Uncreation

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All around you, the cacophony of children playing fills the air. The Pizzeria always feels like it has far more children in it than anywhere has a right to. This location was a typical diner once, a simple family-oriented diner more aimed at enticing young families out for a snack than corralling what felt like every kid in the state. But as far as making money and attaining ambitions, this has worked best to date. Fredbears is //extra// crowded today because it's an exceptional occasion. Not every day does one of the founders' kids have a birthday party, and you—'' William Afton''—have never been known to skimp on a good party. There's a lot to do; you might as well get to it. (( This is an interactive fiction game from the POV of William Afton, it obviously does not reflect my personal opinions on anything, but is fully in-character first person with a flawed narrator. )) [[Get to work|Splash]]

The breakroom has one of the most sturdy doors in the entire building. It's not even a very good breakroom. <<if $BreakRoomKey is true>> The door opens with a grating click and you can enter the breakroom. [[Head back to the hallway.|BreakroomOpen]] <<elseif $BreakRoomKey is false>> The breakroom is locked for the time being, something you insisted on yourself to stop people shirking when they should be working. The key is usually kept in the main office, where it needs to be checked in and out at break time. [[Head back to the hallway.|Back Hallway]]<</if>>

The Stalls are in the process of being setup [[The Bouncy Castle looks to be inflated.|Bouncy Castle]] [[Go back to the show floor |Splash]]

The kitchen is full of slow-working, chatty and overpaid staff who flinch as soon as you enter and get down to looking busy. You know they were shirking before you came in, but the reaction soothes your desire to reprimand them. It feels good to be respected or feared. You'll settle for either. A nervous and grimy young man, no doubt volunteered by his peers, is standing by the door, looking nervously at you for further instruction. His apron is filthy, and his hair hasn't seen a brush in days. <<if !$HunterInterrogated>> [[Ask him what his name is. |Interrogate]]<</if>> [[Demand to know where your son's cake is |Cake]] [[Go back to the show floor |Splash]]

The arcades are always bustling with activity, and Freddy’s boasts one of the most cutting-edge collections of arcades in the USA. You and Henry have even imported some of the rarer Japanese cabinets. Teens will notoriously drive long distances to have a go on some of the newer games, and all of them make you considerable sums of cash in the form of quarters that need to be dragged to the bank every few weeks in the back of Henry’s truck. Business is booming, and you feel like it can only get better from here. Today, the arcades are heaving with activity, even early in the day, and most of the machines are already occupied. However, there are some areas of interest for your rounds. One of which is the ball pit in the corner, and the other is the claw machine, which needs a maintenance check. Alternatively, you can see your most worthless child skulking around by the newer arcade machines, wearing a Foxy mask that he no doubt thinks will in some way conceal his identity. He’s always up to something. [[Go bother Mike|MikeIntro]] [[Try out the claw machine|ClawMachineIntro]] [[Inspect the ball pit|BallPit]] [[Go back to the show floor |Splash]]

The hallway at the back of the Pizzeria is behind a locked door to fend off prying children. This area is where cleaning supplies are stored and where the main office for the diner resides. The space is wood-panelled, claustrophobic, and smells pleasantly of old smoke. You enjoy it, as it is reminiscent of a burrow, somewhere safe and quiet. You can only faintly hear the arcade machines here, and the kids are demoted to a mildly insufferable volume. Along the wall, there are various framed photos of Fredbears, significant local events hosted here, and, of course, the founders. You avoid looking at the photos of you and Henry. Viewing pictures of yourself is almost physically uncomfortable. You feel you have too many chins and too many jowls. And even the elegant suits you wear feel like lipstick on a pig. Ahead of you is the office, further up and to the right is the employee breakroom, with the employee bathroom to the left. [[Head to the Office|Office]] [[Head to the Breakroom|Breakroom]] [[Head to the Employee Bathroom|EmployeeBathroom]] [[Go back to the show floor |Splash]]

/* Inventory */ <<set $PrivateRoomKey to false>> <<set $BreakRoomKey to false>> <<set $FredbearKeychain to false>>  <<set $SpringBonnieKeychain to false>>  <<set $inventory to []>> /* Story Variables */ <<set $HunterInterrogated to false>>  <<set $MichaelInterrogated to false>>  <<set $CakeCheck to false>>  <<set $CarryingCake to false>>  <<set $HenryConvinced to false>>  /* Statistics */ <<set $Sanity to 100>>

<<set $PrivateRoomKey to true>> <<set $inventory.push("Key Card to Private Room")>> Here in the dark you found the key ;)

The main floor of the Pizzeria is the heart of the chaos, with all the critical locations fronting onto the seating area where various adults consume unwise amounts of alcohol while waiting for their children to get tired of the endless fun that //Fredbear’s// promises. You’ve only had to break up one fight this week, which has to be a new record. Sometimes, you have to babysit the adults as much as the kids. There’s a lot to do today before the big event, and no one is more equipped to do it than you are. Once you check up on everyone, you'll be able to go find your wife. There are a few places to choose where to start, the cake should be delivered in the ''kitchen'' , Michael should be in the '' arcades'' as always, Henry might be in the '' back office'' and the stalls and entertainments '' outside'' probably need the once over. [[Head to the Kitchen.|Kitchen Hub]] [[Head to the Arcades |Arcades Hub]] [[Head to the Back Hallway|Back Hallway]] [[Head outside.|Outside]] <<if hasVisited("Outside","Kitchen Hub","Arcades Hub","Back Hallway")>> Looks like its time to [[Go find Laura|Part2_Hub]]<</if>> [[You lose your fucking mind DEBUG SANITY LOSS.|DEBUG SANITY LOSS]] [[Check your inventory|Inventory]]

The man looks even more nervous and wrings his hands, looking away. There is a visceral twist of revulsion in you. Even though this man has every outward appearance of cringing obedience, you feel a thread of insubordination in the way he refuses to meet your gaze. You have a good instinct for people who are troublemakers. “Answer me.” You prompt. “Hunter.” He says, jutting out his lower lip a little too far. You feel like he needs some cutting down to size. [["I think you should step outside with me for a moment, Hunter."|InterrogateHunterMore]] [[Take mercy on the man; it’s a festive day, after all.|Close Interrogation]]

One of the other kitchen staff steps up hurriedly, anticipating that you are about to chew everyone present out if the cake is not present and accounted for with the party in a few hours time. "It's here! It's here! Your wife dropped it off" she says with a placatory smile. You remember her name at least, Janine, one of the more reliable of the kitchen staff, always willing to work an extra few hours or double shifts. When you ask them to jump, it is always Janine who asks how high. And you know the others resent her bitterly. <<set $CakeCheck to true>> [[I'll be taking this with me, you say. |Cake Get]] [[You are satisfied just to look upon the cake and know things are going to plan.|Splash]]

<<if $Sanity <= 90>> Something feels off today, the shadows are cast too long from the early morning sun and you aren't sure why you feel so afraid. [[Continue |VisionScene]] <<else>> The wind is brisk and pleasantly breezy but you know it is going to be another scorcher in the desert. Sometimes you wonder why you live in a place like this. [[Continue |NormalScene]] <</if>>

The items you have on your person are as follows: <<if $inventory.length > 0>> \ <ul class="inventory-list"> \ <<for _item range $inventory>> \ <li class="inventory-item">- <<print _item>> \ <<if _item == "Birthday Cake">>(It has "Happy Birthday, Gregory!" written on it. Why are you carrying it around with you?)<</if>> \ <<if _item == "Break Room Key">>(This key unlocks the break room. It has a Balloon Boy keyring. You don't understand why everyone hates that character.)<</if>> \ <<if _item == "Private Room Key">>(This key unlocks the private room. It's a key card.)<</if>> \ <<if _item == "Fredbear Keychain">>(This keychain has a little plushie Fredbear figure on it. It’s very cute indeed..)<</if>> \ <<if _item == "Spring Bonnie Keychain">>(This keychain has a small plushie Spring Bonnie figure. It's your favourite little guy.)<</if>> \ </li> \ <</for>> \ </ul> \ <<else>>Your bag is empty.<</if>> \ [[Return to the start|Splash]]

The cake for Gregory’s fourth birthday is custom made affair and features a chocolate Fredbear, crafted with fondant, standing atop a black-and-white checkered base. The cake is adorned with other fondant miniature characters with a festive banner reading “Happy Birthday, Gregory!” in icing finishes it off. It doesn’t matter that the boy is afraid of the things, the point of the cake is to put on a show, just like every party in history. You pick the cake up and carry it in one hand. You just can't trust these people with it in their care. <<set $inventory.push("Birthday Cake")>> <<set $CarryingCake to true>> <<set $CakeCheck to true>> [[Back to the floor|Splash]]

<<set $HunterInterrogated to true>> You give Hunter a too-lingering smile, and he hurries back to his duties. [[Watch him go. |Kitchen Hub]]

The journey is uneventful. - WIP [[You head towards the stalls.|Stalls Hub]]

A shadowy thing runs alongside you in the shadows. - WIP [[You hurry towards the stalls, sweating.|Stalls Hub]]

<<set $Sanity -= 70>>  You lose 70 percent of your sanity, whoops. This is for sanity value testing purposes, please ignore. [[Head outside and see how the stalls are setting up.|Outside]] [[Go back to the main floor.|Splash]]

You lead Hunter out of the kitchen by the back door, through the heavy fire exit by the colossal trash cans, which are already beginning to stink in the summer Utah sun. “You think you are important, don’t you, Hunter?” you ask, not waiting for an answer before adding. “You think you are worth something. I can tell by the way you look at me.” You offer him a cigarette in nimble fingers, and he looks at it with wide eyes but doesn’t take it. “Don’t feel like a smoke today? I’ve seen you, you know; I know you smoke out here when kitchen staff are //explicitly// forbidden from smoking on my dime.” You enjoy the dawning realisation on his face. “I see everything that goes on in this place. //Everything//.” You say. [["Do you understand?"|InterrogateHunterMore2]]

"Yes sir,” Hunter says. You raise a brow, and he amends. “Yes, Mr Afton.” Mister Afton, //Mister Manager.// You are the king of this kingdom, and if these grovelling, useless wastes of breath want their next TV dinner, they will respect that. “Good.” You say. “I’m glad we see eye to eye.” Already tired of this man’s depressing aura, you turn your back on him and return to the kitchen, where the others look even more nervous than before. “Oh don’t worry, I didn’t fire him! Hunter lives to work another day!” Out of the corner of your eye,, you see a shadow flit across the reflections of the industrial fridges but no one else in the kitchen seems to notice it. <<set $Sanity -= 20>>  [[You return to the matter at hand|Close Interrogation]]

You approach a pink bouncy castle in the middle of the event. It is a perfectly ordinary attraction, and even though no children have been to it today, it already smells faintly of dirty socks. The bouncy castle should be attended at all times, but right now the attendant seems to be helping some of the other stall owners set up their attractions. <<if $Sanity < 50>> Something feels off about the bouncy castle. It is much too enclosed, and there is something off about the texture of the walls. Is it slimy? Are you just imagining things? You should crawl inside. But something in your gut says you shouldn't; as you look at it, the bouncy castle feels more like a vast and gaping maw. [[Investigate the bouncy castle further |SecretBCPrompt]] [[Leave the bouncy castle and move on |Stalls Hub]] <<else>> The bouncy castle seems like a normal, fun attraction. Everything looks and sounds as expected. It seems to have been set up correctly. [[Leave the bouncy castle and move on |Stalls Hub]] <</if>>

As you get closer, the bouncy castle’s entrance stretches wider to accomodate you. The plastic feels all wrong, too slick under your touch. With your weight you'd expect your knees to be almost touching the ground as the air in the castle was displaced, but they aren't. The hair on the back of your neck stands on end, and what feels like hot breath flutters over you. You turn to scramble back to the entrance, but it closes ahead of you. The whole castle collapses in on you and you are quite abruptly gone. <<include "GameOver">>

Game Over. Back to the start you go.

The employee bathroom is dingy and poorly maintained, with beige walls, cracked tile and a constant and lingering smell of urine that no one can pinpoint the root cause of. It seems like a joke that someone has tacked up one of the prototype Freddy drawings on the wall. As yet unnamed, this version of Freddy is plastic-looking with rosy cheeks and a bulky figure. You don’t appreciate the joke; that particular Freddy was already the thread of some contention between yourself and Henry, and this feels like a personal jibe against you. Above the sinks is a grimy and smudged mirror, flecked with cast-off water stains. You would never admit it to anyone, but you fear mirrors and do everything you can to avoid them. [[Head back out to the hallway.|Back Hallway]] [[Look in the mirror anyway.|EmployeeMirror]] [[Tear down the Toy Freddy Poster.|Toy Freddy Poster]]

<<if $Sanity <= 20>> The number of keys and their chaotic arrangement on the coathangers is ridiculous. You fumble with the tags, your frustration growing with each failed attempt. This is almost as bad as trying to find a bolt in parts and services. <<set $Sanity -= 10>>  The task feels increasingly maddening as you struggle to keep your composure. <<if random(1, 100) <= 25>> After a seemingly endless search, you finally find the breakroom key! <<set $BreakRoomKey = true>> <<if !($inventory.includes("Break Room Key"))>> <<set $inventory.push("Break Room Key")>> <</if>> You now have the breakroom key. [[Return to the office|Office]] <<else>> Despite your efforts, you haven’t found the right key yet. You might need to take a break and try again. [[Try searching again|SearchCoathooks]] [[Return to the office|Office]] <</if>> <<else>> The keys are numerous and disorganised, hanging haphazardly on the coathooks. Each key you check is tagged for different areas of the diner, and finding the right one is a challenge. <<set $Sanity -= 5>>  The task is frustrating but manageable. <<if random(1, 100) <= 50>> After searching through the keys, you finally discover the breakroom key! <<set $BreakRoomKey = true>> <<if !($inventory.includes("Break Room Key"))>> <<set $inventory.push("Break Room Key")>> <</if>> You now have the breakroom key. [[Return to the office|Office]] <<else>> You continue searching, but the correct key eludes you for now. [[Try searching again|SearchCoathooks]] [[Return to the office|Office]] <</if>> <</if>>

The office at Fredbears is a scene of absolute chaos, with clutter from parts and services infesting every corner. Though the main desk still has some space to work on paperwork by the sickly light of the desk lamp, most of the room is occupied by mechanical components, prototype toys and plushies, and various awards, certificates, and mementoes pinned all over the walls. Off at the back of the room, next to a cluster of filing cabinets, is a wall of coat hooks that are no longer used for their intended purpose but instead have been repurposed into a home for every spare key in the entire location, clustered in an incomprehensible tangle of glinting metal. William found that deterring people from retrieving the key worked to keep them from wasting time, but today it presented an irritating hurdle instead. <<if !$HenryConvinced>> ''Henry'' is sitting at the table, working on who knows what sort of blueprints. He should be getting into his damn suit. // This feels like a more urgent task than finding the key, knowing how long it takes Henry to dislodge himself from his work.// <<if $CarryingCake>> ''Henry'' notices the cake you’re carrying and looks up from his work, raising an eyebrow at you curiously. "Why are you carrying a cake around, Will?" [[Explain the cake |SecretDialogue]] <</if>> [[Look at Henry |HenryAppearance]] [[Talk to Henry |TalkHenry]] [[Convince Henry to leave and get into his costume, //make sure you've done everything you need to with him// |ConvinceHenry]] [[Leave the office |Back Hallway]] <<else>> The office is now emptier. Maybe too empty for you. ''Henry'' has left to look at the animatronics. <<if $CarryingCake>> ''Henry'' is no longer here, but the cake still seems out of place. [[Search the coathangers for the breakroom key |SearchCoathooks]] [[Look for a place to put the cake |PutCakeAway]] [[Leave the office |Back Hallway]] <<else>> <<if !$BreakRoomKey>> [[Search the coathangers for the breakroom key |SearchCoathooks]] <</if>> [[Leave the office |Back Hallway]] <</if>> <</if>>

There isn't a single inch of space in the entire office that isn't completely covered in junk. Finding a place to put the cake would be a feat unto itself, and even besides that, you wouldn’t want to leave the cake here where no one would be able to find it for the party. This is no place to leave a cake, so you continue carrying the damn thing around with you a while longer. [[Surrender to the hopelessnes of offloading the cake |Office]]

Henry is obviously oblivious about what day it is or what he’s expected to do. You aren’t irritated about this; part of your job is ensuring things get done when they are supposed to be and that Henry keeps his engagements. At times, you can tire of it, feeling more like a secretary than a friend, but most of the time, it makes you feel needed instead. //Feeling needed by anyone was always such a novel experience.// “It’s Gregory’s birthday.” You explain matter of factly. “And you are supposed to prep Fredbear and Spring Bonnie for their performance. Some decorative animatronics need their compressors changed, and I wouldn’t trust the rabble to do it today. Half the state will be here for the big day.” Henry nods thoughtfully. “I should refresh a few of the worn mechanisms, too.” He says. “Fredbear’s mouth movements have been sluggish when he sings.” “Sounds good.” You say warmly. “Once you are done, we’ll catch up again. Maybe Fredbear and Bonnie can give Gregory a little surprise.” [[Henry seems more convinced. |HenryConvinced]]

Henry looks up at you from the blueprints he is working on, but you don’t stand there and talk to him; instead, you get comfortable in the chair opposite the desk. This makes you feel uncomfortably like a new hire sitting in front of the boss, but you push the twist of jealousy away. You feel like chatting; everything else can wait for the moment. [[Ask Henry how he feels.|HenryFeels]] [[Ask Henry about his kids.|HenryKidsHubHis]] [[Ask Henry about your kids.|HenryKidsHubMine]] [[Wives?|HenryWives]] [[Ask Henry about Fredbears.|HenryFredbears]] [[Ask Henry about what he’s working on.|HenryWorking]] [[Ask Henry about our relationship.|HenryRelationship]] [[Have a coffee.|HenryCoffee]] <<if $inventory.includes("Fredbear Keychain")>> [[Give Henry the Fredbear Keychain.|HenryKeychainFredbear]] <</if>> <<if $inventory.includes("Spring Bonnie Keychain")>> [[Give Henry the Spring Bonnie Keychain.|HenryKeychainSpringBonnie]] <</if>> [[Back |Office]]

“Why are you carrying a cake around?” Henry asks. He always asks questions as though he’s dipped back into the world after a long absence, and suddenly, everyone is walking on their hands. It is probably how it feels when he is so deeply engrossed in his work. You look down at the cake you have been carrying around like a trophy won in a great battle. It is kind of odd to carry it around with you. “Is it my birthday?” Henry asks, and while for anyone else, this might be a joke, you suspect he doesn’t know what day it is. [[“To be honest, I don’t know why I’m carrying it around.” |SecretDialogueWtf]] [[“I don’t trust those morons in the kitchen to keep it safe.” |SecretDialogueBlame]] [[“I’m not carrying a cake.” |SecretDialogueLie]] [[“Its not your birthday.” |SecretDialogueFriend]]

Henry stands, pushing in his chair. “All right, I’ll go get to work.” He says and heads towards the door. As he passes close by you, there’s a moment where he pauses, the briefest falter of momentum where he glances at you as if contemplating reaching out or saying something more but seems to decide against it. You see his resolve harden against distraction you wish he’d succumb to. “I’ll see you later.” He says, with a little huff of a sigh. <<set $HenryConvinced to true>> [[And you watch him go.|Office]]

''Henry'' Henry is a genius, but you'd never know it when you look at him; his hair is untidy, his eyes have steep shadows beneath them from forgetting to sleep, and he mostly resides in overalls. And yet, there's no one else like him. You swing wildly between adoration for him and hateful, bitter jealousy that you must work hard for every scrap of progress you make while he sleepwalks into greatness. Most of the time, you adore him, and together, you have built an empire that promises to be so much more. The animatronics are the beginning, and this whole venture is the means to branch out into everything else you want to do. He has promised that the funds will finish modifying your car one day. Today, Henry seems in good spirits, with a playful twinkle in his eye. [[Back |Office]] <<if $Sanity < 50>> A smooth voice croons directly in your ear as you look Henry over. "Oh, you love him. You //adore// him. Tell him that you do, Billy. It's more than just benefits between you. Or are you too afraid? Maybe you are still nothing and deserve nothing. Nothing but //smoke//" When you turn around to see who it is, there is nothing there, and you shiver a little. But maybe the voice is right? [[Do as the voice says you should. |ConfideHenry]] [[Try to shake off the feeling and continue with your rounds.|Office]] <</if>>

You open your mouth to tell him everything then and there, everything that is in your heart. Maybe it’s time to abandon the marriage plan, the pretending to be one thing while being another. Maybe they could run off somewhere society wouldn’t destroy them for being who they are. Perhaps it is time just to say it because you feel that Henry would agree with you that he always just wanted it to be //us// not //us and our families.// But when he gives you that half smile and quizzical eyebrow raises again, your confidence abandons you, and you falter. He is in deep, you are all in deep, and without the absolute certainty of a yes, you cannot put everything on the line like this. One day you'll let him know. But not today. [[Back |Office]]

Wow its so cool in here.

Fuck you, Toy Freddy (WIP)

You aren’t sure why you are carrying the cake around. It probably would have been best to leave it in the kitchen, but now you feel committed to safeguarding it until the party. You stare at it uncomprehendingly, and Henry’s brows furrow slightly in concern. “Are you all right, Will?” he asks gently. “You’ve been under a lot of stress lately with the business and the accident with the springlock suit.” Anyone else daring to question your competency would typically feel the full force of your wrath, but you can’t get upset with Henry so easily. You sigh instead and choose honesty. “I’m not feeling myself today.” You confess. “You need to take a break.” He says with a small smile. “I’ll rest when I’m dead.” You joke instead. [[Back to the Office. |Office]]

You hold the cake a little closer in the crook of your arm. “I’ve told you before.” You growl. “Workshy thieves staff the kitchen. I see it all on the cameras; they steal from the fridges, take home pizza slices and smoke when they should be working. I’d fire them all if hiring in this town wasn’t so hard.” Henry nods. If there’s one thing you both agree on, it's that employees are worse than useless. “One day, the technology will be progressed enough that we can replace them with machines.” He says. “There will be a zero percent chance of nonsense, and we won’t have to deal with wages or sick days. It will be far more sensible.” Henry looks off into space as he no doubt imagines the perfect future. “But for now.” He adds sadly. “We have to do what we can. You should take the cake to the party room when you can.” “I know,” you retort. “I just have some things to do first. Don’t you?” [[Back to the Office. |Office]]

Henry looks at you and then down at the cake before looking back at you. As always, his expression remains blank and divorced from his thought processes. It pulls him out of his constant daydreaming as his brow furrows, and he asks. “Is this a joke?” His complete confusion delights you for some reason, finding something endearing about how a mind capable of feats of monumental genius trips over something as simple as a lie. Henry is good at many things, but socialising has never been one of them. That’s your job. You laugh despite yourself. “Yes.” You say. “I’m taking it to the party room. Eventually.” “Happy Birthday Gregory.” Henry reads aloud. [[Back to the Office. |Office]]

“It’s the middle of summer.” You explain. Henry seems to take this into account and nods. “Oh yes, so it is. It won’t be my birthday for a while.” “No.” He peers at the cake. “Oh it’s for Gregory!” he says. “He loves Fredbear.” “He does.” You say with a smile. [[Back to the Office. |Office]]

“How do I feel?” Henry repeats the question and looks stricken. Thinking about his own emotions doesn’t come easily to him. You know as much. He’s always treated emotions like the weather, something that happens to him that can only vaguely be predicted and can ruin a whole day. You are much more in tune with your emotions, at least as far as those centred around rage and pride go. Some days, you feel animated by rage alone. When you talk to Henry, that rage is tempered into something darker, something almost unbearable. You could kiss him, or you could kill him, and you feel like both actions would feel like emotional siblings. You do neither today; you’re enjoying the curveball question you’ve thrown him. “I suppose I am having a decent day, Will.” He says. “Susan has been in a very high gear over planning some event, and she has redirected that into being snippy at me for not helping her.” He gives you a helpless look with his big, dark eyes. “I wish I could help people more than I do, but something is lacking in me. Something important.” [[There’s nothing lacking in you. Conforming to irrelevant social standards is not your strength.|HenryFeelsReassured]] [[Maybe you lack something, but that is what I am here for. |HenryFeelsReliant]]

Henry adores his kids. You had Mike first, but Henry’s wife insisted on kids and eventually it seemed prudent to acquiesce, what was supposed to be one kid ended up being twins, something which felt like a violation of your agreement with Henry to permit one as part of the “keeping the homophobic mob from the door” plan. [[Ask about Charlotte.|HenryCharlotte]] [[Ask about Sammy.|HenrySammy]] [[Where are they?|HenryWhereTwins]] [[Back|TalkHenry]]

Henry probably likes your kids more than you do. Kids always delight him because he doesn’t generally have to take care of them. He finds them cute and entertaining, but it’s always you who is left having to add the “don’t poop on the floor” rule to the rules for the location and clean up the mess. You were never paternal; you never learned how. Being a good father for you is a bar on the floor that involves not becoming your own father. You are not good at parenting, and if you let yourself admit it, you are even worse than Henry. [[Ask about Michael|HenryKidsHubMineM]] [[Ask about Elizabeth|HenryKidsHubMineE]] [[Ask about Gregory|HenryKidsHubMineG]] [[Ask where they are|HenryKidsHubMineWhere]] [[Back|TalkHenry]]

You and Henry are in separate marriages, but the arrangement has always been complicated. Neither of you is one hundred percent straight, and since the first fumble, you both understood that a simple happy ending was never an option. The world is a stupid, ridiculous place that barely tolerates your friendship, let alone anything //more.// You solved the problem the way you solve all Henry’s problems by simply finding a workable resolution. You both met two local women and progressed relationships with them that stand today. You don’t feel guilty about this manipulation; Laura and Susan now live comfortable lives and will continue to be cared for financially. It is a practical solution, even if founded on false foundations. [[Ask about Susan Emily|HenryWivesS]] [[Ask about Laura Afton|HenryWivesL]] [[Back|TalkHenry]]

“What do I think of //Fredbears?//” Henry repeats and leans back in his chair as if the question’s weight has pushed him down like gravity. “That’s a question and a half, Will. What do I think of this place?” “Well, logically, it is a run-down old dance hall that we converted into a diner and then filled with children. It’s barely functional and riddled with too many rats and useless employees. It is the wobbly first steps of two great inventors with much more to show the world.” Henry doesn’t often do sweeping conversations, so even this much surprises you. “But Fredbears is more than that. Everything in the world has levels of reality. The surface level of reality here at Fredbear’s is irrelevant. What we have built here is a receptacle for emotions, for our very hopes and dreams. We have created this place where fantasy and fun come to life for the visiting children. These rat-infested walls are lined with the strengthening power of love and happiness daily. What they appear to be will cease to matter when we harness and augment those powers; I know it with absolute certainty.” Henry’s features take on what feels like a glow from within as he speaks; you know he is saying this from the depths of his genius. When he talks like this, you have learned to believe him, no matter how absurd it might sound. “Emotions can change our perceptions; they can change our reality. We can wrap the world around ourselves like a blanket when we understand this. We will be able to bring fantasy and fun to life in a tangible way.” His eyes snap towards you, and you freeze at the intensity of the stare. “I think Fredbears is our anchor point. I think this moment and this place will mean everything to us one day. It is something we created together, Will. The world endeavoured and conspired to keep our minds apart, to deny us collaboration.” He taps the desk. “And yet. We are //here.// All together in one place.” [[Back|TalkHenry]]

“Oh, this?” Henry says, looking down at the blueprint on the table before him. “Everyone keeps complaining at me about letting the twins play in the store room, so I thought it would be useful to find a way to corral the children more palatable to all concerned.” You get up from your chair to join Henry on his side of the table, looking more closely at the blueprint, which depicts a tall, lanky endoskeleton powered by cables dangling from the ceiling. “It shouldn’t be an animal,” Henry says. “As the animals are friends, not guardians, I was thinking this would guide them away from doorways based on coloured armbands.” “That smooth, featureless face is creepy Henry.” You say, and grabbing one of the pens from the table, you draw in a big friendly smile and upturned cheerful eyes. “It could be a friendly puppet!” You even give it some bright lipstick for good measure. “See? I think that’s much more approachable; they are kids; we don’t want to scare them.” Henry stares at the smiling puppet and nods in deep concentration. “I think this could work.” He says. You clap him on the back. “Of course it can.” You say. “Together, we can do anything, remember.” [[Back|TalkHenry]]

“I don’t know if I can explain,” Henry says before taking a long, steadying breath. “I think meeting you is the best thing that ever happened to me.” “I am a different man now than I was before we met. Everything wrong with me has been put to a new purpose. I was certain that the composition of my mind would lead only to my destruction, an instability unsuited to the long-term viability of the organism.” He looks thoughtfully at you, clearly digging deeply into his psyche for the answer to this particular question. “I have to reach out to broader concepts to attempt to create even a facsimile of my internal state.” He gestures with his pen. “All creatures strive to live; this is fundamental and hard-coded by our ancestry; however, where there is a life instinct, there is also a theoretical death instinct or death drive.” “For every light, there in turn is darkness. The darkness felt like a black hole within me, a singularity that drew in all light. My life instinct has never stood a summer snowflake’s chance alone.” Henry reaches across the table to touch the back of your hand, stirring your emotions against your will. “In that extensive metaphorical regard, you are my light, Will.” [[Continue|TalkHenry]]

You insert a token into the machine and see the claw move into position. The display lights up with a loud clunk as the claw descends, ready to grab something from the pile of fairly unappealing prizes. <><<set $ClawResult to random(1, 100)>> <<if !$FredbearKeychain and !$SpringBonnieKeychain>> <<if $ClawResult <= 10>>  The claw grabs a small item from the depths of the heap, successfully dropping it down into the retrieval area. You pull it out to reveal a little ''Fredbear Keychain!'' <<set $FredbearKeychain = true>> <<if !($inventory.includes("Fredbear Keychain"))>> <<set $inventory.push("Fredbear Keychain")>> <</if>> (This keychain has a small plastic Fredbear plushie on it. It’s very cute.) [[Continue|Arcades Hub]] <<elseif $ClawResult <= 20>>  The claw grabs a small item from the depths of the heap, somehow gripping onto its ear before successfully dropping it down into the retrieval area. You pull it out to reveal a ''Spring Bonnie Keychain!'' <<set $SpringBonnieKeychain = true>> <<if !($inventory.includes("Spring Bonnie Keychain"))>> <<set $inventory.push("Spring Bonnie Keychain")>> <</if>> (This keychain has a small plastic Spring Bonnie plushie. Your favorite little guy!) [[Continue|Arcades Hub]] <<else>>  The claw grabs a prize, but as you pull it out, you realize it’s slipping through the claw’s anaemic grip. The machine emits a sad whirring noise as the prize drops back into the pile. <<if $ClawResult <= 40>>  (You tried to grab a small plush toy of one of the characters, but it slipped out of the claw’s grip while you looked on. It’s cheaply made crap, but you do like to win.) <<elseif $ClawResult <= 60>> (You attempted to win a Fredbear’s Family Diner branded cap, but it fell through the claw. It’s cheaply made crap, but you do so like to win.) <<elseif $ClawResult <= 80>> (You aimed for a Foxy plushie, but like the others, it slipped through the claw’s grip and fell back into the machine. A bit of a disappointment.) <<else>> (You tried for a weird blue plushie you are sure isn’t even a character, but it slipped out of the claw’s grasp and fell back into the machine. Better luck next time!) <</if>> [[However, you can try again|ClawMachine]] <</if>> <<elseif $FredbearKeychain and !$SpringBonnieKeychain>> <<if $ClawResult <= 10>>  The claw grabs a prize, and you pull it out to reveal the Spring Bonnie Keychain! <<set $SpringBonnieKeychain = true>> <<if !($inventory.includes("Spring Bonnie Keychain"))>> <<set $inventory.push("Spring Bonnie Keychain")>> <</if>> (This keychain has a small plastic Spring Bonnie plushie. Your favorite little guy!) [[Continue|Arcades Hub]] <<else>> The claw grabs a prize, but as you pull it out, you realize it’s slipping through the claw’s grip. The machine emits a sad whirring noise as the prize drops back into the pile. <<if $ClawResult <= 30>>  (You tried to grab a small plush toy, but it slipped out of the claw’s grip. It’s a bit worn but would have been a cute addition.) <<elseif $ClawResult <= 60>> (You attempted to win a generic keychain, but it fell through the claw. It’s not the Fredbear or Spring Bonnie Keychain, but it would have been useful.) <<elseif $ClawResult <= 90>> (You aimed for a colorful, but empty, plastic egg. It slipped through the claw’s grip and fell back into the machine. A bit of a disappointment.) <<else>> (You tried for an unspecified prize, but it slipped out of the claw’s grasp and fell back into the machine. Better luck next time!) <</if>> [[However, you can try again|ClawMachine]] <</if>> <<elseif $SpringBonnieKeychain and !$FredbearKeychain>> <<if $ClawResult <= 10>>  The claw grabs a prize, and you pull it out to reveal the Fredbear Keychain! <<set $FredbearKeychain = true>> <<if !($inventory.includes("Fredbear Keychain"))>> <<set $inventory.push("Fredbear Keychain")>> <</if>> (This keychain has a little plastic Fredbear figure on it. It’s a bit tacky but might be useful.) [[Continue|Arcades Hub]] <<else>> The claw grabs a prize, but as you pull it out, you realize it’s slipping through its grip. The machine emits a sad whirring noise as the prize drops back into the pile. <<if $ClawResult <= 30>>  (You tried to grab a small plush toy, but it slipped out of the claw’s grip. It’s a bit worn but would have been a cute addition.) <<elseif $ClawResult <= 60>> (You attempted to win a generic keychain, but it fell through the claw. It’s not the Fredbear or Spring Bonnie Keychain, but it would have been useful.) <<elseif $ClawResult <= 90>> (You aimed for a colorful, but empty, plastic egg. It slipped through the claw’s grip and fell back into the machine. A bit of a disappointment.) <<else>> (You tried for an unspecified prize, but it slipped out of the claw’s grasp and fell back into the machine. Better luck next time!) <</if>> [[However, you can try again|ClawMachine]] <</if>> <<else>> The claw grabs a prize, but as you pull it out, you realize it’s slipping through its grip. The machine emits a sad whirring noise as the prize drops back into the pile. <<if $ClawResult <= 25>>  (You tried to grab a small plush toy, but it slipped out of the claw’s grip. It’s a bit worn but would have been a cute addition.) <<elseif $ClawResult <= 50>> (You attempted to win a generic keychain, but it fell through the claw. It’s not the Fredbear or Spring Bonnie Keychain, but it would have been useful.) <<elseif $ClawResult <= 75>> (You aimed for a colorful, but empty, plastic egg. It slipped through the claw’s grip and fell back into the machine. A bit of a disappointment.) <<else>> (You tried for an unspecified prize, but it slipped out of the claw’s grasp and fell back into the machine. Better luck next time!) <</if>> [[However, you can try again|ClawMachine]] <</if>> <> [[Leave the claw machine|Arcades Hub]]

You hand over the little Fredbear’s keychain. It’s a small, nothing gesture, but Henry takes it with thoughtfulness and tenderness. “Oh. One of the keychains.” He says, giving it a close look, turning the little bear over in his calloused hands. “I never even realised these had come in.” “I won it fair and square from the claw machine.” You say, quite proud of yourself. Henry looks shocked. “You //won// something from that claw machine? The odds on it are completely rigged, I should know.” “I’m just that good.” You say, puffing out your chest. “Well I love this little guy and I’m keeping him.” He says, pleased. “You know, it always makes me happy, looking out there and seeing Fredbear and Spring Bonnie. They get to sing together, hug and dance. Everything they are is open and loving. No one stands in their way.” He gives you a private smile. “Like a little world all their own. A vicarious alternate life.” You agree. You have lost the Fredbear Keychain! [[Back|TalkHenry]] <<if $inventory.includes("Fredbear Keychain")>> <<run $inventory.splice($inventory.indexOf("Fredbear Keychain"), 1)>>  <<set $FredbearKeychain = true>>  <</if>>

You hand over the Spring Bonnie keychain, and Henry looks delighted. “Oh, it’s Spring, Bonnie!” he says. “Your little animatronic self.” You scoff. “Only when I’m in the suit.” Henry shakes his head. “No, you are always a bit of a bunny, Will. You like a good basement deep underground to work in.” “Because Utah is hot!” you protest. “You enjoy… other things bunnies are known for.” He says, eyeing the little keychain with his ear, now a little wonky from the claw machine. “Who doesn’t?” you say. Henry grins. “You don’t eat your greens, though.” He says, tapping his chin. “Oh, don’t //you// start too.” You protest. “Laura’s been trying to get me to switch to vegetable smoothies but I am not having it. A man needs meat to live.” “Maybe you can be the first bunny with a fast food only diet.” “Maybe I can!” you protest. Henry laughs and pockets the keychain. “An extraordinary bunny.” “The //most.// extraordinary bunny,” you say. You have lost the Spring Bonnie Keychain! [[Back|TalkHenry]] <<if $inventory.includes("Spring Bonnie Keychain")>> <<run $inventory.splice($inventory.indexOf("Spring Bonnie Keychain"), 1)>>  <<set $SpringBonnieKeychain = true>>  <</if>>

The claw machine is old but well-loved. Bright but scuffed stickers of the characters line the glass windows that look onto the merchandise within. Hundreds of tiny and grubby hands have smeared the machine in places, and you make a note to have someone who isn’t you come by later and clean it. While you are here, you figure you might as well have a game or two, you always have spare tokens, after all. [[Play the Claw Machine|ClawMachine]] [[Head back to the main arcades.|Arcades Hub]]

You reach out to take the hand of the shadow rabbit version of you. “I knew you’d come back to me.” It says. “Let’s make sure you never run away again.” And your world goes dark. <<include "GameOver">>

Mirrors. You have always hated them, and yet here you are, like a masochist looking in on the person you like least in the entire world. The light in the bathroom is unflattering and casts odd shadows across your body. The surface of the mirror is scuffed and grimy, with a long hairline crack around one of the screws affixing it to the wall. <> <<if $Sanity <= 30>> As you look into the mirror, the reflection darkens until you face a dark shadow of yourself with long, rabbit-like ears. It smiles with teeth set in absolute darkness and beckons you forward. [[Follow the figure|GameOverPassage]] [[Fight against the entity in the mirror|MirrorFightSpringy]] <<elseif $Sanity <= 60>> As you look into the mirror, your already distressing reflection seems off somehow. [[You can't look away|MirrorWrong]] <<else>> You look in the mirror and see your reflection. Everything seems normal. [[Continue|MirrorNormal]] <</if>> <>

Some of the stricken tension seems to go out of Henry, and he smiles. “Maybe that is true. There are many illogical blockers society puts in our way. I should not let them trouble me as much. I understand why Susan is being so aggressive, and that should be enough.” You don’t like Susan. You resent her despite the marriages of convenience being your proposal. Henry is soft on her because despite not understanding his emotions, he is subject to them like a ship on the sea. “If she is being rude to you.” You say. “You should tell her to stop. She doesn’t get to speak to you like that.” Henry shakes his head. “It’s fine, I think; she’s busy; she does so much. I feel better, though; thank you, Will.” You feel a little more grounded. <><<set $Sanity += 20>> <<if $Sanity > 100>> <<set $Sanity = 100>> <</if>><> [[She still doesn’t deserve him.|TalkHenry]]

“I appreciate you,” Henry says gruffly. “Without you, I don’t know where I’d be.” “Probably still living with your sister.” You say. Henry had looked set to drop out of college and live with his sister Jen on that huge ranch of theirs for the rest of his life. He didn’t need to work; they had inherited a lump of money from selling family land, old easy money. You resent that too; you live life beyond your means, hoping money will attract more money while Henry lives and breathes it. Henry raised the money for this place, but you are the one who makes it work. Henry nods. “Maybe I would be, honestly.” He says, a little ashamed. “My family has never really gone anywhere, and my parents..” //Henry never talks about his parents.// “You don’t much like Jen, do you?” he asks, with the twist of a smile. [[Allow him to change the subject.|HenryFeelsReliantSister]] [[Press him about his parents..|HenryFeelsReliantParents]]

“No, I don’t.” You answer. Jen is everything you think a woman probably shouldn’t be: self-reliant, independent, unemotional and cold. You feel threatened by her, but you’d never let her know that. She has always disliked you and has gladly informed Henry of as much. Early in your partnership, you worried she’d convince him you were bad news and dislodge your claws from him. Sometimes you fantasise about getting rid of her but know that Henry loves her far too much for that to be convenient. Besides, she’s a crack shot with a gun. “She doesn’t like me either, though; you can’t convince me she does,” you say, crossing your arms. “No, she doesn’t,” Henry says, smirking a little. “I wish you would both get along; you are my favourite people in the entire world. Maybe you are just too similar.” “I am nothing like Jen!” you protest, but Henry doesn’t seem to pay it any heed at all. [[Back.|TalkHenry]]

“What //about// your parents?” you say, determined to learn more about them. Henry is secretive and mysterious, prone to lying to avoid dealing with things he doesn’t want to. But you feel you’ve earned this much as a friend. “My parents are gone, Will.” He says, his expression more detached and distant than usual, as though he is speaking from behind a mask shaped like a human face. “Both of them were always troubled. Both sides of my family have always been riddled with issues.” He taps his temple with a finger. “My mom .. Died when I was five.” He clenches his hand on the desk, staring out at nothing. “She wasn’t murdered, and it wasn’t an illness or accident.” He says, dancing around what he doesn’t seem to be able to fit words around. [[And your dad?|HenryFeelsReliantParents2]]

“My dad was a great dad before my mother died. He taught us everything he could and took us camping with them and on hikes every week. He could fix anything you can imagine and show us while he worked on it.” Henry says. Henry’s expression lights up as he recalls his father, unable to conceal the joy the memories bring him. But then, a shadow seems to flit across his face. “After my mom died, though, he collapsed in on himself. It became all about him and his grief. He became //so selfish.// We didn’t matter; we might as well not have existed. Eventually, he joined her when we were old enough to look after ourselves, and I have never really forgiven him for it.” He looks at both of his hands hollowly. “I’m so afraid of becoming like him. Like //either// of them. It’s like a curse I think about every single day.” [[“I won’t let you leave me.” You say before you can even process the words you’ve just said.|HenryFeelsReliantParents3]]

Henry takes the statement as a kind one rather than a possessive one and nods. “I’m not going anywhere, Will, if I have anything to say in it. But you can see why I don’t talk about them much. What’s to be proud of there?” You shrug. “Is //anyone// proud of their parents?” you say. “You don’t need to be proud of something to talk about it. You aren’t them. You will never be them.” You clap Henry heartily on the shoulder. “Just like I won’t ever be like mine.” “You don’t talk about your parents much,” Henry says. “I have too much to do today, I’m afraid.” You say. “I’ll open that box eventually.” [[Perhaps some things are best left forgotten.|TalkHenry]]

“Charlotte is a brilliant little girl,” Henry says conversationally. “She’s nothing like me in all the right ways. She’s generous, big-hearted and thoughtful. Just the sweetest little thing.” Henry adores the little girl, and she is a good kid, but you think she’s probably a little bit weird, something that isn’t going to do her any favours as she grows up. The other kids already give her a wide berth, leaving her to read her picture books while they do different things that are normal for kids their age. She barely seems to notice them and is slow to verbalise anything. You like her despite yourself; Henry says she’s nothing like him, but you see him in both his twins, in the keenness of their fledgeling minds and the little nuances of their expressions. “She’s her daddy’s little girl.” He says, beaming proudly. “And she’s going to go big places, I know it!” [[Ask about Sammy.|HenrySammy]] [[Back|HenryKidsHubHis]]

“Sammy is intense!” Henry exclaims. “I’ve never seen a little kid like him. He’s always going, always causing trouble and getting into everything. He’s a handful and a half.” He looks pleased as he recounts. “Susan still hasn’t been able to train him out of biting. The boy knows how to use his teeth to get what he wants.” Sammy is too much energy even for you. He’s observant and clever, with a real knack for getting the most negative attention possible in any situation. He’s kind and meek only to his twin, with everyone else always fair game to needle or irritate. He’s emotional and incredibly prone to tantrums, destructive outbursts, or both. It’s the kind of behaviour you’d never tolerate in your kids, but Henry’s parenting has always been vastly different to yours. Sammy is not your kid to train. “Is he still obsessed with alligators?” you ask, remembering the horrible snappy gator on a stick the boy was armed with a few weeks ago. “Loves the things,” Henry says enthusiastically. Sammy is a bizarre kid. [[Ask about Charlotte.|HenryCharlotte]] [[Back|HenryKidsHubHis]]

You almost don’t want to ask because you already know the answer. “Henry, where are the twins right now?” you ask. “In their little treehouse.” He replies cheerily. “By tree, do you mean storage, and by house, do you mean room?” You say slowly. Henry nods. “To them, it’s a treehouse. They love it in there.” You run a hand down your face. Henry has been informed numerous times that you can’t just put children in a storage room or closet to play rather than babysit them. They’d been over this a thousand times. “I am going to go check on them.” You say. “Tell them I said hi!” Henry says. [[Ask about Charlotte.|HenryCharlotte]] [[Ask about Sammy.|HenrySammy]] [[Back|HenryKidsHubHis]]

“Mike is the best,” Henry says with absolute earnestness. “He’s such a good kid.” This, to you, seems like an utterly delusional statement. Mike is a disobedient little asshole of a kid, who gets in fights with people at school, refuses to listen in class, and who makes your life an absolute hell. Maybe he’s more congenial to his “Uncle Henry” because he never shows you a single scrap of respect. “I think sometimes you are a little rough on him. He tries so hard to impress you, you know.” You raise both eyebrows. “Well, he’s doing a terrible job.” You say. “If he wants to impress me, he’ll magically morph into a kid who does as he is told and succeeds at school.” “I think he finds school boring,” Henry says. “I did. Sometimes, it is like being asked four plus four every day, and it grates on you. Meaningless nonsense.” You shake your head, convinced Mike is just an obstinate idiot. He’s more like his mother than you; you barely recognise him. He’s a lost cause. //Worthless.// “I wish you’d give him a chance,” Henry says “Maybe.” You grouse. But you think Mike’s had enough chances. [[Ask about Elizabeth|HenryKidsHubMineE]] [[Ask about Gregory|HenryKidsHubMineG]] [[Ask where they are|HenryKidsHubMineWhere]] [[Back|TalkHenry]]

“Elizabeth is uh.” Henry says, pausing as he looks for a word to describe her. “She’s cute! It’s nice that she likes little cats, princesses, and other things that little girls her age enjoy.” You can hear the subtle criticism in the things Henry isn’t saying; complimenting how normal she is only highlights how incredibly normal the little girl appears. Elizabeth isn’t weird, she isn’t aggressive, she isn’t even a fuck up like Michael is. She’s just a normal little girl. “I’m sure she’ll show her true self as she grows up.” Henry hedges, but you know of all the kids, Elizabeth is the kid he struggles most to connect to. She’s nothing like his tomboy sister, so must feel quiet alien to him. You like Elizabeth well enough. She’s obedient most of the time and consistently eager to please. She does as she’s told and is quick on the uptake, and you suspect she’s more intelligent than anyone gives her credit for, just cunning enough to conceal it. Just like you. [[Ask about Michael|HenryKidsHubMineM]] [[Ask about Gregory|HenryKidsHubMineG]] [[Ask where they are|HenryKidsHubMineWhere]] [[Back|TalkHenry]]

“Have you seen Gregory play games?” Henry cuts in over your question. No, you shake your head. “The kid’s an absolute phenom,” Henry says. “I spotted him playing Sinistar the other day, and he made the high scoreboard on the first attempt. He’s not even tall enough to reach the stick! He was standing on the box!” The box was just a prop dragged around so shorter kids could play with the tall machines. “I never really see the kid do anything but cry,” you say. Since your forays into the nature of fear, you’ve definitely noticed a negative impact on your main test subject, but it's not like there’s anywhere else to get a kid to test on. Besides, it’s only a little bit of a scare—kids get scared all the time—and he’ll grow right out of it. “Well, he’s a gaming genius,” Henry says. “Next time I see him playing them, I’ll come get you.” [[Ask about Michael|HenryKidsHubMineM]] [[Ask about Elizabeth|HenryKidsHubMineE]] [[Ask where they are|HenryKidsHubMineWhere]] [[Back|TalkHenry]]

“Susan’s an absolute saint,” Henry says. “She’s so good at handling everything for me.” You don’t like Susan, which is a trend you notice towards anyone involved in Henry’s life who isn’t you. Still, you have to admit she was fortunate to walk into Henry’s life when you were about to give up on the prospect of securing him any marriage, even as a front. Susan’s one of those who sees people as simply fixer-uppers and sees Henry as precisely that. “What a woman, honestly,” Henry says with a smile. “Even apart from her cooking, she has so much love to give to everyone around her, and she’s a complete mama bear over the twins.” She worked at the diner you used to frequent when planning your diner and was keen to come work at Fredbear’s. With the kids to look after, she does less waitressing these days and more looking after Henry and his twins. That much you can tolerate. “I couldn’t be more proud of her,” Henry says, oblivious to the cooling temperature of your mood. Lately, you feel that Susan is exerting too much control over Henry and his emotions. Like Jen, she is trying to take him away from you and harden his heart against you and the entire venture. It can’t go on forever. [[Ask about Laura Afton|HenryWivesL]] [[Back|TalkHenry]]

“Laura’s very fashionable,” Henry says. “And an artist.” Laura was artistic, it had always been valuable. She painted a lot of the murals on the walls, and the original posters relied on her skilled hand. She’d dreamed of being a dancer, and it was something you could use to ensnare her with the promise of future fame. It was vital for you to present a front that could be believed as a successful entrepreneur, and Laura is beautiful enough to pull it off. “She’s got a real eye for colour and music, and she’s very … nice.” You know it’s hard for Henry to say nice things about people he doesn’t mesh with. He doesn’t dislike Laura, but they come from different worlds. Laura’s intelligence is social, fashionable, and artistic. Henry is practical and technical. Opposite sides of the brain. Both of them are useful to you. “She’s an excellent prize.” You say, and Henry nods his agreement, glad to be off the hook of commenting further. [[Ask about Susan Emily|HenryWivesS]] [[Back|TalkHenry]]

“I don’t know where your kids are Will.” Henry says. “Mike likes staking out the arcades, right? Elizabeth uh… maybe the carousel or something? Gregory might be hiding under one of the tables. My best guess.” He shrugs helplessly. “If you don’t know where they are, I’m not much better than guessing.” [[Ask about Michael|HenryKidsHubMineM]] [[Ask about Elizabeth|HenryKidsHubMineE]] [[Ask about Gregory|HenryKidsHubMineG]] [[Back|TalkHenry]]

Coffee sits in the corner of the room, almost as if it is a regular coffee machine and not an absolute hazard. You rise to approach it and put your hands on your hips. “I want a coffee.” You say. The machine whirs to life, and you suddenly feel very watched. It chirps helpfully, “I am Coffee, an autonomous service robot designed to tend to the needs of nearby humans.” “Yes. I know.” You repeat. “I want a coffee. I am a nearby human.” The damned thing wants to turn every interaction into a stilted conversation, and you only want a hot beverage. “Be nice to him,” Henry warns and you sigh. “He just takes so long. And why did you make a machine full of HOT coffee able to run around and splash it everywh- STAY STILL.” You put Coffee back on the table, trying not to scald yourself. Eventually, after determinedly avoiding all efforts at robotic conversation and, for some reason, queries about eggs, you manage to get coffee for yourself and Henry. Still, it doesn’t feel worth it at all. It’s not even good. Coffee will remember you! [[Continue|TalkHenry]] <<if !$CoffeeEncountered>> <<set $CoffeeEncountered = true>>  <</if>>

Mike isn't here yet - WIP [[Head back to the main arcades.|Arcades Hub]]

The Ball Pit isn't here yet - WIP [[Head back to the main arcades.|Arcades Hub]]

You attempt to pull away from the gaze of the thing in the mirror but find that it is almost impossible to do so. “You already let me in.” It coaxes you. “You opened the door and took the leap. Don’t go hiding from me now. We did this together Billy. Everything we did was you and me.” It laughs. “And I am you. You are nothing plus nothing that equals SOMETHING.” But something in you knows that you can’t fall for this again, you can’t open the door to this thing. You remember only emotions and fragments, only fleeting echoes of memory, but everything in you believes it is wrong. It reaches out and seizes your wrist and attempts to pull you into the mirror, but you grab the sink and pull yourself away from it with every bit of strength that you have, as if your life depends on it, because you feel wholeheartedly that it //does//. The thing’s grip falters, and you stagger back into the far wall of the bathroom. You scramble to your feet and out the door before it pulls you back in again. You feel terrible, and even as you stagger back into the hallway, you can still see movement in the shadows. [[Get out of the bathroom.|Back Hallway]]

Your reflection feels more wrong than usual. The shadows are too steep, and the room is too dim. It doesn’t align with what you expect to see. As you watch, your reflection betrays you and halts. You reach out your hand to see if it does, too, but it does not. Your hideously human face stares at you with the same contempt you feel for it. “Stop it.” You half demand and half plead. A shadow begins to pool in the bathroom's mirror, swirling around the despondent and frozen version of you. “Your reflection needs to be corrected.” A voice croons, and it feels like an old friend. You want to believe it. “You know it doesn’t feel right.” //Are those rabbit ears?// [[You tear your eyes away from the mirror.|EmployeeBathroom]]

Even under normal circumstances, you loathe your reflection. You aren’t even that old, but you feel like you look old, with silver already encroaching on your temples and skin that could have dealt with more gentle treatment over the last several decades. You were rough before the springlock failure that left you riddled with scars and recurrent pain, but now you are more aware of your mortality than you have ever been. Your diet is terrible, fast food and soft drinks. Soft drinks have led to a soft physique, and fast food has led to becoming quickly out of breath. All the old pains carried from childhood have now been joined with no companions. You have never aligned with the person you feel you are. Inside your head, you are a fierce, grand, and terrible creature, oozing power and control from every pore. You feel it so close yet infinitely far away. Staring down your reflection, scarred, fat and old, you can still hear the voice of your father as he wrenched you off your feet and hurled you against the wall. “Worthless.” You say in an echo through the ages. “Half of nothing, and yet still nothing at all.” [[Go back.|EmployeeBathroom]]