Today is the last day of my study abroad program.
I can’t believe it went so fast!
I have met some interesting students, but I don’t feel like I’ve created any life-long stories for my future grandkids to hear about.
That was a goal of mine!
To [[step|passage2 ]] outside my comfort zone for once!
*(NOTE for the reader: Play along with the magic trick if you'd like.)*
Pick a number 1-10 (remember this number).
Okay, now *double* it.
Add 4
Divide by 2
The number you started off with, subtract that from the number you have now.
[(link: "Reveal the answer")
[Is your number 2?
Sophie can't believe it!
Will you do it [[one more time|trick2]]?
"If that's what it takes." The soothsayer's smile widened.] ]
Pick a number 1-10 (remember this number).
Okay, now *double it*.
This time add 6
Divide by 2
The number you started off with, subtract that from the number you have now.
[(link: "Reveal the answer ")
[This time is your number [[3?|passage17]]] ]
Now to break this cure is very easy.
You just have to drink this:
<img src+"snake2.jpg">
[[How do I get out of here?]]
[[Question]](set: $password to (prompt: "What is the password?",""))
(if: $password is "beans" or "BEANS" or "Beans")[You entered the
correct password and opened the door!
[[Door]]]
(else:)
[The password didn’t work. [[Try Again | How do I get out of here?]]]Double-click this passage to edit it.hOw do i find a clUe To this.Today has to be the day!
I’m going to walk around the city and do something I normally wouldn’t do.
Eat something I normally wouldn’t eat.
Say yes when I normally would say no! I always say no!
I grab my bag and head outside to wander the [[city |passage3]].
As I meander through the city, I quickly grasp that eating unusual street food isn’t going to be my daring move for the day.
<img src="streetfood.jpg">
I am such a [[picky|passage4]] eater, and I'm petrified of snakes!A boy around my age, (most likely also an abroad student or traveler) approaches and asks if I’d like to join him and his friends to go cliff jumping over a waterfall today.
He seems genuine and has a gorgeous smile.
This seems like the perfect opportunity!
However, I’m terrified of heights.
I also panic when I talk to cute boys!
So, I turn and say “oh I’m sorry, much things I have to do today” and continue [[walking.|passage5.]]
MUCH things I have to do today?
That doesn’t even make sense!
What’s wrong with me?
What am I going to do, spend my last day abroad in the library?
Maybe I need to accept that I'll never live a fearless life.
As I sulk my way down a quiet street, I’m startled by a [[local man|passage6]].
He's sitting at a table and says, “You must free yourself, young lady.”
<img src="man.jpg">
“Excuse me?” I politely reply.
“I said, you must free yourself, from yourself.”
“H-how did you know that?”
“Because this is a soothsayer's home, and she knows all."
"Would you like to [[come inside|passage7]]?"
My automatic "no thank you" response is about to fire.
But I feel this might be my last chance for a unique experience, so I accepted his offer. “I don’t have much money." I explained.
“There is no cost to enter the soothsayer's house."
"[[Enter|passage8]] the parlor and see if you were meant to find her room.
"If it is meant to be, it will be.”
His gaze was fixed on something in the distance.
He never looked in my direction this entire time. The entrance was concealed with a set long red drapes.
(link: "Slide the drapes aside.")
[<img src="lobby.jpg">
The ornate interior was exactly as of a fortune-teller’s house. Colourful pebbles tied to strings, old coins and light coming out of a chandelier embellished the [[room.|passage9]]]I am intriguingly drawn to a crystal ball illuminating the table. I lightly rest my index finger on the top.
A word slowly started to emerge from inside.
(link: "It reads.")[[[Free Yourself|passage10]]]
Wow that was mesmerizing.
I came across a shelf and noticed a book that seemed to be made of brass.
As I went to pick it up, I heard the sound of something [[unlock|passage11]].
(set: $key to false)
I think I found secrete [[entrance|hallway]].
<img src="hallway2.jpg">
I look down the hallway and notice two doors.
[[The first room|Room1]] is nice and close.
[[The second room|Room3]] is much further away.(if: $key is true)[
Lets see if this key works.
The key is in but it seems to be stuck.
(link:"twist it hard")[The door unlocks.
I slowly budge the door [[open|magic room]]].
]
(else:)[
Of course, the door is locked. I'm started to get a little nervous.
]
Turn back to the [[hallway|hallway2]](if: $key is false)[
Looks like I have to walk down this sinister hallway.
The door is unlocked and makes a slow screeching sound as it opens up.
I can't see anything iside. I cautiously reach for a (link:"light switch")[light switch <img src="key2.jpg"> Wow there are so many keys! Which one should I take?
(link: "I grab the key in the middle")[(set: $key to true)And clinch it in my hand.]
]]
(else:)[
The room is empty and all the keys are gone now..?
]
Turn back to the [[hallway|hallway2]]Sophie, welcome, please come [[sit down|passage 12]].
<img src="fortune2.jpg">
<img src="hallway2.jpg">
I look down the hallway and notice two doors.
[[The first room|Room1]] is nice and close.
[[The second room|Room2]] is much further away.The [[hallway]] is so dark and ominous that I get scared and turn back around.
I don't want to make that walk unless I have to!
"How did you know my name?
"I never told the man outside my name." I thought to myself.
“Don’t waste your time thinking so much about how I know things which are personal to you.” She said with immense calmness in her voice.
"I am the soothsayer."
I know why you are here, please sit so I can we can start.
She places both hands on her crystal ball and begins the [[reading|passage13]]. "I can feel a strong presence that you have been born with a curse."
"The fear of leaving your comfort zone is a major source of poison for you. You show signs of the crab, whom often feel their best when in their safe space."
"You are smart and do know how to fix this, however, due to the curse, you have never been successful doing so."
"A very maternal sign, dear Sophie, the world understands that about you — unfortunately, that is just not where the [[magic|passage14]] in life will ever happen."
Wow, what is going on right now?
She knows so much about me and I haven't even said a word.
Could this be [[real|passage15]]?!
This is quite a serious curse Sophie, and it will get worse.
However, I can remedy it if you will let me.
But it will only work if you truly trust me.
Do you [[trust|passage16]] me Sophie?"I-I think so." I replied with indecision.
"I can sense hesitation." She immediately replied.
Of course, allow me to prove myself.
I will perform [[magic|trick1]] to earn your trust. I scream as loud as I can!
I am NOT going to drink that! "I replied."
"Sophie, only a true soothsayer can lift this curse!"
"And I am the only one you will ever meet in your lifetime!"
"If you do not [[drink|passage19]] this, you will never truly experience life!"
"DON'T LET THE CURSE WIN!"My heart stats to race.
My breathing intensifies.
I suddenly feel anxiety and [[adrenaline|passage20]] rush throughout my body.
<img src="fortune3.jpg">
[[YOU MUST!!!|passage21]]I feel hypnotized.
I have to do this.
I can't say no anymore!
I grab the glass, close my eyes and quickly swallow the entire drink!
I feels like the [[venom|passage22]] is coursing through my veins!
Congratulations my child, the curse is lifted!
You have entered in to a new life by asserting yourself and defeating fear!
You will now always stand up for what you believe in.
You are now among the brave.
And will only attract the brave.
Now leave, and enjoy your new [[life|passage23]]!
I leave the soothsayer's house feeling spellbound and [[mesmerised|passage24]], confident and ready for anything!As I arrive back to the school, I'm quickly cornered by some classmates.
They ask if I want to get matching tatoos with everyone on our last day.
Without hesitation and to everyone's surprise, I eagerly [[agree!|passage25]]
I explain to everyone that I just broke a life-long curse.
The room breaks out in laughter.
They explained to me that fortune tellers are not [[real|passage26]].
And how they are expert body language readers, use math equations as magic tricks, program crystal balls, and that the snake venom is a ubiquitous delicacy in this country. My supernatural occurrence was quickly brought back to reality.
However, I still feel that some magical was preformed;
because there was one puzzle that no one could explained.
How did fortune teller know my name?
That is one mystery that will forever go unsolved.
[(link: "The End")
[By Ceenan Calzadilla] ]That was incredible! I don't understand!
Now that you trust me Sophie, it's time to lift this curse.
It is very simple but effective.
All you have to do is drink this: (link: "sacred remedy.") [<img src="snakeblood.jpg" width="600" height="500">
Not a [[SNAKE!?|passage18]]]