The transcript will be saved to the file. Type SCRIPT OFF to discontinue scripting. >x jo Most of the time I called her Jo. We’d fallen in love with each other since the graduating class. We both left school at sixteen, then we decided to live together, mostly because Jo had increasing troubles with her father. Jo’s father didn’t like me, and he had other plans for her future, including whom she would have to love and whom not. Though we each earned quite good certification at school, we didn’t manage to get good apprenticeship positions. No matter, I truly love her with all my heart and I was sure she’s the woman of my life. Johanna took her bag. “I’ll take the empty crate, too”, she said and went off to the corridor. >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 exhausted from work, though maybe I wasn’t quite healthy. I heard Jo taking the empty crate. >i I was carrying some money. “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 money It wasn’t much, but enough for a couple of drinks. >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 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 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 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. >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 recorder The video tape recorder was connected to the TV with a cable. >x cable It was a black video cable, connected to the video tape recorder and the TV. >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. >look under bed It’s sufficient to EXAMINE 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. >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 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. >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. >x mould The mould had formed tall and ugly patches on the walls. >x paper It was one of Johanna’s notes for me. >take 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 >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. In the basin I saw a plastic duck. >x toilet The toilet was not a modern built-in, but an old one with a lavatory cistern. >x basin The basin was azure blue and completely rounded, without any corners. In the basin I saw a plastic duck. >x cistern It was fixed on the wall behind the toilet. >get duck Taken. >get basin The basin was fixed in place. >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 head I saw nothing special about the shower head. >enter shower I got in the shower. >l Bathroom (in the shower) 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. I was in the shower. >turn on shower I didn’t want to take a shower. >out Okay, I got out of the shower. >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. >turn on basin The basin couldn’t be switched on and off. >turn on sink I saw no sink there. >flush toilet I flushed the toilet and the water in the lavatory cistern got filled up again. >x tiles (x toilet) The toilet was not a modern built-in, but an old one with a lavatory cistern. >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 trying to open the flat door) I was too tired to go outside again. >l 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. >x flat From outside, the door looked slightly better than from inside. And beside the door there was the mailbox, of course. >x door From outside, the door looked slightly better than from inside. And beside the door there was the mailbox, of course. >x mailbox I saw nothing special about the mailbox. >open mailbox Opening the mailbox revealed some letters. The letters inside of the mailbox fell out on the floor. >x letters I took a look at them, mostly reminders of pending bills, which we weren’t able to pay on schedule. >get letters I took the letters. >l 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. >x b The block B was too far away to make out any detail. >x a The apartment house looked shabby, but we couldn’t afford a better address. >go east 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. >x stairs Stairs were leading down to the underground station. >x moon The night was clear, no fog, no clouds; stars sparkling above me, a perfect night to celebrate the new year. >x b The house was newer than block A and in better shape. Compared to brand new block C on a banner in front of me, it looked quite shabby though. Some enthusiastic fellow had sprayed WELCOME YEAR 2K on the wall. >x stars The night was clear, no fog, no clouds; stars sparkling above me, a perfect night to celebrate the new year. >x c I saw no c there. >x banner It was a glossy rendering – which wouldn’t have been possible a few years ago – of the completed building block C, to be built by the same profit-orientated investor responsible for block A and B. >n Further north was nothing important for me. >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. >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. A large LCD display was mounted in the middle of the station. >smell There was a time when I wasn’t able to bear my smell, but that was long ago. It was mostly loose change with its typical metallic scent. There was an unpleasant smell of recycled air. >x graffiti It showed a mix of really colourful letters, woven into each other like a spider’s web. >x display The display showed the arrival of the next underground line. >read display It read, “Line 9 delayed due to maintenance. We’re sorry for the inconvenience.” This was the line to the city quarter where Johanna’s parents lived. When we both were fifteen, we met at their front porch and while Johanna had pretended that she would go for a short walk around the block, we spent some lovely minutes sitting on a bench in the nearby park. >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. >x lantern The street lantern was too far away to make out any detail. >e The beverage store was closed. >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. >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 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. >x lantern One good thing the new mayor did care for during his year 2k campaign was to have more lanterns, even in small streets like Printworker’s Avenue. The main reason was to fight crime, an urgent need, especially in the city centre, but also in solitary districts like this. >x hospital St. Anne Hospital rose up in front of me. It was a building from the turn of the last century, with adorned facades and old fashioned windows. Once they tried to demolish the building but then the conservators did come out on top and it was renovated. >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 window I saw no window there. >x supermarket I saw no supermarket there. >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. >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. >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. >x facade The most astonishing thing to see was the complete front side of a car protruding out of the facade above the entrance which was directly to the east. >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. >x facade I saw no facade there. >x park The park was too far away to make out any detail. >x gate It was the kind of gate which was made of an iron frame with an iron lattice. >x car I asked myself, why the hell the police might have been here. >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. >s Further south was nothing important for me. >read banner Written on the banner was “OPEN UNTIL THE END IS NEAR”. Johanna’s boss thought it to be funny, but I really wasn’t sure about it. >enter car The police car was not something I could enter. >knock on car (unlock one car) What do you want to unlock it with? >l 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. >open gate The sturdy iron gate was locked. >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. 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 police car with flashing lights 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 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. >x carts People have left their shopping carts everywhere. >x door Which do you mean, (1) the rusty iron door or (2) the double door? >1 A rusty iron door led to the backyard. >x double The double door was the only way to exit the supermarket. >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 of police officers was kneeling down, searching the ground with her flashlight. >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 man took out a small book and made some notes. >x police The police officers were making notes, phone calls and speculating animatedly how the the thieves might have escaped and where they might be now. A police woman made some photos of the scene. >x bin It was a large waste bin, made of silvery metal. “No, we didn’t have any clue,” spoke a man into his mobile phone, “but we’ll keep on investigating.” >x building I didn’t see much except for a featureless and windowless wall, while the supermarket building had some windows in the upper storeys. “Come over here, Jim,” shouted one officer and another turned around and helped him search fingerprints on the iron door. >x jim I saw no jim there. >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. “No, we didn’t have any clue,” spoke a man into his mobile phone, “but we’ll keep on investigating.” >x body I was too shocked to do anything. >x gate It was the kind of gate which was made of an iron frame with an iron lattice. >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.” >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. >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 cds There were lots of new CDs on the shelf, but I always sticked to vinyls, at least as long as my record player was working. >x dvds There were lots of brand new DVDs on the shelf, but we couldn’t afford an expensive DVD player. Unlike other people, because the spot where THE SOPRANOS must have been was empty. >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. >x sticker A sticker was left instead of new VHS tapes of THE SOPRANOS. >read sticker “BUY THE SOPRANOS for only 9.99!” >get sticker Taken. >x checkstand The checkstand was used to put things on it you want to buy. >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. >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. “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. >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 closed from early morning to high noon. >read banner Written on the banner was “OPEN UNTIL THE END IS NEAR”. Johanna’s boss thought it to be funny, but I really wasn’t sure about it. >l 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. >climb gate The gate was far too high to climb it. >open 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. >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 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 water The ground by the fountain was covered with a thin layer of water. >drink water The water tasted fine, though I doubted it was a good idea to drink the bird’s water. >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. >z Time passed. I remembered that Jo often showed me the correct answers scribbled on a piece of paper, while the teacher was quizzing me about the last lesson. >z Time passed. Johanna and I once kissed on the school yard when a pupil noticed us. He made a photo with his smartphone and published it to social media. From then on we became the butt of jokes for the whole school. I suffered much from this one single moment of incaution. >z Time passed. I just tried to focus on the present instead of the past. >z Time passed. I just tried to focus on the present instead of the past. >l 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. >stand Okay, I got off the bench. >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. >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. >search 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. >get it Taken. >read it 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. >g 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. >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. >x walkway I saw no walkway there. >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. >x street Today’s Printworker’s Avenue was a small street near the outskirts of the town. In former times it was a lonely country road leading to a site of a printing company which was settled, among other companies, quite a distance away from the town. The avenue was decorated with pennants, in joyful anticipation of the upcoming new millennium. >x pennants The whole street was decorated with colourful pennants, to welcome year 2K. >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 jo Most of the time I called her Jo. We’d fallen in love with each other since the graduating class. We both left school at sixteen, then we decided to live together, mostly because Jo had increasing troubles with her father. Jo’s father didn’t like me, and he had other plans for her future, including whom she would have to love and whom not. Though we each earned quite good certification at school, we didn’t manage to get good apprenticeship positions. No matter, I truly love her with all my heart and I was sure she’s the woman of my life. 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. >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. >save Saved. >l 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. >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. >read paper Which do you mean, (1) the newspaper or (2) the unrolled paper? >1 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. >read paper Which do you mean, (1) the newspaper or (2) the unrolled paper? >2 Dear Finley, I’ve got a riddle for you: Voiceless it cries wingless flutters toothless bites mouthless mutters. Love, Jo >l 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. >turn on 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.” >g The TV was already switched on. “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.” >g The TV was already switched on. “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!” >g The TV was already switched on. There was only advertising now, so I decided to switch off the TV. >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. >l Flat (on the bed) 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. I was on the bed. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. >stand Okay, I got off the bed. >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. >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. >go east (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. >go south 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. >go east 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. >go east The beverage store was closed. >go south 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. >go east The garage was already closed for today. >go west 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. >go west The DIY store was already closed for today. >go south 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. >x van The dark van was too far away to make out any detail. >go east 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 van I asked myself, why this dark van had parked here, directly in front of the door to the supermarket. >go east (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 gazed through the doorway, took a look outside and walked back. >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. >x bag I saw no bag there. >x masks I saw John Lennon, Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Angus Young and David Bowie. >x money It wasn’t much, but enough for a couple of drinks. “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 register The checkstand was used to put things on it you want to buy. A thief was scouting the inside of the checkstand while another was looking nervously around. >x thief 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. 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. >l 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!” >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. 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. 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?” >climb bin I could have got onto the bin but it wasn’t high enough to climb over the wall. >x jo Most of the time I called her Jo. We’d fallen in love with each other since the graduating class. We both left school at sixteen, then we decided to live together, mostly because Jo had increasing troubles with her father. Jo’s father didn’t like me, and he had other plans for her future, including whom she would have to love and whom not. Though we each earned quite good certification at school, we didn’t manage to get good apprenticeship positions. No matter, I truly love her with all my heart and I was sure she’s the woman of my life. >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. ) >enum suggs Enumeration of topic suggestions is now on. >hyper suggs Hyperlinking of topic suggestions is now on. >talk to jo 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) >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.” >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?” >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.” >climb gate The gate was far too high to climb it. >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. >push gate Pushing the sturdy iron gate had no effect. >go through gate (first trying to open the sturdy iron gate) The sturdy iron gate was locked. >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. Johanna was nearby. >x bin It was a large waste bin, made of silvery metal. >open bin Opening the waste bin revealed a lot of debris. >x debris I never had imagined that a supermarket would produce that much debris. >search debris I never had imagined that a supermarket would produce that much debris. >enter bin The waste bin was not something I could enter. >x wall Which do you mean, (1) the surrounding wall or (2) the neighbouring building? >1 The backyard was surrounded by a wall, only broken by a sturdy iron gate. >x wall Which do you mean, (1) the surrounding wall or (2) the neighbouring building? >2 I didn’t see much except for a featureless and windowless wall, while the supermarket building had some windows in the upper storeys. >x windows windows: Somebody had hung up clothing on a pole protruding out of a window. buildings: There were a lot of buildings out here, mostly three to five storeys high, but not a single one got my attention now, except for the supermarket. >x supermarket I saw no supermarket there. >x clothing From here it looked like a pair of trousers and two T-shirts. >x pole I saw no pole there. >get clothing The clothing was too far away. >x trousers From here it looked like a pair of trousers and two T-shirts. >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. In the waste bin I saw a lot of debris. Johanna was looking around. >x garbage I saw no garbage there. >get debris I never ever would have touched the debris. >open letters The letters were not something I could open. >read letters I took a look at them, mostly reminders of pending bills, which we weren’t able to pay on schedule. >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 followed behind me. >x guns I saw no guns there. >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! >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 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. “Everybody be cool, this is a robbery”, shouted a thief, “stay calm and quiet and everybody will go home without any harm!” >x man 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. 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. “Come over here, Jim,” shouted one officer and another turned around and helped him search fingerprints on the iron door. >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. >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. One of police officers was kneeling down, searching the ground with her flashlight. >get bag I never ever would have dared to take Jo’s bag. >x police The police officers were making notes, phone calls and speculating animatedly how the the thieves might have escaped and where they might be now. >talk to officers “Please, officer,” I said and a man turned around to me. “I’m so sorry,” he said, “but you must understand that we have to do our job here and I promise you we’ll do everything to catch these criminals as soon as possible.” >g “Please, officer,” I said and a woman turned around to me. “I’m so sorry,” she said, “if you need help we can give you some addresses where you can get psychological assistance.” >g I thought of saying something else, but then decided it was useless. A police woman made some photos of the scene. >open bag Opening the bag revealed what must be the last copy of THE SOPRANOS. >x sopranos 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. One man took out a small book and made some notes. >get it 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! “Come over here, Jim,” shouted one officer and another turned around and helped him search fingerprints on the iron door. >x door Which do you mean, (1) the rusty iron door or (2) the double door? >1 A rusty iron door led to the backyard. >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. >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. >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. >x blood Oh my god! Blood was all over Jo’s body, on my hands, on my clothing. One man took out a small book and made some notes. >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. “No, we didn’t have any clue,” spoke a man into his mobile phone, “but we’ll keep on investigating.” >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. A police woman made some photos of the scene. >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. >s woman (is woman) I was not talking to anyone. >x woman Which do you mean, (1) the police officers or (2) the dead body? >1 The police officers were making notes, phone calls and speculating animatedly how the the thieves might have escaped and where they might be now. >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. One of police officers was kneeling down, searching the ground with her flashlight. >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. >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. 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. A police woman made some photos of the scene. >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. >search 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. >e I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go south or west. >n I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go south or west. >x checkstand The checkstand was used to put things on it you want to buy. One man took out a small book and made some notes. >search checkstand The checkstand was used to put things on it you want to buy. >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 car It was a standard police car, with blinking lights. >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. >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. >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. >enter train I didn’t have a valid ticket to take the underground. >buy ticket I saw no ticket there. >x graffiti It showed a mix of really colourful letters, woven into each other like a spider’s web. >x display The display showed the arrival of the next underground line. >l 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. >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. 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. inflame “At least a thousand times, Jo. What a wonderful time could we have, sitting on the beach of Acapulco and drinking some really tasty cocktails.” I grinned wide. “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. object “Jo, I believe we won’t need a baby to be happy.” I instantly regretted what I’ve said. “Let’s try to get things better and we’ll see. For now we have our love and this is enough for me,” I added quickly. 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 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. >x people The pavement was full of people of all ages and colours. >talk to people They all were busy and nobody noticed me. >x buildings There were a lot of buildings out here, mostly three to five storeys high, but not a single one got my attention now, except for the supermarket. >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. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. > 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. >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 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. >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. >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. >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. >d I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go north, east, south or west. >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. >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. >x crate This beverage crate was from the nearby beverage store, once full of filled water bottles. 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. >put sopranos in recorder I saw no recorder there. >l 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. >put sopranos in recorder I put what must be the last copy of THE SOPRANOS in the video tape recorder. >play tape (pay tape) Buying what must be the last copy of THE SOPRANOS would have been useless. >turn on recorder 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. >l Flat (on the sofa) 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. I was on the sofa. 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. >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. >d 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 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 display It read, “Line 9 delayed due to maintenance. We’re sorry for the inconvenience.” This was the line to the city quarter where Johanna’s parents lived. When we both were fifteen, we met at their front porch and while Johanna had pretended that she would go for a short walk around the block, we spent some lovely minutes sitting on a bench in the nearby park. >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. >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 lifted her eyebrow with a loud “Oh”. >x shelves I searched the shelves for something useful, and found a pack of my favourite energy drinks! The woman behind the checkstand yawned out loud. >x drinks It was a pack of my favourite energy drinks. Yummy! >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. >x woman It was a woman at the age of maybe thirty, with short hair, bound upwards with lots of hair gel in the style of PINK. The woman behind the checkstand collected money from a customer. “Have a nice day,” she said. >talk to woman “Hello,” I said. “Hello to you too,” she answered, “is there something I can do for you?” (I could ask her (1) if she was scared that this store could be robbed today or (2) if there were interesting news in the fashion magazine) >1 Ask her if she was scared that this store could be robbed today “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.” >ask her if there were interesting news in the fashion magazine “Is there interesting news in the fashion mag?” I asked. “Doesn’t look like it,” she replied, “but it’s great against boredom anyway. As far as I’ve read, I could tell you that the Queen is wearing purple which fits the actual styles nicely and that it’s common again to wear pearl necklaces.” >x hair I saw no hair there. >l 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. On the checkstand I saw a pack of energy drinks. There was a woman behind the checkstand who was looking into a fashion magazine. The woman turned a few pages of her fashion magazine. >get drinks I took the pack of energy drinks. The woman behind the checkstand yawned out loud. >x magazine The magazine was full of pretty models showing off the cutting edge of fashion design, which consisted mostly of glaring metallic and colourful pieces of fashion. >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. >x money It wasn’t much, but enough for a couple of drinks. 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. >l 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. 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. >x table This grey table fit perfectly into the impersonal atmosphere of the police department, a flat grey table plate on four grey legs. Who knows, its designer might have given it the name “Nothing but Grey 1.0”. “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. >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 officer Opposite of me was sitting a grey-haired officer wearing a full beard that covered almost his whole face. He was watching me alert-eyed, while asking me tedious questions, for what must have been hours now. >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 (1) what he will do if I tell him that the robbers will strike again soon, (2) whether I was free to go now or (3) if there were news about those robbers) >3 Ask him if there were news about those 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.” >1 Ask him 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.” >2 Ask him whether I was free to go now “Am I free to go now?” I asked. “Yes, of course,” he replied, “but be on call for further questions.” He pointed to the door. >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 curtains The heavy curtains were as grey as the table and currently closed. >x chairs opposite chair: The chair wasn’t comfortable, what might be crucial all the more for poor police officers who had to sit there all day long. The police officer was on the opposite chair. this chair: The chair wasn’t comfortable, what might be crucial all the more for poor police officers who had to sit there all day long. >open curtains The police officer gestured at them. “No chance, I’m happy that they are closed.” >x window I saw no window there. >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. >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. >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. One of the gang members gazed through the doorway, took a look outside and walked back. >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?” >hit gate It was best to avoid pointless violence. >talk to jo “Hi,” I whispered and Johanna looked in my direction. >tell jo to wait here 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. Johanna came with me. >throw duck at men The plastic duck struck the thieves 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! >yell at man I don’t understand that command. >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. >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. I could see a plastic duck there. Jo’s lifeless body was lying near the door, surrounded by police officers. >get duck Taken. “No, we didn’t have any clue,” spoke a man into his mobile phone, “but we’ll keep on investigating.” >open bag The bag was already open. “Come over here, Jim,” shouted one officer and another turned around and helped him search fingerprints on the iron door. >look in 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. One of police officers was kneeling down, searching the ground with her flashlight. >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. >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. “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 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. >e There were no neighbours here I wanted to visit. >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. >talk to jo I called “Jo?” “Later, Finley,” she answered. Jo took the empty crate. >z Time passed. “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. 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. >x drinks It was a pack of my favourite energy drinks. Yummy! >drink It was a pack of my favourite energy drinks. Yummy! >take drink I was already holding the pack of energy drinks. >drink energy drink I opened one of the drinks and gulped it down in a few seconds. Ah, that was tasty! >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. >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 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. 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. >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. >stand Okay, I got off the sofa. >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. >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 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. >x boss Johanna’s boss was a woman of about fifty years, she was wearing a red dress and a yellow leather jacket. Jo was often unhappy with her decisions, especially when it came to the topic overtime hours. Jo was only admitted to write down every fifth overtime hour, the rest went unpaid. >ask about johanna I was not talking to anyone. “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. >x key It was a rather bulky iron key that might have unlocked an old iron lock. >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 bed It was a hospital bed, looking old as if it was discarded from the regular rooms long ago. When I looked at it I had to think of my father. He was stricken with cancer, it began when I was five years old and after a three- year-struggle he was tired of fighting, exhausted from the chemo and he just wanted stay at home. He died in his own bed when I was eight. This was the time when mum fell into a deep depression. >x plaque The sign was made of white aluminium with red letters. >x report It was a medical report addressed to me. >read plaque “FURTHER SURVEY ONLY WITH INSURANCE CARD” was written on the sign. >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. >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. >e (first getting off of the hospital bed) 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. >x report The medical report was too far away to make out any detail. >smell There was a time when I wasn’t able to bear my smell, but that was long ago. It was mostly loose change with its typical metallic scent. >x doors I didn’t kwow where all the doors lead and I wouldn’t have liked to find out. >x stairs I didn’t kwow where all the stairs lead and I wouldn’t have liked to find out. >x corridors I didn’t kwow where all the corridors lead and I wouldn’t have liked to find out. >x signs There were the usual signs pointing to different sections of the hospital, accompanied by guiding lights. >x plaques signs: There were the usual signs pointing to different sections of the hospital, accompanied by guiding lights. plaque: The plaque was too far away to make out any detail. >x lights There were the usual signs pointing to different sections of the hospital, accompanied by guiding lights. >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. >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. >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 with key I unlocked the sturdy iron gate with the iron key. >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. 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?” >go northwest 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 stayed close to 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. Johanna was directly behind 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 scurried after 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 followed behind me. >go west I went across the street. 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 us was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. Our 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 came with 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 a photo. >x photo The photo was taken about half a year ago. Jo’s aunt had had a baby and her daughter was smiling into the camera. Jo’s wish for a baby had not been fulfilled yet, and I doubt it will anywhere in the near future. Our situation had changed neither in private nor in professional matters, so we’re pretty much in the same muddy waters we were before. From time to time I would think again about the strange day when *** [2-4] 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 photo 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 a photo. >undo One turn undone: w >l 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 us was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. Our 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 was nearby. >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. Johanna stayed close to me. >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. Johanna was directly behind me. >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. Johanna scurried after me. >x van The dark van was too far away to make out any detail. >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. >x van I asked myself, why this dark van had parked here, directly in front of the door to the supermarket. >i I was carrying a pack of energy drinks, a newspaper, a plastic duck, an iron key, some money, some letters, and an unrolled paper. >hit van It was best to avoid pointless violence. >open van door (open an door) It didn’t budge, I guess you could only open it with the car key. >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 came with me. >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. Johanna stayed close to me. >x firecracker It was a yellow and black striped firecracker, with something written on it. >read it - 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! ;-) >get it I carefully took the firecracker out of the waste bin. >put duck in fountain I put the plastic duck in the fountain. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >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 we could enter the street again. The yellow duck was swimming in the fountain. Johanna was looking around. >sit on bench There was no time now for sitting on a bench. Maybe later on. >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. Johanna was directly behind me. >hit van The dark van was too far away. >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 scurried after me. >hit van It was best to avoid pointless violence. >light firework I saw no firework there. >light firecracker Maybe I should have found a good place first to explode it. >in I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go north, east, south, west or southeast. >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. Johanna followed behind me. >light firecracker Maybe I should have found a good place first to explode it. 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! >undo One turn undone: light firecracker >undo One turn undone: e >l 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 was nearby. >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 followed behind me. >light firecracker Maybe I should have found a good place first to explode it. >n (first opening the back yard door) “Maybe we should better leave through the gate?” Jo said. >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 our exams. >x table This was a glass table, almost new, and polished to the very edge. On the glass table I saw our exams. >l 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 our exams. >x jo I saw no jo there. >x me I was somewhere in the future. >x kitchen I saw no kitchen there. >x exams I was very proud of our exams, because never in my wildest dreams would I have been capable of writing a good exam in a foreign language like Spanish. After having spent another year in school, Jo and I got new jobs and were then truly happy. Jo worked at a bicycle store and I became a surfing teacher, spending my whole day out in the sun and the waves. From time to time, I remember that strange night on Millennium’s Eve that changed our whole lives. *** [1-4] 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 exams 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 our exams. >undo One turn undone: x me >undo One turn undone: l >undo One turn undone: x table >undo One turn undone: light firecracker >undo One turn undone: put firecracker in bin >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. In the waste bin I saw a lot of debris. Johanna scratched her head. >save Saved. >credits I would like to thank both, Michael J. Roberts for the well-engineered TADS 3 system, which is always a pleasure to write an IF story with, and Eric Eve, for picking up the work on the Mercury library which was released finally as Adv3Lite library, making writing in TADS 3 someway easier and more accessible. I also want to thank my family, who did support me the best they could and allowed me to spend much time on writing this game. My daughter Lea did great work on the cover art which sets up a perfect feeling for the game. Thanks for testing goes to John Ziegler revised half of the texts and earned the badge EB (Early Bird). Thilo Hohl provided useful screenshots with several tweaks and became SCMOT (Screen Shot Master Of Textgames). Brett Witty made me change the DVD player to a VCR and earned the plaque of GSC (Great Setting Consistence). Deborah Sherwood found several verb-noun-tweaks, helped to add conversation topics, did several test runs with valuable feedback and got the sign of BUE (Better User Experience). Andrew Schultz relentlessly made runs through different versions of the game and did a lot of proofreading. He deserves the medal of LTTAPP (Long Term Tester and Passionate Proofreader). Robert Eggleston found lately some shelves to get away with, many tweaks, bugs and troubles with commands and earned the legendary rank of MIPSTHYM (Most Important Playtester So Thank You Very Much). Of course, all remaining bugs are up to me. Hopefully, they should be of minor importance. >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. In the waste bin I saw a lot of debris. Johanna was beside me. >n 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.” Johanna came with me. >drop firecracker Dropped. 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! >light firecracker Maybe I should have found a good place first to explode it. 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. >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. >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 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. “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) console “What if we ask your father for support, only once and only provisionally.” I pursed my lips. “No really Jo, he could solve our problem in less than a minute. I understand if you don’t want to, but I am up for forgiving him...” “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 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. >get crate Taken. “All fine,” Jo said taking the empty crate off my hands. >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. >drink energy drink I opened one of the drinks and gulped it down in a few seconds. Ah, that was tasty! >sleep Now that the tape was in the video recorder I couldn’t sleep. I was too eager to watch “The Sopranos”. >watch sopranos I saw no sopranos there. >turn on recorder I saw no recorder there. >turn on tv I saw no tv there. >l 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. >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. >stand Okay, I got off the sofa. >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. >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. >save Saved. >i I was carrying a newspaper, a pack of energy drinks, an iron key, some money, some letters, and an unrolled paper. >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. >x beggar The beggar was in a very poor condition, kneeling in an awkward position at the edge of the pavement. >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?” >give money to beggar 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. >l 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. >x ticket The beggar gave me a family day ticket for the Underground, valid only today, for two adults and up to three children. >w 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. >x man It was a young man at the age of maybe twenty-five, with long curled hair looking a bit like Bon Jovi in his best years, although his t-shirt gave the impression that his music taste might be different. >x cigarette He had a pack of cigarettes, almost full. >x pack Which do you mean, (1) the pack of cigarettes or (2) the pack of energy drinks? >1 He had a pack of cigarettes, almost full. The man behind the checkstand lit the cigarette. >x checkstand Which do you mean, (1) the man behind the checkstand or (2) the checkstand? >2 The checkstand was used to put things on it you want to buy. >x shelves I searched the shelves for something useful and found a test spray for smoke detectors! >x spray This was a test spray for smoke detectors, ready for home use. >x shirt He wore a black t-shirt with a glaring print of an Egyptian monster that fired a four barrel gun in the direction of the viewer. I identified it as Iron Maiden’s “No Prayer For The Dying Tour” fan article. The man inhaled the cigarette smoke deeply. >talk to man “Hello,” I said. “Hi,” he answered, “what can I do for you?” (I could ask him (1) if he also thinks that a drill hammer is essential, (2) when he’s planning to stop smoking or (3) whether he had also got one copy of the sopranos) >1 Ask him if he also thinks that 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.” >2 Ask him when he’s planning to stop smoking “When you’ll stop smoking?” I asked. “Never, I guess,” he answered while looking down on the floor, “I’ve been trying it for a year now but I just couldn’t quit.” >3 Ask him whether he had also got one copy of the sopranos “Did you also get a copy of THE SOPRANOS?” I asked. “I’m not a fan,” he replied, “but I saw many people coming from the supermarket with a copy in their hands. It’s really a hype about that.” >ask about shirt “Are you going to see them?” I asked him, “I mean Iron Maiden on their Millennium Tour.” “Of course,” he replied, “I’m one of their biggest fans. I even have an Iron Maiden Collector’s Edition Door Knocker on my flat door. I’ll never miss the BRAVE NEW WORLD TOUR, now that Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith are back.” >ask about spray “Is that test spray good?” I asked. “I can recommend them without any caveat,” he replied, “a single spatter of it and every smoke detector will get crazy, as long as it’s working, of course.” >buy spray (first taking the test 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.” >buy drill I saw no drill there. >l 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. On the checkstand I saw a test spray. There was a man behind the checkstand who was looking rather annoyed. The man coughed several times. >x books I saw no books there. >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. >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. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >w 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. >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 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. >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. >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 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 closed from early morning to high noon. >s Further south was nothing important for me. >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. >n Further north was nothing important for me. >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. >read display It read, “Line 9 delayed due to maintenance. We’re sorry for the inconvenience.” This was the line to the city quarter where Johanna’s parents lived. When we both were fifteen, we met at their front porch and while Johanna had pretended that she would go for a short walk around the block, we spent some lovely minutes sitting on a bench in the nearby park. >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 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.” >x vinvent I saw no vinvent there. >x vincent Of course he wasn’t Vincent Vega. But in his black suit, black tie and white shirt, combined with long black hair, he was like a copy of the killer in PULP FICTION. Unfortunately I’d met him before and I knew he was a man who was never joking. His jacket made a bulge at breast height which could have been a sign for a weapon beneath it. The man was eyeing me warily while his hand was unmistakably resting on the bulge of his jacket. >x jacket I saw no jacket there. >x bulge I saw no bulge there. >talk to man I knew it was up to Vincent to speak now, not up to me. “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. >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. >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. >enter train I couldn’t get away without Jo. >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. I could see a firecracker 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. >get firecracker Taken. A thief was scouting the inside of the checkstand while another was looking nervously around. >w I doubted that I could go outside without the thieves noticing me. >go south (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. “I’ve got the iron key,” I said. “Then we can unlock the iron gate and leave, Fin,” she answered, “or what options do we have else?” >nw (first trying to open the sturdy iron gate) The sturdy iron gate was locked. >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. >nw (first opening the sturdy iron gate) 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 stayed close to 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. Johanna was directly behind 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 scurried after 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 followed behind me. >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 came with 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. >x table Jo’s father had bought most of the interior of the flat, including this table which was a fine woodwork made of mahogany. On the mahogany table I saw a newspaper. >x me I was somewhere in the future. >x jo I saw no jo there. >x newspaper 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? >restore Restored. 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. >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 tired to the bones, though maybe I wasn’t quite healthy. >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. >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. >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. >give money to beggar “Hello,” I said. “Hello to you too,” he answered. “May I ask if you’d have a few coins left for me?” 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. >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. >s Further south was nothing important for me. >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. >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 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. >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. > 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 closed from early morning to high noon. >s Further south was nothing important for me. >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. >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. >w 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. >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. >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. >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. The yellow duck was swimming in the fountain. >enter fountain The fountain was not something I could enter. >x bin It was one of the town’s green waste bins, a bit rusty at the edges. >s I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go east. >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. >s Further south was nothing important for me. >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. >d 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 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. >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 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.” >z Time passed. 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. >save Saved. >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. >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. >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. I could see a firecracker 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 firecracker Taken. >go south (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. “I’ve got the iron key,” I said. “Then we can unlock the iron gate and leave, Fin,” she answered, “or what options do we have else?” >put firecracker in bin I put the firecracker in the waste bin. >light firecracker Maybe the gate should have been open first. >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. >light firecracker Maybe the gate should have been open first. >open gate Opened. “Thank god,” Jo replied, “we have a way to escape now.” >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? >restore Canceled. Would you like to RESTART the story, UNDO the last move, see some AMUSING things to try, RESTORE a saved position, or QUIT? >restart Welcome to “When the Millennium Made Marvelous Moves.” As you might have already guessed, you need to press a key if you see no prompt [>] to continue the story. If you’re playing the game in your browser, it might be necessary to focus the game window first by clicking once into it. If you haven’t played a parser game before, you can open up the game menu later by typing 'about’ or now by hitting the [A] key. Or you can start the game with any other key. It was the night before Millennium’s Eve, I’ve lit the room with candles and Johanna came late from work. We fell in love with each other at the age of fifteen and daily life wasn’t easy for a couple like us. Especially when you’re short on money and even more when one part of the couple didn’t quite meet other people’s expectations. But most time we got along somehow. Johanna worked for low payment in a supermarket, while I took on a tough job at a factory. We had little time together during the workdays. My nightshift and her daytime job didn’t match very well. Johanna joined me on the sofa, took two sparklers out of her bag, bent both in shape of a half heart, and lit them at a candle. I couldn’t help smiling, all sorrows aside. “I’m so excited! what do you think the new year’ll bring us?” She quirked an eyebrow. Of course, I knew what she was pondering on right now. In her voice was the well-known trace of uncertainty. 1 – You asked me about a million times, but still I don’t know. 2 – There are a lot of conspiracy theories out, but most tales are based on facts, Jo. 3 – One thing I know for sure is, Jo, that I truly love you with all my heart. 4 – I know what you mean, Jo, but I don’t believe we’ll have any serious problem tomorrow. inflame “I think that there are a lot of conspiracy theories out, but most tales are based on true facts, Jo. Maybe we’ll have a blackout at the nuclear reactor, who knows? We can’t prevent what’s predetermined to happen in life,” I replied looking at her beautiful face between the burning half-hearts. “What I know for sure is, that there’ll be the first season of THE SOPRANOS in stores,” she smirked and made a short pause looking expectantly at me. “Good news, the supermarket will get some, too. You would rather lose a hand than miss it, isn’t it?” 1 – I guess you’re right. 2 – Does your boss agree to that deal? 3 – Sounds cool to me. 4 – Never ever would I trade in my hand for a VHS tape. object “Though I’ll sure miss my hand, we’d have the big advantage to celebrate the new year with THE SOPRANOS. Sounds extremely cool, doesn’t it?” “If you mean, you’ll be sleeping on the sofa while I have to watch some episode I’ve seen a hundred times before, then I agree.” 1 – Sure, it might happen sometimes. 2 – No I never sleep, even when I’m tired to my bones. 3 – I never sleep, Jo, when you’re on my side. 4 – No I never sleep when a good tv series is running. inflame “No I never sleep, even when I’m tired to my bones,” I replied. “I remember the last New Year’s Eve pictures showing you sleeping on the sofa.” Jo quirked a smile. “But this is exactly what I need, no stress, no commitments, no Big Bang Party, just us two.” When the Millennium Made Marvelous Moves by Mikawa Release 1.0, written in TADS3 by Michael J. Roberts and Adv3Lite by Eric Eve ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 6.15 a.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Seventeen hours before Millennium’s Eve, it was cold outside and I shook off the rain in front of the door. I was exhausted from the work at the factory and felt tired to the bones. My hands were trembling while I was trying to turn the key in the lock. Finally I got in. Jo was ready to leave for buying something before work. “How was your...,” she began, but didn’t continue as she noticed my condition. She put her hand on my forehead. “You’re feverish, Finley”, she said, “better lay yourself down to rest. I’ll get it done, don’t mind.” First some sleep, then it would have been okay. “Count on me”, I said, “I’ll be at the supermarket at 10.05 p.m., then we’ll get a drink somewhere and afterwards we’ll have a nice evening at home.” 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. Johanna was looking for something. >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. >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. I could see an empty crate there. Johanna was looking for the crate. Jo took the empty crate. >x crate This beverage crate was from the nearby beverage store, once full of filled water bottles. “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. >l 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 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. >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. >get 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 >x paper It was one of Johanna’s notes for me. >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 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. >x ceiling I saw no ceiling 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. >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.” >g I was already staring at the tv. “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.” >g I was already staring at the tv. “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!” >g I was already staring at the tv. There was only advertising now, so I decided to switch off the TV. >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. >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. >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. >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. >x van The dark van was too far away to make out any detail. >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 van I asked myself, why this dark van had parked here, directly in front of the door to the supermarket. >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. 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. >w I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go east. >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. >get newspaper Taken. >read it 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 bin It was one of the town’s green waste bins, a bit rusty at the edges. >w I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go east. >w I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go east. >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. A thief was scouting the inside of the checkstand while another was looking nervously around. >talk to gang I didn’t dare to say a single word, because I feared they would have noticed me. >squeeze duck I squeezed the yellow duck and it squeaked. “Who was it?” asked a thief, pointing his gun nervously around. “Everybody be cool, this is a robbery”, shouted a thief, “stay calm and quiet and everybody will go home without any harm!” >g I squeezed the yellow duck again and the thief came closer to me. >g I squeezed the yellow duck once more and suddenly I looked into the muzzle of a revolver. “There we go”, said the thief and took the duck out of my hands, “I really didn’t want to do that, but you left no other choice to me.” Then he pulled the trigger. *** I WAS SHOT DEAD ON MILLENNIUM’S EVE *** Would you like to RESTART the story, UNDO the last move, RESTORE a saved position, or QUIT? >undo One turn undone: squeeze duck 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. >w I doubted that I could go outside without the thieves noticing me. One of the gang members gazed through the doorway, took a look outside and walked back. >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 “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. ) >enum suggs Enumeration of topic suggestions is now on. >hyper suggs Hyperlinking of topic suggestions is now on. >talk to jo 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) >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?” >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.” >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. Johanna was nearby. >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 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. >attack man This seemed to be ridiculously dangerous. 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. “Everybody be cool, this is a robbery”, shouted a thief, “stay calm and quiet and everybody will go home without any harm!” >x button From here I couldn’t see the emergency button Jo told me about, but it had to be near the register. 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. >undo One turn undone: x button >follow jo 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. I waited in vain for Johanna to go anywhere. >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. A police woman made some photos of the scene. >x button From here I couldn’t see the emergency button Jo told me about, but it had to be near the register. >x register The checkstand was used to put things on it you want to buy. One of police officers was kneeling down, searching the ground with her flashlight. >go behind register (do behind register) I was not talking to anyone. “Come over here, Jim,” shouted one officer and another turned around and helped him search fingerprints on the iron door. >press button I didn’t need the emergency button now. “No, we didn’t have any clue,” spoke a man into his mobile phone, “but we’ll keep on investigating.” >get bag I never ever would have dared to take Jo’s bag. One man took out a small book and made some notes. >open bag Opening the bag revealed what must be the last copy of THE SOPRANOS. “No, we didn’t have any clue,” spoke a man into his mobile phone, “but we’ll keep on investigating.” >get dvd The only interesting thing today were the VHS tapes for me. >get vhs 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! >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. >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. 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 book (x books) A few of the police officers were making notes into their books, documenting what they had found out. >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. >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. 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. >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. inflame “Jo, please stop talking about a baby! We can hardly afford our daily life,” I growled. “Another family member would make things incredibly complicated for us.” 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. >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 closed from early morning to high noon. >s Further south was nothing important for me. >s Further south was nothing important for me. >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. >w I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go east. >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. >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. >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. >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. >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. >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. >get crate Taken. “All fine,” Jo said taking the empty crate off my hands. >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. >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. >watch sopranos I had to insert it first into a VHS player. >put vhs in 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. >stand Okay, I got off the sofa. >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. >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. >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. >w I didn’t have any reason to enter St. Anne Hospital now. >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 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. > 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 collected money from a customer. “Have a nice day,” she said. >x shelves I searched the shelves for something useful, and found a pack of my favourite energy drinks! The woman behind the checkstand yawned out loud. >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 turned a few pages of her fashion magazine. >take drinks I took the pack of energy drinks. >l 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 took a pocket mirror out and combed her hair up. >go west 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. >go south 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. >push people Pushing the pedestrians had no effect. 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 officer “Em,” I said, “I’ve got another question.” “Feel free to ask,” he answered, “as long as you’re here.” (I could ask him (1) what he will do if I tell him that the robbers will strike again soon, (2) whether I was free to go now or (3) if there were news about those robbers) >1 Ask him 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.” >2 Ask him whether I was free to go now “Am I free to go now?” I asked. “Yes, of course,” he replied, “but be on call for further questions.” He pointed to the door. >3 Ask him if there were news about those 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 about robbers “I’ll look up that later,” he promised. >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. “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). inflame “Mister Whatever”, I exclaimed a bit impatient now, “I’ve told you about a hundred times that I was just in the beverage store to buy some energy drinks, and even if you ask me a hundred times again, there’s nothing else I could say.”“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). inflame “I’d think so”, I said even more impatient now, “but if you want to get a neutral answer you’ll have to look for a test in a magazine.” “Ok, you can go now,” the police officer said and then he closed the file in front of him. > 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 man Opposite of me was sitting a grey-haired officer wearing a full beard that covered almost his whole face. He was watching me alert-eyed, while asking me tedious questions, for what must have been hours now. >talk to man I was already talking to the police officer. >ask about robbers The police officer waggled his hand. >ask about jo “I’ll look up that later,” he promised. >go west 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. >drink energy drink I opened one of the drinks and gulped it down in a few seconds. Ah, that was tasty! >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. >get firecracker I carefully took the firecracker out of the waste bin. >undo One turn undone: get firecracker >light firecracker Maybe I should have found a good place first to explode it. >get it 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. >put firecracker in van The dark van was too far away. >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. >put firecracker in van (first trying to open the dark van) The dark van was locked. >put firecracker under van I could not put anything under the dark van. >drop firecracker Dropped. >light it Maybe I should have found a good place first to explode it. >get it Taken. >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.” >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. >talk to people 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. >g I sneaked to one woman down on the floor and talked to her only to come to know that the thieves told everybody to lay on the floor and keep quiet. 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. >g I sneaked to one men down on the floor and talked to him only to come to know that all the thieves were armed. >g I sneaked to one woman down on the floor and talked to her only to come to know nothing new so far. >g I sneaked to one men down on the floor and talked to him only to come to know nothing new so far. A thief was scouting the inside of the checkstand while another was looking nervously around. >talk to thief I didn’t dare to say a single word, because I feared they would have noticed me. One of the gang members gazed through the doorway, took a look outside and walked back. >x checkstand The checkstand was used to put things on it you want to buy. 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. >push button I saw no chance to get to the emergency button without getting the attention of the thieves. “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.” >g I saw no chance to get to the emergency button without getting the attention of the thieves. One of the gang members gazed through the doorway, took a look outside and walked back. >g I saw no chance to get to the emergency button without getting the attention of the thieves. A thief was scouting the inside of the checkstand while another was looking nervously around. >g I saw no chance to get to the emergency button without getting the attention of the thieves. “Everybody be cool, this is a robbery”, shouted a thief, “stay calm and quiet and everybody will go home without any harm!” >l 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. >get gun I saw no gun there. >throw firecracker The firecracker sailed through the air and landed on the ground. 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. >undo One turn undone: throw firecracker >i I was carrying a newspaper, a pack of energy drinks, a firecracker, some money, an unrolled paper, and a plastic duck. 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. >undo One turn undone: throw duck >put firecracker on checkstand That’s not something I could have bought. >l 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. >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?” >put firecracker on gate I couldn’t put anything on the sturdy iron gate. >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. >throw firecracker at thief The firecracker struck the thieves 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! >light firecracker Maybe I should have found a good place first to explode it. 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. >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. >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. I could see a firecracker there. Jo’s lifeless body was lying near the door, surrounded by police officers. “Come over here, Jim,” shouted one officer and another turned around and helped him search fingerprints on the iron door. >get firecracker Taken. >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. “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. insist “Don’t say things like that, Jo, your worries are completely arbitrary,” I let my hand run down her cheek to her neck and gave her a kiss. 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) inflame “I’m not a fortuneteller, Jo.” I quirked a smile. “No one can be a fortuneteller. But what counts is the present, not the future. Let us be content, as we have all we need for now.” I gave her a passionate kiss. “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 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. >drink energy drink I opened one of the drinks and gulped it down in a few seconds. Ah, that was tasty! >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. >get crate Taken. “All fine,” Jo said taking the empty crate off my hands. >z Time passed. “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. 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. >sleep I was eager to watch “The Sopranos” so I wasn’t capable of sleeping now. >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. >save Saved. >watch sopranos I was already staring at the tv. >sleep I wasn’t that tired. This was no time for sleeping. >stand Okay, I got off the sofa. >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. >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. >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. >watch sopranos The TV screen flickered to life. The tape was showing more of THE SOPRANOS. >g I was already staring at the tv. >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. >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. >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 leaned forward and put his hands on his head. >w 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. >x spray I saw no spray there. >x shelves I searched the shelves for something useful and found a test spray for smoke detectors! >x spray This was a test spray for smoke detectors, ready for home use. >buy it (first taking the test 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.” The man behind the checkstand lit the cigarette. >e 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. >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. >x woman Johanna’s boss was a woman of about fifty years, she was wearing a red dress and a yellow leather jacket. Jo was often unhappy with her decisions, especially when it came to the topic overtime hours. Jo was only admitted to write down every fifth overtime hour, the rest went unpaid. >talk to her “Hello,” I said. She came closer. >g 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. >out Okay, I got off the hospital bed. >l Waiting Area 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. A report was sticked to the foot side of the bed. >get report Taken. >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. >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. >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. >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. >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.” >spray What do you want to spray on? >floor I got down and crouched a few steps into a new position. “Everybody be cool, this is a robbery”, shouted a thief, “stay calm and quiet and everybody will go home without any harm!” >spray What do you want to spray on? >detector I didn’t have a spray in my hands. >i I was carrying a firecracker, a pack of energy drinks, an iron key, a medical report, some money, a newspaper, a plastic duck, and an unrolled paper. A thief was scouting the inside of the checkstand while another was looking nervously around. >restore Restored. Flat (on the sofa) 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. I was on the sofa. 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. >watch sopranos I was already staring at the tv. >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. A beggar was on the pavement, on this side of the street. The beggar leaned forward and put his hands on his head. >w 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. >x shelves I searched the shelves for something useful and found a test spray for smoke detectors! >buy spray (first taking the test 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. The man behind the checkstand lit the cigarette. >x it This was a test spray for smoke detectors, ready for home use. >e 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 scratched his arms. >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. >ask her about jo I no longer saw that there. >ask woman about jo “Hello,” I said. She came closer. “Can you tell me something about Jo?” I smiled. “Jo is my best employee,” she replied, “though I did never tell her. She’s reliable and helpful, and she always has a friendly smile left for the customers.” >ask woman about robbery Johanna’s boss just shrugged her shoulders. >ask woman about me “I’m quite surprised that you remember me,” I said. “Oh that’s not so hard,” she replied, “you’re quite memorable, if you know what I mean.” >ask woman what she means Johanna’s boss did not respond. “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. >stand Okay, I got off the hospital bed. >get report Taken. >w 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. >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. >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. >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. >spray This was a test spray for smoke detectors, ready for home use. One of the gang members gazed through the doorway, took a look outside and walked back. >spray spray It was impossible to spray the test spray onto itself. >spray air I saw no air there. >spray floor I got down and crouched a few steps into a new position. “Everybody be cool, this is a robbery”, shouted a thief, “stay calm and quiet and everybody will go home without any harm!” >spray me I sprayed onto my arm and it got a bit shinier. >x spray This was a test spray for smoke detectors, ready for home use. >i I was carrying a firecracker, a pack of energy drinks, a test spray, an iron key, a medical report, some money, a newspaper, a plastic duck, and an unrolled paper. >spray register I sprayed it onto the checkstand but it didn’t change much. >x ceiling I saw no ceiling there. >x smoke There were fire detectors mounted on the ceiling and one of them was very close to me. A thief was scouting the inside of the checkstand while another was looking nervously around. >spray smoke I sprayed onto the nearest smoke detector and a second later the alarm rang out loudly. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Epilogue ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ While looking around nervously the thieves hurried to get all the money from the checkstand into a big brown bag. Then they ran out, jumped into the black van and drove off to the south, towards the outskirts of the town. Later on, Jo and I were interrogated by a police officer for two hours. So we spent the Millennium’s Eve mostly at the police department. As we returned home, we both were glad that no one was injured and felt kind of proud that it mostly due to us. A few weeks later we got an invitation from Jo’s aunt, giving us the opportunity to leave this city behind for a while, enjoying the plain country life. So we packed our bags for a small hiatus from daily routine. In the end, the hiatus endured longer than we ever thought of. Aunt Ellie’s flat The next few weeks we thought a lot about our future together: what we were and what we might have wanted to be. Finally we decided to quit our jobs, and aunt Ellie allowed us to stay in her house – a small one in a small town near the border, with an unspectacular view into the neighbour’s front yard. On the table I saw our exams. >x tablel I saw no tablel there. >x table Jo’s aunt got an old table, made of dark wood and polished like it was finished yesterday. On the table I saw our exams. >x me I was somewhere in the future. >x yard I looked outside, just to see a small house, not unlike Jo aunt’s. >x house I looked outside, just to see a small house, not unlike Jo aunt’s. >x exams With the backup from Jo’s aunt, we could afford spending two additional years on learning. While I was visiting the academy of artisans, Jo even acquired the permission to go a technical college. In the end we both got really good degrees which openend new possibilities. Jo eventually became a mechatronic engineer, while I got a job at a monument preservation. Jo had been right: all good will come to you, if you just have enough patience. We both were abundantly happy. From time to time I thought back how the Millennium’s Eve changed our lives. *** [3-1] THE THIEVES ESCAPED IN THE VAN AND WE HAD A FRISKY 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: x exams Aunt Ellie’s flat The next few weeks we thought a lot about our future together: what we were and what we might have wanted to be. Finally we decided to quit our jobs, and aunt Ellie allowed us to stay in her house – a small one in a small town near the border, with an unspectacular view into the neighbour’s front yard. On the table I saw our exams. >undo One turn undone: x house >undo One turn undone: x yard >undo One turn undone: x me >undo One turn undone: x table >undo One turn undone: spray smoke >undo One turn undone: x smoke >l 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.” >x thieves 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. >x money It wasn’t much, but enough for a couple of drinks. >x bag I saw no bag there. >x masks I saw John Lennon, Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Angus Young and David Bowie. >get mask I thought it would be better not to mess around with the masks. A thief was scouting the inside of the checkstand while another was looking nervously around. >spray mask I thought it would be better not to mess around with the masks. >spray thief I thought of spraying it on the face of a thief. But what about the others? Besides, I guess the mask may have prevented the spray from being effective. One of the gang members gazed through the doorway, took a look outside and walked back. >n I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go south or 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. 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. “I’ve got the iron key,” I said. “Then we can unlock the iron gate and leave, Fin,” she answered, “or what options do we have else?” >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. >nw (first opening the sturdy iron gate) 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 stayed close to 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. 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. >undo One turn undone: e >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 was directly behind me. >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. Johanna scurried after me. >sit on bench There was no time now for sitting on a bench. Maybe later on. >w I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go east. >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. Johanna followed behind 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 came with 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 stayed close to 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 was directly behind 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 a letter. >x letter It was a letter from Jo’s aunt. She had suddenly fallen ill and asked Jo for help, so Jo went to visit her for a week or two until she started feeling better. Jo had pinned a note for me under it, saying: “Take care of yourself, Finley, I’ll be back soon; remember always that I love you with all my heart. – Jo” I turned the letter over in my hand. What a strange day this had been... when *** [2-2] 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? >restore Restored. Flat (on the sofa) 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. I was on the sofa. 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. >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. A beggar was on the pavement, on this side of the street. The beggar moaned out loud. >w 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. >x shelves I searched the shelves for something useful and found a test spray for smoke detectors! >buy spray (first taking the test 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.” >w I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go east. The man behind the checkstand lit the cigarette. >e 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. >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. >ask about thieves I was not talking to anyone. >ask woman about thieves “Hello,” I said. She came closer. “Have you heard about those gang of thieves?” I asked. “Of course,” she replied, “I’ve read about those robberies in the town.” >ask woman about herself “May I ask, if you believe in this evening’s promotion event, I mean OPEN UNTIL THE END?” I quirked an eyebrow. “At first I did,” she replied, “but now I’m not sure. I expect we’ll do only minor sales today.” >ask woman about store Johanna’s boss just shrugged her shoulders. >ask woman about millennium “Are you going to a party tonight?” I asked. “Yes, my partner and I are invited to the Big Bang Party at the Capitol.” She quirked me a smile as to express her regret that people like us didn’t count to the guests. >ask woman about party “Are you going to a party tonight?” I asked. “Yes, my partner and I are invited to the Big Bang Party at the Capitol.” She quirked me a smile as to express her regret that people like us didn’t count to the guests. >ask woman about key Johanna’s boss just shrugged her shoulders. >ask woman about gate Johanna’s boss just shrugged her shoulders. >ask woman about button Johanna’s boss just shrugged her shoulders. >ask woman about van “Did you see a black van in this street?” I asked. “Yes, I think there was a black van in this street about a year ago.” She smirked, brows lifted. >ask woman about car Johanna’s boss just shrugged her shoulders. >ask woman about me “I’m quite surprised that you remember me,” I said. “Oh that’s not so hard,” she replied, “you’re quite memorable, if you know what I mean.” >ask woman about jo “Can you tell me something about Jo?” I smiled. “Jo is my best employee,” she replied, “though I did never tell her. She’s reliable and helpful, and she always has a friendly smile left for the customers.” >ask woman about overtime Johanna’s boss just shrugged her shoulders. >ask woman about beggar Johanna’s boss just shrugged her shoulders. >z Time passed. “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. >e (first getting off of the hospital bed) 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. >save Saved. >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. >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. “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. “I’ve got the iron key,” I said. “Then we can unlock the iron gate and leave, Fin,” she answered, “or what options do we have else?” >unlock gate with key I unlocked the sturdy iron gate with the iron key. >nw (first opening the sturdy iron gate) 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 stayed close to 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. “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 was directly behind me. >talk to people I sneaked to one woman down on the floor and talked to her only to come to know nothing new so far. 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. >talk to jo I had no chance to talk to her, from here. 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. 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. >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) inflame “We have no money left and next week it’s Millennium’s Eve.” I crossed my arms. “So I’m asking myself what would happen if I’ll ask your father for support, I’m sure he can help us in the blink of an eye. If I’d just show up unbending, he’ll realise his delusion.” “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) insist “I’m afraid Jo, but tomorrow I’ll talk to your father. He has to apologise for what he said and done, to regret what he left undone, to pay for his stubbornness.” I growled breathing heavily. “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 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. >e There were no neighbours here I wanted to visit. >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. >get crate Taken. “All fine,” Jo said taking the empty crate off my hands. >z Time passed. “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. 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 It was a pack of my favourite energy drinks. Yummy! >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. >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 scratched his arms. >give money to beggar “Hello,” I said. “Hello to you too,” he answered. “May I ask if you’d have a few coins left for me?” 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. >w 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. On the checkstand I saw a test spray. There was a man behind the checkstand who was looking rather annoyed. >get spray Taken. >talk to man “Hello,” I said. “Hi,” he answered, “what can I do for you?” (I could ask him (1) if he also thinks that a drill hammer is essential, (2) when he’s planning to stop smoking or (3) whether he had also got one copy of the sopranos) >1 Ask him if he also thinks that 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.” >2 Ask him when he’s planning to stop smoking “When you’ll stop smoking?” I asked. “Never, I guess,” he answered while looking down on the floor, “I’ve been trying it for a year now but I just couldn’t quit.” >3 Ask him whether he had also got one copy of the sopranos “Did you also get a copy of THE SOPRANOS?” I asked. “I’m not a fan,” he replied, “but I saw many people coming from the supermarket with a copy in their hands. It’s really a hype about that.” >ask man about robbers “Have you heard about those gang of thieves?” I asked. “Of course,” he replied, “they committed several robberies in the town and the police hadn’t any clue who they are or what they’re planning next.” >ask man about me “I don’t know anything about that,” he said. >ask man about jo The man looked at the clock. “Sorry,” he said, “I have only a few minutes left. Please come back tomorrow.” >ask man about himself “I don’t know anything about that,” he said. >ask man about shirt “Are you going to see them?” I asked him, “I mean Iron Maiden on their Millennium Tour.” “Of course,” he replied, “I’m one of their biggest fans. I even have an Iron Maiden Collector’s Edition Door Knocker on my flat door. I’ll never miss the BRAVE NEW WORLD TOUR, now that Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith are back.” >l 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. >ask man about dirll The man looked at the clock. “Sorry,” he said, “I have only a few minutes left. Please come back tomorrow.” >ask man about drill “I don’t know anything about that,” he said. >l 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 inhaled the cigarette smoke deeply. >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. >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 parts There were some car parts like new bumpers, car doors, and even a new windscreen. >x bumpers There were some car parts like new bumpers, car doors, and even a new windscreen. >x windscreen There were some car parts like new bumpers, car doors, and even a new windscreen. >take parts I found nothing useful among the parts. >x lifts I searched the area around the service lifts for something useful and found a torque spanner beside one of them! >x cars Among the cars were a Ford Siesta, a Nissan Almera, a Chrysler PT Cruiser, and an Audi A3. I loved to make rhymes out of car names. >x spanner It was a standard issue torque spanner, used to dismantle wheels. >get it Taken. >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. >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. >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. >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. >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 closed from early morning to high noon. >s Further south was nothing important for me. >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. >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. >d 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 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. >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 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. >save Saved. >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.” >ask man about me 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. >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. >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. >x spanner It was a standard issue torque spanner, used to dismantle wheels. >dismantle wheels I don’t understand that command. >x van The dark van was too far away to make out any detail. >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. >dismantle wheels 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. >x wheels The wheels of the van were firmly attached to the rims. >detach wheels There wasn’t anything from which the wheels could be detached. >x rims The rims were made of aluminium and looked sports-like. >get rims I couldn’t have those, they were part of the dark van. >use spanner on wheels I saw no spanner on the wheels. >i I was carrying an iron key, a firecracker, a ticket, a test spray, a torque spanner, a plastic duck, some money, a pack of energy drinks, an unrolled paper, and a newspaper. >spanner It was a standard issue torque spanner, used to dismantle wheels. >dismanntle I don’t understand that command. >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 our exams. >x loft 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 our exams. >x table This was a steel tube table with a shimmering surface. On the table I saw our exams. >x exams These were the half-burned remains of our exams. We didn’t need them any more, since we were working at the security office. And I suppose no one will ever show any interest in them in future, either. We both look back at the strange Millennium’s Eve when *** [4-1] 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: x exams 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 our exams. >undo One turn undone: x table >undo One turn undone: x loft >undo One turn undone: unscrew wheels >l 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. 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. “I’ve got the iron key,” I said. “Then we can unlock the iron gate and leave, Fin,” she answered, “or what options do we have else?” >nw (first trying to open the sturdy iron gate) The sturdy iron gate was locked. >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. >nw (first opening the sturdy iron gate) 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 scurried after 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. 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! >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. One of police officers was kneeling down, searching the ground with her flashlight. >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. >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. > 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. >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. >stand Okay, I got off the sofa. >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. >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. >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 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 lifted her eyebrow with a loud “Oh”. >x woman It was a woman at the age of maybe thirty, with short hair, bound upwards with lots of hair gel in the style of PINK. >talk to woman “Hello,” I said. “Hello to you too,” she answered, “is there something I can do for you?” (I could ask her (1) if she was scared that this store could be robbed today or (2) if there were interesting news in the fashion magazine) >1 Ask her if she was scared that this store could be robbed today “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.” >ask woman about herself The woman looked at her magazine. “Sorry,” she said, “but I have to read it until the end of my shift.” >ask woman about jo The woman yawned out loud. “Sorry,” she said, “but I can’t help you with that”. >ask woman about me “I don’t know anything about that,” she said. >ask woman about robbers “Have you heard about those thieves making trouble in the city?” I asked. “Of course,” she replied, “the news are full of robbery reports, mostly done near the city centre where the rich and famous stores could be found.” >ask woman about hair The woman yawned out loud. “Sorry,” she said, “but I can’t help you with that”. >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. >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. >undo One turn undone: s >undo One turn undone: w >l 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. >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. >n 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. >talk to man Nobody listened to me. 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). insist I stood up and leaned over the table. “Dear Mister Whoknows, I demand you to let me out here, ” I said, “at once and without further questions, because I have nothing to do with these wild-eyed tinfoil heads.” “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). insist “DEAR MISTER, I don’t know what you’re thinking about my time, but I can tell you that I neither have left time nor patience and if you ask again I might do something I’ll regret,” I said. “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. >i I was carrying an iron key, a firecracker, a ticket, a test spray, a torque spanner, a plastic duck, some money, a pack of energy drinks, an unrolled paper, and a newspaper. >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. >unscrew wheels The wheels were too far away. >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. >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 our exams. >x exams These were the half-burned remains of our exams. We didn’t need them any more, since we were working at the security office. And I suppose no one will ever show any interest in them in future, either. We both look back at the strange Millennium’s Eve when *** [4-1] 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? >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? >quit