The Day

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<<cacheaudio "bell" "audio/bell.mp3">> <<audio bell play>> Another mundane day began with the ding of the door bringing in the first customer. Lorraine was a regular always coming in on Monday mornings to get her acrylics filled, or to get a new set. "Beck, how's it going sweety? Is that some new colors you have?" She pointed down at the ring of nail colors in my hand like they were some grand prize she wants first dibs on. I hand them over willingly. "Doing okay Lorraine. Are we doing a new set today?" "Oh yes! I've really been wanting to switch to something purple or blue, I'm not sure, but I need a refresh. These nails no longer speak to me." She laughs as she outstretches her hand to show me her current set, a forest green pointed tip set. She sits down in the chair in front of my table, and immediatly starts her half hour gab [[session]].

As Lorraine speaks I listen and nod occasionly but I'm not really focused on what she's saying. My mind is just not here today. The door rings again. Another customer walks in. A man. Not a regular. He's a fit guy, the first thing to capture my attention are the array of tattoos on his arms. "Have you all seen a lamp anywhere around here, looks like this one?" He points to one of the many tattoos on his arms. Help him find the [[lamp]] Ignore and focus on finshing Lorraine's [[nails]]

I wanted this piece to tell a story but at the same time be a bit of a puzzle for the reader to solve. In coming up with the idea for this story it needed the right platform to feature it. In that regard, Twine felt like the perfect fit for what I wanted to achieve. The way that it gives the option of making a multilinear story is what drew me in. Also the capability to have things like audio, images, and be able to delay the text for dramatic effect when needed. Twine was always the platform I wanted to work with for this story. I had worked with it once before but wanted the opportunity to work with it some more. I feel like it is a very user-friendly and one is able to do so much to further enhance the story. I was inspired by some of the digital literature pieces such as Howling Dogs by Porpentine and First Draft of the Revolution by Liza Daly. Both of these works are stories that are click based and certain choices can determine the outcome of the story. The story by Daly specifically deals with a whole host of characters that through clicking through we learn their backstory as the story moves along. This is all done through the clever back and forth of people communicating through letters. I think in creating a digital literature piece one needs to decide what is going to be the it factor that grabs the audience to experience this piece. In taking on this story I was at first going to take a very different approach. What actually helped me write it was finding the media for it. As I gathered audio and pictures the story started to piece itself together and manipulate into something else. Media is a big influencer in the majority of digital literature so it felt fitting that the media I chose would help me grasp what I feel like is a more layered story than my original piece. The story is about an ordinary girl who is drawn to the unusual that is happening on this day. Although it questions if the unusual the right choice, or should she stick to her everyday routine. Will she be better off for it? This all done as strange objects and people come into her life. I wanted it to have some Alice in Wonderland vibes. The user decides the outcome as there are a few endings. And like I said before there is some bounce back if certain decisions are made, so choose wisely. Or don't, it's entirely up to the reader on the path that is taken. I wanted my story to have some crazy elements but still be well grounded and easy to follow. I didn't want the reader to get too lost searching for the deeper meaning but slowly guide them to the message. Lastly, I hope those who click through my piece will enjoy it so much so that they might explore other digital literature pieces.

Sorry Lorraine "I'll be right back, I'm just gonna help this guy" Lorraine gives me the don't do it look, but I don't care. For some reason I feel like I need to help this guy find this lamp. As I follow him out the door he speeds up his pace. I yell "Hey mister I can help you!" He turns back grins then walks faster. [[chase]] him [[turn around]]

As the guy walks out the door Lorraine looks at me with a quizzical look. "Well that was an odd one! Glad he didn't stick around, this neighborhood is getting wackier by the minute." "ah-huh" I reply steadying her hands so I can finish the purple shellac. That was strange, for some reason I had a strong urge to go out and follow him. Better to stay out of other people's business anyway. I finish up Lorraine's nails, and she hands me a fifty. "Keep the change Jenny, go out and get yourself one of those fancy coffees." She smiles and starts to head out the door. I watch as she walks down the street. As she walks to her car suddenly the sky opens up and a torrential rain starts. Grab a [[umbrella]] for Lorraine Decide to head to the back and get more [[supplies instead]]

Click to [[begin]]

<<cacheaudio "rain" "audio/rain.mp3">> <<audio rain play>> I grab the umbrella and head run out the door towards Lorraine. She turns around to look at me. "Oh Jenny, you are such a sweetheart. That rain came out of nowhere. So glad you came along. You know you should meet me tonight for dinner. I'm going to have a little get together" [[accept]] invitation [[politely]] decline

As I grab the supplies I think to myself. What has gotten into you leaving poor Lorraine in the rain? I scramble in the supplies closet getting ready for my next client. Up on the top shel is the cleaner I need. Can't find the ladder. I'll just use one of the rungs on the shelf. I reach for it a large metal box that I didn't see falls towards me. Then everything goes [[black|fall]]

<<cacheaudio "bell" "audio/bell.mp3">> <<audio bell play>> "Beck, how's it going sweety? Is that some new colors you have?" She pointed down at the ring of nail colors in my hand like they were some grand prize she wants first dibs on. I hand them over willingly. What is going on? "I've really been wanting to switch to something purple or blue, I'm not sure, but I need a refresh. These nails no longer speak to me." She laughs as she outstretches her hand to show me her current set, a forest green pointed tip set. Lorraine the nails i'm getting some major dejavu vibes. Probably shouldn't of had that third cup of coffee last night. She sits down in the chair in front of my table, and immediatly starts her half hour gab [[session]].

I make my way back to the nail salon. What was I thinking chasing some random guy? Oh Lorraine is going to give me the hardest time for this. As I walk back my foot hits something. I look down at my foot and there is the [[strange lamp]] from the man's tattoo.

<<cacheaudio "breathe" "audio/breathe.mp3">> <<audio breathe play>> As I chase him, I remember I should have worked out. My breathing is hard as I follow him down the alleyway. He turns the corner. As I turn around the corner he is gone. I stop to catch my breath. As I look around I see a yellow door. I don't remember a yellow door around this area. Something is drawing me to open [[it]]

I reach for the knob and open the door. It is completely dark. I stumble around the walls looking for a light. As I stumble suddenly the floor gives way and I [[fall]]

The light from the lamp is odd and seems to radiate as I move back to my work. It starts to flash so hard it hurts my eyes. I look up and see a gian billboard with lush trees. Find out where the [[trees]] are. Ignore and take the lamp back [[home]]

<<cacheaudio "peaceful" "audio/peaceful.mp3">> <<audio peaceful play>> What a crazy day. I feel like I've been stuck on a rollercoaster on loop. What made today different? I really don't know. The end [[Artists Statement]]

<<cacheaudio "peaceful" "audio/peaceful.mp3">> <<audio peaceful play>> As I look back and walk into the forest I realize this is where I'm supposed to be right now. Whatever was pulling me, was leading me to this. I may not know what tomorrow looks like but now I'm at peace. The End [[Artists Statement]]

<<cacheaudio "coffee" "audio/coffee.mp3">> <<audio coffee play>> I head to a coffeeshop I need to find out where those trees are. I grab a coffee and sit down at a computer. What do I even search for? The word Ridgeview pops to mind. Where Have I heard that before. I plug it into the computer, and there it is the luscious tree from the billboard. I right down the coordinates and head to my [[car]].

As I walk home the lamp starts to flash erratically. I try not to look at it but its so distracting. I cross the street, and it seems to get even worse. I stop in the middle of the road to try and turn it off. I find the switch and turn it off. As I start to move I hear "lady get out of the way!!!" I turn around and a car is right [[there]].

<<cacheaudio "bell" "audio/bell.mp3">> <<audio bell play>> "Beck, how's it going sweety? Is that some new colors you have?" She pointed down at the ring of nail colors in my hand like they were some grand prize she wants first dibs on. I hand them over willingly. What is going on? "I've really been wanting to switch to something purple or blue, I'm not sure, but I need a refresh. These nails no longer speak to me." She laughs as she outstretches her hand to show me her current set, a forest green pointed tip set. Lorraine the nails i'm getting some major dejavu vibes. Probably shouldn't of stayed up watching that horror flick last night. I feel like I've been hit by a car. She sits down in the chair in front of my table, and immediatly starts her half hour gab [[session]].

<<audio coffee stop>> As I drive heading to the mysterious Ridgeview, thoughts keep running through my head. Why am I doing this? Why do I feel like I know this Ridgeview place? As I see the sign for Ridgeview it's like a switch turns off, and my anxiety melts away. This is the spot I came with my mom back when I was younger. She called it her special [[place|end2]]

<<audio rain stop>> It's later in the day now time to head to Lorraine's party but what to wear. Oh well any dress will do. I get into my car and plugin Lorraines house adress. As I pull into her driveway an eery feeling passes over [[me]]

As I walk back to the store, someone bumps into me a whispers "Ridgeview". I look to see who it is and to my surprise it is the man from before with the tattoos. Before I can even say another word he shuffles away into the crowd. Ridgeview sticks in my mind though. Need to find a [[coffeeshop|trees]]

Lorraine opens the door and welcomes me in. "I'm so glad you came dear" As I walk into the enormous house, it seems strangely quiet. I ask Lorraine if I'm early. "oh no, I may have told a little fib tonight it's just you and [[me|story]]."

Lorraine starts to tell me that all these years of me doing her nails, has made her feel like I am her daughter. She wants me to have everything she has after she passes away. I'm in shock. I don't know what to [[think|the end]]