Balloon Animals

<div class="textbox"> [Everybody probably thinks of you as the kind of person to just do nothing all day, but that couldn't be further from the truth!] (after: 0.2s)[You have always worked hard when it came to you [[career]]. Though as simple as it may seemed, you sometimes question if this was the right choice.] (after: 0.9s)[You are interpreted by a flash of blinding light illuminating from your window. Letting out a deep sigh,] (after: 1.5s)[you glance at your clock to check the time.] [9:00AM, it is time for you to get ready for the day as a professional balloon animal creator!](after: 2.0s)[ Or as ready as you can get, considering the fact you never go outside.] (after: 2.2s)[You sit up as you try to rub eyes, catching onto the hundreds of balloons you have stocked up on.] (after: 3.0s)[Maybe you should go back to bed,Bed you wonder.] [[Get out of Bed]] </div> (set: $day to 1)

<div class="textbox"> As you got out of bed you couldn't help but think back on your life so far. You have worked long and hard when it came to making ballon animals and still had no plans to stop. As you were about to make your way to the bathroom, you stopped by to admire your recent creations from the day before. [[A Flower]] [[A Giraffe]] [[A Snake]] </div>

<div class="textbox"> <img src="https://sandraam.neocities.org/Projects/Balloon%20Animals/img/image.jpg" class="rounded-image"> One of your personal favorite animals! Looking back at it brings back memories from when you were a kid visiting the zoo. As you tried to rekindle your old childhood memories they were immediately interrupted but loud ringing emulating from your phone. It was your boss. [[Answer the Phone|Phone]] </div> { (set: $happiness to $happiness +3) (set: $day to 1) }

<div class="textbox"> <img src="https://sandraam.neocities.org/Projects/Balloon%20Animals/img/Flower.JPG" class="rounded-image"> This.....(after: 1.9s)[ isn't an animal, but you are still pround of your work regardless. As you were just about to pick it up you were then suddenly interrupted but loud ringing emulating from your phone. It was your boss.] [[Answer the Phone|Phone]] </div> (set: $happiness to $happiness +1) (set: $day to 1)

<div class="textbox"> <img src="https://sandraam.neocities.org/Projects/Balloon%20Animals/img/snakenew1.jpg" class="rounded-image"> Not a creature you enjoy looking at, but you despite that you are willing to create anything that makes you customers happy. Wanting to get away from this creature, you were then interrupted but loud ringing emulating from your phone. It's your boss. [[Answer the Phone|Phone]] </div> (set: $stress to $stress +1) (set: $day to 1)

<div class="textbox"> "Now you decide to answer? Seriously, how useless can you be?" He sounds mad, you thought to yourself. Ugh, how could you possibly still work for this guy? It's been 3 years since you've been a part of this business and you question if it's even worth it at this point. Wait, why not just go solo? I mean, you would have to probably pay off the unused balloons the company had offered you, but you can definitely earn it all back! Right? [[Quit and go solo |End: Quit and go solo]] [[Apologize and promise to work harder.]] </div>

(enchant: ?passage's chars, via (t8n-delay:pos * 30) +(t8n-skip:100s) + (t8n:'instant')) (enchant: ?link, (css: "font-family: 'Libertinus Keyboard'"))

<div class="textbox"> "I quit!" Without wanted to hear another word from your boss, you immediately ended the call. You questioned if that was the right thing to do....guess you'll have to wait and see. The End. (after: 1.0s)[Ending 1: Unemployed] [[Return|Phone]] </div>

<div class="textbox"> Nah, that probably isn't the best idea. You then decided to swallow your pride and admit defeat, "I'm sorry, I'll be sure to work harder next time." You said, hoping it was enough to please your boss. Without even a thank you, he ends the call. Well, guess you have to get back to [[work|Day 1: Work]]. </div>

<div id="balloonPassage" class="textbox"> # [[Balloon Animals|Name]] [[Info]] [[Credits]] </div>

<div class="textbox"> What started off as a silly hobby, soon turned into some sort of niche full-time job of yours. You're a balloon artist, a pretty good one in fact, and you refuse to let what others think get to you, even if it's your own boss. It's been about.....3 years? Yes, 3 years since you have just started working for [[Mrs. Henderson]]. </div> (set: $day to 1)

<div class="textbox"> "I... I guess I could use a break," you admit, the words feeling strange on your tongue. "What did you have in mind?" Oliver is quiet for a moment, and you hear no giggling. "Actually, before we get to plans... I'm really glad you answered, because I called to ask something else. That sigh you just let out? It wasn't about the phone call, was it? (after:1.6s)[How are you, really?"] (after:2.2s)[He's not asking about the orders or the deadlines. He's asking about *you*.] [[Be Honest with Him|Honest]] </div> { (set: $phonecall to $phonecall +3) (set: $happiness to $happiness +2) }

<div class="textbox"> [With that conversation in mind, you decide to get started on a new project for the day. You head over to your work table where scattered bags of balloons are placed in almost every conceivable color.] (after: 0.7s)[Sitting next to your handy dandy hand pump.] (after: 0.7s)[It’s early, and the day is entirely yours to shape!] (after: 1.4s)[You could [[focus on an order|Day 1: Order]]] or even (after: 2.1s)[ [[practice|Day 1: Practice]] a new technique.] </div> (set: $day to 1)

<div class="textbox"> [You answer the phone. "Hello?" A can be heard on the othe side.] Before you could response, "Oh, it's about time you picked up! Is that you, [$playerName]?" [[Oliver]]'s voice is unmistakable loud and a little whiney through the speaker. "Just checking in! Haven't seen your lights on much lately. Are you still... doing that balloon animal thing?" What do you say? [[Deflect and ask about his garden|His Garden]] [[Explain your work with pride|Work Pride]] [[Mutter that you're very busy|Your Busy]] </div> { (set: $phonecall to $phonecall +2) (set: $happiness to $happiness +2) }

<div class="textbox"> [[Think....|Final]] </div>

(prepend: ?sidebar)[Day: $day]

<div class="textbox"> Yet again, you are interpreted by a flash of blinding light illuminating from your window. You have about all of today and sometime tomorrow until your projecct is due. And honesty, you're reallyyy nervous. I mean, what if you're not able to complete in time? Hell....what if you get fired?? Not wanting to think on it, you decided to get out of bed and prepare for the day. Once ready, you decided to sit at your desk once ore to possible begin working. [[Answer Phone 2]] [[Ignore 2]] <div>

<div class="textbox"> (if: $phonecall <= 4)[ ["No way....you actually responded??" ] "Actually no, you must be a **doppelgänger** or something!" (after: 2.7s)[ I can hear him laughing through the phone. ] ](else:)[ "Goooood Morning! Glad to see you're responding to my calls again. You must be running low on food. Do you want me to pick some up for you, or are you just gonna keep hiding away in that cave of yours?" It was Oliver, again. You could clearly hear him giggling through the phone.] Is it worth even humoring this guy? [[Humor Him]] [[Say you're Busy|Busy]] </div>

<div class="textbox"> [[Back to Work|Work]] </div> { (set: $phonecall to $phonecall -2) (set: $happiness to $happiness -2) }

<div class="textbox"> "Sorry Oliver, I have some things to get done today so I can't chat." You responded. You were used to turning down offers, but you couldn't help but feel just a tad bit... bad? It's clear that Oliver means well, but you know it would be a bad idea to get distracted. You could hear Oliver sigh right through the phone. It didn't sound as if he was disappointed or angry, but... worried? It was a little hard to tell with him sometimes. "You're right. I shouldn't be bothering you. I hope you're able to complete the order in time!" With that, he ended the call. You should probably get back to [[work|Work]]. </div>

<div class="textbox"> "Haha...very funny. (after:0.7s)[Are you done yet?] (after:1.7s)[I need to get back to work you know that I'm busy."] That sounded a little harsher then you intended it to be but, you just wanted to make your self clear. Eventually, Oliver had finally stopped talking and started to speak. "Anyway, I'm calling to ask if you were free today. I know you just said you were busy but let's be honest. You **really** need a break. I mean, I can't even remember the last time I saw you outside." (after:3.5s)[Why not?] [[Yes, we can talk|Free]] [[No, I'm still busy|Busy]] </div> { (set: $phonecall to $phonecall +3) }

<div class="textbox"> [[Finishing Touch]] </div>

<div class="textbox"> Finally, you were able to complete your project. Problem is....as quickly as you were able to complete it, you were **immediately** given yet another project with an impossible deadline. (after: 1.4s)[Can't say you're surprised you know she's always been like this.] Great. [Just Great.] (after: 2.9s)[You're right back at square one.] [Ending 2: Burnout] [[Start Again?|START]] </div>

<div class="textbox"> Someway, somehow, you were able to come to an understanding with your boss. (after: 0.8s)[You never thought she would change or even understand you as a person, and you realize you shouldn't have judged her. Huh, maybe you should listen to Oliver more often.] (after: 1.8s)[Ending 3: Open] [[Start Again?|START]] </div>

{ (set: $happiness to 0) (set: $stress to 0) (set: $skill to 0) (set: $phonecall to 0) (set: $playerName to "Callum") }

<div class="textbox"> As you continued to think deeply about what had happened over the past few days, it felt as if something was calling out to you. Suddenly, the phone rang. ^^//Speak of the devil,//^^ it was your boss. You let out a heavy sigh before answering the call. "There you are! Sheesh, what am I paying you for if you’re not going to pick up? I have another project for you." (if: $stress <= 2 and $skill <= 4)[ [[Remind Silent and Submit the Project|Ending: Burnout]] ] (if: $happiness >= 10 and $phonecall >= 12)[ [[Voice Your Thoughts|Ending: Open]] ] </div>

<div class="textbox"> You continue to spend the rest of the day working on Mrs. Henderson's order. By the time you were finally done with the balloons and on onto the flowers, the day was about over. Not wanting to stress anymore, you decided to head off to [[sleep|Night]] </div> { (set: $stress to $stress+ 2) (set: $skill to $skill+ 5) }

<div class="textbox"> Feeling tired, you decided to head off to [[sleep|Night]] </div> { (set: $stress to $stress + 3) (set: $skill to $skill + 1) }

<div class="textbox"> You pull out the notes needed for your next project. Your eyes began to scan over it as you read out, "**Graduation Party Order:** 30 balloon hats, 15 balloon flower bundles, and a life-size balloon motorcycle. This is all very tedious work, but the deposit is already in your account so it's not like you can backout now. You spend the next couple of hours rapidly twisting and inflating the balloons, your hands began to ache as you continud to work. You finish about 15 of the hat, but the motorcycle and flowers are probably going to take all day. The work is already seems to be coming out amazing, but it's so exhausting. [[Answer Phone]] [[Ignore]] </div> { (set: $skill to $skill + 2) (set: $stress to $stress + 2) }

<div class="textbox"> Not caring much about the order, you instead decicded to practice more on your creations. [[Answer Phone]] [[Ignore]] </div>

<div class="textbox"> Not wanting to talk about your work life, you decided to answer his question with another one. "Anyway, how is your garden doing this year? I remember you were worried about the squirrels." "Ouch, I see you're dodging my question again." He proceeded to giggle, not seeming to be offended by $playerName's defiance. Oliver sighs happily. "My roses have been great, thank you for asking! And the squirrels haven't been so bad, I think it's the new motion detecing sprinklers." You know, you should really get out in the sun, dear. All that twisting can't be good for the hands." [[End the conversation politely|End Call Oliver]] </div> { (set: $stress to $stress - 1) (set: $happiness to $happiness +1) }

<div class="textbox"> "I am! It's a proper small business, Oliver, and it's going great. I've been working on a new technique for a graduation party! They even want a life size motorcycle!" "A motorcycle?" Oliver sounds genuinely impressed. "Well, good luck with that. You certainly have ambition. A unicorn... I'll be sure to tell my friends you're the one to call for *unique* requests." [[Thank him for the 'endorsement' and hang up|End Call Oliver]] </div> { (set: $happiness to $happiness + 3) }

<div class="textbox"> "I'm fine. Just... really busy. The balloons don't twist themselves, you know." $neighbor_name's tone drops to a concerned, low hum. "Oh, I see. Well, don't let that awful boss of yours run you ragged, dear. You need to remember to breathe. And maybe invest in a real chair. You sound awfully stiff." [[Quickly hang up before the conversation gets worse|End Call Oliver]] </div> (set: $stress to $stress + 2) (set: $happiness to $happiness - 1)

<div class="textbox"> [[Work on the Giant Order for Boss|Mrs. Henderson's Order]] [[Spend the Day completing your own Project|Practice]] </div>

<div class="textbox"> You watch your phone screen until the light dims, a knot tightening in your stomach. It stops ringing, but the quiet that follows is charged with a vague, lingering guilt. You know Martha will bring this up next time. You tell yourself it was necessary; you have work to do, and you just don't have the emotional energy for small talk right now. The call is forgotten, but the silence feels heavier. [You decide to get back to work but.....](after: 0.6s))[what should you do?] [[Work on the Giant Order for Boss|Mrs. Henderson's Order]] [[Spend the Day completing your own Project|Practice]] </div> { (set: $stress to $stress + 2) (set: $happiness to $happiness - 1) }

<div class="textbox"> [Before we start, what is your name? (Leave blank to keep it as "Callum")] (input-box: bind $tempName) (link: "Continue")[ (if: $tempName is not "")[ (set: $playerName to $tempName) ] (goto: "Morning") ] </div>

<div class="textbox"> Mrs. Henderson is not the type of person to ask, (after: 1s)[she demands.] (after: 2.2s)[Every balloon, every twist, every color choice has to meet her standards, otherwise, you'll just be met with harsh criticism.] (after: 3s)[Half the time you question if you're even her employee. Instead, you feel more like a tool. And if you slip up, she’ll just remind you exactly how replaceable you are.] [[Return|Morning]] </div>

<div id="balloonPassage" class="textbox"> Refective Thinking: * Your Text Here </div>

<div class="textbox"> My neighbor and long term "friend," Oliver. He's a little too energetic for my liking, (after:1.6s)[but he's not a bad person. His enthusiasm is just exhausting, like a tiny puppy that won't stop nudging your leg. Just wish he wouldn't pry into my personal life 24/7. He means well,] (after:3s)[but talking to him always reminds me how little I socialize outside of work.] [[Return|Answer Phone]] <div>

<div class="textbox"> You should probaly head to [[bed|Sleep]] now. </div> { (set: $phonecall to $phonecall +3) (set: $happiness to $happiness +2) }

<div class="textbox"> For the whole day you continured to work on what was needed. As you continued to do so you couldn't help but think deeply about your own life. (after:1.5s)[You've always loved making balloons animals but, nowadays you couldn't help but feel as if you're growing sick of it.] I mean....(after: 2.6s)[it's been over like what, almost 2 years since years since you left your house?!] (after: 3.4s)[As you try to gather your thoughts you decided that maybe you should end things off for the night.] (after: 3.9s)[What should you do next?] [[Call Oliver]] [[Head off to Bed|Sleep]] </div>

<div class="textbox"> [[Ponder]] </div> { (set: $phonecall to $phonecall +2) (set: $stress to $stress +3) }

<div class="textbox"> The question catches you off guard. You don't realize how tightly you've been holding things in until that simple question had finally been asked. "Honestly, Oliver? I'm exhausted," you admit. (after:1.6s)["It's more than just the orders. My boss is absolutely relentless and they keep piling on impossible deadlines then act like I'm the one slacking off when I can't meet them!] (after:2.2s)[Oliver listens without interrupting.] (after:2.8s)["Wow. That's... a lot. Listen, you can't just keep stuffing those feelings down while your boss treats you like crap. You need to have a heart-to-heart with them. Not an angry fight, but a clear professional talk about what's realistic."] (after:3.4s)[He pauses, letting the weight of the idea sink in. "I know it's terrifying, but it's the only way to get your sanity back."] [[Advice]] </div> { (set: $phonecall to $phonecall +5) (set: $happiness to $happiness +3) }

<div class="textbox"> You stare at your phone screen after the call ends. Oliver's words echo in your head. (after: 1s)["A heart to heart." It sounds simple when he says it, but the thought of confronting your boss ties your stomach in knots.] (after: 2.2s)[Despite how stressful it may be, you can't help but turn back to your work as you keep thinking about your next decision.] [[Think....|Final]] </div>

<div class="textbox"> [[Talk with Him]] </div> { (set: $phonecall to $phonecall +3) (set: $happiness to $happiness +2) }

<div class="textbox"> Take on the role of a talented balloon artist trying to make a living and keep your sanity. Will you continue to spend the rest of your life at home working? Or will you finally step up for yourself about the mistreatment of your workplace? There are **3** endings in total. [[Return|START]] </div>