Simulated Life

You blink your eyes open and you see your room. But you know it's not real. None of this is real. You have to decide who you can trust... if you want to trust anyone. You could just get yourself out. Some people want this to continue and will fight to keep this simulation a reality. [[Go into the kitchen.]] [[Leave the house.]]

You see your cat, Lulu sitting on the counter. What is she? Who's consciousness is controlling your pet? Or could it be that she's part of Compliance Surveillence? [[Break Reality and talk to your cat.]] [[Continue with Reality and treat your cat like a cat.]]

You have to find a way out of the simulation. You see a smiling blonde stranger approaching you. [[Pretend to be on your phone.]] [["Something strange is going on. Tell me you can see it too."]]

Everything shakes and all the colors seperate and collide again. Your cat can speak with you now. [["I need you to trust me."]] [["This is scary!"]]

You feed Lulu. [[Smile and continue on your way.]]

Lulu: "Of course I trust you. I will help you. I can be a great tool to help you scope out areas and help convince people of the Truth, just let me talk to them and we will have more sway that way." [[Lulu joins you on your journey.]]

Lulu ran from you and hid. [[Leave the house.]]

You have a companion and you've begun to shatter this reality. Be careful who sees you do that! [[You put Lulu in a carrier backpack and leave.]] [[You let Lulu follow you freely shadowing your footsteps.]]

You are inconspicuous. No one pays attention. [[Engage with the blonde guy smiling at you.]] [[Talk to the guy across the street walking his dog.]] [[Head straight to Cool Beans Coffee House, where your closest friend works.]]

Everyone you pass is mesmorized by this cat seemingly obeying you and acting so human. You attract a lot of attention. A stranger approaches... [["Hi..."]] [[Avoid eye contact.]]

The stranger is already smiling. His shaggy blonde hair is bouncing up and down as he closes the distance between you. "Hey! Wow! How do you get your cat to follow you around like that?" He asks. [["Lots of training." You wink.]] [["It's really none of your business.]]

He moves toward Lulu, bending down to pick her up. [[Lulu runs away.]] [[Lulu lies down, showing her belly.]] [[You tell him to stop.]]

He laughs. "My name is Poppy. Can I pet your cat? What's his name?" (live:9000)[(go-to: "Avoid eye contact.")] [["Her name is Lulu, and ask her yourself."]] [["No cats don't really like that."]]

He frowns and takes a step back.

Poppy smiles and kneels down to Lulu, (live:1000)["Where are my manners?] (live:2000)["Hi Lulu, may I pet you?] (live:3500)[He extends a hand out in front of Lulu.] (live:4500)[Lulu sniffs his hand and rolls over, showing him her belly.] [["She likes you."]] [["She does that with everyone."]]

He frowns and takes a step back.

He laughs. "You're definitely different from the regular folk around here." (live:2500)[A small smirk reaches his eyes.] Reality begins to quiver like it did before. Colors are shaking in front of you. [[Break Reality. "Nothing is real."]] [["You have no idea."]]

He shrugs, "Well, she should. It's the only way to get belly rubs." He continues to pet her while cooing at her. "So, What's your name anyway? I'm Poppy." [[Smile and extend your hand. "My name is Riley, I'm actually on my way somewhere right now."]]

He slumps and backs away. [[You continue without him.]]

He swoons and immidiately crouches down to pet her. [["She likes you."]] [["She does that with everyone."]]

You've lost your companion. [["Look what you did! She's gone."]] [[Run after her.]]

He nods and looks around him. Someone else overheard you talking. "Of course." He whispers. (live:2500)[Reality begins to quiver.] (live:3500)[He looks calm. But the other person across the street looks angry as they continue to "walk their dog."] [[You pretend everything is normal. "Sorry, I've just had a bad day. I think I took some bad Tylenol earlier and washed it down with some old milk."]] [[Break Reality. "Nothing is real."]]

You dodge his eye contact and answer a fake call. Even though he tries to talk to you anyway, you breeze by him and continue on your own. Now is not the time for new friends. [[Head to Cool Beans Coffee Shop to see your closest friend.]]

You drink some coffee, trying to look for cracks in the code around you. Like in a dream when things don't quite make sense. A light swtich that does nothing or a human that moos and a cow that talks, a mouth that moves but the sound that comes out, comes delayed. [[You write down the strange little inconsistencies you observe.]] [[Leave the house.]]

The shaggy haired blonde man in front of you maintains eye contact nodding. (live:3000)["Well that would certainly make anyone think the boogeyman is coming."] (live:4000)[The stranger walking their dog has a more neutral face again. Everything around you stops vibrating.] "Hi, I'm Poppy." He extends his hand. [["Hi Poppy, I'm Riley."]] [[Pretend to be on your phone.]]

The smiling stranger in front of you looks worried now. (live:2000)[He fades from your view as all the colors explode around you.] The man across the street walking his dog seems angry, he has no color, nothing has any color. You stand alone in whiteness with this man and his dog. You look down at your hand, it is a rainbow blur of light. The man's head spins back to face you and the dog opens his mouth. Instead of sounds or words, you watch numbers fall out of his mouth. [[Home Sweet Home]]

Reality around you starts to vibrate and glow. The colors are all simultaneously seperating and combining. [[Break Reality.]] [[Leave the house.]]

You're getting the hang of it. No one was around and now you know what to look out for. That will be your way out. [[Leave the house.]]

Poppy makes you feel relaxed even though he's exuding energy, "You look like you're on a mission." [["I'm going to Cool Beans, my friend George works there."]] [["I'm going to the cafe on the corner to see my friend. You can come too if you want."]]

Poppy meets your eyes, "So what's your name?" (live:2000)["Or should I ask Lulu?"] [["I'm Riley. I was just going to see my friend -he works at Cool Beans. You want to come get a coffee?"]] [[Smile and extend your hand. "My name is Riley, I'm actually on my way somewhere right now."]]

He gestures in front of him for you to be on your way. (live:3000)[He follows, walking right next to you.] [[Poppy joins you.]]

"I'd love that, I think we're a great vibe together. There's something about you that's very me... if that makes sense. I could tell when we first made eye contact. You'll see it too... eventually." He smirks, playfully. (live:3000)[Poppy gestures for you two to start walking side by side to the Cafe.]\ [[Poppy joins you.]]

A few blocks down from your house, you and Poppy reach Cool Beans Coffee House. It is mostly empty but there are some people scattered around on their laptops, reading in a corner and sketching in notebooks. George's bright orange hair is always the first thing you see. "Riley! What can I get you today?" He greets you before you get to the counter. [["Hi George! I was hoping you could take your break soon so we can chat?"]] [["Apparently this isn't real life and I am freaking out right now."]]

He skips forward, "Yes I would love that." Poppy beams. "I would love to talk to you around less people. I just get this vibe about you." You both head to the Cafe where George works, side by side. [[Poppy and Lulu are along for the ride.]]

Poppy shakes your hand firmly. "Excellent, I love somewhere. Places are great." He teases. He gestures for you to take the lead and starts to walk next to you. [[Poppy and Lulu are along for the ride.]]

A few blocks down from your house, you all reach Cool Beans Coffee House. It is mostly empty but there are some people scattered around on their laptops, reading in a corner and sketching in notebooks. George's bright orange hair is always the first thing you see. "Riley! What can I get you today?" He greets you before you get to the counter. [["Hey George! When are you on your next break?"]] [["So, Lulu can talk and nothing is actually real, and I'm just trying not to freak out."]]

The man looks sad, "I'm so sorry," he says, "Why would you just have her out loose like that if she is a flight risk?" He has a good point. [["She knows how to get home, I'm sure that's where she went. I don't really have time for this... I'm on my way somewhere right now."]] [["I guess you're right."]]

You run back to the house calling her name. "I can't trust you anymore," you hear her say from somewhere high above you. You hear a creaking and crackling sound but it's too late. You don't move out of the way fast enough and a branch falls on top of you. [[Home Sweet Home]]

He looks at you sympathetically. "I really am sorry. I'm sure she just went back home. She seems smart. Maybe this trip didn't turn out to be the walk she thought it would be." He smiles. "I really just wanted to get to know you. You caught my attention. No one ever catches my attention. People all seem to be so grey... you know what I mean... But you--" [["My name is Riley. Looks like I could use a new walking buddy."]] [["I guess it was a sign that I'm meant to be walking alone right now."]]

He looks at you worriedly. "Are you ok? You seem very frazzled." He looks deep into your eyes and there is a colorful kindness there. [["Something strange is going on. Tell me you can see it too."]] [["Well my cat just ran away, so yeah, I'm frazzled."]]

Poppy smiles and gestures forward to continue the walk... together. [[Poppy joins you.]]

You wave at Poppy. Who know if he's trustworthy. This isn't really the time for new friends. [[Head to Cool Beans Coffee Shop to see your closest friend.]]

He laughs. "She's back at home, you said it yourself." "I'm Poppy." [["Hi Poppy, I'm Riley."]] [[You tell him to stop.]]

A few blocks down from your house, you and Lulu reach Cool Beans Coffee House. It is mostly empty but there are some people scattered around on their laptops, reading in a corner and sketching in notebooks. George's bright orange hair is always the first thing you see. "Riley! What can I get you today?" He greets you before you get to the counter. [["Geroge! I need your help with something, can you take a little break?"]]

He smiles, "After I make you two some coffees and bus the milk station I can meet you at a table." (live:2000)[Lulu hops up on the counter. George smiles and pets her like this isn't strange at all.] [[Wait for George at the table in the back corner.]]

George looks nervous. "HA HA HA!" He blurts, obviously very fake. "Oh, Riley! You're always such a kidder. You crazy kidder you! HA HA!" He's speaking super loudly. His eyes are darting around the shop now. [["I'm serious George."]] [["Just kidding, I know... I had you going right... that I'd lost my marbles for real? Nah. So how about a break? We can talk about this new play I saw?"]]

Poppy shifts his weight back and forth very clearly uncomfortable. He bursts into an awkward laughter, nudging you. "She drank some bad milk and her whole universe shattered." He tries to joke. "I'm Poppy, it's nice to meet you, George. Riley and I just realized we have somethings in common on our way here." George shifts his gaze from you to Poppy, "Hi Poppy. I'll get you some drinks but I don't think I can join you... I already took my break." [[Take a seat with Poppy at the back table.]] [["I'm serious, things are weird. I woke up while I was already awake."]]

He smiles, "After I make you two some coffees and bus the milk station I can meet you at a table." (live:2500)[He gestures to the back corner table.] [[Take a seat with Poppy at the back table.]]

He smiles, "After I make you and I some coffees and bus the milk station I can meet you at a table." (live:2000)[George smiles at Lulu and gives you a knowing wink.] [[Wait with Lulu for George at a table in the back.]]

A few blocks down from your house, you reach Cool Beans. It is mostly empty but there are some people scattered around on their laptops, reading in a corner and sketching in notebooks. George's bright orange hair is always the first thing you see. "Riley! What can I get you today?" He greets you before you get to the counter. [["George! How are you? Can I just get an Iced Black Coffee to go?" You decide you want to scope the area out more before you decide to talk about anything else.]]

George smiles at Lulu and then back at you. "Lulu, well hello to you too." He says. "Grab a seat and I'll grab you your coffee. I'm just about to go on a little break. We'll catch up before you continue on your way." He gestures to a table in the farthest back corner. [["I was hoping you'd be on a break."]]

He looks disappointed. "No, today is too busy for me... please leave. I have to go do the cash count." [[Push him to talk to you. You need his help.]] [[Order some coffees and sit down with Poppy and Lulu to try to figure out a plan.]]

George nods his head at me with an awkward smile glued to his face like he's performing in a play himself. "I can take my break now. That's the best part about being the Supervisor. Let me make us some coffees first - grab a table." He gestures to the farthest most quiet corner. [[Wait for George at the table in the back corner.]]

"I said I can't, you don't get what you're messing with and you're going to ruin everything." George frowns. "You need some rest." His eyes seem to gaze through you as his pupils begin to rapidly shift from side to side like he's gazing out of a moving car window. You feel your body get lighter and seem to fade away altogether. [[Home Sweet Home]]

You pull out your notepad. You look for cracks in the code around you. Like in a dream when things don't quite make sense. A light swtich that does nothing or a cat that talks. Then you lock eyes with Lulu. You look from Lulu to Poppy. Poppy is rambling about something interesting he just read online but noticing your gaze, he starts to pet Lulu. [["You stop Poppy mid sentence. "Well, I was hoping to just have to do this once... with you and George but I guess that's not an option anymore." You nod at Lulu.]]

You look from Lulu to Poppy. Poppy is rambling about something interesting he just read online but noticing your gaze, he starts to pet Lulu. (live:2000)[George arrives with three coffees and small dish of water for Lulu.)] (live:2000)[George and Poppy get acquainted with some small talk pleasantries, how the waether is and where they grew up...] [[Growing impatient, you nod to Lulu who begins to chime into the conversation.]]

Lulu seems to smile. "Hi Poppy, nice to meet you. We are on this mission, I suppose we can call it. We've realized that everything is not as it seems to be. We are intent on breaking out. I want to free everyone. Most people are still unaware about all of this. I can assure you everyone will want to know the truth. Existance... all of this, is a simulation. Who would choose this lie?" George is staring from the counter. He has a hard to read and neutral face. Did he see Lulu speak? Poppy doesn't seem fazed at all. He finishes his point about whatever else it was that he was talking about before Lulu interrupted him. "Talking cat is pretty badass. I figured you'd woken up to the simulation too when I you with her in the middle of the street. It's the little things you have to look for, in order to see." He holds out his hand for a high five. [[High five Poppy]]

You take a seat in the back corner. You pull out your notepad. You look for cracks in the code around you. Like in a dream when things don't quite make sense. A light swtich that does nothing or a book that seems to be breathing. It's in the little things that people just walk by unless they know what they're looking for. [[Foucs in on someone's hand while she reads. Let reality begin to shake and quiver. Break Reality and turn her hand pink.]] [[Foucs in on your notepad. Let reality begin to shake and quiver. Break Reality and turn the notebook purple.]]

George approaches with your coffees. He sets them down with a smile. "I know why you're here. Lulu made that very clear and I'm glad you've woken up to it. Now we can talk about it... carefully and quietly." [[How do I get us out?]] [[What do you know?]]

You meet his smile. He's very bright to look at. It sort of feels like you're staring directly into the sun when you look at him. You squint a little. [["Hi, I'm Riley. I was just curious what you're doing on a lovely day like today."]] [["Hey, my name is Riley. I'm trying to figure out today... well, everyday I guess. What's your name?"]]

He seems normal enough. His features are indistinct other than some cool tattoos covering one of his arms. He meets your eyes and smiles. [["Hi, I'm Riley. What a lovely day today is. Your dog is very cute. May I pet him?"]] [["Hi, I know we don't know each other but does today feel the same to you? Like does it feel the same as it usually does? I feel like I woke up in the wrong world..."]]

A few blocks down from your house, you and Lulu reach Cool Beans. It is mostly empty but there are some people scattered around on their laptops, reading in a corner and sketching in notebooks. George's bright orange hair is always the first thing you see. "Riley! What can I get you today?" He greets you before you get to the counter. [["Geroge! I need your help with something, can you take a little break?"]]

You're vibing him out. Can't be too careful. He nods and tells you absolutely, his dog is very friendly with humans. You learn that he's an Accountant fort a big business in town, that he just took out a mortgage and bought a home in the neighborhood, and that he hopes to travel more.

His eyes seem to flicker. You wave your hand in front of his face, maybe he's just zoning out. Your hand has a trail of bright colored lights. You realize all of you does. But he doesn't. How can someone seem so colorless. His eyes turn blood red and his head spins around. The dog opens its mouth to bark at you. Drool pools out of his mouth but no sounds come out, just numbers. You watch numbers fall into a pile on the floor with drool. [[Home Sweet Home]]

He lights up even brighter and extends his hand out to greet you properly. "Hi Riley, I'm Poppy!" He says. "I have a hunch that we're both doing the same thing today but I can't be too certain..." He looks you up and down. "I need to figure you out first." [[Spin around sarcastically displaying all that you are.]] [["Something strange is going on. I know you can see it too.]]

He holds his hand out to greet you properly. "Hi Riley, I'm Poppy! I'm not so much trying to figure out today as I am trying to figure out tomorrow... and everyday after that." He winks. "I think we're going to get along just fine."

He laughs, twisting your shoulder to see your back again. "You have your cat with you? She's very cute." He spins you back to face him. He's nodding with approval. "That seals the deal for me. Whatever you're upto with that cat on your back, I'm in." He gestures in front of you to take the lead. "Ah, reality." He sighs under his breath. [[Poppy and Lulu are along for the ride.]] [[You continue without him.]]

George scrunches up his face, "Out? You want to get out? Have you thought this through at all Riley? You don't know what or where out is or what kind of life you'd be escaping to. It's got to be worse. Now that you know, you can manipulate the things around you. Life is completely in your control. I've figured out a few things... like sometimes I can fly or change the color of clouds. I'm learning how to make money just appear too and I can teach you all of this." [["George, I want to get out and so do Poppy and Lulu. I'm sure there are others who want to too. We can use your knowledge to help us navigate through everything without getting caught. We will start a revolution."]] [["It would just be for us. Poppy, Lulu, you and I. We'll just get us out, please help us navigate through and teach us what you know."]]

He smiles. "I'm sure you've noticed the ripples. When everything seems to vibrate colors like static on TV and you can peel through those moments. The fabricated reality can break and you get a breif moment of Actuality. Well, you can play with those like, the real people will always be colors where as the coded ones are white or blank almost. That will help you figure out who you're dealing with." He looks down at his coffee as it in that very instant turns into a ice cream cone. "You can do whatever you want with your reality now. You have all the power to play." [["But Lulu is stuck as a cat forever. That doesn't seem fair or right. Not everyone is getting to choose their life."]] [["We're getting everyone out."]]

George stands up and looks at the three of you. "Well best of luck to you all. You're on your own. You are making a mistake." [["We're getting out."]] [["We're getting everyone out."]]

"I can reverse or fast forward time, I can almost generate wealth and change the weather. Why would I ever want to leave this? You're on your own. You're not thinking this through." He says. (live:2500)["I can manipulate most of the nonreal people and it helps tell me who the real souls are. I am happy here. You should reconsider and stay with me. All of you." George says as his coffee turns into an ice cream right before your eyes. ] [["We're getting out."]] [["We're getting everyone out."]]

George nods, "I've helped you as much as I will. But I hope you'll consider the souls who may be better off here and that maybe not everyone wants what you want." [["You're right George, it should be a choice. Maybe there is a way to ask people?"]] [["We're getting out."]]

George snickers as he makes your shoes change from converse to vans. "How could you possibly wake people up enough to ask them without getting caught? You can't, Riley. You'd get caught or someone would turn you in." [["I'll find a way. I know I can. I won't ruin this for you, if this is the life you choose."]] [["We're getting out."]]

You pull out your notepad. You look for cracks in the code around you. Like in a dream when things don't quite make sense. A light swtich that does nothing or a book that seems to be breathing. It's in the little things that people just walk by unless they know what they're looking for. You turn and smile at Lulu. [[Talk to Lulu.]] [[Foucs in on someone's hand while she reads. Let reality begin to shake and quiver. Break Reality and turn her hand pink.]]

Static that always seemed to be in the background comes to the foreground. The colors shake and bounce. George and Poppy are glowling different shades of every color. White blobs appear around the cafe. [[Break Reality and show Poppy and George what you can do.]] [[Stop the break. "There, did you just see that? That's what I'm talking about."]]

You smile with pride. You did it. You'll be able to prove this to people for sure. You can help wake people up. You take a sip of your coffee and notice the panic that has spread across the cafe. George is staring at you with a look you can't quite read. Everyone else is calling 911 or crowding the young woman with the pink hand and taking photos. Everything shakes again and all the colors seperate from everything in the room. Reality broke. Everybody is in a panic. Nothing makes sense. [[Home Sweet Home]]