game jam

Your browser lacks required capabilities. Please upgrade it or switch to another to continue.

Loading…

You walk into the auditorium, and past the aisles that are surprisingly nearly full. Never has there ever been such a turn out for a Classics department lecture series. You see Ava, the student Classics leader and wave, but she has the strangest look on her face. Ava: Dr. Cunningham has not checked in. <<linkappend "\"Oh no. Are you sure? This is a nightmare. Maybe he’s gotten lost with the directions.\"" >> Ava: well, the event starts in 10 minutes, and he was the keynote speaker. Could you give the talk? <<linkappend "\"I’m only mildly familiar with the manuscript, I guess if I spent a couple of moments looking at it to refresh.\"" >> You lift the veil that is covering the 7th Early Greek manuscript, and you notice a large water mark on it. One that you don’t remember seeing when you went to the MET to examine it for this event. Your vision blurs as you reach under the manuscript’s cart for the condition report to see if perhaps you overlooked this flaw. You scan down to the section describing water damage and read: Overall water damage - minor to none. You think: How could this have happened? Looking over at the packaging, you notice that there is no plastic lining, for a cross-national shipment. The side of the box reads "Ethical World Peace Shipping: Cutting Plastic OUT from our shared environment". Must have been a company chosen by the sustainability department - you kick yourself. If only you had paid more attention to the shipping confirmation email. [[next|friday 1-2]] <</linkappend>><</linkappend>>

You are standing in the center of campus. <<if $gameDate.getHours() gte 17>> <<if $Wed is true>> [[Pick up Riley|pickupWed]] <</if>> /*<<if $Thurs is true>> [[Pick up Riley|pickupThursBad]] <</if>>*/ <<else>> [[Walk to your office (15 min)|office][addMinutes(15)]] <<if $classDone is false>>[[Walk to lecture (15 min)|class][addMinutes(15)]]<</if>> <</if>>

You arrive at your office space. You can: [[Look around]] [[Check your email]] [[Check your phone]] [[Back to main campus (15 min)|hub][addMinutes(15)]]

<<if $Wed is true>>You begin class by taking mental attendance. Most of the students are genuinely interested in classics, but there are always a few jocks who are just there for the humanities requirement and skip as many classes possible. They’re all there today. This week they’re reading The Hymn to Demeter. The story and its insight into ancient religion has always intrigued you, but you’ve read it so many times you didn’t bother this week. You have more important things to worry about. [["\"So what did you all think of the reading? Do you have any questions?\""|raised hands]] <<else>> As the students file in, your list of things to do piles up in your head. So many emails to reply to, so many phone calls to make. Is it even worth it to have class today? If you just played a video, you could go back to your office… [[Play a video]] [[Lecture (60 min)|raised hands][addMinutes(60)]] <</if>>

You’ve been so anxious about not getting tenure that you have hesitated on you unpacking and making your office space truly a home. However, you have a couple of personal touches. A [[vintage tiffany lamp]] your mother gave you for completing your PHD (and probably distract you from your divorce). A [[clay sculpture]] that Riley made in the third grade, and a [[photo]] of Riley, from their first game as goalie. Accross the hall is your co-worker, [[Professor Beecher]]. [[back to work|office]]

You look at your computer screen. There are 99+ unread emails. [[Subj: Riley][addMinutes(15)]] [[Subj: Your order #42904][addMinutes(15)]] <<if $BERTREPLY is false>>[[Subj: Subject]]<</if>> [[Subj: NOTICE TO ALL FACULTY/STAFF/STUDENTS][addMinutes(15)]] <<nobr>> <<if $KATHIEREPLY is false>>[[Subj: Polite inquiry]]<</if>> <<if $Thurs is true and $kathieGood is true and $kathiereply2 is false>> [[Subj: Apologies]] <</if>><</nobr>> <<if $Thurs is true and $kathieGood is false>> [[Subj: Coffee machine]] <</if>> [[Exit|office]]

[[Make a call]] [[Check voicemail]] [[back|office]]

<<set $gameDate to new Date('August 19, 1975 12:00:00')>> <<set $Fri2 to true>> <<set $Wed to false>> <<set $Thurs to false>> <<set $Fri2 to false>> <<set $rileyCall1 to false>> <<set $kathieGood to false>> <<set $KATHIEREPLY to false>> <<set $kathieLecture to false>> <<set $BERTREPLY to false>> <<set $rileyGOOD to false>> <<set $classDone to false>> <<set $ethical to false>> <<set $manuscriptgood to false>> <<set $kathiereply2 to false>> /* Prints the current time (12H). */ <<widget "time12hr">>\ <<if $gameDate.getHours() eq 0>>\ 12\ <<elseif $gameDate.getHours() gt 12>>\ <<print $gameDate.getHours() - 12>>\ <<else>>\ <<print $gameDate.getHours()>>\ <</if>>:\ <<if $gameDate.getMinutes() lt 10>>0<</if>><<print $gameDate.getMinutes()>> \ <<if $gameDate.getHours() gte 12>>PM<<else>>AM<</if>>\ <</widget>>

<<if $Fri2 is false>>Time: <<time12hr>><</if>> <<if $gameDate.getHours() is 15 and $rileyCall1 is false and $Thurs is true>> You have an incoming call from [[Riley|riley call 1]].<</if>> <<if $gameDate.getHours() is 17>> <<if $Thurs is true>>It's 5:00. Time to pick up [[Riley.|pickupThursBad]]<</if>><</if>> /*<<if $gameDate.getHours() gte 18>> <<goto hub>> <</if>>*/

My mother gave me this. She said it was a gift from her former boss for 25 years of excellent service. She was a receptionist for a lawyer’s office. The large warm-toned flowers are tucked into even larger emerald-green leaves. I often get lost looking at how the thickness and texture of this lamp changes the saturation of the <<linkappend colors.>> You also kinda think that it the lamp is ugly. <</linkappend>> [[back|Look around]]

This is a globular “paper weight” that riley made, and its suppose to be a turtle. However, I have never seen a purple, teal and orange turtle in my <<linkappend life.>> On the bottom, it says “I love you!”<</linkappend>> [[back|Look around]]

Riley looks so happy in that photo. That was a very memorable game. Riley was always so active as a kid, climbing and running all over the place– much different than me as a child. You were much more too myself and docile. Riley tried nearly every sport, but was never really into them. When we discovered water polo, the game just seemed to click, and an excitement You had never seen before <<linkappend developed.>> Riley played as a field player for the first year, but then, one tournament, the goalie’s couldn't make it, and Riley volunteered to play goal. The coach said that my child was the reason they took second that weekend. I haven’t seen that same smile in a long time. <</linkappend>> [[back|Look around]]

Kathie Beecher has the office across across from you. She’s been working here for ten years now, and she’s both best friends with the department head and on the tenure committee. You’re pretty sure that’s how she got the best office. Whether you like it or not, it would be beneficial to <<linkappend "get on her good side.">> Also, she has a 2.5 on Rate My Professor. Not that it matters, or that you’ve checked, but you have a 4. <</linkappend>> [[back|Look around]]

__''Subject: Riley''__ Dear Dr. Harwood, I am writing this email concerning your child, Riley Harwood. Last week Riley turned in an essay that suggested a troubled home life. I understand it is not my business to pry into a student’s home affairs, but I couldn’t help but notice that your child’s performance in class has deteriorated since you and your partner separated two years ago. It is disturbing to see your child struggle so in class and I hope that you, as a parent, can show some support to help Riley in this troubling time. Sincerely, Ms. Sorolla [[back|Check your email]]

__''Subject: Your order #42904''__ Dear Dr. Harwood, Thank you for your questions regarding the shipment of the Demeter manuscript. We at Ethical Worldpeace Shipping are committed to providing the highest caliber of customer service and a plastic-free environment. To answer your questions, the manuscript will be placed in a paper, non-toxic envelope, and shipped in a recycled cardboard box with bamboo padding. To review your shipping options, please contact our customer service line (909) 634-9639 during business hours to speak to a representative. Thank you for your (hopefully renewable!) business. Dave Adams Customer Service, Ethical Worldpeace Shipping [[back|Check your email]] <<if $ethical is true>> [[Request plastic-wrapping for shipping]] <</if>>

__''Subject: Subject''__ Greetings Dr. Harwood, Apologies for the late response. Your electronic correspondence must have gotten delayed somehow! At any rate, I am quite delighted to have a chance to speak to your campus this coming Friday. I do look forward to seeing the Demeter manuscript for the second time in my long life. Did I tell you that I first saw it in Paris as a graduate student? That must have been ages ago. Would you be so kind as to send me the address to your auditorium again? It seems to have disappeared when I tried to enter it into my smart telephone. I tried to “drag” it to a new mobile application my nephew downloaded for me. It’s called “Uber,” have you heard of it? I believe this “Uber” managed to “delete” your electronic letter! Alas, had you sent your address by mail instead, we would not be in this predicament. Yours truly, Bert Cunningham [[Reply|Check your email][addMinutes(15); $BERTREPLY to true]] [[Ignore|Check your email]]

__''Subject: NOTICE TO ALL FACULTY/STAFF/STUDENTS''__ ATTENTION PANAMA COLLEGE FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENTS: This is a reminder that food should NOT be left unattended outside of public dining areas. This is clearly outlined in page 53 of the “Community Agreements” portion of our student handbook, and we, the administration would greatly appreciate if we did not have to pursue disciplinary action. Please understand that this is for the safety of everyone on campus. As our campus’ squirrels prepare for hibernation, they become increasingly aggressive in seeking out food. Please ensure that in order to enroll for the next semester, you have uploaded your rabies vaccination documents and signed the waiver form regarding rodent-related disease. These documents can be found on the my.panama.edu page. [[back|Check your email]]

__''Subject: Polite inquiry''__ Hi Dr. Harwood, Forgive me if this is too bold; but <<linkreplace "audentes fortuna iuvat">>fortune favours the bold<</linkreplace>> after all! Quick question: Did you make a coffee in the faculty break room last Tuesday, around 3? It’s funny, I just remember that I actually went to make myself a coffee that day, just after that time. But when I got there, the coffee filter was torn and the grinds were falling into the pot. I think--and correct me if I’m wrong--that at our last department meeting, Carol told us that we were switching to conical filters from basket, precisely for this reason. The basket filters are especially prone to tearing and no one likes drinking crunchy coffee. But <<linkreplace "ad astra per aspera">>through hardships to the stars<</linkreplace>>, am I right? There’s no use crying over spilled milk. Or wasted coffee. <<linkreplace "Factum fieri infectum non potest">>It is impossible for a deed to be undone<</linkreplace>>, after all. Thanks. Kathie Katherine Beecher, PhD. Associate Professor of Eurocentric Studies Panama College (909)702-6032 [[Reply politely (60 min)|Check your email][$kathieGood to true; $KATHIEREPLY to true; addMinutes(60)]] [[Reply bluntly (30 min)|Check your email][$KATHIEREPLY to true; addMinutes(30)]] [[Ignore|Check your email]]

<<if not hasVisited("Ava")>>[[Ava][addMinutes(15)]], who always sits at the front of class raises her hand. You like her a lot. She always does the readings and visits office hours at least once a week.<</if>> <<if not hasVisited("Blake")>>[[Blake][addMinutes(15)]], who always sits in the back raises his hand. You struggle not to make a face or roll your eyes. You hate to be pretentious, but some students make sports their main priority and it shows. This is one of those students.<</if>> <<if hasVisited("Ava", "Blake") and not hasVisited("Claire")>>[[Claire][addMinutes(15)]] speaks up without raising her hand.<</if>> <<if hasVisited("Ava", "Blake", "Claire")and not hasVisited("Duncan")>>[[Duncan][addMinutes(15)]], a shy kid, raises his hand.<</if>> <<if hasVisited("Ava", "Blake", "Claire")and not hasVisited("Elizabeth")>>[[Elizabeth][addMinutes(15)]] raises her hand<</if>> <<if hasVisited("Ava", "Blake", "Duncan", "Elizabeth", "Claire")>>[[Francis][addMinutes(15)]] raises his hand. You’re glad— he usually has something interesting to say, even if he’s a bit of a brown-noser.<</if>>

"I was so shocked that all the gods refused to help Demeter get her daughter back. Doesn’t Apollo have any loyalty?" You’re surprised that’s what she is focused on. What about the gender dynamics? The importance of this text in the greater scheme of the religious tradition? [["\"Well, it’s obvious that Apollo has nothing against Demeter if you look at line 76, but he has his own work to do, as you can see in line 87.\""|raised hands][addMinutes(15)]] [["\"I think the more important question is why Demeter had to ask Apollo for help in the first place. She had the power to get Persephone back all along, she just doesn’t realize it until the end.\""|raised hands][addMinutes(15)]]

"When’s the next paper due again?" [["Next Monday. You can always check the syllabus."|raised hands][addMinutes(15)]] [["\"It’s been on the syllabus all semester. I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t waste our class time with things like this.\""|raised hands][addMinutes(15)]]

"Sorry, but on the syllabus it doesn’t say what time on Monday the paper is due. Do we have to bring it to class or can I just email you?" You get too many emails already. [["\" Please bring them to class. \""|raised hands][addMinutes(15)]]

"Is the paper supposed to be double spaced or single spaced?" You really don’t have time to read fourteen 5-page papers anyway, no way could you get through them single-spaced. [["\" Double spaced is fine. \""|raised hands][addMinutes(15)]]

"What I don’t understand is why everyone acts like it has a happy ending. The fact that Demeter lost Persephone in the first place is a tragedy, and only getting to be with your kid half the time isn’t a very good deal." That hits a little too close to home. Maybe that’s enough discussion for today. [["Thanks for that contribution, Francis. Alright class, that does it for today - make sure to have your papers ready for next class, and I’ll see you next time!"|hub][addMinutes(15); $classDone to true]]

"Alright, I assume you’ve all done the reading. Today we’re going to watch a documentary on the Greek gods." You feel bad, but the lecture is just more important. You head back to your [[office][addMinutes(30); $classDone to true]] to send some emails.

When everyone is settled, you remind them that their paper is due next Monday, printed out in class, five pages double spaced. Some of the students write this down, but you notice that Blake doesn’t. You know he’ll be the one to ask about it next class or complain that he didn’t know the due date when he doesn’t turn it in [[on time][addMinutes(15)]].

"I know many of you have probably read Percy Jackson, but I’d like to start class with a brief review of the ancient Greek <<linkappend "gods and goddesses.">> The main players are the Olympians, who are Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Hades, Demeter, and Hestia. They’re all <<linkappend "siblings.">> Athena, Aphrodite, Apollo, Arteis, Hermes, and Dionisus are all <<linkappend "Zeus’s kids.">> Zeus and Hera had Ares and Hephaestus together, but Hera doesn’t like Hephaestus." Claire interrupts. "Wait, why not? How can Hera not like her own son?" <<linkappend "He was born with a deformity, so she threw him off of Mount Olympus.">> "That’s terrible. [[Hera’s the worst|hub][addMinutes(60)]]." <</linkappend>> <</linkappend>><</linkappend>><</linkappend>>

[[Call Ethical Worldpeace Shipping Company]] [[Back|Check your phone]]

[[*Number Unknown*, 8:45am]] [[*Private Caller*, 11:32am]] <<if $gameDate.getHours() gte 16 and $rileyCall1 is false and $Thurs is true>> [[Riley, 3:05pm]] <</if>> [[back|Check your phone]]

Hey, It’s me, Riley. Don’t freak out– I’m not ditching or anything. I asked my teacher if I could go to the bathroom so I could call. I just really think I need to go home. I’m super stressed about the championship game and would really, really like to talk to you. You really know how to make me calm down. So, please call me back when you hear this. Love you, bye. <<if $gameDate.getHours() lt 17>>[[Go pick up Riley|pickupThuGood]] <<else>>[[Go pick up Riley|pickupThursBad]] <</if>> [[Exit|Check voicemail]]

<<set $rileyCall1 to true>> <<linkappend "\"Hello, Riley?\"">> "Hi, sorry to bother you." <<linkappend "\"Is everything okay?\"">> "Yeah, sort of." <<linkappend "\"Sort of?\"">> "I’m just really stressed about the Championship game. I don’t want to let anyone down. I haven’t been playing as good lately and with Skye out, I am the only goalie." <<linkappend "\"Riley, I think you need to focus on the fact that it is just a game. This championship isn’t career-defining. There are more important things.\"">> "But it is so important, recruiters will be there– it could be career-defining. Can you just please pick me up. I want to nap. Can you please pick me up, just this once?" [[Pick up Riley]] [[Don't pick up Riley]] <</linkappend>><</linkappend>> <</linkappend>><</linkappend>>

"I would just be devastated if that happened to me. All the gods act like Demeter was crazy, but I think anyone would act weird if they lost their kid like that." [["\" Yeah, I think losing your kid could make someone go crazy. \""|raised hands][addMinutes(15)]] [["\" I don’t know, she acts pretty crazy… \""|raised hands][addMinutes(15)]]

<<linkappend "\"Okay, Riley. I’ll be over there in about 15 minutes. Do I have to call the school?\"">> "Yes, please. Thank you for getting me. I really appreciate it. I know that you’ve got a lot going on at work."<</linkappend>> [[Go pick up Riley|pickupThuGood]]

<<linkappend "\"You really don’t need to worry about this so much. And you know I have class right now, I couldn’t pick you up even if I wanted to.\"">> "You always do this! Is your stupid class really more important to you than your only child?" <<linkappend "\"Riley, that’s not fair. This is my job. You know I have to teach, I can’t just abandon my class.\"">> "But you can abandon me?? You always have class, or a lecture, or a grant proposal - but you never have time for me, no matter how much I need it! It’s like you’re not even my parent. I hate you!" <<linkappend "\"Riley --\"">> Riley hangs up. <<linkappend "That could have gone better.">> Maybe you should have just picked Riley up - it seems like every day the divide between you gets further and further. But what were you supposed to do? <<linkappend "Just abandon your class?">> No, you think, you must have made the [[right decision.|hub]] <</linkappend>><</linkappend>><</linkappend>> <</linkappend>><</linkappend>>

You pull up to the school, its strange seeing this mid-century brick building in the daylight. You see Riley, through the window of the front office. A beaming smile. You think, What a beautiful kid, I am so lucky. This is all I need. You roll down your window, and Riley steps through the door. Riley:"\” Thank you so much for getting me. I’m really having a hard time. I just don’t feel good about the game, at all."\” Though against your better judgement, you decide to put your judgments about the importance that Riley places on this high school sport. You: “You know Riley, you just gotta trust yourself. You’re an amazing goalie. You’ve worked so hard and put so many hours into this sport. You have all of the tools you need to be successful in this game. Remind yourself of that. Come on, let’s get you home for a nap, you look exhausted.” Riley makes an offended face in response to your last remark, and you both look at one another and [[laugh]]<<set $rileyGOOD to true>>.

Dr. Elliot, the chair of your department, motions you over. Dr. Elliot: So, No Dr. Cunningham? <<linkappend "\"Bertram did not show up, no.\"" >> Dr. Elliot: And who was in charge of getting him here? <<linkappend "\"Me, Dr. Elliot. I was in charge of this event.\"" >> Dr. Elliot: I see. I also talked to Ava about the manuscript before the event, and she said that the box carrying the Demeter Manuscript was damp. Was the manuscript okay? And who let an unpaid student volunteer handle an art object like that? <<linkappend "\"also me, Dr. Elliot. I am sorry.\"" >> Dr. Elliot: Come Monday, you and I are going to have a serious conversation regarding your employment. This is not the level of performance I expect from a successful candidate for a tenure-track position. [[next|friday 1-3]] <</linkappend>><</linkappend>><</linkappend>>

You get home still in shock, wondering if your child, Riley, managed to win that water polo championship. You call out with no response. You go over to their [[bedroom]]. Maybe Riley was still out celebrating. You head to bed, hoping to sleep off the disaster of the day, but you see a [[note.]]

You look into Riley’s room and it’s a lot like an archeological site. Buried underneath the photos of friends, Arcade Fire and Muse posters is the map-patterned wallpaper the two of you picked out for Riley’s 7th birthday. The carpet is still light blue, despite the dark color of the new curtains and bedspread. Riley’s tiny 10 and under club parka hangs on the back of the closer door still. You find this very sweet, and it almost brings you to tears to think about all of the time that has passed by. The [[bookshelf]] Riley made with grandpa now has various items from all different era’s of Riley. [[back|friday 1-3]]

Hi, I know that this may all seem very confusing, and I am sorry to add dealing with this part of your already full plate. I’m leaving– well, I’ve already left by the time you’re reading this. I’m nearly an adult. I basically live on my own already. From making myself all my meals, doing our laundry on the weekend, and walking myself to school and water polo practice and finding ways to get to tournaments, I am pretty self-sufficient. When my coach let me know that you would not be in attendance at my CIF championship game, I realized that living with you, I am truly alone. I imagine that this new life of mine will be much similar to the one I already live, minus the flooded DVR of documentaries about Ancient Mesopotamia. Perhaps we can pick things up again after I decide where I am going to college, and yes, I plan to continue to play. Best, Riley [[next|friday13]]

This has been the absolute worst day of your life. You wonder what you could have done to make it better. Could you have gotten the guest speaker to show up? Ensured that the manuscript was handled properly? Been nicer to your co-worker? Prevented the squirrels from invading the auditorium? More importantly, could you have been [[a better parent?|wed1]]

Good news, you get to try again. You’re suddenly back on campus, two days ago, Wednesday morning. But you only have so much time to [[make everything right.|hub][$Wed to true; $Fri1 to false]]

You always do your very best to get Riley from water polo practice, but sometimes time gets away from you in the office. Pulling up to the pool, you don’t see any kids in their towels like you usually do. You look at the clock and realize it’s late. Shit. That department meeting must have gone on longer than you realized. No calls from Riley, though, and Riley doesn’t pick up when you call. In a frenzy, you drive home to find no one there. Could Riley have gone home with a friend? You want to call some parents to see, but you realize you don’t have any of their numbers. You should probably work on that. You decide to call your neighbor, Jennifer, who used to watch Riley after school sometimes. You: Hey, Jen. Do you know if Riley came home after school? Jen: Not yet! Riley said you had to work late, so I picked the poor kid up from practice. Seemed really upset. You: Alright, thanks. I’m coming over now. The whole walk from Jen’s house to your house Riley gives you the silent treatment. You: I’m so sorry. I really did mean to get you. I was in a department meeting. Riley: No, of course. You couldn’t leave the department outside waiting for you in a bathing suit for hours, could you? You: I know it’s hard to understand, but I need to go to these things if I want to get tenure. Riley: You’re already not coming to my game on Friday, and it’s the championships! My life is important too. <<nobr>> <<set $Wed to false>> <<set $Thurs to true>> <<set $gameDate to new Date('August 19, 1975 12:00:00')>> <<set $classDone to false>> <</nobr>> [[next day|hub]]

Riley gets in the car, it's only 30 minutes after practice lets out. Riley, still damp, emits a strong scent of chlorine, that you’ve grown to like. Riley: Glad you showed up this time. You: I know I know, I messed up yesterday. I should have told you I was going to be late– Riley: You call showing up to my school to pick me up at 9, Late? You know, I am not that surprised that you forgot to get me, I’m just shocked that you couldn’t figure out that I would walk myself home. It wasn’t the first time. I still can’t believe that you called our neighbors in a panic to see if I was home. You: I just got so caught up with prepping for the lecture series. And once it’s over, things will go back to normal. There was this problem with the handling of the Demeter Manuscript and that really threw me for a loop. Riley: What do you mean, this IS normal. If it's not one lecture series, it’s some paper for a journal that nobody actually gives a shit about. I know nothing else! No wonder you got a divorce! You know that Riley doesn’t mean that, but it makes you so upset. [[Get angry and address that Riley invalidated you]] [[Let it go and drive in silence]] [[Apologize and talk it over]]

Hey Dr. Harwood, Sorry for being so rude with you. Mea culpa. I’ve just had a lot going on in my life and I didn’t mean to take it out on you. My mom’s in the hospital right now and I think I just needed to find some way to maintain control in my life. I think I’ve always had this problem and it’s something I’ve started seeing a therapist about, but I don’t know if I can open up in a setting like that. You’re just so easy to talk to. But acta non verba. Let me make it up to you somehow. Kathie [[Can you take over my lecture on Friday?|Check your email][$kathieLecture to true; $kathiereply2 to true]] [[Can you get me a coffee machine?|Check your email][$kathiereply2 to true]] [[Ignore|Check your email]]

Subject: Coffee machine Salvete Classicists! As all of you probably noticed, there was a mess in the break room around the coffee pot. I’m not pointing fingers, so I’d like to remind EVERYONE that we’re switching to conical filters, per Carol’s request. I know consuetudinis magna vis est, but I think we can all agree to do this one thing. Carpe diem! Kathie [[back|Check your email]]

You: "\"You know, I am working my ass off to provide for our family. Do you know how expensive club water polo is on a PROFESSOR’S salary?\"" Riley goes silent and you think about how that stings. Maybe Riley’s right and you could have been a better parent, but you have too much pride to admit it. At the same time, Riley is clearly upset, and you think perhaps now is not the time to be confrontational. You decide to let it go, and drive the rest of the way home in tense [[silence.|friday 2]]

That stings. Maybe Riley’s right and you could have been a better parent, but you have too much pride to admit it. At the same time, Riley is clearly upset, and you think perhaps now is not the time to be confrontational. You decide to let it go, and drive the rest of the way home in tense [[silence.|friday 2]]

You: "\”You know, Riley. I can see where you’re coming from. I’m barely around. I really appreciate all you do around, picking up on the slack I leave around. I will try better to be more present next time. I’m sorry"\” Riley: "\”there might not be a next time."\” You: "\”Riley, what do you mean by that?"\” Riley: "\” Nothing, just leave it. Its okay, I know you work hard and everything. I appreciate you."\” Though not completely satisfied with how the conversations went, you feel good about having [[apologized.|friday 2]]

It’s the day of the big lecture, and your chance at being considered for tenure. It’s unfortunate that you can’t attend Riley’s big game, but your career is simply more important. Walking up the concrete steps against the beautiful sunset, you shake your feeling of deja-vu. In a frenzied daze, you are not talking notice of the <<if $manuscriptgood is true>>[[beautiful landscape|beautiful landscape 2]]<<else>>[[beautiful landscape|beautiful landscape3]]<</if>> of the college campus you are diligently trying to receive tenure at. <<if $manuscriptgood is true>> You smile at Ava as you walk in, but she doesn’t smile back. Ava: Dr. Harwood, the guest speaker hasn’t arrived yet. You: But it’s almost time to start! Ava: Is there anyone else who could do the talk? You: Yes, but I don’t know if she will. Unfortunately, the only person who can take Bert Cunningham’s place is Kathie Beecher, whom you have not been kind to. You ask her anyway. Kathie: Oh, unfortunately I have other commitments. But I wish you bonam fortunam! Of course, she’s never liked you. You decide to do the lecture yourself with your limited manuscript knowledge.[[next|friday 2-2]]<</if>> <<if $manuscriptgood is false>> You walk into the auditorium, and past the aisles that are surprisingly nearly full. You feel incredibly nervous. Never has there ever been such a turn out for a Classics Department lecture series, or has there been. You see Ava, the student Classics leader and wave, but she has the strangest look on her face. You smile, but she doesn't smile back. Instead her eyes look distant, like they’re locked away somewhere. Ava: Dr. Cunningham has not checked in. You: Oh no. Are you sure? This is a nightmare. Maybe he’s gotten lost with the directions. Ava: well, the event starts in 10 minutes, and he was the keynote speaker. Could you give the talk? Something tells me you won’t be able to. I already know that the manuscript is wet. I opened it up. With all of the responsibility you gave me. You: I’m afraid you’re right, Ava. I’m sorry for giving you such an important task. It’s way too much responsibility. I’m only mildly familiar with the manuscript, and you’re right. It’s water damaged I know. You call over Dr. Elliot You: Dr. Elliot, I regret to inform you that not only is Dr. Bertram Cunningham missing, but also, the manuscript has sustained serious water damage. And it is all my fault. I should have paid more attention… much more attention. Dr. Elliot: Well, I knew I shouldn’t have given you so much responsibility. You just didn’t have it in you. Now all of this money has been wasted on an event that won’t even happen. This level of neglect is not something that our Classics Department is ready to take on. We are going to have to have a serious talk come Monday. I think you should get home. [[Go home|Go home kidbadlecturegood]]<</if>>

Looking at Riley in your front seat, you think to yourself about how lucky of a parent you are to have such a passionate and driven child. You start to reconsider your decision to miss the CIF Championship game. [[Go to the game, and see if Kathie with cover for you]] [[Don’t go to the game, because you are certain that Riley is understanding enough to see why you need to be at the lecture tonight.|friday 2]]

It doesn’t really matter what Kathie responds, or how the lecture goes tonight. You have shown that you have your priorities in order. The future may be unknown, but at least you have your family. END

You follow a short series of shallow concrete steps up to the Field auditorium. The sun is just setting. The lecture series that you have spent nearly every waking hour thinking about is about to [[begin|friday 1-1]]. In a frenzied daze, you are not talking notice of the [[beautiful landscape|beautiful landscape1]] of the college campus you are diligently trying to receive tenure at.

Across the street from the Field auditorium, is a vast lawn where students typically lay out and sunbathe. The lawn is framed by oak trees and handsome shrubs. However, given the recent down-turn in temperature, it’s just the massive leaves that populate the lawn. The now-shadowed trees lack all color, and make the pink and orange sky that they touch look even more vibrant. [[back|beginning]]

Riley is quite the reader, and this bookshelf is full of a wide array of literature. From Kafka to Dickonson. A more recent addition, is a collections edition of Watchmen, I got it as for Riley as a birthday gift. But books are not the only thing that Riley stores in this bookshelf. There are two metals from 10 and under and 12 and under water polo Junior Olympics tournaments, Riley’s team placed in second and third place. A box of [[guitar]] picks. Photos of Riley and friends at what looks to be a party, you can see beer bottles in the background. And on the bottom shelf is a [[photograph]] of you and Riley in Hawaii. [[back|bedroom]]

Riley has been playing since the fifth grade. You’d even say that they’re a really great musician. You have no idea how that happened, both you and your ex have zero musical talent. Riley use to put on concerts for the two of you. [[back|bookshelf]]

This was the first vacation you and Riley went on together since the divorce. This was the first time in a long time that you felt like you two truly hit it off. You both are glowing. [[back|bookshelf]]

Hello, you have reached the Ethical Worldpeace Shipping customer service hotline. Para español, oprima el dos. <<linkreplace Wait>>日本語の場合は5を押してください。想聽中文, 請按四字. <<linkreplace Wait>>Für deutsche, drücken Sie sechs. <<linkreplace Wait>>Per l'italiano premere il tasto sieben. <<linkreplace Wait>>For English, press [[one]]. <</linkreplace>> <</linkreplace>> <</linkreplace>> <</linkreplace>>

Thank you for your call. There are currently (Zero) callers ahead of you. Please hold, and the next available customer service representative will be with you shortly. [[hang up|Check your phone]] [[wait on hold|two][addMinutes(15)]]

Thank you for your call. There are currently (One) callers ahead of you. Your call is very important to us. Please remain on the line and the next available representative will be with you shortly. [[hang up|Check your phone]] [[wait on hold|three][addMinutes(15)]]

(Jazz that you think is surprisingly spicy for hold music begins to play in the background. You catch yourself tapping your foot to the rhythm, despite yourself.) [[hang up|Check your phone]] [[wait on hold|four][addMinutes(15)]]

We’re sorry, all of our representatives are currently assisting other customers. Your call is very important to us. Please send an email at customer-service@ews.com with your concern, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Remember to recycle, and have a very ethical day! <<set $ethical to true>> [[back|Check your phone]]

Warning: your social security number has been suspended due to suspected fraudulent activity. In order to reactivate it, please enter your social security number into the keypad. If you do not know your social security number, please enter your credit card number, the date on the front, and the three-digit CVV code on the back of your card. If you do not have any of these items on you, please log in to your bank, primarily email, or Amazon account at our website: www.fbidotgov.com. Thank you. [[back|Check voicemail]]

Congratulations! You’ve been selected as one of 10 recipients of a Marriotts Rewards gift card. Enjoy the clear oceans and sandy beaches of the Bahamas, or take in the city sights of nighttime Barcelona. To redeem this card, please spell out your email address after the tone. You will receive a link to our website, where you can enter your passport information in order to skip airport lines and be delivered to one of our 500 resorts around the world by private jet. [[back|Check voicemail]]

<<set $manuscriptgood to true>> You type a strongly-worded email emphasizing the imporatnce of preserving the ancient manuscript's integrity in shipping. The environment be damned, you need plastic wrapping on this container. [[back|Check your email]]

<<if $manuscriptgood>> You lift the veil that is covering the 7th Early Greek manuscript, and you uncover all of the details that first inspired you to host this lecture to begin with. Suddenly, all of the information exchanged between you and Bert over many meals and phone calls come flooding back to you. You give the lecture of a Lifetime. Following the lecture Dr. Elliot compliments you. Dr. Eliot: Well done, Dr. Harwood. Let’s meet about tenure this upcoming week. Have a good weekend. [[Go home|Go home kidbadlecturegood]] <</if>>

Across the street from the Field auditorium, is a vast lawn where students typically lay out and sunbathe. You feel a sense of accomplishment looking out over the campus -- soon, this will be your new home, and these students are almost more family to you then your own child. The lawn is framed by oak trees and handsome shrubs. However, given the recent down-turn in temperature, it’s just the massive leaves that populate the lawn. The now-shadowed trees lack all color, and make the pink and orange sky that they touch look even more vibrant. [[back|friday 2]]

<<if $manuscriptgood is true>>You get home still in shock, wondering if your child, Riley, managed to win that water polo championship. You call out with no response. You go over to their [[bedroomkblg]]. Maybe Riley was still out celebrating. You head to bed, exhausted from the long day, but you see a note left on your pillow. Hi, I know that this may all seem very confusing, and I am sorry to add dealing with this part of your already full plate. I’m leaving– well, I’ve already left by the time you’re reading this. I’m nearly an adult. I basically live on my own already. From making myself all my meals, doing our laundry on the weekend, and walking myself to school and water polo practice and finding ways to get to tournaments, I am pretty self-sufficient. When my coach let me know that you would not be in attendance at my CIF championship game, I realized that living with you, I am truly alone. I imagine that this new life of mine will be much similar to the one I already live, minus the flooded DVR of documentaries about Ancient Mesopotamia. Perhaps we can pick things up again after I decide where I am going to college, and yes, I plan to continue to play. Best, Riley Despite the fact that you were able to save the lecture, you did not account for the results of your parenting decisions. You failed to value connection. The goodness of the newfound success that you have achieved through your accomplished lecture earlier this evening, as a result of your investment in planning the lecture event, will not outweigh the severity of the pain you feel knowing that your child needed you, and you were not there for them.<</if>> <<if $manuscriptgood is false>> You get home, not shocked at all, knowing well enough that you’re in this home alone, and that Riley is not home, or off celebrating with friends, but instead, gone. You know what Riley’s bedroom looks like, and you know you’re not going to enter it again for a long time. You head to bed, hoping to sleep off the disaster of the day, but you see a note left on your pillow. Note passage: Hi, I know that this may all seem very confusing, and I am sorry to add dealing with this part of your already full plate. I’m leaving– well, I’ve already left by the time you’re reading this. I’m nearly an adult. I basically live on my own already. From making myself all my meals, doing our laundry on the weekend, and walking myself to school and water polo practice and finding ways to get to tournaments, I am pretty self-sufficient. When my coach let me know that you would not be in attendance at my CIF championship game, I realized that living with you, I am truly alone. I imagine that this new life of mine will be much similar to the one I already live, minus the flooded DVR of documentaries about Ancient Mesopotamia. Perhaps we can pick things up again after I decide where I am going to college, and yes, I plan to continue to play. Best, Riley This has been the absolute worst day of your life. You wonder what you could have done to make it better. Could you have gotten the guest speaker to show up? Ensured that the manuscript was handled properly? Been nicer to your co-worker? Prevented the squirrels from invading the auditorium? More importantly, could you have been a better parent? [[end game]]<</if>>

You look into Riley’s room and it’s a lot like an archeological site. Buried underneath the photos of friends, Arcade Fire and Muse posters is the map-patterned wallpaper the two of you picked out for Riley’s 7th birthday. The carpet is still light blue, despite the dark color of the new curtains and bedspread. Riley’s tiny 10 and under club parka hangs on the back of the closer door still. You find this very sweet, and it almost brings you to tears to think about all of the time that has passed by. The [[bookshelf|bookshelf kblg]] Riley made with grandpa now has various items from all different era’s of Riley. [[back|Go home kidbadlecturegood]] [[end game]]

Riley is quite the reader, and this bookshelf is full of a wide array of literature. From Kafka to Dickonson. A more recent addition, is a collections edition of Watchmen, I got it as for Riley as a birthday gift. But books are not the only thing that Riley stores in this bookshelf. There are two metals from 10 and under and 12 and under water polo Junior Olympics tournaments, Riley’s team placed in second and third place. A box of [[guitar|g kblg]] picks. Photos of Riley and friends at what looks to be a party, you can see beer bottles in the background. And on the bottom shelf is a [[photograph|p kblg]] of you and Riley in Hawaii. [[back|bedroomkblg]]

THE END

Across the street from the Field auditorium, is a vast lawn where students typically lay out and sunbathe. You wish you were not looking at this. It makes you feel sick. The lawn is framed by oak trees and handsome shrubs. However, given the recent down-turn in temperature, it’s just the massive leaves that populate the lawn. The now-shadowed trees lack all color, it looks creepy, and menacing, and makes the pink and orange sky that they stab into look even more vibrant, almost like blood. [[back|friday 2]]

Double-click this passage to edit it.