Start of a transcript of Bear Creek an interactive fiction by Wes Modes Identification number: //39093692-3BE4-42B6-8AA2-A30089F3B935// Interpreter version 0.4.6 / VM 3.1.2 / Library serial number 080126 Standard Rules version 2/090402 by Graham Nelson Epistemology version 6 by Eric Eve Conversation Framework version 10 by Eric Eve Conversational Defaults version 2 by Eric Eve Conversation Responses version 6 by Eric Eve Glulx Text Effects version 4 by Emily Short Glulx Image Centering version 2 by Emily Short Looking back, it was that summer, or maybe just that one day that changed everything. KC and the Sunshine Band was on the radio, your mom and Honey and Grandpa loved you, and you were eight years old. A fragile moment that seemed like it would last forever and would never be quite the same again. You were a curious daydreamer on the verge of learning what lay beyond the boundaries of your own little world. There were changes coming -- and there was nothing certain about whether you'd survive the journey. Or not. Part 1 A Fateful Day What's too painful to remember We simply choose to forget -- Gladys Knight And The Pips, 1975 Please press SPACE to continue. You've wandered away from Honey and Grandpa picking blackberries. Bear Creek an interactive fiction by Wes Modes You were sure that this was a better spot than where you've been picking all morning. But here too, the biggest ripest berries seem to be just out of reach. You pick a few ripe berries and drop them in your pail. Under the pine trees, the air smells good. Looking around: The clearing where Honey and Grandpa have been picking is just down the hill from here. The sunlight comes slanting through the trees in the morning light. The air is still crisp in the shade with the early promise of a hot midsummer day. >d Blackberry Clearing The water churgles in the nearby creek but you can't see it through the forest of blackberry brambles all around you. Every summer since you were little, you pick blackberries with your Honey and Grandpa down along Bear Creak. This is a pleasant clearing carpeted with stubbly grass under a sycamore tree. There are paths and clearings beaten down among the brambles that allow you to squeeze in to get the ripest berries. There is a big bucket in the middle of the clearing. Grandpa's shirt and Honey's portable transistor radio are on the bank under the tree playing music. Looking around, you see places you can go: Along the path and down the creek, there's a tangle of blackberry bushes. Up the hill is the blackberry brambles where you've been picking for a while. Honey and Grandpa are here picking berries. "Hey hi, Whistle Britches," Grandpa says and plucks a berry from your pail and pops it in his mouth with a smile. You get a funny, sad feeling out of nowhere, that this is the last time you will pick berries with Honey and Grandpa. >talk to grandpa He looks at you expectantly. Were you wanting to ask or tell him something? "Hey hello there, Noodle," Grandpa says. You hear a dog barking in the distance across the river. >hi You might try asking or telling him something. For example: ASK ABOUT MOM Or even: ASK GRANDPA ABOUT CREEK "Well hi, Ragamuffin," Grandpa says. >x grandpa Grandpa is, well, Grandpa. He's not tall. He's not fat. He has a bald spot right on top of his head like a little hat. He's like a bull, kind of, but skinnier and wears a warm plaid shirt. Today he's in a t-shirt, but usually. He smells good, like cigarettes and that stuff he puts on his face when he shaves. You hear Honey's radio playing a new song: "Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song," a song you really like. Honey and Grandpa continue their conversation: "Have you heard from Nick about this summer? Is he planning a visit or are we just left guessing?" Grandpa asks Honey. "Nothing. Not a word," Honey says. >ask grandpa about nick "Your dad? Well," Grandpa says, "you know, he and I always got along fine. I think he's a good guy, but I don't like that he doesn't see much of you." >climb tree Hardly worth your effort to climb. But the pine tree along the dirt road -- now that's a great climbing tree. You swing momentarily from a low branch instead. "Well, Tootsie Roll, your dad is what he is, I guess," Grandpa says, "I think he loves you but doesn't always know how to show it." >get radio Better leave it alone or Honey will kill you. >x radio Honey's little portable transistor radio is sitting on the bank beside grandpa's shirt under the tree. You've always been fascinated by it, as much by its perfect cube shape and woodgrain finish as anything. The tiny volume knob is missing, but there is a piece of something that looks like wax or plastic jammed in its place. The radio is on and is tuned to a station playing pop music. On Honey's radio, a new song begins: "Rhinestone Cowboy" by Glen Campbell, one you remember singing with your mom in the Camero. >tune radio Seriously, you know not to touch Honey's stuff. >x shirt This is the warm green plaid shirt that grandpa always wears. There are a pack of cigarettes in the pocket. "Hey, hon," Honey calls to you. "When you go with grandpa to take the bucket to the trailer, can you ask Mary about lunch?" >get cigs Better leave those alone. >yes "Oh good," Grandpa says, smiling. After a DJ break, Honey's radio's playing "Sister Golden Hair". >honey, yes "Okay, then get to it," Honey says. >ear shirt That's not a verb I recognize. >wear shirt Grandpa lets you wear it when you want. It smells like smoke and aftershave. Grandpa leans down and takes his cigarette pack out of the front pocket. "You don't need these, Whistle Britches," he says. You put on Grandpa's shirt. "Did you call Rachel?" Honey asks Grandpa. "Sounded like she wanted to talk to her dad." >ask grandpa about smokes "That's grown-up business, Peanut" Grandpa says seriously. "And I hope you never never smoke." >listen Honey's transistor radio is sitting on the bank playing "Sister Golden Hair". And Honey and Grandpa are talking nearby. The song "Shining Star", begins playing on Honey's radio. Grandpa pauses for a minute from his berry picking and wipes his forehead with his handkerchief and rests against a tree. "I'll call her tonight, see how she is," Grandpa says to Honey. >ask honey about rachel "Don't worry about your mom," Honey says, "She'll be fine. Why don't you go over and help your grandpa some." >pick blackberries You notice some ripe ones down near your knees and grab a bunch of ripe blackberries. You drop the berries into your pail which is about half full. >pick By working on tiptoes, you are just able to pick a few ripe blackberries. You drop the berries into the pail which is getting close to full. >dump berries in bucket You empty the bunch of ripe berries from the pail into the big bucket. After a DJ break, Honey's radio's playing "Pick Up the Pieces". >go down trail Honey looks up, as you go by. "Oh, goodbye, I guess," says Honey who goes back to her berry picking. Blackberry Tangle There are paths through the brambles, a maze with tantalizing fruit. Although this area is mostly picked since you and Honey and Grandpa came this way when you started picking this morning. You can still find some ripe berries though. Through the blackberry tangle, there's a trail going down along the creek shaded by lush green willow trees. Back the way you came is the clearing where Honey and Grandpa have been picking. You hear Honey and Grandpa talking. >go down trail Ever vigilant, Honey looks down the trail and sees you exploring. "Hey, why don't you stay here with us? Don't you want to help your Honey and grandpa?" You reluctantly head back to the clearing. Blackberry Clearing "Well, you know Rach, she can take care of herself," Grandpa says to Honey, "She's a big girl." And after a moment, "But I'll tell ya..." >listen Honey's transistor radio is sitting on the bank playing "Pick Up the Pieces". And Honey and Grandpa are talking nearby. You wander a little distance away, but close enough that you can still hear. "I do not like the way he treats, ah, the little one. At all." Grampa says. >listen Honey's transistor radio is sitting on the bank playing "Pick Up the Pieces". And Honey and Grandpa are talking nearby. You hear Honey's radio playing a new song: "Laughter In the Rain," a good one. >pick berries You notice some ripe ones down near your knees and grab a bunch of ripe blackberries. You drop the berries into your pail. You hear a dog barking in the distance across the river. >eat berries You eat a few of the berries. You can feel the little seeds between your teeth. Grandpa pauses for a minute from his berry picking and lights a cigarette and smokes for a bit. >eat berries You gather up the easy ones right in front until you have a handful of ripe blackberries You eat a few of the berries. Sour. Some of these weren't quite ripe. >sit You make yourself comfortable on the stubbly grass. On Honey's radio, a new song begins: "Lonely People" by America, a song you really like. >eat What do you want to eat? >berries You notice some ripe ones down near your knees and grab a bunch of ripe blackberries You eat a few of the berries. Yum. >get up You get off the stubbly grass. >go down trail Honey catches your eye and give you a Meaningful Look as you pass. Blackberry Tangle There are paths through the brambles, a maze with tantalizing fruit. Although this area is mostly picked since you and Honey and Grandpa came this way when you started picking this morning. You can still find some ripe berries though. Through the blackberry tangle, there's a trail going down along the creek shaded by lush green willow trees. Back the way you came is the clearing where Honey and Grandpa have been picking. >go to creek Again, Honey looks down the trail and sees you wandering. "Hey Ants-In-The-Pants, are you getting bored? Why don't you come pick some more berries?" You reluctantly head back to the clearing. Blackberry Clearing The song "Thank God I'm a Country Boy," a good one, begins playing on Honey's radio. "Did you ask about the arm?" Honey asks Grandpa, glancing in your direction. >pick You gather up the easy ones right in front until you have a handful of ripe blackberries. You drop the berries into your pail. >pick You notice some ripe ones down near your knees and grab a bunch of ripe blackberries. You drop the berries into your pail which is about half full. Grandpa pauses for a minute from his berry picking and wipes his forehead with his handkerchief and rests against a tree. >pick You gather up the easy ones right in front until you have a handful of ripe blackberries. You drop the berries into the pail which is getting close to full. "I did ask about the arm, but I didn't find out anything," Grandpa says, looking over at you. "To think that asshole, pardon my French, might have..." Grandpa just shakes his head. >x arm Looking carefully, you can see marks on your arm where your step-dad grabbed you, and it's still a little tender On Honey's radio, a new song begins: "Have You Never Been Mellow" by Olivia Newton-John, a good one. >go to the creek Honey looks up, as you go by. Blackberry Tangle There are paths through the brambles, a maze with tantalizing fruit. Although this area is mostly picked since you and Honey and Grandpa came this way when you started picking this morning. You can still find some ripe berries though. Through the blackberry tangle, there's a trail going down along the creek shaded by lush green willow trees. Back the way you came is the clearing where Honey and Grandpa have been picking. You hear a dog barking in the distance across the river. >go to the creek Once again, Honey looks down the trail and sees you leaving. "I want you to pick one more pail before you go exploring." You reluctantly head back to the clearing. Blackberry Clearing >pick You stretch and manage to pick a few ripe blackberries. You carefully put these blackberries in the pail which is now heaping. That should be enough to satisfy Honey. Even though you love picking blackberries -- and you certainly love blackberry jam, blackberry pie, blackberry and cream, or just eating fresh blackberries -- you've been picking berries all morning. You must have picked a million pails already. And you want to see if the red ants ate the dead cricket you put near their hole. Oh, and you want to see if you can find a lucky penny. And you may even wanna swim. You should probably dump the berries in Honey and Grandpa's bucket. Grandpa pauses for a minute from his berry picking and lights a cigarette and smokes for a bit. >pick Your pail is already full. You should probably dump it into Honey and Grandpa's bucket. After a DJ break, Honey's radio's playing "Please Mr Postman". >go to creek Honey looks up and says, "Have fun, but don't wander too far." With your heaping full pail, you imagine tripping and blackberries going everywhere and getting in trouble. Blackberry Tangle There are paths through the brambles, a maze with tantalizing fruit. Although this area is mostly picked since you and Honey and Grandpa came this way when you started picking this morning. You can still find some ripe berries though. Through the blackberry tangle, there's a trail going down along the creek shaded by lush green willow trees. Back the way you came is the clearing where Honey and Grandpa have been picking. >eat berries You eat a few of the berries. Delicious. >x pail A purple pail with a yellow handle. You recognize this pail from your trip to the beach with mom. She had to run out and get it when the waves tried to steal it. You thought she'd be mad, but you both laughed and laughed. That was a long time ago. It is getting pretty full of blackberries. In the pail is a bunch of ripe berries. >x willows You can't see any such thing. >go to creek Blackberry Trail This is a trail running roughly parallel the creek with tall blackberry brambles on either side. In one place, there are Willows hanging down over the trail that tickle the back of your neck as you duck under them. It looks like the trail used to continue further on down the creek on this side, but is now hidden by underbrush -- though you could try to follow the lost trail. Farther on down the creek, the trail turns to cross an overgrown stone bridge. In the other direction, up the path, is the tangle of blackberry bushes. The song "Why Can't We Be Friends", begins playing on a far-away radio. >x willows Weeping willows dangle over the trail. These are smaller trees than the ones that line the banks of Bear Creek. >follow trail You glance one more time at the old overgrown creek trail before crossing the bridge. Stone Bridge The trail crosses an old stone bridge -- an excellent place to sit on a sunny day -- from which you can look down into Bear Creek. Movement in the sparkling water and the old mossy bridge catch your eye. You catch a glimmering flash in the depths near a boulder. On one side of the bridge, the path turns out into a dirt road that runs down along the creek. On the other side, the blackberry trail goes up the creek back toward the berry picking spot. You can also get in the creek or go to a grassy bank from here. >go back Blackberry Trail This is a trail running roughly parallel the creek with tall blackberry brambles on either side. In one place, there are Willows hanging down over the trail that tickle the back of your neck as you duck under them. It looks like the trail used to continue further on down the creek on this side, but is now hidden by underbrush -- though you could try to follow the lost trail. Farther on down the creek, the trail turns to cross an overgrown stone bridge. In the other direction, up the path, is the tangle of blackberry bushes. >follow overgrown trail You follow the trail on this side of the creek until it is lost, then bushwhack for a little bit, before returning discouraged. Perhaps it is a trail, but there are definitely easier ways to go for now. Still you wonder where it goes. You hear a crackly far-off radio playing a new song: "Mandy," one of your favorites. >go to bridge You glance one more time at the old overgrown creek trail before crossing the bridge. Stone Bridge The road may have crossed the creek over an old stone bridge at one time but is now just a narrow trail. From here you can peer down into Bear Creek. Movement in the sparkling water and the old mossy bridge catch your eye. Little minnows are swimming about in the shallows. On one side of the bridge, the path turns out into a dirt road that runs down along the creek. On the other side, the blackberry trail goes up the creek back toward the berry picking spot. You can also get in the creek or go to a grassy bank from here. >go in water The water is too shallow to swim, so you roll up your pant legs and wade in, soaking your tennies. Uh oh, will you get in trouble for that? But the water is chill and refreshing. >x water In places, the creek seems like just a trickle, then other places it is as wide as a river. Here, it is broad and shallow as it goes under the bridge. There are bright stars twinkling on the water with pebbles and tiny minnows below. It smells like wet rocks. You follow water skeeters darting about. >smell You smell cool creek water and mossy stone. After a DJ break, a far-away radio's playing "The Best of My Love". >smell bridge The old stone bridge doesn't smell like much of anything. >get skeeters You reach for it, but it sinks out of sight below the water. >x river In places, the creek seems like just a trickle, then other places it is as wide as a river. Here, it is broad and shallow as it goes under the bridge. There are bright stars twinkling on the water with pebbles and tiny minnows below. It smells like wet rocks. You watch a leaf swirl by on the current. >get leaf You reach for it, and it moves just out of reach. The song "You're the First, the Last, My Everything" by Barry White, a song you really like, begins playing on a crackly far-off radio. >x You've picked a big bunch of blackberries. Looking at them, you notice that the color goes from deep red to deepest black. Your hands are stained red all the way to your wrist. Finally, your tennis shoes are drying out. >l Stone Bridge The road may have crossed the creek over an old stone bridge at one time but is now just a narrow trail. From here you can peer down into Bear Creek. Movement in the sparkling water and the old mossy bridge catch your eye. A branch floats by, catching for a moment on the bottom, and then continues on. On one side of the bridge, the path turns out into a dirt road that runs down along the creek. On the other side, the blackberry trail goes up the creek back toward the berry picking spot. You can also get in the creek or go to a grassy bank from here. >x bank You see nothing special about the grassy bank. A dog barking can be plainly heard from across the river. >go to bank You get onto the grassy bank. On a faint radio, a new song begins: "When Will I Be Loved". >lie down Where do you want to sit? There's a few choices: boulder in the creek and grassy bank. >bank That's not a verb I recognize. >lie on bank But you're already on the grassy bank. >sit Where do you want to sit? There's a few choices: boulder in the creek and grassy bank. >boulder That's not a verb I recognize. >sit on boulder (getting off the grassy bank) You make yourself comfortable on the boulder in the creek. You hear a far-away radio playing a new song: "Cat's In the Cradle," a song you really like. >x boulder Near the grassy bank, there is a rounded boulder in the creek. It looks like a turtle emerging from the water. >look at turtle Near the grassy bank, there is a rounded boulder in the creek. It looks like a turtle emerging from the water. >l Stone Bridge (on the boulder in the creek) The road may have crossed the creek over an old stone bridge at one time but is now just a narrow trail. From here you can peer down into Bear Creek. Movement in the sparkling water and the old mossy bridge catch your eye. Little minnows are swimming about in the shallows. On one side of the bridge, the path turns out into a dirt road that runs down along the creek. On the other side, the blackberry trail goes up the creek back toward the berry picking spot. You can also get in the creek or go to a grassy bank from here. A dog barking can be plainly heard from across the river. >go to dirt road (first getting off the boulder in the creek) Dirt Road The trail over the stone bridge turns into a dirt road here which slopes gently upward running along the creek.. The old creekside road is seldom used now and in poor condition with deep ruts and sandy areas. Nowadays it is only used by people walking down to Bear Creek from the highway, fishermen and berry pickers mostly. Here, someone's field backs up to the road and is separated by a chain link fence. The field is a mass of tall weeds and old junk cars The old dirt road continues on uphill for a long stretch running parallel to the creek downstream. Back toward the old stone bridge, the road narrows to a ragged trail as it crosses the bridge. There's a dog behind the fence, alternately digging and barking. This dog makes you suddenly queasy, though you couldn't have known then what part it would play in what happened. >look at dog Kind of a yellowish medium dog with pointy ears. You don't know what kind. It's not a german shepherd or a doberman but it looks mean like that. Some kind of guard dog maybe. It reminds you of Uncle Buddy's dog that mom was taking care of and how when you tried to feed it and get the spoon, it bit you. It makes you queasy. But there's something about this dog. The dog is trying to dig underneath the fence. It's doing pretty good with its escape attempt already. When it sees you, it barks furiously and launches itself against the chain link. >x dog Kind of a yellowish medium dog with pointy ears. You don't know what kind. It's not a german shepherd or a doberman but it looks mean like that. Some kind of guard dog maybe. Looking more carefully, you notice that it has prominent teats. So it's a girl dog. Maybe she's pregnant or was. You are pleased with yourself for noticing. You know about this stuff because of Mika who had kittens. The dog is making a racket. >kiss dog You're pretty scared of this furiously barking animal, and don't want to get too close. The dog stops for a second and then resumes her barking. >give berry to dog The dog perks up her ears as you approach. The dog extends her nose cautiously to sniff the bunch of ripe berries and then resumes its angry barking more furious than ever. That sounds like Grandpa calling you. >look at fence A chain link fence, dropping in the middle. The dog is alternately digging and barking up a storm. >look at field Someone's field backs up to the road and is separated by a chain link fence. The field is a mass of tall weeds and old junk cars. The dog is making a racket. >x cars These are old-timey cars. Big boxy things with big rounded fenders. Is that grandpa calling you? >l Dirt Road The dirt road slopes down as it runs along the creek before turning into a trail over the stone bridge. The old creekside road is seldom used now and in poor condition with deep ruts and sandy areas. Nowadays it is only used by people walking down to Bear Creek from the highway, fishermen and berry pickers mostly. Here, someone's field backs up to the road and is separated by a chain link fence. The field is a mass of tall weeds and old junk cars The old dirt road continues on uphill for a long stretch running parallel to the creek downstream. Back toward the old stone bridge, the road narrows to a ragged trail as it crosses the bridge. There's a dog behind the fence, alternately digging and barking. That sounds like Grandpa calling you. >go to grandpa Stone Bridge The road may have crossed the creek over an old stone bridge at one time but is now just a narrow trail. From here you can peer down into Bear Creek. Movement in the sparkling water and the old mossy bridge catch your eye. You catch a glimmering flash in the depths near a boulder. On one side of the bridge, the path turns out into a dirt road that runs down along the creek. On the other side, the blackberry trail goes up the creek back toward the berry picking spot. You can also get in the creek or go to a grassy bank from here. On a crackly far-off radio, a new song begins: "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights". >go to grandpa Blackberry Trail This is a trail running roughly parallel the creek with tall blackberry brambles on either side. In one place, there are Willows hanging down over the trail that tickle the back of your neck as you duck under them. It looks like the trail used to continue further on down the creek on this side, but is now hidden by underbrush -- though you could try to follow the lost trail. Farther on down the creek, the trail turns to cross an overgrown stone bridge. In the other direction, up the path, is the tangle of blackberry bushes. Grandpa's calling you from the clearing >go to grandpa Blackberry Tangle There are paths through the brambles, a maze with tantalizing fruit. Although this area is mostly picked since you and Honey and Grandpa came this way when you started picking this morning. You can still find some ripe berries though. Through the blackberry tangle, there's a trail going down along the creek shaded by lush green willow trees. Back the way you came is the clearing where Honey and Grandpa have been picking. Grandpa's calling you >go to grandpa Blackberry Clearing You are near the creek, but it can't be seen through the blackberry brambles. This is a pleasant clearing carpeted with stubbly grass under a sycamore tree. There are paths and clearings beaten down among the brambles that allow you to squeeze in to get the ripest berries. There is a big bucket in the middle of the clearing. Honey's portable transistor radio is on the bank under the tree playing music. Along the path and down the creek, there's a tangle of blackberry bushes. Up the hill is the blackberry brambles where you've been picking for a while. Honey and Grandpa are here picking berries. "Hey, Bud," Grandpa says looking at you, "I'm gonna take this bucket of berries up to your Aunt Mary. You gonna help your old grandpa?" >yes Grandpa nods. After a DJ break, Honey's radio's playing "How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You" by James Taylor, a song you really like. >x bucket There's a big bucket that Honey and Grandpa have been putting their berries into, now very nearly full. "Okay, I'm headed back to the house, Peanut. Why don't ya come with me?" Grandpa says. He picks up the big bucket with one hand that you probably couldn't even budge, and heads off down the trail toward the bridge. >follow grandpa Blackberry Tangle There are paths through the brambles, a maze with tantalizing fruit. Although this area is mostly picked since you and Honey and Grandpa came this way when you started picking this morning. You can still find some ripe berries though. Through the blackberry tangle, there's a trail going down along the creek shaded by lush green willow trees. Back the way you came is the clearing where Honey and Grandpa have been picking. Your Grandpa is here with the big bucket full of berries. You hear a dog barking in the distance across the river. >z Time passes. "Okay, I'm heading out. You coming?" Grandpa heads off toward the old bridge. >follow grandpa Blackberry Trail This is a trail running roughly parallel the creek with tall blackberry brambles on either side. In one place, there are Willows hanging down over the trail that tickle the back of your neck as you duck under them. It looks like the trail used to continue further on down the creek on this side, but is now hidden by underbrush -- though you could try to follow the lost trail. Farther on down the creek, the trail turns to cross an overgrown stone bridge. In the other direction, up the path, is the tangle of blackberry bushes. Your Grandpa is here with the big bucket full of berries. The song "Feelings", begins playing on a faint radio. >z Time passes. "You coming?" Grandpa heads off toward the old bridge. >follow grandpa You glance one more time at the old overgrown creek trail before crossing the bridge. Stone Bridge The road may have crossed the creek over an old stone bridge at one time but is now just a narrow trail. From here you can peer down into Bear Creek. Movement in the sparkling water and the old mossy bridge catch your eye. You watch a leaf swirl by on the current. On one side of the bridge, the path turns out into a dirt road that runs down along the creek. On the other side, the blackberry trail goes up the creek back toward the berry picking spot. You can also get in the creek or go to a grassy bank from here. Your Grandpa is here with the big bucket full of berries. >go to road Dirt Road The dirt road slopes down as it runs along the creek before turning into a trail over the stone bridge. The old creekside road is seldom used now and in poor condition with deep ruts and sandy areas. Nowadays it is only used by people walking down to Bear Creek from the highway, fishermen and berry pickers mostly. Here, someone's field backs up to the road and is separated by a chain link fence. The field is a mass of tall weeds and old junk cars The old dirt road continues on uphill for a long stretch running parallel to the creek downstream. Back toward the old stone bridge, the road narrows to a ragged trail as it crosses the bridge. There's a dog behind the fence, alternately digging and barking. Grandpa catches up to you as you reach the dirt road. >z Time passes. The dog is alternately digging and barking up a storm. Grandpa sets down the bucket for a moment and rubs his hands. >z Time passes. Grandpa heads off toward the railroad tracks. >go to railroat tracks That noun did not make sense in this context. >go to railroad tracks Long stretch This is a really long stretch of the dirt road. You can see the heat shimmering off of the ground. Grass grows up through the middle of the road, and deep rocky ruts suggest it hasn't been used as anything but river access for hikers and fishermen in a long time. The long road is alternately shaded by pines and exposed to the scorching sun. The air smells hot with a particular piney fragrance that always reminds you of the foothills of the Sierras. At one place along this long stretch, there is a trail zigzagging down the bank toward the swimming hole. Otherwise the dirt road goes on for a ways along the creek downstream until it crosses the railroad tracks. Back the other way is the end of the dirt road and the stone bridge. Along the road, in a clear stretch on the uphill side of the road, is an impressively tall pine tree that you've climbed before. Your Grandpa is here with the big bucket full of berries. Grandpa sets down the bucket and lights a cigarette and smokes for a bit. >climb tree You jump to reach the lowest branch and hang there struggling for a few moments before dropping back to the ground frustrated. You know you've climbed this tree before and you were probably smaller then too. Maybe you should try again? Grandpa heads off toward the railroad tracks. >climb tree This time, you get a leg up and hang there like a monkey, but can't quite get up on the lowest branch. You drop down when your arms start shaking. You pretty sure you've climbed this tree before. Was it this one? A dog barking can be heard somewhere down the road. >follow grandpa You glance down at the trail to the swimming hole as you walk along the dirt road. Southern Pacific Tracks Railroad tracks cross the old dirt road here in a small rise. The tracks run alongside the trailer park fence in one direction and into a tunnel of green in the other. As you cross the tracks, you see a sign that says "Property of Southern Pacific." Your grandpa sometimes takes you down here to watch the train go by. He taught you the name of all the cars and used to work on the railroad. Across the tracks and through an open gate is the trailer park. Back the other way is the long dirt road gently sloping down along the creek. Your Grandpa is here with the big bucket full of berries. Hey, there's the penny you lost when you came here with Grandpa to make train pennies! You can also see a mound of rock here. >get penny Taken. Grandpa goes through the back gate into the trailer park. >x it Ah, this is a wheat penny. Its tiny numbers say 1956. >put penny on train tracks You carefully place the penny on one of the rails. >get rocks You pick up one of the rocks. >get rocks You pick up one of the rocks. >i You are carrying two rocks and a pail, inside which is a bunch of ripe berries and wearing Grandpa's shirt. Looking carefully, you can see marks on your arm where your step-dad grabbed you, and it's still a little tender. >go to gate Well, that's right here. A dog barking can be heard a ways down the road. >go in gate You can't go that way. You think you hear the morning train blowing its whistle way off in the hills. >follow grandpa Picnic Area At the back of the trailer park, there is a scraggly little picnic area with a patchy lawn that smells like mowed grass. A little cluster of tall trees is against the back fence. Along the road, is the rest of the trailer park starting with D Loop. Through the back gate are the train tracks. Your Grandpa is here with the big bucket full of berries. There is an impressive red ant hill near the picnic table. Red ants are your sworn enemies. They're the ones who started the war, not you. A bunch of them ganged up and bit you, and all you were doing was trying to put them in a bottle for your ant colony. Some of the ants have formed a line up the legs of the picnic table. Maybe they've found the remains of a picnic. Grandpa looks amused, "Wanna keep me waiting, huh?" "Let's get a move on," Grandpa is headed for B Loop. >kick anthill You crush a few of the nearby ants with your foot. Take that! The red ants are on your shoes! You dance around until you are sure they are off you. >follow grandpa D Loop The D Loop of the trailer park is pretty much like the B and C Loops. Rows of trailers on either side, many fringed with teeny tiny gardens of flowers and shrubs. The most noteworthy thing on this loop is the Cat Lady's trailer, painted bright pink and white with an outrageously overflowing flower garden out in front. You can go to the C Loop on the way to Honey and Grandpa's trailer. Or you can go back to the picnic area at the back of the trailer park. Your Grandpa is here with the big bucket full of berries. The Cat Lady is out in front of her trailer watering her tiny, overflowing garden. She is staring briefly into space. She's always been nice to you, even if your grandma doesn't like her. There is a yellow tabby cat rubbing against her legs. "Oh, hello, dearie," the Cat Lady says, "So good to see you. Out for an adventure today?" >yes "Alright, good," the Cat Lady nods. Grandpa is headed for B Loop. >x cat lady She has a name, but you never can remember it, especially since both your mom and Honey call her the crazy cat lady behind her back. Is it Sharon? Shannon? And that's not all they call her. Honey says she is a crazy old B-I-T-C-H. But she's always been nice to you. Her makeup is a little bit too thick and she seems to wear a bathrobe at all hours, but you can see how she used to be pretty when she was young. You hear a train whistle in the distance. "Won't you come in for a moment?" the Cat Lady gestures at her trailer, "I just love guests. And I do so enjoy talking to you." >no "Oh?" the Cat Lady frowns. >follow grandpa C Loop C Loop is pretty much like B and D Loops. Rows of trailers on either side, all different colors, though the one's across from Lee's trailer go red, brown, green, red, brown, green, which is weird. Did they do that on purpose? The most noteworthy thing on this loop for you is Lee's trailer, though it looks pretty much like every other one. You can go to B Loop where Honey and Grandpa's trailer is, or you can go back to D Loop. Your Grandpa is here with the big bucket full of berries. Lee is sitting on a lawn chair in his empty carport, chain smoking. You think maybe Lee is your mom's age, but looks much older, like he's already lived a lot. He has long dirty blond hair pulled back in an untidy ponytail. He's wearing a tanktop and green army pants. Honey tells you to stay clear of him, but he always says hi to you politely and might be the only person you know who calls you by your name. "Hey, Jody," Lee says, "How you doin'?". >x lee You think maybe Lee is your mom's age, but looks much older, like he's already lived a lot. He has long dirty blond hair pulled back in an untidy ponytail. He's wearing a tanktop and green army pants. Honey tells you to stay clear of him, but he always says hi to you politely and might be the only person you know who calls you by your name. "I have something for you," Lee says. "Last time we were talking about my work, so I picked something up for you. You're welcome to come in, if you want." You remember your grandma's warning and suddenly feel anxious.. Grandpa is headed for B Loop. >follow grandpa B Loop B Loop is just like C and D Loops, except Honey and Grandpa's trailer is right here, and if you say it really really fast -- B Loop B Loop B Loop B Loop Bloop Bloop Bloop -- it sounds funny. Rows of trailers on either side, some with big old cars, some not. Other than your grandparent's trailer, there's nothing really interesting here. Well, except for your bike. You can go in to Honey and Grandpa's trailer of course. Or you can go back to C Loop and the train tracks behind the trailer park. Your Grandpa is here with the big bucket full of berries. You can also see your bicycle here. >get bike Unfortunately, the tires of your bicycle are so flat it barely rolls. You hear the morning train whistle, loud and close, as it hits the crossing. "Okay, let's go," Grandpa goes into his and Honey's trailer. >follow grandpa Honey and Grandpa's Trailer Honey and Grandpa's trailer feels comfy to you, as much home as your real home with your mom. Honey and Grandpa have lived here as long as you remember. All these things are touchstones of familiarity, the floral-patterned couch on which you and Grandpa cuddle and watch Bowling for Dollars, the big TV, even the brown carpeting with its mottled pattern that looks like lichen on rocks. Today all the windows are steamed up. Fragrant steam wafts from the kitchen. Occasionally, you hear the rattle of jars and lids being washed and set out. Your Grandpa is here with the big bucket full of berries. Your Aunt Mary is looming over the stove in the kitchen, stirring a huge vat of blackberry jam. "Oh hullo, dear," says your Aunt Mary. "Mornin", Mary," Grandpa says as he comes in. "How's the berry picking?" Mary asks. >tell mary baout berries "Oh, you don't say," Mary says vaguely. >tell mary about berries "Every year," she smiles. "Every year, we pick the berries and the jam lasts until the next summer." >ask grandpa about mary "She's your Honey's older sister. Did you know your Honey had twelve brothers and sisters. Let's see, you know Uncle Charley and Aunt Ethel and Aunt Mary," Grandpa says counting on his fingers. "Mary has grandkids that are your mom's age." >ask mary about family "I come from a big family," she says. "Not as many of them left anymore. Your uncle Charlie died a couple years ago. Ethel is still in Portland. Your uncle John does before you were even born, when I was still a girl. That just about broke Mama and Papa's hearts. >x tv This is Honey's big color TV in its wooden case, pretty much like the one you have at home with mom, but with lighter wood. On weekend nights you lie on the floor with Grandpa and watch Bowling for Dollars, Wild World of Animals, and sometimes, if you and mom aren't going home early, Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday night. The TV is currently switched off. "Pretty good," Grandpa says, gesturing at the bucket, "We got a whole bucketfull for you. Old Whistle Britches here, picked most of these and ate twice as many more." Grandpa winks at you. Grandpa helps your Aunt Mary pour the bucket of berries slowly into several giant pots with a series of juicy plops. >turn tv on This is Honey's big color TV in its wooden case, pretty much like the one you have at home with mom, but with lighter wood. On weekend nights you lie on the floor with Grandpa and watch Bowling for Dollars, Wild World of Animals, and sometimes, if you and mom aren't going home early, Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday night. The moment you start to turn it on, Aunt Mary comes in from the kitchen and says, "Don't you turn on that thing. If you are bored, go out and play." Your grandpa gets a big glass of water from the sink and drinks it. Aunt Mary turns to you, "Sweetheart, Can I get your help making lunch?" >yes "Hm, what was that?" Mary says, stirring the blackberry jam vigorously. >help mary I didn't understand that sentence. >z Time passes. "I better hustle back," Grandpa says, "before Ellie needs the bucket." Grandpa turns to you on his way out, "See you down there, Bud." Grandpa heads out the door. Your Aunt Mary recruits you to help make lunch, getting out cans of Chicken of the Sea, Miracle Whip, and Wonder Bread. >out "I want you to stay and help make sandwiches," Aunt Mary says. "It will just take a minute. Then you can go join your grandpa and bring them lunch." Your Aunt Mary has you on the assembly line constructing tuna fish sandwiches and putting them in sandwich bags. >z Time passes. You pack all the sandwiches up in a brown paper bag, and Aunt Mary puts away the sandwich makin's. "Okay, you take those sandwiches down to your grandparents. All those blackberries they're picking. It's hungry work." Aunt Mary smiles. >ask mary about jam "That's your grandma's recipe," she says proudly. "No," she looks worried, "No. Mama's your great-grandmother. It's your great-grandma's recipe." You get a lurching feeling as you catch sight of a police car outside the window. It is driving slowly by. Curiosity draws you outside and along in its wake. It stops in D Loop and so do you. D Loop The Sheriff's car -- you realize it's the Sheriff since it says so right on the door -- stops in front of the Cat Lady's trailer. You take a step back. >listen You can still hear the dog barking far off. The Sheriff leans out the window toward the Cat Lady: "How you doing Sharon? Things okay around here?" The Sheriff flicks his eyes over at you, and you will yourself to be invisible. >listen You can still hear the dog barking far off. "Well, pretty good, Bill. I can't complain," the Cat Lady tells the Sheriff. Then a frown crosses her face, "Oh except Oliver has an abscess. I have to take him to the kitty doctor next week." >z Time passes. "Well what I came to ask," the Sheriff says to the Cat Lady, "Has he been bothering you any?" He looks back toward C Loop. "When I drove up, I saw him over there. Has he been leaving you alone?" You get a feeling something is wrong. What if something happened to your grandpa? >z Time passes. "Oh, he hasn't so much as looked in my direction," the Cat Lady says to the Sheriff. "That's good," the Sheriff says. "I just wanted to check in with you. Will you tell me if you have more problems?"" >z Time passes. "Dearie, you're a sweet man to check in on me," the Cat Lady puts her hand on the Sheriff's arm and he almost smiles. He pats her hand, "You take care of yourself Sharon, and make sure you call me if you have any problems." He talks briefly on his radio and then drives off, a little too fast for inside the trailer park. The Cat Lady unwinds the hose and continues watering her garden. >talk cat lady I didn't understand that sentence. >talk to cat lady "Oh hello, sweetheart," the Cat Lady says. "Oh, hi again, honey. Will you spend a few minutes talking to your old neighbor?" the Cat Lady says. >ask cat lady about grandpa "Your grandfather is such a nice man," the Cat Lady says. "Just the other day, he helped me get Zoey out of the neighbor's tree." A fluffy tortoise-shell darts out of the Cat Lady's cat door and around the trailer. >ask cat lady about zoey "Well, I don't know, dear," the Cat Lady says. >ask cat lady about oliver "Well, I don't know, dearie," the Cat Lady says. >ask cat lady about cats "Oh my babies," the Cat Lady says, clasping her hands to her chest, "Joseph and I couldn't have children, but I always had a kitty. Then after Joseph was gone, I found a tiny scrawny yellow tabby kitten starving and mewling at my door one afternoon." >l D Loop The D Loop of the trailer park is pretty much like the B and C Loops. Rows of trailers on either side, many fringed with teeny tiny gardens of flowers and shrubs. The most noteworthy thing on this loop is the Cat Lady's trailer, painted bright pink and white with an outrageously overflowing flower garden out in front. You can go to the C Loop on the way to Honey and Grandpa's trailer. Or you can go back to the picnic area at the back of the trailer park. The Cat Lady is out in front of her trailer watering her tiny, overflowing garden. Her hair is kinda crazy, and that makes you a little nervous. There is a yellow tabby cat rubbing against her legs. "I fed this little tabby cat and loved him. For a while, I didn't think he'd make it, but now he's my best friend in the whole world," the Cat Lady says ruffling the head of the yellow tabby. >x tabby He is striped yellow and white like a tiger. A small one. "A few years ago, I found a one-eyed mama cat heavy with kittens living under my porch. She wouldn't let me get near her at first," a frown crosses her face, "Actually, she still won't let me touch her, but she had a whole litter of beautiful kittens, that I've fed and taken care of." >pet tabby The yellow tabby cat arches it's back against your hand. The Cat Lady looks at some of the cats running around, "I'm not sure where some of these darling kitties came from, but I love them, every one." >pet cats You can't see any such thing. >ask cat lady about grandma The Cat Lady looks a little uncomfortable, "Your grandmother is very beautiful," she says after a moment. >ask cat lady about herself "Oh, honey, I've nothing really to say about myself," the Cat Lady says. >ask cat lady about trailer "I've lived here for 20 years, dearie. I've seen people come and go," says the Cat Lady. The yellow tabby scratches its ear. >z Time passes. "Won't you come in for a moment?" the Cat Lady gestures at her trailer, "I just love guests. And I do so enjoy talking to you." >go in Cat Lady's Trailer The first thing you notice is the smell of cat pee and rotten fish. Rose-tinted light comes slanting through the dingy ruffled curtains. The Cat Lady's Trailer is full of lace doilies, porcelain figurines, and most of all cats -- sitting, lying, prowling, and meowing. The little figures catch your eye. There are cats everywhere. The trailer is filled with cats of every size, color, and condition, many still pretty wild. Cats recline, stroll, and argue on every chair, couch, and table in her house. >pet cats The Cat Lady's cats are nearly feral. That's a good way to lose an eye or a finger. >x doilies The house is full of this stuff. Especially little porcelain figurines of cats. On little shelves, in glass cabinets, everywhere. You notice one that looks exactly like Mika. The Cat Lady comes into the trailer and sees you, "Hi, sweetheart." The tabby cat follows through the cat door. "Oh, how I love visitors. And you are such a dear heart," the Cat Lady says, looking at you in a way that makes you nervous. "I know! I know! Tea time! Let's have a little tea party." She clasps her hands to her chest. >x mika It looks just like your cat Mika. It's white and black with all the spots in the right place. It even has Mika's one droopy ear. "Oh, dearie, won't you sit down?" the Cat Lady says, pointing at the half-buried kitchen table. "I'll get the tea ready." She bustles around at the sink, in her cupboards, and with the tea things. A sudden thought: What if you are here talking to the Cat Lady and something happens to your Grandpa or Honey? Or worse, your mom? You struggle to think about something else. >get mika You quickly palm the figurine, but the Cat Lady immediately notices it missing. "Oh be careful with that, Dear," she says, plucking the Mika figure out of your hand. "That was made all the way in Ohio." She places it back on the shelf in the exact same place. . "Please, sweetheart, sit down." The Cat Lady fills the teapot from a kettle that she didn't bother to heat. "I love a tea party, don't you?" the Cat Lady asks, but leaves you no time to answer. "Tell me about your life, dearie. What adventures have you had since we talked last?" >sit Where do you want to sit? There's a few choices: what was formerly a loveseat and Cat Lady's kitchen table. You make yourself comfortable at the Cat Lady's kitchen table. The Cat Lady fills your cup and her own from the teapot. "I'm terribly sorry, honey, I don't have tea biscuits. I'm out right now," she looks accusingly at a particularly fat cat lying on a chair. "Sam got into the cupboard and ate every last one." You wonder that the cat can jump up on anything, let alone get into the cupboard. >drink tea You bring the tiny teacup to your lips and drain it in a sip or two. The tea is lukewarm and watery, but okay. The Cat Lady re-fills both of your cups with more tepid tea. What is the news with your mom?" the Cat Lady asks. >tell cat lady about mom "Your mom, dearie, you better treat her like an angel, because she is. You know she came and brought me soup when I had pneumonia? And went to the store and got me medicines. A blue-eyed siamese chases a yellow kitten between your legs. >tell catlady about me "Well honey, you are the sweetest child and my very favorite neighbor," the Cat Lady says patting you on the head affectionately. The yellow tabby carefully licks its paws. >x me What's to say? You are eight and a half, and you are going into 4th grade in the fall. And you have a crush on someone in school but you'd never in a million billion qazillion years tell anybody. And your arm hurts a little. The Cat Lady looks serious. "Are things going okay with your new step-dad? Is that going okay?" >ask catlady about step-dad "Well, your mom just got married and we all wished her the best of luck," the Cat Lady says, "It hasn't always been easy for her." And in spite of himself, that man really does love your mom. She looks off into the distance and gets a funny look on her face, "I see it will be very tough for a while as well." For a moment, you share her vision -- a rocky shore stretching for miles and miles -- a child picking among the rocks completely and hopelessly alone. You almost start to cry, but hold it in. >get up You get off the Cat Lady's kitchen table. "Don't worry about that," the Cat Lady says, "Your mom is an angel. I've never seen a mother who loved her child more than her." >x You've picked a big bunch of blackberries. Looking at them, you notice that the color goes from deep red to deepest black. You notice a tiny weeny white spider crawling on one of the berries. "Oh dearie, it's been so nice talking to you. I can see you have to go," the Cat Lady hugs you and pinches your cheek gently which makes you squirm. "You are growing so big. And so... such a lovely child," she says looking you up and down, embarrassing you. You return your teacup to the table. >l Cat Lady's Trailer You are starting to get used to the smell. Rose-tinted light comes slanting through the dingy ruffled curtains. The Cat Lady's Trailer is full of lace doilies, porcelain figurines, and most of all cats -- sitting, lying, prowling, and meowing. The little figures catch your eye. The Cat Lady is here. She is still wearing her bathrobe or a dress that looks like a bathrobe, and that makes you a little uncomfortable. There is a yellow tabby cat rubbing against her legs. There are cats everywhere. The trailer is filled with cats of every size, color, and condition, many still pretty wild. Cats recline, stroll, and argue on every chair, couch, and table in her house. A stripey gray tomcat bats at a housefly. And the tabby grooms itself carefully. >get cat The Cat Lady's cats are nearly feral. That's a good way to lose an eye or a finger. One of a pile of kittens lazing in the sun falls off the ottoman. >out You look at the Cat Lady outside watering her plants and with your heart pounding in your throat, you pocket the little Mika figurine. D Loop The D Loop of the trailer park is pretty much like the B and C Loops. Rows of trailers on either side, many fringed with teeny tiny gardens of flowers and shrubs. The most noteworthy thing on this loop is the Cat Lady's trailer, painted bright pink and white with an outrageously overflowing flower garden out in front. You can go to the C Loop on the way to Honey and Grandpa's trailer. Or you can go back to the picnic area at the back of the trailer park. The Cat Lady is out in front of her trailer watering her tiny, overflowing garden. She is absently humming to herself. There is a yellow tabby cat rubbing against her legs. She steps outside. The tabby shoots out the door soon as it is open. >follow grandpa You're not sure exactly how to get there. You take a quick look around you: You can go to the C Loop on the way to Honey and Grandpa's trailer. Or you can go back to the picnic area at the back of the trailer park. The yellow tabby scratches its ear. >go to c loop C Loop C Loop is pretty much like B and D Loops. Rows of trailers on either side, all different colors. The most noteworthy thing on this loop for you is Lee's trailer, though it looks pretty much like every other one. You can go to B Loop where Honey and Grandpa's trailer is, or you can go back to D Loop. Lee is sitting on a lawn chair in his empty carport, chain smoking. "Hi again, Jody," Lee says. >talk to lee You might try asking or telling her something. For example: ASK ABOUT MOM Or even: ASK LEE ABOUT BLACKBERRIES "Hello, Jody," Lee says. "I have something for you," Lee says. "Last time we were talking about my work, so I picked something up for you. You're welcome to come in, if you want." >ask lee about mom "I know your mom. Rachel," Lee says seriously. "She's good people. I get people up in my face all the time. People avoiding me. Your mom, she smiles nicely at me and tells me hello. After a moment, he says, "I think you're pretty lucky. To have a mom like that." >ask lee about himself "I don't know, Jody. I don't like to talk about myself," Lee says. >ask lee about cigarettes "Well, like a lot of things, I don't know the answer to that, Jody," Lee says. >sit in chair This is Lee's chair where he spends all day every day. Sitting in his chair feels wrong. >l C Loop C Loop is pretty much like B and D Loops. Rows of trailers on either side, all different colors. The most noteworthy thing on this loop for you is Lee's trailer, though it looks pretty much like every other one. You can go to B Loop where Honey and Grandpa's trailer is, or you can go back to D Loop. Lee is sitting on a lawn chair in his empty carport, chain smoking. >z Time passes. >go in Lee's Trailer Lee's trailer is empty. Or nearly so. It looks like he moved in yesterday, but you know he's been here for a long time. Where is his furniture? There is a small table with a single chair. A tiny black and white TV on a crate. And that's about it. >x tv This is a tiny portable black and white set with a giant channel changer and bent rabbit ears propped on a crate. The TV is currently switched off. Lee comes in stubbing out his cigarette in an ashtray and says, "Hey, Jody." "So what's up in your world?" Lee asks. "Anything good? Oh, I have something for you." Lee is fumbling around in a drawer. >x You've picked a big bunch of blackberries. Looking at them, you notice that the color goes from deep red to deepest black. The sweetest ones are the ones that aren't shiny. You know that from experience. "Hey, make yourself comfortable," Lee says. "Mi casa, es su casa. That means 'My home is your home.' Do you want anything? A drink or anything?" It makes you queasy to think of drinking or eating in Lee's trailer. You can smell a little alcohol on his breath like your step-dad. Lee is fumbling around in a drawer. >l Lee's Trailer Lee's trailer is empty. Or nearly so. There is a small table with a single chair. A tiny black and white TV on a crate. And that's about it. Lee is here. "Okay, so last time we were talking about my job. The one at the machine shop," Lee says. "I don't work there anymore, but I still have a friend who does, a guy who was in my unit." Lee is still looking for something. >no Lee frowns but says nothing. >z Time passes. "I told my friend that you really liked the ball bearing I gave you," Lee is still fumbling in a drawer. "I told him you liked how shiny and heavy it was. And so," Lee seems to find what he's looking for and puts it behind his back. "He gave me this." He holds out a solid cube about the size of your hand. Not as shiny as the ball bearing, but with a beautiful metal sheen. You want to hold it in your hand and feel its weight. You put out your hand and, for a moment, are scared Lee is going to snatch it back. But Lee puts the cube in your hand with a smile. It's heavier even than it appears. >x cube This is a solid metal cube about the size of your hand. It has very slightly rounded edges. Not as shiny as a ball bearing, but it's really pretty. It's considerably heavier than it appears. Lee watches you with evident enjoyment as you check out the gift. Suddenly you remember that you got in trouble for the ball bearing and your mom told you to give it back. And you didn't. Because you thought it would hurt Lee's feelings. What will happen if your mom discovers this? You determine to hide the cube and not let her find out.. You start to thank Lee, but he looks embarrassed even before you say it and cuts you off. "I wonder what's on the tube," He turns to the television and starts fiddling with the rabbit ears. >watch tv This is a tiny portable black and white set with a giant channel changer and bent rabbit ears propped on a crate. The TV is currently switched off. Lee switches the TV on. The little black and white TV is playing The Big Valley. This show is kind of like mom's soap operas, but in the wild west. There's a gunfight in the street and a girl in a saloon and some other stuff. "There's never anything really on. Don't know why I bother," Lee says. "Feel free to find something that you like." >turn chanel You can't see any such thing. >turn channel You change the TV to channel 7. Guiding Light is on. At least this soap opera isn't in a hospital. It's a court room instead. But the people are still doing the same things, yelling at each other and crying and stuff. >turn channel You change the TV channel all the way around from 7 to 2, skipping 9 since nothing is ever on. One Life to Live is on. There's a lady talking to a guy who doesn't know who he is or where he is. >turn channel You change the TV from channel 2 to channel 4. The Brady Bunch is on. You know this one. Bobby writes a book report about his hero Jesse James. Then in a dream, Bobby and the rest of the family are on a train, all dressed up old timey when Jesse James robs the train and shoots the family. Weird. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. The Brady Bunch is on Lee's little TV. >ask lee about tv "Well, like a lot of things, I don't know the answer to that either, Jody," Lee says. Lee's TV is still playing The Brady Bunch. >ask lee about love "I don't know a thing about it," Lee says. "Not a single goddamn thing. Pardon my language." >ask lee about life "Well, like a lot of things, I don't know the answer to that either, Jody," Lee says. The Brady Bunch is on Lee's little TV. >ask lee about family "Ah, my family. Yeah, I don't talk to 'em much anymore. My mom. My dad. My brother," Lee says. "Did you know I was married? Might even still be. When I came back, she couldn't take it and split." Lee lights another cigarette. "I guess good for her. Get out while the gettin's good." >get up You give a wave to Lee as you go. "Alright, drop by any time, Jody," Lee says. "You take care of yourself. And don't let the assholes get you down," he adds with a wink. C Loop C Loop is pretty much like B and D Loops. Rows of trailers on either side, all different colors. The most noteworthy thing on this loop for you is Lee's trailer, though it looks pretty much like every other one. You can go to B Loop where Honey and Grandpa's trailer is, or you can go back to D Loop. You hear a dog barking in the distance on the other side of the tracks. >go to picnic area D Loop The D Loop of the trailer park is pretty much like the B and C Loops. Rows of trailers on either side, many fringed with teeny tiny gardens of flowers and shrubs. The most noteworthy thing on this loop is the Cat Lady's trailer, painted bright pink and white with an outrageously overflowing flower garden out in front. You can go to the C Loop on the way to Honey and Grandpa's trailer. Or you can go back to the picnic area at the back of the trailer park. The Cat Lady is out in front of her trailer watering her tiny, overflowing garden. She is absently humming to herself, and that makes you a little freaked out. There is a yellow tabby cat rubbing against her legs. >g Picnic Area At the back of the trailer park, there is a scraggly little picnic area with a patchy lawn that smells like mowed grass. A little cluster of tall trees is against the back fence. Along the road, is the rest of the trailer park starting with D Loop. Through the back gate are the train tracks. There is an impressive red ant hill near the picnic table. There is a drop of something on the pavement that the ants are very interested in. >x ants The ants wander about purposefully, though you can't tell exactly what they are up to. Near the trees, a bunch of big red ants are eating the remains of a huge Jerusalem cricket. Gross. >climb trees Unfortunately, the lower branches are all too high. >smell grass The scraggly lawn doesn't smell like much of anything. >smell You smell dust and mowed grass. >x ants The ants wander about purposefully, though you can't tell exactly what they are up to. Two ants are working together to carry a seed that is bigger than both of them put together. >kick ants You kick the ant hill with your foot and then jump back to watch! The red ants are pouring out of their hole and they look angry. >x ants You stirred up the ants now. The red ants are running around like crazy, looking for someone to attack. >x ants You stirred up the ants now. The red ants are running everywhere. You hear a dog barking in the distance on the other side of the tracks. >go out You can't go that way. You hear a dog barking in the distance on the other side of the tracks. >go int he gate That noun did not make sense in this context. >go in the gate You can't go that way. >l Picnic Area At the back of the trailer park, there is a scraggly little picnic area with a patchy lawn that smells like mowed grass. A little cluster of tall trees is against the back fence. Along the road, is the rest of the trailer park starting with D Loop. Through the back gate are the train tracks. There is an impressive red ant hill near the picnic table. There is a drop of something on the pavement that the ants are very interested in. >go to the train tracks Southern Pacific Tracks Railroad tracks cross the old dirt road here in a small rise. The tracks run alongside the trailer park fence in one direction and into a tunnel of green in the other. As you cross the tracks, you see a sign that says "Property of Southern Pacific." Across the tracks and through an open gate is the trailer park. Back the other way is the long dirt road gently sloping down along the creek. The train ran over your penny and it's flattened on the tracks! You jump up and down in excitement. You can see a mound of rock here. >get penny Taken. >x it The train rolled over your penny and turned it into a flattened oval. You can't read it anymore, but you can see a very faint image of Lincoln with a stretched head. >get rock You pick up one of the rocks. A dog barking can be heard a ways down the road. >throw rock You throw the rock back into the mound of ballast. A dog barking can be heard a ways down the road. >l Southern Pacific Tracks Railroad tracks cross the old dirt road here in a small rise. The tracks run alongside the trailer park fence in one direction and into a tunnel of green in the other. As you cross the tracks, you see a sign that says "Property of Southern Pacific." Across the tracks and through an open gate is the trailer park. Back the other way is the long dirt road gently sloping down along the creek. You can see a mound of rock here. >read sing You can't see any such thing. >read sign The sign is posted on the trailer park side of the tracks on a tall pole. It reads "PROPERTY OF SOUTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD. TRESPASSING, LOITERING FORBIDDEN BY LAW." >follow tracks The trees crowd in on either side, so there's no where to walk but on the tracks. You follow them for a little while but then get scared that a train will come and you will have nowhere to go. You head on back to where the old dirt road crosses the train tracks. >follow tracks Mom told you about kids who get killed walking on the tracks, so you head on back to where the old dirt road crosses the train tracks. A dog barking can be heard a ways down the road. >go to road You're not sure exactly how to get there. You take a quick look around you: Across the tracks and through an open gate is the trailer park. Back the other way is the long dirt road gently sloping down along the creek. >go down You can't go that way. A dog barking can be heard a ways down the road. >go o dirt road That noun did not make sense in this context. >go to dirt road Long stretch This is a really long stretch of the dirt road. You can see the heat shimmering off of the ground. Grass grows up through the middle of the road, and deep rocky ruts suggest it hasn't been used as anything but river access for hikers and fishermen in a long time. The long road is alternately shaded by pines and exposed to the scorching sun. The air smells hot with a particular piney fragrance that always reminds you of the foothills of the Sierras. At one place along this long stretch, there is a trail zigzagging down the bank toward the swimming hole. Otherwise the dirt road goes on for a ways along the creek downstream until it crosses the railroad tracks. Back the other way is the end of the dirt road and the stone bridge. Along the road, in a clear stretch on the uphill side of the road, is an impressively tall pine tree that you've climbed before. Something is different. The hairs on your arm and the back of your neck stand up. >smell You smell sunshine and dust. >climb tree Using the rise on the uphill side of the tree, you are able to get a hold of a branch and swing your leg over, dangling precariously for a few moments, before pulling yourself upright. After that, the tree is pretty easy to climb. Although you've now got sap all over your hands. Halfway Up You're about halfway up the tree, really pretty high. The branches definitely get thinner higher up. But here the branches are about as big around as your leg and you are sitting on a particularly sturdy one. In fact, you're feeling pretty comfortable up here. You make a monkey yell to tell the other monkeys you are now the ruler of the forest. Looking around, it's hard to see much of anything, although you can see the fence near the dirt road but no dog through the thick branches. It looks like the view is much better higher up. >yell Your shriek causes a nearby flock of birds to take flight and it is known by all the monkeys of the forest that you are the undisputed leader of the monkeys now and forever. >u Should you go any higher? You notice that the branches definitely thin out near the top of the tree. >x branches This is a gigantic Doug fir with thick branches near the bottom, thinning near the top. As you climb higher you can see the surrounding countryside. >u You work your way higher into the pine tree, the branches are thinner but still seem pretty stable and-- SNAP! --down you go! Miraculously, you catch yourself going down! But not before clobbering yourself in the ribs pretty hard. It knocks the wind out of you and for a few minutes, you can't even say "Ow." You've fallen back to where you were a second ago. Do you dare try again? Halfway Up >x tree This is a gigantic Doug fir with thick branches near the bottom, thinning near the top. As you climb higher you can see the surrounding countryside. >u This time you work your way around to the sunny side of the tree where the branches are a little bit thicker. You test each branch a little and keep a hold of another branch before committing your weight. In this way, you slowly make your way up to the top. Top of the Pine Tree This is very close to the very top. You are holding on to the narrow trunk of the tree. You can feel it sway in the faint breeze. It is slightly cooler up here. Looking around, you can see the whole world. In the distance, you can see the mountains, brown and green, edged with trees all the way around, and not just Bear Creek below you, but the river a ways over there. And out that way is town, barely visible through trees. The railroad tracks which wind gently from one direction pass almost beneath you and disappear in gentle S-curves in the other direction. You can see the trailer park and that might be Honey and Grandpa's trailer. Everything looks so small, like looking at an ant hill. A giddy feeling pushes up out of you, and you can't stop laughing. >throw rock The rock sails out into space before dropping with a crash among the bushes. >d You carefully work your way down from the top, avoiding the thinner branches. Halfway Up You're about halfway up the tree, really pretty high. The branches definitely get thinner higher up. But here the branches are about as big around as your leg and you are sitting on a particularly sturdy one. Looking around, it's hard to see much of anything, although you can see the fence near the dirt road but no dog through the thick branches. It looks like the view is much better higher up. >d You work your way down the tree, dropping the last few feet to the ground. Long stretch This is a really long stretch of the dirt road. You can see the heat shimmering off of the ground. Grass grows up through the middle of the road, and deep rocky ruts suggest it hasn't been used as anything but river access for hikers and fishermen in a long time. The long road is alternately shaded by pines and exposed to the scorching sun. The air smells hot with a particular piney fragrance that always reminds you of the foothills of the Sierras. At one place along this long stretch, there is a trail zigzagging down the bank toward the swimming hole. Otherwise the dirt road goes on for a ways along the creek downstream until it crosses the railroad tracks. Back the other way is the end of the dirt road and the stone bridge. Along the road, in a clear stretch on the uphill side of the road, is an impressively tall pine tree that you've climbed before. >i You are carrying a flattened train penny., a metal cube, Mika figure, a brown paper bag, inside which are three tuna sandwiches, a rock, and a pail, inside which is a bunch of ripe berries and wearing Grandpa's shirt. And your hands are spotted with pine pitch, your ribs still ache, and your arm hurts a little. You are going to get in such big trouble. >d As you step out of the oppressive heat, the cool shade is a welcome relief. Swimming hole Down a long wooded trail that zigs down the bank, you emerge from the thick woods, and the trees open up to the sky. The swimming hole lies before you, a deep pool carved out of and surrounded by smooth granite rocks. It is big enough that you can swim like they taught you at the YWCA from one end to the other, and deep enough to dive off the rocks. It is possible to walk along the rocky shore downstream to another spot along the creek. Back up the trail leads through the woods back to the dirt road. You can see a deep pool here. >u As you step out of the shaded trail, the heat is like a physical force that pushes against you. Long stretch This is a really long stretch of the dirt road. You can see the heat shimmering off of the ground. Grass grows up through the middle of the road, and deep rocky ruts suggest it hasn't been used as anything but river access for hikers and fishermen in a long time. The long road is alternately shaded by pines and exposed to the scorching sun. The air smells hot with a particular piney fragrance that always reminds you of the foothills of the Sierras. At one place along this long stretch, there is a trail zigzagging down the bank toward the swimming hole. Otherwise the dirt road goes on for a ways along the creek downstream until it crosses the railroad tracks. Back the other way is the end of the dirt road and the stone bridge. Along the road, in a clear stretch on the uphill side of the road, is an impressively tall pine tree that you've climbed before. >go to bridge Dirt Road The dirt road slopes down as it runs along the creek before turning into a trail over the stone bridge. The old creekside road is seldom used now and in poor condition with deep ruts and sandy areas. Nowadays it is only used by people walking down to Bear Creek from the highway, fishermen and berry pickers mostly. Here, someone's field backs up to the road and is separated by a chain link fence. The field is a mass of tall weeds and old junk cars The old dirt road continues on uphill for a long stretch running parallel to the creek downstream. Back toward the old stone bridge, the road narrows to a ragged trail as it crosses the bridge. The dog is wandering in the road. The dog succeeded in tunneling under the fence and is now loose. She is sniffing the bushes alongside the dirt road. When she sees you, she stands in the road and growls. >throw rock at dog The dog barely dodges the rock, then erupts into a furious storm of barking. The dog is making a racket. >go to bridge It doesn't look like the dog is going to let you by. The dog sits and scratches her ear with its hind leg. >x dog Kind of a yellowish medium dog with pointy ears. You don't know what kind. She's not a german shepherd or a doberman but she looks mean like that. Some kind of guard dog maybe. The dog makes you anxious. Can she get out of there? The dog stands in the road and barks at you. >give berries to dog The dog perks up her ears as you approach. The dog extends her nose cautiously to sniff the bunch of ripe berries and wanders away disinterested. You've got to get back to the clearing. There must be another way. >go to bridge Though it looked like she was preoccupied with a gopher hole, at the last minute the dog lunges, growling, and you retreat. The dog sits and scratches her ear with its hind leg. >go to bridge The dog looks at you sourly and you don't dare proceed. The dog stands in the road and barks at you. >go to water Long stretch This is a really long stretch of the dirt road. You can see the heat shimmering off of the ground. Grass grows up through the middle of the road, and deep rocky ruts suggest it hasn't been used as anything but river access for hikers and fishermen in a long time. The long road is alternately shaded by pines and exposed to the scorching sun. The air smells hot with a particular piney fragrance that always reminds you of the foothills of the Sierras. At one place along this long stretch, there is a trail zigzagging down the bank toward the swimming hole. Otherwise the dirt road goes on for a ways along the creek downstream until it crosses the railroad tracks. Back the other way is the end of the dirt road and the stone bridge. Along the road, in a clear stretch on the uphill side of the road, is an impressively tall pine tree that you've climbed before. A dog barking can be heard somewhere down the road. >go to clearing Dirt Road The dirt road slopes down as it runs along the creek before turning into a trail over the stone bridge. The old creekside road is seldom used now and in poor condition with deep ruts and sandy areas. Nowadays it is only used by people walking down to Bear Creek from the highway, fishermen and berry pickers mostly. Here, someone's field backs up to the road and is separated by a chain link fence. The field is a mass of tall weeds and old junk cars The old dirt road continues on uphill for a long stretch running parallel to the creek downstream. Back toward the old stone bridge, the road narrows to a ragged trail as it crosses the bridge. The dog is wandering in the road. The dog chews on the grass on the side of the road for a second and then resumes its barking. >go to clearing It doesn't look like the dog is going to let you by. The dog is making a racket. >go to clearing The dog looks at you sourly and you don't dare proceed, but you seem committed to not let that stop you. Maybe there is another way to the blackberry clearing. The dog chews on the grass on the side of the road for a second and then resumes its barking. >go to river Long stretch This is a really long stretch of the dirt road. You can see the heat shimmering off of the ground. Grass grows up through the middle of the road, and deep rocky ruts suggest it hasn't been used as anything but river access for hikers and fishermen in a long time. The long road is alternately shaded by pines and exposed to the scorching sun. The air smells hot with a particular piney fragrance that always reminds you of the foothills of the Sierras. At one place along this long stretch, there is a trail zigzagging down the bank toward the swimming hole. Otherwise the dirt road goes on for a ways along the creek downstream until it crosses the railroad tracks. Back the other way is the end of the dirt road and the stone bridge. Along the road, in a clear stretch on the uphill side of the road, is an impressively tall pine tree that you've climbed before. >go to river As you step out of the oppressive heat, the cool shade is a welcome relief. Swimming hole Down a long wooded trail that zigs down the bank, you emerge from the thick woods, and the trees open up to the sky. The swimming hole lies before you, a deep pool carved out of and surrounded by smooth granite rocks. It is big enough that you can swim like they taught you at the YWCA from one end to the other, and deep enough to dive off the rocks. It is possible to walk along the rocky shore downstream to another spot along the creek. Back up the trail leads through the woods back to the dirt road. You can see a deep pool here. You've got to get back to the clearing. There must be another way. >swim Hmm, are you sure? You don't have a bathing suit, so you'd have to strip down to your undies. >yes There's no one here to talk to. >swim You look around again to see if you are alone. The path from the dirt road is deep forest and there is no one else at the swimming hole. So you carefully strip down to your skivvies, folding your clothes on the rocks. You stand at the edge of the rocks curling your toes over the edge. You hesitate before jumping in. At the count of three. One. Two. Two and a half. Two and three quarters. THREE! You jump in feet first and plummet straight down, the world of air and trees and clouds receding far above. You go down down down letting yourself fall slowly until you feel a jolt as your feet bump the rocks at the bottom of the pool. In the moment before you run out of air, you look up at an enchanted underwater world. Fingers of sunlight flicker through the green twilight. Even the very water around you shimmers before your eyes. You push off the bottom and return to the surface with a gasp of delicious air and climb back up on the rocks. You feel courageous. When you get out of the water, you dry quickly in the warm air. >again You leap in! Cold! But you get used to it, and it feels good. Actually, it feels great, as you swim around for a bit. When you get out of the water, the warm air feels good on your skin. >l Swimming hole You emerge from the thick woods, and the trees open up to the sky. The swimming hole lies before you, a deep pool carved out of and surrounded by smooth granite rocks. It is big enough that you can swim like they taught you at the YWCA from one end to the other, and deep enough to dive off the rocks. It is possible to walk along the rocky shore downstream to another spot along the creek. Back up the trail leads through the woods back to the dirt road. You can see your tennis shoes, your clothes, Grandpa's shirt, a flattened train penny., a brown paper bag (in which are three tuna sandwiches), a metal cube, Mika figure, a rock, some pine sap, a pail (in which is a bunch of ripe berries), and a deep pool here. >lie on rocks They're not something you can lie down on. You hear a dog barking in the distance on this side of the river. >l Swimming hole You emerge from the thick woods, and the trees open up to the sky. The swimming hole lies before you, a deep pool carved out of and surrounded by smooth granite rocks. It is big enough that you can swim like they taught you at the YWCA from one end to the other, and deep enough to dive off the rocks. It is possible to walk along the rocky shore downstream to another spot along the creek. Back up the trail leads through the woods back to the dirt road. You can see your tennis shoes, your clothes, Grandpa's shirt, a flattened train penny., a brown paper bag (in which are three tuna sandwiches), a metal cube, Mika figure, a rock, some pine sap, a pail (in which is a bunch of ripe berries), and a deep pool here. >go along shore You slowly gather your stuff and pull your clothes back on. You carefully navigate the rocky bank, making your way downstream. Crossing Here the creek broadens out a little and, except for a place in the middle where the current is swift, there are big stones, boulders really, scattered about in the river. The shoreline ends at a steep bank further downstream, though it looks like you might be able to cross the creek on the boulders in midstream. You can also go back along the rocks upstream. A log has floated down the creek and is wedged between the boulders in the middle of the creek. Something about the crossing makes you queasy like watching a glass fall off of a countertop in slow motion. >cross You are able to hop from boulder to boulder until you get to the middle where there is a sizable gab and a swift current. You balance unsteadily on the driftwood bobbing in the current until you can hop to the nearest boulder on the other side. For a moment, it looks like your efforts might dislodge the drifting log and send it downstream. It totters unsteadily at the edge of the swift current before settling back against the boulders on either side of the gap. You made it across the creek. You look back at your precarious bridge. You can't believe you made it over the rocks and over that piece of driftwood! Yeah! Heck with that stupid dog. Now you can make it back to Grandpa and Honey. This is the other side of the river, an area you've never been, but you think it connects with the overgrown blackberry trail. it's darker here and a little cooler. The woods look kind of scary on this side, and it makes you anxious. But you remind yourself that trees are just trees, there is nothing to be afraid of in the woods. Other Shore You are on the far side of the creek where trees come right down to the water. A wooded trail goes into the forest. The creek here curves around in a funny way, but you're pretty sure that this trail is the same as the overgrown part of blackberry trail. That was this way, right? This trail is darker and more wooded, but it looks like it gets lighter up ahead. Back the way you came, you can get most of the way across the creek by hopping from boulder to boulder. A log has floated down the creek and is wedged in the boulders in the middle of the creek. >go to trail Wooded Trail You are on a wooded trail going back toward Honey and Grandpa's blackberry picking spot. You think. You're pretty sure. You hear the creek over there on your right. Or is that another little stream? Best to keep going to the blackberry trail. It should connect up here in a bit. You look back the way you came. You could always go back across the creek. But then there's the dog. >go to blackberry trail Dark Woods You are no longer sure where you are. The woods look familiar and altogether strange. It's difficult to get your bearings. Here there is a far off sound of the creek. Wait, in the distance, you can just make out a burned out tree. You can see trails leading into the woods, but you are no longer sure which one takes you back to either the other shore or to the blackberry trail. Finally, your underwear is drying out. >go back You're not sure exactly how to get there. You take a quick look around you: Finally, aways off, there is a burned out tree. >go to tree You're not sure exactly how to get there. You take a quick look around you: Whew, in the distance you can just make out a burned out tree. >go to burned tree You carefully make your way through the forest. Dark Woods You are not completely certain which way to go. The woods look familiar and altogether strange. It's difficult to get your bearings. Here there is a burned out tree. In the distance, there is a white tree. >go to white tree You stumble around in the dark woods. Dark Woods You are confused. The woods look familiar and altogether strange. It's difficult to get your bearings. Here there is a white tree. Not too far off is a broad trail. >i You are carrying a flattened train penny., a brown paper bag, inside which are three tuna sandwiches, a metal cube, Mika figure, a rock, and a pail, inside which is a bunch of ripe berries and wearing Grandpa's shirt. And your hands are spotted with pine pitch, your ribs still ache, and your arm hurts a little. You are going to get in such big trouble. >drop rock You throw the rock and it disappears into the bushes. >drop pail Dropped. >l Dark Woods You are feeling lost. The woods look familiar and altogether strange. It's difficult to get your bearings. Here there is a white tree. Okay, that looks familiar, just over there a broad trail. You can see a pail (in which is a bunch of ripe berries) here. >go to trail You're not sure exactly how to get there. You take a quick look around you: Finally, aways off, there is a broad trail. >go to broad trail You follow an uncertain path through the wood. Dark Woods You are no longer sure where you are. The woods look familiar and altogether strange. It's difficult to get your bearings. Here there is a broad trail. Wait, in the distance, you can just make out a burned out tree. >go to burned out tree You bushwhack your way through the underbrush. Dark Woods You are not completely certain which way to go. The woods look familiar and altogether strange. It's difficult to get your bearings. Here there is a burned out tree. Not too far off is a bright patch in the woods. The afternoon shadows are lengthening and it is slowly getting on toward evening. You should be home by now. Honey and Grandpa will be worried. You fight back a brief wave of misery and trudge on. But it's no use. Part of the time you are pretty sure you are going in circles. The rest of the time you are scared you are getting lost deeper in the forest. For a while there, you felt you were close to finding your way back, but now everything looks completely unfamiliar -- and to be honest, a bit sinister. Like the forest is trying to keep you here, to lead you astray, lead you deeper into the woods. The trees lean in toward you. The underbrush grabs as your clothing. But no, that's stupid. You fight back panic. It's nobody's fault but your own. You should have been more careful, more observant. A good explorer scout would never get lost like this. Stupid stupid stupid, you berate yourself. Again, you think about your Honey and Grandpa at home. The smell of blackberry jam cooking. TV on the floor with your grandpa. And your mom. It's all too much. You have to admit it: You are hopelessly lost. You sit down right where you are and sob miserably. When your tears subside a little, you can't help thinking about how the dog looked as she tried to squirm under the fence, how tiny everything looked from the top of the tallest tree in the world, how Lee is not so bad and maybe is your new friend, the way the light sparkled under the water, and how the Cat Lady, Sharon, seems so lonely even with all her cats. You take stock of yourself: You are tired and miserable and scared. And your hands are spotted with pine pitch, your ribs still ache, and your arm hurts a little. You are going to get in such big trouble. But you are also sweet, unafraid, persistent, perceptive, resourceful, and brave. Please press SPACE to continue. Part 2 Survival Now my old world is gone for dead Cos I can't get it out of my head. -- Electric Light Orchestra, 1975 Please press SPACE to continue. *** To be continued... *** Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, QUIT, or UNDO the last command? > quit