The transcript will be saved to the file. Type SCRIPT OFF to discontinue scripting. >talk to johanna 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. >look under bed It’s sufficient to EXAMINE the bed. I heard Jo taking the empty crate. >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. “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 alarm 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. >set alarm clock I wound up the alarm clock until it felt right. >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 tape recorder The video tape recorder was connected to the TV with a cable. >watch tv The TV screen flickered to life. The news were upcoming. “Today there was a robbery in the jewellery at King’s Road. One of the employees was severely wounded. According to preliminary investigations five masked offenders took the money out of the register and escaped in a dark delivery van.” >watch video recorder It was rather boring to watch the video tape recorder. “Please report relevant information to the police department. The thieves supposedly did carry out a whole row of offenses. According to eyewitnesses they were heavily armed. Stay alert and stay healthy.” >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. “On to the weather forecast! Tomorrow it will be sunny with mild temperatures and - good news - the night will be clear and dry. So all you nighthawks outside, be prepared for a wonderful night sky and a beautiful party time to welcome the new millennium! Have a nice day, have a nice night, and don’t drink too much!” The screen changed, music appeared and the words: “You’re in good hands with Allstate!” >view recording I don’t understand that command. >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. >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. >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 light 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. >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. >read paper I had to unroll it first. >unroll paper I needed to be holding the rolled paper to do that. >take paper Taken. >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 >wind What do you want to wind up? >wind duck The plastic duck would not wind up. >x shower The shower was almost new, a metal tube with a huge shower head on its end. >x showerhead (x shower head) I saw nothing special about the shower head. >x tube I saw no tube there. >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. >go to sleep I saw no sleep 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. >x self I saw no self 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 feeling drowsy, though maybe I wasn’t quite healthy. >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. >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. In the basin I saw a plastic duck. >x fan Fans like that should have taken care for ventilating the room after taking a shower. In this case it was a complete failure as a lot of mould patches have been settled on the walls. >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. >down 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. >x display The display showed the arrival of the next underground line. >read display It read, “Line 9 departs in a few minutes.” >take train Are you serious? >enter train I didn’t have a valid ticket to take the underground. >up 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. >down 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. >x graffiti It showed a mix of really colourful letters, woven into each other like a spider’s web. >up 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. >x van I asked myself, why this dark van had parked here, directly in front of the door to the supermarket. >look under van It’s sufficient to EXAMINE the dark van. >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. >x gang However, one of the thieves was busy stuffing the money from the register into a brown leather bag while the others were watching the scene. Their faces were hidden behind masks. “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.” >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?” >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. >unlock gate What do you want to unlock it with? >talk to johanna “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 of topic suggestions can be toggled on and off using the command ENUM SUGGS. ) >enum suggs Enumeration of topic suggestions is now on. >talk to johanna I was already talking to Johanna. (I could ask her (1) when the thieves came in, (2) what our options are or (3) if she had called the police) >1 Ask her when the 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.” >3 Ask her if she had called the 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.” >2 Ask her 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?” >exit I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go north or northwest. >nw (first trying to open the sturdy iron gate) The sturdy iron gate was locked. >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 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. >talk to hostages I saw no hostages there. >x people Despite Jo’s prediction, there seemed to be indeed several customers in here, who were now lying on the ground, their faces turned towards 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. A thief was scouting the inside of the checkstand while another was looking nervously around. >talk to customers I sneaked to one men down on the floor and talked to him only to come to know that the gang entered the supermarket about ten minutes ago. 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. One of police officers was kneeling down, searching the ground with her flashlight. >talk to police “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.” “No, we didn’t have any clue,” spoke a man into his mobile phone, “but we’ll keep on investigating.” >x johanna I saw no johanna 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. >se (first trying to open the sturdy iron gate) The sturdy iron gate was locked. >x gate It was the kind of gate which was made of an iron frame with an iron lattice. >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 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. >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 waste 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 newspaper It was today’s issue, obviously disposed after reading. >read newspaper The headline was reading, “EXPLOSIVE NEW YEAR.” There were reports of an explosion in Jesper Street yesterday. The police found out that a citizen had stored some supplies in his cellar, to be ready for what he called the “Regression into Stone-Age.” Seemed like he had stored not only lots of beans, but also petrol and butane gas, which proved to be pretty explosive, even before new years eve. Our advice for our readers: Please don’t do that! The man survived with light injuries, though. >x fountain The fountain was a tall stone basin with some birds sitting around it. >x birds There were some birds sitting around the fountain to drink some water. >x basin The fountain was a tall stone basin with some birds sitting around it. >look in fountain The fountain was a tall stone basin with some birds sitting around it. >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. >sit on bench I got on the bench. I saw Jo and me at school, in our classroom, glancing at each other from time to time, when we both thought that nobody else was watching. >look under bench It’s sufficient to EXAMINE the bench. >look In the Park (on the bench) 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. I was on the bench. In the waste bin I saw a newspaper. >x walkway I saw no walkway there. >e (first getting off of the bench) 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. >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. >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. >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. >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 johanna 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. >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. In the basin I saw a plastic duck. >i I was carrying an unrolled paper and some money. >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. >take paper Taken. >unroll paper It was already unrolled, ready to read it. >read paper Dear Finley, I’ve got a riddle for you: Voiceless it cries wingless flutters toothless bites mouthless mutters. Love, Jo >w I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go 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. >wind clock 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. >e The beverage store was closed. >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. >w I went across the street. 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. >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. In the waste bin I saw a newspaper. >x fountain The fountain was a tall stone basin with some birds sitting around it. >x waste 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. >read newspaper The headline was reading, “EXPLOSIVE NEW YEAR.” There were reports of an explosion in Jesper Street yesterday. The police found out that a citizen had stored some supplies in his cellar, to be ready for what he called the “Regression into Stone-Age.” Seemed like he had stored not only lots of beans, but also petrol and butane gas, which proved to be pretty explosive, even before new years eve. Our advice for our readers: Please don’t do that! The man survived with light injuries, though. >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. >se I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go north, east, south or west. >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. >se (first trying to open the sturdy iron gate) The sturdy iron gate was locked. >unlock gate What do you want to unlock it with? >x 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. >s Further south was nothing important for me. >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. >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. >enter van The dark van was not something I could enter. >open van The dark van was locked. >unlock van What do you want to unlock it with? >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. 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 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! >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 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. A police woman made some photos of the scene. >look 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 man took out a small book and made some notes. >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. “Come over here, Jim,” shouted one officer and another turned around and helped him search fingerprints on the iron door. >open bag Opening the bag revealed what must be the last copy of THE SOPRANOS. >take copy 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! >x vhs I’ve seen “THE SOPRANOS” already on TV. I was eagerly waiting to get season one in my hands and Jo must have bought it earlier that day, because I saw no single tape left in the whole supermarket. >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. >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. >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. >watch vhs I had to insert it first into a VHS player. “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. >insert vhs into player I put what must be the last copy of THE SOPRANOS in the video tape recorder. >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. >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. >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. >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 beverages I searched the shelves for something useful, and found a pack of my favourite energy drinks! The woman took a pocket mirror out and combed her hair up. >buy energy 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.” >take energy drink Taken. >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. >z Time passed. 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. >ask for a lawyer I was not talking to anyone. “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. >exit I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go west. >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. >w The DIY store was already closed for today. >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. In the waste bin I saw a firecracker and a newspaper. >x firecracker It was a yellow and black striped firecracker, with something written on it. >read firecracker - DOUBLE SHOCK EDITION - WARNING: After lighting the firecracker avoid staying within a circle of five meters around it! After sixty seconds the firecracker will explode a second time! Most suitable for unwanted guests, we promise you they’ll never come back! ;-) >take firecracker I carefully took the firecracker out of the waste bin. >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. >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.” >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?” >talk to jo “Hi,” I whispered and Johanna looked in my direction. > 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 looking around. >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. >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. 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. >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. inflame “Who’ll know what will be in twenty years?” I shrugged. “But what I can say for now is, that I love you just as you are.” 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. >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. >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 firecracker in crate The firecracker didn’t fit into the empty crate. 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. >drink energy drink I opened one of the drinks and gulped it down in a few seconds. Ah, that was tasty! >watch the 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. >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. > 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. Johanna’s boss was there. >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. “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. >take key Taken. >s (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. A report was sticked to the foot side of the bed. >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. >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. >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. >se (first opening the sturdy iron gate) 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. “Should we just leave through the open gate?” I asked. “I don’t know, Fin,” she answered, “but what options do we have else?” >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 was directly behind me. >w I went across the street. 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. We 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. Johanna scurried after me. >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. Johanna followed behind me. >n 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. Johanna came with me. >n 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. Johanna stayed close to me. >w (first opening the flat door) I entered our flat and closed the door behind us. 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. “Thank god, we’re at home,” Jo gasped. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Epilogue ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I took a deep breath. We were safe now. Johanna called the police and two officers visited us later to answer a lot of questions. The more they asked, the more it felt as if we were two cowards who have left the customers to their fate. Indeed, the next day we read in the newspaper that one man died as he tried to keep the thieves from fleeing. I commiserated the family of this poor man and admired his courage at the same time. After all, we tried to be content that we made it out of a dangerous situation without any harm. This was the most important thing, wasn’t it? Same old flat Over the next few weeks we thought a lot about us and our future together, what we were and what we might have wanted to be. Finally we decided to keep our jobs and make the best of our situation. You never know where your path may lead you... maybe we can try a new path next year. At least the ugly construction site vanished after half a year and gave way to the brand new Block C. On the scratchy old table I saw our exams. >x exams Jo had torn them into little pieces. She said that our exams weren’t worth a penny, they hadn’t helped either of us to get a good apprenticeship position, and that would probably never change. I couldn’t prevent her from doing this, and I must also admit that I couldn’t deny she was right. So I always remember that strange day when *** [2-3] THE THIEVES ESCAPED IN THE VAN AND WE HAD A BROODING 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? >amusing Have you tried tearing the VHS tape? Or hitting the alarm clock with the torque spanner? Or yelling while you’re inside of the crowd? Or asking the man in the DIY store about Iron Maiden? Or asking the police officer about the beard? Or showing the duck to Johanna? Or putting the duck into the fountain? Or pushing the duck in presence of the thieves? 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 exams Same old flat Over the next few weeks we thought a lot about us and our future together, what we were and what we might have wanted to be. Finally we decided to keep our jobs and make the best of our situation. You never know where your path may lead you... maybe we can try a new path next year. At least the ugly construction site vanished after half a year and gave way to the brand new Block C. On the scratchy old table I saw our exams. >undo One turn undone: w >undo One turn undone: n >undo One turn undone: n >undo One turn undone: n >look 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. We 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. Johanna was beside 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 we could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast we 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 followed behind me. >blow up car with firecracker I don’t understand that command. >put firecracker under car I could not put anything under the dark van. >x van I asked myself, why this dark van had parked here, directly in front of the door to the supermarket. >light firecracker Maybe I should have found a good place first to explode it. >put firecracker on van I couldn’t put anything on the dark van. >put firecracker on tire I saw no tire there. >x van I asked myself, why this dark van had parked here, directly in front of the door to the supermarket. >drop firecracker Dropped. >light firecracker Maybe I should have found a good place first to explode it. >take firecracker Taken. >throw firecracker into van I saw no van there. >open van The dark van was locked. >put firecracker in tailpipe I saw no tailpipe there. >script off