The transcript will be saved to the file. Type SCRIPT OFF to discontinue scripting. >talk to jo I called “Jo?” “Later, Finley,” she answered. Johanna took her bag. “I’ll take the empty crate, too”, she said and went off to the corridor. >x clock My grandpa’s old alarm clock was the only thing capable of waking me up. Its ringing was so piercingly loud that it was even fit to wake the dead. I heard Jo taking the empty crate. >get clock It was better to leave the alarm clock where it was. It was rather fragile and had to be wound up by hand. I found out that a single wrong move could lead to a malfunction. “Have a good rest”, Jo shouted, “if you feel better, then come for me at 10.05 p.m!” I heard her closing the door. >x table I found this table among the classifieds. The previous owner didn’t want it anymore, though it surely was nice, from the seventies I guess, a typical kidney table. One of the legs were loose and I did fix it quite easily, but the scratches on the surface were so deep that I had no chance to sand them out. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. >x couch I saw no couch there. >l Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. >x sofa The sofa was old and the fabric totally worn out; for years it was in the cellar of mom’s house and at the age of thirteen I became a school legend, because our cellar was big enough to have parties with all classmates and lots of forbidden things like alcohol and cigarettes. >x kitchenette Unlike common flats this one had only a small niche with an even smaller looks- like-a-kitchen-but-is-not opportunity to cook some meals for at least two people. >x fridge I saw no fridge there. >x stove I saw no stove there. >x tv The TV was an old tube TV set, so heavy that no one would lift it to the second storey by hand, at least not voluntarily. Its picture quality was rather awful, occasionally flickering, far from an up-to-date flat screen. Beside the TV was our video tape recorder. >x recorder The video tape recorder was connected to the TV with a cable. >x bed Our bed was a squeaking steel bed, just broad enough for one and a half woman or man, a bit rusty. As we moved in together at the age of eighteen, we had only a mattress on the floor. After half a year or so we found this bed at a charity bazaar. >look under bed It’s sufficient to EXAMINE the bed. >lie on bed I got on the bed. >off I don’t understand that command. >stand Okay, I got off the bed. >l Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. >e Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >x posters THE SIXTH SENSE: It showed Dr. Crowe in the foreground and the nine years old Cole in the background, the latter was hardly recognizeable, just an outline surrounded by strange light behind him. posters: We collected a few old posters from the nearby cinema, where I worked a few hours per week before I got the job at the factory. Johanna’s favourite was the one from DOGMA and mine was the one from THE SIXTH SENSE. DOGMA: It showed Loki and Bartleby in the middle of the picture, surrounded by a strange light that seemed to be coming from somewhere above them. >*collective group? Comment recorded. >*jo has great taste! Comment recorded. >n In the dark It was a bit too dark here to see details. However, the light switch was near the door. The corridor was south. >turn on switch Done. Bathroom The bathroom had a toilet on one side, a shower on the other and a basin between them. The walls were covered with beige tiles and near the ceiling was a fan, which turned on automatically when the light was switched on. The corridor was south. In the basin I saw a plastic duck. >get duck Taken. >x duck Somehow this duck had brought Jo and me together. At school I was a rebel, always seeking a quarrel, and I was so occupied with myself, that I didn’t realize Jo had fallen in love with me. Then she hid that yellow plastic duck in different places for me. Every time I found it, there was a rolled paper stuck in the hole on its underside, with a message written on it. First I got angry and was about to dispose of it. But it reappeared ever after. It helped me to look at myself from another point of view. It helped me to find a way out of my spiral, like a kind of medicine, and when I realised that Jo had written all the messages, we came both closer and I began to love her with all my heart. A rolled paper was inside of the duck. >* jo got game Comment recorded. >get paper Taken. >read paper I had to unroll it first. >unroll paper I unrolled the paper. >read paper Dear Finley, I’ve got a riddle for you: Voiceless it cries wingless flutters toothless bites mouthless mutters. Love, Jo >what is wind, Alex? Sorry; multiple objects aren’t allowed with that command. >* what is wind, Alex? Comment recorded. >l Bathroom The bathroom had a toilet on one side, a shower on the other and a basin between them. The walls were covered with beige tiles and near the ceiling was a fan, which turned on automatically when the light was switched on. The corridor was south. >x shower The shower was almost new, a metal tube with a huge shower head on its end. >x basin The basin was azure blue and completely rounded, without any corners. >x tiles I saw no tiles there. >x mirror I forgot to mention the mirror. Of course, our bathroom had one, a round one, hanging from the wall over the basin and beside the cabinet. I was looking more dead than alive, my face was ashen-pale and my eyelids heavy from lack of sleep. >* there it is! Comment recorded. >s Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >w Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. >lie on bed I got on the bed. >sleep I closed my eyes. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 10.05 p.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It took me some time to fall asleep. When I woke up again, I turned around and looked at the alarm clock. It was 10.05 p.m. Damn, the old alarm clock. I had forgotten to wind it up. My head was way better, but I realised I wouldn’t be able to make it to the supermarket in time. Though I promised it, wholeheartedly. >e (first getting off of the bed) Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >e (first opening the flat door) I left our flat and closed the door behind me. West side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. The door to our flat in block A, a now rather shabby looking investor building from the seventies, was directly west. Another building, called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. On this side there was residential block B, similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store to the east. On the other side of the street was St. Anne hospital and the avenue continued north and south. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A police car with flashing lights was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >e (first opening the double door) Supermarket Finally I entered the supermarket, only to find that Jo was nowhere in sight. I might have missed her, but there was a strange feeling in the air, a tension that usually occurred only after a severe incident. The room was quiet, shopping carts were standing abandoned everywhere across it and my stomach cramped a little bit. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. >s (first opening the rusty iron door) Backyard The backyard was a dimly lit place for storing garbage far away from curious eyes of the customers. This was obviously done in a large waste bin next to the wall of the adjacent building. A high wall surrounded the filthy location, only broken by a sturdy iron gate, which led out to the street to the northwest. The door to the north led back into the supermarket. A lifeless body was lying in the shadow of the trash bins, surrounded by police officers. One man took out a small book and made some notes. >x body I saw the lifeless body of a woman lying on her belly and as I came closer I recognised the red sweater, the topknot and the brown curly hair. I cried in sorrow and turned Jo on her back feeling her pulse. There wasn’t any. Then I saw the blood all over her clothing. I shook her, yelled at her and broke out in tears, as someone pulled me back. “Sorry, ” said one of the police officers, “but we have to investigate the scene first.” I stepped back, unable to say something. One of police officers was kneeling down, searching the ground with her flashlight. >*they let me touch her???? Comment recorded. >*sh!t got real Comment recorded. >ask police about murder “Please, officer,” I said and a woman turned around to me. “Really,” she said, “there is nothing you can do now. Let us make our job and we’ll inform you tomorrow. I really understand your situation, but all you can do here is to hamper our investigations. Please go home.” “Come over here, Jim,” shouted one officer and another turned around and helped him search fingerprints on the iron door. >x door The rusty iron door lead back into the supermarket. “No, we didn’t have any clue,” spoke a man into his mobile phone, “but we’ll keep on investigating.” >* leads Comment recorded. >l Backyard The backyard was a dimly lit place for storing garbage far away from curious eyes of the customers. This was obviously done in a large waste bin next to the wall of the adjacent building. A high wall surrounded the filthy location, only broken by a sturdy iron gate, which led out to the street to the northwest. The door to the north led back into the supermarket. A lifeless body was lying in the shadow of the trash bins, surrounded by police officers. A police woman made some photos of the scene. >x duck Somehow this duck had brought Jo and me together. At school I was a rebel, always seeking a quarrel, and I was so occupied with myself, that I didn’t realize Jo had fallen in love with me. Then she hid that yellow plastic duck in different places for me. Every time I found it, there was a rolled paper stuck in the hole on its underside, with a message written on it. First I got angry and was about to dispose of it. But it reappeared ever after. It helped me to look at myself from another point of view. It helped me to find a way out of my spiral, like a kind of medicine, and when I realised that Jo had written all the messages, we came both closer and I began to love her with all my heart. >x bin It was a large waste bin, made of silvery metal. >x gate It was the kind of gate which was made of an iron frame with an iron lattice. >x body I was too shocked to do anything. >n Supermarket I was in the supermarket, a typical large room with lots of space for the things in display. As usual, the shelves were arranged in a manner that any customer has to go zig zag through the whole supermarket to get finally to the checkstand. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. >talk to anyone I saw no anyone there. >talk to clerk I saw no clerk there. >bring me the manager! I don’t understand that command. >find checkstand What do you want to look that up in? >market I don’t understand that command. >x checkstand The checkstand was used to put things on it you want to buy. >talk to clerk I saw no clerk there. >*was Jo, wasn't it? Comment recorded. >w (first opening the double door) East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A police car with flashing lights was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >x flag I saw no flag there. >x banner This banner was designed for this evening’s promotion event. With this slogan, Johanna’s boss wanted to reach all the busy people who didn’t had time yet to buy things for Millennium’s Eve. That’s why she also ordered lots of New Year’s Eve gadgets, too. >get banner The star spangled banner was too far away. >*makes sense Comment recorded. >x car It was a standard police car, with blinking lights. >w I made a few steps out on the street. It was dark, and it was late, and I was confused. As I reached what might have been almost the middle of the street, I noticed a light that came towards me at an unfathomable speed. I stretched my hand out in a desperate attempt to cover the sheer brightness, then I heard a buzzing sound and everything went black. “So tell me about your plan, Jo”, I demanded. Jo was lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling and playing with her toes, what she was always doing when she was kind of nervous. “That’s my secret, Finley,” she said with a twinkle in her eyes, “I was thinking about us for a long time, and now I made a decision. Trust me, I know what I do,” she answered and turned away from me. I was awake as seldom, my thoughts were drawing circles in my head and somehow I got a strange sensation of fear. 1 – I trust you, Jo, but please tell me more. 2 – I hate surprises, so let me know what you’ll do. 3 – I’ve got two guns, one for making trouble and one for stopping trouble. 4 – I have my own plan, Jo, so let’s see who is the first to solve our problems. console “Please tell me more.” I pursed my lips. “I also believe in a better future so let’s share our thoughts.” She was quiet, and although I couldn’t see her face, I was absolutely sure she was grinning. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 6.15 a.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It was early in the morning and it was raining cats and dogs. But instead of walking on the pavement, I was lying on the street. A few people were standing around me and a woman was patting my cheek. “Gosh, you’re awake now, are you okay?”. “Yes I think so,” I replied rubbing my hands against my aching head. First I sat up slowly, then she helped me to stand. After staggering for a few steps, I walked stably enough that people returned to their own matters. West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. To the west I could go deeper into the park, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. There was a green park providing some space to escape the nervous traffic on the other side of the street while Jo’s supermarket was directly in front of me to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket. The avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >w I went across the street. West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. To the west I could go deeper into the park, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >w In the Park The park was quiet and peaceful, a place to retreat and recover. A small fountain, a bench, and a waste bin were arranged around a gravel walkway. To the east I could enter the street again. >e West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. To the west I could go deeper into the park, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. There was a green park providing some space to escape the nervous traffic on the other side of the street while Jo’s supermarket was directly in front of me to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket. The avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >e (first trying to open the double door) Johanna’s boss made up the promotion campaign 'OPEN UNTIL THE END IS NEAR’, which meant that the supermarket will be open until 10.00 p.m., but stay stay closed from early morning to high noon. >se (first trying to open the sturdy iron gate) The sturdy iron gate was locked. >w I went across the street. West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. To the west I could go deeper into the park, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the DIY store and the garage on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side was St. Anne Hospital and on the other side was the beverage store. The avenue continued north and south. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >n Further north was nothing important for me. >w (first opening the flat door) I shook off the rain in front of the door, entered our flat and was happy to be at home, finally. I closed the door and leaned onto it. I felt a bit dizzy. Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. I could see an empty crate there. Johanna came in from the living room. >hug jo Better not now. Jo took the empty crate. >*you kidding me?!?! Comment recorded. >kiss jo I gave her a hasty kiss. “Have a good rest,” Jo said and gave me a kiss. “If you feel better, then wait for me in front of the supermarket at 10.05 p.m., as arranged. If not, please let me know.” She went out and shut the door. >talk to jo I saw no jo there. >e (first trying to open the flat door) I was too tired to go outside again. > Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >*I was NOT!!! Comment recorded. >n Bathroom The bathroom had a toilet on one side, a shower on the other and a basin between them. The walls were covered with beige tiles and near the ceiling was a fan, which turned on automatically when the light was switched on. The corridor was south. >s Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >w Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. >set alarm I wound up the alarm clock until it felt right. >check alarm (wreck alarm) I saw no point in breaking that. >*oooh, vocab correct. Do you like that? Comment recorded. >x alarm My grandpa’s old alarm clock was the only thing capable of waking me up. Its ringing was so piercingly loud that it was even fit to wake the dead. >set alarm to 9 It sounded strange but I knew that fiddling around with the alarm clock wasn’t good at all. I had already set it to the time I wanted get up which was exactly 9.45 p.m., so I would have been at 10.05 p.m. at the supermarket to guide Jo home. >*I suspect issues... Comment recorded. >lie on bed I got on the bed. >sleep I closed my eyes. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 9.45 p.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It took me some time to fall asleep. When I woke up again, I turned around and looked at the alarm clock. It was 9:45 p.m. My head was spinning like a hamster in a wheel and I had to hurry now to be just in time at the supermarket. >e (first getting off of the bed) Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >e (first opening the flat door) I left our flat and closed the door behind me. West side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. The door to our flat in block A, a now rather shabby looking investor building from the seventies, was directly west. Another building, called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. On this side there was residential block B, similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store to the east. On the other side of the street was St. Anne hospital and the avenue continued north and south. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >e (first opening the double door) Supermarket Something was definitely wrong in here, there was a lack of usual noises from people walking around, talking to each other and collecting things into their shopping carts. As I came closer to the checkstand, I saw a bunch of people lying motionsless on the floor. I instantly knew what was happening here and my heart stopped for a second – where was Jo? I couldn’t see her anywhere. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. “Stop talking,” shouted one of the thieves, “and stay down on the floor! We promise nobody will get harmed as long as you are cooperating.” >w I doubted that I could go outside without the thieves noticing me. >s (first opening the rusty iron door) Backyard The backyard was a dimly lit place for storing garbage far away from curious eyes of the customers. This was obviously done in a large waste bin next to the wall of the adjacent building. A high wall surrounded the filthy location, only broken by a sturdy iron gate, which led out to the street to the northwest. The door to the north led back into the supermarket. Johanna was crouching behind the waste bin. As Jo saw me she scurried over to me. “Oh my god, Finley, I’m so glad to see you”, she whispered and I embraced her. “How can we get out, Jo?” I asked. “I don’t know, Fin,” she answered, “but the easiest way is to open the iron gate. What options do we have else?” >hide in bin I don’t understand that command. >open bin Opening the waste bin revealed a lot of debris. >dump bin (jump bin) It was pointless to try to jump over the waste bin. >empty bin I don’t understand that command. >get debris I never ever would have touched the debris. >put jo in bin Johanna would not let me pick her up. >jo, get in bin Johanna had better things to do. >*did she? DID SHE???? Comment recorded. >nw (first trying to open the sturdy iron gate) The sturdy iron gate was locked. >unlock gate What do you want to unlock it with? >strong looks I don’t understand that command. >n Supermarket The situation hadn’t changed. People were still lying on the floor while one of the thieves was near the checkstand. Nobody dared to move or to say something. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. “Everybody be cool, this is a robbery”, shouted a thief, “stay calm and quiet and everybody will go home without any harm!” Johanna followed behind me. >jo, hide in bin I don’t understand that command. >jo, hide I don’t understand that command. >jo, run home I don’t understand that command. >jo, go e Johanna had better things to do. Jo hid herself behind some shelves. Suddenly one of the thieves began moving in her direction until he stood directly in front of the shelf. Now Jo wasn’t able to move without the risk of being spotted by the man! One of the gang members turned suddenly around as if he might have heard me, then walked a few steps in my direction, but finally he went back to his position again. >s Backyard The backyard was a dimly lit place for storing garbage far away from curious eyes of the customers. This was obviously done in a large waste bin next to the wall of the adjacent building. A high wall surrounded the filthy location, only broken by a sturdy iron gate, which led out to the street to the northwest. The door to the north led back into the supermarket. In the waste bin I saw a lot of debris. >kick bin It was best to avoid pointless violence. >rattle gate I don’t understand that command. >shake gate (take gate) The sturdy iron gate was fixed in place. >n Supermarket The situation hadn’t changed. People were still lying on the floor while one of the thieves was near the checkstand. Nobody dared to move or to say something. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Johanna was over there, hidden behind some shelves. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. Jo was waiting behind the shelves, looking into the direction of the double door. But there was not a single moment she would have been able to escape from her position. She moved reluctantly towards the narrow gap between her position and the next shelf which was only a footstep far away from the exit. >get can I saw no can there. >x shelves In my opinion the multimedia shelf was the most interesting thing in the supermarket with lots of CDs, shiny new DVDs and older VHS tapes. Jo was trying to get to the door, as the thief noticed her finally. He shouted loud, “STOP!” pointed his gun at her and then time stood still. Jo was motionless and the hand with the gun was trembling, pointing ceaselessly at her. Then everything went simultaneously. In a desperate attempt Jo was moving forward to the door, then the thief’s finger was pulling the trigger. While my mouth was opening to yell out, I heard the awful sound of the shot and the next moment Jo fell onto the floor. There was screaming, shouting, and then the thieves hurried out and drove away in the van. I was shocked, unable to do anything and I only barely noticed the arrival of the police. >x jo I cried in sorrow and turned Jo on her back feeling her pulse. There wasn’t any. Then I saw the blood all over her clothing. While I was shaking her, yelling and crying, someone suddenly pulled me back. “Sorry,” said one of the police officers, “but we have to investigate the scene first.” I stepped back, unable to say something. “No, we didn’t have any clue,” spoke a man into his mobile phone, “but we’ll keep on investigating.” > become batman I don’t understand that command. >*YES YOU DO Comment recorded. >x shelves In my opinion the multimedia shelf was the most interesting thing in the supermarket with lots of CDs, shiny new DVDs and older VHS tapes. >put duck behind shelf I could not put anything behind the multimedia shelf. One of police officers was kneeling down, searching the ground with her flashlight. >x ground I saw nothing special about the ground. “Come over here, Jim,” shouted one officer and another turned around and helped him search fingerprints on the iron door. >drop duck Dropped. One man took out a small book and made some notes. >w (first opening the double door) East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A police car with flashing lights was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >w I made a few steps out on the street. It was dark, and it was late, and I was confused. As I reached what might have been almost the middle of the street, I noticed a light that came towards me at an unfathomable speed. I stretched my hand out in a desperate attempt to cover the sheer brightness, then I heard a buzzing sound and everything went black. After her double shift at the supermarket, Jenny was ill for a week now, Jo returned home. She tossed her jacket aside, went over to the fridge and took out a bottle. I was sitting on the sofa watching some boring tv show. “Did you ever imagine to be rich, Finley?” asked Johanna, gazing somewhat bemused out of the window. 1 – Maybe sometimes. 2 – At least a thousand times, Jo. 3 – No, we never will be rich, Jo, believe me. 4 – You’re way too visionary, Jo. console “Maybe sometimes,” I answered. “But why should I do that? I have you and that’s the most important thing for me.”“Okay”, said Jo, “but you have to admit that it would make things much easier in life. No worries about paying the rent on month’s start, no hunting for bargain offers, and maybe we could even think about a baby.” She tilted her head. 1 – We just need a bit patience. 2 – Please stop talking about a baby! 3 – We don’t need a baby to be happy. 4 – Stop worrying, Jo, I’m sorry but I can’t change things for us. console “Jo, we just need a bit patience,” I tried to console her. “For now all seems like a dead end, but maybe there’ll be a day when there’ll open up new paths. I would be as happy as one could be if we’ll have a baby someday.” She broke out into tears and I tried to held her tight, but she pushed me away. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 6.15 a.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It was early in the morning and it was raining cats and dogs. But instead of walking on the pavement, I was lying on the street. A few people were standing around me and a woman was patting my cheek. “Gosh, you’re awake now, are you okay?”. “Yes I think so,” I replied rubbing my hands against my aching head. First I sat up slowly, then she helped me to stand. After staggering for a few steps, I walked stably enough that people returned to their own matters. West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. To the west I could go deeper into the park, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >x pavement There was a pavement on both sides of Printworker’s Avenue. >w In the Park The park was quiet and peaceful, a place to retreat and recover. A small fountain, a bench, and a waste bin were arranged around a gravel walkway. To the east I could enter the street again. >w I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go east. >x fountain The fountain was a tall stone basin with some birds sitting around it. > x basin The fountain was a tall stone basin with some birds sitting around it. >x bin It was one of the town’s green waste bins, a bit rusty at the edges. In the waste bin I saw a newspaper. >x paper Which do you mean, (1) the newspaper or (2) the unrolled paper? >1 It was today’s issue, obviously disposed after reading. >get paper Which do you mean, (1) the newspaper or (2) the unrolled paper? >1 Taken. >get bin The waste bin was too heavy to move. >x walkway I saw no walkway there. >x bench Sitting on this bench was usually conjuring up some memories of Johanna. We both loved to be here at midday break from school, our little refuge far away from wry side glances of our classmates. >l In the Park The park was quiet and peaceful, a place to retreat and recover. A small fountain, a bench, and a waste bin were arranged around a gravel walkway. To the east I could enter the street again. >e West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. To the west I could go deeper into the park, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the DIY store and the garage on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >w The DIY store was not yet open today. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the garage to the east while across the street to the west was the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side there was the beverage store while westwards was St. Anne Hospital. The avenue continued north and south. >w I went across the street. West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side was St. Anne Hospital and on the other side was the beverage store. The avenue continued north and south. >w I didn’t have any reason to enter St. Anne Hospital now. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the DIY store and the garage on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >w The DIY store was not yet open today. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the garage to the east while across the street to the west was the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >e The garage was not yet open today. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side there was the beverage store while westwards was St. Anne Hospital. The avenue continued north and south. >e The beverage store was not open yet. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. On this side there was residential block B similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. >d I went down the stairs. In the underground station The underground station was like a tremendous cave of concrete and steel. There was an unpleasant smell of recycled air, mixed with all kinds of other human scents. On the wall was a huge graffiti and the only exit were the stairs leading up. A large LCD display was mounted in the middle of the station. >read graffiti I could make out the names RUZD, FREAK and KAZE, presumably the creators of this work. >x display The display showed the arrival of the next underground line. >u I went up the stairs. East side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. On this side there was residential block B similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. >w I went across the street. West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >w (first opening the flat door) I shook off the rain in front of the door, entered our flat and was happy to be at home, finally. I closed the door and leaned onto it. I felt a bit dizzy. Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. I could see an empty crate there. Johanna came in from the living room. >x crate This beverage crate was from the nearby beverage store, once full of filled water bottles. Jo took the empty crate. >talk to jo I called “Jo?” “Later, Finley,” she answered. “Have a good rest,” Jo said and gave me a kiss. “If you feel better, then wait for me in front of the supermarket at 10.05 p.m., as arranged. If not, please let me know.” She went out and shut the door. >follow jo Which do you mean, (1) a dead body or (2) Johanna? >*uh, WOT???? Comment recorded. >2 I didn’t know where Johanna had gone. >e (first trying to open the flat door) I was too tired to go outside again. >w Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. >set clock to 6 It sounded strange but I knew that fiddling around with the alarm clock wasn’t good at all. I had already set it to the time I wanted get up which was exactly 9.45 p.m., so I would have been at 10.05 p.m. at the supermarket to guide Jo home. >*seems like earlier is better, dunnit? Comment recorded. >x clock My grandpa’s old alarm clock was the only thing capable of waking me up. Its ringing was so piercingly loud that it was even fit to wake the dead. >e Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >n Bathroom The bathroom had a toilet on one side, a shower on the other and a basin between them. The walls were covered with beige tiles and near the ceiling was a fan, which turned on automatically when the light was switched on. The corridor was south. >x basin The basin was azure blue and completely rounded, without any corners. >s Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >w Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. >sleep I got onto the bed and closed my eyes. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 10.05 p.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It took me some time to fall asleep. When I woke up again, I turned around and looked at the alarm clock. It was 10.05 p.m. Damn, the old alarm clock. I had forgotten to wind it up. My head was way better, but I realised I wouldn’t be able to make it to the supermarket in time. Though I promised it, wholeheartedly. >e (first getting off of the bed) Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >e (first opening the flat door) I left our flat and closed the door behind me. West side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. The door to our flat in block A, a now rather shabby looking investor building from the seventies, was directly west. Another building, called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. On this side there was residential block B, similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. >d I went down the stairs. In the underground station The underground station was like a tremendous cave of concrete and steel. There was an unpleasant smell of recycled air, mixed with all kinds of other human scents. On the wall was a huge graffiti and the only exit were the stairs leading up. A large LCD display was mounted in the middle of the station. >x graffiti It showed a mix of really colourful letters, woven into each other like a spider’s web. > read graffiti I could make out the names RUZD, FREAK and KAZE, presumably the creators of this work. >u I went up the stairs. East side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. On this side there was residential block B, similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store to the east. On the other side of the street was St. Anne hospital and the avenue continued north and south. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A police car with flashing lights was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >se (first trying to open the sturdy iron gate) The sturdy iron gate was locked. >e (first opening the double door) Supermarket Finally I entered the supermarket, only to find that Jo was nowhere in sight. I might have missed her, but there was a strange feeling in the air, a tension that usually occurred only after a severe incident. The room was quiet, shopping carts were standing abandoned everywhere across it and my stomach cramped a little bit. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. I could see a plastic duck there. >w I had to find out what happened before I could leave. >e I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go south or west. >x body I saw no body there. >s (first opening the rusty iron door) Backyard The backyard was a dimly lit place for storing garbage far away from curious eyes of the customers. This was obviously done in a large waste bin next to the wall of the adjacent building. A high wall surrounded the filthy location, only broken by a sturdy iron gate, which led out to the street to the northwest. The door to the north led back into the supermarket. In the waste bin I saw a lot of debris. A lifeless body was lying in the shadow of the trash bins, surrounded by police officers. >x body I saw the lifeless body of a woman lying on her belly and as I came closer I recognised the red sweater, the topknot and the brown curly hair. I cried in sorrow and turned Jo on her back feeling her pulse. There wasn’t any. Then I saw the blood all over her clothing. I shook her, yelled at her and broke out in tears, as someone pulled me back. “Sorry, ” said one of the police officers, “but we have to investigate the scene first.” I stepped back, unable to say something. >n Supermarket I was in the supermarket, a typical large room with lots of space for the things in display. As usual, the shelves were arranged in a manner that any customer has to go zig zag through the whole supermarket to get finally to the checkstand. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. I could see a plastic duck there. >w (first opening the double door) East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A police car with flashing lights was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >w I made a few steps out on the street. It was dark, and it was late, and I was confused. As I reached what might have been almost the middle of the street, I noticed a light that came towards me at an unfathomable speed. I stretched my hand out in a desperate attempt to cover the sheer brightness, then I heard a buzzing sound and everything went black. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 6.15 a.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It was early in the morning and it was raining cats and dogs. But instead of walking on the pavement, I was lying on the street. A few people were standing around me and a woman was patting my cheek. “Gosh, you’re awake now, are you okay?”. “Yes I think so,” I replied rubbing my hands against my aching head. First I sat up slowly, then she helped me to stand. After staggering for a few steps, I walked stably enough that people returned to their own matters. West side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the DIY store and the garage on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side was St. Anne Hospital and on the other side was the beverage store. The avenue continued north and south. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >n Further north was nothing important for me. >w (first opening the flat door) I shook off the rain in front of the door, entered our flat and was happy to be at home, finally. I closed the door and leaned onto it. I felt a bit dizzy. Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. I could see an empty crate there. Johanna came in from the living room. >x paper Which do you mean, (1) the newspaper or (2) the unrolled paper? >1 It was today’s issue, obviously disposed after reading. Jo took the empty crate. >w Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. “Have a good rest”, Jo shouted, “if you feel better, then come for me at 10.05 p.m!” I heard her closing the door. >wind alarm I wound up the alarm clock until it felt right. >set alarm The alarm clock was already wound up. >set alarm to 6 It sounded strange but I knew that fiddling around with the alarm clock wasn’t good at all. I had already set it to the time I wanted get up which was exactly 9.45 p.m., so I would have been at 10.05 p.m. at the supermarket to guide Jo home. > sleep I got onto the bed and closed my eyes. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 9.45 p.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It took me some time to fall asleep. When I woke up again, I turned around and looked at the alarm clock. It was 9:45 p.m. My head was spinning like a hamster in a wheel and I had to hurry now to be just in time at the supermarket. >e (first getting off of the bed) Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >e (first opening the flat door) I left our flat and closed the door behind me. West side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. The door to our flat in block A, a now rather shabby looking investor building from the seventies, was directly west. Another building, called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >w (first opening the flat door) I entered our flat and closed the door behind me. Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >s I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go north, east or west. >e (first opening the flat door) I left our flat and closed the door behind me. West side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. The door to our flat in block A, a now rather shabby looking investor building from the seventies, was directly west. Another building, called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store on the other side of the street to the east. In front of me was St. Anne Hospital to the west. The avenue continued north and south. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street I could see the DIY store, while the garage was on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >w The DIY store was already closed for today. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >e (first opening the double door) Supermarket Something was definitely wrong in here, there was a lack of usual noises from people walking around, talking to each other and collecting things into their shopping carts. As I came closer to the checkstand, I saw a bunch of people lying motionsless on the floor. I instantly knew what was happening here and my heart stopped for a second – where was Jo? I couldn’t see her anywhere. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. I could see a plastic duck there. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. A thief was scouting the inside of the checkstand while another was looking nervously around. >s (first opening the rusty iron door) Backyard The backyard was a dimly lit place for storing garbage far away from curious eyes of the customers. This was obviously done in a large waste bin next to the wall of the adjacent building. A high wall surrounded the filthy location, only broken by a sturdy iron gate, which led out to the street to the northwest. The door to the north led back into the supermarket. In the waste bin I saw a lot of debris. Johanna was crouching behind the waste bin. As Jo saw me she scurried over to me. “Oh my god, Finley, I’m so glad to see you”, she whispered and I embraced her. “How can we get out, Jo?” I asked. “I don’t know, Fin,” she answered, “but the easiest way is to open the iron gate. What options do we have else?” >nw (first trying to open the sturdy iron gate) The sturdy iron gate was locked. >climb fence I saw no fence there. >climb gate The gate was far too high to climb it. >*dunno, i'm pretty motivated Comment recorded. >n Supermarket The situation hadn’t changed. People were still lying on the floor while one of the thieves was near the checkstand. Nobody dared to move or to say something. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. I could see a plastic duck there. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. One of the gang members gazed through the doorway, took a look outside and walked back. Johanna came with me. >get duck Taken. Jo hid herself behind some shelves. Suddenly one of the thieves began moving in her direction until he stood directly in front of the shelf. Now Jo wasn’t able to move without the risk of being spotted by the man! One of the gang members turned suddenly around as if he might have heard me, then walked a few steps in my direction, but finally he went back to his position again. >throw duck The plastic duck sailed through the air and landed on the ground. Jo was trying to get to the door, as the thief noticed her finally. He shouted loud, “STOP!” pointed his gun at her and then time stood still. Jo was motionless and the hand with the gun was trembling, pointing ceaselessly at her. Then everything went simultaneously. In a desperate attempt Jo was moving forward to the door, then the thief’s finger was pulling the trigger. While my mouth was opening to yell out, I heard the awful sound of the shot and the next moment Jo fell onto the floor. There was screaming, shouting, and then the thieves hurried out and drove away in the van. I was shocked, unable to do anything and I only barely noticed the arrival of the police. >get duck Taken. >x body I cried in sorrow and turned Jo on her back feeling her pulse. There wasn’t any. Then I saw the blood all over her clothing. While I was shaking her, yelling and crying, someone suddenly pulled me back. “Sorry,” said one of the police officers, “but we have to investigate the scene first.” I stepped back, unable to say something. A police woman made some photos of the scene. >w (first opening the double door) East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A police car with flashing lights was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store to the east. On the other side of the street was St. Anne hospital and the avenue continued north and south. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. On this side there was residential block B, similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. >d I went down the stairs. In the underground station The underground station was like a tremendous cave of concrete and steel. There was an unpleasant smell of recycled air, mixed with all kinds of other human scents. On the wall was a huge graffiti and the only exit were the stairs leading up. The train of line 9 was waiting for passengers to join. A large LCD display was mounted in the middle of the station. >get on train The train of line 9 was not something I could get on. >x train The train of line 9 followed the city’s brand new year 2k design concept with aluminum surfaces and red doors, that should have evoked the feeling of living in a modern city. >x crowd I saw no crowd there. >x passengers I saw no passengers there. >x graffiti It showed a mix of really colourful letters, woven into each other like a spider’s web. >read graffiti I could make out the names RUZD, FREAK and KAZE, presumably the creators of this work. >w I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go up. >u I went up the stairs. East side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. On this side there was residential block B, similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. >w I made a few steps out on the street. It was dark, and it was late, and I was confused. As I reached what might have been almost the middle of the street, I noticed a light that came towards me at an unfathomable speed. I stretched my hand out in a desperate attempt to cover the sheer brightness, then I heard a buzzing sound and everything went black. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 6.15 a.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It was early in the morning and it was raining cats and dogs. But instead of walking on the pavement, I was lying on the street. A few people were standing around me and a woman was patting my cheek. “Gosh, you’re awake now, are you okay?”. “Yes I think so,” I replied rubbing my hands against my aching head. First I sat up slowly, then she helped me to stand. After staggering for a few steps, I walked stably enough that people returned to their own matters. West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >* The door to our flat in block A.... what? Comment recorded. >w (first opening the flat door) I shook off the rain in front of the door, entered our flat and was happy to be at home, finally. I closed the door and leaned onto it. I felt a bit dizzy. Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. I could see an empty crate there. Johanna came in from the living room. >put duck in crate The plastic duck didn’t fit into the empty crate. Jo took the empty crate. >*just how big is this duck??? Comment recorded. >give duck to jo I called “Jo?” “Later, Finley,” she answered. “Have a good rest,” Jo said and gave me a kiss. “If you feel better, then wait for me in front of the supermarket at 10.05 p.m., as arranged. If not, please let me know.” She went out and shut the door. >w Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. >e Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >e (first trying to open the flat door) I was too tired to go outside again. >w Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. >make coffee I don’t understand that command. >set alarm I wound up the alarm clock until it felt right. >set alarm for 6 I saw no alarm for 6 there. >sleep I got onto the bed and closed my eyes. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 9.45 p.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It took me some time to fall asleep. When I woke up again, I turned around and looked at the alarm clock. It was 9:45 p.m. My head was spinning like a hamster in a wheel and I had to hurry now to be just in time at the supermarket. >e (first getting off of the bed) Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >s I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go north, east or west. >e (first opening the flat door) I left our flat and closed the door behind me. West side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. The door to our flat in block A, a now rather shabby looking investor building from the seventies, was directly west. Another building, called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store on the other side of the street to the east. In front of me was St. Anne Hospital to the west. The avenue continued north and south. >w I didn’t have any reason to enter St. Anne Hospital now. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street I could see the DIY store, while the garage was on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >w The DIY store was already closed for today. >break window I saw no window there. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. I could go deeper into the park to the west, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. >w In the Park The park was quiet and peaceful, a place to retreat and recover. A small fountain, a bench, and a waste bin were arranged around a gravel walkway. To the east I could enter the street again. >x bin It was one of the town’s green waste bins, a bit rusty at the edges. >open bin The waste bin was not something I could open. >e West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. I could go deeper into the park to the west, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >s Further south was nothing important for me. >e (first opening the double door) Supermarket Something was definitely wrong in here, there was a lack of usual noises from people walking around, talking to each other and collecting things into their shopping carts. As I came closer to the checkstand, I saw a bunch of people lying motionsless on the floor. I instantly knew what was happening here and my heart stopped for a second – where was Jo? I couldn’t see her anywhere. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. >s (first opening the rusty iron door) Backyard The backyard was a dimly lit place for storing garbage far away from curious eyes of the customers. This was obviously done in a large waste bin next to the wall of the adjacent building. A high wall surrounded the filthy location, only broken by a sturdy iron gate, which led out to the street to the northwest. The door to the north led back into the supermarket. In the waste bin I saw a lot of debris. Johanna was crouching behind the waste bin. As Jo saw me she scurried over to me. “Oh my god, Finley, I’m so glad to see you”, she whispered and I embraced her. “How can we get out, Jo?” I asked. “I don’t know, Fin,” she answered, “but the easiest way is to open the iron gate. What options do we have else?” >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >talk to jo “Hey Jo,” I whispered. “Hi,” she answered, “Good to see you!” (I could ask her when the thieves came in, what our options are or if she had called the police) (Enumeration and/or hyperlinking of topic suggestions can be toggled on and off using the commands ENUM SUGGS and/or HYPER SUGGS respectively. ) >* pretty chill, Jo! Comment recorded. >ask when thieves came in “When did the thieves come in?” I asked. “About ten minutes ago,” she replied, “a black van stopped directly in front of the supermarket and then they came in.” >ask about police Jo made a sign to be quiet. >ask if she called police “Did you call the police?” I asked. “No, Finley” she replied, “I had no time to press the emergency button at the register. I was just happy to get out unnoticed.” >ask what our options are “What options do we have?” I asked. “I don’t know,” she replied, “I guess the emergency button is unreachable, two of the thieves are standing at the register. Maybe we could get outside unseen. Maybe we could try to overwhelm one of the thieves, but wouldn’t it be too risky?” >tell jo beats the alternative “Let’s talk later”, she whispered. >n Supermarket The situation hadn’t changed. People were still lying on the floor while one of the thieves was near the checkstand. Nobody dared to move or to say something. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. One of the gang members gazed through the doorway, took a look outside and walked back. Johanna stayed close to me. >throw duck at button I saw no chance to get to the emergency button without getting the attention of the thieves. Jo hid herself behind some shelves. Suddenly one of the thieves began moving in her direction until he stood directly in front of the shelf. Now Jo wasn’t able to move without the risk of being spotted by the man! “Everybody be cool, this is a robbery”, shouted a thief, “stay calm and quiet and everybody will go home without any harm!” >attack thieves This kind of action seemed too dangerous to me, so I decided to let it be. Jo was trying to get to the door, as the thief noticed her finally. He shouted loud, “STOP!” pointed his gun at her and then time stood still. Jo was motionless and the hand with the gun was trembling, pointing ceaselessly at her. Then everything went simultaneously. In a desperate attempt Jo was moving forward to the door, then the thief’s finger was pulling the trigger. While my mouth was opening to yell out, I heard the awful sound of the shot and the next moment Jo fell onto the floor. There was screaming, shouting, and then the thieves hurried out and drove away in the van. I was shocked, unable to do anything and I only barely noticed the arrival of the police. >x body I cried in sorrow and turned Jo on her back feeling her pulse. There wasn’t any. Then I saw the blood all over her clothing. While I was shaking her, yelling and crying, someone suddenly pulled me back. “Sorry,” said one of the police officers, “but we have to investigate the scene first.” I stepped back, unable to say something. >w (first opening the double door) East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A police car with flashing lights was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >w I made a few steps out on the street. It was dark, and it was late, and I was confused. As I reached what might have been almost the middle of the street, I noticed a light that came towards me at an unfathomable speed. I stretched my hand out in a desperate attempt to cover the sheer brightness, then I heard a buzzing sound and everything went black. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 6.15 a.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It was early in the morning and it was raining cats and dogs. But instead of walking on the pavement, I was lying on the street. A few people were standing around me and a woman was patting my cheek. “Gosh, you’re awake now, are you okay?”. “Yes I think so,” I replied rubbing my hands against my aching head. First I sat up slowly, then she helped me to stand. After staggering for a few steps, I walked stably enough that people returned to their own matters. West side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the DIY store and the garage on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side was St. Anne Hospital and on the other side was the beverage store. The avenue continued north and south. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >n Further north was nothing important for me. >w (first opening the flat door) I shook off the rain in front of the door, entered our flat and was happy to be at home, finally. I closed the door and leaned onto it. I felt a bit dizzy. Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. I could see an empty crate there. Johanna came in from the living room. >kiss jo I gave her a hasty kiss. Jo took the empty crate. >w Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. “Have a good rest”, Jo shouted, “if you feel better, then come for me at 10.05 p.m!” I heard her closing the door. >set alarm for 6 I saw no alarm for 6 there. >wind alarm I wound up the alarm clock until it felt right. >x alarm My grandpa’s old alarm clock was the only thing capable of waking me up. Its ringing was so piercingly loud that it was even fit to wake the dead. >set alarm for 6 I saw no alarm for 6 there. >set alarm The alarm clock was already wound up. >sleep I got onto the bed and closed my eyes. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 9.45 p.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It took me some time to fall asleep. When I woke up again, I turned around and looked at the alarm clock. It was 9:45 p.m. My head was spinning like a hamster in a wheel and I had to hurry now to be just in time at the supermarket. >* no, 9:35! Comment recorded. >w (first getting off of the bed) I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go east. >e Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >e (first opening the flat door) I left our flat and closed the door behind me. West side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. The door to our flat in block A, a now rather shabby looking investor building from the seventies, was directly west. Another building, called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. On this side there was residential block B, similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store to the east. On the other side of the street was St. Anne hospital and the avenue continued north and south. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >x van I asked myself, why this dark van had parked here, directly in front of the door to the supermarket. >kick van It was best to avoid pointless violence. >*it was very pointy! Comment recorded. >e (first opening the double door) Supermarket Something was definitely wrong in here, there was a lack of usual noises from people walking around, talking to each other and collecting things into their shopping carts. As I came closer to the checkstand, I saw a bunch of people lying motionsless on the floor. I instantly knew what was happening here and my heart stopped for a second – where was Jo? I couldn’t see her anywhere. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. A thief was scouting the inside of the checkstand while another was looking nervously around. >x register The checkstand was used to put things on it you want to buy. “Stop talking,” shouted one of the thieves, “and stay down on the floor! We promise nobody will get harmed as long as you are cooperating.” >x button From here I couldn’t see the emergency button Jo told me about, but it had to be near the register. >hide I don’t understand that command. >create distraction I don’t understand that command. >throw duck at gang The plastic duck struck the thieves and landed on the ground. “Everybody be cool, this is a robbery”, shouted a thief, “stay calm and quiet and everybody will go home without any harm!” >*promises Comment recorded. >w I doubted that I could go outside without the thieves noticing me. >s (first opening the rusty iron door) Backyard The backyard was a dimly lit place for storing garbage far away from curious eyes of the customers. This was obviously done in a large waste bin next to the wall of the adjacent building. A high wall surrounded the filthy location, only broken by a sturdy iron gate, which led out to the street to the northwest. The door to the north led back into the supermarket. In the waste bin I saw a lot of debris. Johanna was crouching behind the waste bin. As Jo saw me she scurried over to me. “Oh my god, Finley, I’m so glad to see you”, she whispered and I embraced her. “How can we get out, Jo?” I asked. “I don’t know, Fin,” she answered, “but the easiest way is to open the iron gate. What options do we have else?” >talk to jo “Hi,” I whispered and Johanna looked in my direction. >ask jo about button “I don’t know anything about that,” she said. >ask jo about alarm Jo shrugged her shoulders. >ask jo about check station “I don’t know anything about that,” she said. >ask jo about register Jo made a sign to be quiet. >kick bin It was best to avoid pointless violence. >n Supermarket The situation hadn’t changed. People were still lying on the floor while one of the thieves was near the checkstand. Nobody dared to move or to say something. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. I could see a plastic duck there. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. Johanna was directly behind me. >get duck Taken. Jo hid herself behind some shelves. Suddenly one of the thieves began moving in her direction until he stood directly in front of the shelf. Now Jo wasn’t able to move without the risk of being spotted by the man! >throw duck at gang The plastic duck struck the thieves and landed on the ground. Jo was trying to get to the door, as the thief noticed her finally. He shouted loud, “STOP!” pointed his gun at her and then time stood still. Jo was motionless and the hand with the gun was trembling, pointing ceaselessly at her. Then everything went simultaneously. In a desperate attempt Jo was moving forward to the door, then the thief’s finger was pulling the trigger. While my mouth was opening to yell out, I heard the awful sound of the shot and the next moment Jo fell onto the floor. There was screaming, shouting, and then the thieves hurried out and drove away in the van. I was shocked, unable to do anything and I only barely noticed the arrival of the police. > x body I cried in sorrow and turned Jo on her back feeling her pulse. There wasn’t any. Then I saw the blood all over her clothing. While I was shaking her, yelling and crying, someone suddenly pulled me back. “Sorry,” said one of the police officers, “but we have to investigate the scene first.” I stepped back, unable to say something. One man took out a small book and made some notes. >w (first opening the double door) East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A police car with flashing lights was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store to the east. On the other side of the street was St. Anne hospital and the avenue continued north and south. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. On this side there was residential block B, similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. >n Further north was nothing important for me. >w I made a few steps out on the street. It was dark, and it was late, and I was confused. As I reached what might have been almost the middle of the street, I noticed a light that came towards me at an unfathomable speed. I stretched my hand out in a desperate attempt to cover the sheer brightness, then I heard a buzzing sound and everything went black. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 6.15 a.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It was early in the morning and it was raining cats and dogs. But instead of walking on the pavement, I was lying on the street. A few people were standing around me and a woman was patting my cheek. “Gosh, you’re awake now, are you okay?”. “Yes I think so,” I replied rubbing my hands against my aching head. First I sat up slowly, then she helped me to stand. After staggering for a few steps, I walked stably enough that people returned to their own matters. West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >w (first opening the flat door) I shook off the rain in front of the door, entered our flat and was happy to be at home, finally. I closed the door and leaned onto it. I felt a bit dizzy. Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. I could see an empty crate there. Johanna came in from the living room. >go south I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go north, east or west. Jo took the empty crate. >get crate Better not now. “Have a good rest,” Jo said and gave me a kiss. “If you feel better, then wait for me in front of the supermarket at 10.05 p.m., as arranged. If not, please let me know.” She went out and shut the door. >x clock I saw no clock there. >w Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. >x clock My grandpa’s old alarm clock was the only thing capable of waking me up. Its ringing was so piercingly loud that it was even fit to wake the dead. >wind clock I wound up the alarm clock until it felt right. >set clock to 9:35 I don’t understand that command. >set clock The alarm clock was already wound up. >set alarm The alarm clock was already wound up. >x phone Of course we had a telephone, an old one with a dial wheel instead of keys. >sleep I got onto the bed and closed my eyes. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 9.45 p.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It took me some time to fall asleep. When I woke up again, I turned around and looked at the alarm clock. It was 9:45 p.m. My head was spinning like a hamster in a wheel and I had to hurry now to be just in time at the supermarket. >*@#$^@#$ you grampas clock Comment recorded. >call police (all police) I didn’t know how to get there. >x phone Of course we had a telephone, an old one with a dial wheel instead of keys. >dial phone I don’t understand that command. >use phone I couldn’t have thought of making a call now. >* I really could, tho Comment recorded. >dial 911 I don’t understand that command. >turn dial I saw no dial there. >x dial I saw no dial there. >w (first getting off of the bed) I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go east. >e Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >e (first opening the flat door) I left our flat and closed the door behind me. West side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. The door to our flat in block A, a now rather shabby looking investor building from the seventies, was directly west. Another building, called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store on the other side of the street to the east. In front of me was St. Anne Hospital to the west. The avenue continued north and south. >w I didn’t have any reason to enter St. Anne Hospital now. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street I could see the DIY store, while the garage was on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >x store The well-known little DIY store opened a few weeks ago. On several occasions, I bought here some things, mainly to repair something. Jo loved this store and she would have bought the complete product range available, if we only had the money for it. Today it was open from 8.00 a.m. to 13.00 p.m. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. I could go deeper into the park to the west, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street I could see the DIY store, while the garage was on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >e The garage was already closed for today. >x garage The garage looked like an alien insect in the city landscape, with its shining silver aluminium facade. Today it was open from 8.00 a.m. to 13.00 p.m. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store to the east. On the other side of the street was St. Anne hospital and the avenue continued north and south. >x store A wooden door with a half can bolted onto it lead into the beverage store. The store was a painted in a loud yellow colour, and the letters on the facade were glarey pink. Today it was open from 10.00 a.m. to 16.00 p.m. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >pop tire I don’t understand that command. >deflate tire I don’t understand that command. >x van I asked myself, why this dark van had parked here, directly in front of the door to the supermarket. >open van door (open an door) It didn’t budge, I guess you could only open it with the car key. >e (first opening the double door) Supermarket Something was definitely wrong in here, there was a lack of usual noises from people walking around, talking to each other and collecting things into their shopping carts. As I came closer to the checkstand, I saw a bunch of people lying motionsless on the floor. I instantly knew what was happening here and my heart stopped for a second – where was Jo? I couldn’t see her anywhere. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. I could see a plastic duck there. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. >get duck Taken. A thief was scouting the inside of the checkstand while another was looking nervously around. >s (first opening the rusty iron door) Backyard The backyard was a dimly lit place for storing garbage far away from curious eyes of the customers. This was obviously done in a large waste bin next to the wall of the adjacent building. A high wall surrounded the filthy location, only broken by a sturdy iron gate, which led out to the street to the northwest. The door to the north led back into the supermarket. In the waste bin I saw a lot of debris. Johanna was crouching behind the waste bin. As Jo saw me she scurried over to me. “Oh my god, Finley, I’m so glad to see you”, she whispered and I embraced her. “How can we get out, Jo?” I asked. “I don’t know, Fin,” she answered, “but the easiest way is to open the iron gate. What options do we have else?” >ask about clock I was not talking to anyone. >ask jo about clock “Hi,” I whispered and Johanna looked in my direction. “I don’t know anything about that,” she said. >talk to jo I was already talking to Johanna. >topics I had nothing in mind to discuss with Johanna just then. >n Supermarket The situation hadn’t changed. People were still lying on the floor while one of the thieves was near the checkstand. Nobody dared to move or to say something. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. One of the gang members gazed through the doorway, took a look outside and walked back. Johanna scurried after me. >w I doubted that I could go outside without the thieves noticing me. Jo hid herself behind some shelves. Suddenly one of the thieves began moving in her direction until he stood directly in front of the shelf. Now Jo wasn’t able to move without the risk of being spotted by the man! >yell I didn’t dare to say something aloud. Jo was trying to get to the door, as the thief noticed her finally. He shouted loud, “STOP!” pointed his gun at her and then time stood still. Jo was motionless and the hand with the gun was trembling, pointing ceaselessly at her. Then everything went simultaneously. In a desperate attempt Jo was moving forward to the door, then the thief’s finger was pulling the trigger. While my mouth was opening to yell out, I heard the awful sound of the shot and the next moment Jo fell onto the floor. There was screaming, shouting, and then the thieves hurried out and drove away in the van. I was shocked, unable to do anything and I only barely noticed the arrival of the police. >x body I cried in sorrow and turned Jo on her back feeling her pulse. There wasn’t any. Then I saw the blood all over her clothing. While I was shaking her, yelling and crying, someone suddenly pulled me back. “Sorry,” said one of the police officers, “but we have to investigate the scene first.” I stepped back, unable to say something. A police woman made some photos of the scene. >w (first opening the double door) East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A police car with flashing lights was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >e The garage was already closed for today. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store to the east. On the other side of the street was St. Anne hospital and the avenue continued north and south. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. On this side there was residential block B, similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. >n Further north was nothing important for me. >w I made a few steps out on the street. It was dark, and it was late, and I was confused. As I reached what might have been almost the middle of the street, I noticed a light that came towards me at an unfathomable speed. I stretched my hand out in a desperate attempt to cover the sheer brightness, then I heard a buzzing sound and everything went black. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 6.15 a.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It was early in the morning and it was raining cats and dogs. But instead of walking on the pavement, I was lying on the street. A few people were standing around me and a woman was patting my cheek. “Gosh, you’re awake now, are you okay?”. “Yes I think so,” I replied rubbing my hands against my aching head. First I sat up slowly, then she helped me to stand. After staggering for a few steps, I walked stably enough that people returned to their own matters. West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >w (first opening the flat door) I shook off the rain in front of the door, entered our flat and was happy to be at home, finally. I closed the door and leaned onto it. I felt a bit dizzy. Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. I could see an empty crate there. Johanna came in from the living room. >ask jo about clock I called “Jo?” “Later, Finley,” she answered. Jo took the empty crate. >undo During my last few therapy sessions I learned not to look back when I made a decision, even if I wasn’t well-informed enough, or I forgot something I should have remembered. I still do this elsewhere, but I agreed with Jo: for starters, none of that in our flat. >w Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. “Have a good rest”, Jo shouted, “if you feel better, then come for me at 10.05 p.m!” I heard her closing the door. >set alarm I wound up the alarm clock until it felt right. >sleep I got onto the bed and closed my eyes. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 9.45 p.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It took me some time to fall asleep. When I woke up again, I turned around and looked at the alarm clock. It was 9:45 p.m. My head was spinning like a hamster in a wheel and I had to hurry now to be just in time at the supermarket. >e (first getting off of the bed) Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >e (first opening the flat door) I left our flat and closed the door behind me. West side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. The door to our flat in block A, a now rather shabby looking investor building from the seventies, was directly west. Another building, called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. On this side there was residential block B, similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. >e There were no neighbours here I wanted to visit. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store to the east. On the other side of the street was St. Anne hospital and the avenue continued north and south. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >e (first opening the double door) Supermarket Something was definitely wrong in here, there was a lack of usual noises from people walking around, talking to each other and collecting things into their shopping carts. As I came closer to the checkstand, I saw a bunch of people lying motionsless on the floor. I instantly knew what was happening here and my heart stopped for a second – where was Jo? I couldn’t see her anywhere. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. >s (first opening the rusty iron door) Backyard The backyard was a dimly lit place for storing garbage far away from curious eyes of the customers. This was obviously done in a large waste bin next to the wall of the adjacent building. A high wall surrounded the filthy location, only broken by a sturdy iron gate, which led out to the street to the northwest. The door to the north led back into the supermarket. In the waste bin I saw a lot of debris. Johanna was crouching behind the waste bin. As Jo saw me she scurried over to me. “Oh my god, Finley, I’m so glad to see you”, she whispered and I embraced her. “How can we get out, Jo?” I asked. “I don’t know, Fin,” she answered, “but the easiest way is to open the iron gate. What options do we have else?” >n Supermarket The situation hadn’t changed. People were still lying on the floor while one of the thieves was near the checkstand. Nobody dared to move or to say something. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. Johanna followed behind me. >w I doubted that I could go outside without the thieves noticing me. Jo hid herself behind some shelves. Suddenly one of the thieves began moving in her direction until he stood directly in front of the shelf. Now Jo wasn’t able to move without the risk of being spotted by the man! One of the gang members turned suddenly around as if he might have heard me, then walked a few steps in my direction, but finally he went back to his position again. >w I doubted that I could go outside without the thieves noticing me. Jo was trying to get to the door, as the thief noticed her finally. He shouted loud, “STOP!” pointed his gun at her and then time stood still. Jo was motionless and the hand with the gun was trembling, pointing ceaselessly at her. Then everything went simultaneously. In a desperate attempt Jo was moving forward to the door, then the thief’s finger was pulling the trigger. While my mouth was opening to yell out, I heard the awful sound of the shot and the next moment Jo fell onto the floor. There was screaming, shouting, and then the thieves hurried out and drove away in the van. I was shocked, unable to do anything and I only barely noticed the arrival of the police. > x body I cried in sorrow and turned Jo on her back feeling her pulse. There wasn’t any. Then I saw the blood all over her clothing. While I was shaking her, yelling and crying, someone suddenly pulled me back. “Sorry,” said one of the police officers, “but we have to investigate the scene first.” I stepped back, unable to say something. >n I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go south or west. One of police officers was kneeling down, searching the ground with her flashlight. >n I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go south or west. “No, we didn’t have any clue,” spoke a man into his mobile phone, “but we’ll keep on investigating.” >n I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go south or west. >w (first opening the double door) East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A police car with flashing lights was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >w I made a few steps out on the street. It was dark, and it was late, and I was confused. As I reached what might have been almost the middle of the street, I noticed a light that came towards me at an unfathomable speed. I stretched my hand out in a desperate attempt to cover the sheer brightness, then I heard a buzzing sound and everything went black. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 6.15 a.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It was early in the morning and it was raining cats and dogs. But instead of walking on the pavement, I was lying on the street. A few people were standing around me and a woman was patting my cheek. “Gosh, you’re awake now, are you okay?”. “Yes I think so,” I replied rubbing my hands against my aching head. First I sat up slowly, then she helped me to stand. After staggering for a few steps, I walked stably enough that people returned to their own matters. West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. To the west I could go deeper into the park, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. > West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. To the west I could go deeper into the park, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the DIY store and the garage on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side was St. Anne Hospital and on the other side was the beverage store. The avenue continued north and south. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >n Further north was nothing important for me. >w (first opening the flat door) I shook off the rain in front of the door, entered our flat and was happy to be at home, finally. I closed the door and leaned onto it. I felt a bit dizzy. Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. I could see an empty crate there. Johanna came in from the living room. >w Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. I heard Jo taking the empty crate. >sleep I was very tired, but I just wanted to wait until Johanna was gone. “Have a good rest”, Jo shouted, “if you feel better, then come for me at 10.05 p.m!” I heard her closing the door. > set alarm I wound up the alarm clock until it felt right. >sleep I got onto the bed and closed my eyes. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 9.45 p.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It took me some time to fall asleep. When I woke up again, I turned around and looked at the alarm clock. It was 9:45 p.m. My head was spinning like a hamster in a wheel and I had to hurry now to be just in time at the supermarket. >e (first getting off of the bed) Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >e (first opening the flat door) I left our flat and closed the door behind me. West side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. The door to our flat in block A, a now rather shabby looking investor building from the seventies, was directly west. Another building, called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. On this side there was residential block B, similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store to the east. On the other side of the street was St. Anne hospital and the avenue continued north and south. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >e (first opening the double door) Supermarket Something was definitely wrong in here, there was a lack of usual noises from people walking around, talking to each other and collecting things into their shopping carts. As I came closer to the checkstand, I saw a bunch of people lying motionsless on the floor. I instantly knew what was happening here and my heart stopped for a second – where was Jo? I couldn’t see her anywhere. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. >s (first opening the rusty iron door) Backyard The backyard was a dimly lit place for storing garbage far away from curious eyes of the customers. This was obviously done in a large waste bin next to the wall of the adjacent building. A high wall surrounded the filthy location, only broken by a sturdy iron gate, which led out to the street to the northwest. The door to the north led back into the supermarket. In the waste bin I saw a lot of debris. Johanna was crouching behind the waste bin. As Jo saw me she scurried over to me. “Oh my god, Finley, I’m so glad to see you”, she whispered and I embraced her. “How can we get out, Jo?” I asked. “I don’t know, Fin,” she answered, “but the easiest way is to open the iron gate. What options do we have else?” >n Supermarket The situation hadn’t changed. People were still lying on the floor while one of the thieves was near the checkstand. Nobody dared to move or to say something. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. “Stop talking,” shouted one of the thieves, “and stay down on the floor! We promise nobody will get harmed as long as you are cooperating.” Johanna came with me. >z Time passed. Jo hid herself behind some shelves. Suddenly one of the thieves began moving in her direction until he stood directly in front of the shelf. Now Jo wasn’t able to move without the risk of being spotted by the man! “Everybody be cool, this is a robbery”, shouted a thief, “stay calm and quiet and everybody will go home without any harm!” >z Time passed. Jo was trying to get to the door, as the thief noticed her finally. He shouted loud, “STOP!” pointed his gun at her and then time stood still. Jo was motionless and the hand with the gun was trembling, pointing ceaselessly at her. Then everything went simultaneously. In a desperate attempt Jo was moving forward to the door, then the thief’s finger was pulling the trigger. While my mouth was opening to yell out, I heard the awful sound of the shot and the next moment Jo fell onto the floor. There was screaming, shouting, and then the thieves hurried out and drove away in the van. I was shocked, unable to do anything and I only barely noticed the arrival of the police. >x body I cried in sorrow and turned Jo on her back feeling her pulse. There wasn’t any. Then I saw the blood all over her clothing. While I was shaking her, yelling and crying, someone suddenly pulled me back. “Sorry,” said one of the police officers, “but we have to investigate the scene first.” I stepped back, unable to say something. >w (first opening the double door) East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A police car with flashing lights was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store to the east. On the other side of the street was St. Anne hospital and the avenue continued north and south. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. On this side there was residential block B, similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. >n Further north was nothing important for me. >w I made a few steps out on the street. It was dark, and it was late, and I was confused. As I reached what might have been almost the middle of the street, I noticed a light that came towards me at an unfathomable speed. I stretched my hand out in a desperate attempt to cover the sheer brightness, then I heard a buzzing sound and everything went black. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 6.15 a.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It was early in the morning and it was raining cats and dogs. But instead of walking on the pavement, I was lying on the street. A few people were standing around me and a woman was patting my cheek. “Gosh, you’re awake now, are you okay?”. “Yes I think so,” I replied rubbing my hands against my aching head. First I sat up slowly, then she helped me to stand. After staggering for a few steps, I walked stably enough that people returned to their own matters. West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >* I can wait you out, Jo Comment recorded. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >* okay , maybe not Comment recorded. >h (hi) They all were busy and nobody noticed me. >hint (Warning: Some people don’t like built-in hints, since the temptation to ask for help prematurely can become overwhelming when hints are so close at hand. If you’re worried that your willpower won’t hold up, you can disable hints for the rest of this session by typing HINTS OFF. If you still want to see the hints now, type HINT.) >hint Done. >l West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >w (first opening the flat door) I shook off the rain in front of the door, entered our flat and was happy to be at home, finally. I closed the door and leaned onto it. I felt a bit dizzy. Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. I could see an empty crate there. Johanna came in from the living room. >w Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. I heard Jo taking the empty crate. >wind up alarm I wound up the alarm clock until it felt right. “Have a good rest”, Jo shouted, “if you feel better, then come for me at 10.05 p.m!” I heard her closing the door. >sleep I got onto the bed and closed my eyes. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 9.45 p.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It took me some time to fall asleep. When I woke up again, I turned around and looked at the alarm clock. It was 9:45 p.m. My head was spinning like a hamster in a wheel and I had to hurry now to be just in time at the supermarket. > e (first getting off of the bed) Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >e (first opening the flat door) I left our flat and closed the door behind me. West side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. The door to our flat in block A, a now rather shabby looking investor building from the seventies, was directly west. Another building, called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store on the other side of the street to the east. In front of me was St. Anne Hospital to the west. The avenue continued north and south. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street I could see the DIY store, while the garage was on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. I could go deeper into the park to the west, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. >s Further south was nothing important for me. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >x shelf I saw no shelf there. >e (first opening the double door) Supermarket Something was definitely wrong in here, there was a lack of usual noises from people walking around, talking to each other and collecting things into their shopping carts. As I came closer to the checkstand, I saw a bunch of people lying motionsless on the floor. I instantly knew what was happening here and my heart stopped for a second – where was Jo? I couldn’t see her anywhere. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. One of the gang members turned suddenly around as if he might have heard me, then walked a few steps in my direction, but finally he went back to his position again. >x shelf In my opinion the multimedia shelf was the most interesting thing in the supermarket with lots of CDs, shiny new DVDs and older VHS tapes. >x vhs There were lots of VHS tapes on the shelf, but I stopped collecting them a while ago for money reasons. However, the spot where all the VHS tapes of THE SOPRANOS must have been was empty, except for a sticker. “Stop talking,” shouted one of the thieves, “and stay down on the floor! We promise nobody will get harmed as long as you are cooperating.” >x sticker A sticker was left instead of new VHS tapes of THE SOPRANOS. > get sticker Taken. A thief was scouting the inside of the checkstand while another was looking nervously around. >read sticker “BUY THE SOPRANOS for only 9.99!” >s (first opening the rusty iron door) Backyard The backyard was a dimly lit place for storing garbage far away from curious eyes of the customers. This was obviously done in a large waste bin next to the wall of the adjacent building. A high wall surrounded the filthy location, only broken by a sturdy iron gate, which led out to the street to the northwest. The door to the north led back into the supermarket. In the waste bin I saw a lot of debris. Johanna was crouching behind the waste bin. As Jo saw me she scurried over to me. “Oh my god, Finley, I’m so glad to see you”, she whispered and I embraced her. “How can we get out, Jo?” I asked. “I don’t know, Fin,” she answered, “but the easiest way is to open the iron gate. What options do we have else?” >ask about options I was not talking to anyone. >ask jo about options “Hi,” I whispered and Johanna looked in my direction. “Let’s talk later”, she whispered. >n Supermarket The situation hadn’t changed. People were still lying on the floor while one of the thieves was near the checkstand. Nobody dared to move or to say something. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. Johanna stayed close to me. >ask jo about sopranos “Hi,” I whispered and Johanna looked in my direction. Jo made a sign to be quiet. >throw duck The plastic duck sailed through the air and landed on the ground. Jo hid herself behind some shelves. Suddenly one of the thieves began moving in her direction until he stood directly in front of the shelf. Now Jo wasn’t able to move without the risk of being spotted by the man! One of the gang members gazed through the doorway, took a look outside and walked back. > get duck Taken. Jo was trying to get to the door, as the thief noticed her finally. He shouted loud, “STOP!” pointed his gun at her and then time stood still. Jo was motionless and the hand with the gun was trembling, pointing ceaselessly at her. Then everything went simultaneously. In a desperate attempt Jo was moving forward to the door, then the thief’s finger was pulling the trigger. While my mouth was opening to yell out, I heard the awful sound of the shot and the next moment Jo fell onto the floor. There was screaming, shouting, and then the thieves hurried out and drove away in the van. I was shocked, unable to do anything and I only barely noticed the arrival of the police. >x body I cried in sorrow and turned Jo on her back feeling her pulse. There wasn’t any. Then I saw the blood all over her clothing. While I was shaking her, yelling and crying, someone suddenly pulled me back. “Sorry,” said one of the police officers, “but we have to investigate the scene first.” I stepped back, unable to say something. >x scene I saw no scene there. >x shelf In my opinion the multimedia shelf was the most interesting thing in the supermarket with lots of CDs, shiny new DVDs and older VHS tapes. >x dvds There were lots of brand new DVDs on the shelf, but we couldn’t afford an expansive DVD player. Unlike other people, because the spot where THE SOPRANOS must have been was empty. >x shelves In my opinion the multimedia shelf was the most interesting thing in the supermarket with lots of CDs, shiny new DVDs and older VHS tapes. >x register The checkstand was used to put things on it you want to buy. “Come over here, Jim,” shouted one officer and another turned around and helped him search fingerprints on the iron door. >x button From here I couldn’t see the emergency button Jo told me about, but it had to be near the register. >go to checkstand Which do you mean, (1) the checkstand in the in the beverage store, (2) the woman behind the checkstand, (3) the man behind the checkstand, or (4) the checkstand in the well-known little diy store? >*some typos in #1, and weird scope Comment recorded. >go to checkstand Which do you mean, (1) the checkstand in the in the beverage store, (2) the woman behind the checkstand, (3) the man behind the checkstand, or (4) the checkstand in the well-known little diy store? >2 I didn’t know how to get there. >x checkstand The checkstand was used to put things on it you want to buy. >x register The checkstand was used to put things on it you want to buy. One man took out a small book and made some notes. >x book I saw no book there. >l Supermarket I was in the supermarket, a typical large room with lots of space for the things in display. As usual, the shelves were arranged in a manner that any customer has to go zig zag through the whole supermarket to get finally to the checkstand. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Down on the floor was Jo’s bag, which slid out of her hands as she got hit. Jo’s lifeless body was lying near the door, surrounded by police officers. >n I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go south or west. “Come over here, Jim,” shouted one officer and another turned around and helped him search fingerprints on the iron door. >zigzag I don’t understand that command. >west (first opening the double door) East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A police car with flashing lights was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >e (first opening the double door) Supermarket I was in the supermarket, a typical large room with lots of space for the things in display. As usual, the shelves were arranged in a manner that any customer has to go zig zag through the whole supermarket to get finally to the checkstand. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Down on the floor was Jo’s bag, which slid out of her hands as she got hit. Jo’s lifeless body was lying near the door, surrounded by police officers. One of police officers was kneeling down, searching the ground with her flashlight. >x bag The fashion told us to wear fancy colours and wild patterns; Johanna’s bag was no exception. This bag was Jo’s companion, wherever she went. It had more pockets inside than outside, so nobody ever could know all the things she was hiding inside of it. >search bag The fashion told us to wear fancy colours and wild patterns; Johanna’s bag was no exception. This bag was Jo’s companion, wherever she went. It had more pockets inside than outside, so nobody ever could know all the things she was hiding inside of it. >open bag Opening the bag revealed what must be the last copy of THE SOPRANOS. >get sopranos Carefully I picked up the VHS tape and turned it thoughtfully in my hands. If I only could have traded in this tape for Jo’s life! A police woman made some photos of the scene. >get bag I never ever would have dared to take Jo’s bag. >w (first opening the double door) East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A police car with flashing lights was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store to the east. On the other side of the street was St. Anne hospital and the avenue continued north and south. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. On this side there was residential block B, similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. >n Further north was nothing important for me. >w I made a few steps out on the street. It was dark, and it was late, and I was confused. As I reached what might have been almost the middle of the street, I noticed a light that came towards me at an unfathomable speed. I stretched my hand out in a desperate attempt to cover the sheer brightness, then I heard a buzzing sound and everything went black. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 6.15 a.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It was early in the morning and it was raining cats and dogs. But instead of walking on the pavement, I was lying on the street. A few people were standing around me and a woman was patting my cheek. “Gosh, you’re awake now, are you okay?”. “Yes I think so,” I replied rubbing my hands against my aching head. First I sat up slowly, then she helped me to stand. After staggering for a few steps, I walked stably enough that people returned to their own matters. West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >w (first opening the flat door) I shook off the rain in front of the door, entered our flat and was happy to be at home, finally. I closed the door and leaned onto it. I felt a bit dizzy. Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. I could see an empty crate there. Johanna came in from the living room. >give jo vhs I called “Jo?” “Later, Finley,” she answered. Jo took the empty crate. >w Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. “Have a good rest”, Jo shouted, “if you feel better, then come for me at 10.05 p.m!” I heard her closing the door. >put vhs in player I put what must be the last copy of THE SOPRANOS in the video tape recorder. >turn on tv The TV screen flickered to life. I walked over to the sofa and sat down on it. Episode one started with the well known intro, but after a while I must have been fallen asleep. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 3.15 p.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Finally, my heart was pounding in sheer anticipation. It must sound quite strange but I don’t really know what might have happened to me. In each and every case it occurred that my eyes must have been shut for a second and as soon as I opened them again, I heard the title theme of what must be episode seven. It was 3:15 p.m. and my head was badly aching. >e (first turning off the TV then getting off of the sofa) Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >e (first opening the flat door) I left our flat and closed the door behind me. West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side was St. Anne Hospital and on the other side was the beverage store. The avenue continued north and south. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the DIY store and the garage on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >w The DIY store was already closed for today. >x diy store The well-known little DIY store opened a few weeks ago. On several occasions, I bought here some things, mainly to repair something. Jo loved this store and she would have bought the complete product range available, if we only had the money for it. Today it was open from 8.00 a.m. to 13.00 p.m. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the garage to the east while across the street to the west was the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >e The garage was already closed for today. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side there was the beverage store while westwards was St. Anne Hospital. The avenue continued north and south. >e In the beverage store This was a new beverage shop chain that began spreading over the city landscape since the middle nineties. It’s signature was mainly the yellow colour used for almost all things in here. Among the range of goods were all possible kinds of beverages, stuffed into long lines of shelves. The only exit was west. There was a woman behind the checkstand who was looking into a fashion magazine. The woman behind the checkstand yawned out loud. >x shelves I searched the shelves for something useful, and found a pack of my favourite energy drinks! The woman turned a few pages of her fashion magazine. >buy drinks (first taking the pack of energy drinks) I put the energy drinks onto the checkstand and the young woman behind it pulled it over the scanner. I paid for it and said, “Thanks, have a nice day” to the woman. “Don’t forget to take it,” she answered, “and have a nice day too.” The woman took a pocket mirror out and combed her hair up. >get drinks I took the pack of energy drinks. The woman behind the checkstand collected money from a customer. “Have a nice day,” she said. >w East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side there was the beverage store while westwards was St. Anne Hospital. The avenue continued north and south. Suddenly I found myself inside of a huge crowd of people moving down the boulevard, flags and signs in their hands. I stumbled and fell onto the pavement, then I struggled to get on my feet again. First I didn’t believe I could, but then managed it somehow. They dragged me further down the boulevard. I heard them shouting “Stop misinformation!”, “Trust us we know everything about the government’s conspiracy!”, “Never believe a single word the politicians say!”, and so on. >s I couldn’t get anywhere inside of this crowd. While chanting their slogans ceaselessly they were dragging me further south down the road. Once again I tried to get out of the crowd, but I stumbled again and fell against the man in front of me. He turned around and murmured something like “Don’t fall my dearest friend, we must stand together,” as he pulled me back in the row again. >w I couldn’t get anywhere inside of this crowd. We were rushing through several side alleys and finally came to a halt in front of a row of police officers. “This is an unannounced convention, folks,” said one of them, “and we apologize for any inconvenience but you must understand that we are forced to disband your little meeting”. The crowd screamed out in anger and suddenly I saw a few of them coming to blows against the police. The crowd was now a huge moving mass. The next thing I noticed were some strong hands that pulled me away from the others and I was brought into the nearby police department. I was guided into a small room, where a police officer registered my personal data. Then he began asking me all kinds of questions for what must have been hours. I saw the daylight vanish outside as we finally got to what felt like the end of the investigations. In the police station This was a quite austere room, with a grey table and two chairs on each side. The only exit was west. Thick curtains hid a potentially great view of the city through the glass facade. The police officer was on the opposite chair. > talk to cop I saw no cop there. >talk to police “Em,” I said, “I’ve got another question.” “Feel free to ask,” he answered, “as long as you’re here.” (I could ask him what he will do if I tell him that the robbers will strike again soon, whether I was free to go now or if there were news about those robbers) >ask about robbers “I can’t help you with that,” he said. >ask if there were news about robbers “Are there news about those robbers in the city?” I asked. “No,” he replied, “but be aware that they might strike again. Inform us, if you’ll notice anything out of the ordinary.” >tell police about robbers “I’ll look up that later,” he promised. >tell him robbers will strike again soon The police officer shrugged his shoulders. >tell him that the robbers will strike again soon “The robbers will strike again soon,” I said. The police officer did not respond. “And you repeatedly said, you have nothing in common with these tinfoils?” he asked. 1 – I was just in the beverage store to buy some energy drinks (calm). 2 – I was just in the beverage store to buy some energy drinks (annoyed). 3 – I was just in the beverage store to buy some energy drinks (angry). 4 – I was just in the beverage store to buy some energy drinks (unruly). console “As I’ve already told you,” I said, “I was just in the beverage store to buy some energy drinks, as suddenly I got drawn into that crowd and then they were so close around me that I had no other way than to follow them.” “Em, Finley Davenport,” the police officer said, “I know we’re sitting here a long time but I can’t let you go yet, I have one last question.” I rolled my eyes. “Are these energy drinks really that good?” he asked. 1 – Yes, they make me stay up when I need to (calm). 2 – I’d think so (annoyed). 3 – Just try it for yourself you’ll have no more questions then (angry). 4 – If you ask again I might do something I’ll regret (unruly). console “Yes, I believe so,” I said, “they keep me up when I’m so tired that the only thing I want to do is lie down and get some sleep.” “Ok, you can go now,” the police officer said and then he closed the file in front of him. >tell him that the robbers will strike again soon “The robbers will strike again soon,” I said. The police officer did not respond. >*sounds about right Comment recorded. >l In the police station This was a quite austere room, with a grey table and two chairs on each side. The only exit was west. Thick curtains hid a potentially great view of the city through the glass facade. The police officer was on the opposite chair. >x desk I saw no desk there. >talk to officer I was already talking to the police officer. (I could ask him whether I was free to go now or what he will do if I tell him that the robbers will strike again soon) >ask officer what he will do if I tell him that the robbers will strike again soon “Don’t ask why, but I know that the robbers will strike again at the local supermarket,” I said. “Em,” he replied, “I can’t see the future and I guess you can’t see it too. Don’t try to overreact.” >talk to officer I was already talking to the police officer. (I could ask him whether I was free to go now) >l In the police station This was a quite austere room, with a grey table and two chairs on each side. The only exit was west. Thick curtains hid a potentially great view of the city through the glass facade. The police officer was on the opposite chair. >w He leaned back on his chair. I left the police department and after entering a few side alleys I got back to Printworker’s Avenue. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 9.45 p.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ West side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street I could see the DIY store, while the garage was on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >s Further south was nothing important for me. >se (first trying to open the sturdy iron gate) The sturdy iron gate was locked. >e (first opening the double door) Supermarket Something was definitely wrong in here, there was a lack of usual noises from people walking around, talking to each other and collecting things into their shopping carts. As I came closer to the checkstand, I saw a bunch of people lying motionsless on the floor. I instantly knew what was happening here and my heart stopped for a second – where was Jo? I couldn’t see her anywhere. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. “Everybody be cool, this is a robbery”, shouted a thief, “stay calm and quiet and everybody will go home without any harm!” >s (first opening the rusty iron door) Backyard The backyard was a dimly lit place for storing garbage far away from curious eyes of the customers. This was obviously done in a large waste bin next to the wall of the adjacent building. A high wall surrounded the filthy location, only broken by a sturdy iron gate, which led out to the street to the northwest. The door to the north led back into the supermarket. In the waste bin I saw a lot of debris. Johanna was crouching behind the waste bin. As Jo saw me she scurried over to me. “Oh my god, Finley, I’m so glad to see you”, she whispered and I embraced her. “How can we get out, Jo?” I asked. “I don’t know, Fin,” she answered, “but the easiest way is to open the iron gate. What options do we have else?” >n Supermarket The situation hadn’t changed. People were still lying on the floor while one of the thieves was near the checkstand. Nobody dared to move or to say something. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. One of the gang members turned suddenly around as if he might have heard me, then walked a few steps in my direction, but finally he went back to his position again. Johanna was directly behind me. >z Time passed. Jo hid herself behind some shelves. Suddenly one of the thieves began moving in her direction until he stood directly in front of the shelf. Now Jo wasn’t able to move without the risk of being spotted by the man! One of the gang members gazed through the doorway, took a look outside and walked back. >z Time passed. Jo was trying to get to the door, as the thief noticed her finally. He shouted loud, “STOP!” pointed his gun at her and then time stood still. Jo was motionless and the hand with the gun was trembling, pointing ceaselessly at her. Then everything went simultaneously. In a desperate attempt Jo was moving forward to the door, then the thief’s finger was pulling the trigger. While my mouth was opening to yell out, I heard the awful sound of the shot and the next moment Jo fell onto the floor. There was screaming, shouting, and then the thieves hurried out and drove away in the van. I was shocked, unable to do anything and I only barely noticed the arrival of the police. “No, we didn’t have any clue,” spoke a man into his mobile phone, “but we’ll keep on investigating.” > Supermarket I was in the supermarket, a typical large room with lots of space for the things in display. As usual, the shelves were arranged in a manner that any customer has to go zig zag through the whole supermarket to get finally to the checkstand. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Down on the floor was Jo’s bag, which slid out of her hands as she got hit. Jo’s lifeless body was lying near the door, surrounded by police officers. >w (first opening the double door) East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A police car with flashing lights was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >w I made a few steps out on the street. It was dark, and it was late, and I was confused. As I reached what might have been almost the middle of the street, I noticed a light that came towards me at an unfathomable speed. I stretched my hand out in a desperate attempt to cover the sheer brightness, then I heard a buzzing sound and everything went black. “Finley? What if our life never changes? You maybe find me attractive now, but what if I’ll grow old and get grey hairs and we still live in this awful flat? You’ll hate me for all that and you’ll wish you’d have never fallen in love with a stupid checkout girl.”. Jo had tears in her eyes, a single one running down her cheek. 1 – I’ll always love you. 2 – Who’ll know what will be in twenty years? 3 – Don’t worry about the future. 4 – Don’t say things like that. console I wiped the tear carefully away. “I’ll always love you Jo,” I said. “And this will never ever change.” I knew how much Johanna desired a little house of our own and how she longed for a baby that would make us a happy family. So it teared my heart apart every time I saw her coming home, frustrated from work, with some cheap cigarettes, and sometimes even alcohol. She was standing still, staring forlorn at herself in the bathroom mirror, her make-up smeared from crying. 1 – You are the best thing that ever happened to me. (I truly love you) 2 – What counts is the present, not the future. (Let us make love here and now) 3 – I’ll keep you in my heart forever. (I promise) 4 – Don’t let your feelings overwhelm you. (They’re fake feelings) console “I’ll tell you something, Jo.” I knelt down in front of her. “I’ll tell you that I’d be the most stupid person on this planet, if I’d ever leave you. You are the best thing that ever happened to me in my whole life, I love you truly and everything will gonna be fine for us, believe me.” “This is the nineteenth negative reply to your nineteenth letter of application, Finley. What if never anything changes for us?”, she scowled and handed me a brown envelope. “WHAT IF NEVER EVER?” ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 6.15 a.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It was early in the morning and it was raining cats and dogs. But instead of walking on the pavement, I was lying on the street. A few people were standing around me and a woman was patting my cheek. “Gosh, you’re awake now, are you okay?”. “Yes I think so,” I replied rubbing my hands against my aching head. First I sat up slowly, then she helped me to stand. After staggering for a few steps, I walked stably enough that people returned to their own matters. West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. To the west I could go deeper into the park, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >w In the Park The park was quiet and peaceful, a place to retreat and recover. A small fountain, a bench, and a waste bin were arranged around a gravel walkway. To the east I could enter the street again. In the waste bin I saw a firecracker. >get firecracker I carefully took the firecracker out of the waste bin. >e West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. To the west I could go deeper into the park, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the DIY store and the garage on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side was St. Anne Hospital and on the other side was the beverage store. The avenue continued north and south. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >n Further north was nothing important for me. >w (first opening the flat door) I shook off the rain in front of the door, entered our flat and was happy to be at home, finally. I closed the door and leaned onto it. I felt a bit dizzy. Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. I could see an empty crate there. Johanna came in from the living room. >kiss jo I gave her a hasty kiss. Jo took the empty crate. >w Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. In the video tape recorder I saw what must be the last copy of THE SOPRANOS. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. “Have a good rest”, Jo shouted, “if you feel better, then come for me at 10.05 p.m!” I heard her closing the door. >z Time passed. >watch sopranos The TV screen flickered to life. I walked over to the sofa and sat down on it. Episode one started with the well known intro, but after a while I must have been fallen asleep. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 3.15 p.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Finally, my heart was pounding in sheer anticipation. It must sound quite strange but I don’t really know what might have happened to me. In each and every case it occurred that my eyes must have been shut for a second and as soon as I opened them again, I heard the title theme of what must be episode seven. It was 3:15 p.m. and my head was badly aching. >* @#%&@#$% Comment recorded. >e (first turning off the TV then getting off of the sofa) Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >e (first opening the flat door) I left our flat and closed the door behind me. West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. On this side there was residential block B similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. >d I went down the stairs. In the underground station The underground station was like a tremendous cave of concrete and steel. There was an unpleasant smell of recycled air, mixed with all kinds of other human scents. On the wall was a huge graffiti and the only exit were the stairs leading up. A large LCD display was mounted in the middle of the station. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >u I went up the stairs. East side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. On this side there was residential block B similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. >w I went across the street. West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side was St. Anne Hospital and on the other side was the beverage store. The avenue continued north and south. >w I didn’t have any reason to enter St. Anne Hospital now. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the DIY store and the garage on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >w The DIY store was already closed for today. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. To the west I could go deeper into the park, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. There was a green park providing some space to escape the nervous traffic on the other side of the street while Jo’s supermarket was directly in front of me to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket. The avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >e (first opening the double door) Supermarket I went through the double door and noticed Johanna instantly. There was nothing unusual in here, the shelves were full and the sun was shining bright through the front window. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Johanna was sitting behind the checkstand, obviously bored, and there were actually no customers in, except for myself. >talk to jo “Jo,” I said, “can we talk?” “Not now, Finley,” she smiled, “later maybe. My boss doesn’t like it at all when her staff is too talkative during worktime.” >x shelves In my opinion the multimedia shelf was the most interesting thing in the supermarket with lots of CDs, shiny new DVDs and older VHS tapes. >x button From here I couldn’t see the emergency button Jo told me about, but it had to be near the register. >s (first opening the rusty iron door) Backyard The backyard was a dimly lit place for storing garbage far away from curious eyes of the customers. This was obviously done in a large waste bin next to the wall of the adjacent building. A high wall surrounded the filthy location, only broken by a sturdy iron gate, which led out to the street to the northwest. The door to the north led back into the supermarket. In the waste bin I saw a lot of debris. >drop firecracker Dropped. >nw (first trying to open the sturdy iron gate) The sturdy iron gate was locked. >n Supermarket I was in the supermarket, a typical large room with lots of space for the things in display. As usual, the shelves were arranged in a manner that any customer has to go zig zag through the whole supermarket to get finally to the checkstand. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Johanna was sitting behind the checkstand, obviously bored, and there were actually no customers in, except for myself. >tell jo to go home early I don’t understand that command. >w (first opening the double door) East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. There was a green park providing some space to escape the nervous traffic on the other side of the street while Jo’s supermarket was directly in front of me to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket. The avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >w I went across the street. West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. To the west I could go deeper into the park, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >w In the Park The park was quiet and peaceful, a place to retreat and recover. A small fountain, a bench, and a waste bin were arranged around a gravel walkway. To the east I could enter the street again. >x bin It was one of the town’s green waste bins, a bit rusty at the edges. >e West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. To the west I could go deeper into the park, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the DIY store and the garage on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side was St. Anne Hospital and on the other side was the beverage store. The avenue continued north and south. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >n Further north was nothing important for me. >w (first opening the flat door) I entered our flat and closed the door behind me. Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >w Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. In the video tape recorder I saw what must be the last copy of THE SOPRANOS. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. >drink energy drink I opened one of the drinks and gulped it down in a few seconds. Ah, that was tasty! >watch sopranos The TV screen flickered to life. The tape was showing more of THE SOPRANOS. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >watch sopranos I was already staring at the tv. There was the title melody of the next episode. >x clock My grandpa’s old alarm clock was the only thing capable of waking me up. Its ringing was so piercingly loud that it was even fit to wake the dead. >e (first turning off the TV) Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >e (first opening the flat door) I left our flat and closed the door behind me. West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. On this side there was residential block B similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side there was the beverage store while westwards was St. Anne Hospital. The avenue continued north and south. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the garage to the east while across the street to the west was the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >e The garage was already closed for today. > n East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side there was the beverage store while westwards was St. Anne Hospital. The avenue continued north and south. >e In the beverage store This was a new beverage shop chain that began spreading over the city landscape since the middle nineties. It’s signature was mainly the yellow colour used for almost all things in here. Among the range of goods were all possible kinds of beverages, stuffed into long lines of shelves. The only exit was west. There was a woman behind the checkstand who was looking into a fashion magazine. >talk to woman “Hello,” I said. “Hello to you too,” she answered, “is there something I can do for you?” (I could ask her if she was scared that this store could be robbed today or if there were interesting news in the fashion magazine) >ask if she was scared “Are you scared that this store could be robbed today?” I asked. “I guess not,” she replied, “we are far too unimportant to be a target of thieves. Ask again in one of the fine jewellery stores in the heart of the city.” >*spelling? Comment recorded. >w She turned back to her magazine. East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side there was the beverage store while westwards was St. Anne Hospital. The avenue continued north and south. Suddenly I found myself inside of a huge crowd of people moving down the boulevard, flags and signs in their hands. I stumbled and fell onto the pavement, then I struggled to get on my feet again. First I didn’t believe I could, but then managed it somehow. They dragged me further down the boulevard. I heard them shouting “Stop misinformation!”, “Trust us we know everything about the government’s conspiracy!”, “Never believe a single word the politicians say!”, and so on. >w I couldn’t get anywhere inside of this crowd. While chanting their slogans ceaselessly they were dragging me further south down the road. Once again I tried to get out of the crowd, but I stumbled again and fell against the man in front of me. He turned around and murmured something like “Don’t fall my dearest friend, we must stand together,” as he pulled me back in the row again. >n I couldn’t get anywhere inside of this crowd. We were rushing through several side alleys and finally came to a halt in front of a row of police officers. “This is an unannounced convention, folks,” said one of them, “and we apologize for any inconvenience but you must understand that we are forced to disband your little meeting”. The crowd screamed out in anger and suddenly I saw a few of them coming to blows against the police. The crowd was now a huge moving mass. The next thing I noticed were some strong hands that pulled me away from the others and I was brought into the nearby police department. I was guided into a small room, where a police officer registered my personal data. Then he began asking me all kinds of questions for what must have been hours. I saw the daylight vanish outside as we finally got to what felt like the end of the investigations. In the police station This was a quite austere room, with a grey table and two chairs on each side. The only exit was west. Thick curtains hid a potentially great view of the city through the glass facade. The police officer was on the opposite chair. >w I wasn’t allowed to go yet. “And you repeatedly said, you have nothing in common with these tinfoils?” he asked. 1 – I was just in the beverage store to buy some energy drinks (calm). 2 – I was just in the beverage store to buy some energy drinks (annoyed). 3 – I was just in the beverage store to buy some energy drinks (angry). 4 – I was just in the beverage store to buy some energy drinks (unruly). console “As I’ve already told you,” I said, “I was just in the beverage store to buy some energy drinks, as suddenly I got drawn into that crowd and then they were so close around me that I had no other way than to follow them.” “Em, Finley Davenport,” the police officer said, “I know we’re sitting here a long time but I can’t let you go yet, I have one last question.” I rolled my eyes. “Are these energy drinks really that good?” he asked. 1 – Yes, they make me stay up when I need to (calm). 2 – I’d think so (annoyed). 3 – Just try it for yourself you’ll have no more questions then (angry). 4 – If you ask again I might do something I’ll regret (unruly). console “Yes, I believe so,” I said, “they keep me up when I’m so tired that the only thing I want to do is lie down and get some sleep.” “Ok, you can go now,” the police officer said and then he closed the file in front of him. >w I left the police department and after entering a few side alleys I got back to Printworker’s Avenue. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 9.45 p.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ West side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street I could see the DIY store, while the garage was on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >s Further south was nothing important for me. >s Further south was nothing important for me. >s Further south was nothing important for me. >e (first opening the double door) Supermarket The situation hadn’t changed. People were still lying on the floor while one of the thieves was near the checkstand. Nobody dared to move or to say something. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. A thief was scouting the inside of the checkstand while another was looking nervously around. >s Backyard The backyard was a dimly lit place for storing garbage far away from curious eyes of the customers. This was obviously done in a large waste bin next to the wall of the adjacent building. A high wall surrounded the filthy location, only broken by a sturdy iron gate, which led out to the street to the northwest. The door to the north led back into the supermarket. I could see a firecracker there. In the waste bin I saw a lot of debris. Johanna was crouching behind the waste bin. As Jo saw me she scurried over to me. “Oh my god, Finley, I’m so glad to see you”, she whispered and I embraced her. “How can we get out, Jo?” I asked. “I don’t know, Fin,” she answered, “but the easiest way is to open the iron gate. What options do we have else?” >light firecracker Maybe I should have found a good place first to explode it. >put firecracker in bin (first taking the firecracker) I put the firecracker in the waste bin. >get firecracker Taken. >put firecracker in lock I saw no lock there. >x gate It was the kind of gate which was made of an iron frame with an iron lattice. >open gate The sturdy iron gate was locked. >put firecracker in gate I couldn’t put anything in the sturdy iron gate. >put firecracker in bin I put the firecracker in the waste bin. >light firecracker Maybe the gate should have been open first. >* ???? Comment recorded. >get firecracker Taken. >n Supermarket The situation hadn’t changed. People were still lying on the floor while one of the thieves was near the checkstand. Nobody dared to move or to say something. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. “Stop talking,” shouted one of the thieves, “and stay down on the floor! We promise nobody will get harmed as long as you are cooperating.” Johanna scurried after me. >z Time passed. Jo hid herself behind some shelves. Suddenly one of the thieves began moving in her direction until he stood directly in front of the shelf. Now Jo wasn’t able to move without the risk of being spotted by the man! >z Time passed. Jo was trying to get to the door, as the thief noticed her finally. He shouted loud, “STOP!” pointed his gun at her and then time stood still. Jo was motionless and the hand with the gun was trembling, pointing ceaselessly at her. Then everything went simultaneously. In a desperate attempt Jo was moving forward to the door, then the thief’s finger was pulling the trigger. While my mouth was opening to yell out, I heard the awful sound of the shot and the next moment Jo fell onto the floor. There was screaming, shouting, and then the thieves hurried out and drove away in the van. I was shocked, unable to do anything and I only barely noticed the arrival of the police. > Supermarket I was in the supermarket, a typical large room with lots of space for the things in display. As usual, the shelves were arranged in a manner that any customer has to go zig zag through the whole supermarket to get finally to the checkstand. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Down on the floor was Jo’s bag, which slid out of her hands as she got hit. Jo’s lifeless body was lying near the door, surrounded by police officers. >w (first opening the double door) East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A police car with flashing lights was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >w I made a few steps out on the street. It was dark, and it was late, and I was confused. As I reached what might have been almost the middle of the street, I noticed a light that came towards me at an unfathomable speed. I stretched my hand out in a desperate attempt to cover the sheer brightness, then I heard a buzzing sound and everything went black. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 6.15 a.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It was early in the morning and it was raining cats and dogs. But instead of walking on the pavement, I was lying on the street. A few people were standing around me and a woman was patting my cheek. “Gosh, you’re awake now, are you okay?”. “Yes I think so,” I replied rubbing my hands against my aching head. First I sat up slowly, then she helped me to stand. After staggering for a few steps, I walked stably enough that people returned to their own matters. West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. To the west I could go deeper into the park, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the DIY store and the garage on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side was St. Anne Hospital and on the other side was the beverage store. The avenue continued north and south. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >n Further north was nothing important for me. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. On this side there was residential block B similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. >w I went across the street. West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >w (first opening the flat door) I shook off the rain in front of the door, entered our flat and was happy to be at home, finally. I closed the door and leaned onto it. I felt a bit dizzy. Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. I could see an empty crate there. Johanna came in from the living room. >w Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. In the video tape recorder I saw what must be the last copy of THE SOPRANOS. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. I heard Jo taking the empty crate. >z Time passed. “Have a good rest”, Jo shouted, “if you feel better, then come for me at 10.05 p.m!” I heard her closing the door. >z Time passed. >drink drink I opened one of the drinks and gulped it down in a few seconds. Ah, that was tasty! >watch sopranos The TV screen flickered to life. I walked over to the sofa and sat down on it. Episode one started with the well known intro, but after a while I must have been fallen asleep. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 10.25 a.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I was watching THE SOPRANOS while the taste of the energy drink was still in my mouth. I finished episode one and remember to have seen the beginning of episode two, but then my eyelids got heavier with every passing minute. I hadn’t the slightest clue why this happened to me, but I must have been fallen asleep. When I opened my eyes again, I heard the title theme of what must be episode three. It was 10.25 a.m. My head was aching so badly that I could hardly concentrate. >e (first turning off the TV then getting off of the sofa) Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >s I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go north, east or west. >e (first opening the flat door) I left our flat and closed the door behind me. West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side was St. Anne Hospital and on the other side was the beverage store. The avenue continued north and south. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the DIY store and the garage on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. A beggar was on the pavement, on this side of the street. The beggar moaned out loud. >talk to beggar “Hello,” I said. “Hello to you too,” he answered. “May I ask if you’d have a few coins left for me?” >x money It wasn’t much, but enough for a couple of drinks. The beggar leaned forward and put his hands on his head. >w He leaned back on the house wall. The well-known little DIY store The store was indeed small, but cramped full with various helpful and various less helpful things. Among the shelves there were colours, brushes, books, fabrics, wallpapers and many more things you can think of. The only exit was east. There was a man behind the checkstand who was looking rather annoyed. The man took a single cigarette out of a package. >talk to man “Hello,” I said. “Hi,” he answered, “what can I do for you?” (I could ask him if he also thinks that a drill hammer is essential, when he’s planning to stop smoking or whether he had also got one copy of the sopranos) >ask man if he thinks a drill hammer is essential “Do you also think that a drill hammer is an essential tool in every household?” I asked. “Of course” he replied, “I even have three of them at home. You never know when one will get messed up, so it’s better to have a spare one or two.” >x shelves I searched the shelves for something useful and found a test spray for smoke detectors! >get spray Taken. >ask man for hammer The man behind the checkstand did not respond. The man behind the checkstand lit the cigarette. >buy hammer I saw no hammer there. >e I had to pay for the test spray before I left the beverage store. >buy spray I put the spray onto the checkstand and the young man behind it pulled it over the scanner. I paid for it and said “Thanks, have a nice day” to the man. “Thanks,” he replied, “and don’t forget to take it. See you.” >get spray Taken. >e He turned back to his cigarette. West side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the DIY store and the garage on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. A beggar was on the pavement, on this side of the street. >give money to beggar “Hello again,” I said. “You again,” he answered with a side glance. I gave the beggar a few coins, so he could buy himself a drink at the beverage store. “Thank you, it seems there still are some people out with an open heart!” He grinned wide. “I’ve got something you probably could make some use of,” he said and handed me a ticket. Then he headed off to the east. As he was limping across the road, I saw a big white car coming closer and then I saw Johanna’s boss sitting behind the steering wheel. It seemed she didn’t notice the beggar at all. I was gesturing at her, but when she finally began to brake, it was too late. He bumped on her car’s hood, rolled back and fell down in front of the car. Someone nearby called the ambulance and a few minutes later the police arrived and I had to make my witness statement. After half an hour the beggar was brought safely to the hospital everything was quiet again. Later on I blamed myself a lot for the accident, though I knew it wasn’t my fault at all. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the garage to the east while across the street to the west was the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >e In the garage This was a typical garage, with lots of parts lying around and several service lifts with cars on them. A job in this garage was always been Johanna’s dream, she loved cars since she was a young girl, but her father didn’t allow her to start an apprenticeship here. He always thought that Johanna should begin the study of medicine and became a famous doctor like he undoubtedly was. At the moment, no mechanic was here and I guessed they had taken a break. The only exit was to the west. >x tools I searched the area around the service lifts for something useful and found a torque spanner beside one of them! >get spanner Taken. >l In the garage This was a typical garage, with lots of parts lying around and several service lifts with cars on them. A job in this garage was always been Johanna’s dream, she loved cars since she was a young girl, but her father didn’t allow her to start an apprenticeship here. He always thought that Johanna should begin the study of medicine and became a famous doctor like he undoubtedly was. At the moment, no mechanic was here and I guessed they had taken a break. The only exit was to the west. >w As I left the garage, I solemnly swore that I only borrowed the torque spanner. East side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the garage to the east while across the street to the west was the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. There was a green park providing some space to escape the nervous traffic on the other side of the street while Jo’s supermarket was directly in front of me to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket. The avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >open gate with spanner I saw no gate with spanner there. >open gate The sturdy iron gate was locked. >use spanner Maybe I could use it to unscrew some wheels? >i I was carrying a firecracker, a pack of energy drinks, a test spray, a ticket, a torque spanner, some money, a plastic duck, an unrolled paper, and a newspaper. >x ticket The beggar gave me a family day ticket for the Underground, valid only today, for two adults and up to three children. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the garage to the east while across the street to the west was the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side there was the beverage store while westwards was St. Anne Hospital. The avenue continued north and south. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. On this side there was residential block B similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. >d I went down the stairs. In the underground station The underground station was like a tremendous cave of concrete and steel. There was an unpleasant smell of recycled air, mixed with all kinds of other human scents. On the wall was a huge graffiti and the only exit were the stairs leading up. A large LCD display was mounted in the middle of the station. >use ticket The ticket might be useful as soon as I could enter an underground train. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >w I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go up. >u I went up the stairs. East side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. On this side there was residential block B similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. >w I went across the street. West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side was St. Anne Hospital and on the other side was the beverage store. The avenue continued north and south. >w I didn’t have any reason to enter St. Anne Hospital now. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >n Further north was nothing important for me. >w (first opening the flat door) I entered our flat and closed the door behind me. Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >w Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. In the video tape recorder I saw what must be the last copy of THE SOPRANOS. Vincent Vega was sitting patiently on our sofa. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. “Welcome home, Finley Davenport,” said Vincent, “I guess you have been out to get the money you owe to Mr. W.” “I’m so sorry,” I replied, “but I didn’t had time yet to do this, you know, I was hard working all days, but I promise - I really promise - to get you the money next week.” >* lol, nice Comment recorded. >talk to vega I knew it was up to Vincent to speak now, not up to me. The man was eyeing me warily while his hand was unmistakably resting on the bulge of his jacket. >z Time passed. “So you really promise,” said the man with a sharp voice, “but promising is not enough I guess. I’ll give you a warning, this last time.” And with his words he sent his fist against my underjaw and I heard a loud crack. I rubbed my face and got blood on my hands. “You get me the money until Monday 10 p.m. or your nice girlfriend Jo will get in real troubles, if you know what I mean.” And then he hit me again in my face and everything around me got pitch black. My head was aching badly as I woke up again. It was already night.~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 9.45 p.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ When I woke up again, I turned around and looked at the clock. It was 9:45 p.m. and my head felt like the biggest church bell might have been clung inside of it at least three times. But if I move fast, I could be in time at the supermarket to safely escort Jo home. >x jaw I saw no jaw there. >e Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >n Bathroom The bathroom had a toilet on one side, a shower on the other and a basin between them. The walls were covered with beige tiles and near the ceiling was a fan, which turned on automatically when the light was switched on. The corridor was south. >x jaw in mirror I saw no jaw in mirror there. >x me Just call me Finley, my last name didn’t matter. I was a huge fan of TV series, maybe call me a nerd who loved to spend his hours rather in front of the TV screen than going outside. Unfortunately we didn’t have enough money to buy either one of these brand new clamshell phones, or a shiny new flatscreen TV. I was having an awful headache, though maybe I wasn’t quite healthy. >s Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >e (first opening the flat door) I left our flat and closed the door behind me. West side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. The door to our flat in block A, a now rather shabby looking investor building from the seventies, was directly west. Another building, called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. On this side there was residential block B, similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. >e There were no neighbours here I wanted to visit. >d I went down the stairs. In the underground station The underground station was like a tremendous cave of concrete and steel. There was an unpleasant smell of recycled air, mixed with all kinds of other human scents. On the wall was a huge graffiti and the only exit were the stairs leading up. The train of line 9 was waiting for passengers to join. A large LCD display was mounted in the middle of the station. >get on train The train of line 9 was not something I could get on. >use ticket The ticket might be useful as soon as I could enter an underground train. >enter train I couldn’t get away without Jo. >s I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go up. >u I went up the stairs. East side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. On this side there was residential block B, similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store to the east. On the other side of the street was St. Anne hospital and the avenue continued north and south. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >e (first opening the double door) Supermarket Something was definitely wrong in here, there was a lack of usual noises from people walking around, talking to each other and collecting things into their shopping carts. As I came closer to the checkstand, I saw a bunch of people lying motionsless on the floor. I instantly knew what was happening here and my heart stopped for a second – where was Jo? I couldn’t see her anywhere. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. >use spray Maybe I could find some smoke detectors to test? >find detectors What do you want to look that up in? >store Sorry; multiple objects aren’t allowed with that command. >s (first opening the rusty iron door) Backyard The backyard was a dimly lit place for storing garbage far away from curious eyes of the customers. This was obviously done in a large waste bin next to the wall of the adjacent building. A high wall surrounded the filthy location, only broken by a sturdy iron gate, which led out to the street to the northwest. The door to the north led back into the supermarket. In the waste bin I saw a lot of debris. Johanna was crouching behind the waste bin. As Jo saw me she scurried over to me. “Oh my god, Finley, I’m so glad to see you”, she whispered and I embraced her. “How can we get out, Jo?” I asked. “I don’t know, Fin,” she answered, “but the easiest way is to open the iron gate. What options do we have else?” >n Supermarket The situation hadn’t changed. People were still lying on the floor while one of the thieves was near the checkstand. Nobody dared to move or to say something. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. Johanna followed behind me. >z Time passed. Jo hid herself behind some shelves. Suddenly one of the thieves began moving in her direction until he stood directly in front of the shelf. Now Jo wasn’t able to move without the risk of being spotted by the man! A thief was scouting the inside of the checkstand while another was looking nervously around. >z Time passed. Jo was trying to get to the door, as the thief noticed her finally. He shouted loud, “STOP!” pointed his gun at her and then time stood still. Jo was motionless and the hand with the gun was trembling, pointing ceaselessly at her. Then everything went simultaneously. In a desperate attempt Jo was moving forward to the door, then the thief’s finger was pulling the trigger. While my mouth was opening to yell out, I heard the awful sound of the shot and the next moment Jo fell onto the floor. There was screaming, shouting, and then the thieves hurried out and drove away in the van. I was shocked, unable to do anything and I only barely noticed the arrival of the police. > Supermarket I was in the supermarket, a typical large room with lots of space for the things in display. As usual, the shelves were arranged in a manner that any customer has to go zig zag through the whole supermarket to get finally to the checkstand. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Down on the floor was Jo’s bag, which slid out of her hands as she got hit. Jo’s lifeless body was lying near the door, surrounded by police officers. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >w (first opening the double door) East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A police car with flashing lights was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >w I made a few steps out on the street. It was dark, and it was late, and I was confused. As I reached what might have been almost the middle of the street, I noticed a light that came towards me at an unfathomable speed. I stretched my hand out in a desperate attempt to cover the sheer brightness, then I heard a buzzing sound and everything went black. “Jo? Earth is calling Jo, can you hear me?” I tried to give her a kiss but she didn’t turn towards me. She was staring quietly at the full moon outside the window. In moments like these, I felt like I was talking to an astronaut, already gone heading towards her Mars mission. 1 – What if we ask your father for support? (in still air) 2 – We have no money left and next week we’ll have Millennium’s Eve. (drama queen) 3 – I made a decision for myself. (mostly determined) 4 – I’m afraid, Jo, but tomorrow I’ll ask your father. (quite stubborn) object “I know what you wanna say, Jo.” I growled. “But I made a decision for me. I don’t want to continue like this until we end up in the bedlam. I’ll ask your father for support. No protest allowed, full stop!” “NO!” Jo’s voice was trembling. “You know what he thinks about our relationship. If it were up to him, I should have married the rich squirt that he met on this medicine congress back in 1998. I think he was called Trevor and about seven years older than me. And you know exactly what happened when I told him about us. His beloved daughter fell in love with ...” She fell silent though I guessed far too good what she wanted to say. “No, my father is too stubborn and once he said that he didn’t have any daughter no more, he as serious about it as a judge convicting a murderer. We can’t hope of any help from him.” Tears were running down her cheeks and she was pounding her fists against my chest. I didn’t even feel the pain. 1 – Hold her tight. (try to console her) 2 – What only matters is us. (inflame her rage) 3 – I’ll ask your father for support. (ignore her) 4 – Your father must regret what he had said. (insist on it) console I held her tight in my arms, until her breathing got slower and her trembling fainter. “No Finley,” she said with a definite voice that accepted no contradiction. “I’ve waited too long and now I’ll have to take our fate in my own hands. I already have a plan. And I won’t share it with you. Some day we’ll be rich, maybe tomorrow, maybe next week, I don’t know when exactly but I know it almost for sure.” She made up her hair, crossed her arms and looked determined from head to toes.~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 6.15 a.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It was early in the morning and it was raining cats and dogs. But instead of walking on the pavement, I was lying on the street. A few people were standing around me and a woman was patting my cheek. “Gosh, you’re awake now, are you okay?”. “Yes I think so,” I replied rubbing my hands against my aching head. First I sat up slowly, then she helped me to stand. After staggering for a few steps, I walked stably enough that people returned to their own matters. West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. To the west I could go deeper into the park, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >w In the Park The park was quiet and peaceful, a place to retreat and recover. A small fountain, a bench, and a waste bin were arranged around a gravel walkway. To the east I could enter the street again. >e West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. To the west I could go deeper into the park, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the DIY store and the garage on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side was St. Anne Hospital and on the other side was the beverage store. The avenue continued north and south. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >n Further north was nothing important for me. >w (first opening the flat door) I shook off the rain in front of the door, entered our flat and was happy to be at home, finally. I closed the door and leaned onto it. I felt a bit dizzy. Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. I could see an empty crate there. Johanna came in from the living room. >w Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. In the video tape recorder I saw what must be the last copy of THE SOPRANOS. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. I heard Jo taking the empty crate. >x detecters I saw no detecters there. >x detectors I saw no detectors there. >l Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. In the video tape recorder I saw what must be the last copy of THE SOPRANOS. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. “Have a good rest”, Jo shouted, “if you feel better, then come for me at 10.05 p.m!” I heard her closing the door. >z Time passed. >find smoke detectors What do you want to look that up in? >l Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. In the video tape recorder I saw what must be the last copy of THE SOPRANOS. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. >drink drink I opened one of the drinks and gulped it down in a few seconds. Ah, that was tasty! >watch sopranos The TV screen flickered to life. I walked over to the sofa and sat down on it. Episode one started with the well known intro, but after a while I must have been fallen asleep. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 10.25 a.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I was watching THE SOPRANOS while the taste of the energy drink was still in my mouth. I finished episode one and remember to have seen the beginning of episode two, but then my eyelids got heavier with every passing minute. I hadn’t the slightest clue why this happened to me, but I must have been fallen asleep. When I opened my eyes again, I heard the title theme of what must be episode three. It was 10.25 a.m. My head was aching so badly that I could hardly concentrate. >hint Done. >e (first turning off the TV then getting off of the sofa) Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >e (first opening the flat door) I left our flat and closed the door behind me. West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >e Just as I was trying to cross the street, I heard the squeaking sound of tyres rubbing over the asphalt. The driver managed to slow down a bit, but nonetheless the car hit me and its impact threw me back onto the pavement. The world was a bit blurred, though I saw a woman getting off the car, then leaning over me. “Oh my God!” She furrowed her eyebrows. “I know you, you’re Johanna’s friend!” Then everything turned round and round and I guess I fainted. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 9.45 p.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ When I woke again Johanna’s boss was here, but I wasn’t out on the street anymore. It was already late night and I was lying in what must have been a hospital bed. “Good, you’re finally awake.” She quirked a smile. “Now... if you’re asking yourself what had happened, you suddenly ran onto the street and I wasn’t able to brake in time, everything happened so fast. But the doctor said, you were only slightly injured. I’m so sorry for what had happened, I’ve been waiting here to say that personally to you. Are you okay?” “I think so,” I answered. >talk to boss “Hello,” I said. She came closer. >tell boss about robbery Johanna’s boss just shrugged her shoulders. >topic I don’t understand that command. >topics I had nothing in mind to discuss with Johanna’s boss just then. >*NOTHING AT ALL???? Comment recorded. >talk to boss I was already talking to Johanna’s boss. “What time is it?” I asked. “It’s now 9:45 p.m.”, she answered, “ and I must go now. I wish you a fast recovery. If your condition gets worse, please tell me. I promise I’ll arrange a suitable medical treatment.” As she turned around, a key fell out of her bag and dropped onto the bed. >get key Taken. >l Waiting Area (on the hospital bed) This smaller part of the entrance area was used for patients who were taken to the hospital, but waiting for further survey, at least that’s what I guess from the plaque near the glass wall. Patients like me didn’t get survey until they showed their insurance card which I didn’t have. The entrance hall was to the east. I was on the hospital bed. A report was sticked to the foot side of the bed. >x report It was a medical report addressed to me. >read report The report said that they made some basic tests with me and that they came to the conclusion that I had only light injuries. I was free to go, but if I developed symptoms of any kind, I should have returned here and brought this report and my insurance card with me. >get report Taken. >l Waiting Area (on the hospital bed) This smaller part of the entrance area was used for patients who were taken to the hospital, but waiting for further survey, at least that’s what I guess from the plaque near the glass wall. Patients like me didn’t get survey until they showed their insurance card which I didn’t have. The entrance hall was to the east. I was on the hospital bed. >up (first getting off of the hospital bed) I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go east. >e Inside St. Anne Hospital The Interior of St. Anne looked quite modern, with white walls and a faint scent of antiseptics in the air. Numerous corridors, doors and stairs were leading from here deeper into the building, accompanied by countless signs, plaques and guiding lights. A waiting area with several beds was behind a glass wall to the west. The exit was to the east. >x detector I saw no detector there. >read signs For me they were unimportant now. >x waiting area Waiting Area (in the inside st. anne hospital) This smaller part of the entrance area was used for patients who were taken to the hospital, but waiting for further survey, at least that’s what I guess from the plaque near the glass wall. Patients like me didn’t get survey until they showed their insurance card which I didn’t have. The entrance hall was to the east. I was in the inside st. anne hospital. I was in the inside st. anne hospital. >* double notification Comment recorded. >x detector I saw no detector there. >e West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store on the other side of the street to the east. In front of me was St. Anne Hospital to the west. The avenue continued north and south. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store to the east. On the other side of the street was St. Anne hospital and the avenue continued north and south. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >e The garage was already closed for today. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >use spanner on tire I saw no spanner on tire there. >use spanner Maybe I could use it to unscrew some wheels? >unscrew wheels I began to unscrew the tyres, so they might have detached at the next turn of the road. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Epilogue ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ As soon as I unscrewed the second wheel I heard noises from the supermarket. Somebody shouted, then the door was openend. I instinctively ducked away behind the corner of the building, so that the thieves coming out through the double door didn’t notice me. One of them carried a big brown bag and they didn’t even try to hide that they were armed. Quickly they got into the van, started the engine and drove backwards on Printworker’s Avenue. As they pushed forward again, the wheels came loose at the same time and the van toppled on one side. The thieves crawled out of the side door one by one and fled on their feet. A few minutes later a police car arrived and took up the pursuit. In the end all thieves were arrested, without a single person being injured. Interviews, invitations to talk shows, Internet videos. The capture of the thieves changed our life. The couple that saved the customers and got the thieves arrested at the same time. Bonnie & Clyde, but on the side of law and order. We even got the city’s medal of honour for our courage and we got famous overnight. Industrial loft The next days we got a lot of mail. Among the letters of congratulation were also some job offers. And even before we could really take in what was happening, we found ourselves landed in fresh new jobs. At first we were hired by a security office as consultants, then we got an even higher position in the planning section. We could afford this beautiful loft with an industrial design. On the table I saw a newspaper. >read newspaper One of the local headlines read: “THE STORY OF FIN AND JO - or what happened after Millennium’s Eve” The writer was praising us to the skies, so much that my face went bright red as soon as I’d read a few lines. The press had much influence on our job-wise improvement, so we owe them a lot. Often I had to think back to this memorable day when *** [4-3] THE THIEVES WERE ARRESTED AND WE HAD AN EXCITING MILLENNIUM’S EVE *** Would you like to RESTART the story, UNDO the last move, see some AMUSING things to try, RESTORE a saved position, or QUIT? >undo One turn undone: read newspaper Industrial loft The next days we got a lot of mail. Among the letters of congratulation were also some job offers. And even before we could really take in what was happening, we found ourselves landed in fresh new jobs. At first we were hired by a security office as consultants, then we got an even higher position in the planning section. We could afford this beautiful loft with an industrial design. On the table I saw a newspaper. >undo One turn undone: unscrew wheels >unlock gate (with the iron key) The lock was turning heavy, maybe it was a bit corroded, but finally I managed to unlock the gate. >open gate Opened. >se Backyard The backyard was a dimly lit place for storing garbage far away from curious eyes of the customers. This was obviously done in a large waste bin next to the wall of the adjacent building. A high wall surrounded the filthy location, only broken by a sturdy iron gate, which led out to the street to the northwest. The door to the north led back into the supermarket. In the waste bin I saw a lot of debris. Johanna was crouching behind the waste bin. As Jo saw me she scurried over to me. “Oh my god, Finley, I’m so glad to see you”, she whispered and I embraced her. “Should we just leave through the open gate?” I asked. “I don’t know, Fin,” she answered, “but what options do we have else?” >put firecracker in bin I put the firecracker in the waste bin. >light firecracker I lit the firecracker and we retreated back behind the gate waiting patiently. The cracker exploded with a loud bang and after a few seconds I peered into the backyard and was shocked. It looked like a battlefield, with debris spread all over the place, small pieces floating in the air. Shortly after the explosion the thieves rushed out of the supermarket to see what had happened. They began searching around as suddenly the cracker exploded for a second time. All five men were thrown down by the blast wave where they were lying down motionless. The brown bag that one of them had held in his hands was lying on the ground now. Jo picked up the brown bag. “Let’s go,” she said. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Epilogue ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Jo ran as fast as she could. She held the brown bag safely in her hands while her long hair was dangling to and fro under her paces. I was trying to catch up and as we reached the big street towards the city centre, my lungs seemed to explode. We both took a short rest behind the corner of a huge skyscraper, then we did the most obvious thing we could do. Acapulco flat The brown bag changed our life, so to speak. We had money, lots of money, for the first time ever. We booked a flight to Acapulco, settled in and got this really nice flat with a fantastic view of the ocean site. We had all we could have imagined, including a spacious living area, a full-size kitchen and a fabulous sleeping area. On the glass table I saw a photo. >x photo The photo was taken about half a year ago. Our son was smiling into the camera. After our escape from a daily nightmare, Jo decided she wanted to get pregnant. She had wished for it for a long time and here, in paradise, she finally took the step of in-vitro fertilisation. All went well for us and the baby, and I was as proud as a parent could ever be. From time to time, I remember that strange night on Millennium’s Eve that changed our whole lives. *** [1-3] THE THIEVES WERE ARRESTED, NO ONE WAS INJURED AND WE GOT AWAY WITH ALL THE LOOT. *** Would you like to RESTART the story, UNDO the last move, see some AMUSING things to try, RESTORE a saved position, or QUIT? >undo One turn undone: x photo Acapulco flat The brown bag changed our life, so to speak. We had money, lots of money, for the first time ever. We booked a flight to Acapulco, settled in and got this really nice flat with a fantastic view of the ocean site. We had all we could have imagined, including a spacious living area, a full-size kitchen and a fabulous sleeping area. On the glass table I saw a photo. >undo One turn undone: light firecracker >nw East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. Johanna came with me. >unscrew wheels I began to unscrew the tyres, so they might have detached at the next turn of the road. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Epilogue ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ As soon as I unscrewed the second wheel I heard noises from the supermarket. Somebody shouted, then the door was openend. We both instinctively ducked away behind the corner of the building, so that the thieves coming out through the double door didn’t notice us. One of them carried a big brown bag and they didn’t even try to hide that they were armed. Quickly they got into the van, started the engine and drove backwards on Printworker’s Avenue. As they pushed forward again, the wheels came loose at the same time and the van toppled on one side. The thieves crawled out of the side door one by one and fled on their feet. A few minutes later a police car arrived and took up the pursuit. In the end all thieves were arrested, without a single person being injured. Interviews, invitations to talk shows, Internet videos. The capture of the thieves changed our life. The couple that saved the customers and got the thieves arrested at the same time. Bonnie & Clyde, but on the side of law and order. We even got the city’s medal of honour for our courage and we got famous overnight. Industrial loft The next days we got a lot of mail. Among the letters of congratulation were also some job offers. And even before we could really take in what was happening, we found ourselves landed in fresh new jobs. At first we were hired by a security office as consultants, then we got an even higher position in the planning section. We could afford this beautiful loft with an industrial design. On the table I saw a newspaper. >read newspaper One of the local headlines read: “THE STORY OF FIN AND JO - or what happened after Millennium’s Eve” The writer was praising us to the skies, so much that my face went bright red as soon as I’d read a few lines. The press had much influence on our job-wise improvement, so we owe them a lot. Often I had to think back to this memorable day when *** [4-3] THE THIEVES WERE ARRESTED AND WE HAD AN EXCITING MILLENNIUM’S EVE *** Would you like to RESTART the story, UNDO the last move, see some AMUSING things to try, RESTORE a saved position, or QUIT? >undo One turn undone: read newspaper Industrial loft The next days we got a lot of mail. Among the letters of congratulation were also some job offers. And even before we could really take in what was happening, we found ourselves landed in fresh new jobs. At first we were hired by a security office as consultants, then we got an even higher position in the planning section. We could afford this beautiful loft with an industrial design. On the table I saw a newspaper. >undo One turn undone: unscrew wheels >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. Johanna stayed close to me. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store to the east. On the other side of the street was St. Anne hospital and the avenue continued north and south. Johanna was directly behind me. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. On this side there was residential block B, similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. Johanna scurried after me. >n Further north was nothing important for us. >d I went down the stairs. In the underground station The underground station was like a tremendous cave of concrete and steel. There was an unpleasant smell of recycled air, mixed with all kinds of other human scents. On the wall was a huge graffiti and the only exit were the stairs leading up. The train of line 9 was waiting for passengers to join. A large LCD display was mounted in the middle of the station. Johanna followed behind me. >enter train We took Underground Line 9, which lead us directly towards the home of Jo’s parents. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Epilogue ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Line 9 took us towards the house where Jo’s parents lived. We rang at the door and plead them to let uns in. At first they scowled, obviously surprised about the unexpected visit, but they invited us to come in and offered something to drink. As we were telling them what had happened this evening, Jo’s father got quite affected. We saw relief in their faces as they heard that we were unharmed. Jo must have felt that this was the moment to tell her father all the things that made her upset for years. All her anger, her hate, her disappointments suddenly washed ashore like debris on a strand. She cried, yelled, pounded her fists against her fathers chest and we were talking, debating, discussing for hours. In the end, Jo’s father had tears in his eyes, full of sorrows for what he said about us. In the meantime the sun had risen and its bright and warm light was shining through the kitchen window. Later we had lunch together and we stayed for a few days there. That night was a relief for all of us. New flat Jo’s parents felt like they must compensate for their bad behaviour and so they insisted that they would at least pay this flat’s rent in the city centre until we had found better jobs. Now we live in a skyscraper with a fabulous view over the city. On the mahogany table I saw a newspaper. >* 'let uns in' Comment recorded. >read paper One of the headlines read: “HOW A MAN CHANGED HIS MIND - a column by Peter Nightingale” Not only was it that Jo’s father had changed his opinion of me, or better to say of queer persons in general, but he made an article out of it, too. It was a plea for more humanity, more tolerance and more open-mindedness towards people who don’t fit traditional expectations. It was a great article and I was proud of him. Maybe sometimes things get better, when you expect it at least. It all began on that strange day when *** [5-1] THE THIEVES ESCAPED AND WE HAD A SURPRISING MILLENNIUM’S EVE *** Would you like to RESTART the story, UNDO the last move, see some AMUSING things to try, RESTORE a saved position, or QUIT? >script “script” was not one of the options. Would you like to RESTART the story, UNDO the last move, see some AMUSING things to try, RESTORE a saved position, or QUIT? >transcript off “transcript off” was not one of the options. Would you like to RESTART the story, UNDO the last move, see some AMUSING things to try, RESTORE a saved position, or QUIT? >undo One turn undone: read paper New flat Jo’s parents felt like they must compensate for their bad behaviour and so they insisted that they would at least pay this flat’s rent in the city centre until we had found better jobs. Now we live in a skyscraper with a fabulous view over the city. On the mahogany table I saw a newspaper. >transcript off I don’t understand that command. >script off