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Off to the side, a man in his seventies watches the scene unfold, arms crossed, his eyes narrowing at the crowd. $name approaches him, weaving through the bustling mass of people. "Excuse me," $name starts, "Do you happen to know someone called $granny?" The old man uncrosses his arms and looks at $name, surprised. He strokes his chin thoughtfully before nodding. "$granny... Yes, I knew a girl by that name, back when I was in high school. She wasn’t always called 'Granny' back then, of course. She was this girl I liked." His voice softens, a wistful smile creeping across his weathered face. "Smart, full of life... Haven't seen her in years, though. No idea where she ended up." $name waits, sensing there’s more the man isn’t saying. Suddenly, the man’s expression darkens, his eyes hardening. "And this, this whole AI nonsense—" He gestures sharply at the crowd. "This is exactly why I don’t support it. Machines and algorithms? They can’t replace what we had, what people have between each other. Human interactions... those moments, those connections, they matter." His voice grows heated. "AI will never understand that. It will never replace real people." Wondering if this old man is Benjamin, $name decides to... [[Talk to the other people by Company C.]]

$name stands there, holding the scarf, her mind reeling. //Maybe it’s not hers,// she tries to convince herself. //Maybe it’s just a coincidence—someone else could have a scarf that looks like this.// (click: ?page)[== She examines it more closely, her fingers tracing the familiar mistakes she made as a beginner knitter. The evidence is undeniable. (click: ?page)[== //But what if Granny accidentally lost it?// she wonders, clinging to a fragile hope. //Maybe she dropped it on a walk, and someone else found it.// The thought offers a brief flicker of comfort, but it’s quickly smothered by a nagging fear. (click: ?page)[== Deep down, $name knows the truth. //If the scarf is here, it means that…// She can’t bring herself to complete the thought. Her chest tightens, the reality too painful to fully accept. (click: ?page)[== [[Someone]] shouts in the background.

$name’s thoughts began to drift, drawn back into the familiar comfort of old memories. She could almost hear $granny’s voice, warm and steady, telling one of her favorite stories: $granny settled into her chair, the creak of the old wood familiar. She looked at $name with a knowing smile. "You know, back in my day, things were a lot different. We actually had to go to school to learn things—language, math, history, all of it. Every day, we’d sit in classrooms and listen to teachers explain everything." She paused, her eyes growing distant, as if the memories were playing out in front of her. "And it wasn’t just about listening either. We had to take tests to prove what we learned. If you didn’t know the answer, well, that was tough luck. You couldn’t just ask a machine and get the answer in seconds. No, you had to study and really think. Tests were serious business." [[Continue: Story about "school"]] [[I don't think this is the correct story.]]

$name’s thoughts began to drift, drawn back into the familiar comfort of old memories. She could almost hear $granny’s voice, warm and steady, telling one of her favorite stories: $granny leaned back, her hands resting in her lap as she began. "It was the year 2020 when it all started—something none of us saw coming. A pandemic broke out, and they called it COVID-19. It spread fast, faster than anyone could react. Suddenly, the world we knew changed overnight." She sighed softly, as if recalling those tense, uncertain days. "It got really bad, $name. People were told to stay in their homes. Entire cities shut down—stores, schools, everything. You couldn’t go out, and if you did, you had to wear masks and keep your distance from everyone. It was eerie... like a ghost town outside. Some people didn’t have enough food because deliveries slowed down, or they lived too far from markets. I heard stories of people starving because they couldn’t get the supplies they needed. It was a hard time for so many." [[Continue: Story about COVID-19]] [[I don't think this is the correct story.]]

$name’s thoughts began to drift, drawn back into the familiar comfort of old memories. She could almost hear $granny’s voice, warm and steady, telling one of her favorite stories: $granny leaned back in her chair, a soft smile playing on her lips as she thought back to her younger days. "There was this boy I knew in high school, named Benjamin," she began, her voice warm with the memory. "I didn’t know anyone in my class when I first started, and let me tell you, that was terrifying. But Benjamin... he was always there." She paused, shaking her head slightly as if she still couldn’t quite believe it. "He had this way of showing up out of nowhere. Every time I’d be lost in thought or just trying to figure out where to sit, there he was, right in front of me, teasing me about something or another. He’d say things like, ‘Still lost? You should let me be your guide.’" She chuckled, the memory of his playful nature clear in her expression. "And I’d roll my eyes, but secretly, I was grateful. He made the whole school thing feel a little less scary." [[Continue: Story about Benjamin]] [[I don't think this is the correct story.]] (if: $clue is 2) [[Thinks she has an idea.]]

$name leaned in, already invested in the story. "Did you like him back then?" $granny sighed. "At first? I didn’t know what I felt. I was just trying to get by. But over time... yeah, I started to like him. It was strange, you know, the way he could always make me feel seen, even when I wanted to be invisible. But just when I figured out that I liked him, B up and left! He transferred to another school, and I didn’t even get the chance to tell him how I felt." She looked off into the distance for a moment, her smile fading slightly. "For a while, I thought that was it. That chapter was closed." [[Continue: Story about Benjamin.]]

$granny leaned in a little, as if sharing a secret. "Four years later, he came back. I couldn’t believe it! And this time, I wasn’t going to waste the chance. I told him. I told him I’d liked him all those years ago." She laughed softly, but there was a touch of wistfulness in her voice. "He smiled—looked at me the way he always did—and said he had no idea. But that was it. No big confession, no grand gesture. We went our separate ways again, and I haven’t seen him since." $name blinked. "That’s it? You just never saw him again?" $granny shrugged, the smile returning to her face. "That’s life sometimes. Not every story has a neat little ending. Some just stop, and you keep going." [[Continue: Story about AI Benjamin]]

$name raised an eyebrow. "So no AI to help you back then?" $granny let out a short laugh. "AI? Not a chance. Nowadays, you kids can just ask a question and get a perfect answer in seconds. Got a math problem? AI will solve it. Don’t understand a word? AI will explain it. And don’t even get me started on writing essays!" She shook her head, feigning exasperation. "You don’t even have to think about things anymore. Back then, you had to really know what you were doing. Every answer you gave was something you’d spent time learning." How did $name react? $name [[nods in agreement]], her expression serious as she takes in $granny’s words. $name's brow [[furrows slightly]], a hint of disapproval flashing across her face, but she chooses to stay silent.

(set:$ai to $ai-1)(set: $clue to $clue + 1) $name... [[Decides to take some time to think.]] (if: $clue is 2) [[Thinks she has an idea.]]

(set:$ai to $ai+1)(set: $clue to $clue + 1) $name... [[Decides to take some time to think.]] (if: $clue is 2) [[Thinks she has an idea.]]

$name’s eyes widened. "Starving?" $granny nodded gravely. "Yes, some places had it that bad. The supply chains just couldn’t keep up. And the hospitals? Overwhelmed. It was a tough time for everyone. She paused for a moment, then her tone shifted, a little lighter, more reflective. "But that’s also when technology really started to soar. People were stuck at home, so everything had to be done online. Schools turned into virtual classrooms, businesses had to run remotely, and suddenly we were all living in this digital world. That’s when AI really started to take off. We had no choice but to rely on technology to keep things going." $granny smiled slightly, the memory of the rapid transformation still fresh in her mind. "People who’d never used video calls before were suddenly working from home like it was the new normal. And as the demand for tech grew, companies started innovating faster than ever. AI, which had been slowly making progress, became a central part of our lives. It started as tools to help us with simple tasks, but over time, it became smarter, faster, more useful. By the time the pandemic passed, the world was different. AI became so advanced that, well... it’s what you see today." [[Contine: Story about COVID-19.]]

$name listened closely, fascinated by the idea of a world without the technology she took for granted. "So, the pandemic changed everything?" $granny nodded. "It forced the world to adapt. People realized that technology was the key to survival—whether it was keeping the economy going or simply staying connected with loved ones. And once we relied on it, there was no turning back. That was the moment when the world shifted, and everything we know about technology today started to take shape." She leaned forward a bit, looking at $name with a mix of wisdom and nostalgia. "It was a hard time, but in some ways, it led to the future we’re living in now." (set: $clue to $clue + 1) $name... [[Decides to take some time to think.]] (if: $clue is 2) [[Thinks she has an idea.]]

Company C is the nation’s largest and most influential tech corporation, specializing in the development of AI-driven tools that permeate nearly every aspect of modern life. Among their flagship products are //StoryAI//, an advanced creative assistant for writers and content creators; //ModelAI//, a predictive analytics platform used in sectors ranging from healthcare to marketing; and //FinanceAI//, a tool revolutionizing personal and corporate finance management through automated insights and decision-making. (click: ?page)[== With a presence in over 90% of households, Company C has become an essential part of daily life. From personalized recommendations to managing entire industries, their AI systems are integrated into education, business, and government functions. Praised for their innovation, but increasingly criticized for their monopolistic influence and control over data, Company C is seen by many as both a technological pioneer and a symbol of modern dependency on artificial intelligence. (click: ?page)[== As the company continues to expand its reach, critics argue that it blurs the lines between convenience and control, leaving society questioning how much autonomy remains in a world increasingly dictated by algorithms. (click: ?page)[== Talk to [[Granny]].

The rest of the day is a blur of chants, speeches, and shared moments of solidarity. The crowd feels like a family, each person bound by their fears and hopes for the future. As the sun sets and the protesters begin to disperse, $name feels a strange sense of belonging, despite the exhaustion weighing on her. The bond she has formed with these people, strangers at first, feels like a lifeline. (click: ?page)[== “We’ll meet again tomorrow, bright and early,” Clara reminds her as they part ways. “Same place. Hopefully, we’ll all still be here.” (click: ?page)[== $name nods, though the unease lingers in the pit of her stomach. There’s no telling who might disappear overnight. But for now, today had been calm, a rare moment of peace in the storm that had become their lives. (click: ?page)[== Back home, $name collapses onto her bed, her body aching from the long day. Her mind swirls with thoughts of $granny, of the people she met, of the unknown danger that looms over them all. But even with the uncertainty of tomorrow hanging over her, $name feels a flicker of hope. (click: ?page)[== Tomorrow, she would stand with them again. And maybe, just maybe, they would find a way to stop the disappearances.

$granny paused thoughtfully, her expression shifting to something more distant. "Once AI became a thing," she continued, "I tried to make an AI version of Benjamin. I thought maybe, somehow, I could bring back those moments." Her voice faltered slightly. "But it didn’t work. No matter how many prompts I entered or how much data I fed it, AI Benjamin wasn’t like the real Benjamin at all." She sighed deeply, the lines on her face seeming a little deeper. "I don’t know if it’s because I’ve changed, or if AI just doesn’t work that way. Maybe... just maybe... AI can’t stir and receive emotions the way a human does. It can’t capture that... spark." There was a heavy pause, her words lingering in the air. $name watched her, feeling a strange mix of sadness and understanding. For all the convenience and efficiency AI offered, it still couldn’t replicate the warmth, the unpredictability, or the depth of human connection. There was a long silence, as if the air itself held the weight of her realization. (set: $boy to 1)(set: $clue to $clue+1) $name... [[Decides to take some time to think.]] (if: $clue is 2) [[Thinks she has an idea.]]

(set:$name to (prompt:"This is a story of an 11-year-old girl. What is the little girl's name (Don't forget to capitalize the first letter)?",""))(click: ?page)[== The grocery store is quiet, with only the soft hum of the refrigerators breaking the silence. Dim morning light filters through the dusty windows, casting long shadows across the empty aisles. (border:"solid")[Hi! Welcome to my game. As you may have noticed, your character is in a grocery store. Continue clicking on the page until you see items or people you can interact with.] (click: ?page)[== $name sits cross-legged behind the counter, the cool metal of the register against her back. Outside, a few early risers pass by, heads down, murmuring into their PAIs without a glance up. The air feels still, almost heavy with routine. (click: ?page)[== $name’s eyes wander to her own PAI, the temptation of mindless dramas pulling at her thoughts. Nearby, her [[dad]] moves methodically along the shelves, restocking cans and adjusting labels, his movements steady and practiced. (border:"solid")[Now try to talk with Dad!]

Dad looks over from the shelves, noticing $name’s distracted expression. “Not many customers this morning,” he remarks, a hint of a smile on his face. “Seems like a slow start.” (click: ?page)[== $name nods, glancing at the empty store. “Yeah, pretty quiet,” she agrees. (click: ?page)[== Dad pauses his organizing, then turns to $name. “Why don’t you take a break and visit your Granny? Her house is just around the corner of the park,” he suggests warmly. “You usually enjoy your mornings there.” (click: ?page)[== $name thinks about it, a small smile forming. “Maybe I will,” she says, already imagining the quiet morning at Granny’s, with the sun just beginning to warm the air. (click: ?page)[== (border:"solid")[That’s it! You’ve just completed your character’s first interaction with Dad. Have fun exploring the adventure ahead, and remember to keep an eye out for the blue-highlighted words!] (click: ?page)[== $name goes to [[Granny's house]].

(set:$granny to "Granny" + (prompt:"What name do you use to call Granny?"," ")) "$granny!" $name calls out as she steps into the room. $granny turns around, her face breaking into a big smile. “Well, look who’s here!” she says warmly. She offers $name a boiled egg, and together, they carry the rest of the eggs to the table. (click: ?page)[== As they settle down, $granny asks, “Are you helping out at the grocery store today?” $name shakes her head and explains that business is slow, with hardly any customers coming by. (click: ?page)[== $granny nods thoughtfully, then brightens. “Why don’t you help me with some origami instead?” she suggests, holding up a half-folded paper frog. $name smiles, knowing this was one of $granny’s favorite pastimes. $granny often makes [[paper frogs]] to share with the children she meets at the park.

Granny’s house is modest, yet cozy enough. From the doorway, $name catches a glimpse of Granny working in the kitchen, though she can’t see what she’s making. Still, she knows Granny’s routine well—boiled eggs are her usual morning choice. (click: ?page)[== On the dining table, there’s a cup of warm tea and two slices of bread, set neatly as if waiting for company. (click: ?page)[== Granny’s phone blares the news from the couch, its volume high for her hearing. (click: ?page)[== Beyond the kitchen, $name can see into Granny’s bedroom, where the bed is neatly made and the sheets are smoothed without a wrinkle. (click: ?page)[== $name... Talks to [[Granny]]. Looks at Granny's [[phone]]. Listens to the [[news]].

$name picks up Granny's phone, a familiar, older model with a worn case. It’s a stark contrast to the sleek PAIs most people use for the convenience of AI-driven living. (click: ?page)[== $name recalls asking Granny about this choice once. Granny had simply explained that she preferred to keep things a bit complex, believing that it kept her mind sharp. (click: ?page)[== The idea of using PAI unsettled her—she felt it would take control of her life, handling every detail too efficiently, leaving little room for her own thoughts. Talk to [[Granny]]. What is [[PAI]]?

$name listens to the news blaring from Granny’s phone. The anchor reports that a man has made headlines by marrying his PAI, a testament to how integrated the technology has become in people’s lives. (click: ?page)[== In response, Company C announces plans to release PartnerAI, a new model designed for emotional support and even dating options. (click: ?page)[== Meanwhile, the government is pushing forward a bill aimed at encouraging pregnancy, citing growing concerns over the decline in relationships between real people as more individuals turn to AI companions. (click: ?page)[== Talk to [[Granny]]. What is [[Company C]]? What is [[PAI]]?

PAI, short for Personal Artificial Intelligence, is a product launched by Company C three years ago. It encompasses all of Company C’s AI models, designed to manage everything from scheduling to household chores. (click: ?page)[== Marketed as a "personal, mindreading servant," PAI promises to anticipate your needs and handle tasks seamlessly, making life as convenient as possible. It has quickly become the top-selling product in the nation, dominating the market with its promise of effortless living. (click: ?page)[== Talk to [[Granny]].

$name and $granny fold paper frogs together, their hands moving in a practiced rhythm. The morning passes peacefully, filled with the soft sounds of rustling paper and birds chirping outside the window. Soon, they manage to fill an entire basket with colorful paper frogs, each one neatly stacked and ready to be shared. (click: ?page)[== $granny looks at $name with a warm smile. “Would you like to stay for lunch?” she asks. (click: ?page)[== Just as $name is about to say yes, a holographic image of her dad suddenly pops up above her PAI. “$name, could you come back to the store? We’ve got more customers than expected,” he requests. (click: ?page)[== With a sigh, $name stands up, a pang of disappointment tugging at her. “I have to go help Dad,” she says apologetically. (click: ?page)[== $granny nods, understanding. “We can meet at the park tomorrow morning to hand out the paper frogs,” she suggests. (click: ?page)[== $name smiles, her spirits lifting a bit. “I’ll be there,” she promises, before stepping out of the house and heading back to the store. (click: ?page)[== And [[tomorrow morning]]...

The next morning, $name tells her parents that she’s heading to the park to meet $granny. Before she leaves, she helps them set out products and organize the shelves with her mom, making sure everything is in order for the day ahead. (click: ?page)[== Once the work is done, $name prepares two sandwiches—one for herself and one for $granny—carefully wrapping them up. (click: ?page)[== With the sandwiches packed, $name sets off for the [[park]], eager to spend another day with $granny and pass out the paper frogs they made to the children.

It’s a cloudy morning as $name steps out of the store, hesitating for a moment about whether she needs an umbrella. After a brief pause, she decides against it and heads out. (click: ?page)[== She arrives at one of the large fields in the park, the familiar spot where she and $granny always meet. The grass stretches out wide, dotted with morning dew, while occasional passersby jog by. To $name’s left, next to the field, a gardener is resting on a bench. (click: ?page)[== But $granny is not here. (click: ?page)[== //Should I [[wait]]?// $name wonders to herself, a knot of uncertainty forming in her chest. //Or maybe I should [[ask around]] if anybody has seen $granny.// (set:$time to 0) (set:$ask to 0) (set:$wait to 0)

(set:$time to $time+1)(set:$wait to $wait+1)(if:$wait is 1 and $ask <2)[$name decides to wait in the park for a while, hoping that $granny is simply running late. The city is still asleep, with a few people passing by, their steps steady but unhurried. . (click: ?page)[== //Maybe $granny is just not awake yet,// $name thinks, trying to reassure herself as she sits down on the damp grass, her eyes still scanning the field for any sign of $granny. (click: ?page)[== //Should I [[wait]]?// $name wonders to herself, a knot of uncertainty forming in her chest. //Or maybe I should [[ask around]] if anybody has seen $granny.//](if:$wait is 2 and $ask <2)[$name decides to wait in the park for a while, her gaze lingering on the path where Granny usually appears. The city is starting to buzz with life—cars beep in the distance, and conversations blend into a low hum. Parents and children begin to trickle into the park, adding to the growing energy of the morning. Some parents set picnic mats on the field, preparing for a day of play. (click: ?page)[== $name watches the scene unfold, her anticipation mixing with uncertainty. (click: ?page)[== //Should I [[wait]]? Should I [[ask around]]?// $name wonders to herself, a knot of uncertainty forming in her chest. //Or maybe I should to go to $granny's [[house]].//](if:$wait is 3 and $ask <2)[$name decides to wait in the park for a while longer. As time passes, more families begin to arrive, filling the space with laughter and chatter. Children greet each other excitedly, quickly breaking off into playful groups. Some kids dash across the field, chasing one another with joyful squeals. Others blow bubbles, watching them drift and pop in the air, while a few children are busy flying kites, the colorful tails fluttering in the breeze. (click: ?page)[== $name watches the scene unfold, but her eyes still wander toward the path, searching for $granny. (click: ?page)[== //Should I [[wait]]? Should I [[ask around]]?// $name wonders to herself, a knot of uncertainty forming in her chest. //Or maybe I should to go to $granny's [[house]].//](if:$wait is 4 and $ask <2)[To $name’s right, a parent suddenly approaches her, a curious look on his face. “You’re with the granny, aren’t you?” he asks. (click: ?page)[== “Yes,” $name replies quickly, a mix of hope and confusion in her voice. “What… do you know where she is?” (click: ?page)[== The man shakes his head. “No, I thought you would know. I actually wanted to ask you about this,” he says, handing $name a small green piece of paper. (click: ?page)[== $name's eyes widen as she reads the word “ANTIAI” written on it. She notices faint creases along its edges—the telltale signs of it having been folded before. //This isn’t just any paper; it’s likely a piece of paper that $granny and I used to make the paper frogs.// (click: ?page)[== //Waiting here probably won’t help,// $name thinks to herself, feeling a mix of uncertainty and urgency. //Should I [[ask around]]? Or should I go to $granny’s [[house]]?//](if:$wait is 1 and $ask is 2)[$name decides to wait in the park for a while, hoping that $granny is simply running late. The city is still asleep, with a few people passing by, their steps steady but unhurried. . (click: ?page)[== //Maybe $granny is just not awake yet,// $name thinks, trying to reassure herself as she sits down on the damp grass, her eyes still scanning the field for any sign of $granny. (click: ?page)[== //Should I [[wait]]?// $name wonders to herself, a knot of uncertainty forming in her chest. //Maybe $granny will come in a few minutes.//](if:$wait is 2 and $ask is 2)[$name decides to wait in the park for a while, her gaze lingering on the path where Granny usually appears. The city is starting to buzz with life—cars beep in the distance, and conversations blend into a low hum. Parents and children begin to trickle into the park, adding to the growing energy of the morning. Some parents set picnic mats on the field, preparing for a day of play. (click: ?page)[== $name watches the scene unfold, her anticipation mixing with uncertainty. (click: ?page)[== //Should I [[wait]]?// $name wonders to herself, a knot of uncertainty forming in her chest. //Or maybe I should to go to $granny's [[house]].//](if:$wait is 3 and $ask is 2)[$name decides to wait in the park for a while longer. As time passes, more families begin to arrive, filling the space with laughter and chatter. Children greet each other excitedly, quickly breaking off into playful groups. Some kids dash across the field, chasing one another with joyful squeals. Others blow bubbles, watching them drift and pop in the air, while a few children are busy flying kites, the colorful tails fluttering in the breeze. (click: ?page)[== $name watches the scene unfold, but her eyes still wander toward the path, searching for $granny. (click: ?page)[== //Should I [[wait]]?// $name wonders to herself, a knot of uncertainty forming in her chest. //Or maybe I should to go to $granny's [[house]].//](if:$wait is 4 and $ask is 2)[To $name’s right, a parent suddenly approaches her, a curious look on his face. “You’re with the granny, aren’t you?” he asks. (click: ?page)[== “Yes,” $name replies quickly, a mix of hope and confusion in her voice. “What… do you know where she is?” (click: ?page)[== The man shakes his head. “No, I thought you would know. I actually wanted to ask you about this,” he says, handing $name a small green piece of paper. (click: ?page)[== $name's eyes widen as she reads the word “ANTIAI” written on it. She notices faint creases along its edges—the telltale signs of it having been folded before. //This isn’t just any paper; it’s likely a piece of paper that $granny and I used to make the paper frogs.// (click: ?page)[== //Waiting here probably won’t help,// $name thinks to herself, feeling a mix of uncertainty and urgency. //Should I go to $granny’s [[house]]?//]

(set:$time to $time+1)(set:$ask to $ask+1)(if:$ask is 1 and $time<4)[$name approaches the gardener, who is sitting on the bench, taking a short break. “Excuse me,” she asks hesitantly, “Have you seen an old lady around here? She’s in her 70s, goes by $granny. We were supposed to meet here.” (click: ?page)[== The gardener looks up, a puzzled expression crossing his face. “No, I don’t know anybody like that,” he replies, shaking his head slowly. (click: ?page)[== $name’s heart sinks a little, but she manages a polite nod. “Thank you anyway,” she says, stepping back as uncertainty begins to creep in again. (click: ?page)[== //Should I [[wait]]?// $name wonders to herself, a knot of uncertainty forming in her chest. //Or maybe I should [[ask around]] if anybody has seen $granny.//](if:$ask is 2 and $time<4)[Undeterred, $name turns her attention to the people jogging past. She tries to approach one of the passersby, waving to get their attention. But each time, they either ignore her completely or offer a quick, dismissive shake of the head before hurrying along. No one seems willing to stop and talk, leaving $name standing alone, frustration beginning to build. (click: ?page)[== //Should I [[wait]]?// $name wonders to herself, a knot of uncertainty forming in her chest. //Or maybe I should to go to $granny's [[house]].//](if:$ask is 1 and $time>3)[$name approaches the gardener, who is sitting on the bench, taking a short break. “Excuse me,” she asks hesitantly, “Have you seen an old lady around here? She’s in her 70s, goes by $granny. We were supposed to meet here.” (click: ?page)[== The gardener looks up, a puzzled expression crossing his face. “No, I don’t know anybody like that,” he replies, shaking his head slowly. (click: ?page)[== $name’s heart sinks a little, but she manages a polite nod. “Thank you anyway,” she says, stepping back as uncertainty begins to creep in again. (click: ?page)[== //Should I [[ask around]]?// $name wonders to herself, a knot of uncertainty forming in her chest. //Or maybe I should to go to $granny's [[house]].//](if:$ask is 2 and $time>3)[Undeterred, $name turns her attention to the people jogging past. She tries to approach one of the passersby, waving to get their attention. But each time, they either ignore her completely or offer a quick, dismissive shake of the head before hurrying along. No one seems willing to stop and talk, leaving $name standing alone, frustration beginning to build. (click: ?page)[== //Maybe I should to go to $granny's [[house]]?// $name wonders to herself, a knot of uncertainty forming in her chest.]

$name arrives at $granny’s house, and a sense of unease washes over her. The front door is slightly ajar, swinging gently as if it was recently disturbed. Her heart starts to race as she moves closer, her footsteps quickening with each step. (click: ?page)[== (if:$time<4)[Just then, a young man—looking to be in his 30s—emerges from the house. He’s wearing a cap, with his head lowered, obscuring his expression. Something about his hurried movements and the way he avoids looking up feels out of place, only adding to $name's growing sense of dread. (click: ?page)[== $name... [[Talks]] to the man. [[Walks]] past the man without talking to him. ](if:$time<6 and $time>3)[Just then, a young man—looking to be in his 30s—emerges from the house. He’s wearing a cap, his head slightly lowered, but his eyes are scanning the area, clearly searching for someone. His expression is tense, with a mix of clarity and worry. Suddenly, his gaze fixes on $name, a sign of recognition flashing across his face. Hope appears in his eyes as he steps forward, eager to [[talk]].](if:$time>5)[Go in through the opened [[door]].]

(set:$man1 to 1)$name stops the man, her voice tense. "Why are you coming out of $granny’s house?" (click: ?page)[== The man pauses, examining $name for a moment, as if trying to read her. Just when $name thinks he might not respond, he suddenly asks, “How do you feel about the color green?” (click: ?page)[== Caught off guard, $name stammers, "What?" (click: ?page)[== The man studies her a bit longer, noticing her genuine confusion. He then shakes his head slightly. “Nevermind,” he mutters. (click: ?page)[== Reaching into his pocket, he hands $name a small slip of paper with a number written on it: 239-836-9385. “I can’t stay for long,” he says urgently. “If you want to know what happened to your Granny, call me later.” (click: ?page)[== Before $name can say another word, the man turns and hurries away, disappearing down the street. (click: ?page)[== $name... Goes in through the opened [[door]]. Returns to [[home]].

(set:$man1 to 1)Something about the man feels off—enough for $name to know she must not let him suspect she’s here for Granny. (click: ?page)[== Trying to appear casual, $name steps to the side, keeping her distance as the man walks past her. Her heart pounds, but she keeps her face neutral, watching from the corner of her eye until he disappears down the street. (click: ?page)[== Once she’s sure the man is gone, $name... Goes in through the opened [[door]]. Returns to [[home]].

(set:$man2 to 1)The young man stops $name. He’s tall, with sharp features partially obscured by the cap on his head. His clothes are slightly rumpled, as if he’s been on the move for a while. (click: ?page)[== “How do you feel about the color green?” he asks, his voice low but filled with anticipation. (click: ?page)[== $name blinks, confused. “What do you mean?” (click: ?page)[== He quickly adds, “It’s okay if you don’t know. I thought your Granny would have told you, but it’s fine.” His gaze softens slightly. “I know who you are—your Granny showed me your picture once. Do you know where she is?” (click: ?page)[== $name shakes her head. “We were supposed to meet at the park this morning, but she never showed up,” she explains. (click: ?page)[== The man’s face darkens with concern. He pauses, lost in thought for a moment, then mutters, “Hmm. Maybe... no, it can't be…” His eyes snap back to $name, urgency returning. “I need to leave and check something out. If you need me, here’s my number.” He hands her a slip of green paper with 583-963-8932 written on it. “Call me whenever.” (click: ?page)[== Without another word, he turns and rushes off, his steps quick and determined. (click: ?page)[== $name... Goes in through the opened [[door]]. Returns to [[home]].

(set:$indoor to 1)$name steps cautiously through the open door, a chill running down her spine. The sight that greets her is unsettling—$granny’s usually tidy home is in disarray, as if someone had been searching through it in a hurry. (click: ?page)[== Chairs are overturned, their legs awkwardly sticking up, and a tissue box lies on its side, with tissues scattered across the floor. Drawers are half-open, and papers are strewn across the table. (click: ?page)[== $name... Looks around the [[rooms]]. Returns to [[home]] and asks her parents for help.

(set:$indoor to 1) (if: $warning is not 1)[Feeling unsure about the situation, $name decides to return home. She tries to talk to her parents about $granny’s disappearance, but they’re too busy with the store, moving quickly between tasks. $name waits, her worry growing, until they finally take a short break. (click: ?page)[== $name seizes the chance. “$granny was supposed to meet me at the park this morning,” she begins, her voice heavy with concern. “But she never showed up. I even went to her house, and the front door was open. (if:$indoor is 1)[The house is a mess. ](if:$c is 1)[I think… I think $granny is associated with the anti-AI people,” $name says, her voice hesitant, "]It just doesn’t feel right.(if:$coffee is 1)[ I think something happened to $granny.]” (click: ?page)[== Her parents exchange a brief, knowing glance, something unspoken passing between them. $name catches it, her heart sinking as if she already knows what it means. (click: ?page)[== [[Ending 1]]](if:$warning is 1)[$name’s PAI flickers on, projecting directions for her to return home. The screen glows with a cold, sterile light that only deepens the tension in the room. There’s something about the atmosphere that makes it clear—if she doesn’t follow her PAI’s guidance, her life, and her parents’ safety, could be in serious danger. With a heavy heart, $name turns and leaves the building, her steps slow and resigned. (click: ?page)[== When she arrives home, the familiar sight of the small grocery store offers little comfort. Her parents are just finishing up with the last customer, preparing to close for the night. They look up, relieved to see her. “What happened? Did you have a good time with $granny?” they ask, their smiles warm and unsuspecting. (click: ?page)[== $name forces a smile back, trying to sound as cheerful as she can manage. “Yes, it was fine,” she replies, her voice hollow beneath the forced lightness. She heads to her room quickly, unable to maintain the facade any longer. (click: ?page)[== Once alone, she sits on the edge of her bed, the events of the day replaying in her mind. //This has to stay a secret,// she tells herself, the weight of the promise settling heavily on her chest. //Everything that happened today must never be spoken of.//]

Her mom gently pats $name’s head, her voice soft but distant. “$granny had to go somewhere, that’s all,” she says with a forced calmness. “Everything’s fine.” (click: ?page)[== But the words hang heavy, and $name can sense the emptiness behind them. There’s a strange finality in the air, one that makes the room feel colder. (click: ?page)[== Her dad tries to sound encouraging, his tone too cheerful to be genuine. “Why don’t you make some more paper frogs?” he suggests. “Maybe when you have a basket full of them, you’ll see $granny again.” (click: ?page)[== $name looks down, her eyes stinging. She nods slowly, feeling the weight of his words. Somehow, she knows that filling the basket won’t bring $granny back, but she heads toward the paper anyway, folding slowly, each crease more deliberate than the last. As the sun sets outside, a quiet stillness fills the house, a feeling of absence lingering in the air.

$name carefully walks past the overturned chairs and scattered tissues, making her way into the kitchen. Her eyes land on a piece of pork resting on the cutting board, slowly thawing. (click: ?page)[== She can almost imagine $granny taking it out of the fridge, humming her favorite song as she prepared to cut it. Now, however, the scene is unsettling—the knife lies on the floor, surrounded by a few drops of meat juice, adding to the mess. (click: ?page)[== (if:$man1 is not 1)[$name goes into the [[bedroom]]. $name returns to [[home]] and asks her parents for help.](if:$man1 is 1)[A [[young man]] comes charging in.]

(set:$man2 to 1)$name turns quickly as she hears someone enter the house. A young man bursts in, his eyes widening in shock at the chaotic scene before him—the overturned chairs, scattered tissues, and the fallen knife. His gaze snaps to $name, and he immediately pulls out a gun, aiming it toward her. (click: ?page)[== Startled, $name instinctively steps back but almost slips on the knife lying on the floor. Her heart pounds as she tries to regain her balance, her eyes locked on the weapon. (click: ?page)[== But then, [[the young man]]’s expression shifts. His eyes narrow, focusing on $name’s face, and a sudden wave of recognition washes over him. Relief softens his features, and he slowly lowers the gun.

$name steps into the bedroom, finding it in the same disarray as the rest of the house. The sheets, normally smoothed neatly over the bed, are now crumpled up in a heap. (click: ?page)[== A vase that once sat by the window lies shattered on the floor, its pieces scattered across the room. The drawers have been pulled out harshly, left dangling half-open as if whoever searched through them didn’t bother to push them back. (click: ?page)[== The bed itself is tilted awkwardly, as if it was bumped or shifted. The closet door hangs ajar, and a few dresses are strewn carelessly on the floor. (click: ?page)[== $name... Checks the [[drawers]]. Checks the [[bed]]. Checks the [[closet]].

The young man takes a cautious step forward, glancing outside through the open door, making sure no one else is around. Satisfied, he closes the door behind him with a firm click, causing $name’s stomach to tighten in fear. (click: ?page)[== With the gun no longer in sight and the door shut, the man’s demeanor becomes more relaxed. “How do you feel about the color green?” he asks, his voice now calm and casual. (click: ?page)[== Still shaken, $name stammers, “What do you mean?” (click: ?page)[== He smiles faintly, realizing she’s unfamiliar with the code. “It’s fine,” he says reassuringly. “I thought your Granny would have told you, but I know who you are. She showed me your picture once. Do you know [[where she is]]?”

$name shakes her head. “We were supposed to meet at the park this morning, but she never showed up,” she explains. (click: ?page)[== The man’s face darkens with concern. He mutters to himself, “Hmm. Maybe... no, it can't be...” His eyes return to $name, urgency still in them. “I need to check something out. If you need me, here’s my number.” He hands her a slip of green paper with 583-963-8932 written on it. “Call me whenever.” (click: ?page)[== With a final glance around, he slips out of the house, leaving $name in stunned silence. (click: ?page)[== $name goes into the [[bedroom]]. $name returns to [[home]] and asks her parents for help.

$name turns her attention to the closet, her nose immediately assaulted by a strong, almost nauseating scent. Several perfume bottles seem to have broken, leaving a lingering, overwhelming aroma around the area. She notices a stack of green posters tucked away inside the closet. (click: ?page)[== Curious, she picks one up and unfolds it. In bold, large print at the top, the poster reads: "Tired of all the eyes watching you? Take back your privacy!" (click: ?page)[== $name... Continues reading the [[poster]]. Continues searching in the [[bedroom]]. Returns to [[home]] and asks her parents for help.

(set:$drawer to 1)$name decides to check the open drawer, her hands shaking slightly as she pulls it out further. Inside, Granny's earrings and necklaces are tangled together in a messy heap. Several of Granny’s pill bottles have been thrown inside carelessly, their caps missing and a few pills scattered across the bottom of the drawer. (click: ?page)[== Amidst the chaos, one thing stands out—an oddly empty rectangular space, as if something had once been there. It’s clear that an item has been removed, either before the frantic search or during it. (click: ?page)[== $name... Continues searching in the [[bedroom]]. Returns to [[home]] and asks her parents for help.

(set:$color to (prompt:"What is your favorite color?",""))As $name scans the room, a spot of $color catches her eye from under the bed. Curiosity piqued, she walks over and crouches down to see what it is. Reaching beneath the bed, she pulls out a thick, worn notebook. The cover is faded, the edges frayed, and it looks like it has been opened and flipped through countless times. (click: ?page)[== $name lifts it up, turning it over in her hands. (if:$drawer is 1)[It seems to be just the right size to fit into the empty rectangular space in the drawer.] (click: ?page)[== $name... Opens the [[notebook]]. Continues searching in the [[bedroom]]. Returns to [[home]] and asks her parents for help.

(set:$notebook to 1)$name opens the thick, worn notebook. The first few pages are filled with lines of messy, almost unreadable handwriting—all of it unmistakably $granny’s. She flips through them quickly, trying to decipher anything meaningful, but the words are too jumbled. (click: ?page)[== Then, she comes across a rough sketch of a familiar green paper frog, the one $granny makes. It’s drawn hastily, yet its details are clear. (click: ?page)[== $name turns to the next page, finding a list of dates and locations scribbled down. Some of the locations are familiar—like the park near $name’s house—but others are unknown. The name "Company C" appears repeatedly, standing out among the entries. (click: ?page)[== The next page reveals a rough sketch of the city. The center of the city, where Company C’s headquarters stands, is marked with a bold star. A few other spots are circled on the map: one circles the park next to $name’s house, another circles a coffee shop, named Coffee Shop A, just down the street from Company C. Oddly, there’s a question mark next to a second-hand shop across the street from the coffee shop. (click: ?page)[== On the following page, $name sees a list of names written under the bold title ANTIAI. The first few names stand out clearly: - Clara Wong - Elias Smith - Dr. Halverson - Rhea Johnson - Marcus Turner The list continues beyond these names, filling the page with many more entries, though some are scribbled or faded, making them harder to read. (click: ?page)[== $name... Wants to take some time to [[think]] about the situation. Continues searching in the [[bedroom]]. Returns to [[home]] and asks her parents for help.

(set:$poster to 1)In smaller print beneath the slogan, $name reads the following message: "AI is now everywhere, monitoring every step you take. With Company C controlling 90% of the market, it effectively controls our nation..." (click: ?page)[== "...Governors from ALL parties are receiving election sponsorships from Company C, including but not limited to Governor James Rivera from the Democrats, Governor Anne Fletcher from the Republicans, and Governor Michael Chen from the Independents..." (click: ?page)[== "...We must stand up before the company completely takes over our lives. Join the resistance!" (click: ?page)[== At the bottom of the poster, there’s a phone number: 583-9xx-xxxx, but the last few digits are unreadable, the ink blurred and smudged. (click: ?page)[== $name wrinkles her nose as the overpowering scent of perfume returns, lingering in the air around the poster. //Maybe the alcohol in the perfume caused the blurring,// she thinks, unsure if it was an accident—or an attempt to erase evidence. (click: ?page)[== $name... Wants to take some time to [[think]] about the situation. Continues searching in the [[bedroom]]. Returns to [[home]] and asks her parents for help.

$name feels overwhelmed by the flood of ideas racing through her mind. There are so many anti-AI items scattered throughout Granny’s room that she can barely make sense of it all. (click: ?page)[== $name remembers seeing people who actively rejected AI, living as if they were stuck in the 1980s. They were easy to spot—dressed in outdated clothes, wandering aimlessly near Company C, holding signs that protested the rise of technology. They clung to a simpler time, some even avoiding all modern conveniences, speaking passionately about disconnecting from the digital world entirely. (click: ?page)[== $name takes a deep breath, knowing she needs to clear her thoughts and decide on her next move. //Maybe I should…//(set:$c to 1) (click: ?page)[== Return to [[home]] and asks my parents for help. Look for clues near [[Company C headquarters]]. (if:$man1 is 1)[Call the number: [[239-836-9385]].] (if:$man2 is 1)[Call the number: [[583-963-8932 ]].]

(set:$num1 to 1)$name dials the number using her PAI, her fingers trembling slightly as she presses the call button. After a few rings, a pleasant voice answers. (click: ?page)[== “Hello?” the woman says, her tone warm but cautious. “Who are you?” (click: ?page)[== $name hesitates for a moment before speaking. “Um, my name is $name. I got this number from a man wearing a cap this morning. Do you know anything about $granny’s whereabouts?” (click: ?page)[== The woman pauses briefly, then responds with an unexpected enthusiasm. “Ah, the missing cases! Yes, I know exactly what you’re talking about.” Her voice is smooth and inviting, almost as if she’s been expecting this call. “You really should come by and discuss this further in person. It would be much clearer that way.” (click: ?page)[== $name frowns, unsure. “Where?” (click: ?page)[== The woman’s tone remains cheerful, almost too welcoming. “At Company C headquarters, of course. We’ll meet in the lobby, and I can share everything we know. It’ll be safer to talk face-to-face.” (click: ?page)[== Before $name can respond or ask more questions, the call ends abruptly. Moments later, her PAI pings with a message—directions to Company C headquarters. (click: ?page)[== $name... Goes to [[Company C headquarters]]. Goes [[home]] instead.

(set:$num2 to 1)$name decides to call the number using her PAI. After a few rings, a familiar voice answers—it’s the young man she met earlier that day. (click: ?page)[== “$name?” he asks, sounding both surprised and relieved. (click: ?page)[== “Yes, it’s me,” $name responds quickly. “Do you know where $granny is?” (click: ?page)[== There’s a brief pause on the other end. “Things are… a bit complicated right now,” the man finally replies, his voice low and serious. “But I might be able to help.” (click: ?page)[== $name’s heart quickens. “What do you mean?” (click: ?page)[== The man’s tone becomes more urgent. “I can’t explain everything over the phone. Meet me at Coffee Shop A—it’s near Company C headquarters.” (click: ?page)[== $name remains silent for a moment, unsure of whether to trust him. “I’ll… think about it,” she finally says, still weighing her options. (click: ?page)[== “Alright,” the man replies, his tone softer. “Just be careful, whatever you decide.” (click: ?page)[== $name... Goes to [[Company C headquarters]]. Goes [[home]] instead.

$name arrives at the headquarter. As usual, a large crowd is gathered outside its towering headquarters. (click: ?page)[== The building looms over them, a symbol of the grip it holds on their lives. The streets buzz with the usual chaos—horns blaring, voices blending into a hum—but in front of Company C, something different is stirring. (click: ?page)[== A man, dressed in worn jeans and an oversized sweater, stands at the front of the crowd. His voice rises above the noise, steady and urgent, as he delivers his speech. People around him listen closely, some holding signs with anti-AI slogans, others with determined looks on their faces. (click: ?page)[== $name... Returns to [[home]]. Observes the [[crowd]]. (if:$num1 is 1)[Walks [[into Company C]]'s headquarter.] (if:$num2 is 1)[Continue walking to [[Coffee Shop A]].]

$name leaves the crowd behind and steps into Company C's headquarters, as directed by the woman on the phone. The first floor feels unnervingly empty, with not a single living soul in sight. Everything is a cold, sterile white, from the walls to the shiny floor tiles, making the space feel more like a sanitized lab than a bustling hub. (click: ?page)[== By the front desk, a robot stands waiting. It resembles a human in form and size, with strikingly realistic features, but there’s no hint of life in its movements or eyes. //Is it a ‘she’ or just an ‘it’?// $name wonders, uncertain what to call the figure in front of her. (click: ?page)[== Without a word, the robot gestures toward the elevator. $name follows. The ride up is silent, the only sound being the faint hum of machinery as the elevator ascends to the [[13th floor]].

(set:$coffee to 1)(if:$woman is 1)[The woman and $name arrive at the coffee shop, settling into a quiet corner. Barely able to contain herself, $name blurts out, “Do you really know Granny?” (click: ?page)[== The woman nods, her voice calm but serious. “Yes, we’re comrades.” (click: ?page)[== $name leans forward, her voice urgent. “Do you know where she is? She was supposed to meet me at the park today.” (click: ?page)[== The woman’s expression grows heavy, and she hesitates before replying. “Unfortunately… something may have happened to her.” Her eyes shift away, as if reluctant to say more. “I can’t go myself—I’d be too noticeable. But you, you should be fine.” (click: ?page)[== She gestures out the window toward a small second-hand shop across the street. “If you want to find out more, that’s the place to check.” (click: ?page)[== $name frowns, confused. “Why there?” (click: ?page)[== The woman pauses again, choosing her words carefully. “If someone… disappears, sometimes the things they wore—their clothes or personal items—end up there. It’s like… a trace left behind.” (click: ?page)[== $name... Goes to the [[second-hand shop]]. Goes [[home]] instead.](if:$woman is not 1 and $num2 is 1)[$name enters the coffee shop and immediately spots the young man sitting off to the side. In front of him are two drinks: a cup of cappuccino and a cup of hot chocolate. As $name approaches, the young man looks up and pushes the cup of hot chocolate toward her. (click: ?page)[== “I figured you might like this,” he says, his tone casual but his eyes serious. (click: ?page)[== $name takes a seat, her voice filled with urgency. “Do you have any progress? Do you know where $granny is?” (click: ?page)[== The young man’s expression darkens. He pauses for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully. “I’m afraid… it’s not good news,” he begins slowly. “Something may have happened to her.” (click: ?page)[== $name’s heart sinks. “What do you mean?” (click: ?page)[== The young man’s gaze shifts to the window. “I can’t go there myself, but you can,” he says, nodding toward the small second-hand shop across the street. “If someone… disappears, sometimes their belongings—clothes, accessories—end up there.” (click: ?page)[== $name feels a chill run down her spine. “Why there?” she asks, her voice barely a whisper. (click: ?page)[== The young man looks back at her, his voice low. “It’s a place where traces are left behind. It’s not always clear why or how, but it’s a lead. If $granny’s gone… you might find her things there.” (click: ?page)[== $name... Goes to the [[second-hand shop]]. Goes [[home]] instead.]

"Fellow citizens!" the man shouts, raising his voice over the sound of the bustling city streets. A small crowd has gathered, many of them like him—rejecting the all-consuming grip of modern technology, clinging to a time when life felt real, when they were in control. "We’re here today because Company C and the AI tools they create are taking over! And we’re not going to stand for it anymore!" (click: ?page)[== He steps forward, hands raised to the crowd, trying to make them feel the urgency he feels in his bones. "They tell you these AI tools are here to help. They say it’s making life easier—‘smarter,’ they call it. But you and I both know what’s really happening. Every day, we’re losing something we can’t get back: our freedom to think, to choose, to live our lives on our terms." (set:$speech to 0) (click: ?page)[== $name... Returns to [[home]]. Continues listening to the [[speech]]. Talks to [[someone]] in the crowd. (if:$num1 is 1)[Walks [[into Company C]]'s headquarter.] (if:$num2 is 1)[Continue walking to [[Coffee Shop A]].]

(set:$speech to $speech+1)(if:$speech is 1)[The man takes a breath, anger building in his voice, "Company C is no longer just a company. It’s got its hands deep in everything: our schools, our workplaces, even our government! They create tools that run our lives, and they’re not even hiding it anymore. People are so dependent on these AI systems that they barely think for themselves. When was the last time you had a conversation where someone didn’t ask an AI for help? Where’s the human connection? Where’s the thinking?!" (click: ?page)[== Heads nod in agreement, and the man presses on. "Company C has the power to manipulate what we see, what we hear, and worst of all, what we think. They’re shaping the future, not for us, but for their own profit. They’ve already got the government in their pocket, but that doesn’t mean we have to stand by and watch!" (click: ?page)[== $name... Returns to [[home]]. Continues listening to the [[speech]]. Talks to [[someone]] in the crowd. (if:$num1 is 1)[Walks [[into Company C]]'s headquarter.] (if:$num2 is 1)[Continue walking to [[Coffee Shop A]].]](if:$speech is 2)[The man continues, "This is why we’re here—to take a stand. We can’t let them control our minds, our lives, or our future. We’re going to send a message to our government: 'Stop feeding the beast! Decrease funding to Company C! Don’t let them buy out our government with promises of convenience and progress!' We demand a future where humans—real, thinking, feeling humans—are in control, not some algorithm from a faceless corporation!" (click: ?page)[== The crowd cheers, some lifting signs, others shouting in agreement. (click: ?page)[== "We need to remind them that we’re more than just consumers or data points! We’re people, and we will not be programmed! Stand with me, and let’s send that message loud and clear: no more funding for Company C until they stop dictating our lives!" (click: ?page)[== He raises his fist, the energy of the crowd rising with him. "Let’s take back our minds, our freedom, and our future!" (click: ?page)[== $name... Returns to [[home]]. Talks to [[someone]] in the crowd. (if:$num1 is 1)[Walks [[into Company C]]'s headquarter.] (if:$num2 is 1)[Continue walking to [[Coffee Shop A]].]]

$name approaches the crowd, scanning the faces of those gathered, trying to find someone she can connect with. Her eyes land on a few different people, each of whom seems approachable in their own way. (click: ?page)[== She starts a conversation with… The [[man]] giving the speech. A [[boy]] that seems about her age. (if:$talk is 1)[A [[woman]] who is observing the crowd from the side.]

(set: $riot to 1)(set:$talk to 1)The man stands at the front, his voice rising above the chaos of the city, commanding attention from those around him. $name steps forward, curious and cautious, and taps him on the shoulder. (click: ?page)[== “Do you know someone called $granny?” $name asks. (click: ?page)[== The man turns, his gaze sharp and intense. He studies $name for a moment before speaking. “You, dear, did you also lose someone?” His voice softens, “Many people here have lost dear ones—people who dared to speak against AI. Some say it’s no coincidence. They suspect Company C is behind it all.” (click: ?page)[== $name’s heart skips a beat. “What do you mean?” (click: ?page)[== The man shakes his head slowly. “Every few days, someone from this very crowd disappears, and no one knows where they’ve gone. They were the ones who questioned, the ones who saw the cracks in what Company C is doing.” His eyes flicker with a mixture of fear and resolve. (click: ?page)[== He leans closer to $name, lowering his voice. “Listen, I’ll give you some advice. You’ve got two choices. Either stay out of it, pretend nothing’s wrong—keep your head down, and you might stay safe. Or...” (click: ?page)[== He hesitates, then nods toward the crowd of protesters. “Maybe, just maybe, you should join us. We’re trying to get the government to step in, to monitor what Company C is really doing behind the scenes. It’s risky, but if enough of us stand together, maybe we can make a difference.” (click: ?page)[== $name... Returns to [[home]]. Talks to [[someone]] in the crowd. Talks to a [[woman]] who is observing the crowd from the side. (if:$riot is 1)[[Joins]] the crowd. (if:$num1 is 1)[Walks [[into Company C]]'s headquarter.] (if:$num2 is 1)[Continue walking to [[Coffee Shop A]].]

(set:$talk to 1)A few feet away, a boy about $name's age stands with a sign in hand, his expression a mix of uncertainty and determination. $name approaches him, curiosity piqued. (click: ?page)[== “Do you know anyone called $granny?” $name asks. (click: ?page)[== The boy shakes his head slowly. "No, I don't. I’m just... dragged here by my cousin." He gestures towards a younger girl standing a few yards away, her voice rising above the crowd as she passionately waves her fist in the air. (click: ?page)[== $name glances at her and then back at the boy. "She seems pretty fired up." (click: ?page)[== "Yeah," the boy sighs. "She always gets like this about stuff. Me? I just came along." (click: ?page)[== $name studies him for a moment. "You don't seem like you're... all that into it?" (click: ?page)[== The boy hesitates, glancing at the bustling crowd around them. "It's not that I don't care, I just... I don't get why people are so against AI." He lowers his voice, as if afraid the wrong person might hear him. "It makes life so much easier, but... I can't say that out loud here." (click: ?page)[== $name... [[Agrees]] with the boy. [[Disagrees]] with the boy.

$name stands still for a moment, absorbing the man’s words. The hum of the crowd around her grows louder, the energy palpable. The thought of stepping away, of pretending nothing was wrong, felt like a betrayal to everything she had come to learn about $granny—and herself. No, she couldn’t turn back now. (click: ?page)[== “I’ll join you,” $name says, her voice steady despite the uncertainty swirling inside her. The man’s expression softens as he nods, as if he expected her answer. (click: ?page)[== "Good," he replies. "You're one of us now." (click: ?page)[== The crowd swells with passion as $name steps deeper into the throng of protesters, finding herself swept up in the current of people. Signs are raised high, voices chant in unison, and everywhere she looks, she sees faces full of determination and hope. (click: ?page)[== As she marches alongside them, she meets a few people who immediately take her in. There’s Clara, a young woman with a kind smile who hands $name a bottle of water, and Elias, a soft-spoken man who offers her a place to sit when they pause for a break. (click: ?page)[== They talk about their own losses, how they’ve each lost loved ones who dared to speak out against AI. When $name shares her story about $granny, they listen with sympathy in their eyes. (click: ?page)[== [[Ending 2]]

$name walks home, her mind tangled with doubts. She thinks $granny might be against AI, but she isn’t completely sure. (if:$notebook is 1 and $poster is 1)[The scattered clues—the posters, the notebooks—hint ](if:$notebook is 1 and $poster is not 1)[The worn notebook hints ](if:$poster is 1 and $notebook is not 1)[The scattered posters hint ]at a resistance she struggles to understand. (click: ?page)[== When $name gets home, she immediately tells her parents, “$granny never showed up at the park. We were supposed to meet, but she wasn’t there. I went to her house, and… it’s a mess.” (click: ?page)[== Her parents exchange a familiar, tense glance. “We know, $name,” her mother finally says quietly. “$granny made her choices.” (click: ?page)[== $name’s voice wavers as she presses on. “I think she was against AI. There were things in her room… it seemed that way.” (click: ?page)[== Her father sighs deeply, his face a mix of resignation and sadness. “If that’s true, then it’s something she believed in strongly. But you have to understand, $name—Granny’s decisions are her own. Life goes on.” (click: ?page)[== $name nods slowly, feeling torn. //Why would anyone reject AI?// she wonders. //It makes everything more convenient, helping with decisions and daily tasks.// But as she sits alone in her room, the weight of uncertainty presses down on her. Maybe Granny really was against AI, she thinks. But with so much still unknown, it’s a truth she may never fully grasp. (click: ?page)[== Staring blankly at the wall, she realizes that not every story ends with answers—sometimes, it simply ends with choices. For $name, the choice is whether to accept Granny’s path or to keep believing that AI, despite everything, is good for life.

//Maybe there is a reason people are against AI,// $name thinks, a new doubt creeping into her mind. (click: ?page)[== $name... Returns to [[home]]. Talks to [[someone]] in the crowd. Talks to a [[woman]] who is observing the crowd from the side. (if:$riot is 1)[[Joins]] the crowd. (if:$num1 is 1)[Walks [[into Company C]]'s headquarter.] (if:$num2 is 1)[Continue walking to [[Coffee Shop A]].]

Once the elevator doors slide open on the 13th floor, the robot resumes its cold, steady pace, leading the way without a backward glance to see if $name is following. (click: ?page)[== They turn right, then left, then left again, and then right, weaving through identical hallways. The monotonous white walls blur together, and soon $name loses count of the number of turns they’ve taken. (click: ?page)[== Finally, they arrive at a plain [[white door]], indistinguishable from the others. The robot stops and motions for $name to enter, its mechanical hand hovering briefly before returning to its side.

(set:$warning to 1)Inside the room, a man sits behind a sleek, white desk. He appears to be in his 50s or 60s, but he’s surprisingly well-kept—his hair neatly styled, his skin smooth and clear, as if he’s been preserved rather than aged. (click: ?page)[== $name hesitates, an uneasy feeling growing in her chest. “A woman on the phone told me you might know where $granny is,” she says, her voice barely steady. (click: ?page)[== The man’s eyes are cold but attentive as he responds. “I do,” he admits simply. “But I’m not sure you’d really want to find out where she’s gone.” (click: ?page)[== $name’s confusion turns to alarm, but before she can speak, the man’s tone grows ominous. “You have a comfortable life, don’t you?” he remarks, his words deliberate. “A small, //happy// family. A modest grocery store that keeps things going.” His gaze sharpens, his words heavy with implied danger. “You wouldn’t want to lose all of that, would you?” (click: ?page)[== $name feels a chill run down her spine as the man continues, his voice taking on an unsettling warmth. “Go [[home]],” he instructs calmly. “Forget this ever happened. Your granny made her choice, but you still have a chance to stay on the (text-color:"red")[**correct**] path.”

(set:$woman to 1)$name notices a woman standing at the edge of the crowd, her gaze focused and intent. Their eyes meet for a split second, and something about the woman’s expression—a flicker in her eyes, a hint of familiarity—reminds $name of $granny. (click: ?page)[== Driven by a surge of hope, $name runs over, calling out uncertainly, “Excuse me!” She hesitates, then adds, “I’m $granny’s granddaughter… Do you know her?” (click: ?page)[== The woman’s eyes widen slightly in recognition. She pauses, her expression thoughtful, her eyes narrowing as if weighing a decision. After a moment, she nods and says, “Come with me. We should talk.” (click: ?page)[== She gestures toward [[Coffee Shop A]], an urgency in her voice.

The (if:$woman is 1)[woman](if:$woman is not 1)[young man] rises from (if:$woman is 1)[her](if:$woman is not 1)[his] seat, giving $name a final, lingering look before leaving the coffee shop. $name watches the (if:$woman is 1)[woman](if:$woman is not 1)[young man] go, her mind racing, and her mouth dry from the unsettling thought. //Could it be that $granny’s… gone?// (click: ?page)[== Determined to find answers, $name gets up and heads to the second-hand shop across the street. The bell above the door jingles as she steps inside, and she’s immediately overwhelmed by the musty scent of worn fabrics. Rows of clothes hang on racks, silent and unmoving, each garment a possible clue—or a dead end. (click: ?page)[== $name moves slowly and methodically, her fingers brushing over the different fabrics as her eyes scan the rows. Her gaze shifts from one item to the next, desperately searching for something familiar, something $granny might have worn. (click: ?page)[== But there’s nothing. No trace, no sign—just a suffocating emptiness. (click: ?page)[== //Maybe I should...// $name considers her options carefully: Go [[home]]. Recheck the [[women's area]]. Recheck the [[accessories' area]].

$name hesitates, then turns back to the women’s section. //It wouldn’t hurt to look again,// she tells herself, her determination renewed. (click: ?page)[== She scans the racks slowly this time, pulling the clothes aside, searching deeper than before, hoping she might have missed something earlier. But as she combs through the garments, nothing strange or out of place catches her eye. (click: ?page)[== Just ordinary clothes. (click: ?page)[== Disappointed, $name steps back, chewing her lip as she considers her next move. (click: ?page)[== $name decides to... Go [[home]]. Recheck the [[women's area]]. Recheck the [[accessories' area]].

Or maybe it wasn’t the clothes at all. $granny loved scarves, jewelry—small personal items that could easily have been left behind. $name heads toward the accessories section, her heart heavy with doubt, but determined to find something. (click: ?page)[== She sifts through bags, scarves, and shoes, her fingers moving quickly as her eyes scan for anything familiar. (click: ?page)[== Suddenly, $name's eyes catch a glimpse of something green poking out from a pile of clothes on a nearby rack. Her heart skips a beat—it's a scarf, and not just any scarf. (click: ?page)[== It's thick and worn, with uneven stitches and a clumsy over-knit in the third row. $name's breath catches in her throat. //It’s the [[scarf]] I made for Granny.//

Suddenly, her thoughts are interrupted by a loud voice from the front desk. “It’s time to go! We’re closing up!” the person calls out. (click: ?page)[== The abruptness snaps $name back to reality. She looks around, disoriented, trying to gather her scattered thoughts. Her PAI flickers to life, projecting an image above her wrist—a familiar photo of $name with her parents, all of them smiling in front of their grocery store. (click: ?page)[== But as $name watches, a jagged line appears, ripping the image down the middle, tearing apart the scene. A cold sense of dread washes over her. //Could this be a warning?// she thinks, her heart racing. (click: ?page)[== Then, new directions appear on her PAI, lighting up with a single route: the route back home. The path flashes insistently, its urgency unmistakable, making it clear that she has little choice. (click: ?page)[== [[Ending 3]]

Reluctantly, but with no better idea, $name follows the directions back home. When she arrives, her parents are just finishing up, sending the last customer on his way as they begin to close down the store. (click: ?page)[== $name wants to talk to them—about $granny, about what she’s found out today, about everything that weighs heavily on her mind. But each time she tries to gather the courage to speak, her parents seem preoccupied, caught up in the tasks at hand. The right moment never seems to come. (click: ?page)[== Eventually, $name retreats to her room and lies down, her mind a tangled mess of unanswered questions. Tomorrow feels distant, as if it might never arrive. (click: ?page)[== //What should I do?//