The transcript will be saved to the file. Type SCRIPT OFF to discontinue scripting. >x jo I saw no jo there. >about Done. >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. >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. Johanna was preparing to leave. “Have a good rest,” Jo said and gave me a kiss. “If you feel better, then wait for me in front of the supermarket at 10.05 p.m., as arranged. If not, please let me know.” She went out and shut the door. >x 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. >* oops Comment recorded. >x loki I saw no loki there. >open door I was too tired to go outside again. >e (first trying to open the flat door) I was too tired to go outside again. >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. >x switch It was a standard issue light switch and the lights were off. >turn on lights I saw no lights there. >turn on switch Done. Bathroom The bathroom had a toilet on one side, a shower on the other and a basin between them. The walls were covered with beige tiles and near the ceiling was a fan, which turned on automatically when the light was switched on. The corridor was south. In the basin I saw a plastic duck. >x toilet The toilet was not a modern built-in, but an old one with a lavatory cistern. >x shower The shower was almost new, a metal tube with a huge shower head on its end. >x basin The basin was azure blue and completely rounded, without any corners. 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. >take duck Taken. >x paper It was one of Johanna’s notes for me. >take it Taken. >read it I had to unroll it first. >unroll it I unrolled the paper. >read it Dear Finley, I’ve got a riddle for you: Voiceless it cries wingless flutters toothless bites mouthless mutters. Love, Jo >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. >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. > 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. >wash I don’t understand that command. >wash face I don’t understand that command. >shower The shower was almost new, a metal tube with a huge shower head on its end. >take shower I took a shower and felt much better now. >* yay! Comment recorded. >s Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >w Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. >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. >* at 13? Comment recorded. >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. >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.” >x recorder The video tape recorder was connected to the TV with a cable. “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.” >turn on recorder But there was no VHS tape in the video recorder. “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!” >* does Allstate do business outside the US? Comment recorded. >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. There was only advertising now, so I decided to switch off the TV. >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 scratches I saw no scratches there. >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. >cook (look) Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. >make food I don’t understand that command. >x fridge I saw no fridge there. >enter kitchenette I didn’t want to bother with cooking now. >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 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 alarm My grandpa’s old alarm clock was the only thing capable of waking me up. Its ringing was so piercingly loud that it was even fit to wake the dead. >turn on alarm The alarm clock couldn’t be switched on and off. >set alarm I wound up the alarm clock until it felt right. >enter bed The bed was not something I could enter. >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. >* we just slept for 15 hours? Comment recorded. >x me Just call me Finley, my last name didn’t matter. I was a huge fan of TV series, maybe call me a nerd who loved to spend his hours rather in front of the TV screen than going outside. Unfortunately we didn’t have enough money to buy either one of these brand new clamshell phones, or a shiny new flatscreen TV. I was feeling drowsy, though maybe I wasn’t quite healthy. >e (first getting off of the bed) Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >i I was carrying a plastic duck, an unrolled paper, and some money. >x money It wasn’t much, but enough for a couple of drinks. >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. >take shower There was no time for taking a shower now. >s Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >e (first opening the flat door) I left our flat and closed the door behind me. West side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. The door to our flat in block A, a now rather shabby looking investor building from the seventies, was directly west. Another building, called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >x satirs I saw no satirs there. >x stairs The stairs was too far away to make out any detail. >d I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go north, east, south or west. >* should north be highlighted in the location description? Comment recorded. >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. >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. >x supermarket I saw no supermarket there. >* no? Comment recorded. >x block Which do you mean, (1) the block A or (2) the block B? >2 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 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. >r (rq) Canceled. >e There were no neighbours here I wanted to visit. >n Further north was nothing important for me. >* oh got it Comment recorded. >l 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 underground Stairs were leading down from here. >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 graffiti It showed a mix of really colourful letters, woven into each other like a spider’s web. >read it I could make out the names RUZD, FREAK and KAZE, presumably the creators of this work. >x traine I saw no traine there. >x train The train of line 9 followed the city’s brand new year 2k design concept with aluminum surfaces and red doors, that should have evoked the feeling of living in a modern city. >x lcd The display showed the arrival of the next underground line. >enter train I didn’t have a valid ticket to take the underground. >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 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 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. >n Further north was nothing important for me. >* I see Comment recorded. >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. >x sky The night was clear, no fog, no clouds; stars sparkling above me, a perfect night to celebrate the new year. >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. >x windows 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. >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 night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store to the east. On the other side of the street was St. Anne hospital and the avenue continued north and south. >x store A wooden door with a half can bolted onto it lead into the beverage store. The store was a painted in a loud yellow colour, and the letters on the facade were glarey pink. Today it was open from 10.00 a.m. to 16.00 p.m. > 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. >* oh it closes early huh? Comment recorded. >* seems odd Comment recorded. >e The beverage store was closed. >x can It was a bottle of an energy drink, bolted firmly to the door instead of a door handle. >take it I couldn’t have that, it was part of the door to the beverage store. >l 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. >x window I saw no window there. >x supermarket I saw no supermarket there. >* maybe should have scenery here? Comment recorded. >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. >* also closes surprisingly early Comment recorded. >e The garage was already closed for today. >w I went across the street. West side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street I could see the DIY store, while the garage was on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >x diry I saw no diry there. >x diy 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. >w The DIY store was already closed for today. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. I could go deeper into the park to the west, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. >x park The park was like an oasis in the frantic city life. >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. >x van The dark van was too far away to make out any detail. >enter vsn I saw no vsn there. >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 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. >x walkway I saw no walkway there. >sit (on the 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. >x bin It was one of the town’s green waste bins, a bit rusty at the edges. In the waste bin I saw a newspaper. >x newspaper It was today’s issue, obviously disposed after reading. >take 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. >e (first getting off of the bench) 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. >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. >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 supermarket Today the supermarket was open from 3.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. Jo called the double door to the supermarket “customer’s catcher”. First because it closed so fast that any customer who might have waited too long would have been dragged into the store automatically by the closing door’s wing, and second, because it was so wide that three customers at once could go through it without touching each other. >x door Which do you mean, (1) the side door or (2) the double door? >2 Today the supermarket was open from 3.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. Jo called the double door to the supermarket “customer’s catcher”. First because it closed so fast that any customer who might have waited too long would have been dragged into the store automatically by the closing door’s wing, and second, because it was so wide that three customers at once could go through it without touching each other. >x side door There was a comfortable door at the side of the van. >x van I asked myself, why this dark van had parked here, directly in front of the door to the supermarket. >open it The dark van was locked. >open side door It didn’t budge, I guess you could only open it with the car key. >knock on door (unlock one door) The side door wasn’t lockable. >se (first trying to open the sturdy iron gate) The sturdy iron gate was locked. >e (first opening the double door) Supermarket Something was definitely wrong in here, there was a lack of usual noises from people walking around, talking to each other and collecting things into their shopping carts. As I came closer to the checkstand, I saw a bunch of people lying motionsless on the floor. I instantly knew what was happening here and my heart stopped for a second – where was Jo? I couldn’t see her anywhere. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. >* what are the odds! Comment recorded. >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?” >ask jo about herself “Hey Jo,” I whispered. “Hi,” she answered, “Good to see you!” “Are you fine, Jo?” I asked. “Don’t worry about me,” she said, “think about how we can get the money instead.” >* er what about escaping with our lives? Comment recorded. >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. >* guess she's OK Comment recorded. >ask jo about gang Jo shrugged her shoulders. >ask jo about robbery “Let’s talk later”, she whispered. >ask jo about supermarket Jo made a sign to be quiet. >ask jo about gate “I don’t know anything about that,” she said. >ask jo about lock Jo shrugged her shoulders. >ask jo about key Jo made a sign to be quiet. >talk to jo I was already talking to Johanna. (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. >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) >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.” >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.” >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?” >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.” >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 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. >climb gate The gate was far too high to climb it. >x bin It was a large waste bin, made of silvery metal. >open it 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. >close bin Done. >push bin This is not the kind of game where you solve puzzles by pushing the waste bin around. >* well it seems like it might help get over the gate! Comment recorded. >l Backyard The backyard was a dimly lit place for storing garbage far away from curious eyes of the customers. This was obviously done in a large waste bin next to the wall of the adjacent building. A high wall surrounded the filthy location, only broken by a sturdy iron gate, which led out to the street to the northwest. The door to the north led back into the supermarket. Johanna took me by the hand. >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 clothing From here it looked like a pair of trousers and two T-shirts. >take clothing The clothing was too far away. >climb bin I could have got onto the bin but it wasn’t high enough to climb over the wall. >x pole I saw no pole there. >open windows The windows were too far away. I didn’t mind what other people were doing. >* ? Comment recorded. >l Backyard The backyard was a dimly lit place for storing garbage far away from curious eyes of the customers. This was obviously done in a large waste bin next to the wall of the adjacent building. A high wall surrounded the filthy location, only broken by a sturdy iron gate, which led out to the street to the northwest. The door to the north led back into the supermarket. Johanna was beside me. >n Supermarket The situation hadn’t changed. People were still lying on the floor while one of the thieves was near the checkstand. Nobody dared to move or to say something. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. Johanna followed behind me. >* pretty chill robbers Comment recorded. >x guns I saw no guns there. >* phew, I was worried! Comment recorded. >x robbers 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 hid herself behind some shelves. Suddenly one of the thieves began moving in her direction until he stood directly in front of the shelf. Now Jo wasn’t able to move without the risk of being spotted by the man! “Everybody be cool, this is a robbery”, shouted a thief, “stay calm and quiet and everybody will go home without any harm!” >* Pulp Fiction fans, huh? Comment recorded. >push shelf Pushing the multimedia shelf had no effect. 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. >x shelves In my opinion the multimedia shelf was the most interesting thing in the supermarket with lots of CDs, shiny new DVDs and older VHS tapes. Jo was trying to get to the door, as the thief noticed her finally. He shouted loud, “STOP!” pointed his gun at her and then time stood still. Jo was motionless and the hand with the gun was trembling, pointing ceaselessly at her. Then everything went simultaneously. In a desperate attempt Jo was moving forward to the door, then the thief’s finger was pulling the trigger. While my mouth was opening to yell out, I heard the awful sound of the shot and the next moment Jo fell onto the floor. There was screaming, shouting, and then the thieves hurried out and drove away in the van. I was shocked, unable to do anything and I only barely noticed the arrival of the police. “Come over here, Jim,” shouted one officer and another turned around and helped him search fingerprints on the iron door. >x jo I cried in sorrow and turned Jo on her back feeling her pulse. There wasn’t any. Then I saw the blood all over her clothing. While I was shaking her, yelling and crying, someone suddenly pulled me back. “Sorry,” said one of the police officers, “but we have to investigate the scene first.” I stepped back, unable to say something. A police woman made some photos of the scene. >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. >x officer The police officers were making notes, phone calls and speculating animatedly how the the thieves might have escaped and where they might be now. “No, we didn’t have any clue,” spoke a man into his mobile phone, “but we’ll keep on investigating.” >talk to officers “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.” >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 man took out a small book and made some notes. >take bag I never ever would have dared to take Jo’s bag. One of police officers was kneeling down, searching the ground with her flashlight. >search bag The fashion told us to wear fancy colours and wild patterns; Johanna’s bag was no exception. This bag was Jo’s companion, wherever she went. It had more pockets inside than outside, so nobody ever could know all the things she was hiding inside of it. >open bag Opening the bag revealed what must be the last copy of THE SOPRANOS. >take soprano I saw no soprano there. >take sopranos Carefully I picked up the VHS tape and turned it thoughtfully in my hands. If I only could have traded in this tape for Jo’s life! >x it 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. >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 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. “Come over here, Jim,” shouted one officer and another turned around and helped him search fingerprints on the iron door. >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 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. >x vhs tapes 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. One man took out a small book and made some notes. >read it “BUY THE SOPRANOS for only 9.99!” >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. >enter car The police car was not something I could enter. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >w I made a few steps out on the street. It was dark, and it was late, and I was confused. As I reached what might have been almost the middle of the street, I noticed a light that came towards me at an unfathomable speed. I stretched my hand out in a desperate attempt to cover the sheer brightness, then I heard a buzzing sound and everything went black. After her double shift at the supermarket, Jenny was ill for a week now, Jo returned home. She tossed her jacket aside, went over to the fridge and took out a bottle. I was sitting on the sofa watching some boring tv show. “Did you ever imagine to be rich, Finley?” asked Johanna, gazing somewhat bemused out of the window. 1 – Maybe sometimes. 2 – At least a thousand times, Jo. 3 – No, we never will be rich, Jo, believe me. 4 – You’re way too visionary, Jo. console “Maybe sometimes,” I answered. “But why should I do that? I have you and that’s the most important thing for me.”“Okay”, said Jo, “but you have to admit that it would make things much easier in life. No worries about paying the rent on month’s start, no hunting for bargain offers, and maybe we could even think about a baby.” She tilted her head. 1 – We just need a bit patience. 2 – Please stop talking about a baby! 3 – We don’t need a baby to be happy. 4 – Stop worrying, Jo, I’m sorry but I can’t change things for us. console “Jo, we just need a bit patience,” I tried to console her. “For now all seems like a dead end, but maybe there’ll be a day when there’ll open up new paths. I would be as happy as one could be if we’ll have a baby someday.” She broke out into tears and I tried to held her tight, but she pushed me away. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 6.15 a.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It was early in the morning and it was raining cats and dogs. But instead of walking on the pavement, I was lying on the street. A few people were standing around me and a woman was patting my cheek. “Gosh, you’re awake now, are you okay?”. “Yes I think so,” I replied rubbing my hands against my aching head. First I sat up slowly, then she helped me to stand. After staggering for a few steps, I walked stably enough that people returned to their own matters. West side of Printworker’s Avenue 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. >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. >se (first trying to open the sturdy iron gate) The sturdy iron gate was locked. >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. >w I went across the street. West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. To the west I could go deeper into the park, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >w In the Park The park was quiet and peaceful, a place to retreat and recover. A small fountain, a bench, and a waste bin were arranged around a gravel walkway. To the east I could enter the street again. >x bin It was one of the town’s green waste bins, a bit rusty at the edges. >e West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. To the west I could go deeper into the park, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the DIY store and the garage on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >w The DIY store was not yet open today. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the garage to the east while across the street to the west was the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side there was the beverage store while westwards was St. Anne Hospital. The avenue continued north and south. >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. >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. >d I went down the stairs. In the underground station The underground station was like a tremendous cave of concrete and steel. There was an unpleasant smell of recycled air, mixed with all kinds of other human scents. On the wall was a huge graffiti and the only exit were the stairs leading up. A large LCD display was mounted in the middle of the station. >x lcd The display showed the arrival of the next underground line. >u I went up the stairs. East side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. On this side there was residential block B similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. >w I went across the street. West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >w (first opening the flat door) I shook off the rain in front of the door, entered our flat and was happy to be at home, finally. I closed the door and leaned onto it. I felt a bit dizzy. Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. I could see an empty crate there. Johanna came in from the living room. >x johanna 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 her 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. >* OK here's the loop, per the blirb Comment recorded. >n Bathroom The bathroom had a toilet on one side, a shower on the other and a basin between them. The walls were covered with beige tiles and near the ceiling was a fan, which turned on automatically when the light was switched on. The corridor was south. >take shower I took a shower and felt much better now. >s Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >w Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. >set alarm I wound up the alarm clock until it felt right. >put tape in vhs I couldn’t put anything in what must be the last copy of THE SOPRANOS. >put tape in vhs player I put what must be the last copy of THE SOPRANOS in the video tape recorder. >turn on tv The TV screen flickered to life. I walked over to the sofa and sat down on it. Episode one started with the well known intro, but after a while I must have been fallen asleep. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 3.15 p.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Finally, my heart was pounding in sheer anticipation. It must sound quite strange but I don’t really know what might have happened to me. In each and every case it occurred that my eyes must have been shut for a second and as soon as I opened them again, I heard the title theme of what must be episode seven. It was 3:15 p.m. and my head was badly aching. >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, though maybe I wasn’t quite healthy. >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. >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. >turn off tv Done. >turn on tv The TV screen flickered to life. The tape was showing more of THE SOPRANOS. >turn off vhs What must be the last copy of THE SOPRANOS couldn’t be switched on and off. >turn off vhs recorder Done. >turn on tv The TV screen flickered to life. >turn on tv The TV was already switched on. >turn off tv Done. >turn on tv The TV screen flickered to life. There was the title melody of the next episode. >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. >* weird Comment recorded. >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. >w (first turning off the TV then getting off of the sofa) I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go east. >e Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >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. >take shower I didn’t want to take a shower now. >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. 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 alar I saw no alar there. >x alarm My grandpa’s old alarm clock was the only thing capable of waking me up. Its ringing was so piercingly loud that it was even fit to wake the dead. >enter kitchenette I didn’t want to bother with cooking now. >i I was carrying an unrolled paper, a newspaper, a plastic duck, and some money. >x paper Which do you mean, (1) the newspaper or (2) the unrolled paper? >2 It was one of Johanna’s notes for me. >read it Dear Finley, I’ve got a riddle for you: Voiceless it cries wingless flutters toothless bites mouthless mutters. Love, Jo >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. >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. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side there was the beverage store while westwards was St. Anne Hospital. The avenue continued north and south. >e In the beverage store This was a new beverage shop chain that began spreading over the city landscape since the middle nineties. It’s signature was mainly the yellow colour used for almost all things in here. Among the range of goods were all possible kinds of beverages, stuffed into long lines of shelves. The only exit was west. There was a woman behind the checkstand who was looking into a fashion magazine. The woman behind the checkstand yawned out loud. >x goods I saw no goods there. >x beverages I searched the shelves for something useful, and found a pack of my favourite energy drinks! The woman turned a few pages of her fashion magazine. >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.” >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 lifted her eyebrow with a loud “Oh”. >talk to her “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.” >2 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 drink It was a pack of my favourite energy drinks. Yummy! The woman took a pocket mirror out and combed her hair up. >drink them I opened one of the drinks and gulped it down in a few seconds. Ah, that was tasty! The woman behind the checkstand collected money from a customer. “Have a nice day,” she said. >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. >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. >ask woman about magazine “Found a nice clothing in the mag?” I asked, looking over her shoulder into the magazine. “Oh yeah,” she replied, “many new and crazy colours were in, I guess I must have a dress in pink and yellow like this one.” She showed me a page in her magazine and I nodded. >show riddle to woman I saw no riddle to there. >show paper to woman Which do you mean, (1) the newspaper or (2) the unrolled paper? >2 “I don’t know anything about that,” she said. >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. >take drinks I took the pack of energy drinks. The woman took a pocket mirror out and combed her hair up. >x drinks It was a pack of my favourite energy drinks. Yummy! >drink one It was a pack of my favourite energy drinks. Yummy! The woman behind the checkstand lifted her eyebrow with a loud “Oh”. >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 crowd I was surrounded by a lot of people. While chanting their slogans ceaselessly they were dragging me further south down the road. Once again I tried to get out of the crowd, but I stumbled again and fell against the man in front of me. He turned around and murmured something like “Don’t fall my dearest friend, we must stand together,” as he pulled me back in the row again. >w I couldn’t get anywhere inside of this crowd. We were rushing through several side alleys and finally came to a halt in front of a row of police officers. “This is an unannounced convention, folks,” said one of them, “and we apologize for any inconvenience but you must understand that we are forced to disband your little meeting”. The crowd screamed out in anger and suddenly I saw a few of them coming to blows against the police. The crowd was now a huge moving mass. The next thing I noticed were some strong hands that pulled me away from the others and I was brought into the nearby police department. I was guided into a small room, where a police officer registered my personal data. Then he began asking me all kinds of questions for what must have been hours. I saw the daylight vanish outside as we finally got to what felt like the end of the investigations. In the police station This was a quite austere room, with a grey table and two chairs on each side. The only exit was west. Thick curtains hid a potentially great view of the city through the glass facade. The police officer was on the opposite chair. >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 him “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.” >e I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go west. >out I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go west. >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. >w The DIY store was already closed for today. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >e The garage was already closed for today. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store to the east. On the other side of the street was St. Anne hospital and the avenue continued north and south. >e The beverage store was closed. >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. >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. >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. >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. >x firecracker It was a yellow and black striped firecracker, with something written on it. >take it I carefully took the firecracker out of the waste bin. >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! ;-) >i I was carrying a newspaper, a pack of energy drinks, a firecracker, some money, an unrolled paper, and a plastic duck. >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. >s Further south was nothing important for 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 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. >open van The dark van was locked. >se (first trying to open the sturdy iron gate) The sturdy iron gate was locked. >e (first opening the double door) Supermarket Something was definitely wrong in here, there was a lack of usual noises from people walking around, talking to each other and collecting things into their shopping carts. As I came closer to the checkstand, I saw a bunch of people lying motionsless on the floor. I instantly knew what was happening here and my heart stopped for a second – where was Jo? I couldn’t see her anywhere. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. “Stop talking,” shouted one of the thieves, “and stay down on the floor! We promise nobody will get harmed as long as you are cooperating.” >s (first opening the rusty iron door) Backyard The backyard was a dimly lit place for storing garbage far away from curious eyes of the customers. This was obviously done in a large waste bin next to the wall of the adjacent building. A high wall surrounded the filthy location, only broken by a sturdy iron gate, which led out to the street to the northwest. The door to the north led back into the supermarket. Johanna was crouching behind the waste bin. As Jo saw me she scurried over to me. “Oh my god, Finley, I’m so glad to see you”, she whispered and I embraced her. “How can we get out, Jo?” I asked. “I don’t know, Fin,” she answered, “but the easiest way is to open the iron gate. What options do we have else?” >talk to jo “Hi,” I whispered and Johanna looked in my direction. >ask jo about ate “Let’s talk later”, she whispered. >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 looking around. >light firecracker Maybe I should have found a good place first to explode it. >drop firecracker in bin I saw no firecracker in bin there. >open in I saw no in there. >one bin Johanna just looked quizzically at me. >open bit I saw no bit there. >open bin Opening the waste bin revealed a lot of debris. >put firecracker in bn I saw no bn there. >put firecracker in bin I put the firecracker in the waste bin. >light it Maybe the gate should have been open first. >* hmm Comment recorded. >open gate The sturdy iron gate was locked. >take firecracker Taken. >n Supermarket The situation hadn’t changed. People were still lying on the floor while one of the thieves was near the checkstand. Nobody dared to move or to say something. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. Johanna came with 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! A thief was scouting the inside of the checkstand while another was looking nervously around. >i I was carrying a newspaper, a pack of energy drinks, a firecracker, some money, an unrolled paper, and a plastic duck. Jo was trying to get to the door, as the thief noticed her finally. He shouted loud, “STOP!” pointed his gun at her and then time stood still. Jo was motionless and the hand with the gun was trembling, pointing ceaselessly at her. Then everything went simultaneously. In a desperate attempt Jo was moving forward to the door, then the thief’s finger was pulling the trigger. While my mouth was opening to yell out, I heard the awful sound of the shot and the next moment Jo fell onto the floor. There was screaming, shouting, and then the thieves hurried out and drove away in the van. I was shocked, unable to do anything and I only barely noticed the arrival of the police. >x jo I cried in sorrow and turned Jo on her back feeling her pulse. There wasn’t any. Then I saw the blood all over her clothing. While I was shaking her, yelling and crying, someone suddenly pulled me back. “Sorry,” said one of the police officers, “but we have to investigate the scene first.” I stepped back, unable to say something. >x bo I saw no bo there. >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. >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. >search bag The fashion told us to wear fancy colours and wild patterns; Johanna’s bag was no exception. This bag was Jo’s companion, wherever she went. It had more pockets inside than outside, so nobody ever could know all the things she was hiding inside of it. A police woman made some photos of the scene. >open bag The bag was already open. >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 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. “No, we didn’t have any clue,” spoke a man into his mobile phone, “but we’ll keep on investigating.” >take bag I never ever would have dared to take Jo’s bag. One of police officers was kneeling down, searching the ground with her flashlight. >n I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go south or west. >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. >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) 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 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. >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 The garage was not yet open today. >w I went across the street. 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. >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. >w In the Park The park was quiet and peaceful, a place to retreat and recover. A small fountain, a bench, and a waste bin were arranged around a gravel walkway. To the east I could enter the street again. >x bin It was one of the town’s green waste bins, a bit rusty at the edges. >e West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. To the west I could go deeper into the park, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the DIY store and the garage on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side was St. Anne Hospital and on the other side was the beverage store. The avenue continued north and south. >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. >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. >e There were no neighbours here I wanted to visit. >d I went down the stairs. In the underground station The underground station was like a tremendous cave of concrete and steel. There was an unpleasant smell of recycled air, mixed with all kinds of other human scents. On the wall was a huge graffiti and the only exit were the stairs leading up. 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. >x crate This beverage crate was from the nearby beverage store, once full of filled water bottles. Jo took the empty crate. >i I was carrying a newspaper, a pack of energy drinks, a firecracker, some money, an unrolled paper, and a plastic duck. “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 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. >take shower I took a shower and felt much better now. >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. 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. >turn on clock The alarm clock couldn’t be switched on and off. >set alarm I wound up the alarm clock until it felt right. >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. >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. >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. >w I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go south. >s Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >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. >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. >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. >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. > West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side was St. Anne Hospital and on the other side was the beverage store. The avenue continued north and south. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the DIY store and the garage on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >w The DIY store was already closed for today. >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. >w In the Park The park was quiet and peaceful, a place to retreat and recover. A small fountain, a bench, and a waste bin were arranged around a gravel walkway. To the east I could enter the street again. >x bin It was one of the town’s green waste bins, a bit rusty at the edges. >e West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. To the west I could go deeper into the park, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >s Further south was nothing important for me. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. There was a green park providing some space to escape the nervous traffic on the other side of the street while Jo’s supermarket was directly in front of me to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket. The avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >e (first opening the double door) Supermarket I went through the double door and noticed Johanna instantly. There was nothing unusual in here, the shelves were full and the sun was shining bright through the front window. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Johanna was sitting behind the checkstand, obviously bored, and there were actually no customers in, except for myself. >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 “Jo,” I said, “can we talk?” “Not now, Finley,” she smiled, “later maybe. My boss doesn’t like it at all when her staff is too talkative during worktime.” >x shelves In my opinion the multimedia shelf was the most interesting thing in the supermarket with lots of CDs, shiny new DVDs and older VHS tapes. >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. >x gate It was the kind of gate which was made of an iron frame with an iron lattice. >nw (first trying to open the sturdy iron gate) The sturdy iron gate was locked. >n Supermarket I was in the supermarket, a typical large room with lots of space for the things in display. As usual, the shelves were arranged in a manner that any customer has to go zig zag through the whole supermarket to get finally to the checkstand. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Johanna was sitting behind the checkstand, obviously bored, and there were actually no customers in, except for myself. >w (first opening the double door) East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. There was a green park providing some space to escape the nervous traffic on the other side of the street while Jo’s supermarket was directly in front of me to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket. The avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >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 The garage was already closed for today. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side there was the beverage store while westwards was St. Anne Hospital. The avenue continued north and south. >e In the beverage store This was a new beverage shop chain that began spreading over the city landscape since the middle nineties. It’s signature was mainly the yellow colour used for almost all things in here. Among the range of goods were all possible kinds of beverages, stuffed into long lines of shelves. The only exit was west. There was a woman behind the checkstand who was looking into a fashion magazine. >buy drinks I’ve already bought the pack of energy drinks. The woman behind the checkstand collected money from a customer. “Have a nice day,” she said. >w East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side there was the beverage store while westwards was St. Anne Hospital. The avenue continued north and south. Suddenly I found myself inside of a huge crowd of people moving down the boulevard, flags and signs in their hands. I stumbled and fell onto the pavement, then I struggled to get on my feet again. First I didn’t believe I could, but then managed it somehow. They dragged me further down the boulevard. I heard them shouting “Stop misinformation!”, “Trust us we know everything about the government’s conspiracy!”, “Never believe a single word the politicians say!”, and so on. >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. >light firecracker Maybe I should have found a good place first to explode it. 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 police officer “You are free to ask me further questions,” he said. >e I wasn’t allowed to go yet. “And you repeatedly said, you have nothing in common with these tinfoils?” he asked. 1 – I was just in the beverage store to buy some energy drinks (calm). 2 – I was just in the beverage store to buy some energy drinks (annoyed). 3 – I was just in the beverage store to buy some energy drinks (angry). 4 – I was just in the beverage store to buy some energy drinks (unruly). console “As I’ve already told you,” I said, “I was just in the beverage store to buy some energy drinks, as suddenly I got drawn into that crowd and then they were so close around me that I had no other way than to follow them.” “Em, Finley Davenport,” the police officer said, “I know we’re sitting here a long time but I can’t let you go yet, I have one last question.” I rolled my eyes. “Are these energy drinks really that good?” he asked. 1 – Yes, they make me stay up when I need to (calm). 2 – I’d think so (annoyed). 3 – Just try it for yourself you’ll have no more questions then (angry). 4 – If you ask again I might do something I’ll regret (unruly). console “Yes, I believe so,” I said, “they keep me up when I’m so tired that the only thing I want to do is lie down and get some sleep.” “Ok, you can go now,” the police officer said and then he closed the file in front of him. >e I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go west. >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. >w The DIY store was already closed for today. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. I could go deeper into the park to the west, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. >w In the Park The park was quiet and peaceful, a place to retreat and recover. A small fountain, a bench, and a waste bin were arranged around a gravel walkway. To the east I could enter the street again. >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. >light firecracker Maybe I should have found a good place first to explode it. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street I could see the DIY store, while the garage was on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >w I went across the street. West side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street I could see the DIY store, while the garage was on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >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 The situation hadn’t changed. People were still lying on the floor while one of the thieves was near the checkstand. Nobody dared to move or to say something. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. One of the gang members gazed through the doorway, took a look outside and walked back. >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. 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?” >s I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go north or northwest. >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 stayed close to me. >z Time passed. Jo hid herself behind some shelves. Suddenly one of the thieves began moving in her direction until he stood directly in front of the shelf. Now Jo wasn’t able to move without the risk of being spotted by the man! >z Time passed. Jo was trying to get to the door, as the thief noticed her finally. He shouted loud, “STOP!” pointed his gun at her and then time stood still. Jo was motionless and the hand with the gun was trembling, pointing ceaselessly at her. Then everything went simultaneously. In a desperate attempt Jo was moving forward to the door, then the thief’s finger was pulling the trigger. While my mouth was opening to yell out, I heard the awful sound of the shot and the next moment Jo fell onto the floor. There was screaming, shouting, and then the thieves hurried out and drove away in the van. I was shocked, unable to do anything and I only barely noticed the arrival of the police. >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. > East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A police car with flashing lights was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >w I made a few steps out on the street. It was dark, and it was late, and I was confused. As I reached what might have been almost the middle of the street, I noticed a light that came towards me at an unfathomable speed. I stretched my hand out in a desperate attempt to cover the sheer brightness, then I heard a buzzing sound and everything went black. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 6.15 a.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It was early in the morning and it was raining cats and dogs. But instead of walking on the pavement, I was lying on the street. A few people were standing around me and a woman was patting my cheek. “Gosh, you’re awake now, are you okay?”. “Yes I think so,” I replied rubbing my hands against my aching head. First I sat up slowly, then she helped me to stand. After staggering for a few steps, I walked stably enough that people returned to their own matters. West side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the DIY store and the garage on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >w The DIY store was not yet open today. >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. >drink drink I opened one of the drinks and gulped it down in a few seconds. Ah, that was tasty! “Have a good rest”, Jo shouted, “if you feel better, then come for me at 10.05 p.m!” I heard her closing the door. >set alarm I wound up the alarm clock until it felt right. >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. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 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. >n (first turning off the TV then getting off of the sofa) I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go east. >e Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >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. >take shower I didn’t want to take a shower now. >s Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >e (first opening the flat door) I left our flat and closed the door behind me. West side of Printworker’s Avenue 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 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. >ask her 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 her about supermarket Johanna’s boss just shrugged her shoulders. >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. Johanna’s boss was there. “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. >take 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. > report It was a medical report addressed to me. >read it 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. >out Okay, I got off the hospital bed. >x plaque The sign was made of white aluminium with red letters. >e Inside St. Anne Hospital The Interior of St. Anne looked quite modern, with white walls and a faint scent of antiseptics in the air. Numerous corridors, doors and stairs were leading from here deeper into the building, accompanied by countless signs, plaques and guiding lights. A waiting area with several beds was behind a glass wall to the west. The exit was to the east. A report was sticked to the foot side of the bed. >w 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. >e Inside St. Anne Hospital The Interior of St. Anne looked quite modern, with white walls and a faint scent of antiseptics in the air. Numerous corridors, doors and stairs were leading from here deeper into the building, accompanied by countless signs, plaques and guiding lights. A waiting area with several beds was behind a glass wall to the west. The exit was to the east. A report was sticked to the foot side of the bed. >e West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store on the other side of the street to the east. In front of me was St. Anne Hospital to the west. The avenue continued north and south. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store to the east. On the other side of the street was St. Anne hospital and the avenue continued north and south. >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. > West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store on the other side of the street to the east. In front of me was St. Anne Hospital to the west. The avenue continued north and south. >w I didn’t have any reason to enter St. Anne Hospital now. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store to the east. On the other side of the street was St. Anne hospital and the avenue continued north and south. >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. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street I could see the DIY store, while the garage was on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >w The DIY store was already closed for today. >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. >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. “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 was directly behind me. >w I went across the street. West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. We could go deeper into the park to the west, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. Johanna scurried after me. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street I could see the DIY store, while the garage was on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. Johanna followed behind me. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store on the other side of the street to the east. In front of me was St. Anne Hospital to the west. The avenue continued north and south. Johanna came with me. >n West side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. The door to our flat in block A, a now rather shabby looking investor building from the seventies, was directly west. Another building, called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. Johanna stayed close to me. >w (first opening the flat door) I entered our flat and closed the door behind us. Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. “Thank god, we’re at home,” Jo gasped. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Epilogue ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I took a deep breath. We were safe now. Johanna called the police and two officers visited us later to answer a lot of questions. The more they asked, the more it felt as if we were two cowards who have left the customers to their fate. Indeed, the next day we read in the newspaper that one man died as he tried to keep the thieves from fleeing. I commiserated the family of this poor man and admired his courage at the same time. After all, we tried to be content that we made it out of a dangerous situation without any harm. This was the most important thing, wasn’t it? Same old flat Over the next few weeks we thought a lot about us and our future together, what we were and what we might have wanted to be. Finally we decided to keep our jobs and make the best of our situation. You never know where your path may lead you... maybe we can try a new path next year. At least the ugly construction site vanished after half a year and gave way to the brand new Block C. On the scratchy old table I saw our exams. >x exams Jo had torn them into little pieces. She said that our exams weren’t worth a penny, they hadn’t helped either of us to get a good apprenticeship position, and that would probably never change. I couldn’t prevent her from doing this, and I must also admit that I couldn’t deny she was right. So I always remember that strange day when *** [2-3] THE THIEVES ESCAPED IN THE VAN AND WE HAD A BROODING MILLENNIUM’S EVE. *** Would you like to RESTART the story, UNDO the last move, see some AMUSING things to try, RESTORE a saved position, or QUIT? >amusing Have you tried tearing the VHS tape? Or hitting the alarm clock with the torque spanner? Or yelling while you’re inside of the crowd? Or asking the man in the DIY store about Iron Maiden? Or asking the police officer about the beard? Or showing the duck to Johanna? Or putting the duck into the fountain? Or pushing the duck in presence of the thieves? Would you like to RESTART the story, UNDO the last move, see some AMUSING things to try, RESTORE a saved position, or QUIT? >undo One turn undone: x exams Same old flat Over the next few weeks we thought a lot about us and our future together, what we were and what we might have wanted to be. Finally we decided to keep our jobs and make the best of our situation. You never know where your path may lead you... maybe we can try a new path next year. At least the ugly construction site vanished after half a year and gave way to the brand new Block C. On the scratchy old table I saw our exams. >undo One turn undone: w >undo One turn undone: n >undo One turn undone: n >undo One turn undone: n >undo One turn undone: w >undo One turn undone: nw >talk to jo “Hi,” I whispered and Johanna looked in my direction. >e I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go north or northwest. >e I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go north or northwest. >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 was directly behind me. >about Done. >hints (Warning: Some people don’t like built-in hints, since the temptation to ask for help prematurely can become overwhelming when hints are so close at hand. If you’re worried that your willpower won’t hold up, you can disable hints for the rest of this session by typing HINTS OFF. If you still want to see the hints now, type HINT.) >hints Done. >undo One turn undone: nw >undo One turn undone: e >undo One turn undone: e > 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. > 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 nearby. >put firecracker in bin I put the firecracker in the waste bin. >light it Maybe the gate should have been open first. >open gate Opened. “Thank god,” Jo replied, “we have a way to escape now.” >light it The sturdy iron gate was not something I could light. >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. >undo One turn undone: light firecracker >light firecracker I lit the firecracker and we retreated back behind the gate waiting patiently. The cracker exploded with a loud bang and after a few seconds I peered into the backyard and was shocked. It looked like a battlefield, with debris spread all over the place, small pieces floating in the air. Shortly after the explosion the thieves rushed out of the supermarket to see what had happened. They began searching around as suddenly the cracker exploded for a second time. All five men were thrown down by the blast wave where they were lying down motionless. The brown bag that one of them had held in his hands was lying on the ground now. Jo picked up the brown bag. “Let’s go,” she said. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Epilogue ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Jo ran as fast as she could. She held the brown bag safely in her hands while her long hair was dangling to and fro under her paces. I was trying to catch up and as we reached the big street towards the city centre, my lungs seemed to explode. We both took a short rest behind the corner of a huge skyscraper, then we did the most obvious thing we could do. Acapulco flat The brown bag changed our life, so to speak. We had money, lots of money, for the first time ever. We booked a flight to Acapulco, settled in and got this really nice flat with a fantastic view of the ocean site. We had all we could have imagined, including a spacious living area, a full-size kitchen and a fabulous sleeping area. On the glass table I saw a photo. >x photo The photo was taken about half a year ago. Our son was smiling into the camera. After our escape from a daily nightmare, Jo decided she wanted to get pregnant. She had wished for it for a long time and here, in paradise, she finally took the step of in-vitro fertilisation. All went well for us and the baby, and I was as proud as a parent could ever be. From time to time, I remember that strange night on Millennium’s Eve that changed our whole lives. *** [1-3] THE THIEVES WERE ARRESTED, NO ONE WAS INJURED AND WE GOT AWAY WITH ALL THE LOOT. *** Would you like to RESTART the story, UNDO the last move, see some AMUSING things to try, RESTORE a saved position, or QUIT? >undo One turn undone: x photo Acapulco flat The brown bag changed our life, so to speak. We had money, lots of money, for the first time ever. We booked a flight to Acapulco, settled in and got this really nice flat with a fantastic view of the ocean site. We had all we could have imagined, including a spacious living area, a full-size kitchen and a fabulous sleeping area. On the glass table I saw a photo. >undo One turn undone: light firecracker >undo One turn undone: light it >undo One turn undone: open gate >undo One turn undone: light it >undo One turn undone: put firecracker in bin >undo One turn undone: talk to jo > 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 took me by the hand. > 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. >undo One turn undone: unlock gate >undo One turn undone: s >undo One turn undone: e >undo One turn undone: e >undo One turn undone: s >undo One turn undone: w >undo One turn undone: s >undo One turn undone: w >undo One turn undone: e >undo One turn undone: w >undo One turn undone: w >undo One turn undone: e >undo One turn undone: e >undo One turn undone: e >undo One turn undone: w >undo One turn undone: e >undo One turn undone: x plaque >undo One turn undone: out >undo One turn undone: read it >undo One turn undone: report >undo One turn undone: l >undo One turn undone: take key >undo One turn undone: x key >undo One turn undone: l >undo One turn undone: ask her about supermarket >undo Undo failed. >undo Undo failed. >undo Undo failed. >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. Johanna’s boss was there. “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. >* blarg Comment recorded. >restart Do you really want to start again from the beginning (y/n)? >yes 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. console “You asked me for about a million times, but still I don’t know. I’m sure we’ll neither get any power loss, nor any computer breakdowns, nor any other failures at all,” 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. console “I guess you’re right,” I answered, “so let’s spare some money and celebrate the new year with THE SOPRANOS!” “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. console “Sure, it might happen sometimes,” I replied. “At least you’re not denying it.” Jo shrugged. “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. >set alarm I wound up the alarm clock until it felt right. 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. >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. “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. >take shower I took a shower and felt much better now. >s Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >w Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. >sleep I got onto the bed and closed my eyes. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 9.45 p.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It took me some time to fall asleep. When I woke up again, I turned around and looked at the alarm clock. It was 9:45 p.m. My head was spinning like a hamster in a wheel and I had to hurry now to be just in time at the supermarket. >e (first getting off of the bed) Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >s I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go north, east or west. >e (first opening the flat door) I left our flat and closed the door behind me. West side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. The door to our flat in block A, a now rather shabby looking investor building from the seventies, was directly west. Another building, called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store on the other side of the street to the east. In front of me was St. Anne Hospital to the west. The avenue continued north and south. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street I could see the DIY store, while the garage was on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >w The DIY store was already closed for today. >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. >take newspaper I saw no newspaper there. >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. >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. >take 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. >e West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. I could go deeper into the park to the west, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >s Further south was nothing important for me. >e (first opening the double door) Supermarket Something was definitely wrong in here, there was a lack of usual noises from people walking around, talking to each other and collecting things into their shopping carts. As I came closer to the checkstand, I saw a bunch of people lying motionsless on the floor. I instantly knew what was happening here and my heart stopped for a second – where was Jo? I couldn’t see her anywhere. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. “Everybody be cool, this is a robbery”, shouted a thief, “stay calm and quiet and everybody will go home without any harm!” >s (first opening the rusty iron door) Backyard The backyard was a dimly lit place for storing garbage far away from curious eyes of the customers. This was obviously done in a large waste bin next to the wall of the adjacent building. A high wall surrounded the filthy location, only broken by a sturdy iron gate, which led out to the street to the northwest. The door to the north led back into the supermarket. Johanna was crouching behind the waste bin. As Jo saw me she scurried over to me. “Oh my god, Finley, I’m so glad to see you”, she whispered and I embraced her. “How can we get out, Jo?” I asked. “I don’t know, Fin,” she answered, “but the easiest way is to open the iron gate. What options do we have else?” >n Supermarket The situation hadn’t changed. People were still lying on the floor while one of the thieves was near the checkstand. Nobody dared to move or to say something. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. One of the gang members gazed through the doorway, took a look outside and walked back. Johanna followed behind me. >z Time passed. Jo hid herself behind some shelves. Suddenly one of the thieves began moving in her direction until he stood directly in front of the shelf. Now Jo wasn’t able to move without the risk of being spotted by the man! A thief was scouting the inside of the checkstand while another was looking nervously around. >z Time passed. Jo was 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. 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. >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. >open ba I saw no ba there. >open bag Opening the bag revealed what must be the last copy of THE SOPRANOS. “Come over here, Jim,” shouted one officer and another turned around and helped him search fingerprints on the iron door. >take 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! “No, we didn’t have any clue,” spoke a man into his mobile phone, “but we’ll keep on investigating.” >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. After her double shift at the supermarket, Jenny was ill for a week now, Jo returned home. She tossed her jacket aside, went over to the fridge and took out a bottle. I was sitting on the sofa watching some boring tv show. “Did you ever imagine to be rich, Finley?” asked Johanna, gazing somewhat bemused out of the window. 1 – Maybe sometimes. 2 – At least a thousand times, Jo. 3 – No, we never will be rich, Jo, believe me. 4 – You’re way too visionary, Jo. console “Maybe sometimes,” I answered. “But why should I do that? I have you and that’s the most important thing for me.”“Okay”, said Jo, “but you have to admit that it would make things much easier in life. No worries about paying the rent on month’s start, no hunting for bargain offers, and maybe we could even think about a baby.” She tilted her head. 1 – We just need a bit patience. 2 – Please stop talking about a baby! 3 – We don’t need a baby to be happy. 4 – Stop worrying, Jo, I’m sorry but I can’t change things for us. console “Jo, we just need a bit patience,” I tried to console her. “For now all seems like a dead end, but maybe there’ll be a day when there’ll open up new paths. I would be as happy as one could be if we’ll have a baby someday.” She broke out into tears and I tried to held her tight, but she pushed me away. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 6.15 a.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It was early in the morning and it was raining cats and dogs. But instead of walking on the pavement, I was lying on the street. A few people were standing around me and a woman was patting my cheek. “Gosh, you’re awake now, are you okay?”. “Yes I think so,” I replied rubbing my hands against my aching head. First I sat up slowly, then she helped me to stand. After staggering for a few steps, I walked stably enough that people returned to their own matters. West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >w (first opening the flat door) I shook off the rain in front of the door, entered our flat and was happy to be at home, finally. I closed the door and leaned onto it. I felt a bit dizzy. Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. I could see an empty crate there. Johanna came in from the living room. >w Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. I heard Jo taking the empty crate. >put vhs in recorder I put what must be the last copy of THE SOPRANOS in the video tape recorder. “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. >turn on t (turn on it) The TV screen flickered to life. I walked over to the sofa and sat down on it. Episode one started with the well known intro, but after a while I must have been fallen asleep. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 3.15 p.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Finally, my heart was pounding in sheer anticipation. It must sound quite strange but I don’t really know what might have happened to me. In each and every case it occurred that my eyes must have been shut for a second and as soon as I opened them again, I heard the title theme of what must be episode seven. It was 3:15 p.m. and my head was badly aching. >e (first turning off the TV then getting off of the sofa) Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >e (first opening the flat door) I left our flat and closed the door behind me. West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side was St. Anne Hospital and on the other side was the beverage store. The avenue continued north and south. >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 yawned out loud. >buy drinks I saw no drinks there. >x beverages I searched the shelves for something useful, and found a pack of my favourite energy drinks! >take drinkds I saw no drinkds there. >take drinks I took the pack of energy drinks. The woman turned a few pages of her fashion magazine. >buy them 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 behind the checkstand lifted her eyebrow with a loud “Oh”. >w East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side there was the beverage store while westwards was St. Anne Hospital. The avenue continued north and south. Suddenly I found myself inside of a huge crowd of people moving down the boulevard, flags and signs in their hands. I stumbled and fell onto the pavement, then I struggled to get on my feet again. First I didn’t believe I could, but then managed it somehow. They dragged me further down the boulevard. I heard them shouting “Stop misinformation!”, “Trust us we know everything about the government’s conspiracy!”, “Never believe a single word the politicians say!”, and so on. >yell I yelled as loud as I could. “STOP!” shouted a man, “your voice is pounding in my ears like a jackhammer!” 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. >yell I yelled as loud as I could. “STOP!” shouted a woman, “your voice is pounding in my ears like a jackhammer!” 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 what he will do if I tell him that the robbers will strike again soon, whether I was free to go now or if there were news about those robbers) (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. >1 I don’t understand that command. >talk to officer I was already talking to the police officer. (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) “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. > 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. >e I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go west. >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. >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. >take firecracker I carefully took the firecracker out of the waste bin. >e West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. I could go deeper into the park to the west, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. > East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >s Further south was nothing important for me. >e (first opening the double door) Supermarket Something was definitely wrong in here, there was a lack of usual noises from people walking around, talking to each other and collecting things into their shopping carts. As I came closer to the checkstand, I saw a bunch of people lying motionsless on the floor. I instantly knew what was happening here and my heart stopped for a second – where was Jo? I couldn’t see her anywhere. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. >s (first opening the rusty iron door) Backyard The backyard was a dimly lit place for storing garbage far away from curious eyes of the customers. This was obviously done in a large waste bin next to the wall of the adjacent building. A high wall surrounded the filthy location, only broken by a sturdy iron gate, which led out to the street to the northwest. The door to the north led back into the supermarket. Johanna was crouching behind the waste bin. As Jo saw me she scurried over to me. “Oh my god, Finley, I’m so glad to see you”, she whispered and I embraced her. “How can we get out, Jo?” I asked. “I don’t know, Fin,” she answered, “but the easiest way is to open the iron gate. What options do we have else?” >n Supermarket The situation hadn’t changed. People were still lying on the floor while one of the thieves was near the checkstand. Nobody dared to move or to say something. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. Johanna came with me. >z Time passed. Jo hid herself behind some shelves. Suddenly one of the thieves began moving in her direction until he stood directly in front of the shelf. Now Jo wasn’t able to move without the risk of being spotted by the man! “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.” >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. > z Time passed. One man took out a small book and made some notes. >w (first opening the double door) East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A police car with flashing lights was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >n East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store to the east. On the other side of the street was St. Anne hospital and the avenue continued north and south. >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 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. >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. >drink What do you want to drink? >drinks I don’t understand that command. >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. >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. >* blarg Comment recorded. >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. Johanna was preparing to leave. “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. >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. >w I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go east. >watch tv The TV screen flickered to life. I walked over to the sofa and sat down on it. Episode one started with the well known intro, but after a while I must have been fallen asleep. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 3.15 p.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Finally, my heart was pounding in sheer anticipation. It must sound quite strange but I don’t really know what might have happened to me. In each and every case it occurred that my eyes must have been shut for a second and as soon as I opened them again, I heard the title theme of what must be episode seven. It was 3:15 p.m. and my head was badly aching. >e (first turning off the TV then getting off of the sofa) Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >e (first opening the flat door) I left our flat and closed the door behind me. West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. On this side there was residential block B similar to block A across the street, where our flat was located. The avenue continued north and south. On the pavement were the stairs to the underground. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side there was the beverage store while westwards was St. Anne Hospital. The avenue continued north and south. >e In the beverage store This was a new beverage shop chain that began spreading over the city landscape since the middle nineties. It’s signature was mainly the yellow colour used for almost all things in here. Among the range of goods were all possible kinds of beverages, stuffed into long lines of shelves. The only exit was west. On the checkstand I saw a pack of energy drinks. There was a woman behind the checkstand who was looking into a fashion magazine. >take drinks I took the pack of energy drinks. The woman took a pocket mirror out and combed her hair up. >w East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side there was the beverage store while westwards was St. Anne Hospital. The avenue continued north and south. Suddenly I found myself inside of a huge crowd of people moving down the boulevard, flags and signs in their hands. I stumbled and fell onto the pavement, then I struggled to get on my feet again. First I didn’t believe I could, but then managed it somehow. They dragged me further down the boulevard. I heard them shouting “Stop misinformation!”, “Trust us we know everything about the government’s conspiracy!”, “Never believe a single word the politicians say!”, and so on. >s I couldn’t get anywhere inside of this crowd. While chanting their slogans ceaselessly they were dragging me further south down the road. Once again I tried to get out of the crowd, but I stumbled again and fell against the man in front of me. He turned around and murmured something like “Don’t fall my dearest friend, we must stand together,” as he pulled me back in the row again. >s I couldn’t get anywhere inside of this crowd. We were rushing through several side alleys and finally came to a halt in front of a row of police officers. “This is an unannounced convention, folks,” said one of them, “and we apologize for any inconvenience but you must understand that we are forced to disband your little meeting”. The crowd screamed out in anger and suddenly I saw a few of them coming to blows against the police. The crowd was now a huge moving mass. The next thing I noticed were some strong hands that pulled me away from the others and I was brought into the nearby police department. I was guided into a small room, where a police officer registered my personal data. Then he began asking me all kinds of questions for what must have been hours. I saw the daylight vanish outside as we finally got to what felt like the end of the investigations. In the police station This was a quite austere room, with a grey table and two chairs on each side. The only exit was west. Thick curtains hid a potentially great view of the city through the glass facade. The police officer was on the opposite chair. >s I wasn’t allowed to go yet. “And you repeatedly said, you have nothing in common with these tinfoils?” he asked. 1 – I was just in the beverage store to buy some energy drinks (calm). 2 – I was just in the beverage store to buy some energy drinks (annoyed). 3 – I was just in the beverage store to buy some energy drinks (angry). 4 – I was just in the beverage store to buy some energy drinks (unruly). console “As I’ve already told you,” I said, “I was just in the beverage store to buy some energy drinks, as suddenly I got drawn into that crowd and then they were so close around me that I had no other way than to follow them.” “Em, Finley Davenport,” the police officer said, “I know we’re sitting here a long time but I can’t let you go yet, I have one last question.” I rolled my eyes. “Are these energy drinks really that good?” he asked. 1 – Yes, they make me stay up when I need to (calm). 2 – I’d think so (annoyed). 3 – Just try it for yourself you’ll have no more questions then (angry). 4 – If you ask again I might do something I’ll regret (unruly). console “Yes, I believe so,” I said, “they keep me up when I’m so tired that the only thing I want to do is lie down and get some sleep.” “Ok, you can go now,” the police officer said and then he closed the file in front of him. >w I left the police department and after entering a few side alleys I got back to Printworker’s Avenue. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 9.45 p.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ West side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street I could see the DIY store, while the garage was on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. > 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. >s Further south was nothing important for me. >e (first opening the double door) Supermarket Something was definitely wrong in here, there was a lack of usual noises from people walking around, talking to each other and collecting things into their shopping carts. As I came closer to the checkstand, I saw a bunch of people lying motionsless on the floor. I instantly knew what was happening here and my heart stopped for a second – where was Jo? I couldn’t see her anywhere. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. > 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?” > 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 beside me. >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 stayed close to me. >z Time passed. Jo hid herself behind some shelves. Suddenly one of the thieves began moving in her direction until he stood directly in front of the shelf. Now Jo wasn’t able to move without the risk of being spotted by the man! >z Time passed. Jo was trying to get to the door, as the thief noticed her finally. He shouted loud, “STOP!” pointed his gun at her and then time stood still. Jo was motionless and the hand with the gun was trembling, pointing ceaselessly at her. Then everything went simultaneously. In a desperate attempt Jo was moving forward to the door, then the thief’s finger was pulling the trigger. While my mouth was opening to yell out, I heard the awful sound of the shot and the next moment Jo fell onto the floor. There was screaming, shouting, and then the thieves hurried out and drove away in the van. I was shocked, unable to do anything and I only barely noticed the arrival of the police. > 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. >w I made a few steps out on the street. It was dark, and it was late, and I was confused. As I reached what might have been almost the middle of the street, I noticed a light that came towards me at an unfathomable speed. I stretched my hand out in a desperate attempt to cover the sheer brightness, then I heard a buzzing sound and everything went black. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 6.15 a.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It was early in the morning and it was raining cats and dogs. But instead of walking on the pavement, I was lying on the street. A few people were standing around me and a woman was patting my cheek. “Gosh, you’re awake now, are you okay?”. “Yes I think so,” I replied rubbing my hands against my aching head. First I sat up slowly, then she helped me to stand. After staggering for a few steps, I walked stably enough that people returned to their own matters. West side of Printworker’s Avenue This 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. >drink drinks I opened one of the drinks and gulped it down in a few seconds. Ah, that was tasty! “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. >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. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 10.25 a.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I was watching THE SOPRANOS while the taste of the energy drink was still in my mouth. I finished episode one and remember to have seen the beginning of episode two, but then my eyelids got heavier with every passing minute. I hadn’t the slightest clue why this happened to me, but I must have been fallen asleep. When I opened my eyes again, I heard the title theme of what must be episode three. It was 10.25 a.m. My head was aching so badly that I could hardly concentrate. >e (first turning off the TV then getting off of the sofa) Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >s I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go north, east or west. >e (first opening the flat door) I left our flat and closed the door behind me. West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The traffic was flowing up and down the street, as usual at this time of the day. It seemed that people were in hurry getting some last things done before darkness was falling. On this side was St. Anne Hospital and on the other side was the beverage store. The avenue continued north and south. >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. A beggar was on the pavement, on this side of the street. >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 clours (x floors) I saw nothing special about the ground. >x chelves I saw no chelves 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. The man behind the checkstand lit the cigarette. >take it Taken. >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. >x shelves I searched the shelves for something useful and found nothing else. >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. 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.” >e I had to pay for the test spray before I left the beverage store. >buy spray I put the spray onto the checkstand and the young man behind it pulled it over the scanner. I paid for it and said “Thanks, have a nice day” to the man. “Thanks,” he replied, “and don’t forget to take it. See you.” The man coughed several times. >s I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go east. >e He turned back to his cigarette. West side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the DIY store and the garage on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. A beggar was on the pavement, on this side of the street. The beggar leaned forward and put his hands on his head. >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. >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. A beggar was on the pavement, on this side of the street. The beggar moaned out loud. >x beggar The beggar was in a very poor condition, kneeling in an awkward position at the edge of the pavement. The beggar scratched his arms. >talk to him “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. >i I was carrying a firecracker, a pack of energy drinks, a ticket, a newspaper, and some money. >x ticket The beggar gave me a family day ticket for the Underground, valid only today, for two adults and up to three children. >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. >w In the Park The park was quiet and peaceful, a place to retreat and recover. A small fountain, a bench, and a waste bin were arranged around a gravel walkway. To the east I could enter the street again. >x bin It was one of the town’s green waste bins, a bit rusty at the edges. >e West side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. To the west I could go deeper into the park, while on the other side of the street was Jo’s supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >i I was carrying a firecracker, a pack of energy drinks, a ticket, a newspaper, and some money. >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. >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 collected money from a customer. “Have a nice day,” she said. >undo One turn undone: e >undo One turn undone: e >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. >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. >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. >enter train I saw no train there. >x ld I saw no ld there. >x lcd The display showed the arrival of the next underground line. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. > 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. > 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. >wait for train I don’t understand that command. >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. >w I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go up. >h (hi) There was no one there to talk to. >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. >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. >save Saved. >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. >take all There was nothing suitable for ALL to refer to. >x parts There were some car parts like new bumpers, car doors, and even a new windscreen. >x lifts I searched the area around the service lifts for something useful and found a torque spanner beside one of them! >x spanner It was a standard issue torque spanner, used to dismantle wheels. >take it Taken. >s I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go west. >w As I left the garage, I solemnly swore that I only borrowed the torque spanner. East side of Printworker’s Avenue This part of Printworker’s Avenue was crowded as usual mostly with people coming from and rushing to to the supermarket that was only a short way to the south. On this side of the street one could find the garage to the east while across the street to the west was the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket Printworker’s Avenue widened into a green park, a welcoming opportunity to escape the dense traffic from the street. At least for now, later on it might have been different. There was a green park providing some space to escape the nervous traffic on the other side of the street while Jo’s supermarket was directly in front of me to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket. The avenue continued north and south. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >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. >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. >sve (save) Saved. >n Further north was nothing important for me. >w (first opening the flat door) I entered our flat and closed the door behind me. Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >w Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. In the video tape recorder I saw what must be the last copy of THE SOPRANOS. Vincent Vega was sitting patiently on our sofa. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. “Welcome home, Finley Davenport,” said Vincent, “I guess you have been out to get the money you owe to Mr. W.” “I’m so sorry,” I replied, “but I didn’t had time yet to do this, you know, I was hard working all days, but I promise - I really promise - to get you the money next week.” >x vega 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. >talk to vega 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. >s I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go north, east or west. >e (first opening the flat door) I left our flat and closed the door behind me. West side of Printworker’s Avenue The ascending moon was casting a pale gleam over the facades of Printworker’s Avenue and the night sky above me was filled with sparkling stars, reflecting in the windows of the surrounding buildings. My breath vaporised in the cold air of the night. The door to our flat in block A, a now rather shabby looking investor building from the seventies, was directly west. Another building, called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store on the other side of the street to the east. In front of me was St. Anne Hospital to the west. The avenue continued north and south. >s West side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street I could see the DIY store, while the garage was on the other side. The avenue continued north and south. >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 tires I saw no tires there. >x van The dark van was too far away to make out any detail. >s Further south was nothing important for me. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >x van I asked myself, why this dark van had parked here, directly in front of the door to the supermarket. >x tires I saw no tires there. >x spanner It was a standard issue torque spanner, used to dismantle wheels. >x wheels The wheels of the van were firmly attached to the rims. >dismantle wheels 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 a newspaper. >x newspaper One of the local headlines read: “THE STORY OF FIN AND JO - or what happened after Millennium’s Eve” The writer was praising us to the skies, so much that my face went bright red as soon as I’d read a few lines. The press had much influence on our job-wise improvement, so we owe them a lot. Often I had to think back to this memorable day when *** [4-3] THE THIEVES WERE ARRESTED AND WE HAD AN EXCITING MILLENNIUM’S EVE *** Would you like to RESTART the story, UNDO the last move, see some AMUSING things to try, RESTORE a saved position, or QUIT? >undo One turn undone: x newspaper Industrial loft The next days we got a lot of mail. Among the letters of congratulation were also some job offers. And even before we could really take in what was happening, we found ourselves landed in fresh new jobs. At first we were hired by a security office as consultants, then we got an even higher position in the planning section. We could afford this beautiful loft with an industrial design. On the table I saw a newspaper. >undo One turn undone: unscrew wheels >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!” >spray spary (say park) I was not talking to anyone. >spray spray I saw no spray there. >i I was carrying a pack of energy drinks, a ticket, a torque spanner, some money, a firecracker, and a newspaper. >* argh forgot to pick it up, oh well Comment recorded. >hint Done. >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. >e I couldn’t go that way. From there I could go south or west. “Stop talking,” shouted one of the thieves, “and stay down on the floor! We promise nobody will get harmed as long as you are cooperating.” >s (first opening the rusty iron door) Backyard The backyard was a dimly lit place for storing garbage far away from curious eyes of the customers. This was obviously done in a large waste bin next to the wall of the adjacent building. A high wall surrounded the filthy location, only broken by a sturdy iron gate, which led out to the street to the northwest. The door to the north led back into the supermarket. Johanna was crouching behind the waste bin. As Jo saw me she scurried over to me. “Oh my god, Finley, I’m so glad to see you”, she whispered and I embraced her. “How can we get out, Jo?” I asked. “I don’t know, Fin,” she answered, “but the easiest way is to open the iron gate. What options do we have else?” >unlock gate What do you want to unlock it with? >key 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. A thief was scouting the inside of the checkstand while another was looking nervously around. Johanna was directly behind me. >z Time passed. Jo hid herself behind some shelves. Suddenly one of the thieves began moving in her direction until he stood directly in front of the shelf. Now Jo wasn’t able to move without the risk of being spotted by the man! One of the gang members gazed through the doorway, took a look outside and walked back. >z Time passed. Jo was trying to get to the door, as the thief noticed her finally. He shouted loud, “STOP!” pointed his gun at her and then time stood still. Jo was motionless and the hand with the gun was trembling, pointing ceaselessly at her. Then everything went simultaneously. In a desperate attempt Jo was moving forward to the door, then the thief’s finger was pulling the trigger. While my mouth was opening to yell out, I heard the awful sound of the shot and the next moment Jo fell onto the floor. There was screaming, shouting, and then the thieves hurried out and drove away in the van. I was shocked, unable to do anything and I only barely noticed the arrival of the police. >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) 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. >n Further north was nothing important for me. >w (first opening the flat door) I shook off the rain in front of the door, entered our flat and was happy to be at home, finally. I closed the door and leaned onto it. I felt a bit dizzy. Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. I could see an empty crate there. Johanna came in from the living room. >w Flat Our flat was rather small, but it mostly fit our needs. Jo called this room “everything-room” because it served for living, sleeping and cooking as well. There was a sofa with a TV in front of it, a low table, a kitchenette and a bed. East was the corridor. In the video tape recorder I saw what must be the last copy of THE SOPRANOS. On the scratchy old table I saw the alarm clock. I heard Jo taking the empty crate. >drink drink I opened one of the drinks and gulped it down in a few seconds. Ah, that was tasty! “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. >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. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 10.25 a.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I was watching THE SOPRANOS while the taste of the energy drink was still in my mouth. I finished episode one and remember to have seen the beginning of episode two, but then my eyelids got heavier with every passing minute. I hadn’t the slightest clue why this happened to me, but I must have been fallen asleep. When I opened my eyes again, I heard the title theme of what must be episode three. It was 10.25 a.m. My head was aching so badly that I could hardly concentrate. >e (first turning off the TV then getting off of the sofa) Corridor The corridor was just wide enough to be able to turn around. That’s pretty much the reason for not having any furniture in here, beside some flat posters on the wall. The bathroom was north and the apartment door lead out east to the street. The living room was lying to the west. >e (first opening the flat door) I left our flat and closed the door behind me. West side of Printworker’s Avenue A few people were out on the street. This quarter consisted mostly of lower residential buildings far away from all the high-glossy skyscrapers in the city centre. But the traffic there wasn’t less dense than in the very middle of the city, though. The door to our flat in block A. While the moonlight did a good job to hide the shabby looking facades, the so called block B was on the other side of the street. The avenue continued north and south. On the other side of the street were the stairs to the underground. >e Just as I was trying to cross the street, I heard the squeaking sound of tyres rubbing over the asphalt. The driver managed to slow down a bit, but nonetheless the car hit me and its impact threw me back onto the pavement. The world was a bit blurred, though I saw a woman getting off the car, then leaning over me. “Oh my God!” She furrowed her eyebrows. “I know you, you’re Johanna’s friend!” Then everything turned round and round and I guess I fainted. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 9.45 p.m. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ When I woke again Johanna’s boss was here, but I wasn’t out on the street anymore. It was already late night and I was lying in what must have been a hospital bed. “Good, you’re finally awake.” She quirked a smile. “Now... if you’re asking yourself what had happened, you suddenly ran onto the street and I wasn’t able to brake in time, everything happened so fast. But the doctor said, you were only slightly injured. I’m so sorry for what had happened, I’ve been waiting here to say that personally to you. Are you okay?” “I think so,” I answered. >z Time passed. >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. >take key Taken. >t What do you want to tell about? >w I was not talking to anyone. >out Okay, I got off the hospital bed. >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. A report was sticked to the foot side of the bed. >e West side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store on the other side of the street to the east. In front of me was St. Anne Hospital to the west. The avenue continued north and south. >e I went across the street. East side of Printworker’s Avenue This was pretty much half the way between our flat and the supermarket where Johanna worked. The night was dry and cold, much better than the wet days of last week. The clear sky surrounded me like a black tent. A big street lantern cast its light on the entrance of the beverage store to the east. On the other side of the street was St. Anne hospital and the avenue continued north and south. >e The beverage store was closed. > 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. >i I was carrying a ticket, a pack of energy drinks, a torque spanner, an iron key, some money, a firecracker, and a newspaper. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue I was quite alone on the pavement of Printworker’s Avenue at this time. The supermarket was a short way south from here and I could already see its window like a glowing gem in the dark. On this side of the street was the garage while on the other I could see the DIY store. The avenue continued north and south. >e The garage was already closed for today. >s East side of Printworker’s Avenue Opposite of the supermarket’s bright glass facade was a green park which was dark and quiet now. I bet that later on there would have been many people around this park, out to catch a nice view of the great fireworks. The green park was across the street to the west while I could enter the supermarket to the east. Southeast I saw the iron gate which led to the backyard of the supermarket and the avenue continued north and south. A dark van was parked in front of the supermarket. A huge star spangled banner was stretched across the street. >s Further south was nothing important for me. >e (first opening the double door) Supermarket Something was definitely wrong in here, there was a lack of usual noises from people walking around, talking to each other and collecting things into their shopping carts. As I came closer to the checkstand, I saw a bunch of people lying motionsless on the floor. I instantly knew what was happening here and my heart stopped for a second – where was Jo? I couldn’t see her anywhere. South was the rusty iron door that lead to the backyard and the exit to the street was west. Several members of a gang, I counted at least five of them, were standing around, pointing guns at different directions, while a few people were lying down, their heads turned to the floor. 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. “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?” > 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 took me by the hand. >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. >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 followed 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 came with 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 stayed close to 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 was directly behind me. >enter train We took Underground Line 9, which lead us directly towards the home of Jo’s parents. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Epilogue ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Line 9 took us towards the house where Jo’s parents lived. We rang at the door and plead them to let uns in. At first they scowled, obviously surprised about the unexpected visit, but they invited us to come in and offered something to drink. As we were telling them what had happened this evening, Jo’s father got quite affected. We saw relief in their faces as they heard that we were unharmed. Jo must have felt that this was the moment to tell her father all the things that made her upset for years. All her anger, her hate, her disappointments suddenly washed ashore like debris on a strand. She cried, yelled, pounded her fists against her fathers chest and we were talking, debating, discussing for hours. In the end, Jo’s father had tears in his eyes, full of sorrows for what he said about us. In the meantime the sun had risen and its bright and warm light was shining through the kitchen window. Later we had lunch together and we stayed for a few days there. That night was a relief for all of us. New flat Jo’s parents felt like they must compensate for their bad behaviour and so they insisted that they would at least pay this flat’s rent in the city centre until we had found better jobs. Now we live in a skyscraper with a fabulous view over the city. On the mahogany table I saw a newspaper. >read 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? >