Through the cracks

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<<script>> $("#passages").show(); $('.status-area').show(); $(".background-image").css("background-image", 'url("assets/background.png")'); <</script>> [img[assets/sunday-wakeup.png]] Thud! Crash! The sound of something (please not the hallway lamp) hitting the floor. [[What's wrong?|Sunday2]]

//Global Variables <<cacheaudio "backgroundMusic" "assets/sadmusic.mp3">> <<set $status_money to 1000>> <<set $status_date to 'Sunday, Aug 18'>> <<set $status_family to 80>> <<set $status_health to 80>> <<set $status_insurance to false>> <<set $status_daughter_school to false>> <<script>> var bg_brightness = 100; var bg_saturate = 100; var bg_hue = 0; // this func is called whenever a passage is shown $(document).on("showpassage:after", function (e, passage) { bg_brightness -= 20; // change this value! bg_saturate += 20; bg_hue += 10; var filter = "brightness("+bg_brightness+"%) saturate("+bg_saturate+"%) hue-rotate("+bg_hue+"deg)"; $(".background-image").css("-webkit-filter", filter); $(".background-image").css("filter", filter); //alert('filter = ' + filter); }); // prepending html var background = '<div class="background-image"></div>'; var status_start = '<div class="status-area">'; var status_end = '</div>'; var status_balance_text = ' | Balance: $'; var showStatusAndBg = function () { $('body').prepend(background+status_start+State.variables.status_date+status_balance_text+State.variables.status_money+status_end); }; var updateStatus = function() { $('.status-area').text(State.variables.status_date+status_balance_text+State.variables.status_money) } var hideStatus = function() { $('.status-area').hide(); } showStatusAndBg(); hideStatus(); $(document).on(':passagerender', function (ev) { $('.status-area').text(State.variables.status_date+status_balance_text+State.variables.status_money); }); <</script>>

[img[assets/sunday-wakeup.png]] I think to myself …. What do I do? Take the kids to IHOP or Go to the supermarket? [[IHOP ($40)|IHOP][$status_money to $status_money - 40]]     [[Go to supermarket|Unhappy Kids]]

[img[assets/sunday-shopping.png]] The Supermarket is pure chaos on Sunday but we managed to get food for the week. As we head home, I can’t help but reflect on the cold reception we received when the cashier asked if these kids were only mine. I wonder how they would handle the death of their spouse but I would never wish that pain upon anyone else. [[Time to start this week|Monday1]] <<set $status_money = $status_money - 20>> <<set $status_health = $status_health - 10>>

<<script>> $("#passages").hide(); $(".background-image").css("background-image", 'url("assets/dream.png")'); // change "timed 1s" to something longer, 5~10 seconds maybe // 1s to make debugging easier <</script>> <<audio "backgroundMusic" play>> <<timed 8s>><<goto "Sunday1">><</timed>>

[img[assets/sunday-wakeup.png]] Something’s definitely broken but I don’t want to face it. I don’t rush to check it but instead lie in bed, half awake, afraid, annoyed, exhausted, with an early morning anxiety attack. Rent, insurances, an expiring job contract… I pull the covers over my face and try to put off the harsh reality of the day until. Just as I drift back into my temporary escape, Ted and Elisa barge into my room <b>Wake up</b>, it’s 8:30, we’re out of corn flakes. Let’s go to IHOP… <b>WAKE UP</b>… [[Next|Sunday3]] <<set $status_family to $status_family - 5>>

@@.center; <img id="title-image" src="assets/title.png"> <b>[[Start|Dream]]</b> @@

[img[assets/monday-car.png]] Oh, the blues! I wake up, yet again in panic, and rush to get the kids ready and out the door for school before rushing to throw on my scrubs. I am almost late for my first geriatric client of the day! I step out and as I start the car, it makes a weird noise, but starts up alright. [[Hit the road|Monday Drive]] <<set $status_date = 'Monday, Aug 19'>>

[img[assets/tuesday-client.png]] Mr. Stevens casually mentions that he is moving out next week. I cannot hide the shock of losing my main client, "I can't believe you are not going to be here." "But I have some good news, too." Mr. Stevens adds, "My friend Kate needs a home care nurse starting next week. She’s got severe arthritis like me, so I thought you could do it. Please go see her tomorrow instead of helping me. She’s got a few options and she wants to decide by tomorrow, 11 AM at the latest. Be there, I’ll put in a good word for you. Then you can come by and help me in the afternoon." [[I won't miss it|Monday3]]

[img[assets/monday-car.png]] I wake up, spend an hour helping the kids with the homework they forgot yesterday before sending them off to school. It’s 9 AM. I get into the car, and try to start it, but lo and behold, all I get is the horrible cranking sound from before. After 10 minutes of trying, it finally groans to life. As the car idles loudly, I feel the insurance ad glaring at me and a feeling of horror comes over me... Damn! I hope I paid... Should I risk it with the car, take the bus or just take an uber? [[Car|Tuesday5]] [[Bus ($2)|Tuesday3][$status_money to $status_money-2]] [[Uber ($20)|Tuesday2][$status_money to $status_money-20]] <<set $status_date = 'Tueday, Aug 20'>>

The interview went amazing and I got the job! Finally something goes my way! As I am leaving for the bus to spend the afternoon at Mr Stevens house, my phone rings. It is my daughters principal, "Could you come by the school this afternoon? Your daughter is having some issues that I wanted to discuss with you." My daughters success means the world to me but I could really use the money. Should I visit school or head to work? [[School|Tuesday6][$status_family to $status_family + 10; $status_daughter_school to true]] [[Work|Tuesday6][$status_money to $status_money+50]]

I waited over an hour for the bus to come and it flew right by the stop. By the time another arrived, I had no chance of making it on time. Kate was polite and understanding but regretted to inform me that she had already hired another candidate. It’s hard to recover from a disappointment like this. At least I have work for the rest of the day As I am leaving for the bus to spend the afternoon at Mr Stevens house, my phone rings. It is my daughters teacher, "could you come by the school this afternoon? Your daughter is having some issues that I wanted to discuss with you." My daughters success means the world to me but I could really use the money. Should I visit school or head to work? [[School|Tuesday6][$status_family to $status_family + 10; $status_daughter_school to true]] [[Work|Tuesday6][$status_money to $status_money+50]]

[img[assets/thursday-laundry.png]] Well, it’s my last day at Mr. Stevens’s and I’m sad that this is ending. It was a stable gig and he isn't a bad guy. As I’m folding the laundry a couple of crumpled $100 bills fall out and just lie there on the floor. Probably some forgotten gambling cash. I could really use that money for rent. Is this right? It’s my last day and I know he won't notice. What if he does notice later and reports me? Do I risk it? Do I keep the money? [[Keep the money|Thursday2][$status_money to $status_money + 200; $status_health to $status_health - 20]] [[Return it|Thursday2][$status_health to $status_health+100]] <<set $status_date = 'Thursday, Aug 22'>>

[img[assets/friday-emergency.png]] I am so thankful I paid my insurance! I call an ambulance and ride along to help keep Elisa calm. The doctor says she lost a lot of blood and needs 10 stiches but thankfully you made it in time before anything worse happened. You spend most of the day at the hospital but manage to make it home in time for dinner. I just want this week to end... [[Next|Saturday]] <<set $status_date = 'Friday, Aug 23'>>

[img[assets/friday-emergency.png]] I pick her up, give her a towel to keep pressure on her head and rush towards the car. The car makes the cranking sound but eventually comes to life. The car managed to limp to a nearby emergency room. The doctor says she lost a lot of blood and needs 10 stiches but thankfully you made it in time before anything worse happens. As Elisa is rushed into surgery you are asked for your insurance card by the front desk. You hand it to them, hoping it will miraculously work, despite your missed payments... It doesn't...You are stuck with a $10000 bill for the surgery. You spend most of the day arguing your case and finally agree on a $5000 bill in $500 installsments, with the first one due now. I just want this week to end... [[Next|Saturday]] <<set $status_money to $status_money - 500>> <<set $status_date = 'Friday, Aug 23'>>

[img[assets/sunday-wakeup.png]] I awake to sunlight filtering through the drawn blinds, the kids are quiet. <<if $status_health gt 70>> Somehow I feel refreshed despite the crazy week, hopefully my body continues to hold up. <<else>> I hardly feel the aches and pains over my exhausted mind, I feel a breakdown is coming... <</if>> I roll over to try and sleep a bit longer before jolting up. RENT! Today is the day. I head to the ATM to get the money out before the kids wake up. <<if $status_money gte 1000 and $status_family gte 80>> [[Next|End1]] <<elseif $status_money gt 1000 and $status_family lt 80>> [[Next|End2]] <<elseif $status_money lt 1000 and $status_money gt 600 and $status_family gt 80>> [[Next|End3]] <<else>> [[Next|End4]] <</if>> <<set $status_date = 'Saturday, Aug 24'>>

[img[assets/saturday-house.png]] You apprehensively check your ATM balance. Whoopee!! You let out a yell that scares the entire line as you pull out the cash and run home to hug your kids!!

[img[assets/saturday-house.png]] Whew… You sigh tiredly. There is enough money in your account to make rent. As you trudge home exhausted you get a call from the high school principal, Brad has been suspended for skipping class. Not again...

You stare blankly at the ATM screen, how is there only $ $status_money in your account? You walk through the front door on the verge of tears, before you can share the news, Ted, your 16 year old, greets you with an excited hug. Knowing money is tight, he found a part time job at a gas station and volunteers to contribute his earnings to help with rent. You hug him with the little strength you have left before running off to beg your landlord for an extension. You just might squeeze by…

[img[assets/sunday-out.png]] IHOP was fun for the family but cost me $40... another day another dollar. [[And we still need to go to supermarket|Supermarket]] <<set $status_family = $status_family + 5>>

Ted and Elisa grumble about pancakes as we head to the supermarket. I know they are hungry but IHOP is an expense we can't afford right now. [[Get some food|Supermarket]] <<set $status_family = $status_family - 10>>

[img[assets/car-insurance.png]] My gaze inadvertently goes towards the ad board from the local car insurance firm. Damn! <b>I forgot that the car insurance is past due. </b> I need to sit down and pay the bills. [[I keep driving|Monday Work]]

[img[assets/tuesday-client.png]] I drive on towards Mr. Stevens’s home, hoping that his medications have arrived. As I park, I heave a sigh of relief. I see Mr. Stevens (my talkative, fun-loving, gambling, 70 yr old patient) signing for the package at the door. “I’ll get that, Mr. Stevens” I say as I walk in and take the package from the courier’s hand. "How was your weekend?", I ask. "I don’t know. I don’t know. I lost a thousand bucks in a game of roulette yesterday" [[That's exactly what I need to pay rent this month|Dialogue 1]] [[You'll win'em back today|Dialogue 2]]

[img[assets/tuesday-client.png]] "Work hard, and you'll finally get all you deserve." Mr. Stevens doesn't seem to understand my situation. Anyway, he does not have a rent due, an expired car insurance, two kids to look after and an unkind landlord who might increase my rent at any time. [[Next|Monday2]]

[img[assets/tuesday-client.png]] Mr. Stevens seems to cheer up a bit. "We can give it a try. Just go to this website and top up. Fill in your lucky number. It's instant. You can be the next millionare!" What should I do? [[Gamble with $50][$status_money to $status_money-50]] [[Gamble with $10][$status_money to $status_money-10]] [[I'm not risking my money]]

Beginner's luck is just a myth. None of my guesses were correct. "No worries. That's normal. If you keep investing one day you'll earn." Mr. Stevens closes the gambling site. [[I shouldn't have done that|Monday2]]

"You are wise. Most of the time you'll just lose" Mr. Stevens closes the gambling site. [[Next|Monday2]]

[img[assets/monday-car.png]] <<set $status_money to $status_money+80>> Today's work earn me $80. I finish work and head back home. My car makes that weird noise again when I start it but it goes away and I make it home. It’s extra hard to be excited about this week when I know that my main client is leaving this week... And the damn car insurance is overdue! And that reminds me, your health insurance bills are overdue too. But if you pay them, you might not be able to make rent this month. [[Pay the bills (Costs $150)|Pay][$status_money to $status_money-150; $status_insurance = true]] [[Forget about it. Your balance is running low |Cook]]

[img[assets/car-insurance.png]] "Congrats you have premium benefits covering damages, annual maintenace, thefts, legal fees..." I hope this old car will keep going until I can afford a new one. [img[assets/health-insurance.png]] "Congrats your Blue Cross health coverage for you and your dependants is active." I sure hope I won't need this anytime soon. [[Next|Cook]] <<set $status_insurance to true>>

I feel exhausted but I cannot rest just yet. Ted and Elisa are waiting for dinner. What should we have? [[Frozen Pizza|Pizza]] or [[Handmade burritos|Burritos]]

Pizza is the quickest thing to help relieve their hunger. Ted is unhappy. "Why do we always have frozen pizza that tastes even worst than the school cafeteria?" Ugh, I want this day to be over. [[Next day|Tuesday1]] <<set $status_family = $status_family - 10>>

[img[assets/monday-home.png]] It takes an hour to prepare the meat and vegetables but the kids are happy to have some fresh food and burritos are their favorite! [[Next day|Tuesday1]] <<set $status_family = $status_family + 5>> <<set $status_health = $status_health - 5>>

As my car struggles along towards Kate's place, it is clear something serious is wrong. Smoke begins to drift out of the hood and I am forced to pull over. <b> Of course this happens today of all days!</b> <<if $status_insurance is true>> I am so thankful I paid my insurance! I call a tow truck and they are able to drop me off on the way. I have to run the last few blocks but I just make it to Kate's before 11! [[Next|Tuesday2]] <<else>> I call a tow truck but they want $500 up front without insurance. I know I can't afford that with rent due in a few days and I can't leave the car. [[Pay the cash|Tuesday2][$status_money to $status_money-500]] [[Wait for help|Tuesday4]] <</if>>

I waited over an hour before a kind stranger pulled over. They were able to help me get my car running enough for me to limp home but I never made it to Kates place. What a horrible start to this day and what am I going to do about my car. As I am leaving for the bus to spend the afternoon at Mr Stevens house, my phone rings. It is my daughters teacher, "could you come by the school this afternoon? Your daughter is having some issues that I wanted to discuss with you." My daughters success means the world to me but I could really use the money. Should I visit school or head to work? [[School|Tuesday6][$status_family to $status_family + 10; $status_daughter_school to true]] [[Work|Tuesday6][$status_money to $status_money+50]]

The rest of the day is uneventful, I say my final goodbyes to Mr Stevens and I head home. I struggle internally, wondering if I made the right decision. <<switch $rand>> <<case 1>> As I walk in the front door, I hear the sound of running water coming from the basement. Running downstairs I find the washing machine leaking. Great, just what I needed, something else to pay for. <<set $status_money to $status_money - 50>> <<case 2>> Walking in the door my youngest comes bouncing up to ask if she can go with her siblings to a free community dinner at the library. Of course! I could use time to myself which is worth every penny. <<set $status_money to $status_money - 30>> <<set $status_health to $status_health + 10>> <<case 3>> As I trudge up the front steps I slip on a squirt gun one of my kids left there. Cursing my decision to ever have kids, I hobble inside to find ice for my ankle. <<set $status_health to $status_health - 15>> <<set $status_family to $status_family - 5>> <<default>> As I am sorting through the junk mail and bills, one letter catches my eye. It is the state tax refund I had forgotten! This should help a little. <<set $status_money to $status_money + 50>> <</switch>> This week is almost over... [[Next|Friday1]] <<set $rand to random(3)>>

What a long day but I am finally home. <<if $status_daughter_school is true>> I am glad I managed to make it to school, it turns out my daughter had been skipping homework assignments and falling behind in class. She is normally very studious so I need to get her back on track. I did miss out on some extra work, hopefully I won't regret that. [[Next|Wednesday]] <<else>> I am glad I managed to make it to work, I really need the extra cash with rent approaching. I wonder what the principal wanted to talk to me about? [[Next|Wednesday]] <</if>>

Wheww... thankfully today was uneventful. I managed to get a full day of work at Mr. Stevens without any interruptions and even treated myself to a much needed iced coffee on my way home. <<switch $rand>> <<case 1>> I arrive at the house to find my eldest, in tears. The bike he uses to get to school was stolen from the parking lot and we don’t have money for another one. <<set $status_family to $status_family - 20>> <<case 2>> The kids are driving me crazy today and I can’t get a moment of peace until the ice cream truck stops nearby. If this will keep them quiet it is worth every penny <<set $status_money to $status_money - 20>> <<set $status_health to $status_health + 5>> <<case 3>> As I head home, I can’t help but reflect on the dirty looks I keep getting for the puke on my scrubs. I wish they would try caring for the elderly without getting a little dirty <<set $status_health to $status_health - 10>> <<default>> Walking in the front door I hear an unfamiliar sound, meowing. I storm in the living room to find all my kids quietly playing. I suppose a pet would be nice for the kids but I have to make them promise to take care of it. <<set $status_money to $status_money - 50>> <<set $status_family to $status_family + 5>> <</switch>> Not a day goes by without some drama in this house. [[Next|Thursday1]] <<set $status_date = 'Wednesday, Aug 22'>> <<set $status_money to $status_money - 5>> <<set $rand to random(3)>>

I wake up to the sounds of loud wailing. You glance out the window to see that it is still dark outside. What is going on? You run into the kids room to find Elisa at the foot of the bed, clutching her head, blood matting her hair and tears muffling her terrified screams. Apparently the kids thought jumping on the bed in the middle of the night was a good idea, at least until Elisa fell and hit her head. <<if $status_insurance is true>> [[Next|Friday2]] <<else>> [[Next|Friday3]] <</if>> <<set $status_date = 'Friday, Aug 23'>>

[img[assets/saturday-homeless.png]] You stare blankly at the ATM screen until you awaken to the next customer impatiently tapping your shoulder. How is there only $status_money in your account? Your slump against the side of the building, hot tears stinging your cheeks as the exhaustion takes over. Where are we going to sleep? Will they take my kids from me?