The Drinks of Time

Today is an ordinary Fall day, just like any other. As you grab your light blue coffee thermos and rush out the door of your apartment, the crisp outside air submerges you into a pool of (link: "Fall sensations")[{Fall sensations.* The scent of morning dew, covering the dying green grass. (live: 3s)[ The dampened orange, red and brown leaves falling from the trees, creating murals of color across the ground. ] (live: 7s)[ The intoxicating flavors of cinnamon, pumpkin and apples floating through the air. ]*}] While you stroll along the walking path, the air filters through the tiny holes in your (link: "gray scarf.")[gray scarf. * It's your favorite scarf. You'll never forget the day you received it. Your cousin put so much time into crocheting it the Christmas after your parents passed away.*] Your final destination, as usual, is (link: " work. ")[work. *Sometimes it feels like your only destination is work. But, in today's society, power in the workforce is important, right?* ]This morning's journey is different though, as you can't help but notice how [[perfect this day seems to be|Perfect Day]].

As you stroll down the side walk, you're lost in (link: "thought.")[thought. *It's during the Fall when you feel the most alone.(live: 2s)[ Perhaps it's because your parents passed away during this season many years ago.](live: 5s)[ You're not sure, but it would be nice to have someone - <b>anyone</b> - to share your life with.]*] Out of the corner of your eye, you see a man with a small food cart selling what appears to be hot beverages. Even though you already have some coffee, you feel strangely compelled to go over to the man that no one else seems to notice. [[You approach him|Odd Man]]. [[You're late for work, so you rush by|Neither]].

(set: $eyes to (either: "piercing green", "icy blue", "frosty gray")) When you arrive to the cart, the (link: "man")[man - *with an almost familiar aura, piercing $eyes eyes, and a melodic voice* -] peers up at you. You can't help but feel as though you've seen him before, but you just can't place him. In an almost hypnotic, energetic tone, the man greets you. He continues on to ask you if you'd like a cup of creamy, peppermint hot chocolate or a cup of apple cider, insisting that either option will (link: "life changing experience.")[life changing experience. *You've heard the expression before, yet you can't seem to understand how a single drink could alter your life in anyway.*] For fifty cents per cup, it couldn't hurt to try one of them. [[You decide to try a warm cup of cider|Apple Cider]]. [[You're more of a chocolate person, so you decide to buy a cup of the peppermint hot chocolate|Hot Chocolate]]. [[You realize you still have coffee left. Maybe you'll stop by tomorrow, but probably not|Neither]].

As you lift the green paper cup to your lips, your senses are engulfed in mixture of peppermint and chocolate. The milky beverage spreads over your taste buds, filling you with hopes and dreams of a blissful future.[[ |Companion]] (if: (history:) contains "Companionship")[(goto: "Companion")] (else:)[You smile to yourself, as you realize that this cup of minty chocolate bliss truly was a life changing experience, as you haven't dreamt of a distant future in such a long while. (if: (history:) contains "Dream")[The intoxicating drink seems to eliminate your recent memories of the man with $eyes. [[In fact, you're more focused on your future than you've ever been|Hot Chocolate Start]].](else:)[ Of course, you haven't realized that these wishes are [[merely the beginning|Hot Chocolate Start]].]]

As you lift the white Styrofoam cup to your lips, your senses are engulfed in mixture of cinnamon and apple. The flavor that spreads over your taste buds brings back memories from your childhood holidays, mixed with dreams you once had that you've never achieved. You smile to yourself, as you realize that this cup of apple cider truly was a life changing experience, as you haven't thought of your distant past in such a long time. (if: (history:) contains "Dream")[The intoxicating drink seems to eliminate your recent memories of the man with $eyes. [[In fact, you're more focused on your past than you have been in years|Cider Start]].](else:)[Of course, you haven't realized that these memories are [[merely the beginning|Cider Start]].]

(set: $dinner to(either: "three cheese lasagna", "mac n' cheese", "chicken Caesar salad", "extra spicy tacos")) (set: $novel to (either: "<u>Brave New World</u>", "<u>Fifty Shades Darker</u>", "<u>The Twilight Saga</u>", "<u>Eat, Pray, Love</u>")) After you arrive at work, the hours seem to rush by and then, suddenly, it's time to go (link: "home.")[home. *If you can even call it that. An empty apartment with things that belong to you, yet you've barely used them.*] You walk past where the drink cart was earlier and realize the cart is (link: "no longer there.")[no longer there. *It's not really too peculiar that the old man with the cart is gone, since it has been over eight hours. You just can't get the flavorful cider out of your mind and you were secretly hoping you might get to buy another cup.*] When you get home, you make $dinner. After you eat, you relax while reading $novel and [[fall into a deep sleep|Sleeping 2]].

(set: $dinner to(either: "three cheese lasagna", "mac n' cheese", "chicken Caesar salad", "extra spicy tacos")) (set: $novel to (either: "<u>Brave New World</u>", "<u>Fifty Shades Darker</u>", "<u>Twilight</u>", "<u>Eat, Pray, Love</u>")) When you get to work, you head to your desk and go through your day(if: (history:) contains "Odd Man")[, not even giving the man with $eyes eyes a second thought.](else:)[ and the odd little cart never crosses your mind.] After work, you take the (link: "same route")[same route home. *You're such a creature of habit.(live: 3s)[ You always take the same route to and from work.](live: 6s)[ It's the fastest and the scenery is always pleasant.]*] When you get there, you make $dinner and, after reading a few pages of your favorite novel, $novel, you fall asleep on the plush, white living room couch. [[ |Sleeping]] (if: (history:) contains "Same Route")[(live: 7s)[(goto: "Sleeping")]] (else:)[(live: 12s)[(goto: "Sleeping")]]

(if: (history:) contains "Odd Man")[(Text-style: "blur")[You have a weird dream. In it, there is a man with $eyes eyes that seems to be signaling you towards him. (live: 4s)[Much too intelligent to fall for his tricks, you run away.] (live: 7s)[You run until suddenly there is no ground under your feet.]] (align: '==>')[(live: 12s)[<h2>Then you fall.</h2>]]](else:)[(set: $eyes to (either: "piercing green", "icy blue", "frosty gray"))(Text-style: "blur")[You have a weird dream. In it, there is a man with $eyes eyes that seems to be signaling you towards him. (live: 4s)[Much too intelligent to fall for his tricks, you run away.] (live: 7s)[You run until suddenly there is no ground under your feet.]] (align: '==>')[(live: 12s)[<h2>Then you fall.</h2>]]] (live: 17s)[(if:(history:) contains "Just A Dream")[(goto: "Just A Dream")])(else:)[(goto: "Another Morning")]] [[ |Another Morning]]

You wake suddenly, unsure of who the man with the $eyes eyes was. You glance at your watch and notice that it's already seven in the morning. You quickly shower and dress yourself. As you run to the kitchen, you realize that today is an ordinary fall day, just like any other. [[ |Fall Day 2]] (live: 13s)[(goto: "Fall Day 2")]

(put: (prompt: "First, what's your name?") into $name) (put: (prompt: "Do you consider yourself to be you male or female? **Please respond with either 'M' or 'F'**") into $gender) [[ |Fall Day]] (goto: "Fall Day")

As you grab your light blue coffee thermos and rush out the door of your apartment, the crisp outside air submerges you into a pool of (link: "Fall sensations")[{Fall sensations.* The scent of morning dew, covering the dying green grass. (live: 3s)[ The dampened orange, red and brown leaves falling from the trees, creating murals of color across the ground. ] (live: 7s)[ The intoxicating flavors of cinnamon, pumpkin and apples floating through the air. ]*}] While you stroll along the walking path, the air filters through the tiny holes in your (link: "gray scarf.")[gray scarf. * It's your favorite scarf. You'll never forget the day you received it. Your cousin put so much time into crocheting it the Christmas after your parents passed away.*] Your final destination, as usual, is (link: " work. ")[work. *Sometimes it feels like your only destination is work. But, in today's society, power in the workforce is important, right?* ]This morning's journey is different though, as you can't help but notice how [[familiar this day seems to be|Imperfect Day]].

As you stroll down the side walk, you see the same little man with a small food cart selling what still appears to be hot beverages. You can't shake the feeling that something is completely off, as though you are living in a dreamlike state. In fact, it's almost although you've lived this exact moment <i>yesterday</i>. There doesn't seem to be anyone on this walk way besides the little old man, who was there yesterday morning, selling drinks. [[You decide to approach him|Odd Man 2]]. [[This is just too weird. You decide to go straight to work|Work]].

As you near the old man, he looks up at you with calming $eyes eyes. "Hello, $name! What can I get for you today?" You respond, saying, "Oh, I don't need a drink. I was just wondering what..." You pause, startled. You can't recall telling him your name. [["How do you know my name? I don't remember telling it to you."|Dream]] [[You ignore this odd coincidence. Instead you ask, "What is the date today?"|Date]]

When you arrive to work, you immediately notice that the secretary's calendar is set to yesterdays date. When you point it out, she insists that the date visible is correct. You go directly to your office, where you notice that all the work you finished yesterday isn't done yet. This doesn't make any sense. In fact, it feels like yesterday was just some sort of dream. (if: (history:) contains "Dream")[Is this what the man in the park was talking about? [[Should you continue on with your work day|Work Day]]? [[Or, should you go back to the park and ask the $eyes eyed man what is happening|Sick Day]]?] (else:)[Maybe what you thought was yesterday was just a [[dream|Just A Dream]]. You know that tomorrow will be normal, [[so you continue on with your work day|Work Day]], as though everything is fine.]

"Ahh, you haven't, $name. You've never seen me before." He pauses, resting his eerie $eyes eyes on your face. "Except, perhaps, in your dreams." "What do you mean, in my dreams?" The old man chuckles under his breath and responds, "Perhaps a free cup of cider or hot chocolate may clarify things a bit." [[You accept his offer and take a cup of cider|Apple Cider]]. [[You accept his offer and take a cup of hot chocolate|Hot Chocolate]]. [[You step away from the confusing, creepy old man and immediately walk to work|Work]].

(set: $boss to (either: "Ms. Smith", "Ms. Hanson", "Mrs. Thyler", "Dr. Hazel")) You decide to, once again, ignore the old man with $eyes eyes. After a while, you begin to feel exhausted and ill. You let $boss, your boss, know that you are going home early. Once you leave work, you walk home and pass the location of the cart, noticing that it's no longer there. When you finally get home, you reach into the fridge to grab leftover $dinner from the night before, only to realize that you never really made it in the first place. It's odd, because the dream you had last night seemed so real. [[After you make and eat $dinner, you fall asleep on your couch reading $novel, once again|Sleeping Again]].

You've had realistic dreams before, so this is nothing out of the ordinary. In fact, the only weird part is the [[dream that you had inside of a dream|Sleeping]] last night. Otherwise, today is probably just as normal as it can be.

The old man peers at you with his $eyes eyes, "$name, the day doesn't matter. For it's the same today as it was yesterday, but perhaps it will be different tomorrow." You respond by saying, "But I saw you (if: (history:) contains "Odd Man")[yesterday](else:)[parked here yesterday], [[I know I did."|Dream]]

(set: $boss to (either: "Ms. Smith", "Ms. Hanson", "Mrs. Thyler", "Dr. Hazel")) When you return to where the cart was to confront the man, he's already gone. You feel so dazed and confused. Instead of going back to work, you call your $boss and let her know that you aren't feeling well. You go home and continue reading $novel, shocked to find the bookmark in the spot that you left off at the day before yesterday. [[Around six, you decide to make dinner|Dinner]].

You go into your fridge to pull out the left over $dinner from the night before, only to realize you never made it in the first place. Of course, what you thought was yesterday was just a dream. You make $dinner for the first time, you think... After you finish eating, your absolutely exhausted from the weird day you've just had and you go to bed, hoping everything will return to normal before you wake up. [[ |Sleeping Again]] (live: 15s)[(goto: "Sleeping Again")]

(Text-style: "blur")[You have a weird dream. In it, there is a man with $eyes eyes that seems to be signaling you towards him.] (align: '==>')[(live: 4s)[You recognize him as a peculiar version of the old man from the park. But he isn't old, yet he isn't young.]] (align: '<==')[(live: 9s)[(Text-style: "blur")[You run from him, much too intelligent to fall for his tricks.]]] (align: '==>')[(live: 14s)[<b>Suddenly, he's in front of you. He seems to be trying to warn you.</b> You either [[stop|Heed Warning]] or you don't.]] (live: 18s)[(if: not (history:) contains "Heed Warning")[(Text-style: "blur")[(align: '<==')[Much too intelligent to fall for his tricks, you run away.]]]](live: 25s)[(Text-style: "blur")[You run until suddenly there is no ground under your feet.]] (align: '==>')[(live: 29s)[<h2>Then you fall.</h2>]] (live: 33s)[(goto: "Awake")]

You pause, hoping the man will warn you and not harm you. (live: 4s)[In a serene, preeminent voice, he speaks, "You must consume to change the imminent fate that awaits you."] (live: 10s)[Confused, you nervously respond, "What do you mean?"] [[ |Awake]] (align: '==>')[(live: 14s)[<h2>Then he's gone.</h2>]] (live: 28s)[(goto: "Awake")]

You wake with a start, noticing that the time on your phone still reads seven. This time, you also acknowledge that the date remains the same as the past two days. You quickly shower and, bypassing the kitchen, rushing out the door for work. You walk the same path you've taken the two previous mornings and you see the old man with $eyes eyes. [[You rush past, not slowing for even a moment|Rush Past]]. [[You stop and visit his cart|Odd Man 3]].

(if: (history:) contains "Odd Man 3")[When you get to work, $boss doesn't mention that you were sick the day before. Then you recall that yesterday - at least your yesterday - never happened. [[After work, you consider taking a different route home to avoid the old man, if he's still there|New Route]].](else:)[You hurry past, hoping that if you ignore him, he will just go away. When you get to work, $boss doesn't mention that you missed work the day before. Then you recall that yesterday - at least your yesterday - never happened. [[After work, you consider taking a different route home to avoid the old man, if he's still there|New Route]].]

You choose to go visit him. His $eyes eyes seem omniscient, as though he is aware that this is the third time you have relived this day. Without saying another word, he asks, "Would you like cider or hot chocolate?" [[You choose to accept apple cider|Apple Cider]]. [[You choose to accept hot chocolate|Hot Chocolate]]. [[You choose neither and hurry to work|Rush Past]].

You walk home a different way than usual, turning down a street you've never been on before. (live: 7s)[You begin to feel as though someone is following you down the street, but when you look back, there's no one there. As it grows darker, you become more nervous.] (live: 17s)[You're spending so much time looking behind you that you don't notice the gaping hole in front of you.] (live: 24s)[Suddenly, you are plummeting through dark space and after you hit the ground, you'll never open your eyes again.] (align: '=><=')[(live: 30s)[<h1>[[The End]]</h1><img src="http://cfawley.neocities.org/Pumpkin.png" height="50" width="62">]]

As you wake, the scents of bacon and pancakes fill the air. You smile as you recognize the familiar scents that used to wake you every Saturday morning. You've missed those memories, ever since your parents passed away. However, when you open your eyes to your (link: "childhood bedroom. ")[(if: $gender is "M")[childhood bedroom. *Your room is a dark gray - almost blue - color. The down feather blanket covering you is navy blue, faded and worn in some places. As you become more awake, you can smell the scent of dirty clothes - drenched with sweat and cheap cologne - seeping out of the closet doors that sit opposite the curtain-covered bedroom window. *] (if: $gender is "F")[childhood bedroom. *Your bedroom is a soft purple color. The quilt covering you is a pattern of light pinks, blues, and purples that blend together a feminine, abstract design. The scent of cheap perfume lingers in the air, barely covering the scent of stale cigarettes you smoked out of your window years ago. *](if: $gender is not "F")[(if: $gender is not "M")[childhood bedroom. *The bedroom surrounding you is a mixture of pastel greens and yellows. The brightness of the walls coincide with the soft blue color of your flannel-covered comforter. The smell of cheap cigarettes and even cheaper perfume linger within the fabrics all around you. *]]] You sit up instantaneously, confused as to where you are or how you got here. [[You pinch yourself in order to wake yourself up|Wake Up]].

As soon as you pinch yourself, you start to realize this might not be a dream. "<i>How did I get here?</i>", you wonder. (live: 8s)[Suddenly, time seems to freeze around you. The sounds from the kitchen cease and the air seems stand still. [[You stand up and open your bedroom door|Hallway]]]

In the narrow hall, there is a man with $eyes eyes watching you. You immediately recognize his eyes, yet somehow the man has become young, overnight. "Hello, $name. My name is Frederick Thomas." Confused, you ask him, [["Where am I?"|Past]]

"Oh my friend, you know where you are. The true question you should be asking is <i>why</i> you are here." (live: 4s)[In an icy, sarcastic tone, you respond, "Okay, <i>Frederick</i>, why am I here?"] (live: 7s)["Because, my dear, you are receiving a second chance."] [[ |Second Chance]] (live: 13s)[(goto: "Second Chance")]

(Text-style: "blur")[You have a weird dream. In it, there is a man with $eyes eyes that seems to be signaling you towards him. (live: 4s)[Much too intelligent to fall for his tricks, you run away.] (live: 7s)[But then you realize you recognize him and decide to go towards him.] (live: 13s)[(if: (history:) contains "Cider Start")[[[Then...|Child Morning]]](if: (history:) contains "Hot Chocolate Start")[[[Then...|Future Morning]]]]]

(set: $phone to (either: "iPhone", "Galaxy", "Droid"))You awake on your worn, yet plush couch. (live: 3s)[You reach for your $phone and notice it's a different, sleeker model. You check the date and realize that twenty years have passed.] (live: 9s)[Confused, you determine that you will definitely need a cup of coffee to figure out what's happening.] (live: 13s)[[[You walk to the kitchen|Kitchen]].]

"<i>A second chance at what?</i>," you wonder, silently. "Your thoughts are clear as day, young (if: $gender is "M")[man.] (if: $gender is "F")[lady.](if: $gender is not "F")[(if: $gender is not "M")[one.]] There is something missing from your life and you are well aware it's gone. But you must decide whether it's family, companionship, or riches." [[You choose family|Family]]. [[You choose companionship|Companionship]]. [[You choose riches|Riches]]. [[You're unsure what to choose|No Choice]].

<i>You can vividly recall the day after your eighteenth birthday, when you received a call from the local hospital. Your mother and father had been killed instantly. They had been crossing an intersection, just a few miles from your home, when a drunk driver came barreling through. Your father had been viciously thrown from the vehicle and your mother had been killed by the impact. [[Given the chance, you would wish them back in an instant|Fine Choice]].<i>

(set: $phone to (either: "iPhone", "Galaxy", "Droid"))"Riches," (link: "you quickly respond.")[ you quickly respond. *All of your life, people have left you behind. That's why you feel so lonely. Money can't leave you, so riches is the right choice.*] Frederick looks appalled, "Foolish one! Riches can <i>not</i> bring you happiness. Your selfish choice will alter your life, but surely misery will ensue. For a life without the love of a family or a companion, is truly <b>no life at all</b>." (Text-style: "blur")[Suddenly the room surrounding you blurs into a smudge of colors. In the distance, you hear the merry sound of the alarm on your $phone going off. [[You open your eyes|End Awake]]...]

"Companionship," you respond (link: "confidently.")[confidently. *You feel so alone all of the time. Although you'd enjoy having your parents back, all you truly want is a companion to share your life with.*] With a mixture of emotion in his $eyes eyes, Frederick speaks gently, "A wise, yet unexpected decision. My friend, you cannot create companionship through your past. If you wish do so, you must drink the peppermint hot chocolate. Otherwise, you may choose again." [[You decide that companionship is what you truly desire, so you request a cup of hot chocolate|Hot Chocolate]]. [[You tell him that you would like to choose again|Choose Again]].

You reach for your $phone, opening your eyes to sleepily turn the resounding alarm off. "What weird dream," you mutter out loud. [[ |Die Alone]] (live: 6s)[(goto: "Die Alone")]

(set: $deathage to(either: "110", "99", "76", "69"))Your life continues on, becoming a routine of work and (link: "loneliness.")[loneliness. You never fall in love, have children or even (link: "have pets.")[have pets. Since your parents died while you were still young, you don't even have the love of (link: "your family.")[your family. Although you eventually save a fortune, when you pass away at the age of $deathage, there is no one for your fortune to (link: "be passed on to.")[be passed on to. While you take your final breathe, a man with $eyes eyes comes into the room. (align: '=><=')[(live: 3s)[*I am Father Time. I came to you years ago, as Frederick Thomas, to give you a rare opportunity to change your fate. This is the fate you have chosen.*] (live: 9s)[<h1>[[The End]]</h1><img src="http://cfawley.neocities.org/Pumpkin.png" height="50" width="62">]]]]]]

"Family," you say, moments later. Frederick looks at you and his $eyes eyes fill with warmth and kindness. "You are a wise and worthy (if: $gender is "M")[man.] (if: $gender is "F")[woman.](if: $gender is not "F")[(if: $gender is not "M")[individual.]] For that, you will be rewarded many years of happiness with your mother and father. You will still remember the pain of losing them, but this may only help you appreciate their presence even more." (set: $phone to (either: "iPhone", "Galaxy", "Droid")) (Text-style: "blur")[Suddenly the room surrounding you blurs into a smudge of colors. In the distance, you hear the merry sound of the alarm on your $phone going off. [[You open your eyes|New Memories]]...]

You reach for your $phone, opening your eyes to sleepily turn the resounding alarm off. [[You then realize it's your mother calling.|Mom Calling]]

(if: (history:) contains "Companionship")[Frederick looks at you and smiles knowingly, "$name, you have chose companionship, which leads us to yet another decision. Do you desire the lifetime companionship of a(if: $gender is "M")[woman] (if: $gender is "F")[man](if: $gender is not "F")[(if: $gender is not "M")[spouse]] or a pet?"](else:)[Frederick peers at you, his $eyes eyes filling with admiration. "$name, you have made such a wise choice. However, you must make another. Do you Do you desire the lifetime companionship of a(if: $gender is "M")[woman] (if: $gender is "F")[man](if: $gender is not "F")[(if: $gender is not "M")[spouse]]or a pet?"] (if: $gender is "M")[[[You choose woman|Spouse]]] (if: $gender is "F")[[[You choose man|Spouse]]](if: $gender is not "F")[(if: $gender is not "M")[[[You choose spouse|Spouse]]]]. [[You choose pet|Pet]].

"Again $name, you must choose between [[Riches]] or [[Family]]."

As you open the door, there is a man with $eyes eyes watching you. You immediately recognize his eyes, yet somehow the man has aged, overnight. "Hello, $name. My name is Frederick Thomas." [[Confused, you ask him, "Why are you in my apartment?"|Future]]

"You're a smart (if: $gender is "M")[man] (if: $gender is "F")[woman](if: $gender is not "F")[(if: $gender is not "M")[individual]], $name. I'm here because we are in your future, yet there is something missing because of a decision you've made in your past." You ask, "What type of decision?" "Ah, the decision itself does not matter. In fact, all the matters is whether you choose companionship, a promotion, or peace," Frederick responds. [[You choose a promotion|Promotion]]. [[You choose companionship|Companion]]. [[You choose peace|Peace]].

"Promotion," you respond, without hesitation. Your career has always been the most important element in your life. "<b>You selfish fool!</b> You place a job that will end, regardless of what position you hold, and mean nothing at the upon your death. I will give you what you desire, but beware that you will receive <i>exactly</i> what you wish for!" Frederick responds, the disappointment and distaste evident in his tone. (Text-style: "blur")[Suddenly the room surrounding you blurs into a smudge of colors. In the distance, you hear the merry sound of the alarm on your $phone going off. [[You open your eyes|End Promotion]]...]

"Peace," you hesitantly respond. Lately the stress of your life has been getting to you. <i>Maybe that's why you keep having odd dreams!</i> "A unique choice you've made. Although, peace is what you truly do long for, so it is peace you will have," Frederick responds, the disappointment and distaste evident in his tone. (Text-style: "blur")[Suddenly the room surrounding you blurs into a smudge of colors. In the distance, you hear the merry sound of the alarm on your $phone going off. [[You open your eyes|Choose Peace]]...]

You reach for your $phone, opening your eyes to sleepily turn the resounding alarm off. You check the calendar and the year is correct, again. "What weird dream," you mutter out loud. [[ |Die Alone 2]] (live: 8s)[(goto: "Die Alone 2")]

(set: $deathage to(either: "110", "99", "76", "69"))Your life continues on, becoming a routine of (link: "work and loneliness.")[work and loneliness. You eventually receive enough promotions to become the President of the company you work for. However, because of the choice you made, (link: "you never fall in love, have children or even have pets.")[you never fall in love, have children or even have pets. Although you eventually save a fortune, when you pass away at the age of $deathage, there is no one for your fortune to (link: "be passed on to.")[be passed on to. While you take your final breathe, a man with $eyes eyes comes into the room. (align: '=><=')[(live: 3s)[*I am Father Time. I came to you years ago, as Frederick Thomas, to give you a rare opportunity to change your fate. This is the fate you have chosen.*] (live: 9s)[<h1>[[The End]]</h1><img src="http://cfawley.neocities.org/Pumpkin.png" height="50" width="62">]]]]]

"I think I would enjoy the companionship of a (if: $gender is "M")[woman] (if: $gender is "F")[man](if: $gender is not "F")[(if: $gender is not "M")[spouse]] the most," you respond. Frederick smiles brightly, "Yes, of course! Your truest happiness will develop with true love." (Text-style: "blur")[Suddenly the room surrounding you blurs into a smudge of colors. In the distance, you hear the merry sound of the alarm on your $phone going off. [[ |Choose Spouse]] [[You open your eyes|Choose Spouse]]...]

"I think I would enjoy the companionship of a pet most," you respond. Frederick smiles, "Yes, of course, that is a very fitting choice for you." (Text-style: "blur")[Suddenly the room surrounding you blurs into a smudge of colors. In the distance, you hear the merry sound of the alarm on your $phone going off. [[You open your eyes|Choose Pet]]...]

After work today, you decide to take a new route home. You walk past a pet store that has a kitten and a puppy for sale in the window. [[You decide to buy the puppy.|Buy Dog]] [[You decide to buy the kitten.|Buy Cat]]

(if: $gender is "M")[On the way to work today, you (link: "stop by a coffee shop.")[stop by a coffee shop. While there, you meet a beautiful woman. After many days of seeing her there, you decide to (link: "ask her on a date.")[ She says yes. Two blissful years later, you marry. When you look up at the officiator, you can't help but notice his $eyes eyes. After the ceremony, he pulls you aside and whispers, (align: '=><=')[(live: 3s)[*I am Father Time. I came to you years ago, as Frederick Thomas, to give you a rare opportunity to change your fate. I wish you and your wife many years together, filled with endless love and happiness.* (live: 7s)[<h1>[[The End]]</h1><img src="http://cfawley.neocities.org/Pumpkin.png" height="50" width="62">]]]]]](if: $gender is "F")[On the way to work today, you (link: "stop by a coffee shop.")[stop by a coffee shop. While there, you meet a handsome man. After many days of seeing him there, (link: "he asks you on a date.")[ You say yes. Two blissful years later, you marry. When you look up at the officiator, you can't help but notice his $eyes eyes. After the ceremony, he pulls you aside and whispers, (align: '=><=')[(live: 3s)[*I am Father Time. I came to you years ago, as Frederick Thomas, to give you a rare opportunity to change your fate. I wish you and your husband many years together, filled with endless love and happiness.* (live: 7s)[<h1>[[The End]]</h1><img src="http://cfawley.neocities.org/Pumpkin.png" height="50" width="62">]]]]]](if: $gender is not "F")[(if: $gender is not "M")[On the way to work today, you (link: "stop by a coffee shop.")[stop by a coffee shop. While there, you meet a wonderful individual. After many days of seeing them there, (link: "they ask you on a date.")[ You say yes. Two blissful years later, you marry. When you look up at the officiator, you can't help but notice his $eyes eyes. After the ceremony, he pulls you aside and whispers, (align: '=><=')[(live: 3s)[*I am Father Time. I came to you years ago, as Frederick Thomas, to give you a rare opportunity to change your fate. I wish you and your spouse many years together, filled with endless love and happiness.* (live: 7s)[<h1>[[The End]]</h1><img src="http://cfawley.neocities.org/Pumpkin.png" height="50" width="62">]]]]]]]

(set: $place to (either: "secluded cabin on the Alaskan frontier", "wonderful beach hut, far away from the commotion of the cities", "small, comfortable home in the northwoods of Wisconsin"))As you look around your living room, you notice that everything - but your couch - is packed up. It appears as though you are moving somewhere. (live: 6s)[On top of the stack of boxes nearest you, you see a note that says: <i>$name, Have fun living in a $place! It's what you've always truly wanted. Sincerely, (link: "F. T.")[Father Time] P.S. You've already quit your job, you just don't remember.</i>] (live: 15s)[You quickly settle into your $place and the calm relaxing lifestyle you've been gifted with.] (align: '=><=')[(live: 19s)[<h1>[[The End]]</h1><img src="http://cfawley.neocities.org/Pumpkin.png" height="50" width="62">]]

You ask Frederick, "How do I know what to choose?" "Go with your instinct, $name." "But I'm happy with how my life is," you respond. "Well, perhaps this just a dream then, $name." (Text-style: "blur")[Suddenly the room surrounding you blurs into a smudge of colors. In the distance, you hear the merry sound of the alarm on your $phone going off. [[You open your eyes|Fall Day 3]]]

You have reached the following endings: * (if: (history:) contains "New Route")[Fall into a hole](else:)[*unknown*] * (if: (history:) contains "Die Alone")[Die alone and rich.](else:)[*unknown*] * (if: (history:) contains "Fall Day 3")[Die in the perfect day.](else:)[*unknown*] * (if: (history:) contains "Miracle")[Live happily ever after, with a loving family.](else:)[*unknown*] * (if: (history:) contains "Move Away")[Live a peaceful and long life, with little stress or worry.](else:)[*unknown*] * (if: (history:) contains "Die Alone 2")[Get promoted, but eventually, die lonely and rich.](else:)[*unknown*] * (if: (history:) contains "Buy Dog")[You buy a dog.](else:)[*unknown*] * (if: (history:) contains "Buy Cat")[You buy a cat.](else:)[*unknown*] * (if: (history:) contains "Choose Spouse")[You marry and live happily ever after.](else:)[*unknown*] [[Go to the beginning to try again|Fall Day]].

Today is an ordinary Fall day, just like any other. As you grab your light blue coffee thermos and rush out the door of your apartment, the crisp outside air submerges you into a pool of (link: "Fall sensations")[{Fall sensations.* The scent of morning dew, covering the dying green grass. (live: 3s)[ The dampened orange, red and brown leaves falling from the trees, creating murals of color across the ground. ] (live: 7s)[ The intoxicating flavors of cinnamon, pumpkin and apples floating through the air. ]*}] While you stroll along the walking path, the air filters through the tiny holes in your (link: "gray scarf.")[gray scarf. * It's your favorite scarf. You'll never forget the day you received it. Your cousin put so much time into crocheting it the Christmas after your parents passed away.*] Your final destination, as usual, is (link: " work. ")[work. *Sometimes it feels like your only destination is work. But, in today's society, power in the workforce is important, right?* This morning's journey is different though, as you can't help but notice how perfect this day seems to be. (align: '=><=')[<h1>[[The End]]</h1><img src="http://cfawley.neocities.org/Pumpkin.png" height="50" width="62">]]

As she greets you, your mind fills with (link: "loving memories of your parents")[loving memories of your parents - *graduation, college, holidays, and all the other moments you wished they were present* -] that weren't there before. Still, you'll always recall the same life you have now, (link: "without them there.")[without them there. Tears come to your eyes as you realize that the dream you thought you had was no dream at all. [[In fact, it was a miracle.|Miracle]]]

Later in life, you have a peculiar dream. (Text-style: "blur")[In it, there is a man that seems to be signaling you towards him. He smiles, his $eyes eyes fill with warmth. He whispers:] (align: '=><=')[(live: 3s)[*I am Father Time. I came to you, not long ago, as Frederick Thomas, to give you a rare opportunity to change your fate. This is the fate you have chosen. I wish you, and your parents, long lives full of happiness.*] (live: 10s)[<h1>[[The End]]</h1><img src="http://cfawley.neocities.org/Pumpkin.png" height="50" width="62">]]

You and your dog have many (link: "pleasant days")[pleasant days - *full of naps, cuddles, fetch, and long walks* -] together. You determine that this is just the companion you've always been looking for. (align: '=><=')[(live: 22s)[<h1>[[The End]]</h1><img src="http://cfawley.neocities.org/Pumpkin.png" height="50" width="62">]]

You and your cat have many (link: "pleasant days")[pleasant days - *full of naps, cuddles and long lazy afternoons* -] together. You determine that this is just the companion you've always been looking for. (align: '=><=')[(live: 22s)[<h1>[[The End]]</h1><img src="http://cfawley.neocities.org/Pumpkin.png" height="50" width="62">]]