Into the Abyss Copy 1208

My daughter is 19. She loves skiing, tennis, and watching //Black Mirror// with friends. Oh, and also cute little kittens. She's best friend with Mrs. Marcus's cat, Snowball. She's our nextdoor neighbor. They would talk for hours. Well, sometimes I almost wonder if she prefers that fluffy creature over human beings. <iframe width="0" height="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0R1f1tPVjDk?autoplay=1&start=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> [[Meow]]

It was like every other morning, except that Julia wasn't home. She told me ahead of time that she'd be staying over with Lydia. Lydia's family had a nice cottage near a lake, so Julia decided she'd use the open space to host her birthday party. My sweet little girl, she was turning 18. [[Today would be your first day being an adult.]]

Gavin is setting up the table. There's a philanthropy event today. I stay at the entrance to watch him clean up. "Hello Mrs. Carlos!" He stands still, looking a bit awkward, as if he isn't sure if he should come over to shake my hand. [[Gavin is always like this.->personality]]

It's hard to resist the temptation to see Julia's room. [[Go to her room]] [[Have some tortilla chips]]

(text-style: "italic")[Office: Mr. Hawkins] I knocked at the door. "Come in, please." Mr. Hawkins looked up from his desk. He looks confused for a second, but he quickly remember me. We shook hand. "Hello, Mrs. Carlos! It's been a while... I'm very sorry for your loss. Please take your seat. How can I help you?" [["I just miss Julia."]] [["Can I ask something about Paul?"]]

That's her, Lydia. She's wearing a college pride hoodie. She tells me she'll only come back home for three days because it's fall break. My breath stops for a second: Julia would've been in college, if it wasn't... Last time I saw Lydia, it was that day. It has been a while. Before I could say anything, Lydia hugs me and whispers: "Hi, Mrs. Carlos! " [["Hi, Lydia."->Call out her name]]

I'm back in Julia's room again. The drawer is half-open. Hmm. [[Close the drawer]] [[See what's in there]]

Today is finally the scheduled time to visit Paul in the prison. I decide to leave the house an hour earlier than I need to, because I cannot wait to know how he would explain himself. [[Start the car]] [[Walk to the bus station]]

Mrs. Marcus is still kind of hesitant: "One time Julia was in my yard with Snowball. She usually stayed next to the swimming pool because I usually read newspapers there. But that day, she was in a corner with Snowball and I could tell she was talking to the cat. That was very unusual - I know I probably wasn't supposed to do that, but I pretended to read and listened to what she said." "Did Julia have a secret?" She looks concerned and she says quietly: "I'm pretty sure she was saying that Maurice sometimes, loved her, a bit too much." I'm about to ask more, but I realize I run out of time. I can't miss my meeting with Paul. [[I need to go.->transportation]]

I enter Maurice's number on my phone: (761)793-1029. This number used to mean a lot to me, but now he's almost a stranger, especially after he becomes even more unreasonable after our divorce. But anyway, he's Julia's father and he deserves to know what happened to our precious daughter, so I should probably tell him about my progress. [[Ring, ring...->drunk]]

After lots of paperworks and instructions, I'm taken to a small room with a glass wall in front of me. On the other side of the wall stands Paul. He looks at me with despair. I can tell that he just cried. [["My daughter is gone... because of you."->sorrow]] [["Why would you do this to her?"->angry]]

I write a long email the police officers to ask them to meet tomorrow. After clicking "send," I feel that I've used up all my courage. Exhausted. Sitting in Julia’s room, I've lost all my feelings. [[Ring, ring...->sister again]]

But is this all the truth? [[Yes]] [[...No?]]

And you know what, she cooks with me. You don't see a lot of that today among teenagers. [Her dad is... ]<dad|(click:?dad)[Let's put it mildly, not the best dad in this world. But for some reasons I don't fully understand, they trust each other a lot.] (link:"She gets along with friends from the church.")[(show:?gavin)]|gavin)[Like Gavin. Even after he went to college last year, they would talk on the phone every week. Sometimes I'm worried about their phone time, but I get a good feeling for him. He's a decent young man, very intellectual too.] Since Julia's planning to become a psychiatrist, she has a study group with girls from her high school and they hang out a lot. (link:"What's her name again?")[(show:?name)]|name)[Right, especially Lydia.] Her teachers like her a lot, too. Mr. Hawkins, her chemistry teacher, told me several times that she's not just smart but also motivated. "She takes care of people," he once said, "and I'm sure she'll become a great psychiatrist." I bet she's the sweetest girl you'll ever meet. [[I love you Julia.]]

(text-style: "italic")[But Julia is gone.] For a year now. She loved him so much. She once told me, "Paul's the first person who really gets me." She loved him, perhaps almost too much. (text-style: "italic")[Until he killed her, on her 18th birthday.] That day. Even the air I breathed in was bitter. A week after that day, I moved out from our house. It's most definitely him. There's nothing I can do besides waiting for the police officers do their job. It usually takes at least 18 months before criminal charges take place. Meanwhile, I just need to forget about all these things... [[Check the calendar]] [[Take out Julia's photo album]]

Oh, it's Saturday. My sister should be arriving anytime. Look at me, indulging myself in these memories. If Julia ever sees me break down in tears, she'll be so heartbroken. Like I am right now. <iframe width="0" height="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7koJ6aILxo4?autoplay=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> Someone is knocking. [[Answer the door]]

Just look at her. She's so happy, kind, and... wholesome. Why? And more importantly, why Paul? I thought he loved her. <iframe width="0" height="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7koJ6aILxo4?autoplay=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> Someone is knocking. Oh, I forgot, it's Saturday again. It must be my sister. [[Answer the door]]

"Hello, my darling! How are you doing? Little Stevie misses his auntie! Stevie, say hi to your auntie Jen!" Stevie almost stumbles over the door as he runs into my arms. "It's so lovely to see you again! Stevie, do you want [[an orange]]?"

This town looks completely different from my memories. The old downtown parking lot has now become a park. There is a young man walking his dogs, and a couple of old ladies chatting under the tree. Oh, I see Mrs. Marcus! She has been living in this neighborhood ever since she retired: that's twenty years now. [[Find a new parking lot]] [[Scroll down the window to talk to Mrs. Marcus->Scroll down the window]]

(set:$call to false) Having parked across the street, I walk to my old house carrying the suitcases. I haven't been back in a while. [[Find key]] [[Call Maurice]]

The house smells like metal, dust, and wood. It used to smell like toast, cranberry biscuits, and barbecue chicken. [[It's been a long day. I need to sleep]] [[Go to Julia's room]] [[Sit on the couch]]

(set:$call to true) Calling Maurice: (761)793-1029... "Hi... It's me. I just want to let you know that I'm back in town. I can't stop thinking about her, and I need to find out what really happened." "Oh Jen! See, you're overthinking again. If I were you, I would just stay away from this city. It's just not good for you." [["Don't you miss her too?"]] [["I just can't... You know I'm not good at controlling my feelings."]] [["I won't stay for too long."]]

"Of course I do. I miss my little girl. But I don't want to see your life falling apart again. There's no point visiting here." [["I won't stay for too long."]]

"That's right. Good luck, and let me know what you find out, OK?" <iframe width="0" height="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vnlI2d33yMM?autoplay=1&start=25" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> [[Bye->Find key]]

"Oh god, you're not. Sorry Jen, I'm playing golf at the club now. Talk to someone else so that you'll get some help. Gotta go." <iframe width="0" height="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vnlI2d33yMM?autoplay=1&start=25" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> [[...Sure->Find key]]

I unpack my things and set an alarm clock at 8 am. Exhausted. Mixed feelings. Don't know what to do. [[zzzzz...->Dream1]]

Her room is locked. No one has ever stepped into her room after that day, except for the police officers who went in to take a few photos. I could barely breath when I open the door just wide enough to see the inside. (link:"Open the door a bit more.")[(show:?open)]|open)[It looks as if she's still here.] (link:"...")[(show:?mem1)]|mem1)[Sitting in the bed with Lydia doing homework.] (link:"...")[(show:?mem2)]|mem2)[Watching YouTube videos about travellers camping in Chile.] (link:"...")[(show:?mem3)]|mem3)[Sharing a cupcake with Stevie - not really sharing though, she always eat 90% of it.] [[That's enough. I should sleep now.->It's been a long day. I need to sleep]]

Too many pieces of memories burning in my brain. They are(link:" ...")[(show:?word1)]|word1)[ (text-style: "shudder")[whirling]](link:" ...")[(show:?word2)]|word2)[ (text-style: "shudder")[twirling]](link:" ...")[(show:?word3)]|word3)[ (text-style: "shudder")[swirling]](link:" ...")[(show:?sleep)]|sleep)[ And I fell asleep. [[zzzzz...->Dream1]]]

I got out of my bed to pick up the phone. "Is this Jennifer Carlos? There's something that you need to know." (link:"Are you sure you wanna know?")[(show:?know)]|know)[I wish I had a choice. But I [[already know now]].]

"I miss her, too. All the kids here in this school - even her classmates who are in college now - all miss her very much. But please tell me, is there anything I can do to make you feel better?" "Would you mind telling me a bit about what she was like in the [[last few weeks?]]" "Has she ever talked to you about her [[problems]]?"

"I don't like oranges. Why would you adults only give me things I don't like!" He escapes from my arms, jumps on the couch, and starts walking around on the fluffy cushinons: "I don't like cauliflower, but mom forces me to eat it." [["You'll be grateful in the future, trust me."]] [["Well, then what do you like?"]]

"I won't! Why would I? I don't like you anymore, Auntie Jen. Julia never talks to me like this! I want her! Not you!" My sister's face turns pale. "Stevie, stop! Remember what I told you?" [[Run away from the room]] [["Stevie... I need to tell you something."]]

"Of course there are many things I like. I like fried chicken. I like fishing with dad. I love Mommy, Daddy, Auntie Jenny... Mom, when can I play with Julia and Snowball again? I want to show them my new paintings!" My sister immediately takes his hand and walks to the kitchen: "Stevie, stop! Remember what I told you?" [[Run away from the room]] [["Stevie... I need to tell you something."]]

It's not his fault. But I need some time to calm down. [Breath in. ]<breath1|(click:?breath1)[Breath out. ] [Breath in. ]<breath2|(click:?breath2)[Breath out. ] [Breath in. ]<breath3|(click:?breath3)[Breath out. ] OK. [["Stevie... I need to tell you something."]]

"What are you gonna tell me, Auntie Jenny?" "Julia is not coming back. You won't be able to see her anymore. I won't be able to see her anymore. She's gone." "To where? I thought she would always be here to play with me... Why?" [[Why?]]

The room is layered with peeling ocean blue wallpaper with stained light green carpet and decorated with photographs of wildlife. The smells from the brown couch, damp from the wallpapers and rotten cat food in the corner which is sorrounded by flies follow you as you walk cautiously around the room. A beautiful stone ornament stands on top of a stained glass coffee table, on the left wall is a bright childs painting and on the mantlepiece is a decorated small wooden box. |links>[\ (link: "stone ornament")[(replace: ?links)[stone ornament]] (link: "child's painting")[(replace: ?links)[child's painting]] (link: "small wooden box")[(replace: ?links)[small wooden box]]\ ] <audio src="the URL of your sound effect" autoplay> <b>text</b> (font: "Courier New")[This is a hook. As you can see, this has a macro instance in front of it.] This text is outside the hook. (css: "background-color:indigo") [This hook is named 'opener']<opener| |s2>[This hook is named 's2'] [Fie and fuggaboo!]<shout| (click: ?shout)[ (replace: ?shout)["Blast and damnation!"] ] Your [ballroom gown]<c1| is [bright red]<c2| with [silver streaks]<c3|, and covered in [moonstones]<c4|. (click: ?c1)[A hand-me-down from your great aunt.] (click: ?c2)[A garish shade, to your reckoning.] (click: ?c3)[Only their faint shine keeps them from being seen as grey.] (click: ?c4)[Dreadfully heavy, they weigh you down and make dancing arduous.] ==> This is right-aligned =><= This is centered <==> This is justified <== This is left-aligned (undoes the above) ===><= This has margins 3/4 left, 1/4 right =><===== This has margins 1/6 left, 5/6 right. (enchant: "gold", (text-colour: yellow) + (text-style:'bold'))

"Come here Stevie! Auntie Jenny needs some space. The museum has a new exhibition on today. Let's go and we can visit her next week." My sister brings him outside and gives me a bitter smile. [[**Once again, I'm lost in thoughts...**->Divorce]]

We were planning to have our family dinner tonight - actually it would be just me and her. Unfortunately, her dad couldn't spend this precious day with us. I just got divorced with Maurice two months ago. I wouldn't say that he was a bad person, but he was just unpredictable, from time to time. When he wanted something, he had to get it. It wasn't just me - Julia told me she had the same feeling. But anyway, this was her special day, and I was expecting a (hover-style:(text-color:cyan) + (text-style:'italic')) [[[fresh start->fresh start]]] for both of us.

But in fact, it was (text-style:'italic') [the beginning of a nightmare.] [[Ring, ring.->Found dead]]

Julia, found dead in the hallway of a bar. In her favorite dress. Holding her cell phone. With (text-style:'italic')[Paul] sitting there, stunned, right next to her. A bullet went through her neck - and [[into my heart.]]

The police examined her phone thoroughly. The most recent message was one she sent to Paul - "I don't think this works anymore. We need to talk." - only five minutes before the bullet took away her life. Sometimes, love can drive a person crazy. Apparently, Paul was driven crazy that night. [[I didn't know he could be like this.->I trusted Paul.]]

Everyone thought Paul was a good young man. Ambitious. A math genius. But he also took care of people. His parents were both lawyers, and he wanted to become a laywer as well. I trusted him, too. Whenever my daughter was in a bad mood - just like all teenage girls - he would help her deal with her problems until she smiles again. He was caring and patient. But I was so wrong. That boy was a devil. [[Take a deep breath.->Wait.]]

My heart beats fast. I'm back to reality again. The cruel reality. I know it was him, everyone knows it was him. But why would Paul harm a girl he loved so much instead of trying to fix their relationship? This doesn't make sense. Wait... Should I do something? [[I'll wait for the police.->wait]] [[I need to go to my old house and ask around.->Back to the town]]

It's Sunday. Julia had many friends from the church. Maybe Gavin knows something? I need to talk to him. [[Leave for the church->Sunday church]]

What should I do in this room? [[Look around]] [[Look for photo albums]] [[Play the piano]]

Sorry, but I'm the stress-eating kind of person. I need to calm down first. [[Go to her room]]

(link:"What's on the right?")[(show:?right)]|right)[Bed Drawers Floor lamp] (link:"What's on the left?")[(show:?left)]|left)[Bookshelf Piano A comfy chair] [[Play the piano]] [[Open the drawers]] [[Check the bookshelf]]

It doesn't seem there's much in other areas of the room. I think I should check the bookshelf. [[Check the bookshelf]]

There's an old printer and some random old wires. Yeah, I just recall that we never really use this drawer anymore. It's only used to store some old stuff.

Oh, look at what I've found. Pictures. These were taken when we went on vacation in Australia five years ago. She laughed so hard when the koala pooped on her shirt when she was holding it in her arms. The good old days. Wait, there are more pictures here. [[This is too much. I need to take a break.->Break]] [[What are these?->found pictures]]

Lydia has the magic to get everyone like her. She has a comforting smile that warms my heart. "Actually, Mrs. Carlos, there's something I need to tell you." Lydia pauses for a second, "I hope it's not too late. I've dreamed of her a lot recently, and I suddenly realize that there's something Julia used to tell me that doesn't make sense." [["Please tell me what you know."->sexual assault]]

"She's usually very calm and even reserved," Mr. Hawkins paused, "But there was one time when she got very emotional. Her classmates were trying to make a joke about finding a sugar daddy and other stuff - you know sometimes these kids say pretty inappropriate things, but I'm sure they didn't mean to harm anybody. But Julia got very upset when they joked about her dad." [[About her dad?->shocked]]

"Let me put it this way. Many students would talk to me about what's going on in their family. Some of their parents got divorced, some of them suffered from domestic violence. But Julia's case seemed to be very different. She told me she hated her father. When she talked about him, she wouldn't even bring up his name. She never told me why, but I was wondering whether it was because your husband didn't give her enough attention and care." "My ex-husband now." A bit embarrased, I corrected him immediately. I'm such a terrible mom. Why did I never realize this? [[Well... Thank you for letting me know.->shocked]]

The printer and wires are still there. But... Wait, I think I see something this time, right behind the printer. [[A box.->See what's in there]]

I open the drawer a bit more, and saw a box behind the printer. There's a note on top: Can’t wait to turn 18! Julia also signed her name and date in the end - the date was a week before her birthday. [[Open it->think]]

Popping open the door, I see Mrs. Marcus working in her yard. "How are you recently? And how's Snowball?" It starts as a casual chitchat, but I feel Mrs. Marcus is trying to tell me something. [[I want to know what she's hiding.->Tuesday neighbor]]

Arriving at the bus station, I run into Mrs. Marcus. She's on her way back home, carrying a bag of groceries. "How are you recently? And how's Snowball?" It all starts as a casual chitchat, but I somehow have the feeling that Mrs. Marcus is trying to tell me something. [[I want to know what she's hiding.->Tuesday neighbor]]

It's my sister again: "Hi Stevie! Do you want an orange?" I can’t tell them yet, but I now know who the devil is. [[To be continued.->The twist]]

Finally I'm one step closer to the truth. I need to get some sleep and be ready for tomorrow. The End.

There are many things that I do not yet know. But you do, my dear readers. (link:"...")[(show:?truth1)]|truth1)[(text-style: "fade-in-out")[Paul's family helps Gavin pay his college tuition.]] (link:"...")[(show:?truth2)]|truth2)[(text-style: "fade-in-out")[Mr. Hawkins is Paul's father's college friend.]] (link:"...")[(show:?truth3)]|truth3)[(text-style: "fade-in-out")[Lydia had a crush on Paul in middle school.]] (link:"...")[(show:?truth)]|truth)[(text-style: "bold")[Could this be another lie? I don't know.] (text-style: "outline")[The End.]]

His memories seem all mixed together, but he insists that he didn’t kill her. [["Show me your evidence then."->number]]

He is breathing fast: “Do you know the number (761)793-1029? I didn’t see the text message, but I remember the number. You know this number, don't you?” [[(761)793-1029...->see number]]

This is Maurice's number. I check the digits again. “The police didn’t believe me because that was her dad. They thought I just made it up.” Paul's face turns pale. [["Please tell me all you know."->explain]]

Paul starts explaining in broken sentences. Julia killed herself. In the hallway, right after telling him about her deepest fear. Paul goes on: "I can still recite that piece of text, from her dad." [...]<text1|(click:?text1)["My baby girl finally grows up now."] [...]<text2|(click:?text2)["But how dare she date other men!"] [...]<text3|(click:?text3)["Come back to me or I will haunt you for the rest of your life."] [...]<text4|(click:?text4)["Your mom's too. I promise, sweetheart."] [...]<text5|(click:?text5)["Delete now and don't tell anyone, as usual, you know that right?"] My brain stops functioning. [[How's... that... even... possible?->all connects]]

"She cried and told me everything. She said she couldn't take it anymore, and before I could do anything, she took out the gun." Paul starts crying, "No one believed it. No one." His voice gets lower and lower. Time's up. I'm left in shock, while Paul is taken away. I give him a complicated look and [[head home->Tuesday room]].

On the phone, Maurice is obviously drunk again. He asks impatiently: “That little bitch! She breaks people’s heart. You should know no man can ever tolerate that!” I am shaking in anger: “What did you call your daughter again?” He immediately realizes what he just said, and hangs up the phone. What's Maurice even thinking? He's completely out of his mind. Before I can think more about Maurice, I arrive at the [[prison->Tuesday prison]].

On my way to the prison, I couldn't help but think about her words. Too much. [[I need to call him->Tuesday call]]

It's a box of condoms. What?? LOL Why would she think about breaking up if this is what she wants? It doesn’t make sense. I'll wait till tomorrow to figure this out. But first, I need to [[go to bed->sleep]].

It's another dream. Right in front of me, Paul is smiling at Julia. Suddenly, his innocent smile turns into an evil look. Then his face becomes blurred, too. It's not Paul anymore, but it looks familiar. I just can't recall who this is. [[The alarm clock goes off.->Tuesday plan]]

Lydia takes a deep breath: "Julia and I knew each other since childhood, and we used to talk about everything, literally everything." "And?" "I remember there was once when she asked me what she should do if someone she doesn't like want to have sex with her." After finishing this sentence, she looks at me with a bit embarrassment, as if wondering if she should go on. [["What happened next?"->sexual assault 2]] [["Ok, this is a bit too much. What the heck was going on?"->mad]]

There are tears in Lydia's eyes. She goes on: "I wasn't expecting that question at all. I still don't believe that Paul would do this to her, because I was good friend with Paul, too. He would never force Julia to do anything. I knew Paul for a long time, but I had never seen him being so incredibly patient and gentle with any girl." "Do you knew Paul very well?" Lydia looks down at her lunch, and answers: "Yes, I think he was good friend of mine. I don't know what he would think though." She puts down her fork and continues: "I wasn't sure what I should tell Julia, so I made some random jokes about Paul and let it go. I pretended it was nothing serious. It was probably because of my attitude - Julia never brought it up again." [["It must be Paul then," I think to myself.->think Paul]]

I leave the rest of my lunch untouched. My hands are shaking: "You might think you knew him well, but don't you think he could easily fool you if he wanted to?" Lydia signs silently. I realize I was being unreasonable: "Sorry for saying this. Anyways, I should thank you for telling me all this." She stands up and starts packing up: "It's ok, I totally understand what you're going through right now. I miss her, too. Please tell me if you find out something." I wave goodbye to her, and drive [[back home->Monday room]].

He is a smart young man, just not very good at understanding what others might feel. This is probably why he doesn't get along with most people at his age. Julia was an exception. He was like her big brother. She told me that Lydia and her other friends often joked around about why she would be friend with such a nerdy guy. But anyway, I'm glad that they trusted and loved each other so much. [[Walk to the tables to say hi->meet gavin]] [[Ask about Julia right away->about julia]]

He remembers that she used to bring up her relationship problems a lot. Paul loved her but he was also hot-tempered, so they often got into fights. "Never been in a relationship," he says, "I have to say it was really hard to fully understand what she was talking about. I didn't know what else to say other than telling her to cheer up and [[stay strong->man up]]."

"But also... Mrs. Carlos, I'm not sure how to tell you this. It might be just my bias - I'm aware that I'm more religious than most of my peers - but one thing I know is right and that I keep telling her is not to rush to sex. Right? I don't think I need to explain it to you. It's really wrong in itself. Girls should take their purity seriously." "To be honest, personally, I don't think sex is a big problem as long as it's with protection. But I understand what you say. I'm glad that you're taking care of my daughter." [[Pat him on shoulder->feel bad]]

Again and again, Gavin tells me that he feels sorry but there’s no more he can do. Now I understand why she wouldn't talk to me as much in those last few months. If she was asked to fake happy till you're really happy when she told him about her relationship problems, I'm afraid that she had already become a lot less sensible to her own feelings and a lot less willing to share. With me, especially. [[This is probably why we don't have deep conversations anymore.->why no talk]]

I thought it was because she outgrew that phase of complaining about everything and being super sensitive to people's words. But no - it was just that she no longer trusted other people with her problems. It wasn't Gavin's fault. I take a deep breath: "Thank you for telling me this." "Take care. I'll pray for you," says Gavin. [[Goodbye.->afternoon at home]]

My phone rings again - it's my sister. "Are you alright, my dear? Sorry for the other day." "You don't need to feel bad about that. I should actually thank Stevie for bringing it up or I would never have the courage to come back." Hanging up the phone, I feel a bit relieved. It has been a long day - what should I do next? [[watch Netflix]] [[Email police officer]]

I need to write an email to the police officers to let them know that I'm back in town. I would need their permission to visit Paul in the prison. What to do next? [[Maybe... Her room again?]]

We have a deep conversation. About life, about everything. I want to know all about him, I need to know what made him make such a terrible mistake. Finally he murmurs: [["It was not me."->not me]]

He starts trembling: "I've said this a millions times. It was not me!" [["How would you prove it then?"->number]]

"Paul is a nice boy. He sometimes overreact to things, but he's great in every other ways." [["How was him and Julia?"->problems]] [["Well, if that's what you'll say about a murderer, I don't have much to say."->bye teacher]]

Julia. She's back in my dream. It's just the two of us. We are making barbecue in the backyard. She brings me a plateful of roasted beef and says she'll invite Snowball to eat with us. [[But dreams don't last. Julia vanishes, all in a sudden.->monday morning]]

These are pictures of Paul with her. Her eyes were shining with joy. His eyes, too. Now everything is gone. I shouldn't have trusted him that much. [[Take a deep breath.->Break]]

I wake up. It's Monday morning. Would it be a good time to meet Mr. Hawkins? After that, I can talk to Lydia at lunch time. I need to hurry up. [[Drive to school->Monday teacher]]

There’s no reason why. Maurice loved her a lot. Anyway, I'll keep this information in mind. [[Thank you, Mr. Hawkins.->bye teacher]]

Having left Mr. Hawkins' office, I walk to a nearby sushi place to have lunch. I text Lydia to ask when she'll be available to meet, and she immediately replies. [[I need to head to the cafe to meet Lydia.->Monday BFF]]

"Hello, Mrs. Carlos! I'm glad to meet you again. What brings you here?" He sits down with me in a small room nextdoor. He listens patiently while I talk. It is nice to finally get to talk to someone, after keeping this to myself for months. "I dreamed of her last week, too. I know exactly how hard it is. I will definitely help as much as I am capable of." [[Ask him about Julia->about julia]]

I need to take a break. [[I'll go to bed instead.->sunday sleep]]

Two years later. Finally, Paul gets what he deserves after months of criminal trials. Though he denies that he is the murderer, there is enough evidence to show that he is guilty. Therefore, he is sentenced to (text-style:'italic')[life imprisonment] without parole. Outside of the court, I meet his parents - his dad is sobbing, while his mom kneels down on the ground. What an ironic moment: the incorrigible murderer is the son of two renowned lawyers. Justice finally arrives. I feel relieved. My sweetheart. Rest in peace. The End.

(text-style: "shadow") [If you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.] <iframe width="0" height="0" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Wxu_WxO3suI?autoplay=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> I didn't say that, Friedrich Nietzsche did. For him, the abyss is a thought experiment. But for me, it's my reality. [[Take a breath.->Ready?]]

A deep breath. Before you enter my world. [[Here.->Intro]]

I scroll down the car window to greet Mrs. Marcus and she looks very surprise: "Oh hey Jennifer! You're back?" "I... I didn't know I was coming back. Good to see you again." "I hope everything is alright. Take care." [["See you."->Find a new parking lot]]

Beep, beep, beep... It's the alarm clock. [[Get out of bed]](if: $call is true)[ ] (else:)[ [[Call Maurice]] ]

Lydia looks down and starts eating her lunch. She is nervous and refuses to tell me anything. I probably shouldn't have said this to her: "Sorry I didn't mean it. [[Please go on.->sexual assault 2]]"

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(text-style: "outline") [Into the Abyss] (text-style: "shadow") [An Interactive Fiction Game] (text-style: "shadow") [By Yibing Du] (text-style: "shadow") [CS 377G: Designing Serious Games] This game has some sound effects, but it's fine to play without them as well. [[Now follow me.->Quote]]

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Into the Abyss

An Interactive Fiction Game

By Yibing Du

CS 377G: Designing Serious Games

This game has some sound effects, but it's fine to play without them as well.

Now follow me.