The Doll's House

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<<set $hasLetter to false>> <<set $hasRead to false>> <<set $followedLucille to false>> <<set $metRei to false>> <<set $isAngry to false>> <<set $inGarden to false>> <<set $seenRei to false>> <<set $fear to 0>> <<set $helpless to 0>> <<set $bravery to 0>> <<set $truth to false>> <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5uHyCVWMAAL3-7?format=jpg&name=4096x4096" width="750px" height="500px" /> [[Enter]]

You feel helpless, so you try to scream. <<set $helpless to 1>> You imagine yourself screaming for someone. Momma! Lucille! Help! But that is all you can do. Imagine. Your mouth cannot move, your head cannot turn, and you cannot scream. No matter how hard you imagine, you cannot command your body to listen to your thoughts. What once was second-nature now seems to be lost to you. You feel as if a heavy weight was pressing against your body, keeping you down. Immovable, as if your entire body has suddenly turned to stone. An inanimate doll cursed with the consciousness of a scared child. <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5uI-JZWUAAfKV0?format=jpg&name=4096x4096" width="750px" height="500px" /> [[The figure grows closer.]]

You feel scared, so you try to run. <<set $fear to 1>> You imagine yourself launching your body forward, rising from bed and running to the safety of Lucille, or Momma, but you'd feel safer with Lucille. Unfortunately, you cannot even get as far as lifting your head, moving your fingers, or even kicking your feet. You feel yourself thrashing, but nothing comes of it. No matter how hard you imagine, you cannot command your body to listen to your thoughts. What once was second-nature now seems to be lost to you. You feel as if a heavy weight was pressing against your body, keeping you down. Immovable, as if your entire body has suddenly turned to stone. An inanimate doll cursed with the consciousness of a scared child. <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5uI-JZWUAAfKV0?format=jpg&name=4096x4096" width="750px" height="500px" /> [[The figure grows closer.]]

You feel brave, so you try to talk. <<set $bravery to 1>> It's unfortunate that you're quite dumb, the kids in this house tell you that all the time. If it takes others five seconds to figure out, you take five minutes. You didn't know why until Lucille said that you were quite "air-headed." It all started to make sense, of course things take a while to figure out when your head is filled with air. With that thought, you try and calm your heart. The figure in front of you is none other than one of the other children who sleep in this room. They're staring right at you, but you're just too air-headed to figure out who it is. Making conversation is what you are supposed to do when someone stares at you, so you attempt to say hello. Attempt to, at least. Nothing comes out, and your mouth doesn't even move. No matter how hard you imagine, you cannot command your body to listen to your thoughts. What once was second-nature now seems to be lost to you. You feel as if a heavy weight was pressing against your body, keeping you down. Immovable, as if your entire body has suddenly turned to stone. An inanimate doll cursed with the consciousness of a scared child. <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5uI-JZWUAAfKV0?format=jpg&name=4096x4096" width="750px" height="500px" /> [[The figure grows closer.]]

You feel as though the figure is trying to tell your something. It creeps closer, and closer, <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5uI-J-WkAECVi8?format=jpg&name=4096x4096" width="750px" height="500px" /> [[and closer.]]

<img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5uI6YhXsAAJe0Y?format=jpg&name=large" width="750px" height="500px" /> The light of a small flame engulfs the corner of your vision. The shadowy figure dissipates, and you can finally feel the frantic way your chest rises and falls. You sit up, and the child holding a candlestick a few feet away from you falters. Once again, you are thrown into a staring contest, but this time, you recognize this face. "L-Lucille?" You question, still tightly clutching your plush rabbit. Though you tried to speak in a whispered tone, you are loud enough to make the other girl flinch. "Annabelle? You shouldn't be up. Go back to sleep before Momma hears you." "But you're up!" You unconsciously dropped the whispering tone, to the dismay of your peer. "Shh! Quiet down before a Momma hears you. I... I just forgot my sleep mask and couldn't sleep. I'll be right back." Normally, you'd listen without a second thought. She was your senior by a whole one and a half years, but she felt even wiser than that. If it took others five seconds to work their thoughts straight, Lucille took less than one. Lucille was creative, skillful, and was the one person who made sense in this place to you. She was kind, despite what others may think, and you'd do anything to stay by her side. And normally, she'd let you. [[Follow Lucille.]] [[Go back to sleep.]]

"Okay..." You say as you gently swing your feet off the bed and tip toe to Lucille. "Have you gone deaf? I said go back to sleep." "But.... I...." You turn your head back to your bed. It doesn't strike any feelings of comfort after your nightmare. Lucille seems to notice your reluctance and gives in. "Oh fine! Just stay Quiet." She grabs your wrist and walks with a purpose out the bedroom door. Each step she takes is delicate yet resolute, a grace that your body does not possess. She cringes each time she can feel you catch yourself from tripping, but you continue onward nonetheless, exchanging no words. This was unlike Lucille, who was always quick to pick apart anything less than perfect. You grow anxious, and more so as you walk past the only rooms you'd assume Lucile's sleep mask would be in. <<set $followedLucille to true>> <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5uI6YIWQAAI2iE?format=jpg&name=4096x4096" width="850px" height="500px" /> [[Ask Lucille where you are going.]] [[Stay Silent]]

You nod your head before lying back down, covering you and your plush back under the white linen sheets. You can't go back to sleep. Not for a while, at least. Normally, after you had a nightmare fit, you'd get up (when you finally were able to) and loom over Lucille's bed before she sensed your presence and let you lay beside her. So, you wait for Lucille to return. You listen to the door creek as Lucille exits the room, but it never creeks again. Lucille is not back in her bed by the time you finally return to sleep. [[After a while...]]

You wake up to the sun's light peeking through translucent curtains. Typically, you'd only ever awaken with the crow of the morning birds' assistance or Lucille, or on rare occasions, your room's Momma will wake you up for breakfast. Seems that this morning, your subconsious was too riddled with anxiety to stay asleep for long. You look to the bed across the room and two beds down from you, it is the neatest of all the beds in the room, and the prettiest. The bedsheets and pillow covers, though the same linen sheets every other child was given, were addourned with lace and intricate embroidered patterns. Another difference with this bed was that no child could be found sleeping in it. You jump out of bed. Since you're up so early, breakfast shouldn't be for another hour, and morning curfew should be over. You'll be able to explore freely without getting in trouble. [[Look for Lucille in the Sewing Room]] [[Look around the room]] <<if $followedLucille is true>>[[Head to the Headmistress' Room]] <</if>>

"Hush!" She glares daggers at you. If not for both her hands being occupied right now, you can tell she'd being putting her finger to her lips in the universal "Stay Quiet" getsure. The world around you remains still, unbothered by the small footsteps and question you just asked, but tension is rising. Lucille passes by several more rooms, only peaking into the occasional nursery, seemingly to check on the wherabouts of the nearest Momma. <<set $bravery to 2>> [[Probe further]] [[Stay Silent]]

You don't want to upset Lucille any further, and it would likely be best to keep quiet as to not alert a Momma. You walk through the silent halls. You've lived in this house for almost as long as you can remember, yet you still are not entirely sure how many rooms lie within. There's no reason for you to explore past the rooms that Lucille frequents, so you accept this eternal state of dissarray. Another peculiar thing about this place is that you are only ever allowed to explore rooms on one side of the hallway, the right side. On the left, curtains cover up long, ominous windows. There are few doors in between. [[You make it to the end of the hallway]]

"Why are we not checkin' the sewin' room?" Lucille cuts in right as you finish speaking. "It won't be there. Stop talking." "Okay." Lucille silently scoffs. Your head darts down in shame after realizing you had in fact, kept talking. Her answer does not soothe your anxiety whatsoever, and you feel another question bubbling within you as you realize where Lucille is headed. <<set $bravery to 3>> [[Ask for the truth]] [[Stay Silent]]

"Enough!-" Lucille snaps at you before quickly covering her mouth and forcing both of you to duck into a closet. You have no time to question her actions before you realize why she has hidden the two of you. You hear the creeking of a door, a voice, and then- Your light goes out. [[Ending: Cut Too Short]]

On this wall, a portrait of a beauitful young lady can be seen. Her blonde locks form the most beautiful curls, almost as perfect as Lucille's. The woman's glossy, doll-like eyes peer right at you and Lucille as she creeps open the last door on the left. The Headmistress' door. Normally, this door would be locked tight, with no one daring to enter. Yet, for some reason, it opens without a hitch tonight. Lucille turns to you. She furrows her eyebrows as she trys to hide a worried expression from you. She whispers, "Anna, would you like to [[stay out here]] or [[come with me]]?"

<img src="https://www.nps.gov/fova/images/sewing-room_1.jpg" alt="A photo of victorian sewing room/office" width="600px" height="500px"/> You head to the sewing room, a place you and Lucille frequent. Due to Lucille's irritability, you tend to be the only two who ever enter that room in the morning, as others never want get caught in her fire. Which is why you found it quite shocking to see two of your peers inspecting the room. <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5uI6YzWgAAUXhn?format=jpg&name=4096x4096" width="750px" height="500px" /> "Ah look who just flew in! Hello there, Anna! Oh? Is Lucille not with you? What a rare sight!" A loud booming voice comes from the boy in front of you. The girl next to him is filled with an overwhelming feeling of annoyance. "Quiet down, ya ogre, you're scaring her." The young girl crosses her arms. "Ahhhh sorry sorrrrry! There there-" he pats you on the head- "we mean no harm! We're just looking around, you see? We'll be out of your hair in no time... unless you think you could help us out?" "?" "You see... a friend of Flor's been given a 'Letter of Recommendation.' recently-" "Stop givin' people you're not close to nicknames. My name's Florence, and the big guy over here is named Mikey." "Right! Right, fine! Though, I'd say at this point we've gotten preeeetty close! You're just like a little sister to me now!" Florence rolls her eyes in response. "Anywho, shortly after she recieved that letter, she just, poofed!" Mikey made a poofing gesture with his hands. "So we were looking around for anybody else who may have gotten a letter themselves... and yanno... Lucille seems like she'd be a good fit! Or maybe even you, since you're so obedient!" "Uhm..." Wow, these two can talk a LOT! You're not very sure you were following along fully... "What does it take to get a letter of reccommendation?" You question. Mikey tilts his head, looks up, and puts a finger to his chin, overexagerrating his movements so it appears he is pondering deeply. "Perfection, really, in every way. They must be young, loveable, quick learners, talented, and well just the perfect children. In fact..." he glances to some of the porcelain dolls Lucille keeps in the sewing room, "...they'd probably make perfect dolls if it weren't for the fact that they were human." Suddenly, a melodic tune rings out throughout the halls. The Breakfast bell, "Aw c'mon, Mikey, ya talked too much and ran us outta time." "Heyyyy that's not totallly my fault!" He sighs, "Alrighty Anna, how about after breakfast, you tell us if you find anything that might help us find Flor's friend!" Head to [[The Dining Hall.]]

Five girls, including yourself, reside in this bedroom despite there being 6 beds. The sixth girl had left this house right as you started residing here. You get along fine with these girls but tend to only talk to Lucille. There's not any decorations on the walls, but there are a few defining objects and decorations on and around the floors of each bed that tells you who sleeps where. Waking up so early means that no one else should normally be awake. Normally is the important word here, as you notice one other bed seems to be missing its child. This bed belongs to Rei, the oldest child in this room, having turned 15 just recently. Though she is close companions with Lucille, you find her quite intimidating. You walk up to this empty bed and inspect it. Sticking out from under the pillow, you find an unopened envelope. <<set $metRei to true>> [[Open it]] [[Take it with you]] [[Leave it be]]

<img src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2023/01/27/10/36/victorian-7748352_960_720.jpg" width="750px" height="500px" /> Though it brings you great fear to break such a rule, you do not wish to leave Lucille's side. The Headmistress' room is filled with books, cabinets, shelves, and an assortment of fancy furniture. Lucille slowly creeps to the desk and begins opening drawers. As she looks, you start feeling... strange. The light feeling of pins and needles enters your limbs and the back of your neck. The shadows in the room feel all the more dark... you feel as though something is behind you. [[Turn around]] [[Ignore]]

Breaking such a large rule by going inside of the Headmistress' office scares you greatly. You thank Lucille for asking you so caringly. "Is... your sleep mask in there?." "Ah... yes. I'll only be a moment." "Okay..." You accept her answer, knowing that she could be lying to you. She thinks to herself for a moment, before adding on. "If anybody enters the hallway, hide." "What about you?" "I'll be fine." And with that, she heads inside with her head held up high, closing the door behind her. You don't hear anything, not for a while at least, when suddenly there is a crash coming from inside. Down the hallway, you hear a door opening followed by heavy footsteps. The sound must have alerted a Momma. [[Run to alert Lucille]] [[Hide]]

<<set $hasLetter to true>> <<set $hasRead to true>> <<set $isAngry to true>> You clumsily rip open the envelope to find a torn letter inside. Ah, no, the letter was not torn before you opened the envelope. Luckily, you can still read it... sort of. There are many big words that you don't quite understand. To make matters worse, you struggled to understand such elegant cursive,, it makes you feel as though you've dropped your brain at five years old and have been running around without one since. Lucille most definitely wrote this. "Dearest Rei, Forgive me for acting without you. Your [[███████|imprudent]] plan was far too [[███████|audacious]] for me to let you act on your own. As I am favored by the headmistress, I figured that in the [[███████|improbable]] event that I get caught in her room, I will be let off lightly in comparison to a [[███████|delinquent]] such as yourself. Let us [[███████|rendezvous]] at the garden before breakfast. If I arrive, then the plan has succeeded. If I fail to return before breakfast, burn this note. And do not ever rope dear Annabelle into any future plans. If I cannot handle this myself, then there is no [[███████|conceivable]] way she will be able to. She'll be better off living the rest of her live in [[███████ ███████|blissful innocence]]. [[███████|Sincerely]], Lucille." Is this why Lucille was up last night? What was Rei's plan? You feel angry. You have no idea if Lucille is okay after last night and its all thanks to Rei. Lucille tells you everything, yet not this? Your head is spinning as you ponder what your next move should be. You know that Rei frequents the garden, perhaps she is there. [[Head to the Garden]] [[Look for Lucille in the Sewing Room]] <<if $followedLucille is true>>[[Head to the Headmistress' Room]] <</if>>

<<set $hasLetter to true>> You leave the letter unopened, you've been told that privacy is important. But you still wish to learn more, what if it reveals where Lucille has gone? Perhaps Rei had not seen this letter. You should deliver it to her, she may be in the garden. [[Head to the Garden]] [[Look for Lucille in the Sewing Room]] <<if $followedLucille is true>>[[Head to the Headmistress' Room]] <</if>>

It wasn't addressed to you, so you leave it be. Though it digs at your curiosity, Lucille values privacy, so you will as well. [[Look for Lucille in the Sewing Room]] <<if $followedLucille is true>>[[Head to the Headmistress' Room]] <</if>>

When a normal person wakes up from a bad dream, they are sent back to their room, safe and sound. They can get up, feel the soft blankets and pillows holding their body tight, lift up their heavy heads, and look for the light. Unfortunaly, you don't seem to be very normal. A dream you don't quite remember has found its end. In the dark corners of your vision, you can make out the beds of the other kids in the room. You can make out the blanket covering your small body, the plush rabbit in your arms, and the shadowy figure looming over you. <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5uI-JAXsAA6BjS?format=jpg&name=4096x4096" width="750px" height="500px" /> [[Scream at the figure!]] [[Jump out of the bed!]] [[Try saying hello.]]

<<set $inGarden to true>> <img src="https://dam.thdstatic.com/content/production/MAu1-tTZ4mCWCUwfon1eeA/ve5PPhk20ID3Sx7NRu-OKA/Original%20file/2023_H1_Perfect_Roses.jpg" alt="A photo of victorian sewing room/office" width="1150px" height="500px"/> You make it to the garden. Stone statues of birds are scattered about amongst wilting greenery and flowers. In the center, a fountain with no running water is planted. The most well tended areas are decorated brilliantly with roses. <<if $hasRead is true>>You pace around the garden and wait impatiently for Rei to arrive. After what feels like ages, she finally appears. A worried look on her face is covered up by a warm smile once she sees you. <<if $seenRei is false>> <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5uI6ZJXAAAJlim?format=jpg&name=4096x4096" width="750px" height="500px" /> <</if>> "Hello, little Anna, What brings you here?" You run up to Rei. "Where's Lucille?!" "Hm? I'm not sure, I was looking for her just n-" "Why'd she head to the headmistress' room last night?" "Oh? How did you know that?" [["Lucille had told me."]] [[Show her the opened envelope]] <<elseif $hasRead is false>>After looking around briefly, it is clear no one else is here. [[Wait on a bench]] [[Look for Lucille in the Sewing Room]] <</if>>

No matter what Lucille's order was, you simply cannot just leave her to get reprimanded. You have to warn her, and check on what that crash was. When you get to the headmistress' door, it's locked. You twist and turn and pull on the fancy knob with all your might, but nothing comes of it. The footsteps have stopped. "Miss Annabelle?" A caring voice emenates behind you. Despite the caring tone, it echoes menacingly, and there is a slight shrill under it that makes your ears hurt and your heart drop. Momma is mad. Your turn to face it. "Yes, Momma?" "Miss Annabelle, you know you are not allowed in there." "Yes, Momma." "Why are you are you here, Miss Annabelle?" [[Tell her about Lucille]] [["I had a nightmare."]] [[...]]

Under the portrait of the beautiful young lady, there is a cabinet. Thankfully due to your small size, you can crawl into it to hide. From inside the cabinet, you listen as the footsteps get louder and louder, before you hear the turn of the door knob. And then, click. The door is locked. Whoever is trying to open the door cannot seem to get it open. Footsteps start again, and they fade down the hallway. You wait for a few more seconds before... [[Calling for Lucille]] [[Going back to your room]]

The Momma turns its head. "Is that so? Then, why didn't you get me to help you? The headmistress isn't here today. Come. Let's go back to your room." She guides you back through the hallway, you turn to look at the Headmistress' door. Please be okay, Lucille. You wish. [[After a while...]]

The Momma sighs before shaking its head. "We have rules for a reason, Miss Annabelle." You don't get any time to respond before you start feeling dizzy. Suddenly, your vision blacks out and you feel yourself fall to the floor. [[Ending: Cut Too Short]]

You would never put Lucille in danger. [["I had a nightmare."]] [[...]]

You exit the room and run to the headmistress' room. As you approach the door, you see someone in front of it. "Ah, is that little Anna?" <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5uI6ZJXAAAJlim?format=jpg&name=4096x4096" width="750px" height="500px" /> <<set $seenRei to true>> <<if $metRei is false>>The girl in front of the headmistress' room is Rei. She's the oldest girl in the house, and though she is close companions with Lucille, you find her quite intimidating. You stare at her as you approach. <<elseif $metRei is true>>Rei stands in front of the headmistress' room, tapping her foot anxiously. <</if>> <<if $isAngry is false>>"Uh... goodmornin' Rei... what are ya doing in front of the headmistress' room?" "I could ask you the same question, couldn't I?" You start to panic a little. Rei notices your nervousness. "Ah, don't worry. I assume you're looking for Lucille? I noticed she was gone this morning. I wanted to look around before heading out to the garden. I presume you're doing the same?" You nod your head. "Lovely. Would you like to come with me, then?" [[Go with Rei]] <<if $hasLetter is true>>[[Show her the envelope]] <</if>> [[Decline]] <<elseif $isAngry is true>> You run up to Rei. "Where's Lucille?!" "Hm? I'm not sure, I was looking for her just n-" "Why'd she head to the headmistress' room last night?" "Oh? How did you know that?" [["Lucille told me."]] [[Show her the envelope]] <</if>>

You've reached one of the endings. If you made it to this one, you've gotten in trouble! Think about what you've done. [[Try Again|you are waking up]]

You quietly run to the door and knock on it. You whisper-shout for Lucille. You are met with nothing... Turning the doorknob yourself brings you no where closer to Lucille either. You are left alone in the dark. You begin to sob. "Lucille... please open the door." Suddenly, you hear a click inside the doorknob. Your eyes light up. That is... until the door opens to... [[Ending: Caught You]]

You suppose your only option is to head back to your room. As you walk back in the dark, feeling the wall next to you make sure you are going the right way, you turn to face the headmistress' door. Please be okay, Lucille. You wish. [[After a while...]]

You've reached one of the endings. If you made it to this one, you've gotten in trouble! Think about what you've done. [[Try Again|you are waking up]]

<img src="https://dam.thdstatic.com/content/production/MAu1-tTZ4mCWCUwfon1eeA/ve5PPhk20ID3Sx7NRu-OKA/Original%20file/2023_H1_Perfect_Roses.jpg" alt="A photo of victorian sewing room/office" width="1150px" height="500px"/> You and Rei silently head to the garden. Ocassionally, she comments on something or asks a question. Perhaps she is trying to ease your nerves, but she unfortunately fails to do so. You make it to the garden. Stone statues of birds are scattered about amongst wilting greenery and flowers. In the center, a fountain with no running water is planted. The most well tended areas are decorated brilliantly with roses. The two of you take different sides of the small garden and look for any signs of Lucille, only to come to the same conclusion. Lucille wasn't here. Rei looks you in the eyes, before shaking her head and turning away. She opens her mouth to say something. <<if $truth is false>>Suddenly, a melodic tune rings out. The breakfast bell. A look of dread befalls Rei's face. "Ah... it appears we've run out of time." [[Chapter One's End: Breakfast.]] <<elseif $truth is true>>"Good morning, you two. I hope I haven't kept you both waiting for too long." Lucille enters the garden, taking slow yet regal strides towards the two of you. Her gaze softens when she sees you, as if she was trying to comfort you from a distance. That is, until Rei speaks up. "You gave us quite the scare, Lucille." "Rei, haven't done anything irreperable while I was gone, have you?" [[Chapter One's End: Lucille Safe and Sound]] <</if>>

If Rei had not found Lucille here, perhaps she is elsewhere. There is only one place that you'd think she'd be... that is, so long as she's not in trouble. [[Look for Lucille in the Sewing Room]]

"Oh? is that so? Y'know, Lucille specifically told me to keep you out of these things." "Why?!" "You should know already, shouldn't you? Since I'm sure she's told you everything." The girl in front of you is toying with you. Could she really tell you were lying so easily? "Well... uh... well! There's still things I 'on't get. Why'd y'all need to go to the headmistress' room? We're not allowed to go in there!" "Ah, well, she was hiding something important in there." "And that was?!" "If you don't know from Lucille, then I cannot tell you. She specifically told me not to tell you. If... you were to figure it out yourself, however, it wouldn't be right for me to keep you in the dark, would it?" "...This was your plan. Lucille said so in the letter." "Ah... so you did read it. And here I thought you were unable to break the rules. Yes, I it was intiially my plan for me to go into the headmistress' room." "Why?!" "You know how my birthday has passed recently, right? That gives me one more year before they send me away. The Mommas and Headmistress will claim that I was sent away to start a life in the 'adult world.' However, if I was simply moving away, I'd bring my stuff with me. I'd have tearful goodbyes, and I'd send letters. So what really happens when you get sent away? Such an uncertainty scares me, and it even more so scares Lucille. I wanted to try and find any and all documents on me and past children who have aged out of this house, so I planned to disobey the rules and enter the Headmistress' room." She laughs dryly before continuing, "I guess that's why I've never gotten a letter of reccommendation.." "What's that?" You ask, turning your head. "Ah, I forgot. Essentially, if the Mommas find you exceptional enough... perfect enough... they'll send you a letter of reccommendation. You'll be celebrated and dressed up like a cute little doll before you're sent off, never to be seen again." You start vaguely remembering hearing about kids who had recieved those... but never thought anything of it. "Unfortunately, I fear that our dear Lucille may fit this criteria. If that's true, then-" A melodic tune rings out. The breakfast bell. "Ah... it appears we've run out of time." Obediently go to [[The Dining Hall.]]

<<if $hasRead is true>>"Oh? I could have sworn this letter was inside of an envelope last I saw it. What would Lucille think if she knew you read something you weren't supposed to?" "I... Th-that doesn't matter right now! Explain what's going on or I-I'll! I'll...!!" "You'll what?" "I'll tell Momma!" "And risk getting Lucille in trouble?" "!" "That's what I thought," she sighs before smiling, "If I'm being honest, I'm quite glad you read that letter. Lucille would kill me if I was the one who roped you into this mess. But, since this was your own doing, she has no excuse to bite my ear off!" "AAA!! Stop talkin'! Just please tell me what's goin' on!" "Okay, okay, of course. I must warn you, it's a lot... how about we head to the garden? I'd rather not tell you here, of all places." She glances at the headmistress' door. <</if>> <<if $hasRead is false>>"Ah, thank you little Anna." She inspects the envelope and frowns before putting it away. "...are ya not gonna read it?" "Oh? Don't fret, I had read it earlier, actually. I simply resealed it." "Why'd ya do that?" "Ahhh... well... it's a lot to explain. Don't you worry about it, Little Anna." You wonder if you should press on, but she continues before you can get your thoughts together. "How about we keep looking for Lucille? Perhaps she is in the garden." <</if>> <<if $followedLucille is false>>You nod and [[Go to the Garden]] <<elseif $followedLucille is true>>You nod and [[Go with Rei]] <</if>>

You wait on the bench, admiring the roses around that were so clearly cared for tenderly. You smile, Lucille must have worked tirelessly on them. She hates getting dirty, yet she has a soft spot for gardening. Before long, you hear footsteps approaching. <<if $seenRei is false>><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5uI6ZJXAAAJlim?format=jpg&name=4096x4096" width="750px" height="500px" /> <</if>> "Ah, hello Little Anna. Have you seen Lucille anywhere?" You shake your head. Rei looks just as distraught over this as you are. "Hm? Is that an envelope in your hands?" "Ah... yeah! Sorry... I was curious about it and saw that ya left it so I wanted to check if ya saw it." "So you didn't read it?" You shake your head again. "Ah, thank you little Anna." She inspects the envelope and frowns before putting it away. "...are ya not gonna read it?" "Oh? Don't fret, I had read it earlier, actually. I simply resealed it." "Why'd ya do that?" "Ahhh... well... it's a lot to explain. Don't you worry about it, Little Anna." The two of you are left in an awkward silence. It feels like Rei wants to tell you something, but has chosen to keep quiet. "Why did Lucille leave, last night?" "You watched her leave the room? I would've expected you to follow her, if I'm being honest." "She.... um... told me not to..." You fidget nervously with your hands. "I see... Well, in that case-" A melodic tune rings out. The breakfast bell. "Ah... it appears we've all run out of time." Obediently head to [[The Dining Hall.]]

<img src="https://dam.thdstatic.com/content/production/MAu1-tTZ4mCWCUwfon1eeA/ve5PPhk20ID3Sx7NRu-OKA/Original%20file/2023_H1_Perfect_Roses.jpg" alt="A photo of victorian sewing room/office" width="1150px" height="500px"/> You make it to the garden. Stone statues of birds are scattered about amongst wilting greenery and flowers. In the center, a fountain with no running water is planted. The most well tended areas are decorated brilliantly with roses. <<if $hasRead is true>>Rei turns to you. "Alright, where to start? Hmm... how about this. Every child in this house stays here up until they either get sent a 'Letter Of Recommendation' or turn 16, right? Once they turn 16, the Mommas and Headmistress tell us that they have joined the adult world and are living new lives. This has always confused me and Lucille, as the Mommas never explain what this 'adult world' is like. It also happens incredibly suddenly, at any point after a child turns 16, they disapear from the house entirely. No tearful goodbyes, nothing! They're simply gone. Do you know what the difference between the children who get 'Letters of reccommendations' and the children who age out of this house?" You shake your head. "Children who get 'letters of reccommendations' are Perfect. They're without blemishes, without flaws, the perfect children. The perfect... dolls-" A melodic tune rings out. The breakfast bell. "Ah... it appears we've run out of time." Obediently follow Rei to [[The Dining Hall.]] <</if>> <<if $hasRead is false>> The two of you make occasional small talk as you walk around the garden in search of Lucille. Before long, a melodic tune rings out. The breakfast bell. A look of dread befalls Rei's face. "Ah... it appears she's run out of time." Obediently head to [[The Dining Hall.]] <</if>>

Congratulations on reaching this conclusion! This is actually the Only conclusion where Lucille is safe. That promise you made seemed to have kept her safe! Originally there was going to be much, MUCH more, however I underestimated how much school work I'd have this week, and FAR underestimated the scope of the ideas this story would bring. There was nothing in the rubric about having to give a cohesive ending, so I hope it is okay if I end this route here. Perhaps I will keep working on this story after turning it in. There are Two "Chapter Endings" and Three "Endings" (those are just a game over and have to restart). Some routes will end the same, but give you different information.

You are the last ones to make it to the dining hall. All the children are seated around an incredibly long, cloth covered table. Behind the seat at the far end is a portrait of the Headmistress, but she is not seated at the table. All the Mommas turn to you, as if they know you've done something you're not supposed to. Lucille is not at the table. [[Chapter One's End: Breakfast.]]

You've reached one of the endings. If you made it to this one, you've gotten in trouble! Think about what you've done. [[Try Again|you are waking up]]

What happened to Lucille? What is this house and its goals? Well... unfortunately you don't get to know for now. Originally there was going to be much, MUCH more, however I underestimated how much school work I'd have this week, and FAR underestimated the scope of the ideas this story would bring me. I didn't even get to solve the mysteries I had set up in these routes... There was nothing in the rubric about having to give a cohesive ending, so I hope it is okay if I end this route here. Perhaps I will keep working on this story after turning it in. There are Two "Chapter Endings" and Three "Endings" (those are just a game over and have to restart). Some routes will end the same, but give you different information.

"Oh? I could have sworn this letter was inside of an envelope last I saw it. What would Lucille think if she knew you read something you weren't supposed to?" "I... Th-that doesn't matter right now! Explain what's going on or I-I'll! I'll...!!" "You'll what?" "I'll tell Momma!" "And risk getting Lucille in trouble?" "!" "That's what I thought," she sighs before smiling, "If I'm being honest, I'm quite glad you read that letter. Lucille would kill me if I was the one who roped you into this mess. But, since this was your own doing, she has no excuse to bite my ear off!" "AAA!! Stop talkin'! Just please tell me what's goin' on!" "Ahhh fine, fine, but where to start? Hmm... how about this. Every child in this house stays here up until they either get sent a 'Letter Of Recommendation' or turn 16, right? Once they turn 16, the Mommas and Headmistress tell us that they have joined the adult world and are living new lives. This has always confused me and Lucille, as the Mommas never explain what this 'adult world' is like. It also happens incredibly suddenly, at any point after a child turns 16, they disapear from the house entirely. No tearful goodbyes, nothing! They're simply gone. Do you know what the difference between the children who get 'Letters of reccommendations' and the children who age out of this house?" You shake your head. "Children who get 'letters of reccommendations' are Perfect. They're without blemishes, without flaws, the perfect children. The perfect... dolls-" A melodic tune rings out. The breakfast bell. "Ah... it appears we've run out of time." Obediently follow Rei to [[The Dining Hall.]]

The word is Imprudent. You're not sure what it means. [[Back to the letter|Open it]]

The word is Audacious. You're not sure what it means. [[Back to the letter|Open it]]

The word is Improbable. You're not sure what it means. [[Back to the letter|Open it]]

Quarters? You think to yourself, why would Lucille be caught in coins? [[Back to the letter|Open it]]

The word is Delinquent. You're not sure what it means. [[Back to the letter|Open it]]

The word is Rendezvous. You're not sure what it means. [[Back to the letter|Open it]]

The word is Conceivable. You're not sure what it means. [[Back to the letter|Open it]]

The words here are Blissful Innocence. You're not sure what it means. [[Back to the letter|Open it]]

The word is Sincerely. You're aware of this one, having seen Lucille mark off the ends of her letters with this, followed by her name. You've even begun to do so yourself. However, you're still not sure what it means. [[Back to the letter|Open it]]

<<if $fear gte 3>>You whip your head around, ready to confront whatever monster has been trying to reach you. To your surprise, all you see is the door you and Lucille entered from, just as you left it. "Goodness! What has gotten into you?" Lucille is clutching her heart, your sudden head-turn must have startled her. "Ah! S-sorry,,, I thought I heard somethin'" You nervously begin fidgeting with your sleeve. Lucille exhales. "Alright. Would you mind helping me with something?" "Of course!" Your eyes light up, eager to assist. "I need to check three different locations in this room. I have the desk, but I'll need you to look over either the cabinet or the bookshelf. Look for a piece of paper that either has the name Morgan Reyes or Rei Enomoto." (UNFINISHED ROUTE! SORRY!!! ITS GONNA BE COOL I SWEAR) <<else>>Unfortunately, you are not brave enough to do that. Lucille seems to notice your unease. "Anna, are you alright?" She whispers, concern is etched on her face. You start to see shadows creeping up in the corners of your vision. <<set $fear to 2>> [[Lie]] [[Tell her the Truth]] <</if>>

You shake your head visorously, as if you could shake the creeping feeling of being watched off like a dog would shake rain off its fur. Lucille stops her search of one of the drawers and turns to you, noticing your erratic behavior. "Anna, are you alright?" She whispers, concern etched on her face. You start to see shadows creeping up in the corners of your vision. <<set $fear to 2>> [[Lie]] [[Tell her the Truth]]

Yes. I'm Okay. There's nothing wrong. There's no shadowy figure behind us. These were all responses

Try again. Try and shout again. Run to Lucille and warn her of the beast in the dark. Run, run away to the safety of your linen blankets. Foolishly reason with whatever it is that may be behind you. You'll find that these attempts will once again, all be fruitless. You are completely helpless, unable to move more than a statue. You're not even sure if you're breathing.

A simple I'm fine, it's okay, there is no shadowy figure , would've been fine. You tried your best to get any words at all out of your mouth, yet you found yourself unable to. Not only could your mouth not open, but it felt as though you lost your ability to produce sound at all. With all your might, you muster up a nod, unnoticable to anyone except Lucille, whose eyes were peircing into you. "Use your words, Annabelle." You try again. But, just as shadows fill the edges of your vision, you still cannot open your mouth. You have been thrown back into a state of utter paralysis, just as you were before. Lucille sighs, unconvinced with your answer, but continues on with search. "Alright, if you say so. Stay close behind me if you're feeling uneasy. Just don't get in my way-" before Lucille can get back to her mission, the light of the candle blows out, plunging the Headmistress' room in complete darkness. A crash can be heard from somewhere within the room. And then nothing at all. [[Ending: Darkness]]

<<set $truth to true>> As you go to tell Lucille of your dreadful feeling, you find nothing comes out. In fact, you cannot open your mouth at all. You once again find yourself in a state of complete and utter paralysis. It's only when you see Lucille wiping tears off your face do you realize you've begun crying. "Annabelle! What has gotten into you?" She looks away for a moment before continuing, "I knew you should have stayed in the room..." She looks to a lamp on the Headmistress' desk and lights it using the candlestick, before giving the candle to you and rubbing your face in attempts to soothe you. "Here, take this and go back to the room. I will return shortly." Feeling the warmth of the candlestick in your hands, you feel your sense return to you. "...ya promise?" "I promise." And with that, you make your way through the halls and return to your shared room. [[After a while...]]

[[Try Again|you are waking up]]