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,,,<div style="line-height: 1.3;">It’s a bright, sunny afternoon: a perfect day for a walk. The sun is casting pleasant beams of light that bounce off the leaves of the trees around you. There is a slight breeze that rustles through the branches, sending soft whispers through the forest.
The path in front of you is worn, but unfamiliar to your feet. As you walk, enjoying the sounds of nature, you come to a fork in the road.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/ghTO4OW.png" class="center">
The [[left path]] has a canopy of trees framing it, partially obscuring the sky and casting dancing shadows on the ground.
The [[right path]] leaves the canopy of trees and curves up to an incline. The dirt path becomes rockier and it looks like it leads to a climb.</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">You go left, content to be surrounded by the gentle embrace of the trees, and a brief respite from the warm rays of the sun. After a few minutes of walking, you notice a small clearing to your left, with a quaint little house tucked between two very large berry bushes.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/BV2BPTr.png" class="center">
The house has a boarded up window, and a <<linkappend "bright red roof" t8n>> (just like the berries).<</linkappend>>
There is a small sign hanging on the front door, and you can just make out a word from where you stand: <span style=" font-family:courier new; size=16px">OPEN</span>
You could go and [[investigate the house]] or [[stay on the path]] and continue your walk instead.</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">You go right, curious where this climb might take you. The trees are already a little bit further apart than before, with small bushes lining the ground below them, determined to keep growing amid the rocks.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/iCUUOOD.png" class="center">
Along the path, you see a solid wooden post with a slightly crooked sign affixed to it. It reads:"WATERFAll" and has an arrow pointing straight (you can see no apparent branches or bends in the trail).
You can hear the sound of [[rushing water]] ahead of you.</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">You cross the clearing and approach the little house.
<<linkreplace "Maybe you peer through the window and try to see something." t8n>>Uhh, wait. You can’t see anything. The window is boarded up, remember?<</linkreplace>>
Or maybe you go [[straight for the door.]]</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">You decide to stay on your path and continue your walk, avoiding the distraction of the little house. Instead, you focus on the smell of flowers in the air and the gentle sounds of birds chirping.
<<timed 4s t8n>>But slowly, slowly, these sounds begin to fade away. It is only once they disappear entirely that you realize the forest has [[gone quiet]]...<</timed>></div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">You turn the handle and it opens. The <span style=" font-family:courier new; size=16px">OPEN</span> sign raps lightly against the door and a bell rings as you enter a very small shop.
Around you are cluttered shelves filled with more hats than you have ever seen in your whole life. As you look around, you hear a rustling noise from the back of the shop, and a small hedgehog wearing a very tall top hat and an apron comes bustling towards you.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/DiNELWD.png" class="center">
“Oh hello, hello! A customer!” she exclaims. “Welcome to Harriet’s Hats. Are you interested in purchasing a hat for your head?”
<<linkreplace "“For my head? Can you wear a hat somewhere else?”" t8n>>“For my head? Can you wear a hat somewhere else?” you ask.
“Of course, of course,” replies Harriet, like it was an obvious question. “But I only sell head hats here at Harriet’s Hats. So? Would you like to buy one?”
<</linkreplace>>
[[“Of course!”]]
[[“No thank you.”]]</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/CLRMIGh.png" class="center">
Good thing you have your emergency coin that you keep in your emergency coin pocket.
This is exactly the sort of unexpected purchase that it should be used for.
What kind of hat do you choose?
[[A red bandana]]
[[A black bowler hat]]
[[A green cowboy hat]]
[[A purple baseball cap]]</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">“No thank you,” you say. You realize you don't have any money, and business transactions require money.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/Qyt1iDZ.png" class="center">
“Well I appreciate you stopping in!” says the hedgehog. “Please, tell your friends about me if they are in the market for a new hat!”
[[“Will do,” you say as you exit the shop.]]
[[You say nothing as you exit the shop.]]</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">You put on your snazzy new <span style="color: red;">red</span> bandana and hand over your emergency coin. The hedgehog takes it with a small bow and puts it in the pocket of their apron.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/9L1JEJQ.png" class="center">
“I appreciate you stopping in, thank you very much for your business!” the hedgehog says. “Please, tell your friends about me if they are in the market for a new hat!”
[[“Will do,” you say as you exit the shop.]]
[[You say nothing as you exit the shop.]]</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">You put on your spiffy new <b>black</b> bowler hat and hand over your emergency coin. The hedgehog takes it with a small bow and puts it in the pocket of their apron.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/3Pihnk0.png" class="center">
“I appreciate you stopping in, thank you very much for your business!” the hedgehog says. “Please, tell your friends about me if they are in the market for a new hat!”
[[“Will do,” you say as you exit the shop.]]
[[You say nothing as you exit the shop.]]</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">You put on your cool new <span style="color: green;">green</span> cowboy hat and hand over your emergency coin. The hedgehog takes it with a small bow and puts it in the pocket of their apron.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/zk4bJCP.png" class="center">
“I appreciate you stopping in, thank you very much for your business!” the hedgehog says. “Please, tell your friends about me if they are in the market for a new hat!”
[[“Will do,” you say as you exit the shop.]]
[[You say nothing as you exit the shop.]]</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3;">You put on your awesome new <span style="color: purple;">purple</span> baseball cap and hand over your emergency coin. The hedgehog takes it with a small bow and puts it in the pocket of their apron.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/SRDrvWR.png" class="center">
“I appreciate you stopping in, thank you very much for your business!” the hedgehog says. “Please, tell your friends about me if they are in the market for a new hat!”
[[“Will do,” you say as you exit the shop.]]
[[You say nothing as you exit the shop.]]</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">You bid Harriet farewell and make your way back onto the forest trail, feeling satisfied with your purchase. The smell of flowers is in the air, and you hear the gentle sounds of birds chirping.
<<timed 4s t8n>>But slowly, slowly, these sounds begin to fade away. It is only once they disappear entirely that you realize the forest has [[gone quiet]]...<</timed>></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3;">After leaving the shop, you make your way back to the forest trail. The smell of flowers is in the air, and you hear the gentle sounds of birds chirping.
<<timed 4s t8n>>But slowly, slowly, these sounds begin to fade away. It is only once they disappear entirely that you realize the forest has [[gone quiet]]...<</timed>></div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">You enter the cave and immediately you feel the air temperature change. It is much cooler in here, not like the hot, humid air outside. The cave walls are rugged and uneven, a mixture of stalactites and stalagmites.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/R1K7BNf.png" class="center">
You make your way through the cave, carefully navigating your way around loose rocks and patches of mushrooms. You can hear a slow <i><<link "drip ">><<append "#drip">>drip <</append>><</link>><span id="drip"></span></i>
echoing from somewhere [[deep within the cave.]]</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3;">The cave is dimly lit by the sunlight spilling through the small entrance. The further away you walk, the darker it gets. As you start to wonder whether you should have brought a flashlight, you see <<linkappend "a light ahead." t8n>>
As you get closer, you realize that there is a figure ahead and this figure is the source of the light. It is hard to make out, but they appear to be sitting on a very large boulder.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/j2OGnY0.png">
You call out: “Hello?” and your voice echoes through the chamber:
<i><<link "hello ">><<append "#hello">>hello <</append>><</link>><span id="hello"></span></i>
The figure turns. You can see now that it is a raccoon, and he is wearing a miner’s hat.
“Oh hello there,” he says. “I hope you are enjoying the cave.”
You reply,
[[“Yes, I am.”]]
[[“No, I’m not.”]]
<</linkappend>></div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">As you round the corner, you see the sound of rushing water was coming from a small waterfall. It pools into a bright, clear river that curves away from the trail and back into the forest.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/V0ve2wP.png" class="center">
As you approach the waterfall, you notice some splashes at its base - more than what you would expect from the impact of the falls. [[You walk closer to investigate.->Approach the waterfall]]</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">“I don’t do well outside of the water,” replies the fish. “I appreciate the offer, though. Don’t worry. I’ll get this eventually. I know it.”
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/rdcLvyO.png" class="center">
The fish dives underwater and begins swimming upstream once more. You hear another loud <i>SPLASH</i> as you move on and [[continue past the waterfall]].</div>“I appreciate the offer,” says the fish. “But I really want to do this all by myself. I’ll get there eventually, I know it. I don’t want the ending spoiled before I get to see it myself.”
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/rdcLvyO.png" class="center">
You appreciate the fish's determination. You bid them farewell.
You hear another loud <i>SPLASH</i> as you move on and [[continue past the waterfall]].<div style="line-height: 1.3;">You resume your trek along the rocky path, taking care not to trip on any of the loose pebbles that are scattered across the ground.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/9h8evgi.png" class="center">
After a bit of climbing, you find yourself above the waterfall. You can see a river that goes up the mountain, feeding into the waterfall.
You can also see ahead to your right, there is a small cave tucked into the mountainside. The entrance is surrounded by moss and there are some colourful, spotted mushrooms growing nearby.
You could [[continue climbing to the top]] or go and [[explore the cave]].</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">You decide to continue climbing to the top of the mountain, leaving your cave exploration for another day. Your breathing gets heavier as you make your way up the steep mountain side.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/OFY2Ab4.png" class="center">
Eventually, you see that you have arrived just above the tree line and the trail plateaus. There is a large flat area filled with large, mossy rocks. You're not quite at the top yet, but you can tell you're close.
You decide to sit here for a moment to rest. As you sit, you hear [[a rustling noise behind you]].</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">“Oh that’s lovely to hear. I hope you said hello to Cucumber, my favourite stalagmite. Third one to the left from the entrance.”
He pauses for a moment, studying you.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/MLdX2ov.png" class="center">
“Would you care to join me on a little adventure? I don’t get to share this with many people, but it is really very cool.”
[[Join the raccoon]]
[[Turn around and leave the cave]]</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">“Oh I am sorry to hear that. It really is quite lovely in here, especially in the summer. So nice and so cold.”
He pauses for a moment, studying you.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/MLdX2ov.png" class="center">
“Perhaps I can show you something that will change your mind about the cave? It’s really very cool.”
[[Join the raccoon]]
[[Turn around and leave the cave]]</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">You follow the raccoon deeper into the cave, going <<linkappend "down" t8n>>
<<linkappend "and down" t8n>>
<<linkappend "and down" t8n>>
<<linkappend "and down" t8n>>
so many stairs that you lose count. Finally, he stops and says: “Here we are.”
[[You look around]].<</linkappend>><</linkappend>><</linkappend>><</linkappend>></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3;">You politely decline, and the raccoon nods. "Perhaps another time," he says, and you turn around and exit the cave. You prefer the company of the bright sunlight today.
You continue your climb, your breathing getting heavier as you make your way up the steep mountain side.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/OFY2Ab4.png" class="center">
Eventually, you see that you have arrived just above the treeline and the trail plateaus. There is a large flat area filled with large, mossy rocks. You're not quite at the top yet, but you can tell you're close.
You decide to sit here for a moment to rest before continuing your trek. As you sit, you hear [[a rustling noise behind you]].</div><b>[[Everything is pitch black.]]</b><div style="line-height: 1.3;">You turn and come face to face with a squirrel! You weren’t expecting to see anyone else, and you jump in surprise. You place your hand over your heart and you feel it pounding.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/uI1wGiG.png" class="center">
“Oh! I didn't mean to scare you!” says an apologetic looking squirrel. “I don’t usually see anyone else along this trail. What are you doing up here?”
[[“I’m trying to climb to the very top!”]]
[[“I’m taking a walk to clear my head.”]]</div><<timed 2s t8n>>"It's lovely, isn't it?" says the raccoon, his voice breaking through the invisible barrier surrounding you.
And you <<linkappend "<b>nod</b>" t8n>>, realizing that the darkness isn't scary at all.
It is peaceful. You wouldn’t mind staying here a while, with your new friend, forgetting about the world for a little bit.
End.<</linkappend>><</timed>>
<div style="line-height: 1.3;">At last, you’ve reached the top. You inhale deeply, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and take in the view.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/DqnLizz.png" class="center">
It is gorgeous. You can across the entire valley, going on for miles. You are so high, higher than all of the treetops. A birds eye view.
You find a seat on a nice rock and pull out your <<print either("apple slices and peanut butter","sausage, cheese, and crackers","bag of trail mix")>> to enjoy while you just sit here for a little while.
End.</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">Suddenly, you see a house appear in the distance. Well, actually it's more of a rickety shack.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/yisL1ss.png" class="center">
The rickety shack has an equally-rickety fence surrounding it. Perhaps it had once been a white picket fence, but the paint is faded and the boards are falling over. The yard is unkempt, but it is a mess of wildflowers: a stark and pleasant contrast to the seemingly dead trees in the forest surrounding it.
[[Approach the house]]
[[Turn around]]</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">You can feel the trail slowly getting steeper and steeper. You come to a fork, where the trail splits in two. The river curves to the left away from the path, which leads to the right.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/JltFlUH.png" class="center">
You can either turn left and [[follow the river]] or turn right and [[follow the trail]].</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">You decide that seeing where the water comes from is in fact your goal as well. The fish piqued your curiosity.
You branch away from the trail and follow the winding river, having to scale more than a couple rocks as you go (and having a few close calls with almost falling into the river yourself).
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/rmyPdox.png" class="center">
Soon the river is more of a small stream, and you can feel the air getting chilly. You can see patches of white on the ground. It's [[snow]]!</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">You continue along the rocky trail, not confident enough in your footing to go off road with the river.
The trail quickly turns into a steep climb. You must be nearing the top. The final climb has you scrambling your way up, climbing with your hands and feet.
With a final heave, you pull yourself up onto [[the summit]].
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/xZjQ0q7.png" class="center"></div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">You notice that it is getting <<linkappend "darker..." t8n>><<print either("how long have you been walking?"," it hasn't gotten that late, has it?")>><</linkappend>>
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/lNMOaDG.png" class="center">
There is a heavy mist hanging in the air, and it is getting thicker. It clings to the ground, around your waist, and it makes the way forward hard to see. You can just barely make out a fork in the road ahead, the trail curving [[left]] or [[right]], but you can't see much else.</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">The mist is dense. The trees have lost their leaves, and their bark is gnarled and twisted. The bare branches rustle and the sound is more menacing than before. Angular branches twist around the path, threatening to poke you or snag your clothes.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/vk4vejY.png" class="center">
Some of the trees look charred, black, and burned, like a fire had run through here at some point. There is a smooth, white tree with a twisted trunk to your right. It’s hard to see because of all the mist. The vibrant forest that was just behind you seems to have faded away.
[[Keep walking]]
[[Turn around and go back]]</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">The mist is heavy, almost opaque. You can barely make out the trees around you, which seem to have lost their leaves. The bare branches rustle and the sound is more menacing than before. Angular branches twist around the path, threatening to snag your clothes or scrape your skin.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/vk4vejY.png" class="center">
Some of the trees look charred, black, and burned, like a fire had run through here at some point. There is a smooth, white tree with a twisted trunk to your right. It’s hard to see because of all the mist. The vibrant forest that was just behind you seems to have faded away.
[[Keep walking]]
[[Turn around and go back]]</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">You continue walking. The mist is so thick, you think you could <<linkappend "hold it in your hands" t8n>> (you can’t).<</linkappend>>
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/Ok7sSmd.png" class="center">
There is a smooth, white tree with a twisted trunk to your <<print either ("left","right")>>. Wait... you passed this already, didn’t you? But you've been walking straight this entire time, or so you thought.
Through the mist you can just barely make out a large, shadowy silhouette [[ahead]].</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">You turn around and head back the way you came. The mist is making you nervous; it's so thick, you think you could <<linkappend "hold it in your hands " t8n>>(you can’t).<</linkappend>>
You keep <<linkappend "walking" t8n>> <<linkappend "and walking" t8n>> <<linkappend "and walking" t8n>> but the mist stays, and there is no sign of the way you came from.
<<timed 2s t8n>>But then ... everything is back to normal again.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/nLSD4lG.png">
The trees have returned to their lush, green state and the mist has disappeared. It happens so seamlessly that you wonder if it even happened at all. There is no sign of the spooky forest you just walked through.
Relieved, you stop for a moment, just taking in the sights and sounds of
[[nature around you]].<</timed>><</linkappend>><</linkappend>><</linkappend>></div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">You approach the house, unlatching the gate and letting yourself into the front yard. You knock on the front door, your knuckles making a pleasant and satisfying <<linkappend "<i>rap</i>" t8n>> <<linkappend "<i>rap</i>" t8n>> <<linkappend "<i>rap</i>" t8n>> against the door.
After a moment, you hear the sound of unlatching locks and the door swings open, revealing a short, stout witch wearing a very large witch hat (almost as large as she is!)
“Oh hello!” she says with a bright smile. “I must say I am a big fan of unexpected visitors. Come in, come in!”
[[Enter the house]]
<</linkappend>><</linkappend>><</linkappend>>
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/e0Tsqya.png" class="center"></div>Everything is pitch black. Even after a moment, when your eyes should have adjusted, they don't.
It's still <b>[[so dark]]</b>.<div style="line-height: 1.3;">Inside it is very quaint and cozy, a stark contrast to the exterior. Everything is pastel colours. There is a kitchen and dining room, and a living room with a slightly uncomfortable looking purple couch tucked against one wall.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/ACNvtUs.png" class="center">
“I am so very happy to have a guest!” exclaims the witch excitedly. “No one ever comes to visit me out here in the lost woods. I admit, it is a little spooky with all the mist. I am trying to open my bakery but the lack of foot traffic rally is not very good for business.”
[[Suggest signage]]
[[Suggest relocation]]</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">You find yourself on the edge of a great snowy field, at the tippy top of the mountain.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/hgjXDsL.png" class="center">
You can see that the tiny little stream that was once the big river is coming from the melting patches of snow and ice at the summit.
The white snow sparkles and glitters in the sunlight. They look like diamonds.
The view is breathtaking. You can see the valley, stretching ahead for miles. You stand there for a long moment, just taking it all in.
You feel content.
End.</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">“I’m trying to climb to the very top!” you say.
“Oh wow, that's really cool!” replies the squirrel enthusiastically. “I think this is the furthest up I've ever climbed before.”
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/7XR66e3.png" class="center">
They look sheepish for a moment, then say, “I'm a little afraid of heights, so I've never seen the view from the top. Maybe one day I'll muster up enough courage, but for now I'm content with just climbing up to here. I think it's a pretty impressive feat for a squirrel like me. I’m really not much of a climber.”
<<linkreplace "Offer words of encouragement" t8n>>“Anyone can be a climber. You are a climber, you made it this far!” you say encouragingly.
The squirrel looks pleased. “Oh thank you!” they say.
<</linkreplace>>
<<linkreplace "Say you'll be on your way" t8n>>You realize you should probably keep going to make sure you can reach the top before it gets dark. You wish the squirrel luck in their climbs and [[continue on your way]].<</linkreplace>></div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">“I’m taking a walk to clear my head,” you say.
“Oh yeah, I understand. Walking is really nice to clear your mind,” says the squirrel. “And the views from the mountain sure help with that too.”
You nod in agreement.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/A8jo7Xr.png" class="center">
You realize you should probably keep going to make sure you can reach the top before it gets dark. You say goodbye to the squirrel and [[continue on your way]].</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">The house makes you nervous; you don’t care to approach it. Instead, you turn around, trying to find the way that you came. It’s still hard to see, but you keep putting one foot in front of the other, focusing on the sound of your own footsteps.
<<timed 4s t8n>>Eventually, you realize that the trees have returned to their lush, green state and the mist has disappeared. It happens so seamlessly that you wonder if it even happened at all. There is no sign of the spooky forest you just walked through.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/nLSD4lG.png">
Relieved, you stop for a moment, just taking in the sights and sounds of [[nature around you]]<</timed>></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3;"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/jK1CysE.png" class="center">
You suggest that some signage may be helpful for business, explaining how you only found this place because of how turned around you got.
The witch nods. “It's true, there is a bit of a trick to navigating here if you haven't been here before. Perhaps I'll look into some signs to help navigate. It’s really not that complicated if you’ve been here before!”
She pauses for a moment, then asks, “Well, now that you’re here, would you like a treat? I’ve been baking all day, I’ve got plenty of fresh goodies cooling on the counter.”
She gestures to a variety of baked goods.
[[Take chocolate chip cookie]]
[[Take blueberry muffin]]
[[Take butter tart]]
[[Politely decline]]</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ioiOZa3.png" class="center">
You suggest that relocation may be helpful. The look of the spooky woods is probably not good for business.
The witch sighs. “It's true, that probably isn't very helpful for my business image. The Gingerbread Hag sure ruined that for us all.”
She pauses for a moment, then asks, “Well, now that you’re here, would you like a treat? I’ve been baking all day and I’ve got plenty of fresh goodies cooling on the counter.”
She gestures to a variety of baked goods.
[[Take chocolate chip cookie]]
[[Take blueberry muffin]]
[[Take butter tart]]
[[Politely decline]]</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;"><<set $treat to "chocolate chip cookie">>
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/jnqmzT6.png" class="center">
You take your $treat and leave, thanking the witch.
“No, thank <i>you</i>!” the witch exclaims. “I am so awfully lonely out here, any kind of visitor is a good one.”
The witch tips her hat to you as you leave her house. The mist seems to have lessened, and you can see the trail once more.
You resume walking along the trail and soon the trees have returned to their lush, green state. The smell of flowers fills the air, and you close your eyes, [[taking a deep breath]].</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;"><<set $treat to "blueberry muffin">>
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/nL6nYQt.png" class="center">
You take your $treat and leave, thanking the witch.
“No, thank <i>you</i>!” the witch exclaims. “I am so awfully lonely out here, any kind of visitor is a good one.”
The witch tips her hat to you as you leave her house. The mist seems to have lessened, and you can see the trail once more.
You resume walking along the trail and soon the trees have returned to their lush, green state. The smell of flowers fills the air, and you close your eyes, [[taking a deep breath]].</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;"><<set $treat to "butter tart">>
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/DtAEBAf.png" class="center">
You take your $treat and leave, thanking the witch.
“No, thank <i>you</i>!” the witch exclaims. “I am so awfully lonely out here, any kind of visitor is a good one.”
The witch tips her hat to you as you leave her house. The mist seems to have lessened, and you can see the trail once more.
You resume walking along the trail and soon the trees have returned to their lush, green state. The smell of flowers fills the air, and you close your eyes, [[taking a deep breath]].</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;"><<set $treat to "none">>You politely decline taking a treat, not sure that you want to take food from a stranger. You thank the witch for her company and leave the house.
“No, thank <i>you</i>!” the witch exclaims. “I am so awfully lonely out here, any kind of visitor is a good one.”
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/FZJ4yi5.png" class="center">
The witch tips her hat to you as you leave her house. The mist seems to have lessened, and you can see the trail once more.
You resume walking along the trail and soon the trees have returned to their lush, green state. The smell of flowers fills the air, and you close your eyes, [[taking a deep breath]].</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">The path eventually leads you into a gorgeous meadow, flecked with daisies and sweet grass. The smell of fresh flowers is in the air.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/SxS14BB.png" class="center">
There is a small pond to one side, as clear and blue as the sky. The water is perfectly calm. There isn't a breath of wind in the air.
<<if $treat == "none">><<else>>This is the perfect place for a picnic. You rummage through your bag and pull out your $treat.<</if>> You settle down on the grass, sitting in a warm beam of sunlight, just enjoying the moment.
It’s so very lovely.
End.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3;"><div class="wham">WHAM!!</div>
You are startled from your meditation as something runs into you, knocking you right over.
“Oh my, I’m so sorry!” says a voice.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/QV0QToZ.png" class="center">
You look up to see a rabbit standing over you, <<linkappend "extending a hand." t8n>>
You take their hand and they help you up. The rabbit has a red sweatband around its floppy grey ears and is wearing impressively white running shoes.
“I didn’t see you there! I like to run laps around this trail and usually there’s no one else around. I try to go as fast as I can! Do you wanna join me?”
[[Join the rabbit]]
[[Continue your walk]]<</linkappend>></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3;">You decide to join the rabbit on their run. Running sounds like a good idea.
You start to run faster and your breathing gets heavier. Your old sneakers are worn but still sturdy. You feel the wind through your hair and the air in your lungs as you push yourself to keep up with the rabbit. You haven’t run fast like this in years. It's exhilarating. It feels good.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/3LiYFG9.png" class="center">
Soon you are panting and out of breath. You decide to continue with your walk, and bid farwell to your new rabbit friend. A nice place to sit and rest would be good right about now, you think.
You return to the worn dirt trail and continue wandering along, keeping your eye out for a [[place to rest]].</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">You explain that you are on a walk to clear your head. Also, you don’t think you’re wearing the best shoes for a run.
“That’s ok,” says the rabbit.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/4je2MoN.png" class="center">
“Oh! I know there is a really nice meadow ahead,” they add. “It’s very close. Just keep walking a little further. It’s a great place to clear your head. Anyways, I’ve gotta bounce, but have a good walk!” The rabbit gives a small wave and then takes off running.
That sounds like just what you're looking for. You decide to keep walking, keeping an eye out for this meadow.
Eventually, you see a [[clearing ahead]].</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">The path leades you into the clearing, which turns out to be a gorgeous meadow. It is flecked with daisies and sweet grass. The smell of fresh flowers is in the air.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/SxS14BB.png" class="center">
There is a small pond to one side, as clear and blue as the sky. The water is perfectly calm. There isn't a breath of wind in the air.
You settle down on the grass, sitting in a warm beam of sunlight, just enjoying the moment.
It is just the escape you were looking for.
End.</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">Upon closer inspection, you realize the splashes are being made by a fish. The fish has vibrant orange and yellow scales and a determined expression on their face.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/DhM4pqH.png" class="center">
You ask, [[“What are you doing?”]]</div>[img[https://i.imgur.com/PT7mb8T.png][Begin]]<div style="line-height: 1.3;">“I am trying to scale the waterfall,” replies the fish. “I want to know where the water comes from!”
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/OeyEXsd.png" class="center">
You realize you also don’t know where the water comes from. The fish's goal seems like a reasonable one. Perhaps it is also your goal.
“I don’t have legs like you to walk to the top,” says the fish. “So I'm gonna do my best to jump over this waterfall and swim to the top instead. Then I can figure out where the water comes from.”
You say:
[[“I could carry you to the top.”]]
or
[[“After I get to the top, I’ll report back.”]]</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">This part of the cave looks exactly the same as the last part, so you’re not quite sure exactly <i>where</i> you’ve arrived. But you are here.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/4O5CmAM.png" class="center">
“This is the darkest part of the cave,” says the raccoon, sensing your confusion. “I like to come here to sit, and just enjoy the darkness.”
He motions for you to sit down next to him on one of the boulders.
And then he [[turns out the lights]].</div><div style="line-height: 1.3;">You soon find it, as the path bends and reaches a small little beach and a beautiful blue lake. You can see the rolling hills in the distance, covered in trees.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/WDAN8e3.png" class="center">
You take off your shoes and walk onto the beach, feeling the sand between your toes. Gentle waves roll onto the shore and the sun shines brightly overhead. The sound of the water is calming. This seems like a lovely place to sit and rest for a little while.
End.</div>