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<<stopallaudio>>
<<audio "immersion" loop play>>
<center><img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/01-01.gif></center>
<<set $item to 0>>\
<<set $vial to false>>\
<<set $bracelet to false>>\
<<set $mud to false>>\
<<set $doll to false>>\
<<set $key to false>>\
<<set $oldman to false>>\
<<set $saga to false>>\
<<set $egg to false>>\
<<set $braceletending to false>>\
<<set $name to null>>\
It’s 2:38 am and you’re still awake. There’s a presentation tomorrow. One you’ve been preparing for all semester.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>
It’s a disaster, and your group mates have bailed. You’ve been doing all the work. You know it’s not enough. You think the lecturer is going to pick up on every mistake; the tables aren't aligned properly, is the y-axis exponential or logarithmic, and is the head of department sitting in? You don't want to be the girl who screws up again.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>
You stare at the ceiling and count the fake stars you stuck up there ten years ago. Someone’s been burning joss paper and the odor of burnt paper still fills the room. You tell yourself you need to sleep.
You notice a butterfly fly in through the window.
You could [[get up->Get Up]] and let it out or just go back to [[sleep->Sleep]].
<</linkreplace>>\
<</linkreplace>>\<style> img {
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<center><img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/01-02.gif></center>
You get out of bed and open the windows. How do you coax a butterfly out?
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>
“Why are you even flying at this time of night?” you ask. Aren’t butterflies diurnal? Why is it even up now? Maybe if you'd live only a couple of weeks, you'd want to keep on flying every possible second.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>
It flies up and touches the stars on the ceiling. It’s not going to be easy to get down. It abruptly heads towards the dresser.
"You wanna commit suicide by mothballs?" You say to it.
You could [[open the door->Portal]] and see what it wants.
<</linkreplace>>\
<</linkreplace>>\ The butterfly continues to flap on your face. Even when you close your eyes you know it's still there.
You could [[get up->Get Up]] or just stay [[asleep->back to sleep]]. <style> img {
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<center><img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/01-03.gif></center>
<<audio "door" volume 1 play>>
You see a door beyond; it's worn, the colours faded, like something from an old shophouse.
“What… the heck...is that…?”
You think you should [[step through->Open]]. <style> img {
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<center><img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/01-04.gif></center>
You open the door and there’s a dark wood beyond. There’s the smell of blossoming, decaying flowers beyond the mothballs. The butterfly flies in.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>
There are street lights, but they seem dim. You expect to see the light of far away flats, but there’s nothing. The sky is filled with the stars that resemble those on your ceiling. You think you could pluck them out.
"This is freaky," you think to yourself. "I could [[walk->Walk in]] or go [[back->Turn back]] to bed."
<</linkreplace>>\<style> img {
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<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/01-05.gif></center>
You walk through, and looking behind you it’s a dark street. You think of a “Am I in Yishun?” joke, except there’s no one to hear it. The butterfly continues to fly ahead of you. It seems to be shimmering.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>
The street lights here are ornate, the light from them flickering. You seem to be in a park. There’s a muddy path that squishes beneath your feet, and the lallang reaches out to touch you.
<<audio "bell" volume 1 play>>
You hear a [[familiar sounding bell->Yes please]] ahead.
<</linkreplace>>\You need to rest, you tell yourself.
There's the sound of birdsong from beyond. You look in and see the butterfly fluttering away, deeper into what could only be a forest.
Maybe you're dreaming. You could [[follow it->Walk in]] or just go [[back to sleep]]
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<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/01-06.gif></center>
<<audio "bell" volume 1 play>>
You see a figure in front of you, next to a vending cart. He’s like one of the ice cream sellers you see in the estate. He has wrinkled skin and his cart creaks when the breeze blows. There are ice cream cones and placing them on the side of his cart. There are faded posters of what he's selling pasted to the side. You can't even make out the words.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>
“Girl. Why you out so late?” He says in a deep voice. The butterfly hovers around him and he doesn’t even seem to notice.
“Do you want a cone? Got [[durian->Durian]], [[plain->Plain]] and [[chocolate->Chocolate]]. Which one you want?”
<</linkreplace>>\
"Aw... okay. Watching your figure is it? Okay okay... I don't force you," he says.
"You [[here->Continue on]] for the butterfly, yah?"<style> img {
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<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/01-06.gif></center>
<<set $icecream to "Durian">>
“Ah good. Flavour strong. Durian just fallen from tree.”
He gives you the cone with a thick yellowish curd. You feel impossibly hungry and can’t stop yourself from eating it.
“Now your breath [[strong->Continue on]].”
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<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/01-06.gif></center>
<<set $icecream to "Vanilla">>
"Sometimes vanilla is the best," he says. He appears to try to remember something, but then it slips from his mind as he [[hands you the cone->Continue on]].
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<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/01-06.gif></center>
<<set $icecream to "Chocolate">>
"Ah... who can say no to chocolate. My ex-wife favourite flavour," he says, as he excavates with his scoop. He [[hands you->Continue on]] the cone.
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<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/01-06.gif></center>
<<audio "bell" volume 1 play>>
“Your butterfly friend gone. What do you want to know? Was the $icecream good?"
[[Where should I go?]]
[[Why am I here?]]
[[Who are you?]]
"Follow the butterfly. It'll lead you where you need to go," he says.
[[Who are you?]] "You choose to be here right? Follow the butterfly. Sometimes we just need to chase something," he says.
[[Who are you?]] <style> img {
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<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/01-07.gif></center>
”You don’t remember me? When you saw me you get so excited. Used to ask your parents to buy a cone from me. Your grandmother would save her coins to get one for you when they were not looking. Don’t remember?”
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>
“A few years ago I fell into a drain and no one find me or know I was gone. So I come here sell ice cream. Until one person remembers me. Then I can go,” he says.
You could [[lie->Lie that you remember him]] that you remember him or admit that [[you do not->Tell him you don’t]].
<</linkreplace>>\
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<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/01-08.gif></center>
<<set $oldman to true>>
<<audio "bell" volume 1 play>>
“Ah girl. If you do, then you tell the spirit at the temple you remember me. Then I can leave. No need sell ice cream any more,” he says.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>
”And because you nice, I tell you this. Beware those who call for you from above. I don't dare go down the path.. stay here sell ice cream better.”
"Now go. Not much time," he says. "You better [[follow the butterfly->Continue down the path]]."
<</linkreplace>>\
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<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/01-09.gif></center>
<<audio "bell" volume 1 play>>
“Never mind girl. You go.”
He continues to dig into his ice cream box. You can see hear the metal scraping against the sides.
[[Continue down the path]]<style> img {
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<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/01-10.gif></center>
You continue down the path. You call out to the butterfly but it’s nowhere to be seen. There’s a fork in the road. To the [[left->Go left]] the route appears to be better lit, with electric lights. To the [[right->Wild Path]] there just seems to be a lone torch being blown by the wind.
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<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/02-01.gif></center>
You’re on an old street, with potholes and gravel all over. There are shophouses on the street, though they look worn and frail, like they’re just props.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>\
As you head left you spy a figure sitting on a bench. His back is turned to you. He taps the side of the bench, as though asking you to sit down.
You could [[sit->Sit]] or just [[walk->Walk past]] past him.
<</linkreplace>>\
<style> img {
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<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/02-02.gif></center>
<<audio "moss" loop play>>
<<audio "immersion" stop>>
<<audio "cigarette" play>>
You sit and stare out into the darkness. It feels like you're waiting for a bus that's not going to come until morning.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>
He’s smoking a thin cigarette that smells like burning satay sticks. There’s a bird cage next to him, with three songbirds within fighting for space. They appear to be singing but you don’t hear anything.
“When they are caged together they sing better,” he says, lifting the cage. You can smell the nicotine on his breath.
There seems to be something in his hand. A vial of some sort, filled with a yellowish substance.
[[What is that?]]
[[Who exactly are you?]]
[[Get up and walk away]]
<</linkreplace>>\He does not stop you as you walk past. You're reminded not to talk to strangers. Hmm.. did one of the creatures on his arm move?
[[Continue->Further down the paved path]] <style> img {
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<center><img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/03-01.gif></center>
<<audio "staple" play>>\
You hear some voices that are familiar to you. Are you approach, you see your group mates standing over a table like the one in school. There's a familiar bracelet amongst the papers.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>
The three of them don’t seem quite solid; their bodies appear translucent.
“She never do the work again,” you hear Agnes say.
”As expected. I don’t know why you defend her part in the project,” Qiang says.
Edna seems defeated. She’s the one who always sides with you.
What the heck do they mean you never do your part?
You could [[confront them->Step forward]] or [[keep on hiding->Hide and observe]].
<</linkreplace>>\
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<center><img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/03-01.gif></center>
<<audio "staple" play>>\
You step way from the pillar. They don’t seem to acknowledge you and continue arguing.
“Now got to burn the oil. She’s probably sleeping,” Qiang says.
“She tried to do. She was waiting for the final reports from Agnes,” Edna says.
“I sent them weeks ago. She just wanted corrections and then said my sample size wasn't big enough. She keeps on pushing and wanting new things,” she says.
“I know you wrote three-quarters of the proposal text in the last three nights, Edna. Just admit she didn’t do any work,” Qiang says.
You could [[defend->Defend yourself]] yourself or [[grab->Grab Qiang]] that good-for-nothing Qiang and give him a piece of your mind.
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<center><img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/03-03.gif></center>
<<audio "staple" play>>\
You observe from behind a wall.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>\
They continue to bicker and cut up papers to stick on a poster. All the time they argue about how you haven't done your share of the work.
They pour each other tea and keep on punching papers one at a time. The alignment’s all over the place.
Edna removes the [[bracelet->Bracelets]] she’s wearing and puts it next to her, while she tries to pry out a staple.
<</linkreplace>><style> img {
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<center><img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/03-03.gif></center>
<<audio "staple" play>>\
You shout at the three of them. “I did my part! Those stats were just copy and paste jobs! They were shoddy! And the deck wasn’t even done. It was all over the place until I put it together properly!”
But they don’t pay attention to your shouting. They don’t seem to [[hear you at all->Bracelets]].
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<center><img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/03-02.gif></center>
You grab Qiang and want to confront him but your hands pass through his body. He turns and stares right through you.
They continue to [[bicker->Groupmates]]…
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<center><img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/03-03.gif></center>
<<audio "staple" play>>\
Edna sighs. “I wish I never asked her to join our team. I wanted to give her one last chance.” She starts cutting up a collage and pastes it on the board.
You thought she wouldn’t turn against you but she has.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>
The three of them laugh and make jokes about you. About how you pay more attention to your bracelets than the project.
Edna takes out a [[bracelet->Bracelets]] that you know is yours.
<</linkreplace>>
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<center><img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/04-02.gif></center>
You brace yourself and let him jump on your back.
“Thank you,” you hear him say. But you notice that his voice seems to have become deeper.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>\
“Okay. Get down now,” you tell him.
“Could you bring me somewhere where there’s not so much grass?” He says.
You look around and it's grass everywhere. He seems to be getting heavier...
You could still [[try to get him off]] or [[obey->Obey]]
<</linkreplace>>\<style> img {
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<center><img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/04-04.gif></center>
<<audio "slam" volume 1 play>>
You attempt to smash it into an overhanging tree branch, but the creature laughs and clings onto you. It bends and buckles its body, twisting around so adeptly that you can not hit it. Its nails start to dig into your chest.
You attempt to throw him off but he clings on desperately, laughing as you turn and spin this way and that. You spy a cliff ahead of you, glowing with emerald light.
You could [[jump->Jump]] or decide [[not to->Not jump]].
“Haha! I’ll offer you a deal. Give me everything you have and I’ll let you go!”
[[Give]]
[[Not to give]]?
You attempt to throw the creature off but she clings on desperately, laughing as you tilt this way and that. You spy a cliff ahead of you, glowing with emerald light.
[[Jump]]
[[Not jump]]
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<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/04-07.gif></center>
You heed the words of the creature. It makes you roam into the endless wilderness even as it gets heavier. You remain in this realm and never return.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>\
Maybe you should have heeded the ice cream seller’s words.
[[The End->Generic ending]]
<</linkreplace>>\
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<center><img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/04-05.gif></center>
<<audio "running" volume 1 play>>
As you jump the figure delicately slides off you. You fall for longer than you can count, into a hole that seems infinitely far. You keep on falling, and like in so many other dreams, just as you are about to [[hit the ground->back in bed]]…
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<center><img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/04-04.gif></center>
You refuse to jump and turn. The creature on top seems to be getting heavier and heavier, and you can’t seem to refuse its instructions. Soon you are not able to resist any more.
“I’ll let you go. Give me everything you have now!” It says. Its red eyes bore into you, and its mouth reveals sharp, misshapen teeth.
<<nobr>>
<<if $item==0>>
"I.. I have [[nothing]] to give."
<<else>>
You could [[give->Give]] or decide [[not to give->Not to give]].
<<endif>>
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<center><img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/04-04.gif></center>
"Ah... how disappointing! But very well! Hand them over!" it says.
<<set $bracelet to false>>\
<<set $vial to false>>\
<<set $item to 0>>\
You turn over the items you have to him. He grabs them greedily one by one. He's clutching you so tightly you cannot break free.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>
“See. Now that’s done, you can go on!” He says. He pushes off against your shoulder and jumps off into the tree branches, disappearing into the [[darkness->Exit the wild path]].
<</linkreplace>>\
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<center><img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/04-04.gif></center>
"You had your chance. I’ll take it from you when you’re too tired to stand!” He says.
He refuses to get off your back, and rides you until you disappear into the [[dream->Generic ending]].
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<center><img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/06-01.gif></center>
<<audio "green" loop play>>\
<<audio "immersion" stop>>\
<<audio "moss" stop>>\
<<audio "tv" loop play>>\
You continue down the path and you hear something familiar. You see your parents watching television, sitting on a couch, with the coffee table in front of them and the magazines that have been there since the 80s.
Your mother turns to you. “Ah girl. What are you doing out so late?”
[[Helping a butterfly]]
[[Nothing... just wandering]]
<style> img {
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<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/06-02.gif></center>
“Help? First time I ever hear you helping anything.” Your father turns to you.
“You sure you can handle it? Let me do it.”
<<if $bracelet is true>>\
He sees you [[have the bracelet]].
<<else>>\
[[Sure, dad. Take over]]
[[I can do it]]
<<endif>>\<style> img {
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"You should be asleep. Why are you out?"
You're feeling rather tired, like the energy is just being sucked out of you. Maybe your dad should [[take over->Sure, dad. Take over]] or you could draw on your last reseves and tell him you can [[handle it->I can do it]].
<<if $bracelet>>\
"Isn't that grandmother's?" Pa says, pointing to the bracelet. "Why do you have it?"
He seems to be [[wary of it->have the bracelet]].
<<endif>>\<style> img {
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<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/06-03.gif></center>
“Yah. You go back to bed,” he says.
He gets up from the sofa and [[studies->looks]] the butterfly.<style> img {
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<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/06-05.gif></center>
“I’ll take care of it,” you tell them.
“Good,” your father nods. “Good.”
He gets up from the sofa. You see what looks like a speckled egg that he left behind.
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/06-06.gif></center>
You could [[grab->Grab the egg]] the egg or just [[slink away->Go on]] from this place. You've seen enough of them in real life. They don't need to be in your dreams too.
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<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/06-05.gif></center>
As your father rises from the sofa, he spies the bracelet on your wrist. He backs away, as though he’s been slapped.
“Isn't that grandma's? Where did you get it?” He says.
You see that there's an egg on the sofa.
You could run forward and grab the [[egg]].
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<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/06-10.gif></center>
“No. I’m not trading that,” you say. You wave the bracelet at them and they back away, screeching in fear. The butterfly continues on into the night and you give chase.
You can feel your parents staring at you as you [[leave->Go on]].
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<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/06-13.gif>
<<set $bracelet to false>>\
<<set $keys to true>>\
You throw the bracelet at them, and she tosses you the keys.
“Thank you,” your father says. The keys are old and rusty, like belonging to an old house.
“Don’t expect us to cook for you,” Ma says.
The butterfly zips away, continuing into the night.
“Pack your things first thing in the morning!” You hear your father demand. "And bring the guppies!"
With those words still ringing in your ear you [[run off->Go on]] into the night, chasing that butterfly.
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<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/06-05.gif></center>
“I’ll take care of it,” you tell them.
“Good,” your father nods. “Good.”
He gets up from the sofa. You see what looks like a speckled egg that he left behind.
You could just [[leave->Go on]] or [[grab->Grab the egg]] that egg.
<style> img {
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<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/06-11.gif></center>
You let go and the egg goes to your dad’s hands. “This will grow up to be a better child than you,” he says. He cradles it as he continues to watch the television.
“Leave us to our show. You never watch what we watch anyway,” your mother says. Her right hand rubs the egg as though it were the head of an infant.
[[Go on]]
<style> img {
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<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/06-09.gif></center>
<<set $egg to true>>
<<set $item to $item+1>>
You grab the knife and cut his tongue. Just as your knife touches his tongue it drops off completely, leaving you with the egg. You unwrap it like it's a damp shoelace. Your dad looks at the tongue with disapproval but not pain.
"Bring back the egg,” you hear your mum say, though it’s in a tone like she’s reminding you to buy something from the mini mart.
You continue [[down the path->Knife 2]]. <style> img {
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</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/10-01.gif></center>
<<audio "tv" stop>>\
You wearily trudge along the forest path. The air smells salty.
You hear the sound of waves and coconut trees swaying in the breeze as you approach a decrepit building.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>
You’re not quite sure if you could call it a temple. Rather, it looks more like a small makeshift shrine, much like the ones you’ve seen in alleys behind shophouses. You think you can recognise some of the deities on the altar.
There's [[someone->The Seller]] waiting for you. A caretaker, perhaps?
<</linkreplace>>\
<style> img {
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}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/09-01.gif></center>
You rush forward, sensing the butterfly is near. The path is narrow, almost disappearing, and the forest becomes a jungle, pressing in, the insects seemingly all around you.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>
You see three dolls dangling from the trees, wrapped up in wasps nest or some kind of coccoon. One of them has its head partially caved in, while the second has a broken foot. The third seems to be whispering something.
As you approach, you hear each of the dolls call out to you. The [[first->First]] seems to be saying ‘Broken’, the [[second->Second]] whispers ‘walk’ while the [[third->Third]] says ‘Name?’ as though it is begging for one.
<</linkreplace>>\You use your fingers and gradually tear it out. The head shifts and looks at you as you do so. When you finally remove it you find that the body seems to be part of the nest. It’s hard to tell where it begins and ends. It looks bloated. You move your hand over the stomach and feel tiny plastic feet kicking back at your palm.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>\
You realize this is probably the doll you only had for a few months. The one your mother threw away when you lost your temper, when you said you wouldn’t eat your dinner and didn’t want to do your work. The one she threw into the rubbish chute even as you screamed so loud you thought the whole island could hear.
[[Drop it]]
[[Take it with you]]
<</linkreplace>>\As you leave them you hear the dolls bawling. They sound like the crying you hear at your block from your neighbors, or do they just sound like you?
It's [[time->Sofa]] to go. You drop the doll and it lets out a wail. It falls, and into the tangle of weeds beneath your feet. It starts to wail, like the crying you hear from your neighbor’s child.
You start to run away. The vines catch at your feet, trying to trip you. Thorns prick at your skin.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>\
You stumble out of the complete darkness. There's a light ahead, and what sounds like a television drama? [[Who->Sofa]] could it be?
<</linkreplace>>\<<set $doll to true>>
<<set $item to $item+1>>
You take the strange doll, but there’s nothing to carry it in. The eyes seem to close and it looks like it’s asleep. You don’t want to feel the pulsing under its stomach, the bandages are intact, and there’s the perennial buzzing that you feel. You are somehow reassured by its presence, however.
Now, you just want to [[leave->Sofa]] this place.
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/10-02.gif></center>
<<audio "moss" stop>>\
<<audio "green" stop>>\
<<audio "tv" stop>>\
<<audio "sea" loop play>>\
<<audio "immersion" loop play>>\
“Hello. So you’ve come all the way here. Poor girl. Must be stressed."
She smells of matches, and her voice makes you feel calm.
“The butterfly has brought you here for one purpose; to help it decide its fate in its next reincarnation.
“So you get to help choose its next form. You might have various items in your pockets and bag. Tell me, what do you want to give me?”
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>\
“However, I also offer you an alternate choice.”
<<nobr>>
<<if $oldman is true>> "I see you helped the ice cream seller. You know how important it is to be remembered? He can't even remember anything about himself. He just stands there and sells from his cart. Now he can slowly begin to be reborn as well," the shrine caretaker says.<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
Maybe you could give her something. What do you have to give?
<<nobr>>
<<if $item >0>> You offer up the <br><<endif>>
<<if $vial>>[[Vial]] <br><<endif>>
<<if $bracelet>> [[Bracelet]]<br><<endif>>
<<if $egg>>[[Egg]] <br><<endif>>
<<if $saga>>[[Saga Seeds]] <br><<endif>>
<<if $doll>>[[Doll]]<br> <<endif>>
<<if $key>>[[Keys]] <br><<endif>>
Or you can tell her you have [[nothing to give]].<br>
<</nobr>>
"What's the [[alternative->Alternative]]?" you ask.
<</linkreplace>>\
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/10-03.gif></center>
“I know you have a presentation tomorrow. And for this butterfly to drag you out of bed.. not good.”
“If you forego the choice, tomorrow you will have a perfect day. Your presentation will go very well, everyone around you will be in good mood, the person you like will give you a call, and you won’t fight with your parents unless you want to. Some things cannot control…”
“So which will it be?”
One perfect day? No, I want [[to help it->Help it]]
[[Give it to me.]]
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/10-07.gif></center>
You give her the vial. The woman inspects it.
“Well, this isn't going to be useful. This is for you, not her,” she says. "Do you have anything else?"
<<if $item >0 >> You offer up the <br><<endif>>
<<if $bracelet is true>>[[Bracelet]]<<endif>>
<<if $egg is true>>[[Egg]]<<endif>>
<<if $doll is true>>[[Doll]]<<endif>>
Or you could tell her you have [[nothing to give]].
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/10-04.gif></center>
You offer up the bracelet. The woman takes it from you. She smiles, and the wrinkles of her face [[shift->bracelet continue]].
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/10-08.gif></center>
"Mm... what a strange offering. Is this for me? I'm not particularly hungry..."
The butterfly flutters and flies through the gate. You see it flutter a few more times before falling to the ground, lifeless.
“It'll come back as a lizard. Not that bad a life right? Get rid of pests! And now... you must sleep..."
[[Return]] <style> img {
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}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/10-03.gif></center>
<<audio "sea" stop>>\
"All right. One has to take care of oneself in this world, right?" she says.
She lifts her head up and smiles. You feel your eyes [[closing->Perfect Day]].
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/10-06.gif></center>
“Ah. How nicely made this is.” She says.
The butterfly flutters and lands on the doll.
“Somewhere, it awaits to be reborn as a human. But as for you… you need to go back to sleep.”
“Wait.. what’s going to happen? What family is she going to be [[born into->Doll continue]]?”
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/10-10.gif></center>
<<audio "sea" stop>>\
The woman studies you.
<<nobr>>
<<if $mud>> "You are changed," she says. "But you have chosen your path. Return to where you came from."
You start walking back. You feel every step, but somehow you find the door back to your cupboard and then to [[your bed->Mud girl ending]]
<<elseif $vial and $braceletending>>"I see you have been given a gift. Do you wish to bring [[the vial->vial ending]] back to the waking world? Or you can [[leave->bracelet ending]] it here."
<<elseif $vial>>"I see you have been given a gift. Do you wish to bring [[the vial->vial ending]] back to the waking world? Or you can [[leave->normal ending]] it here."
<<elseif $braceletending>>"I see the good in you. Now back [[to bed->bracelet ending]]. You have done enough."
<<else>> "Now you must [[return->normal ending]] to the waking world," she says.
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>You go back to sleep. You have strange dreams. You can feel the butterfly's presence around you, like a weight of a dead star.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>\
You wake up in the morning and the sun's in your face. You have an utterly normal day, but you feel like you've missed out something.
Maybe if you had woken up and figured out what [[the butterfly wanted->Beginning]].
<</linkreplace>>\<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/07-01.gif></center>
<<audio "moss" loop play>>
<<audio "immersion" stop>>
<<audio "crickets" loop play>>
You continue down the overgrown path that opens up to a clearing, with giant pipelines that stretch upwards across a hill. The croaking of crickets grows overwhelmingly loud.
It’s difficult to traverse across the tall grass so you hop up to the pipes, balancing your steps on what feels more like an artery towards [[darkness->giant drain]].
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/07-03.gif></center>
“The forest grows wilder and more cruel,” it says, without explaining.
[[Continue anyway]]
[[Turn back->turn back]]
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/07-04.gif></center>
“Go through the door. It will bring you to the other path. Where it’s paved,” it says. The stone lion indicates a red door to the left that you didn’t notice. It looks a bit tiny but you can squeeze through.
You could [[use the door->Use door]] or [[walk->Walk into the drain]] into the drain anyway.
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/07-05.gif></center>
“You have been warned,” it says. Its partner seems to wake up and yawn, revealing a mouth of human-like teeth.
“Let her go,” the newly awakened lion says.
The other one is now silent, just a statue.
You take a deep breath and [[walk->Walk into the drain]] into the drain.<<audio "crickets" stop>>
You squeeze through the door and find yourself on a [[paved path->Go left]]. There are streetlights here, and you feel a bit more certain.
<<audio "crickets" stop>>
Despite the lion's warning, you know you can't waste anymore time. You continue into the drain.
The path is getting more raw; more untouched. Has anyone gone through here before? The lallang reaches to your shoulder, the leaves sharp like knives.
Behind you is just a primal darkness. You have to [[proceed->Proceed]].
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/08-03.gif></center>
The more you fight it, the more you start to sink in. Funny how real world physics seems to work in dreams. It feels like when you were trapped in a group hug at secondary school sports day, except the sweat has been magnified by a hundred times.
You start to [[sink->Sink in]].
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/08-03.gif></center>
You stay calm. You start to reject how this feels like when you were hugged by that strange uncle who was your mother’s second cousin, or the time when you won the relay race and received a group hug that you didn’t want at sports day. This is just you, floating in a swimming pool, with no one else around…
You feel like you're in the swimming pool, and now it's time to [[climb out->Get out]].
You sink into the deep. You suffocate. You can’t even cough as you feel what feels like a building press onto your chest.
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/08-06.gif></center>
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>\
You hear someone whisper in your ear. It’s too dark and murky to make out who, or how they can talk in the water. It just sounds like someone talking while blowing bubbles.
“I can continue your mission. Just let me be you.”
"Uh? [[What?]].. I..
[[Yes]]
[[NO!!]]
<</linkreplace>>\<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/08-04.gif></center>
You step out of the mud. Most of it drops off you. There’s a you-shaped depression in the mud.
You’re about to walk off when a figure rises out of the mud. It looks like a bad clay model of you.
“Wait.. I know… how hard things are..”
You give out a [[WTF]] or you could just [[run->Get out of here]].
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/08-05.gif></center>
The mud-shaped you stands up like a mannequin. It reaches out to you.
“Let me take your place. I know things are hard. So many decisions… so much of life has already taken a toil. So much more to come…”
You could [[agree->Be Mud]] or you better [[run->Get out of here]].. fast. You run. You're not even sure where you're heading. You dive headlong, the greenery beneath you [[tearing at->Dolls]] your legs.
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/08-05.gif></center>
“Come on. It doesn’t have to be in vain,” it says. You’re about to lose consciousness…
"This is the only way you can [[save yourself->Yes]].. if not, you'll just [[disappear->NO!!]]..."
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/08-07.gif></center>
<<set $mud to true>>\
Your body sinks into the mud. It's like being encased. You feel someone in your head.
“I’ll come for your body one day,” it says.
Rising out of the mud you feel yourself able to see again. You skin appears to be melting before it hardens. You find yourself made of clay.
You can make out your body in the water, like Ophelia in that painting.
Far away, you see a butterfly [[beckoning you->Follow it]].
You tell it no. You lose consciousness, and you slowly drown, though you think this can’t be quite real.
You feel yourself going [[numb->Generic ending]]... You have to go on.
There are footprints around. Someone else has been here?
You [[trudge->Dolls]] through the long grass, wondering if you're just going in circles. <style> img {
max-width: 100%;
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}
</style>
<center><img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/03-04.gif></center>
You reach out to grab the bracelet, and Edna turns and says “I knew it!” to the others.
They start throwing the papers at you, and then the staplers and the hole punchers. You [[retreat->Further into the paved path]].
The papers turn to ash as they jump into the forest. You're left alone with the bracelet. Even the table just sinks into the ground.
<<set $bracelet to true>>
<center><img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/03-06.gif></center>
It seems like you're running forever.
The pavement beneath you becomes gravel. Tiny pebbles that shift, and the streetlights glow dull orange. The buildings around you are overgrown with vines.
You rush away, and the whole landscape [[shifts]].Maybe you could give her something. What do you have to give?
<<nobr>> <<if $item>0>>You offer up the <br><<endif>>
<<if $vial is true>> [[Vial]]<br>
<<endif>>
<<if $bracelet is true>> [[Bracelet]]<br>
<<endif>>
<<if $egg is true>> [[Egg]]<br>
<<endif>>
<<if $doll is true>> [[Doll]]<br>
<<endif>>
<<if $saga is true>> [[Saga Seeds]]<br>
<<endif>><</nobr>>
Or you could tell her you have [[nothing to give]].
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center><img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/03-04.gif></center>
You rush forward and try to grab the bracelet. As you come near they all look at you and shout your name. They all fade and find yourself alone with the table and the leftover drinks and their papers. It’s filled with [[gibberish->Ash]].
<<set $bracelet to true>>\
<<set $item to $item+1>>
Let them try to work on it. You've had enough of them.
You rush away, and the whole landscape [[shifts]].<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/04-01.gif></center>
It’s the jungle here. Mosquitoes hum and the croaking of frogs gets so loud you can hardly hear anything.
You look up and see a boy on the branch. It’s too dark to see his face clearly as it’s covered by the branches.
“Hello? Can you help me down?” You hear.
“[[Why should I?]]”
Maybe you should just [[run away]] from this creepy place.<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/04-01.gif></center>
“I’ve been trapped up here for a long time. It's too high for me to climb down. Please… help me?” He says. He sounds like one of the boys in your estate.
You could try to [[help->Agree to help]] or [[leave->run away]].
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style><center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/04-07.gif></center>
This place is too creepy, and that boy's voice doesn't sound right.
He continues calling after you as you dash away in the undergrowth. You don't care where you are heading in the darkness, as long as that boy's cry gets drowned by the other insects [[in the forest->move]].
There's [[light->Sofa]] ahead, though sometimes you wonder if you've just been traveling in circles. The forest just seems to be pressing in, and the air buzzes with mosquitoes. <<cacheaudio "crickets" "sound/cricket_low.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "shovel" "sound/shovel.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "mud" "sound/footsteps_mud.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "sea" "sound/sea.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "tv" "sound/tv_wave.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "green" "sound/cavernoct29.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "staple" "sound/staple.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "immersion" "sound/immersion_xy.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "moss" "sound/moss_oct26.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "door" "sound/door_squeak.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "running" "sound/running.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "cigarette" "sound/cigarette.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "slam" "sound/slam.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "bell" "sound/bell.mp3">>
<<masteraudio volume 0.2>> <style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/02-03.gif></center>
<<audio "cigarette" play>>
"This thing? If you drink it, you can always tell when someone is telling the truth. With this skill… you will never be lied to.
“But I just tell you… the price is that you will never have friends again.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>
You think this would have been helpful in real life.
"I am now old... can give this to you. You can bring it out of this place. You want?"
You're not sure if you should [[accept->Accept]] or [[reject it->Don’t accept]].
<</linkreplace>>\You've had enough of talking to strange people. You practically run away from him. The birds caw and chitter at you as you rush down the [[path->Further down the paved path]]. <style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/02-03.gif></center>
<<audio "cigarette" play>>
“You don’t have to remember me. But I have something to offer you. This vial… you can bring it out into the world. The real world.”
“What do you want for it?” You ask.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>
“It’s free. I give it to everyone all the time. If you drink it, you can always tell when someone is telling the truth. With this skill… you will never be lied to.”
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>
“But I just tell you… the price is that you will never have friends again.”
You think this would have been helpful when you are doing school assignments.
You're not sure if you should [[accept->Accept]] or [[reject it->Don’t accept]].
<</linkreplace>>\
<</linkreplace>>\
<<set $vial to true>>
<<set $item to $item+1>>
"Good," he says. He smiles, revealing brownish teeth. The air smells of cinnammon.
<<audio "cigarette" play>>
He puts the vial down and takes up the birdcage, allowing you to take the vial. He reenters the shop and closes the metal grill on it. Even as you speak to him, he shuts the doors and the door too, disappears.
You stand up as you [[continue->Further down the paved path]] to chase that butterfly.
<<audio "cigarette" play>>
“Ah… what a pity. These things are rare. You know the secrets of the rich out there? They have artifacts like this. Just one small advantage, and you can be amongst the elite.” He spits out the word.
He gets up and walks through the door. The door disappears into the wall.
Guess there's no choice but to keep walking [[down the path->Further down the paved path]] <style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/06-14.gif></center>
"Now girl... lie down? Let me dig your ear? So much gunk inside. It's time to clear out the mess," your mum says.
You lie down on her lap. You wince as she takes out a ear digger. She keeps pushing it down your ear.
"Now, don't move", she says. She pushes the ear digger into your ear. You wince in pain.
"OWCH!" you say.
"Don't move!" she warns. She pushes in deeper.
You want to know when you're going to [[wake up]].
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/06-07.gif></center>
You grab the egg. Your Ma shouts “Girl, what are you doing?”
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/06-08.gif></center>
You could [[let go->Let go]] or [[grab a knife->Grab the knife and cut it]] and cut his tongue.<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/06-04.gif></center>
<<audio "tv" stop>>\
“Now. See? [[Taken care of->creepy parents ending]],” he says.
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center><img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/04-03.gif></center>
“I’m not getting off!” He says. His voice is fierce, and is much deeper.
It's really starting to creep you out.
You could try to [[slam him->Slam]] into a overhanging tree branch.
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/11-01.gif></center>
<<audio "sea" stop>>\
You wake up and something feels off. Your hands feel cruddy, unmoulded, like you've been soaking them in water for too long.
You get up and there's bits of dirt in your hair. You wash it off and go about your [[day->Mud girl ending 2]].
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/11-07.gif>
<b>The Visitation</b>
Story by <a href="http://www.instagram.com/davechua">Dave Chua</a> and Xiao Yan
Illustrated by Xiao Yan [<a href="http://www.thirdtentacle.net">Website</a> | <a href="http://www.instagram.com/thirdtentacle">Instagram</a>]
Music by Wolfgang Möstl from <a href="https://vill4in.bandcamp.com/album/inner-sphere">Voyage Futur</a>
This game uses these sounds from <a href="http://freesounds.net">Freesounds</a>.
Shoveling Sand by Piggimon
Stapler by mwmarsh
TV static by Leoctiurs
Sea by RobinDavidsen
Door Squeak by eminylidirim
Running by Jagadamba
Cigarette by jakobandersen
Slam by Supercow8399
Bell by InspectorJ
This programme is commissioned by Singapore Writers Festival. Singapore Writers Festival is organised by the National Arts Council and part of the #SGCultureAnywhere campaign.
[[Play again?->Beginning]]
</center>If you had a chance to do it again, would you do it [[differently->Beginning]] or would you just not [[bother->Credits]]?<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/11-01.gif></center>
<<audio "sea" stop>>\
"Very well. You have decided," she says.
You stumble back to your bed through a path behind the temple. Did you walk out of the closet or just end up here?
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>\
The sun comes out and shines on your face. Your mother opens the door and asks "Sleep in so late? Something wrong with you?"
Underneath the words, you sense [[her disdain->vial ending 2]].
<</linkreplace>>
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/11-01.gif></center>
<<audio "sea" stop>>\
The memory is unclear. You follow a pathway away from the temple even as the sun emerges in the sky. You walk out of the closet and then lie down on your bed.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>\
It's morning and the sun is on your face. Your mother knocks on your door.
<<nobr>>
<<if $key is true>> "Are you all right? Not sleeping well again?"
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
You stumble up and wonder what it all means.
The rest of the day goes as you would expect. The light is so bright it hurts your eyes.
<<nobr>>
<<if $name != null>>
One evening, you find the letters $name scrawled on the staircase outside your house.<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
[[Play again->Beginning]]
[[Credits]]
<</linkreplace>><style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/09-02.gif></center>
You release the first doll, even as the other two cry out for your attention. When you do, it opens its eyes and you see within its chest a bunch of red saga seeds.
<<set $saga to true>>
<<set $item to $item+1>>
When you lift your eyes up the other two dolls are gone. No wonder it’s so quiet.
You continue on the [[path->Sofa]] in front of you.
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/09-03.gif></center>
You release the second doll. It suddenly grows and grabs your hand. It points towards a path in the wood. Is it some short cut? The other two dolls retreat into the jungle, like they have been found out.
[[Go with it]]
[[Decide not to]]
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/09-04.gif></center>
You give it a name: <<textbox "$name" "" "Named">>
<style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/09-03.gif></center>
You grab its hand. It’s surprisingly strong, and reminds you of the time when you broke up and your ex crushed your wrist, trying to hang on.
It starts running through the forest.
<<audio running play>>
It brings you to a path that snakes around the whole area. You become increasingly tired, and wonder how you're going to have the energy to get through the day.
<<set $doll to true>>\
<<set $item to $item+1>>\
It points towards a shrine and then falls to the ground, not moving. You pick it up and continue [[towards the shrine->The Seller]]. You shake your head. It seems a bit disappointed. It steps back into the jungle and vines quickly cover it. The other two dolls sink into the ground.
You trudge through the undergrowth. Leaves and dead flowers brush against your face and you're too tired to [[care->Sofa]]. <style> img {
max-width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<center>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/11-06.gif></center>
You wake up in the living room with pain in your ear. The wall clock says it’s 6.18 am.
You hear your mother in the kitchen.
“I bought some bee hoon for your breakfast. There’s also a hard boiled egg.” She’s washing some dishes as she says it.
You get up and feel a sense of unease. You start getting ready for [[school->creepy parents ending 2]], shaking off sleep.
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<<audio "sea" stop>>\
"How disappointing," she says. "Very well. Back to the cycle the butterfly goes then." She claps and the butterfly appears to shatter, like a piece of porcerlain.
"And now... you should go back to [[bed->Nothing ending]]," she says. <style> img {
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<<audio "sea" stop>>\
You wake up and the sun is in your face. You feel tired and worn out. You see the shattered body of a butterfly next to your bed.
You feel you could sleep for a month.
The day goes terribly. Your group mates are disappointed in you, though Edna tries to give some encouraging words.
[[Credits]] <style> img {
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The path continues down, and you see a pair of stone lions blocking what looks like a giant drain with rusty pipes.
One of the lions raises its head.
“You will not like what you see if you go further.”
[[Why?->Why]]
[[But I can't turn back->turn back]]
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“I knew you’d say that. You’ll still exist, but I can be part of it…”
<<set $mud to true>>\
Your body starts to sink into the mud. It's strangely comforting, like what going back to the womb might feel like. The last thing you see before you disappear is the mud girl taking the form [[of your body->Yes]]...<style> img {
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After you have done so, the doll closes its eyes and says "THANK YOU." It starts to break apart and inside you find a bracelet.
The doll jerks up and smashes the skulls of the other dolls, before disappearing up a tree like an agitated monkey. The bracelet drops to the ground. It's the bracelet you always wear, given by your grandmother.
<<set $bracelet to true>>\
<<set $item to $item+1>>\
The path is worn, but you pick the bracelet up and head [[on->Sofa]]. <style> img {
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<<audio "staple" play>>\
They continue to punch holes and staple papers one at a time.
Edna twirls the bracelet around.
“I don’t know why she thinks this is most valuable. Still so superstitious. How can this protect her?”
You could [[grab the bracelet->Grab the bracelet from her hand]] or just [[ignore->Ignore them]] them.<style> img {
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Even as you touch it, the papers turn to ash and float away. You leave the place, choking, just like when your neighbours burn joss paper in the stairwell.
You see the butterfly, just ahead. It seems almost impatient. If it had a mouth it’d probably scold you.
You rush away, and the whole landscape [[shifts]].<style> img {
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Despite the warning of the stone lion, you walk onward. There’s hardly any light, and you just try to make your way forward. This is like the time you got lost in outdoor camp, and you thought you’d be unable to ever make your way back.
Your feet step into some mud. You hope it’s mud. You start to sink.
[[Struggle]]
[[Keep calm]]
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You find yourself back in your bed. The moonlight reveals a fallen butterfly on the floor next to you, its wings torn and cracked. You [[slide off the bed]], your whole body aching.
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The next day you bumble through your presentation. You feel a sense of unease, and keep on pressing your hand onto your back. That feeling never leaves you.
Is this how things [[end->Generic ending]]?You refuse to jump and turn. The creature on top seems to be getting heavier and heavier, and you can’t seem to refuse its instructions. Soon you are not able to resist any more. It makes you roam into the endless wilderness even as it gets heavier. You remain in this realm and never return.
Maybe you should have heeded the ice cream seller’s [[words->Generic ending]].
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Your shoulders feel tired and sore. You’ve wasted enough time. The night sky seems to be getting lighter. You need to [[hurry->Sofa]].<style> img {
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You grab the egg from the sofa. It feels uncomfortably warm. Your parents [[back away from you->Leave with egg]].
<<set $egg to true>>\
<<set $item to $item+1>>\
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The woman inspects the key.
“Well, this isn't going to be useful. This is for you, not her,” she says. "Do you have anything else?"
<<nobr>>
You offer up the <br>
<<if $bracelet is true>>[[Bracelet]]<br><<endif>>
<<if $egg is true>>[[Egg]]<br><<endif>>
<<if $doll is true>>[[Doll]]<br><<endif>>
Or you could tell her you have [[nothing to give]]. <br>
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You offer the woman the saga seeds you found.
"I suppose this will do," she says.
"The butterfly will return as a plant. It might live long. Perhaps it's a better, simpler life."
She lifts her head up to you. "And now, you should [[go back to your world->Return]]."<style> img {
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<<set $braceletending to true>>
<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/10-04.gif></center>
The bracelet breaks, and the butterfly flies up, away from the darkness and towards the crescent moon.
“Now, she won’t need to be reborn,” the woman says.
She smiles at you. You feel [[relieved->Return]]. <style> img {
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The woman considers.
“It’ll be a good family. They’ve been waiting for a child for a long time.
“Of course, it won’t be perfect, but they’ll spare every moment they can for her. The father won’t be at the race course, the mom will help her with her school work.
“She’ll be happy. Is that the answer you are looking for?”
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>
“In a way… it’s enough, I suppose,” you reply.
The mystic nods. The doll’s limbs appear to move.
“Now… go back to bed. You have done well,” she says.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>\
You start walking back. You feel every step, but somehow you find the door back to your cupboard and then to [[your bed->Return]]
<</linkreplace>>\
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“Could you give the bracelet to us?” Ma says. “I have something for you.” She takes out a set of keys. “It’s your own room away from us. Peace and quiet. No more embarrassment. Or needing to talk to us.”
You could [[wave the bracelet->Use it to scare them]] to scare them or
[[exchange->Exchange the bracelet]] it for the keys. <style> img {
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<<audio "sea" stop>>\
What happens next isn't very clear. You think you follow a pathway away from the shrine even as the sun emerges in the sky. You walk out of the closet and then lie down on your bed.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>\
It's morning and the sun is on your face. Your mother knocks on your door.
<<nobr>>
<<if $key is true>> "Are you all right? Not sleeping well again?"
<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
You stumble up and wonder what it all means.
The rest of the day goes as you would expect. The light is so bright it hurts your eyes.
<<nobr>>
<<if $name != null>>
One evening, you find the letters $name scrawled on the staircase outside your house.<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
[[Credits->bracelet credits]]
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<img src=http://thevisitation.sg/images/11-03.gif>
<b>The Visitation</b>
Story by <a href="http://www.instagram.com/davechua">Dave Chua</a> and Xiao Yan
Illustrated by Xiao Yan [<a href="http://www.thirdtentacle.net">Website</a> | <a href="http://www.instagram.com/thirdtentacle">Instagram</a>]
Music by Wolfgang Möstl from <a href="https://vill4in.bandcamp.com/album/inner-sphere">Voyage Futur</a>
This game uses these sounds from <a href="http://freesounds.net">Freesounds</a>.
Shoveling Sand by Piggimon
Stapler by mwmarsh
TV static by Leoctiurs
Sea by RobinDavidsen
Door Squeak by eminylidirim
Running by Jagadamba
Cigarette by jakobandersen
Slam by Supercow8399
Bell by InspectorJ
This programme is commissioned by Singapore Writers Festival. Singapore Writers Festival is organised by the National Arts Council and part of the #SGCultureAnywhere campaign.
[[Play again?->Beginning]]
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<<audio "shovel" play>>
The rest of the day goes as well as you thought it would. However, you know something has changed. You always leave sand and dirt, and your fingerprints are stained.
<<nobr>>
<<if $name != null>>
One evening, you find the letters $name scrawled on the staircase outside your house, and you think back about the forest.<<endif>>
<</nobr>>
Months later, you find yourself in the forest, with a red-handled spade in your hand.
The digging will take years.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>\
[[Credits]]
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You're not quite sure why things are like they are. It's like the world's shifted, and everyone is wearing some kind of skin. Your group mates deflate when you enter the room for the presentation. They try to smile but you can tell it's all forced.
"Man you look tired," Edna says.
You just nod to her.
Maybe if you could [[start->Beginning]] things all over again. <style> img {
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You find yourself back in your bed. The music you put on to help you sleep is still playing. It’s a warm night and your feet still feel dirty.
You’re too tired and just sleep and you somehow manage eight hours of perfect, uninterrupted sleep.
When you wake up, [[it’s as she said->Perfect Day 2]].
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Your mum prepares you a breakfast of buttered toast with a perfect soft boiled egg. Your father remembers to give you allowance money and the school fees.
The presentation goes well. The lecturer commends your group, and in particularly you, for your work.
You return home and your parents ask about your day. Your dad buys some char kway teow.
Before you sleep, your crush praises your dressing and arranges to meet up tomorrow.
You wonder if the message will still be there tomorrow.
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>\
[[Credits]]
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Mimosa crunch under your feet, and the ixora flowers seem bizarrely large. Despite the darkness you can make out the luminescent fluorescent wings of the butterfly ahead.
You have to [[go on->Go on]].
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In school, you hear your groupmates say to you.
"Hey, ready for the presentation?" <i>Man you look like someone put you into a vise.</i>
"You doing okay?" <i>Looks like she's totally going to bomb the presentation.</i>
You shudder when you see right through them.
Is this how things will be from now on?
<<linkreplace "Continue" t8n>>\
[[Play again->Beginning]]
[[Credits]]
<</linkreplace>>