaves the room and you start following her. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Aha, here we go, time to find out if there is anything going on. From what I could gather last time I followed her, changing the serums is one of the first things she does during her shift, so I should not have to wait for long. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Sure enough, she soon enters a room where a large number of serum sacs are stored. She takes a number of serums and stashes them on top of her cart. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Wait, what is she doing now? <</mc>> <<narrate>> Suddenly, the nurse takes an unmarked syringe from her pocket and injects the contents into one of the serum sacs. Afterwards, she puts the syringe back in her pocket and wheels the cart out of the room. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> I knew it, something shady is definitely going on. I should keep following her. She only injected one of the serum sacs with that syringe, I should find out if the one she tampered with is mine. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You follow the nurse as she starts her round of replacing serum sacs. After a while she comes into your room. She takes the injected serum sac and replaces your serum with it. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> So there really is something going on here. Until now, I did not see any hard evidence, but after this, there can be no doubt. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Having seen this, a terror grows in your heart. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Somebody actually has it out for me. How is that even possible, what did I ever do that would warrant such a thing? <</mc>> <<narrate>> The nurse has long left, but you stay behind in a daze. The scene just now finally hit home and allowed you to feel truly afraid for the first time since you woke up. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> What's even more terrifying is that the nurse looks completely normal. When I was following her, she was friendly and kind to all patients as well as her colleagues without even a hint of malice. Even when she injected the syringe and replaced my serum, her demeanor did not change at all. <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> While I didn't think the bad guys would be so obvious as in movies, I at least thought I would be able to recognize them somewhat. But even when she's alone, she looks friendly and kind. Is that even possible? <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> At any rate, I can't let myself be afraid. I survived the truck accident and nobody knows I'm actually awake. I need to use this to my advantage to gain the upper hand. I don't know enough and am still too weak, but I need to keep trying. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You get yourself together and start thinking about your next step. You think of the entrance, but know you are still unable to break through it. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> The syringe was in her pocket. I followed her from the moment she entered the building and only saw her take it out when she used it. This means I cannot find its source right now. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You think about the syringe. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> The syringe itself was unmarked, so no clues there either. Not to mention, she did not dispose of it, but kept it on her. So not only did she bring it from outside, she also intends to dispose of it outside of the hospital. So that's a dead end as well. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You then think about her actions. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Today, she only injected something in my serum, not in any of the others. She replaces my serum every few days, so I'll have to wait at most until then before she does it again. That being said, I should follow her the next few days regardless, maybe there are others in the same predicament as me. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Having a plan, you start to feel somewhat better. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> However, just following her and verifying will not be enough. I also need to try to act and keep her from tampering with the serum. When she wants to tamper next time, I'll try to take over her body. Who knows, I might be able to stop her like that. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You realize the odds of success of this plan are rather small. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> I can't take over just anybody, so it might very well fail. However, I have to try, otherwise I'll never get anywhere. <</mc>> <<mainstory_button [[Having decided on a course of action, you return to your room|Hospital_Room]]>><</mainstory_button>>

<<narrate>> When entering a patient's room, you notice an astral body just like yourself floating above a bed. <</narrate>> <<story-image "assets/misc/oldman_profile.jpg" "assets/misc/oldwoman_profile.jpg">> <<mc thinking>> No way, this is the first time I've seen somebody in a similar situation as myself. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Looking more closely, you see the exact same face on the person lying in the bed. He's still alive, but looks very weak. A woman is holding his hand while he's seemingly asleep. Only you can see his astral form looking down lovingly on the scene. Curious, you decide to approach. <</narrate>> <<mc>> Hello sir, can you hear me? <</mc>> <<narrate>> Startled, the man turns to you. <</narrate>> <<oldman>> Oh, hello lad. You scared me there. My name is $character_info.hospital.names.oldManName, nice to meet you. Are you dying as well? <</oldman>> <<mc>> I'm $character_info.names.mcName, I seem to be in a coma I can't get out of, and somehow was able to leave my body in this form. You're different? <</mc>> <<oldman>> As you can see, I am close to death. Every time I fall asleep, I can get out of my body like now. Although I should probably say unconscious instead of asleep. After a while, I can return to my body and wake up, so I wait here for that to happen. <</oldman>> <<narrate>> The matter-of-fact tone of his explanation shocks you. Here is a man, knowing he is about to die, experiencing something nobody could ever have expected, and he's not in the least perturbed. Your confusion must have shown on your face, because the man chuckles lightly. <</narrate>> <<oldman>> For someone as young as you, it must be strange to hear somebody talking about death so easily. Don't worry, I am fully prepared for death. I lived a long and fulfilling life with my wife here. My only regret is leaving her behind. That's why I stay here, so I can be with her for as long as I still can. <</oldman>> <<narrate>> His tender voice and loving look upon his wife tugs at your heartstrings. You wish you could help him, but you know it's not possible. Unfortunately, there is no cure for old age. You realize you should leave them, so they can spend these last few moments together. This may have been the first time you met somebody like you, but you feel it would be rude to intrude much longer. <</narrate>> <<mc>> You're right, I can't fathom being ready for it. But I do understand wanting to spend those moments with the person you love, so I will not intrude any longer. I hope you can be together for a while to come. <</mc>> <<oldman>> Thank you lad, maybe we'll see each other again, someday, somewhere. <</oldman>> <<sidestories_button 1 [[Saying your goodbyes, you leave the room|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_1]]>><</sidestories_button>>

<<narrate>> You decided to go see $character_info.hospital.names.oldManName, only to have him floating above his bed again, looking almost entirely transparent. Shocked by this change, you decide to approach him. <</narrate>> <<story-image "assets/misc/oldman_profile.jpg" "assets/misc/oldwoman_profile.jpg">> <<mc>> Hello sir. Are you all right? You look a bit strange. <</mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.oldManName turns to you, a sad smile on his face. <</narrate>> <<oldman>> Hi again, lad. I didn't expect to see you again. <</oldman>> <<narrate>> He turns towards where his body is resting and gestures at it. <</narrate>> <<oldman>> As you can see, I'm as good as dead. It doesn't look like I'll be able to wake up ever again. <</oldman>> <<narrate>> You look at his body and the medical equipment attached to it. As you focus on the heart monitor, you notice his heart is steadily slowing down. Even though you haven't known the man for very long, you feel a sense of grief wash over you. Like before, the old man knows exactly what you're feeling. <</narrate>> <<oldman>> Ah don't worry, like I said before, I'm fully prepared for death. <</oldman>> <<narrate>> The man turns to his beloved, sighing sadly. <</narrate>> <<oldman>> Although, now, in my final moments, I wish I could have talked to her just a little bit more. <</oldman>> <<narrate>> He looks upon his wife, sleeping in a chair next to the bed. You think about your ability to take over other people, but hesitate. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Maybe I could take over his body, and relay his feelings to her. But I'm scared. His body is dying, what if I die with him, just like when I tried to enter my own body? <</mc>> <<narrate>> You're torn between helping and self-preservation, unsure what to do. On the one hand, you could help $character_info.hospital.names.oldManName find peace, but it may come at a high cost. On the other hand, you could just remain on the sidelines, since the man doesn't know about your ability, although it could leave a bitter taste behind. <</narrate>> <<button [[You decide to play it safe and not help|Side_Stories_Scene_1_2_1]]>><</button>> <<button [[You decide to try to help him|Side_Stories_Scene_1_2_2]]>><</button>>

<<mc>> I'm sorry, I wish there was something I could do. <</mc>> <<oldman>> Ah, don't worry about it, I know there is nothing to be done. <</oldman>> <<narrate>> The next moments are spent in silence, as $character_info.hospital.names.oldManName looks sadly upon his wife. Ever so slowly, the man fades out of existence. The moment he disappears, the heart monitor flatlines, alerting the woman sleeping beside the bed. <</narrate>> <<oldwoman>> Oh no, $character_info.hospital.names.oldManName! <</oldwoman>> <<narrate>> She frantically shouts out to him, but you realize more than anyone else it's too late. As the woman is shouting, medical personnel rush in. You decide it might be a good time to leave the room. <</narrate>> <<sidestories_button 1 [[Guilt-ridden, you leave the room|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_1]]>><</sidestories_button>>

<<narrate>> Thinking about how you would feel in his situation, you feel like you need to help him. You're still apprehensive, not knowing what will happen to you, but having made up your mind, you feel a bit calmer. You decide to speak up. <</narrate>> <<mc>> I'm sorry sir, but maybe I can help. <</mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.oldManName turns to you, looking dubious. <</narrate>> <<oldman>> How do you mean? <</oldman>> <<mc>> Well, I've been in this state for a little while now and I realized I can take over people's bodies and act as them. I have never done it with a dying body, however, so I'm not sure what will happen if I do. <</mc>> <<oldman>> That's some ability there, lad. It would be awesome if you could relay my feelings in these final moments, but it sounds like it may be dangerous to you, no? <</oldman>> <<mc>> I can't deny there is some risk involved, but why don't we see it as an experiment. I still need to find the limits of this ability, and if it works, I can help you out. If all goes well, this could be a win-win situation. <</mc>> <<oldman>> If you're sure, I would be extremely grateful to you. Will you be able to see and hear me when you've possessed my body? <</oldman>> <<mc>> I can't say for sure. If I can, I will relay whatever you're saying to her. What do you want me to do if I can't? <</mc>> <<oldman>> In that case, just hold her hand and smile at her. <</oldman>> <<mc>> Alright, I'll do my best! <</mc>> <<number_guess_button [[You take a deep breath and possess his body|Side_Stories_Scene_1_2_3]] $game.energy-11 'Hospital_Patient_Room'>><</number_guess_button>>

<<narrate>> Like many times before, you enter somebody's body without any resistance. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/possession.jpg">> <<narrate>> As you take control of $character_info.hospital.names.oldManName's body, you realize you can still see his astral body. You quietly nod your head at him before looking at his wife. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Great, I can still see him. Let's first take his wife's hand and have him tell me what to relay. <</mc>> <<narrate>> However, as you try to move your body, you realize this may be a bit of a challenge. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> I am in no pain, unlike in my own body, however, I feel extremely weak. I can hardly move at all. At this rate, I'll never be able to take her hand. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Luckily, at this moment, the woman wakes up, perhaps having heard your slight movements. Somewhere in the back of your head, you marvel at the fact that even in this condition, you can still find some memories of your host, like how the woman's name is $character_info.hospital.names.oldWomanName. <</narrate>> <<oldwoman>> Hi dear, you're awake? <</oldwoman>> <<narrate>> She moves her chair close to the bed and holds your hand. <</narrate>> <<oldwoman>> I'm right here. You don't have to worry about anything, okay? Just breathe, and know I'm not going anywhere. <</oldwoman>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.oldManName answers her, trusting you will relay his words. You faithfully relay everything, word for word. Expressing emotion is not possible as your body is way too weak. But it feels like his emotions get transmitted anyway. <</narrate>> <<oldman_mc>> I... I don't want to leave you. I still... have so much to say. <</oldman_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.oldWomanName's voice trembles slightly, trying to keep it steady. <</narrate>> <<oldwoman>> You've said everything, love. You've shown me everything I ever needed to know. Every day with you has been a gift. <</oldwoman>> <<oldman_mc>> But there's so much I wanted to do. So much we were supposed to experience together. <</oldman_mc>> <<narrate>> She squeezes your hand lightly, reassuringly. <</narrate>> <<oldwoman>> We've lived a lifetime together. More than most people ever get. And even if there were more time... we've already made more memories than I could ever ask for. <</oldwoman>> <<oldman_mc>> Do you think... you'll be okay when I'm gone? <</oldman_mc>> <<narrate>> She looks at you, eyes watering, but trying to smile. <</narrate>> <<oldwoman>> I'll always carry you with me, every moment. You've shaped who I am. I don't think I could ever truly be without you, even if you're not here physically. You'll live in my heart... forever. <</oldwoman>> <<narrate>> Feeling your energy drain rapidly, your voice is barely above a whisper. <</narrate>> <<oldman_mc>> I don't want you to hurt. I want you to keep living, keep finding happiness. <</oldman_mc>> <<narrate>> Tears rolling down her face, her voice is soft but firm. <</narrate>> <<oldwoman>> I'll hurt. I'm not going to lie to you. But I'll find a way to keep going. For you. Because you showed me how to live, how to love... how to find beauty in even the smallest things. I will keep living, I promise. I'll laugh again, even if it's hard sometimes. I'll carry you in all the good things I do. <</oldwoman>> <<oldman_mc>> You always knew how to make me feel safe. How to make everything okay, even when it wasn't. <</oldman_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.oldWomanName chuckles softly through her tears. <</narrate>> <<oldwoman>> And you always knew how to make me feel like I could conquer the world. You've made me better in ways I never even expected. <</oldwoman>> <<narrate>> At this point, your breathing becomes very shallow, while you worry you may not last very much longer. But for the sake of both of them, you persevere. <</narrate>> <<oldman_mc>> You've always been my light... even when things got dark. Don't let the darkness take you, promise me. <</oldman_mc>> <<narrate>> Her voice takes on a quiet intensity, while she squeezes your hand more firmly. <</narrate>> <<oldwoman>> I promise. You're my light, too. I'll never let it fade. Not as long as I'm breathing. I'll carry you in every sunset, every soft breeze... I'll carry you in everything beautiful. <</oldwoman>> <<oldman_mc>> I love you. More than I can say. <</oldman_mc>> <<narrate>> She leans in closer, brushing a tear from her cheek. <</narrate>> <<oldwoman>> And I love you. Always. There's no end to it. You'll never leave my heart, even if you have to leave this world. <</oldwoman>> <<oldman_mc>> I'll be waiting for you... when it's your time. <</oldman_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.oldWomanName's voice breaks as she answers. <</narrate>> <<oldwoman>> And I'll find you, love. I'll find you again, when my time comes. Until then, I'll live for both of us. <</oldwoman>> <<narrate>> At this point, you can hold on no longer. As darkness starts to envelop you, you're expelled from his body. <</narrate>> <<narrate>> As you look around, you realize $character_info.hospital.names.oldManName is no longer there. His heart monitor is flat lining, $character_info.hospital.names.oldWomanName crying silently by his side. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> I should leave her, there is nothing more I can do. I hope this conversation helps her to find happiness once more. <</mc>> <<sidestories_button 1 [[Saddened by today's events, you leave the room|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_1]]>> <<set $game.num_revival++>> <</sidestories_button>>

<<narrate>> When entering the delivery room, a man faints. His wife, in the middle of giving labour, does not seem happy. <</narrate>> <<story-image "assets/misc/man1_profile.jpg" "assets/misc/woman1_profile.jpg">> <<mc thinking>> Should I take over his body and help out until he's back on his feet by himself? If I read his surface thoughts, I should be able to pose as him without giving myself away. <</mc>> <<button [[You decide this is not for you and bow out|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_3]]>><</button>> <<number_guess_button [[You have nothing better to do and stay to help out|Side_Stories_Scene_2_1_1]] $game.energy-5>><</number_guess_button>>

<<narrate>> You float towards the man's unconscious body and possess him. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/possession.jpg">> <<narrate>> Taking control of his body, you get up from the floor. You see some of the man's memories and realize the woman's name is $character_info.hospital.names.woman1Name. The man's name you just possessed is $character_info.hospital.names.man1Name. You also see some flashes of interactions between the two and get a feel on how you should be behaving. <</narrate>> <<woman1>> I thought we lost you there for a second. Please don't do that again, I could really use your support here. <</woman1>> <<narrate>> Relief evident on her face, she takes your hand and grips firmly. <</narrate>> <<man1_mc>> I'm sorry babe, I guess I got overwhelmed for a bit there. <</man1_mc>> <<woman1>> Oh my god, it's happening. It's really happening. <</woman1>> <<man1_mc>> You're doing amazing, babe. Just breathe with me, okay? In through your nose... out through your mouth. <</man1_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.woman1Name grimaces, breathing heavily. <</narrate>> <<woman1>> I can't... It hurts so much! What is this?! It feels like someone's running over my insides with a truck! <</woman1>> <<narrate>> You laugh softly. <</narrate>> <<man1_mc>> I promise, no trucks involved. Just the most beautiful little person coming into the world. <</man1_mc>> <<narrate>> She groans, eyes wide. <</narrate>> <<woman1>> Well, this beautiful person is causing some serious damage, that's for sure. Can't we just... pause for a second? <</woman1>> <<narrate>> You chuckle. <</narrate>> <<man1_mc>> I wish I could press pause, trust me. But you're doing great. Remember, the baby's almost here. We've got this, okay? <</man1_mc>> <<narrate>> She grips your hand even more tightly, and you wonder briefly where all that strength is coming from. <</narrate>> <<woman1>> I don't know if I can do this, it feels like... I don't know, like I'm trying to push a watermelon out of my... you know... <</woman1>> <<narrate>> You start grinning at that. <</narrate>> <<man1_mc>> Okay, let's go with that analogy. But hey, think of how much better you're going to look than a watermelon once this is over! <</man1_mc>> <<narrate>> She laughs through her tears. <</narrate>> <<woman1>> Wow, you really know how to make me feel better. You're lucky I'm too tired to throw anything at you. <</woman1>> <<man1_mc>> You're going to be throwing things at me for the next 18 years, so I'm just getting a head start. But seriously, you're amazing. You're doing such a good job. <</man1_mc>> <<woman1>> I swear, if I ever say I want to do this again, remind me of this moment. <</woman1>> <<man1_mc>> Oh, don't worry, I'll have that on recording. But look at the bright side: after this, I'm doing all the diaper changes. It's only fair. <</man1_mc>> <<narrate>> She gives you a look. <</narrate>> <<woman1>> You better be ready to take that seriously. No “Oh, I'm too tired” excuses when the baby's up at 3 AM. <</woman1>> <<man1_mc>> What do you mean? I'll be wide awake and totally refreshed... after I nap for a solid 12 hours first. <</man1_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.woman1Name smiles through the pain, gritting her teeth. <</narrate>> <<woman1>> I swear, when I'm holding that baby, I'll be too busy to deal with your jokes. But for now... I think I might die. <</woman1>> <<man1_mc>> No dying, okay? You're way too strong for that. I'm right here. We're so close now, just a few more pushes. You've got this. <</man1_mc>> <<narrate>> She pauses to breathe, then looks at you tiredly. <</narrate>> <<woman1>> What if we're not ready? What if we don't know what we're doing? <</woman1>> <<narrate>> You gently wipe her forehead while responding. <</narrate>> <<man1_mc>> Hey, no one really knows what they're doing. But we've got this. You and me. And we have like, a whole army of nurses and doctors here to help. <</man1_mc>> <<woman1>> I just... I just want it to be over with. I want to meet our baby. <</woman1>> <<narrate>> You kiss her forehead. <</narrate>> <<man1_mc>> I know. We're so close now. And then... then I'll get to say, "I told you you were amazing." <</man1_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.woman1Name half laughs, half groans. <</narrate>> <<woman1>> Are you really going to pull that card when the baby's born? <</woman1>> <<man1_mc>> Oh yeah. Totally. “I was so supportive and calm through this whole thing. You're welcome.” <</man1_mc>> <<woman1>> I'm going to remember that, you know. When you're crying over the baby's first diaper. <</woman1>> <<man1_mc>> Don't worry, I'm already practicing my “brave face” for that moment. <</man1_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.woman1Name starts breathing hard again. <</narrate>> <<woman1>> Just keep holding my hand and don't say anything else, okay? I think that's the only thing I can handle right now. <</woman1>> <<narrate>> You look at her seriously, squeezing her hand. <</narrate>> <<man1_mc>> Okay. Just breathe. I'm right here. We're almost there, babe. Just a little more. <</man1_mc>> <<woman1>> Okay... okay... I can do this. <</woman1>> <<narrate>> You smile, whispering softly. <</narrate>> <<man1_mc>> And after this? You'll be able to say you gave birth like a total badass. No big deal. <</man1_mc>> <<woman1>> As long as you never forget that I'm the one who did all the hard work here. <</woman1>> <<man1_mc>> You're the real MVP. <</man1_mc>> <<woman1>> You better believe it. <</woman1>> <<narrate>> At this point, you feel the husband rousing himself and you are expelled from his body. You see him looking seriously into her eyes. <</narrate>> <<man1>> You are amazing. And you've got this. <</man1>> <<mc thinking>> I'm glad he woke up in time to witness the birth. From the looks of it, he's got this. It doesn't look like he'll pass out again, so I should leave them in this beautiful moment. <</mc>> <<sidestories_button 2 [[Satisfied, you leave the delivery room|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_3]]>><</sidestories_button>>

<<narrate>> As you walk in the hallway, you spot your ex-girlfriend as she greets another patient not far from your room. <</narrate>> <<story-image `$character_info.avatars.settings_avatar_gf` "assets/misc/patient2_profile.jpg">> <<mc thinking>> Ah, she must have come to visit me. Looks like I just missed her. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You close the distance so you can hear what they say. Clearly they have met before. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Hey, $character_info.hospital.names.patient2Name. Long time no see. <</gf>> <<narrate>> The patient, $character_info.hospital.names.patient2Name, looks up from the magazine he'd been reading, wearing a half-smile. <</narrate>> <<patient2>> Hey, $character_info.names.gfName. How's $character_info.names.mcName doing? Still no change? <</patient2>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName sighs, pulling up a chair next to him. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Yeah... still the same. It's hard, you know? I keep hoping for some kind of sign that he's still in there, but it's just... silence. <</gf>> <<narrate>> She looks down at her hands, fiddling with the edge of her sleeve. <</narrate>> <<gf>> You ever feel like you're just... waiting for something that might never come? <</gf>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.patient2Name's gaze softens, a knowing look in his eyes. <</narrate>> <<patient2>> I get it. Believe me, I do. But, uh, it's not always about waiting for change. Sometimes, it's about just being there. I think he knows you're there. Even if he can't show it. <</patient2>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName glances up at him, surprised by his words. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Do you think so? I don't know... It's hard to believe that sometimes. Especially when he doesn't even respond. <</gf>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.patient2Name shrugs. <</narrate>> <<patient2>> It's strange, isn't it? This whole thing. I mean, you're here, and I'm here, and none of us are really living a normal life anymore. But the people around us? They keep coming back. And sometimes that's the only thing that really matters. <</patient2>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName pauses, processing his words. <</narrate>> <<gf>> That's what I keep telling myself. But... it feels like I'm stuck in this... in-between space. Where everything is on pause. <</gf>> <<narrate>> She exhales slowly. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I wish I knew how to let go of the fear that he might not come back. <</gf>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.patient2Name looks out the window, his tone quieter now. <</narrate>> <<patient2>> I think fear's a part of it. We're all afraid of the unknown. I mean, look at me—been in and out of this hospital for months now, and I still can't get used to it. But... I don't know, sometimes you have to trust the time. It's weird, but maybe it's the only thing we can do. Trust the time and just keep showing up. <</patient2>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName nods slowly. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I wish I had your perspective sometimes. I feel so... helpless. <</gf>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.patient2Name glances back at her, his smile faint but genuine. <</narrate>> <<patient2>> Helplessness is part of the process, I think. You're still fighting, though. That counts for something. <</patient2>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName smiles softly, her eyes moistening. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Yeah... I guess it does. <</gf>> <<narrate>> She pauses, looking at $character_info.hospital.names.patient2Name thoughtfully. <</narrate>> <<gf>> How about you? Are you doing okay? I know you've been here a while, too. <</gf>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.patient2Name chuckles lightly. <</narrate>> <<patient2>> I've been better, but I'll survive. Been here longer than I expected, though. I guess the hospital's become a bit like home for me at this point. <</patient2>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName laughs softly, despite herself. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I can relate to that. It's weird how fast it becomes your reality, isn't it? <</gf>> <<patient2>> Yeah, it's almost like the world outside doesn't even exist anymore. But hey, at least we have each other to talk to, right? <</patient2>> <<narrate>> He gives a playful shrug. <</narrate>> <<patient2>> Not exactly the most exciting company, but it's better than being alone. <</patient2>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName laughs lightly, the tension in her shoulders easing a little. <</narrate>> <<gf>> True. Thanks, $character_info.hospital.names.patient2Name. I didn't expect to feel better after this visit, but... I think you've made me see things a little differently. <</gf>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.patient2Name smiles. <</narrate>> <<patient2>> Anytime. Just remember, you're not really alone in this. None of us are. <</patient2>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName nods, her expression softening. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I'll keep that in mind. And I'll keep showing up. For him. For me. For all of us. <</gf>> <<narrate>> She stands up and stretches. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Well, I should probably be going, but... I'll see you around, $character_info.hospital.names.patient2Name. <</gf>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.patient2Name grins. <</narrate>> <<patient2>> Yeah, you too, $character_info.names.gfName. Take care of yourself. <</patient2>> <<narrate>> You watch as $character_info.names.gfName gets in the elevator, doors closing. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> I guess I shouldn't be surprised she's gotten to know a few people in the hospital. She's been coming to see me regularly for months now. I guess it can't hurt, $character_info.hospital.names.patient2Name seems like a decent guy. <</mc>> <<mc thinking>> Still, she's hurting, not knowing what will happen. I wish I could let her know somehow. Unfortunately I can't let her know. While I can take over people, I can't get them to say: "Hey, it's $character_info.names.mcName, I've just taken over this body", my control is not that great. And even if I could, there is no way she would believe me. <</mc>> <<sidestories_button 3 [[Lost in thought, you enter your room|Hospital_Room]]>><</sidestories_button>>

<<narrate>> You're in your room when $character_info.names.gfName enters. A slight smile touches your lips upon seeing her. You look on as she seats herself next to your bed. For a time, all is quiet. <</narrate>> <<story-image `$character_info.avatars.settings_avatar_gf` "assets/misc/doctor_profile.jpg">> <<narrate>> Suddenly you hear her gasp. She leans in closer to your body, intently watching your hand. Confused, you hear her whisper to herself. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Did you- <</gf>> <<narrate>> Her breath catches in her throat. <</narrate>> <<gf>> No way... that was real, right? <</gf>> <<narrate>> Then it dawns on you. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> She thinks I moved? There is no way, I'm not even in my body. She's imagining things. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You see her trembling lightly, clearly agitated. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> I should try to calm her. Maybe I can find somebody outside to take over and come in here to talk to her. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You waste no time, flying out in the hallway, trying to find somebody suitable. After a short while, you see $character_info.hospital.names.docName. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> I'm lucky. He comes in sometimes to check up on me. It doesn't look like he's on his way to my room now however. I'll have to interfere. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Determined, you go over to him. <</narrate>> <<number_guess_button [[Upon coming close, you take over his body|Side_Stories_Scene_2_2_1]] $game.energy-7>><</number_guess_button>>

<<narrate>> You take over his body without any issue. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/possession.jpg">> <<doc_mc thinking>> Alright, I should be able to get him to go to my room and speak to $character_info.names.gfName. <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>> Upon taking control of his body, you steer him to your room at a brisk pace. Before your door, you slow down, schooling your face into a calm demeanor. <</narrate>> <<doc_mc thinking>> Ok, here we go. <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>> You open the door, seeing $character_info.names.gfName still watching you intently, looking a bit unsteady. You smile softly at her, trying to keep your tone professional but kind. <</narrate>> <<doc_mc>> $character_info.names.gfName? Everything alright in here? <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName looks up quickly, her eyes wide with a mix of hope and disbelief. <</narrate>> <<gf>> $character_info.hospital.names.docName! I think... I think he moved! His hand—it twitched! I saw it, I swear. Please, tell me that's something. <</gf>> <<narrate>> Her voice trembles slightly, as if she's afraid to believe it herself, but hoping for confirmation. You step in the room, closing the door gently behind you and approach the bed. <</narrate>> <<doc_mc>> Alright, let's slow down and take a look. <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>> You approach your body, glancing at the monitors and pretending to check the readings. You address her calmly. <</narrate>> <<doc_mc>> I understand why you'd want to see signs of progress, $character_info.names.gfName, and it's completely natural to be watching for any little movement, especially after all this time. But, tell me exactly what you saw. <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName answers, her voice filled with urgency, but trying to control her emotions. <</narrate>> <<gf>> It was just his fingers. They curled a bit, like he was trying to grip something, or maybe he was reaching out. <</gf>> <<narrate>> She looks at you, almost pleading for you to say it's a good sign. <</narrate>> <<gf>> It was real, right? Please, you've got to tell me it was something. <</gf>> <<narrate>> You nod slowly, keeping your tone even and reassuring. <</narrate>> <<doc_mc>> I understand how you want to believe it's something significant, but movements like that are often reflexive. The body can produce involuntary movements even when the brain isn't fully conscious, especially in a coma. <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>> You gently touch the side of your body's arm, pretending to check for any sign of increased responsiveness. <</narrate>> <<doc_mc>> The nervous system can still react to stimuli, but it doesn't always indicate awareness or an attempt to interact. It could have been a spasm, or just a reflex, which can happen when the body is in a deep coma. <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName's shoulders sag slightly, her gaze falling back to your body's face, where there's no change. <</narrate>> <<gf>> God... I just... I wanted it to be real. I need it to be real. <</gf>> <<narrate>> Her voice cracks as she speaks, her hands tightening around yours, as if trying to squeeze life back into your body. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I've been waiting for any sign that he's still in there, that he can hear me, that he knows I'm here. <</gf>> <<narrate>> You pull up a chair beside her, your voice gentle but firm. <</narrate>> <<doc_mc>> I know you have, $character_info.names.gfName. I know this is hard, and it's easy to misinterpret small movements when you're watching so closely. The brain can still send signals to the muscles, even without full awareness. It's one of the reasons recovery is so difficult to predict. Some days, there can be tiny movements, and other days, nothing at all. <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>> You pause for a moment, your gaze shifting between $character_info.names.gfName and your body. <</narrate>> <<doc_mc>> But what I want you to understand is that just because something looks like a sign, it doesn't always mean it's the breakthrough you're hoping for. The real progress, if it comes, will be slow and subtle, and it may not look like what you expect. <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName nods, her lips trembling as she tries to hold back tears. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I just... I don't know how much longer I can do this. Every day, I sit here, hoping for some kind of miracle, but it just feels like I'm losing him more each time. <</gf>> <<narrate>> She takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself, but her voice shakes. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I don't know how to keep waiting when I feel like I'm losing him in ways that I can't even explain. <</gf>> <<narrate>> You lean forward slightly, your expression softening as you speak with more empathy. <</narrate>> <<doc_mc>> I know it feels that way, but you're not losing him. I'm here, too, watching, monitoring, and I will let you know if anything changes. I can't promise you a timeline, and I can't promise that every twitch or small movement means a big change. But what I can promise you is that I'm here for you, and I'm keeping a close eye on him. <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>> You reach out, gently placing a hand on her shoulder, offering her a moment of quiet support. <</narrate>> <<doc_mc>> You're doing everything right. You're here, you're present, and that matters. And no matter how hard it gets, I'm going to be honest with you every step of the way. We're in this together. <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName sniffles, wiping her eyes, her voice quieter now, almost resigned. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I know. I know you're doing everything you can, too. It's just so hard to keep believing when all I want is for him to open his eyes and say my name again. I want to hear his voice so badly. <</gf>> <<narrate>> You sit quietly for a moment, letting the weight of her words settle. <</narrate>> <<doc_mc>> It's natural to want that. It's what you've been holding on to. But sometimes recovery isn't linear, and it can be more like small, imperceptible steps, ones that may not seem like much, but still show progress over time. It doesn't mean he's gone. It just means the journey's longer than any of us expected. <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>> You stand up, taking a moment to glance at the monitors once again. <</narrate>> <<doc_mc>> I'm going to check in again later. And if there's any real sign of change, I'll let you know immediately. But for now, just keep being here. That's the most important thing you can do. <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName takes a shaky breath, her eyes focused on your body's still form. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Thank you, $character_info.hospital.names.docName. I just... I don't want to give up on him. Not yet. I can't. <</gf>> <<narrate>> You offer a reassuring smile. <</narrate>> <<doc_mc>> I know. And you don't have to give up. You just have to be patient with him—and with yourself, too. You've been incredibly strong through all of this. <</doc_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName nods, managing a small, grateful smile through her tears. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I'll keep holding on. I won't give up on him. <</gf>> <<narrate>> You leave the room, feeling your control slipping. After only a few steps in the hallway, you are expelled from his body. You sigh heavily. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> That was hard. I needed to talk to her like a doctor would about myself in the third person. And seeing her so fragile did not help one bit. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You wander the hallways a bit, unable to face her again so soon after that conversation. <</narrate>> <<sidestories_button 3 [[When you're sure she has left, you return to your room|Hospital_Room]]>> <<update_willpower $game.willpower+1>> <</sidestories_button>>

<<narrate>> Roaming the lobby, you see $character_info.names.gfName sitting on a bench. She has her hands tightly clasped in her lap, staring at the floor. <</narrate>> <<story-image `$character_info.avatars.settings_avatar_gf` "assets/misc/strangeman_profile.jpg">> <<mc thinking>> She probably came to visit me again. Looks like she needs a moment to gather herself. <</mc>> <<narrate>> As you move closer, you see a stranger sitting next to her, addressing her casually. <</narrate>> <<strangeman>> You know, time moves differently in places like this. It's like the clocks are stuck in one moment, but everything outside keeps moving, rushing past. <</strangeman>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName looks up, startled. She glances at the man, a little thrown off, but too tired to engage too much. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Uh... yeah, I guess that's one way to put it. I've been here so much, it feels like time doesn't mean anything anymore. <</gf>> <<narrate>> The stranger leans back, tilting his head as if considering $character_info.names.gfName. <</narrate>> <<strangeman>> Of course. Time's a funny thing, isn't it? It bends when you least expect it. One moment, you're waiting for something that never comes, and the next, it's like you blink and everything has changed. But really, it's all just an illusion. You could be anywhere, you know. Your mind is somewhere else entirely. <</strangeman>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName furrows her brow, a little confused. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Uh, yeah... I mean, I guess. I've been stuck in this waiting game for so long. My boyfriend's... ex-boyfriend... he's still in a coma. It's just a lot of... waiting. <</gf>> <<narrate>> She exhales sharply, her voice trailing off as she glances down at her hands. The stranger smiles faintly, as if $character_info.names.gfName just told him something he already knew. <</narrate>> <<strangeman>> Oh, I know. I know all about waiting. But you see, it's not really about the waiting. It's about what you're waiting for. Are you waiting for him to wake up? Or are you waiting for him to remember something? Maybe you're just waiting for the clock to catch up to you. <</strangeman>> <<narrate>> He leans forward slightly, his voice lowering to a more conspiratorial tone. <</narrate>> <<strangeman>> Sometimes, things wake up that you don't expect. <</strangeman>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName frowns, trying to understand what the stranger means. <</narrate>> <<gf>> What do you mean? Things waking up? I just want him to wake up. I want him to open his eyes, to say something. Anything. <</gf>> <<narrate>> The stranger chuckles softly, almost to himself, as if he's privy to a secret only he knows. <</narrate>> <<strangeman>> Oh, yes. That kind of waking up. The kind where the body moves, but the mind... stays elsewhere. But sometimes, the other kind of waking up happens first. <</strangeman>> <<narrate>> He pauses, looking directly into $character_info.names.gfName's eyes with an unsettling, knowing look. <</narrate>> <<strangeman>> You see, it's not just your boyfriend you're waiting for. It's you, too. <</strangeman>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName looks taken aback by the strange comment. <</narrate>> <<gf>> What? I'm... I'm waiting for me? I don't understand what you mean. <</gf>> <<narrate>> She shifts uncomfortably, unsure if she wants to continue this conversation but feeling oddly compelled to. The stranger shrugs, as if the conversation was going exactly as he planned. <</narrate>> <<strangeman>> Well, think about it. You're here, aren't you? In the waiting room. Waiting for someone to wake up, someone to return. But maybe you're the one who's asleep, $character_info.names.gfName. Maybe you've been asleep for a long time. <</strangeman>> <<narrate>> He leans in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper, almost like a riddle. <</narrate>> <<strangeman>> Do you know who you are when you leave this place, or do you just keep coming back, like a clock stuck at midnight? <</strangeman>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName shivers slightly, unsure of what to make of the stranger's words. <</narrate>> <<gf>> That's... that's not something I think about. I'm just trying to get through each day. Trying to make sure he knows I'm here. I don't know about any of the other stuff you're talking about. <</gf>> <<narrate>> The stranger nods knowingly, as though he has heard it all before. <</narrate>> <<strangeman>> Ah, but you do know. Somewhere deep down, you do know. You're still here, aren't you? And there are pieces of you scattered across this place. You'll find them when you stop waiting and start looking. <</strangeman>> <<narrate>> He stands up suddenly, as if he's already decided the conversation is over. <</narrate>> <<strangeman>> Remember, sometimes the most important thing isn't waking up the people you love. It's waking up yourself. <</strangeman>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName stands up too, a little bewildered, trying to make sense of everything he just said. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Wait—what do you mean? Are you saying I need to leave? Am I supposed to—? <</gf>> <<narrate>> The stranger smiles cryptically, turning to face the door. <</narrate>> <<strangeman>> No. No, not leave. Just... stop waiting. Find the answers where you're not expecting them. <</strangeman>> <<narrate>> He pauses for a moment, then displays a strange grin. <</narrate>> <<strangeman>> And when you least expect it, you'll see things you never thought possible. The world is full of waking dreams, $character_info.names.gfName. <</strangeman>> <<narrate>> With that, the stranger walks briskly out the door, leaving $character_info.names.gfName standing there, more confused than before. $character_info.names.gfName stands frozen for a moment, staring at the door, then looks down at her hands again, trying to process what just happened. <</narrate>> <<gf>> What the hell...? <</gf>> <<narrate>> She sits down again, looking extremely confused. You look at the door where the stranger just left, just as confused. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> What was that all about? And how did he even know her name? Who is he? <</mc>> <<sidestories_button 3 [[Lost in thought, you don't even notice her leaving|Hospital_Lobby]]>><</sidestories_button>>

<<narrate>> Passing through the hallway, you spot $character_info.names.gfName walking towards your room. Suddenly she stops, noticing a small child standing near a wall, looking around, clearly lost. <</narrate>> <<story-image `$character_info.avatars.settings_avatar_gf` "assets/misc/child_profile.jpg">> <<gf>> Hey there, sweetie. Are you okay? <</gf>> <<narrate>> She approaches gently, crouching down to the child's level, trying not to startle her. The child sniffles slightly, looking up at $character_info.names.gfName with wide, nervous eyes. <</narrate>> <<child>> I... I don't know where my mommy and daddy went. <</child>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName softens, smiling kindly. <</narrate>> <<gf>> That's okay. Don't worry, we'll find them. How about you tell me your name? <</gf>> <<narrate>> The child looks down for a moment, then back up at $character_info.names.gfName, wiping her eyes. <</narrate>> <<child>> My name's $character_info.hospital.names.childName. I was playing in the waiting room, and then... then I couldn't find my mommy. I tried looking for her, but it's all so big here. <</child>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName nods understandingly, her heart going out to the little one. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Yeah, hospitals can be a bit confusing, can't they? But don't worry, we'll find them. I'll help you. Do you know where you last saw them? <</gf>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.childName pauses, thinking hard. <</narrate>> <<child>> Um... I was in the big room with all the chairs. There were people there. And then I walked into another room, and I think I saw a nurse, but then I couldn't see mommy and daddy anymore. <</child>> <<narrate>> She looks at $character_info.names.gfName, her lip quivering a little. <</narrate>> <<child>> I don't like it here. It's too quiet. And there's so many doors. <</child>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName nods, offering a comforting smile. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I know, sweetie. It can feel like that sometimes. Hospitals are a little like mazes, aren't they? <</gf>> <<narrate>> She takes $character_info.hospital.names.childName's hand gently. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Let's go find your parents. I bet they're looking for you, too. How about we head down this way together? <</gf>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.childName nods, feeling a bit reassured by $character_info.names.gfName's calm presence. <</narrate>> <<child>> Okay... but I don't want to be alone anymore. <</child>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName gently squeezes her hand. <</narrate>> <<gf>> You won't be alone. I'll stay with you the whole time. <</gf>> <<narrate>> They walk together down the hallway, and $character_info.names.gfName continues speaking to $character_info.hospital.names.childName in a soft voice to keep her calm. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Do you come to the hospital often, $character_info.hospital.names.childName? <</gf>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.childName looks up at her, thinking. <</narrate>> <<child>> Sometimes. Mommy says it's for check-ups, but I don't like waiting. I want to go home and play with my toys. <</child>> <<narrate>> She frowns a little, as if the thought of the hospital is a bit much for her. <</narrate>> <<child>> I don't like the people in the rooms. They don't talk. They just sleep. Like... like my grandpa when he's tired. <</child>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName chuckles softly, her voice kind. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I know what you mean. Some people here are sleeping, and others are just really quiet. But it's okay. It's just the way the hospital works. They all need rest to get better. <</gf>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName looks up at her with wide eyes. <</narrate>> <<child>> Do you know someone who's sleeping here? <</child>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName pauses shortly. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Yes, actually. My...friend is here. He's sleeping, too. But he's going to wake up, just like you're going to find your mommy and daddy. <</gf>> <<narrate>> She smiles at $character_info.hospital.names.childName reassuringly. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Sometimes people just need time, you know? <</gf>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.childName nods, seeming to understand in her own way. <</narrate>> <<child>> Okay. I hope he wakes up soon. I want my mommy not to need check-ups anymore too. <</child>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName sighs quietly at $character_info.hospital.names.childName's innocent words. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I hope so too, sweetie. We all want that. <</gf>> <<narrate>> As they walk, $character_info.names.gfName spots a couple of people down the hallway, and $character_info.hospital.names.childName suddenly tugs on her hand. She points ahead. <</narrate>> <<child>> There! That's my mommy! I think that's her! <</child>> <<narrate>> She runs ahead, a small burst of energy coming back to her as she spots her parents at the end of the hallway. $character_info.names.gfName follows quickly, a smile spreading across her face as $character_info.hospital.names.childName's parents turn around in surprise. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Hey, you're back with your mommy and daddy now. <</gf>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.childName's mom hurries over, visibly relieved. <</narrate>> <<childmom>> Oh my goodness, $character_info.hospital.names.childName! Where did you go? We've been looking everywhere for you! <</childmom>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.childName's dad sighs in relief as he kneels down to hug $character_info.hospital.names.childName tightly. <</narrate>> <<childdad>> Thank you so much for helping her. We were starting to panic. <</childdad>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName smiles gently, seeming to feel a sense of relief herself. <</narrate>> <<gf>> No problem at all. She's a brave little one. I'm just glad we found you. <</gf>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.childName's mom gives $character_info.names.gfName a grateful look. <</narrate>> <<childmom>> You don't know how much this means to us. Thank you. <</childmom>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.childName clings to her parents, looking up at $character_info.names.gfName with a shy smile. <</narrate>> <<child>> Thank you for helping me. I'm not lost anymore. <</child>> <<narrate>> She hugs her mom and dad tighter, looking content now. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I'm glad you're not lost anymore, $character_info.hospital.names.childName. Take care of each other, alright? <</gf>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.childName's dad smiles, still holding $character_info.hospital.names.childName close. <</narrate>> <<childdad>> Thanks again. We owe you one. <</childdad>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName smiles softly. <</narrate>> <<gf>> No need for that. Just happy to help. Take care of her. <</gf>> <<narrate>> She watches them walk off, a small smile still on her face. <</narrate>> <<sidestories_button 3 [[You watch them too for a while, before leaving|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_2]]>><</sidestories_button>>

<<narrate>> You see $character_info.names.gfName, preparing to leave. <</narrate>> <<story-image `$character_info.avatars.settings_avatar_gf` "assets/misc/comadad_profile.jpg">> <<mc thinking>> She has been here for a visit again, too bad she's leaving already. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You did not see much of her during this visit, so you decide to accompany her while she leaves. As you follow her through the hallway, you hear soft chanting and the faint sound of music coming from a nearby room. $character_info.names.gfName has noticed too. She pauses for a moment and gently opens the door. Inside, you see a father and mother gathered around a comatose patient, performing a ritual of some sort—lighting candles, humming softly, and placing small items around the patient's bed. The father notices $character_info.names.gfName in the doorway. He introduces himself as $character_info.hospital.names.comaDadName and the woman as $character_info.hospital.names.comaMomName. <</narrate>> <<comadad>> You must be one of the visitors. Come in, come in. We're just... well, we're helping our daughter along her path. Would you like to join us? <</comadad>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName seems hesitant but intrigued, and steps into the room. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Uh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude. I was just... curious. What's going on? I've never seen anything like this before. <</gf>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.comaMomName smiles warmly as she arranges small stones and herbs in a circle around her daughter's bed. <</narrate>> <<comamom>> It's a ritual. It's something we've done for years, ever since our daughter fell into this coma. We believe it helps her. It's a way to send her our love, our energy. It's an act of faith. <</comamom>> <<narrate>> She looks at $character_info.names.gfName kindly. <</narrate>> <<comamom>> It's not about medicine, but about the belief that love and intention can create healing energy. We've been doing it every week for her. <</comamom>> <<narrate>> You glance at the comatose patient, a woman in her thirties, pale and still, yet surrounded by the gentle warmth of the ritual. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I... I can understand that. I've been sitting by my friend's side for so long, hoping for a sign, anything. I... I just don't know what to do anymore. <</gf>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.comaDadName nods in understanding, his eyes soft. <</narrate>> <<comadad>> Faith, hope—these are things we all cling to in times like these. It can feel so powerless, waiting and wondering. But rituals like this, they give us something to hold on to. A way to channel our energy, to offer something to the universe that can aid in the recovery. <</comadad>> <<comamom>> Would you like to try it? For your friend, I mean. It might help you find some peace, too, just doing something, no matter how small. <</comamom>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName swallows, her voice shaky but hopeful. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I... I don't know. I've never done something like this before. But I... I don't want to just sit around waiting anymore. Maybe... maybe it's worth a try. <</gf>> <<narrate>> Her eyes glance toward the ritual items—candles, herbs, stones—each one meticulously placed with care and love. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Could I... could I do it for him, too? For my friend? <</gf>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.comaMomName smiles at $character_info.names.gfName, her eyes filled with compassion. <</narrate>> <<comamom>> Of course. If it helps you feel like you're doing something for him, then we'll happily help. It's about the intention, the energy you send. It doesn't have to be perfect—just heartfelt. <</comamom>> <<narrate>> Once they finish the ritual, $character_info.hospital.names.comaDadName gathers the items they used. Then they go to your room together and get everything ready. <</narrate>> <<comadad>> Come, sit with us. Place your hand on your friend's shoulder or hand, just like we do. You don't need to say anything, just focus on the love you have for him, on the belief that he can heal. The rest will follow. <</comadad>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName walks slowly over to your bed, still a little uncertain. She sits down, carefully placing her hand over yours, as they instructed, her fingers trembling slightly. The room is filled with a quiet, almost reverent atmosphere. She closes her eyes, breathing deeply. You can almost feel her trying to focus her mind on your face, your laughter, the moments you shared. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I hope you hear me, $character_info.names.mcName. I hope you can feel my love, even if you can't wake up right now. I need you to come back to me. <</gf>> <<narrate>> The family starts their ritual, quietly chanting and moving in unison. $character_info.hospital.names.comaDadName notices $character_info.names.gfName's focused, tender expression. <</narrate>> <<comadad>> It's okay to let yourself feel what you're feeling. That's part of the healing process, too. <</comadad>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName nods, her eyes still closed. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I can feel him. I just... I want him back. I'll do anything to have him back. <</gf>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.comaMomName whispers gently, her voice calming. <</narrate>> <<comamom>> That's the spirit. Sometimes, healing is more than just physical. It's mental, emotional. You're sending him your strength, and that's all anyone can do. It's a gift, $character_info.names.gfName. A powerful one. <</comamom>> <<narrate>> The ritual continues for several more minutes, the soft chanting, the flickering candlelight, and the gentle hum of energy filling the room. After a while, $character_info.hospital.names.comaDadName finally lowers his voice, signaling the end of the ritual. <</narrate>> <<comadad>> Now, we let it go. We've sent what we can. It's up to him, and to the universe. But we've done our part. <</comadad>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName slowly opens her eyes. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I... I feel better. I don't know if it's because of the ritual or just because I finally felt like I was doing something... but I feel a little lighter. Thank you. <</gf>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.comaMomName stands up, gently patting $character_info.names.gfName's shoulder. <</narrate>> <<comamom>> You're welcome. You've shared in our tradition, and that means something. It's all about the love we send out. We believe it will help him. And it will help you, too. You're not alone in this. <</comamom>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.comaDadName smiles softly. <</narrate>> <<comadad>> Take heart, $character_info.names.gfName. It might not be a quick fix, but we all find our own paths to healing. Sometimes it takes time. <</comadad>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName stands up, her hand still resting on yours. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I'll keep believing. And I'll keep trying. Thank you for showing me that there's more than one way to fight for someone you love. <</gf>> <<narrate>> The family nods. They gather the items of the ritual and leave the room. $character_info.names.gfName stays a little while longer and then leaves too. <</narrate>> <<sidestories_button 3 [[You remain in your room, filled with a sense of wonder|Hospital_Room]]>><</sidestories_button>>

<<narrate>> You see $character_info.names.gfName sitting beside your bed, looking sad and tired. <</narrate>> <<story-image `$character_info.avatars.settings_avatar_gf`>> <<mc thinking>> She's been here more often after she did that ceremony with those other people. Unfortunately, since it hasn't yielded any results, she's back to being sad instead of hopeful. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You look at her as she takes your hand, eyes still sad. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> I wonder if I could do something to cheer her up a bit. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You think of the doctor and take a look in the hallway. Unfortunately, the only people you see are other visitors, none of which would go into your room. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> I guess finding somebody I could conveniently control was too much to hope for. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You rack your brain to find something, anything to give $character_info.names.gfName a boost. All the while, she sits there looking at your body, hardly moving at all. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Damn it, is there really nothing I can do? <</mc>> <<narrate>> Frustrated, you pace up and down beside your bed. Suddenly, your gaze falls on your body. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> A little while ago, my body twitched involuntarily, causing her to flip out. Would it help if that happened again? <</mc>> <<narrate>> You look at your body doubtfully. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Still, hoping for a twitch won't do much good, I'll have to try and force it. But that would mean going back into my body. And I can't say I look forward to the experience. It may get rather dangerous if I stay in too long. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You cast a look at $character_info.names.gfName again. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> No, I have to do something, I can't bear to see her like that. <</mc>> <<number_guess_button [[Steeling your resolve, you enter back into your own body|Side_Stories_Scene_3_6_1]] $game.energy-6>><</number_guess_button>>

<<narrate>> Unlike with other people, where you feel some resistance upon taking over their body, you feel no resistance at all, taking over your body without any issues. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/possession.jpg">> <<narrate>> Upon taking over however, extreme pain assaults you. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Oh my god, this was a bad idea, everything hurts so badly. Let's get this over quickly, I can't stay in here long. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You spend enormous effort trying to get your body to do anything. You try to open your eyes, but they may as well be glued shut. No movement can be detected at all. Even just rolling your eyes under the eyelids seems beyond you. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Waking up or even fluttering my eyes open seems not to be an option. Not that I expected it to, but I had to try. But what can I do if even that doesn't work? <</mc>> <<narrate>> Still in incredible pain, you think of your hand. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Right, she's holding my hand. Maybe I can just get my hand to twitch a little. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Straining with all your might, you try to get your hand to twitch. Unfortunately, you can't feel anything at all. Not $character_info.names.gfName's hand, nor even your own. Since entering your body you can't even hear anything. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Come...onnnnnnn, do something! <</mc>> <<narrate>> After what feels like an eternity, you can't take it any longer. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Damn it, I failed. But I can't stay in here any longer. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Frustrated over your failure, you leave your body again. Once out, relief washes over you. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> My god, that was scary. And all for nothing. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Suddenly, you realize $character_info.names.gfName is looking intently at your body, very differently from before. <</narrate>> <<gf>> $character_info.names.mcName? $character_info.names.mcName ... Can you hear me? <</gf>> <<narrate>> Startled, you look at her. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Did it work after all? I got no feedback at all doing it, but maybe something did happen after all? <</mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName still looks at you intently, a faint hope on her face. <</narrate>> <<gf>> It was a twitch again wasn't it? Not a real response? <</gf>> <<narrate>> You see the sadness returning on her face. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Still, I'll choose to believe it was intentional. I've only seen you twitch once and I'm not even sure it was a twitch at the time. Now that I'm holding your hand, I know for a fact that your hand moved. <</gf>> <<narrate>> A small hopeful smile blooms on her face. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I'm here for you $character_info.names.mcName, waiting. Please come back to us soon, alright? <</gf>> <<narrate>> She sits back, still holding your hand as if to wait for a response. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> She still looks sad, but there is some hope in there now. This was the best I could do for her. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Relieved, you rest a while, tired from the effort you spent. Meanwhile, $character_info.names.gfName sits beside your bed, gazing at you. After it becomes clear there won't be any more movement, she starts to leave. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I'll be back soon, alright? <</gf>> <<sidestories_button 3 [[Still recovering, you watch her leave your room|Hospital_Room]]>> <<update_willpower $game.willpower+1>> <</sidestories_button>>

<<narrate>> Entering the lobby, you see $character_info.names.gfName by the coffee station, absently stirring her drink. <</narrate>> <<story-image `$character_info.avatars.settings_avatar_gf` "assets/misc/coffeemom_profile.webp">> <<mc thinking>> Ah, $character_info.names.gfName is here again it seems. <</mc>> <<narrate>> As you turn towards her, the sound of soft footsteps catches your attention. A family—a mother, father, and their teenage daughter—enter the lobby. They all look worn, their faces tired and anxious, though they hold themselves together with a quiet grace. $character_info.names.gfName catches the eye of the mother, who gives her a small, sympathetic smile. <</narrate>> <<coffeemom>> Long day? <</coffeemom>> <<narrate>> Her voice gentle, she has dark circles under her eyes, and her hands tremble slightly as she clasps them together. $character_info.names.gfName nods, lifting her coffee cup in a half-hearted gesture. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Yeah... long couple of months, actually. <</gf>> <<narrate>> The woman sighs softly. <</narrate>> <<coffeemom>> I know the feeling. We've been here for months now. Our son... he's been in a coma since the accident. <</coffeemom>> <<narrate>> She swallows, her gaze flickering away for a moment as if the words pain her. <</narrate>> <<coffeemom>> It's hard, not knowing... you know? <</coffeemom>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName answers quietly, the weight of her words sincere. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I'm so sorry, I'm in the same position with my friend. <</gf>> <<narrate>> The mother nods, her lips pressed tight, as though the emotions are just beneath the surface, ready to break free. <</narrate>> <<coffeemom>> It's like you're stuck in this limbo, right? You can't move forward, but you can't go back. You just... exist, waiting for something to change. <</coffeemom>> <<gf>> Yeah... exactly. <</gf>> <<narrate>> The father, who has been silent until now, steps forward. <</narrate>> <<coffeedad>> How long has it been? <</coffeedad>> <<narrate>> His voice sounds gruff but not unkind. <</narrate>> <<gf>> A couple of months as well. It feels like a lifetime though. I'm not sure how much longer I can do this... just sit there, hoping for something. Anything. <</gf>> <<narrate>> The mother places a gentle hand on her arm. <</narrate>> <<coffeemom>> You just keep holding on. That's all you can do. <</coffeemom>> <<narrate>> The daughter, who has been quiet up until now, speaks up. She's about sixteen, her face pale, with dark circles beneath her eyes. <</narrate>> <<coffeedaughter>> It's hard, right? I mean... no one tells you how to do this. How to be strong when everything is falling apart. <</coffeedaughter>> <<gf>> Yeah. You don't know until you're in it. <</gf>> <<narrate>> The daughter nods, her eyes distant. <</narrate>> <<coffeedaughter>> We've been here every day, just waiting for some sign that he'll wake up. But sometimes... sometimes I wonder if we're just fooling ourselves. <</coffeedaughter>> <<gf>> I know what you mean. Some days, it's like I'm just going through the motions. But then, when you see even the smallest sign—just a little squeeze of a hand or a change in his breath—you hold on to it like it's everything. <</gf>> <<narrate>> The mother smiles faintly, looking over at the daughter. <</narrate>> <<coffeemom>> You've got to take those moments, even the smallest ones. They're what get you through. <</coffeemom>> <<coffeedaughter>> I hope he wakes up. <</coffeedaughter>> <<narrate>> She whispers. <</narrate>> <<coffeedaughter>> I just want him to wake up. <</coffeedaughter>> <<gf>> I hope so too. <</gf>> <<narrate>> Her voice is soft but determined. She looks at the family, then back down at her coffee, a small smile tugging at her lips. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I really do. <</gf>> <<narrate>> For a moment, no one speaks, but the silence is comfortable, as though they have found an unspoken bond in their shared pain. Finally, the father clears his throat and places a hand on his wife's shoulder. <</narrate>> <<coffeedad>> We should head back to the room <</coffeedad>> <<narrate>> His voice sounds steady. <</narrate>> <<coffeedad>> We'll be okay. <</coffeedad>> <<narrate>> The mother nods, her smile still faint but genuine. <</narrate>> <<coffeemom>> Take care of yourself, okay? And if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. <</coffeemom>> <<narrate>> Marissa smiles in return. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Thank you. And I hope your son wakes up soon, too. <</gf>> <<narrate>> As the family walks away, Marissa stands there for a moment longer, staring down at the coffee cup in her hands. As she turns back toward the elevators, you hear her whisper under her breath. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Hang in there, $character_info.names.mcName. I'm here. And I'm not going anywhere. <</gf>> <<sidestories_button 3 [[You watch the elevator doors close, taking her away|Hospital_Lobby]]>><</sidestories_button>>

<<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName sits next to your bed, her hand resting gently on yours, her fingers tracing the lines of your palm, as though trying to feel some connection. The door creaks open, and you look up to see your mother standing in the doorway. She looks like she hasn't slept in days, her eyes red-rimmed, her posture slumped under the weight of the worry and exhaustion that seems to hang over her like a fog. <</narrate>> <<story-image `$character_info.avatars.settings_avatar_gf` "assets/characters/mother/mother_profile.jpg">> <<gf>> Hey, I didn't expect you this late. <</gf>> <<narrate>> She manages a tired smile, her voice soft. Your mother steps inside, closing the door gently behind her. <</narrate>> <<mom>> I was in the waiting room for a while. I needed a break, but I couldn't stay away. <</mom>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName nods. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I get it. I don't want to leave him either. <</gf>> <<narrate>> Your mother moves toward the chair beside the bed, settling into it slowly. She reaches for your hand, her fingers brushing over yours with a tenderness that only a mother could have. <</narrate>> <<mom>> How's he doing today? <</mom>> <<gf>> No change. <</gf>> <<narrate>> Her voice is barely above a whisper. <</narrate>> <<gf>> The doctors say it's too soon to know anything for sure. They keep saying he's stable. But... I don't know. I just keep hoping he'll wake up. <</gf>> <<narrate>> Your mother nods slowly, glancing at your pale face. <</narrate>> <<mom>> It's hard to wait. But he's a fighter. $character_info.names.mcName's always been strong. He'll pull through. <</mom>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName lets out a long breath, her shoulders sagging. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I keep talking to him. Telling him everything that happens to me, everything I still want to do with him. I don't know if it's helping or if I'm just... clinging to hope. <</gf>> <<mom>> You're not clinging, $character_info.names.gfName. <</mom>> <<narrate>> Her voice is soft, her hand resting gently on $character_info.names.gfName's. <</narrate>> <<mom>> You're holding on. And that's what you need to do. Don't let anyone tell you differently. You're holding on for both of you. <</mom>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName looks down at her coffee cup, half-empty and cold now. <</narrate>> <<gf>> It's just so hard. I don't even know if he can hear me. What if he doesn't wake up? What if this is it? <</gf>> <<narrate>> Your mother takes a deep breath, her voice steady but laced with an emotion that she clearly doesn't want to reveal. <</narrate>> <<mom>> It's normal to be scared. Hell, it's normal to be angry. You want him here, with you, the way he always was. But you don't have to go through this alone. You've got me. You've got all of us. <</mom>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName turns to look at her, her eyes filling with tears. She wipes them away quickly. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I know. I just... I don't know how to do this. I don't even know how to leave his side for a minute. I don't know if I'll be okay without him. <</gf>> <<narrate>> Your mother squeezes her hand, her gaze softening. <</narrate>> <<mom>> You will be. It's okay to lean on people. You don't have to do this alone. And $character_info.names.mcName—he's going to know you were right here the whole time. That you never left. <</mom>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName sniffles, a faint smile tugging at her lips. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I just keep thinking about the things I wanted to tell him. The things I still wanted to do with him. It feels like all of that is slipping away. <</gf>> <<mom>> I understand. <</mom>> <<narrate>> Her voice is barely above a whisper. <</narrate>> <<mom>> I remember the first time I saw $character_info.names.mcName—his little hand wrapped around my finger. I had dreams for him, too. But sometimes, the dreams we hold onto don't look the way we thought they would. Sometimes they take a turn we don't expect. <</mom>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName looks down at your hand in hers. She squeezes your fingers lightly. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I just want to make sure he knows how much I love him. I just want him to know I'm here. <</gf>> <<narrate>> Your mother smiles, a tear slipping down her cheek. <</narrate>> <<mom>> He knows, $character_info.names.gfName. He knows. And when he wakes up, he'll see how much you fought for him. He'll know you never gave up. <</mom>> <<narrate>> For a moment, the room falls into a quiet lull. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I keep telling him he's going to be okay. <</gf>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName says after a beat, her voice filled with quiet determination. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I have to believe it. <</gf>> <<mom>> And I do, too. I believe it with everything I've got. <</mom>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName lets out a shaky breath and sits up a little straighter, her eyes glancing back at your still form. <</narrate>> <<gf>> We'll keep waiting, won't we? <</gf>> <<mom>> We will. <</mom>> <<narrate>> Her voice is calm but strong. <</narrate>> <<mom>> We'll wait for as long as it takes. And when he wakes up, we'll be right here, ready to help him find his way back. <</mom>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName smiles faintly. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Thank you. For being here. For being strong for both of us. <</gf>> <<narrate>> Your mother nods, squeezing her hand one last time before standing up to move closer to your side. <</narrate>> <<mom>> We're a team, $character_info.names.gfName. We always will be. <</mom>> <<narrate>> You watch on affectionately as the 2 women sit by your side, occasionally talking about trivial things. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> I'm happy they still have each other. Me being in this condition is hard for both of them, but at least they can support each other during the difficult times. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You decide to leave them be for now. <</narrate>> <<sidestories_button 3 [[You leave the room|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_2]]>><</sidestories_button>>

<<narrate>> You find yourself in the hallway towards your room. It is late in the evening when you see $character_info.names.gfName leaving your room. She looks anxious and exhausted. <</narrate>> <<story-image `$character_info.avatars.settings_avatar_gf` "assets/misc/visitor_profile.jpg">> <<mc thinking>> She must have been here all day again. Knowing her, she may even have skipped a meal without noticing. <</mc>> <<narrate>> She stumbles a little as she walks. Suddenly her head shoots up, as if she just saw something she could not quite believe. <</narrate>> <<gf>> $character_info.names.mcName? $character_info.names.mcName, what are you doing here? <</gf>> <<narrate>> Her voice is only a whisper, cracking slightly. You freeze. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Can she actually see me? <</mc>> <<narrate>> You quickly realize she's not looking at you, but at the end of the hallway. She blinks and looks on confusedly. Her knees buckle and she catches herself on the wall. Your mind races. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> She needs help, now! <</mc>> <<narrate>> Hurrying, you search for somebody to take over and offer help. Just around the corner, you find another late visitor walking the corridor, coffee in hand. Without a second thought, you move towards him. <</narrate>> <<number_guess_button [[You take control of his body|Side_Stories_Scene_3_9_1]] $game.energy-3>><</number_guess_button>>

<<narrate>> This time, the takeover does not happen easily. You feel a lot of resistance. You are reminded you can't just take over anyone, but you don't dwell on it. $character_info.names.gfName needs help and there's nobody else around. You have to persevere. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/possession.jpg">> <<narrate>> Finally you succeed in taking control. You learn his name is $character_info.hospital.names.visitorName and he was just visiting a family member admitted here. You push his thoughts aside and go towards $character_info.names.gfName. Seeing her makes you realize not much time has passed, she's just standing up again after her stumble. You address her in a soft but urgent voice. <</narrate>> <<visitor_mc>> Are you okay? <</visitor_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName looks up at you, blinking. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I—I'm fine. <</gf>> <<narrate>> Her voice sounds distant. She shakes her head, as if trying to clear it. Gently, you guide her to a nearby chair. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I just... I thought I saw him. I thought I saw $character_info.names.mcName. <</gf>> <<narrate>> You frown, lowering the coffee cup and stepping closer. <</narrate>> <<visitor_mc>> It's okay, you've been here a long time, haven't you? Sometimes the stress and exhaustion can play tricks on you. It's normal. <</visitor_mc>> <<gf>> I—no. It was him. I swear, it was $character_info.names.mcName. He was right there. He was standing right in front of me. <</gf>> <<narrate>> Your brow furrows in concern. <</narrate>> <<visitor_mc>> I'm sure you want him to be here, but you've been running on empty for a while. The mind can do strange things when you're under that kind of pressure. <</visitor_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName's breath quickens as she presses her palms to her eyes. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I don't know how much longer I can do this. I can't even tell what's real anymore. I keep hoping he'll wake up, that I'll hear his voice, and then... and then I see things, hear things, but he's not here. He's not here, and I don't know how to make it stop. <</gf>> <<narrate>> Your expression softens, and you set the coffee cup down on a nearby table, taking a step closer, your voice steady but kind. <</narrate>> <<visitor_mc>> You're not alone, okay? You don't have to carry all of this by yourself. This place—it has a way of wearing you down, but there's help here. You don't have to be strong all the time. <</visitor_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName looks up at you, her eyes blurry with tears that she can't hold back anymore. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I don't know what to do. I don't know how to fix this. How do I fix him? <</gf>> <<narrate>> You give her a gentle smile. <</narrate>> <<visitor_mc>> You can't fix him, but you can be there. That's what matters. And if you need to step back, even for a minute, to breathe, to let someone else hold on for you, that's okay too. It's not weakness, it's strength, to know when you need a break. <</visitor_mc>> <<gf>> I don't want to leave him. I don't want to leave him alone. <</gf>> <<narrate>> Her voice sounds small. <</narrate>> <<visitor_mc>> I get it. <</visitor_mc>> <<narrate>> You soften your voice even further. <</narrate>> <<visitor_mc>> But you're no good to him if you're running on empty. He'll need you at your best when he wakes up. And for that, you need to take care of yourself too. If you don't, you'll burn out, and that won't help anyone. <</visitor_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName blinks rapidly, trying to focus on your face. She takes a shaky breath and closes her eyes. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I don't know how to stop feeling like I'm losing him. <</gf>> <<narrate>> You kneel in front of her so she can meet your eyes and answer her gently. <</narrate>> <<visitor_mc>> You're not losing him. You're holding on. And that's what he needs. But you also need to hold on to yourself. Let yourself rest, let yourself feel whatever you need to feel. You're not alone in this. <</visitor_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName swallows, nodding slowly. <</narrate>> <<gf>> I just keep thinking... what if this is all I get with him? What if I never hear his laugh again? Or feel his hand in mine? <</gf>> <<visitor_mc>> You'll hear his laugh again. <</visitor_mc>> <<narrate>> You keep your voice calm but reassuring. <</narrate>> <<visitor_mc>> And you'll feel his hand in yours. You just have to give it time. Time, patience, and trust. He's lucky to have someone like you by his side. <</visitor_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.names.gfName closes her eyes for a moment, visibly calming down. You see some of the tension leaving her. You take a seat beside her, not pressuring her to say anything else, offering a silent kind of comfort. <</narrate>> <<gf>> Thank you. <</gf>> <<narrate>> Her voice is a whisper, thick with emotion. You nod, putting on a kind expression. <</narrate>> <<visitor_mc>> Take it one step at a time. And remember, you don't have to do this alone. <</visitor_mc>> <<narrate>> The two of you sit side by side a little while longer before she thanks you again and takes her leave. Shortly after, you release control of $character_info.hospital.names.visitorName. He wastes no time and leaves you alone. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Luckily, $character_info.names.gfName did not notice the familiarity with which I spoke to her. <</mc>> <<narrate>> The man had not known her, so speaking like that had not come easy. Luckily her circumstances could be inferred from what she said, so there should be no problems should the man think about his actions. <</narrate>> <<sidestories_button 3 [[Tired, you go back to your room|Hospital_Room]]>> <<update_willpower $game.willpower+1>> <</sidestories_button>>

<<narrate>> As you wander the maternity ward, you spot a couple about to feed their newborn for the first time. <</narrate>> <<story-image "assets/misc/newmother_profile.jpg" "assets/misc/newfather_profile.jpg">> <<mc thinking>> Looks like they won't be breastfeeding, holding the bottle like that. <</mc>> <<narrate>> When you move closer, you notice the father is hovering awkwardly near the mother, not knowing what to do. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> He's making both the baby and the mother uncomfortable with his hovering. <</mc>> <<narrate>> The mother is indeed starting to look exasperated. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Perhaps I can help him calm down a bit. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You move in to take over the father while he still hovers around the mother and their newborn. <</narrate>> <<number_guess_button [[You take over his body|Side_Stories_Scene_4_1_1]] $game.energy-3>><</number_guess_button>>

<<narrate>> You take over his body without any issue. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/possession.jpg">> <<narrate>> As you take control of his body, you learn his name is $character_info.hospital.names.newFatherName and his wife is $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName. You feel his excitement and unease. You calm down and give $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName some space before she speaks up. She notices her husband calming down and breathes a sigh of relief. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> I still can't believe he's finally here. It's like all those months of waiting just melted away in an instant. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You sit beside her, watching intently as she gently cradles the baby in her arms, trying to position him for feeding. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Yeah, it's like everything's been leading up to this moment. I feel like I should be taking notes or something. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName chuckles softly. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Well, this is your first time too, so if you want to help, maybe you can hold the bottle? I think he's still figuring out the whole 'latch' thing. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You laugh nervously and take the bottle from her. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> I'm sure he'll get the hang of it. I mean, how hard can it be? He's got to eat, right? <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> She smiles although she looks slightly exhausted. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> It's not about just eating. It's about finding the rhythm. You know, the whole 'mom and baby' thing. You'd think it would come naturally, but here we are. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You gently stroke the baby's hand. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Hey, you've been amazing from day one. You're doing just fine. Plus, look at this little guy, he's already holding onto my finger like he's got a grip on life. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName laughs softly. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> I think he's just trying to make sure I don't let go of him. He already knows who's in charge, huh? <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You grin. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> I think so. He's probably thinking, 'Alright, I've got to make sure these two stay on their toes. I'm the boss here.' <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> She smiles fondly at the baby. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> He definitely knows what he wants. Look at him trying to figure out the bottle. He's so determined. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You chuckle as the baby starts rooting around. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> He's got your persistence, for sure. I can already tell he's going to be a bit stubborn. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName rolls her eyes playfully. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Oh, wonderful. Just what I need—another stubborn person in the house. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You grin, nudging her playfully. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Hey, you were a little stubborn when we first met. You can't act like it's all me. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> She laughs softly, finally getting the baby to latch onto the bottle. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Alright, alright. You win. But at least he's feeding now. <</newmother>> <<newfather_mc>> This is... it's kind of magical, isn't it? I mean, we're actually feeding him, taking care of him together. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> She looks down at the baby, her voice warm and content. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> It is. It's everything we dreamed about. I know it's going to be hard, but moments like this make it all worth it. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You smile at her. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> You're doing great. I'm so proud of you, and of him. I think he knows he's got the best mom in the world. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName brushes the baby's hair softly as he feeds. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> I hope so. I'm going to do everything I can to make sure he knows he's loved. And you're right here with me. We're a team. <</newmother>> <<newfather_mc>> Always. We've got this. Together. <</newfather_mc>> <<newmother>> It's hard to believe that just a few days ago, we were sitting here nervous and excited for him to arrive. And now... here he is. Our little family. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You respond softly, with a smile. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Our little family. And we're just getting started. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName gently shifts the baby's position, looking up at you. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> I'm so glad we're in this together. I couldn't do it without you. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You squeeze her hand gently <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> And you won't have to. We've got each other, always. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> She looks down at the baby and then back at you. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> I'm just so thankful. For this little one... for you. <</newmother>> <<newfather_mc>> Me too. So, what do you think? Is he going to be a night owl like me or an early riser like you? <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> She laughs softly. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Oh, no. Please don't wish the night owl gene on him just yet. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You grin mischievously. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Okay, okay. But, you know, he's got that little twinkle in his eyes. He might be a handful. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName smiles with affection. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> We'll take whatever comes. We're ready. <</newmother>> <<newfather_mc>> Ready for anything. As long as we're together. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> With the feeding largely over, you decide to leave them to it. You leave his body and see him a lot more steady than he was before. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> I'm sure he'll be fine now. <</mc>> <<sidestories_button 4 [[Pleased about your actions, you decide to leave|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_3]]>><</sidestories_button>>

<<narrate>> As you wander the maternity ward, you spot a couple with their newborn about to take their first family portrait. You realize they're $character_info.hospital.names.newFatherName and $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName who you saw and helped earlier. <</narrate>> <<story-image "assets/misc/newmother_profile.jpg" "assets/misc/newfather_profile.jpg">> <<mc thinking>> Look at that, their first family picture. Let's take a look. <</mc>> <<narrate>> When you move closer, you notice the father is half asleep standing upright next to the chair holding his loved one and newborn. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> That'll be a great picture, with the father sleeping. <</mc>> <<narrate>> So far, the mother has not noticed as she is looking lovingly at the newborn in her arms. The photographer has not noticed either being busy setting up his camera. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> I suppose I could help out a bit, just standing there keeping his eyes open for a picture should be easy enough. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You move in to take over the father, his eyes still drooping. <</narrate>> <<number_guess_button [[You take over his body|Side_Stories_Scene_4_2_1]] $game.energy-4>><</number_guess_button>>

<<narrate>> As always, you take over his body without any issue. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/possession.jpg">> <<narrate>> As you take control of his body, you feel his fatigue upon taking over his body. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc thinking>> Damn, no wonder he was sleeping standing up. If he's this tired already, things will be rough for him later on. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> You push the fatigue down and look at $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName. She's holding the baby carefully, gazing at him. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> I still can't believe he's finally here. It's like all those months of waiting just melted away in an instant. <</newmother>> <<newfather_mc>> I know, right? The whole pregnancy felt like it was dragging, and then... BAM, he's here. I swear, time sped up the second we walked into the hospital. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName smiles softly at the baby. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> And look at him, he's perfect. Tiny little fingers, little toes... I could just stare at him all day. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You laugh lightly. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> I'm just glad he has ten fingers and ten toes. After all those 'what if' moments, that's a relief. <</newfather_mc>> <<newmother>> Yeah, and no weird birthmarks or extra eyes or anything. We're in the clear! <</newmother>> <<narrate>> She laughs softly and you playfully nudge her. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> You know, I read somewhere that babies don't really look like either parent at first. They're just kind of... blobs. But he already looks like he has your eyes. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> She looks at you in mock offense. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Oh, I see. So, he looks like me... but only in the eyes? And the rest of him looks like...? <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You grin. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Oh no, I meant to say he looks like us—you know, a perfect blend. But let's be real, he definitely got my nose. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName raises an eyebrow. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Your nose? Oh, I don't know about that. Let's give him a few years, and we'll see if he starts sneezing every time the weather changes. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You laugh. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Well, I guess he's definitely going to inherit some of my quirks. That's the good thing about genetics, right? He'll get my charm, my wit, and... <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName interrupts you with a playful smirk. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Oh yes, your 'witty' sense of humor that only you laugh at. This should be fun for him. <</newmother>> <<newfather_mc>> Hey, I'm not the only one who thinks I'm hilarious. He'll get it. Just wait until he starts talking—he'll definitely have my sense of humor. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName smiles lovingly at the baby. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Uh-huh, right. Until then, I guess we'll just be stuck with his baby noises. I'm still not sure if he's cooing or auditioning for a role in a horror movie. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You chuckle. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Well, he definitely has the drama part down. His crying is next-level. <</newfather_mc>> <<newmother>> It's like he's already practicing for his future 'I'm not eating that' tantrums. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You laugh. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Oh no, I'm already bracing myself for those. But you know what? No matter what, I'm so glad we're doing this together. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName touches your hand softly, her voice quieting. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Me too. All those sleepless nights, the nerves... it's all worth it. And to think, we're finally here. With him. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You look at the baby and then at her with a smile. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> And here we are. A family. Who would've thought? <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName glances at the photographer. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Alright, let's make sure this first family photo is a good one. We need something to remember this moment by, right? <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You grin. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> We'll make sure it's perfect. So, we're smiling, right? Not looking like we just got hit with the 'sleep deprivation' freight train? <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> She laughs softly. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Well, I did just give birth a little while ago. If I look a little tired, it's the baby's fault, not mine. <</newmother>> <<newfather_mc>> Sure, blame it on the baby. Not that I'm already counting the hours of sleep I've missed—oh, wait. I am. <</newfather_mc>> <<newmother>> You know, you could always volunteer for the next midnight feeding. Just a thought. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You grin mischievously at her mock scolding. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> I'll take the night shift when he starts laughing at my jokes. Until then, I'm still on dad duty during daylight hours. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName narrows her eyes playfully. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> You're lucky you're cute, or I'd be giving you a very serious talk about parenting duty. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You laugh softly. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Hey, we're a team. I'm in this for the long haul. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> She smiles as she adjusts the baby in her arms. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> I know you are. And I wouldn't want to do this with anyone else. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You gently kiss her forehead. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Same here. And hey, we've got this first family photo as proof that we started strong. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName looks at the baby, her voice soft and full of love. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> This is just the beginning. So many more memories to make. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You nod, your smile softening. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> A lifetime of memories. And I'll be there for every single one of them. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> Both of you look at the photographer, seeing he's ready to take the picture. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Okay, ready... One, two, three! <</newmother>> <<narrate>> The shutter clicks a few times and the photographer nods in satisfaction. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Perfect. Our first family portrait. And the first of many, I hope. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> You thank the photographer as he prepares to leave. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc thinking>> Well, I've taken the picture. It feels like a good time to take my leave. It's pretty hard holding on to a tired body like this. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> The moment you loosen control, you are expelled from his body. Relieve washes over you as you shake off the tiredness. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Feels good to be out of there. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Upon leaving, you see $character_info.hospital.names.newFatherName is back half asleep again. From the looks of things, $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName has noticed and prepares to berate him. You smile. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> A good time to get out of here. <</mc>> <<sidestories_button 4 [[Chuckling, you decide to leave|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_3]]>> <<update_willpower $game.willpower+1>> <</sidestories_button>>

<<narrate>> You pop in into the maternity ward once more, seeing $character_info.hospital.names.newFatherName and $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName sitting beside their baby's crib. As you watch on, $character_info.hospital.names.newFatherName is falling asleep. <</narrate>> <<story-image "assets/misc/newmother_profile.jpg" "assets/misc/newfather_profile.jpg">> <<mc thinking>> He's still just as tired as before, huh? <</mc>> <<narrate>> You move closer, seeing $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName looking disgruntled at her husband. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Perhaps I can take over again, earn him some brownie points. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You move in to take over the father, almost completely asleep now. <</narrate>> <<number_guess_button [[You take over his body|Side_Stories_Scene_4_3_1]] $game.energy-4>><</number_guess_button>>

<<narrate>> As always, you take over his body without any issue. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/possession.jpg">> <<narrate>> As you take control of his body, you feel his fatigue upon taking over his body. Fighting the drowsiness, you open your eyes and smile at $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName. She smiles back at you and turns back to the crib. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> I can't believe he's really here. I still feel like I'm in a dream. <</newmother>> <<newfather_mc>> I know what you mean. It's like... I've waited for this moment for so long, but now that he's here, it feels unreal. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> She chuckles softly. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> I think we've both been in a state of 'waiting' for so long. First the pregnancy, then the birth, and now it's like... 'Okay, now what?' <</newmother>> <<newfather_mc>> Well, now we start this whole new chapter. I guess the 'now what' is learning how to be parents. But hey, we've got this, right? <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName laughs lightly, glancing at you. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> I hope so. I feel like we've had so much advice thrown at us, but it doesn't quite prepare you for the real thing. I mean, look at him... he's so tiny, so fragile. How do we keep him safe? <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You reach out gently, placing a hand on hers. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> We'll figure it out together. We've been preparing for this for nine months, but now it's just about taking it one day at a time. He's got us, and we've got him. That's all we need to start. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> She sighs with a smile, looking at the baby. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> I know. I just want to be the best mom for him. The kind of mom who always knows what to do, who never doubts herself. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You glance at her, speaking softly. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Hey, there's no such thing as a perfect parent. We're both going to make mistakes, and that's okay. But I promise, we're going to do our best, and that's what matters. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName nods, tears welling up slightly in her eyes. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> I just feel so... overwhelmed. In the best way, of course. But I never imagined how much love I could feel for someone so small. <</newmother>> <<newfather_mc>> I get that. It's like a love you've never known before. You'd think you're ready for it, but then it hits you, and it's just... bigger than anything you've ever felt. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> She looks at you with a small smile. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> I can't believe this is our life now. We're parents. That tiny little person is ours, and we get to shape his world. <</newmother>> <<newfather_mc>> Yeah... we get to. We're the ones who will teach him, love him, and be there for him. It's such a big responsibility, but it's also an incredible privilege. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName looks at the baby, speaking softly. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Do you think he knows we're his parents already? <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You laugh softly. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> I think he probably has some idea. I mean, he can tell our voices, he can smell us. Maybe he doesn't know we're his 'mom and dad' yet, but he knows we're the ones who take care of him. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName smiles with a little chuckle. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> He probably already knows when we're close. He's probably thinking, 'Alright, Mom and Dad, I'm trusting you with this whole life thing.' <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You grin. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> I'm sure he's already got a list of demands—'More food, less crying, and a bigger crib.' <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> She giggles softly. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> And I'm sure we'll be doing everything we can to meet those demands. I just hope we're doing it right. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You squeeze her hand reassuringly. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> We're doing just fine. We've got each other, and we've got him. That's all we need to start. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName leans her head on your shoulder, her voice quiet. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> I'm so glad I have you by my side through all of this. I couldn't do it without you. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You put your arm around her shoulder. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> I wouldn't want to do it without you either. We're a team. And we'll always have each other's backs. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> She closes her eyes for a moment, soaking in the peace of the moment. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> This little one is going to change everything, isn't he? <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You nod slowly, looking at the baby. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Yeah, in the best way possible. He already has. <</newfather_mc>> <<newmother>> I can't wait to watch him grow. To see who he becomes. But for now, I'm happy just being here with him. With both of you. <</newmother>> <<newfather_mc>> Me too. Just this... being here, together. It's all I need right now. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName leans back against you, relaxed but still in awe. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> I think we're going to be okay. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You kiss the top of her head, your voice a whisper. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Yeah, we're going to be more than okay. We're going to be great. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> You sit together in silence, no more words are needed. Feeling this to be a good moment to give back control to $character_info.hospital.names.newFatherName, you get out of his body. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> He may very well fall asleep again, but with them sitting peacefully like this, it shouldn't cause any issues. <</mc>> <<sidestories_button 4 [[Contently, you leave the room|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_3]]>><</sidestories_button>>

<<narrate>> You decide to see how $character_info.hospital.names.newFatherName and $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName are doing. When you enter their room, you see $character_info.hospital.names.newFatherName looking back and forth between a fresh diaper and their newborn. You laugh at how awkward he seems. $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName looks on, not much more at ease, but trying to look composed. <</narrate>> <<story-image "assets/misc/newmother_profile.jpg" "assets/misc/newfather_profile.jpg">> <<mc thinking>> Haha, this must be the first time he needs to change the diaper, this could be a great show. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You move closer to see how they get on, but very soon it becomes apparent they're getting nowhere as $character_info.hospital.names.newFatherName seems frozen on the spot. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Should I take over $character_info.hospital.names.newFatherName again? I swear, once he's out of here, he'll have to step up. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Shaking your head, you prepare to take over his body. <</narrate>> <<number_guess_button [[You move in and take over|Side_Stories_Scene_4_4_1]] $game.energy-3>><</number_guess_button>>

<<narrate>> Like many times before, you take over his body without any issue. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/possession.jpg">> <<narrate>> You take over quickly, mindful of the baby you are holding. You feel $character_info.hospital.names.newFatherName's nervousness, but try to regain your calm <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Okay, I think... I think I'm ready. Do we just—do we just start? Like, is there a manual for this? <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName is clearly stressed too, but tries to stay calm. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Uh, I think we're the manual. We've got this, don't worry. Just... lay him down gently. Remember, we're not handing him off to a circus performer. We can do this. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You try to be gentle, but you're still awkwardly lowering the baby onto the changing table. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Okay, okay... I got him. Wait, why does everything feel so tiny? I feel like I'm holding a little potato with arms. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> She laughs. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Yep, the tiniest potato you'll ever change. Okay, now let's get the old diaper off. We're going to need to be strategic about this, though, because—oh boy, there's... there's a lot happening. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You stare at the diaper with a blank expression. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Uh, is this the front or the back? I swear this thing looks like it could be a puzzle. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName chuckles. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> No puzzle here, just a really fancy piece of cloth with tabs. You want the back part to go up against his back. And gently, very gently, undo the tabs. Just like you're defusing a bomb. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You gently unfasten the diaper. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Oh... OH. There's... a smell. A smell that I didn't expect. Is this normal?! <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName is trying to stay composed. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Yep, totally normal. A rite of passage, even. Don't worry, we've got wipes, we've got air freshener, we're going to make it through this. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You start wiping the baby. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Wait, how do I—uh, which direction am I supposed to wipe? Front to back, right? Is there a risk here if I do this wrong? <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> She tries not to laugh. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Yeah, definitely front to back. Otherwise, we'll be creating an unholy mess. You don't want to deal with that. Trust me, that's how I learned the hard way. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You laugh nervously while continuing to wipe. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Okay, no mess. Got it. Oh no, oh no, what is that? <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName leans over, peaking at the situation. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Oh. That's... well, that's a thing. Don't worry about it, though. It's just... baby business. No one warns you about this part, huh? <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You whisper in disbelief. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> I thought babies only had to eat and sleep? Who knew there was a full-on... production line down there? <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> She laughs a little too hard. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Surprise! They're like tiny, adorable little humans who come with a lot of accessories you didn't sign up for. But hey, we're learning, right? You've got this! <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You hold up the new diaper. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Okay, so do I just... slide this under him? Like, is this how it goes? <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName smiles confidently. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Exactly! Slide it under, like a little baby burrito wrap. And make sure the back part is at his belly button. It's like tucking him in for the night, but, you know, with fewer blankets and more... absorbency. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You slide the diaper under the baby. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Alright, I'm in position. Now, do I—uh, are you supposed to fold this part down? I'm looking at the waistband, and it's not very intuitive. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName adjusts the diaper with a proud grin. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Oh, that part folds down to avoid squishing his little tummy button. Like... like a proper diaper etiquette thing. We're professionals now. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You fasten the tabs, looking unsure. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> I feel like I'm trying to fasten a seatbelt that's too tight or too loose. How tight is too tight? <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> She peaks over and adjusts the diaper a bit. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> No, that's perfect. Just make sure you can fit a finger in the waistband. You don't want it too tight, but you don't want him to escape either. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You laugh, relieved. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Okay, I think I did it. Are we done? Is it over? <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName admires the diaper. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> You did great! Look at that. A professional diaper job. Now, just give him a little wiggle to make sure it's comfy... and voilà! You've officially changed your first diaper. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You sigh dramatically. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> I feel like I just ran a marathon. I need a nap. Or at least a cookie. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> She laughs. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> I vote for the cookie. And remember, we've got this—every time. Each diaper will get easier. By the time he's 3, we'll be the diaper-changing superheroes. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You grin. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> I'm just glad we didn't end up with... a mess. Or worse... a second mess. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName grins too. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Well, it's officially the start of the rest of our lives—diapers, wipes, and more poop than we ever thought possible. Welcome to parenthood! <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You laugh. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> This is going to be a wild ride. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> As you stand side by side watching the baby, you decide it may be a good time to get out of his body. Looking back at them, you see $character_info.hospital.names.newFatherName grinning like a fool. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> I wonder how he'll fare next time when he has to do it himself. Well, at least he has some first-hand experience now, so he should be fine. <</mc>> <<sidestories_button 4 [[Smiling, you leave them|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_3]]>> <<update_willpower $game.willpower+1>> <</sidestories_button>>

<<narrate>> When you pass by their room, you see $character_info.hospital.names.newFatherName and $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName sitting side by side on the bed, holding their baby. <</narrate>> <<story-image "assets/misc/newmother_profile.jpg" "assets/misc/newfather_profile.jpg">> <<mc thinking>> How wholesome, sharing a quiet moment together. <</mc>> <<narrate>> As you look more closely, you notice $character_info.hospital.names.newFatherName starting to nod off. You smile. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Hehe, perhaps interfering one last time before they leave would not be that bad. <</mc>> <<narrate>> You slowly close the distance between you and watch $character_info.hospital.names.newFatherName while he's fighting sleep. <</narrate>> <<number_guess_button [[You take over his body|Side_Stories_Scene_4_5_1]] $game.energy-5>><</number_guess_button>>

<<narrate>> As many times before, you take over smoothly. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/possession.jpg">> <<narrate>> Not for the first time, you notice how much more energy it costs taking over somebody fighting sleep. Still you persevere, opening your eyes and straightening a bit. $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName seems to feel you stir and begins to talk, her voice soft but tired while holding the baby gently. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> I can't believe he's finally here. It feels like we've been waiting forever... but now that he's in my arms, time feels like it's moving in slow motion. <</newmother>> <<newfather_mc>> I know, it's surreal. It's like he's been a part of us all along, but also this whole new person. And we're supposed to know what to do with him now... we're in charge of him. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName laughs quietly, her voice filled with wonder. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> I'm trying not to panic, but I feel like I should be getting a manual right now. There's no manual for this, is there? <</newmother>> <<newfather_mc>> If there is, we sure didn't get it. We're just... supposed to figure it out, I guess? You'd think they'd at least hand out a cheat sheet at the hospital. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> She chuckles softly. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Oh, yeah, like a quick guide to parenting. "Step 1: Don't drop him. Step 2: Keep him alive. Step 3: Repeat for 18 years." <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You grin. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> That's basically it, right? But really, I feel like we've got this... I mean, we've been practicing for nine months. We've read the books, taken the classes, we've survived the sleepless nights already just preparing. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName sighs contently, glancing at the baby. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> True. And this little guy's already changed our lives in the best way possible. Look at him, he's perfect. I swear, he's already got a personality... or at least a strong opinion about the world. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You laugh softly. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Yeah, he's got a look about him. Like, "I'm here to take over." He's going to be the boss of us soon enough. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> She smiles, shaking her head. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> We thought we were in control before, didn't we? Now it's just us trying to figure out when he needs to eat or sleep... or when he's about to blow out another diaper. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You playfully roll your eyes. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Oh, I can already tell we're going to have some serious discussions about diaper duty. But hey, I'll do anything for him. Except maybe the late-night bottle runs. You might be on your own for that one. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName nudges you gently with her shoulder. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> You're already talking about getting out of night feedings? You do know I'll need you to get up too, right? We're in this together. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You grin. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Fine, fine. I'll be there, in the middle of the night, bleary-eyed, stumbling around like a zombie. But I'm definitely holding you to that coffee you promised me tomorrow morning. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName laughs quietly, her voice softer now. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Deal. We're going to be so tired, aren't we? <</newmother>> <<newfather_mc>> Oh yeah. But it's going to be the best tired. The kind of tired where you look at him and you think, "I'd do it all over again." <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> She nods, her voice full of tenderness. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Absolutely. I already can't imagine my life without him. It's just... I don't know, he's changed everything in an instant. I mean, I knew I'd love him, but I didn't know it would feel like this. <</newmother>> <<newfather_mc>> I get it. It's like my heart just grew. All of a sudden, I'm this dad, and I want to protect him, teach him everything, and make sure he's happy. I know we're not perfect, but I'm already feeling like we're going to do whatever we can for him. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> She smiles, holding the baby a little closer. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> I feel the same. We're going to figure it out together. And if we mess up, we'll just try again. No pressure, right? We've got a lifetime ahead of us to figure this out. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You nod, your voice soft but certain. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Yeah. A lifetime. And I wouldn't want to spend it with anyone else. This is the beginning of something amazing, isn't it? <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.newMotherName looks at you, her eyes soft but filled with love. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> It really is. We're a family now. It's just us three. And we'll figure it out, one step at a time. <</newmother>> <<newfather_mc>> One step at a time. And with plenty of coffee. And snacks. Lots of snacks. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> She laughs quietly. <</narrate>> <<newmother>> Deal. But right now, just... right now, I think I'm just going to enjoy this moment. This quiet. This little guy in our arms. <</newmother>> <<narrate>> You nod in agreement. <</narrate>> <<newfather_mc>> Yeah. Just... this moment. <</newfather_mc>> <<narrate>> As you sit quietly side by side, you leave his body, feeling he's alert enough again to manage. Feeling this is probably the last time you will see them here, you turn back for one last look before leaving. <</narrate>> <<sidestories_button 4 [[You turn around and leave|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_3]]>> <<update_willpower $game.willpower+1>> <</sidestories_button>>

<<narrate>> As you look into a room of a cancer patient, you see somebody readying a razor. <</narrate>> <<story-image "assets/misc/cancer_patient_profile.jpg" "assets/misc/cancer_patient_friend_profile.jpg">> <<mc thinking>> Looks like they're going to shave her head. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Curious, you take a look. As you move into the room, you notice the man that should do the shaving is shaking slightly, looking very uneasy. A tension is in the air. From the looks of things, the man is about to freeze up. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Maybe I should take over and help out. <</mc>> <<number_guess_button [[Hoping to be of help, you take over|Side_Stories_Scene_5_1_1]] $game.energy-4>><</number_guess_button>>

<<narrate>> Like many times before, you enter somebody's body without any resistance. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/possession.jpg">> <<narrate>> As you take control of his body, you learn his name is $character_info.hospital.names.cancerFriendName and the patient is his best friend, $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName. You feel his nervousness, but work to keep calm and be supportive. <</narrate>> <<cancerfriend_mc>> Alright, this is it. Are you ready for the "new look" of the century? <</cancerfriend_mc>> <<narrate>> You laugh nervously while adjusting the razor. $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName grins. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> As ready as I'll ever be. I mean, if I'm going bald, it might as well be with some style, right? <</cancer>> <<cancerfriend_mc>> Absolutely. And hey, I'm sure you'll rock the bald look. I've always wanted to try it for myself, but I'm pretty sure I couldn't pull it off. <</cancerfriend_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName laughs. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> Yeah, I'm just happy I won't have to worry about bad hair days anymore! Imagine all the time I'll save. No more deciding between flat or curly. <</cancer>> <<cancerfriend_mc>> True! Plus, no more bad haircuts. We can just call this... the ultimate fresh start, you know? Like a whole new chapter in the book of life. <</cancerfriend_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName nods. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> It's the perfect metaphor. Chemo's been rough, but we're turning it into something cool. Honestly, I've been thinking about how much I'm learning about being adaptable. Like, who knew I could pull off the “bald and bold” look? <</cancer>> <<narrate>> During your conversation, you keep shaving her carefully with the razor. You've never done this before, but somehow you manage. <</narrate>> <<cancerfriend_mc>> You're totally pulling it off! And, when this is all over, we're gonna throw a "hair-growing party." We'll celebrate every inch, every new curl, every strand! <</cancerfriend_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName laughs. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> I love it! I can already imagine the party favors. Maybe tiny little combs and hair serums as giveaways? <</cancer>> <<cancerfriend_mc>> Perfect! And don't worry, once you start getting your hair back, we'll take all the embarrassing "before" pictures so we can laugh about this moment forever. <</cancerfriend_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName grins. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> Oh, definitely. You've gotta have proof of the whole bald transformation! Plus, it'll be a fun memory for later. <</cancer>> <<cancerfriend_mc>> Exactly! And hey, I'm always here for you. Bald or not, you're still the amazing, strong, and beautiful person I've always known. <</cancerfriend_mc>> <<cancer>> Aww, you're the best. Thanks for being here through all of this. I honestly couldn't ask for a better bald-shaving buddy. <</cancer>> <<cancerfriend_mc>> Anytime! We're in this together. Now let's finish this shave so we can take some goofy pictures! <</cancerfriend_mc>> <<narrate>> You finish the shave and leave $character_info.hospital.names.cancerFriendName's body. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Looks like they'll be ok now, his nervousness is largely gone. I should leave them to it. <</mc>> <<sidestories_button 5 [[Slowly, you leave the room|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_4]]>> <<update_willpower $game.willpower+1>> <</sidestories_button>>

<<narrate>> As you pass by a room, you see the patient you helped shave sitting in a chair near the window, looking down. <</narrate>> <<story-image "assets/misc/cancer_patient_profile.jpg" "assets/misc/cancer_patient2_profile.jpg">> <<mc thinking>> Looks like she could use some cheering up. I saw her talking with her neighbor a few times already, they seem to have a close bond, maybe he'll notice? <</mc>> <<narrate>> Looking at her neighbor, you find him watching tv, oblivious of $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName's mood. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Doesn't look like he realizes her mood. Let's help out a bit. <</mc>> <<number_guess_button [[You move to take over the cancer patient|Side_Stories_Scene_5_2_1]] $game.energy-4>><</number_guess_button>>

<<narrate>> Like many times before, you enter somebody's body without any resistance. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/possession.jpg">> <<narrate>> As you take control of his body, you learn that his name is $character_info.hospital.names.cancer2Name. Slowly, you get out of bed and walk towards $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName. <</narrate>> <<cancer2_mc>> Hey, something's got you down? <</cancer2_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName sighs. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> I just don't know anymore... I'm so tired of all of this. The treatments, the side effects… It feels like it's never going to end. <</cancer>> <<narrate>> You respond to her gently. <</narrate>> <<cancer2_mc>> I get it. I really do. It's like a never-ending rollercoaster, right? You have your highs, but sometimes those lows just hit hard. <</cancer2_mc>> <<cancer>> Yeah, exactly. Some days, it just feels like the fight's not worth it. I'm so exhausted... physically and mentally. <</cancer>> <<narrate>> You answer softly. <</narrate>> <<cancer2_mc>> It's okay to feel like that. We're allowed to have our moments where we feel down. But, hey... when I'm feeling that way, I try to remember how much we've already gotten through. You're here, you're fighting, and that's huge. <</cancer2_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName sighs again. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> But it's so hard. Some days I just want to curl up and pretend like none of this is happening. <</cancer>> <<cancer2_mc>> I hear you. I've felt that way too—like the weight of it all is just too much to carry. But remember... we've got each other. We're not alone in this. Every time I'm having a bad day, I think about how much we've supported each other through this journey. And, honestly, it's been a lifeline for me. <</cancer2_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName smiles weakly. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> You always know what to say... <</cancer>> <<narrate>> You grin. <</narrate>> <<cancer2_mc>> Well, I'm just speaking the truth! You're strong, even when you don't feel like it. Look at all you've already been through—chemo, treatments, the side effects—and yet, here you are, still standing. You've got this warrior spirit in you. And I'm right here with you every step of the way. <</cancer2_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName sniffs. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> I don't know if I feel like a warrior. Some days I just feel... so weak. <</cancer>> <<cancer2_mc>> Trust me, I've been there. But even on your worst days, you're still fighting. That takes strength. And you know what else? We get to have bad days. It doesn't mean we're losing or giving up. It just means we're human. <</cancer2_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName pauses, thinking. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> Yeah... I guess that's true. I just have to remind myself of the little victories. Like, I actually got out of bed today. <</cancer>> <<cancer2_mc>> Exactly! Little victories add up. And every day you keep fighting, it's another step closer to the end of this. And when we get there, we're going to look back at all of it, and we're going to see just how far we've come. We'll be amazed by how strong we really were. <</cancer2_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName smiles a little more. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> You really know how to lift me up. Thanks for being here for me. <</cancer>> <<cancer2_mc>> Anytime. We're in this together, remember? You're never alone. And when you can't see it, I'll be here to remind you of how incredible you are. <</cancer2_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName nods. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> Thanks. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day... one step at a time, right? <</cancer>> <<cancer2_mc>> That's the spirit! One step at a time, and I'm here to walk with you through every single one. We've got this. <</cancer2_mc>> <<narrate>> Having lifted up her spirits somewhat, you return to $character_info.hospital.names.cancer2Name's bed and release his body. You see him looking at $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName with a small smile before you leave. <</narrate>> <<sidestories_button 5 [[You leave the room|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_4]]>> <<update_willpower $game.willpower+1>> <</sidestories_button>>

<<narrate>> Looking into the room, you see a familiar face receiving chemotherapy. Her 'shaving friend' is sitting beside her, looking uncomfortable. <</narrate>> <<story-image "assets/misc/cancer_patient_profile.jpg" "assets/misc/cancer_patient_friend_profile.jpg">> <<mc thinking>> Oh, I remember him. He was just as uncomfortable during the shaving. Maybe I can help out a bit again, they look like they could use it. <</mc>> <<number_guess_button [[Deciding to help out a bit, you take over the friend|Side_Stories_Scene_5_3_1]] $game.energy-4>><</number_guess_button>>

<<narrate>> Just like before, you take over without any issues. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/possession.jpg">> <<narrate>> As you take control of his body, you feel his nervousness again. For a moment, you are unsure on how to proceed. $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName glances at the IV drip, sighing. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> Here we are again. I swear, it feels like I live here sometimes. <</cancer>> <<narrate>> You smile softly. <</narrate>> <<cancerfriend_mc>> I know what you mean. I was thinking about bringing you a little "home away from home" gift next time—like, maybe a blanket or some fuzzy socks? Something to make this place feel a little less... hospital-y. <</cancerfriend_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName laughs weakly. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> I would love that. Maybe a little pillow too so I can pretend I'm lounging at home. I could use some comfort, for sure. <</cancer>> <<cancerfriend_mc>> Absolutely. Comfort is key! And speaking of comfort, how's the treatment going today? Are you feeling okay? <</cancerfriend_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName shrugs. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> It's not terrible, but I'm already feeling that familiar wave of nausea coming on. Ugh, I can't wait for this part to be over. But... I know it's working, right? I just have to keep reminding myself it's for the best. <</cancer>> <<narrate>> You nod. <</narrate>> <<cancerfriend_mc>> You're doing amazing. I'm so proud of how strong you've been through all of this. I can't even imagine how tough it is, but if anyone can handle it, it's you. You've got this. <</cancerfriend_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName smiles faintly. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> Thanks. You always know how to make me feel better. I think that's why I'm glad you're here. I know it's boring for you, sitting here with me while I get poked and prodded. <</cancer>> <<narrate>> You grin. <</narrate>> <<cancerfriend_mc>> Are you kidding? I'm the one who's lucky to be here with you. This is important. I don't care how many times I've been in this chair, it's worth it just to hang out with you. Plus, I'm totally your personal cheerleader today. <</cancerfriend_mc>> <<narrate>> To emphasize your point, you start dancing with imaginary pom-poms. $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName laughs. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> Oh gosh, don't start, or I might actually feel like I'm at a game! I'm about to get all pumped up for round two of chemo. <</cancer>> <<narrate>> You pretend to get serious. <</narrate>> <<cancerfriend_mc>> That's right. You've already conquered one round. Now, this is just the victory lap. You've got this, warrior! <</cancerfriend_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName laughs. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> Alright, alright. You win. I feel like I can tackle this day now with my personal cheerleader by my side. You really make this a lot more bearable, you know? <</cancer>> <<narrate>> You grin. <</narrate>> <<cancerfriend_mc>> I'm just doing my job! But seriously, no one said you have to do this alone. I'm here for all of it. The tough stuff, the funny stuff, the boring stuff, and the really bad stuff too. <</cancerfriend_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName pauses, then looks at you with gratitude. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> Thank you. You don't know how much this means to me. Sometimes, I feel like I'm just... going through the motions, but with you here, it makes everything feel a little less scary. <</cancer>> <<narrate>> You smile warmly. <</narrate>> <<cancerfriend_mc>> That's what friends are for. And, hey, you've got the best friend in the world on your side, so whenever it gets tough, I'll be right here. Let's make a deal—whenever you're feeling down, I'm going to be the one to remind you that we've got this, together. <</cancerfriend_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName nods. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> Deal. And maybe after all this is over, we'll treat ourselves to a spa day or something. Just imagine—full relaxation. No needles, no chemo, just us and some pampering. <</cancer>> <<narrate>> You laugh. <</narrate>> <<cancerfriend_mc>> I love that idea! A spa day, and maybe some chocolate too. Does that sound like a good plan? <</cancerfriend_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName laughs. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> Sounds perfect. You've got yourself a date. But for now, I think I'm going to focus on getting through this round of treatment, knowing that chocolate and pampering are on the other side. <</cancer>> <<narrate>> You smile brightly. <</narrate>> <<cancerfriend_mc>> You've got it! And I'll be right here cheering you on, every step of the way. You are so much stronger than you know. <</cancerfriend_mc>> <<narrate>> As the conversation dies down, you decide to release his $character_info.hospital.names.cancerFriendName's body, confident he'll be able to take it from here. <</narrate>> <<sidestories_button 5 [[A job well done, you leave them|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_4]]>> <<update_willpower $game.willpower+1>> <</sidestories_button>>

<<narrate>> You're shocked to see the state $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName is in. From everything in the room, you can see she hasn't got much time left in this world. Her friend is beside her again, trying but failing to speak. <</narrate>> <<story-image "assets/misc/cancer_patient_profile.jpg" "assets/misc/cancer_patient_friend_profile.jpg">> <<mc thinking>> Maybe I should help out one last time. Whenever I take over, I can hear surface thoughts and feel surface emotions, maybe I can help bring them across. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Still, you hesitate. Is this something you are ready for? Should you interfere in these last moments? <</narrate>> <<button [[You decide you should not interfere|Side_Stories_Scene_5_4_1]]>><</button>> <<button [[You decide to try to help them|Side_Stories_Scene_5_4_2]]>><</button>>

<<mc thinking>> No, it's not my place to interfere. What if I said anything wrong? What if I ruin these last moments <</mc>> <<narrate>> As you watch on, both people just stare at each other, unable to voice their thoughts. Slowly, $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName seems to grow weaker, more tired. Only with seemingly immense effort can she keep her eyes open. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> Did I do the right thing? Should I not have helped? They look like they still have things to say, but are unable to. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Unfortunately, your window of opportunity has passed, $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName closes her eyes and slowly but surely her breath becomes more shallow before stopping completely. As you hear the heart monitor flatline, you leave the room, all but running away. <</narrate>> <<sidestories_button 5 [[Full of guilt, you leave the room|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_4]]>><</sidestories_button>>

<<mc thinking>> It may be not my place to interfere, but it really looks like they still have things to say to each other. <</mc>> <<narrate>> Still, you hesitate, realizing all too well this will be the last conversation they'll ever have. <</narrate>> <<mc thinking>> I can't hesitate any longer. If I don't move now, it'll be too late to do anything. <</mc>> <<number_guess_button [[Firming your resolve, you take control|Side_Stories_Scene_5_4_3]] $game.energy-4 'Hospital_Oncology_Patient_Room'>><</number_guess_button>>

<<narrate>> You enter $character_info.hospital.names.cancerFriendName without any issues. <</narrate>> <<image "./assets/misc/possession.jpg">> <<narrate>> Upon taking control, you feel his raging emotions. It takes a considerable effort to get them under control. Many thoughts bounce around, much more than when you take over somebody under normal circumstances. While you gather yourself, $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName speaks up softly. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> I'm so tired... It's like my body's telling me it's time to rest. <</cancer>> <<narrate>> You smile gently, holding her hand. <</narrate>> <<cancerfriend_mc>> I know. You've been so strong through all of this, and I'm so proud of you. You've fought with everything you had. <</cancerfriend_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName smiles faintly. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> I've had to. You've been by my side the whole time. How could I not keep fighting? You're like... my anchor. <</cancer>> <<narrate>> You feel tears welling up. <</narrate>> <<cancerfriend_mc>> I don't know how to say this, but I've never known someone as brave as you. You've shown me what real strength is. And I'm so honored to have been with you through all of it. <</cancerfriend_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName whispers. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> I couldn't have done it without you. I need you to know that. Even on the hard days, just hearing your voice made everything feel a little less heavy. <</cancer>> <<narrate>> You gently brush a tear away. <</narrate>> <<cancerfriend_mc>> You've been my rock too. You've taught me so much about life—about living fully, about love, about resilience. I will carry everything you've taught me, always. <</cancerfriend_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName smiles softly, her eyes closing for a moment. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> I don't want you to be sad. You've made me so happy. I'm at peace now... I know I'll be okay. <</cancer>> <<narrate>> You start choking up. <</narrate>> <<cancerfriend_mc>> I'll miss you so much. I don't know how to say goodbye. I just... don't want to let go. <</cancerfriend_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName answers, her voice no longer more than a whisper. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> You don't have to say goodbye. I'll always be with you. In your heart, in your memories... and when you hear a song that makes you smile, or when you see something beautiful, that's me, sending you love. <</cancer>> <<narrate>> She pauses. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> And when you need me, just close your eyes, and I'll be there. <</cancer>> <<narrate>> You hold her hand tighter. <</narrate>> <<cancerfriend_mc>> I'll keep that close to my heart. You've made my world brighter, and even though I'll miss you every day... I'll carry that light with me. <</cancerfriend_mc>> <<cancer>> I'll always be with you. <</cancer>> <<cancerfriend_mc>> Always. And I'll keep you alive in my stories, in my laughter, and in the way I live every day, because you showed me how precious it all is. <</cancerfriend_mc>> <<narrate>> $character_info.hospital.names.cancerName smiles weakly, eyes closing. <</narrate>> <<cancer>> Thank you... for everything. I love you. <</cancer>> <<narrate>> Your voice trembles as you respond to her final goodbye. <</narrate>> <<cancerfriend_mc>> I love you too. Always. <</cancerfriend_mc>> <<narrate>> Having helped express $character_info.hospital.names.cancerFriendName's emotions, you leave his body, so he can spend these final moments alone with her. There is no more conversation. <</narrate>> <<sidestories_button 5 [[Silently, you leave the room|Hospital_Hallway_Floor_4]]>> <<update_willpower $game.willpower+1>> <</sidestories_button>>

<<sidestories_include 1 1 0 'Hospital_Patient_Room'>> <<sidestories_include 1 2 2 'Hospital_Patient_Room'>> <<sidestories_include 2 1 0 'Hospital_Delivery_Room'>> <<sidestories_include 3 1 0 'Hospital_Hallway_Floor_2'>> <<sidestories_include 3 2 2 'Hospital_Room'>> <<sidestories_include 3 3 1 'Hospital_Lobby'>> <<sidestories_include 3 4 2 'Hospital_Hallway_Floor_2'>> <<sidestories_include 3 5 2 'Hospital_Room'>> <<sidestories_include 3 6 2 'Hospital_Room'>> <<sidestories_include 3 7 1 'Hospital_Lobby'>> <<sidestories_include 3 8 2 'Hospital_Room'>> <<sidestories_include 3 9 2 'Hospital_Hallway_Floor_2'>> <<sidestories_include 4 1 0 'Hospital_Maternity_Patient_Room'>> <<sidestories_include 4 2 2 'Hospital_Maternity_Patient_Room'>> <<sidestories_include 4 3 1 'Hospital_Maternity_Patient_Room'>> <<sidestories_include 4 4 1 'Hospital_Maternity_Patient_Room'>> <<sidestories_include 4 5 1 'Hospital_Maternity_Patient_Room'>> <<sidestories_include 5 1 0 'Hospital_Oncology_Patient_Room'>> <<sidestories_include 5 2 1 'Hospital_Oncology_Patient_Room'>> <<sidestories_include 5 3 1 'Hospital_Oncology_Exam_Room'>> <<sidestories_include 5 4 2 'Hospital_Oncology_Patient_Room'>>

<<quest_button "You see a astral body floating above a patient's bed" "Side_Stories_Scene_1_1">><</quest_button>>

<<energy_willpower_check_button "The old man's astral body is here again" "Side_Stories_Scene_1_2" $game.energy-11 0>><</energy_willpower_check_button>>

<<energy_willpower_check_button "As you look in, a man faints" "Side_Stories_Scene_2_1" $game.energy-5 0>><</energy_willpower_check_button>>

<<set _last to previous()>> <<if _last != 'Hospital_Room'>> <<quest_button "You see your ex-girlfriend talk to another patient" "Side_Stories_Scene_3_1">><</quest_button>> <</if>>

<<energy_willpower_check_button "Your ex-girlfriend comes into your room" "Side_Stories_Scene_3_2" $game.energy-7 7>><</energy_willpower_check_button>>

<<quest_button "Your ex-girlfriend is sitting on a bench" "Side_Stories_Scene_3_3">><</quest_button>>

<<quest_button "Your ex-girlfriend walking through the hallway" "Side_Stories_Scene_3_4">><</quest_button>>

<<quest_button "Your ex-girlfriend is back for a visit" "Side_Stories_Scene_3_5">><</quest_button>>

<<energy_willpower_check_button "Your ex-girlfriend is sitting beside your bed" "Side_Stories_Scene_3_6" $game.energy-6 0>><</energy_willpower_check_button>>

<<quest_button "Your ex-girlfriend is grabbing some coffee" "Side_Stories_Scene_3_7">><</quest_button>>

<<quest_button "Your ex-girlfriend is sitting beside your bed" "Side_Stories_Scene_3_8">><</quest_button>>

<<set _last to previous()>> <<if _last != 'Hospital_Room'>> <<energy_willpower_check_button "You see your ex-girlfriend leaving your room" "Side_Stories_Scene_3_9" $game.energy-3 13>><</energy_willpower_check_button>> <</if>>

<<energy_willpower_check_button "A mother is feeding her baby" "Side_Stories_Scene_4_1" $game.energy-3 5>><</energy_willpower_check_button>>

<<energy_willpower_check_button "A family is talking pictures with their newborn" "Side_Stories_Scene_4_2" $game.energy-4 5>><</energy_willpower_check_button>>

<<energy_willpower_check_button "Two parents are sitting quietly with their baby" "Side_Stories_Scene_4_3" $game.energy-4 5>><</energy_willpower_check_button>>

<<energy_willpower_check_button "Two parents are changing a diaper" "Side_Stories_Scene_4_4" $game.energy-3 5>><</energy_willpower_check_button>>

<<energy_willpower_check_button "Two parents are sitting together, looking exhausted" "Side_Stories_Scene_4_5" $game.energy-5 5>><</energy_willpower_check_button>>

<<energy_willpower_check_button "A man is readying a razor" "Side_Stories_Scene_5_1" $game.energy-4 6>><</energy_willpower_check_button>>

<<energy_willpower_check_button "A patient looks out of the window, looking down" "Side_Stories_Scene_5_2" $game.energy-4 6>><</energy_willpower_check_button>>

<<energy_willpower_check_button "A patient is having chemotherapy" "Side_Stories_Scene_5_3" $game.energy-4 6>><</energy_willpower_check_button>>

<<energy_willpower_check_button "A sad scene enters your eyes" "Side_Stories_Scene_5_4" $game.energy-4 15>><</energy_willpower_check_button>>

<<fadein 2s>> <div class="title"> JFire studios presents </div> <<image "./assets/misc/animated-logo-2x-speed.gif" "max-width:30%;margin:auto">> <</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 3s>> <div class="title"> LUCID COMA </div> <<image "./assets/misc/lucid_dream.jpg">> <</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 6s>> <<narrate>> Welcome to 'Lucid Coma'. This game is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The characters, events, and situations depicted in this work are fictional and any similarities to real persons, living or dead, or actual events are purely coincidental and unintended. <</narrate>> <<button [[I understand and am ready to start the game|Start_Game]]>><</button>> <</fadein>>

<div class="subtitle"> Let's start with some information on how the game is constructed </div> <<dev>> Hello there, and welcome to 'Lucid Coma'. You can call me '$character_info.names.devName' and I am your developer and here to get you started. Don't worry, I won't be making much of an appearance except for some explanations, so just bear with me for a little while. <</dev>> <<dev>> On the left hand side, there is a bar with some helpful information. You can collapse or expand it for a better gaming experience. You can also use it to view your progress or some hints on how to proceed. In addition, you can change your settings to your liking. Finally, you can save and load or even restart the game here. <</dev>> <<dev>> Whenever you see a box like this one, with an image to the left and a colored bar, it means somebody is speaking. The character's portrait will be to the left, and their name at the top. Everything in the box will be the things they say. <</dev>> <<dev thinking>> Similarly, when you have a box like this, with the text in italic, it means the character is thinking. <</dev>> <<narrate>> A box like this one, with a simple white border is used to narrate. <</narrate>> <<dev>> Simple, isn't it? There is actually a bit more to it, but I'll explain that after the intro. You can also skip the intro, but bear in mind that you'll lose a part of the story, making it hard to understand what's going on. <</dev>> <<button [[Let's get started|First_Setup]]>><</button>>

<<dev>> First and foremost, let's select the avatar for the main character. <</dev>> <<include Settings_Avatar>> <<dev>> Next, let's do the same thing for the ex-girlfriend of the main character. <</dev>> <<include Settings_Girlfriend>> <<dev>> Don't worry too much about these settings, you can always change them in the 'Settings' page on the left hand side. <</dev>> <<dev>> Now that we got that out of the way, let's begin the game. Enjoy! <</dev>> <<button [[Play the intro|Intro_1]]>><</button>> <<button [[Skip the intro|Intro_Skip]]>><</button>>

<<widget 'avatar_selection'>> <div class="column-avatar"> <<set _imgSrc to "<img src="+$args[1]+">">> <<link _imgSrc>> <<set State.variables.character_info.avatars[$args[0]] to $args[1]>> <<update>> <</link>> </div> <</widget>>

<<widget 'energy_button' container>>  <<set _energy_consumption to $game.energy-$args[1]>> <<if _energy_consumption > 0>> <<set _operation to 'use'>> <<else>> <<set _operation to 'restore'>> <<set _energy_consumption to _energy_consumption*-1>> <</if>>  <<if $args[0].isLink>> <<set _btn_text to $args[0].text>> <<else>> <<set _btn_text to $args[0]>> <</if>> <<set _btn_text to _btn_text + " (" + _operation + " " + _energy_consumption + " energy)">> <<if $args[0].isLink>> <<set $args[0].text to _btn_text>> <<else>> <<set $args[0] to _btn_text>> <</if>>  <<disable $args[1] < 0>> <<button $args[0]>> _contents <<set State.variables.game.energy to $args[1]>> <<updatemeter 'energy' `$game.energy/$game.maxEnergy`>> <<update>> <</button>> <</disable>> <</widget>>

<<widget "energy_willpower_check_button" container>>  <<set _energy_consumption to $game.energy-$args[2]>> <<if _energy_consumption > 0>> <<set _operation to "needs">> <<else>> <<set _operation to "restores">> <<set _energy_consumption to _energy_consumption*-1>> <</if>>  <<set _energy_text to "">> <<if _energy_consumption != 0>> <<set _energy_text to _operation + " " + _energy_consumption + " energy">> <</if>> <<set _btn_text to $args[0]>> <<if $args[3] == 0>> <<set _btn_text to _btn_text + " (" + _energy_text + ")">> <<else>> <<if _energy_consumption != 0>> <<set _energy_text to _energy_text + " and ">> <</if>> <<set _btn_text to _btn_text + " (" + _energy_text + "requires " + $args[3] + " willpower)">> <</if>> <<set $args[0] to _btn_text>>  <<if !$args[4]>> <<set _classes to "quest-button">> <<if $args[1]>> <<if $args[1].startsWith("Main_Story_")>> <<set _classes to _classes + " main-quest-button">> <<elseif $args[1].startsWith("Side_Stories_")>> <<set _classes to _classes + " side-quest-button">> <</if>> <</if>> <<set $args[0] to "<i class='"+_classes+"'/>" + $args[0]>> <</if>>  <<disable $args[2] < 0 or $game.willpower < $args[3]>> <<button $args[0] $args[1]>> _contents <<update>> <</button>> <</disable>> <</widget>>

<<widget 'hints_include'>> <<if $story.main.progress > $args[0]>> <<set _scene to "Hints_"+$args[0]>> <<include _scene>> <</if>> <</widget>>

<<widget 'hints_plans_include'>> <<if $story.main.progress == $args[0]>> <<set $misc.has_clues to true>> <<set _scene to "Hints_Plans_"+$args[0]>> <<include _scene>> <</if>> <</widget>>

<<widget 'mainstory_button' container>> <<button $args[0]>> _contents <<set $story.main.progress++>> <<set $story.main.progress_day to $game.current_day>> <</button>> <</widget>>

<<widget 'mainstory_include'>> <<if $story.main.progress == $args[0] and $story.main.progress_day + $args[1] <= $game.current_day and passage() == $args[2]>> <<set _scene to "Main_Story_Text_Scene_"+$args[0]>> <<include _scene>> <br> <</if>> <</widget>>

<<widget "number_guess_button" container>>  <<set $game.num_guess.link to $args[0]>> <<if $game.num_guess.link.isLink>> <<set $game.num_guess.link.text to "Take over">> <</if>> <<set $game.num_guess.energy to $args[1]>> <<if $args[2]>> <<set $game.num_guess.fail_passage to $args[2]>> <<else>> <<set $game.num_guess.fail_passage to previous()>> <</if>>   <<set _energy_consumption to $game.energy-$args[1]>> <<if _energy_consumption > 0>> <<set _operation to 'use'>> <<else>> <<set _operation to 'restore'>> <<set _energy_consumption to _energy_consumption*-1>> <</if>> <<if $args[0].isLink>> <<set _btn_text to $args[0].text>> <<else>> <<set _btn_text to $args[0]>> <</if>> <<set _btn_text to _btn_text + " (" + _operation + " " + _energy_consumption + " energy)">> <<button _btn_text>> _contents <<goto 'Number_Guessing_Mini_Game'>> <</button>> <</widget>>

<<widget 'quest_button' container>> <<if $args[0]>> <<set _classes to "quest-button">> <<if $args[1]>> <<if $args[1].startsWith("Main_Story_")>> <<set _classes to _classes + " main-quest-button">> <<elseif $args[1].startsWith("Side_Stories_")>> <<set _classes to _classes + " side-quest-button">> <</if>> <</if>> <<set $args[0] to "<i class='"+_classes+"'/>" + $args[0]>> <</if>> <<button $args[0] $args[1]>> _contents <</button>> <</widget>>

<<widget 'random_scenes_button' container>> <<button $args[2]>> _contents <<if !$args[1].includes($args[0])>> <<set $args[1].push($args[0])>> <</if>> <</button>> <</widget>>

<<widget 'random_scenes_include'>> <<set _random_event to random(0, ($args[0] * $story.random.chance_multiplier) - 1);>> <<for _i to 0; _i lt $args[0]; _i++>> <<if _random_event == _i>> <<set _scene to $args[1]+(_i+1)>> <<include _scene>> <br> <</if>> <</for>> <</widget>>

<<widget 'sidestories_button' container>> <<button $args[1]>> _contents <<set $story.side.hospital.progress[$args[0]-1]++>> <<set $story.side.hospital.progress_day[$args[0]-1] to $game.current_day>> <</button>> <</widget>>

<<widget 'sidestories_include'>> <<if $story.side.hospital.progress[$args[0]-1] == $args[1] and $story.side.hospital.progress_day[$args[0]-1] + $args[2] <= $game.current_day and passage() == $args[3]>> <<set _scene to "Side_Stories_Text_Scene_"+$args[0]+"_"+$args[1]>> <<include _scene>> <br> <</if>> <</widget>>

<<widget 'update_willpower'>> <<set _willpower to $args[0]>> <<if _willpower > $game.maxWillpower>> <<set _willpower to $game.maxWillpower>> <</if>> <<set State.variables.game.willpower to _willpower>> <<update>> <</widget>>