The Call

$text[$daughter: Yes mom. I can't do much in the US with a student visa. So I'm still doing my old job here and there, only part time though. [["I thought you hate the job. Isn't that why you leave?"]] [["If you can't work in the US, what's your plan about the future?"]] ] [[Ugh.. thinking about her old job. I don't even know if it does more good or harm. ->starting startup memory]]

$text[$daughter: No mom. I can't do much in the US with a student visa. So I'm still doing my old job here and there, only part time though. [["I thought you hate the job. Isn't that why you leave?"]] [["If you can't work in the US, what's your plan about the future?"]] ] [[Ugh.. thinking about her old job. I don't even know if it does more good or harm. ->starting startup memory]]

"So what, how long can you hold against her? Do you really want to lose contact with her completely? After all these years of investment?" [["I really don't want to know anything about her"]] [["fine. I'll call her, if she ever pick up." ->Ugh..I don't have time for this. Let me just call her to find out]]

$text[$daughter: Well, I guess a big part of it it's because of Mia. $daughter: She left first. She got a job in a big media company and become a reality show producer. I know, sounds very nice and stable. $daughter: But that's not what I wanted. $daughter: She still works hard now, but she no longer has the space to express her true opinion. And I don't even know if she still wants to express anything, to make any difference. $daughter: I guess I was a bit sad over the fact that she left our company so early and so completely. $daughter: Seeing her life, I just felt I don't want to give up on my life too early. $daughter: I know in your eyes, I'm giving up my life, but I feel like coming here, on the other side of the border, catering to a slightly different audience, might be the only way for me to keep my life. $daughter: I just want to be able to keep creating things without worrying too much. [[Tell her about how much you miss her]] [[Give her advice]] ] (set:$trust to it +1)

{(set:$angrydaughter to it +1)} $text[You: At least you can tell me what's going on recently? You: Your aunt says you've been doing something concerning. [["You better not be quitting again" ->"Ok. Go do your things then. Let's talk next time."]] [["I'm just worried about your safety. I know you are very determined." ->"Ok. Go do your things then. Let's talk next time."]] ]

(set: $angrydaughter to it -1) $text[$daughter: Well. I'm certainly tired and stressed out all the time but I guess this is what I chose. [["You can always come home"]] [["Yes, you made the choice and there's no way back now."]] [["Maybe you should try to go to bed earlier and stop eating cold things"]] ]

$text[$daughter: Work is fine mom. It's getting better. [["Are you still doing your old job online?"]] [["Are you working American job now?"]] ]

''$name, It hurts me so much to see you guys ended up like this" she says, "It's been two years, maybe you should be the one to compromise and reach out." [["But I did nothing wrong. She should be the one to apologize. I'm the one who got hurt."]] [["I'll have to think about it. Can you first let me know what happened?"]]

(set:$angrydaughter to it +1, $auntmsg to 1) $text[$daughter: What are you implying mom? What do you mean? [["Your aunt tell me you are hiding things from me."]] [["Just do me a favor and don't make me so worried all the time" ->Try to ask about the post again]] ]

$text[You: I think you need to open your eyes and see how much better our life has become. I think you consume too much American things and are carried away by them. {(set:$angrydaughter to it +2)} $daughter: Mom. It's not about America. It's more about leaving. $daughter: I don't want to fight about this all over again. $daughter: I'm so tired. [["Ok. Go do your things then. Let's talk next time."]] ]

You hang up the phone with your sister, feeling very annoyed. [["If she's facing trouble, that's because she didn't take my advice. What's the point of me reaching out. She's not gonna listen anyways."]] [[Wait..Am I forgetting something here? ->fight memory]]

$text[ (if:$angrydaughter > 3 )[ $daughter: It's too complicated to explain. it's just for money. $daughter: Don't worry I have savings and I can sustain myself. $daughter: I won't ask you for money.] (else:)[ $daughter: I hated how my company turned out at last, I don't hate the work itself. $daughter: Now I just do media pieces for other people. Like freelance. $daughter: Don't worry, I'm doing fine financially. I still have savings. ] [["I'm not forcing you to come back. I just want you to have a easier life."]] [["If you have really set your mind, your dad and I will support you"]] ] [[I just never understood why she has to leave everything she had to start over ->quit job memory-2]]

"I don't know much too. You know Brian is the only one who can still see her posts." [[Ugh..I don't have time for this. Let me just call her to find out]] [["I'm getting worried now, should I be worried?"]]

"Well..She is not in any danger, but it is a once-in-a-life time big thing and you should be part of it as her mom." [["Why can't you just tell me? You are my sister. You should be on my side."]] [["Ok i see. I'll try to figure out a way to get to her." ->Ugh..I don't have time for this. Let me just call her to find out]]

(set:$angrydaughter to it +1) $text[You: you are a girl. I don't want you to be outside along too much. You: If you come back, you have your family. You: Like your friend Mia. Isn't she work in some big company and married now? [["Just do me a favor and don't make me so worried all the time" ->Try to ask about the post again]] [["It really breaks my heart last time we fight and I never want that again''->Express your emotion]] ]

You decide to go back to your routine. Months later, you find $daughter has emptied her social account and blocked all the family members. You never got the chance to know what happened. (set:$angrydaughter to 0, $trust to 0) //This is the end of this game. // //Feel free to go back to explore more of the story.// [[Go back->Chapter 1: Reconnect]]

$text[$daughter: I can, just not too much right now because I'm still a student. I'll be able to work full time when I graduate. $daughter: I just need to find someone to sponsor work visa for me [["I'm not forcing you to come back. I just want you to have a easier life."]] [["If you have really set your mind, your dad and I will support you"]] ] [[I just never understood why she has to leave everything she had to start over ->quit job memory-2]]

(set:$angrydaughter to it -1) $text[You: but you have to be prepared to be on your own then. You: We can't help you anymore and what if you have to start all over again? $daughter: I know. Don't worry. I have always been making decisions for myself. [["Just do me a favor and don't make me so worried all the time" ->Try to ask about the post again]] [["It really breaks my heart last time we fight and I never want that again''->Express your emotion]] ] (set:$trust to it +1)

{(set:$angrydaughter to it -2, $trust to it +1)} $text[$daughter: It's hard to say. I guess it's just hard. Having to adjust to a new environment, make new friend, navigating new system, etc. $daughter: It's complicated. I know I can't go back to the old job but sometimes I wonder what will happen if I didn't give it up. [["Now you know you should have listened to me."]] [["You should try to think more on from the positive side."]] ] [[Sigh.. This is exactly what I was worring back then ->quit job memory-2]]

(set:$angrydaughter to it+2) $text[$daughter: I don't think I've posted anything strange recently. You: If you have nothing to hide, why I can't see your posts? You: if you have nothing to be ashamed of, why are you hiding your post from us? $daughter: I'm not hiding from you. I just don't like sharing my life anymore now. You: Now you're lying to me. You: I may not know much about the technologies in your generation, but I know Brian can see things we can't see. You know we won't approve your lifestyle now so you block us. $daughter: Seriously? $daughter: First, I barely post these days, cuz I'm not a teenager anymore. $daughter: Second, I didn't block you. The reason you probably couldn't see anything is because I set my WeChat to only show posts within 3 days. $daughter: Isn't it what you want me to do? Not to tell everyone about my life because either nobody cares about my life or everyone's gonna look down on me? [["I'm not wrong. You are too young and always underestimate the complexity of humanity. That's why you should tell me right now so I can protect you." ->"You can't take truth now? If you listened to me you won't even feel that bad in your last job at the first place."]] ] [[Wait, when did I ask her to do that? ->quit job memory-2]]

$text[$daughter: ok] Of course she won't listen to me. Nobody takes care of their health when they are young. [[I remember that she started to stay up really late since her last job. ->starting startup memory]] $text[ [["How's your workload right now. How are you handling it?"->"Is there any specific thing that made you feel so stressed?"]] ]

$text[ (if:$angrydaughter >0) [$daughter: I'm fine. What's wrong.] (else:)[$daughter: I'm fine Mom. Everything is fine here. How are you?] [["When are you graduating?"]] [["How's work?"]] [["How are you feeling recently?"]] [["I heard you got some news. Is there anything I should know?"]] ]

$text[You: She said it's better for me to ask you directly. You: I'm so surprised. Since when do I need to learn about my own daughter from someone else! You: That's so embarassing. ] (set:$angrydaughter to it+1) (if: $angrydaughter >3) [$text [$daughter: OMG mom I can't believe you. You are angry at me before you even know anything! $daughter: If you and your sister enjoy gossiping about other people's life so much maybe you should text her instead! You: How dare you speak to me like that! I ask you because I want to give you an opportunity! If you don't want it I can just go ask your cousin.] [[Close the chat. You feel like you need a break->"You can't take truth now? If you listened to me you won't even feel that bad in your last job at the first place."]]  ] (else-if: $angrydaughter is 2) [$text [$daughter: Mom calm down. $daughter: Aunt is your closest sister. She won't judge you. $daughter: But I really don't know what are you talking about [["It's about something you posted. You better confess before I go ask other people."]] [["Sorry baby. I'm just worried."->Try to ask about the post again]] ] ] (else:) [$text [$daughter: Mom why would you say that..are you embrassed of me? [["That's not what I meant. I'm just worried."->Try to ask about the post again]] ]]

{(set:$angrydaughter to it +2)} $text[You: I told you that you shouldn't be abandon everything you have to go start from the start. You: I was thinking on your behalf but you got so defensive and wouldn't listen. $daughter: Oh wow. Nevermind then. $daughter: I thought you really cared about how i feel. [["Hey don't be so sensitive, you know I meant well."]] [["You can't take truth now? If you listened to me you won't even feel that bad in your last job at the first place."]] ]

$daughter stopped replying. Maybe she went back to work. You failed to talk to her about what happened over the last fight. You also still have no idea what is the thing your sister is refering to. But it's ok. At least you two are talking again. You decided to try again next time. //(text-colour:grey)[This is the end of this chapter. (if:$angrydaughter<0)[(set:$angrydaughter to 0)] $daughter's current status: * Angry: $angrydaughter * Trust:$trust] // (set:$angry2 to $angrydaughter, $trust2 to $trust) [[Chapter 3: The Post]]

$text[$daughter: idk mom. Life's been pretty much the same. I don't even go out. $daughter: I have a meeting now, gotta go. I'll let you know if I think of anything. [["You don't have to tell me everything. As long as you're safe out there."]] ]

Congratulations. You learned more about your daughter and has communicated about your feelings. This will effect your future interaction with her. You still have no idea what your sister was referring to, but you are not so stressed anymore. You put your phone away and decided to take a little rest. //(text-colour:grey)[This is the end of this chapter. (if:$angrydaughter<0)[(set:$angrydaughter to 0)] $daughter's current status: * Angry: $angrydaughter * Trust:$trust] // (set:$angry2 to $angrydaughter, $trust2 to $trust) [[Chapter 3: The Post]]

$text[$daughter: Technically this summer. But I may try to extend it. $daughter: To buy myself more time to find a job here. [["Are you still doing your old job online?"]] [["Are you working American job now?"]] ]

"I think both of you were wrong, and I really can't solve the problem between you guys for you. She's been away for so long. I barely know her. Just like you barely know my child. But I know one thing for sure: she gets defensive easily and that won't help." [["Fine. I'll call her. If she ever pick up." ->Ugh..I don't have time for this. Let me just call her to find out]] [[Wait..Am I forgetting something here? ->fight memory]]

$text[$daughter: It's ok Mom. $daughter: I know you are not very interested in what I'm writing and probably are confused by my coded languages, trust me they were useful to bypass the censorship. $daughter: Don't worry I'm not blaming you. I wasn't expect you to read my stuffs. You're my mom, not my customer. $daughter: But anyways, to some extend it's just too painful to work on the business anymore so both of us decided to seek for other options. [["I see, but how does this leads to you going abroad?" ->"But how does this leads to you going abroad?"]] ]

$text[$daughter: I know this is my decision and I'm not regreting it. You: That's the good mentality. Everyone has a hard life. Unfortunetly that's how life is. You: But as long as you remeber why you wanted this you'll be fine. You: Don't spend too much time on being stressed. Spend more time on working hard.] [[She works hard. I always know she works hard. ->starting startup memory]] $text[ [["Is there any specific thing that made you feel so stressed?"]] ]

$text[$daughter: Thanks mom, but that's not what I need right now. There's a reason I left and I'm not considering going back until things are sloved. [["I just don't understand what's so nice about America"]] [["What's so bad about our country?" ->"I just don't understand what's so nice about America"]] [["Ok, but how are you going to stay there?" ->"If you can't work in the US, what's your plan about the future?"]] ] [[What things? Is it about her old job? ->starting startup memory]] (set:$trust to it + 1)

Your daughter never replied. Later, you tried to contact her again, only to find out that she blocked you. Thinking back, you still don't understand why she reacted that extremely. (if:$jobmem1 is 1)[If it wasn't because she's so stubborn and wants to join some startup company, she would have a very stable and nice life in some big city in China now. Probably with a high-quality husband and kids too.] (if:$fightmem1 is 1)[She rambles so much every day, have so much opinion, but how come she never mentions that she wants to leave? With everything we provided for her, how come she still wants to leave me?] //This is the end of this game. // //Feel free to go back to explore more of the story.// (set:$angrydaughter to $angry1, $trust to $trust1) [[Go Back->Chapter 2: The Fight]]

$text[$daughter: Ok. I'll talk to you next time.] You failed to find out the reason behind why she comes to the U.S. You also still have no idea what is the thing your sister is refering to. But it's ok. At least you two are talking again. Hope she trust you more next time. //(text-colour:grey)[This is the end of this chapter. (if:$angrydaughter<0)[(set:$angrydaughter to 0)] $daughter's current status: * Angry: $angrydaughter * Trust:$trust] // (set:$angry2 to $angrydaughter, $trust2 to $trust) [[Chapter 3: The Post]]

{(set:$angrydaughter to it +1)} $text[You: You should be grateful about what you have now. You: At least you never have to worry about food or clothes and we never asked you to pay us back anything You: There are so many people who's life is way harder than you. $daughter: I know mom. I'm always thinking about that. (if:$angrydaughter > 4)[$daughter: Actually I'm kinda busy right now. If there's nothing urgent I'm going to go back to work. [["Ok. Go do your things then. Let's talk next time."]] ] (else:)[$daughter: believe it or not I constantly feel that guilt even though I pay tuition out of my savings.] [["Just do me a favor and don't make me so worried all the time" ->Try to ask about the post again]] [["It really breaks my heart last time we fight and I never want that again''->Express your emotion]] ]

{(set:$angrydaughter to it +1, $auntmsg to 1) }$text[$daughter: ?? What did she tell you? [["Nothing. She won't say."]] ]

Just a normal afternoon. You are deciding if you should go upstairs to water your plants or take a nap. Suddenly, you get a phone call from your sister. [[pick up your phone]]

The next morning, you wake up and checked your phone. [[You received messages from your daughter]]

A few days later, you receive some screenshots from $daughter: $text[$daughter: Mom, here's everything I've posted recently. Let me know if you have any questions.] [[go through posts]]

$text [$daughter: .. $daughter: Mom you said you were ashamed of me and told me everyone will laugh at me just because I decided to quit my job and explore other choices. $daughter: Sometimes it's very hard to make sense. Which one is your real attitude. You: Don't keep holding on those things. I was worried so I exaggerated. $daughter: Just so you know there are people supporting me. You: Well they won't laugh at you to your face. $daughter: Then why should I be bothered by things I won't even know? (if:$angrydaughter < 3)[ You: I just still don't understand your decision. You: But maybe it's because I don't understand the world anymore. You: No matter what I said during the fight, I don't want you to feel you don't have a home here anymore. $daughter: .. $daughter: ok mom $daughter: Do you really want to know what happened at the time about my job? [["Of Course" ->How the company ended]] ] (else:)[$daughter: I don't want to fight about this all over again. $daughter: I'm so tired. [["Ok. Go do your things then. Let's talk next time."]] ]] (set:$trust to it +1)

{(set:$trust to 2)} $text[You: Your dad and I have always knew you are talented. You know what you want to do You: Sometimes we are very harsh on you, or say things you don't like. You: But don't blame us, we are old now. We don't know the best way to communicate with younger generation anymore. You: Most of the time we just miss you. Beijing was already very far and America is even further. We can't reach you anymore. (if:$auntmsg is 0)[You: Your aunt called me yesterday and said something happened to you. You: I'm worried but there's nothing I can do if you don't talk to me.] $daughter: Mom.. I miss you so much. I miss you and dad everyday. $daughter: There were so many things I wanted to share with you, but I thought you were mad at me and doesn't want to hear from me. $daughter: Speaking of which, I can send you some screenshots of my recent posts if you want. [["That will be nice"]] ]

(set:$angrydaughter to it - 2, $jobmem2 to 1, $trust to it +1) $text[$daughter: At that time I just really want to go somewhere else. I was hurt and I don't want to feel so stucked in my 20s. $daughter: Mia and I was doing well and having fun when we first started it. Both of us love being creators and love getting all the support and feedbacks from our subscribers. $daughter: I was a good time. The market was good too, sponsors are very generous. $daughter: The everything started to change, in a very subtle way. I just found that less and less of our content can reach our audience. Sometimes it got deleted and sometimes I can't be published at all. $daughter: It not only hurts the business but also hurts my motivation so bad. [["Wow I never knew this happened. I didn't even notice your account is posting less..."]] [["But how does this leads to you going abroad?"]] ]

(link-goto: "I would like to investigate the posts a little bit more", (history:)'s last) [[it's time to solve this mystery]]

$text[You: Your dad and I have always knew you are talented. You know what you want to do You: But life is hard and we don't always get what we want. Sometimes you need to take a step back and seek for other solutions. You: Don't be too stubborn, keep your eyes open. You: It's nice to chase your dream but you also need to take care of yourself. (if:$auntmsg is 0)[You: Your aunt called me yesterday and said something happened to you. You: I'm worried but there's nothing I can do if you don't talk to me.] $daughter: Thanks mom. I'll think about it. $daughter: I'm not really sure what aunty is referring to but I can send you some screenshots of my recent posts if you want. [["That will be nice"]] ] (set:$trust to it +1)

{} $text[You: You are outside by yourself. I'm constently worrying about you. You: Mostly just your safety. You: Your aunt called me yesterday and said something happened to you. You: I'm worried but there's nothing I can do if you don't talk to me. (set:$trust to it +1) (if:$angrydaughter > 4)[ $daughter: I don't even talk to her, how would she know what happened to me? $daughter: I know you are worried but you have to see me as an adult now. $daughter: I can be responsible for my own choice. $daughter: I'm going back to work mom. See you later. [["Ok. Go do your things then. Let's talk next time."]]] (else:)[ $daughter: I know you are worried but you have to see me as an adult now. $daughter: I can be responsible for my own choice. $daughter: I know you don't approve my choice of coming here, but trust me I have valid reasons and coming here will give me more opportunities. [["So do you have any idea what your aunt is referring to?"]] (if:$fightmem2 is 1)[["You know, you never really tell me what happened to your company."->How the company ended]]] ]

You quickly hang up the phone with your sister [[open WeChat]] [[call your husband, your daughter's dad, over to disucss]] (set: $firstContact to false)

$text[ (if:$angrydaughter is 0)[$daughter: "What happened Mom? Is everything ok?"] (else:)[$daughter: ?] (if:$timemem is 0)[$daughter: I'm in New York now. It was 3am in the morning at my time.] [["Nothing, just checking on you"]] [["I heard the U.S. is quite dangerous recently, how's your city doing?"->"Nothing, just checking on you"]] [["Your aunt tell me you are hiding things from me."]] ]

This post looks like a compliation of food she ate throughout a period of time. (text-colour:#38d9a9)[ [[western food]] [[instant noodle]] [[Korean food]] [[breakfast]] ] [[go back to posts ->go through posts]]

This summer, $daughter's old college friend invited her to Maine to visit her. She spent a few days there. (text-colour:#38d9a9)[ [[a photo at home]] [[a photo on the lawn]] [[a photo of a squirrel]] ] [[go back to posts ->go through posts]]

A photo of NYC at night. (text-colour:#38d9a9)[ [[the graffiti]] [[the cornerstore]] [[the location]] ] [[go back to posts ->go through posts]]

This post does not have any photo, only a short paragraph of words. The time shows that it was posted when she first moved to New York. You were too busy being angry at her, no wonder you missed her post. "I just arrived at New York. Honestly it's not as crazy as I expected. I guess Beijing trained me well. I think about Beijing a lot on the 14 hours flight. How it nutured me, feed me with hope, and left me with unstatisfied dreams. I have no idea if New York will be where I settled, but it is where I start again..." [[go back to posts ->go through posts]]

A month ago, $daughter shared a song to her WeChat post. There's no caption attached. (text-colour:#38d9a9)[ [[read the song name]] [[look at the singer]] [[look at the album cover]] [[try to listen]] ] [[go back to posts ->go through posts]]

(set: $call to it + 2, $angrydaughter to it+ 1) You called her three more times but she still didn't pick up. [[send a direct message]] [[Why is she not picking up? ->time difference memory]]

(set: $call to it +1) she didn't pick up [[call again]] [[send a direct message]] [[check her posts]]

Your husband is worried too, even though you can tell that he doesn't want to show it. Neither of you wants, or knows how to talk about what happened last time when your daughter came home. (if: $firstContact is false)[ (if: $call is 0)[ He offers to contact your daughter to find out what happened, but you feel it is better to contact her yourself. "Ok then," he said, "but don't push her too much. She won't tell you anything if she got mad. You should learn from last fight and try to have an actual conversation with her." [[open WeChat]] ] (else:)[ You: "I called her but she didn't pick up. Why is she still mad at me? That's so immature." (if:$timemem is 0)[Your husband reminds you that $daughter is probably asleep when you called her this this afternoon, since there's a 12-hour time difference between your home and New York.] [[You realize you forgot about that. Guess you'll have to wait till tomorrow. ->you decided to try not to think about it and go to sleep]] ] ] (if:$firstContact is true)[ You tell him that you already sent a message but she hasn't responded yet. You start to worry. your husband thinks that whatever happened won't too dangerous, otherwise your sister would have told you directly. (if:$timemem is 0)[He reminds you that $daughter is probably asleep when you called her this afternoon, since there's a 12-hour time difference between your home and New York. ] [[Guess you'll have to wait till tomorrow. ->you decided to try not to think about it and go to sleep]] ]

if the daughter is happy/trusting her mom, she'll say that although that's not her child, she's looking forward to start her own family. Otherwise she will say things like she will never have kid herself because she dont want to let her kid to be so miserable. based on how much the trust level is, the player will have different chances. the daughter comes back with a few screenshots: 1. a day trip to maine to visit her friend. a photo where she is very intimate with a boy (not her bf) 2. a compilation of food picture including something that looks like smoke (she will gets mad if you ask her because she hates smoking so much based on family history) 3. a photo of nyc one of the photo includes homeless people and the trashy side of new york 4. sharing a song she googled the singer and found its very suicidal she then can went back to ask Brian with her hypothesis, Brian will be vague because he regrets telling her mom at the first place she can also try to talk to her husband or think by herself, the two of them will discuss it and clear all threats now she can also directly ask her daugther, but she might get annoyed easily and to her everything seems fine. based on her angr y level accumulated so far, the player will have different chances. ending1: (low trust low anger) She end the conversation feeling that she didn't make peace with herself. Maybe during new year gathering her sister or her nephew will tell her what happened, but it doesn't really matter now because she believes that daughter has the power of getting her life together and she should be less obsessive. ending 2:(low trust high anger) daughter cuts her off. She felt hurt, angry, and lost. Maybe only time can heal this gap between them ending 3:(high trust high anger) daughter felt hurt, she's sad, she told her that she some of the memories that will help:

You open her WeChat profile. There's nothing but a grey line. You are not surprised. She has blocked everyone in the family for years. Well, everyone except her cousin Brian, since he basically worships her and does whatever she asked him to do. (if: $call>0)[[There's no other ways, you have to wait->you decided to try not to think about it and go to sleep]] (if: $call is 0)[ [[send a direct message]] [[call your daughter through Video Call]] ]

As you about to panic, you suddenly realize that it is 3am in the morning in New York. She's probably asleep. [[send a direct message]] [[check her posts]] [[toss your phone away, feeling absolutely dumb ->send]]

angry1=angry level for chapter 1

So, how should we address you in this game? (input:bind$name) And please name your dautgher： (input:bind$daughter) There's no best ending or a right answer, but each interaction with your daughter will impact the future ones. Have Fun!! [[Chapter 1: Reconnect]]

The room was quiet. $daughter kept herself in her room, which made you even more angry. Maybe everything would have been better if she told you earlier. She rambles so much every day, has so much opinion, but how come she never mentioned that she wants to leave? With everything we provided for her, how come she still wants to leave me? (set:$fightmem1 to 1) [["If she's facing trouble, that's because she didn't take my advice. What's the point of me reaching out. She's not gonna listen anyways."]] [[Sometimes I wonder if she's happy with her current decision, if she misses home, if she misses me. I guess there's only one way to find out ->Ugh..I don't have time for this. Let me just call her to find out]]

(set: $text to (font:"Courier New"))

//click to investigate// (text-colour:#38d9a9)[(if: $trust >3)[[a compilation of food pictures]] (if: $trust >2)[[a day trip to Maine to visit her friend.]] (if:$trust >1)[[a song]] [[a photo of NYC]] [[a short paragraph of words]] ] [[I have some guesses now]]

Hi! I'm Yilia. Welcome to the demo of my parenting simulation game. This is can be seen as a role-playing game, a mystery-solving game, and a choose-your-own-adventure interactive novel. This is also an experiment, a metaphor, and a reoccuring dream. [[So what's my role in this story? ->plot intro]]

There's not much you can see from the tiny square that contains the cover. You zooms the screenshot with your two fingers but still can't see much. It looks like it's just some color mixing together. Some blue, some white, some grey. It feels like a mist, or a scene underneath the ocean. (link-goto: "back", (history:)'s last)

You have never heard of this singer before. Certainly not one of the people that $daughter used to bragged about so much when she was younger. When she was a kid, she would play those really loud songs in the car and sing along for hours. Of course like all other kids she stopped doing that when she became a teenager and wears her headphone all the time instead. You try to look this person up on the internet but there's not much information. You can only tell she is a Asian woman from a very vague photo...A woman with very short hair or a man that likes feminine clothes. You are not really sure. (set:$GuessGay to true) (link-goto: "back", (history:)'s last)

(set: num-type $call to 0) [[call your daughter through Video Call]] [[send a direct message]] [[check her posts]]

"Hey $name, how are you doing? My son, Brian, told me just now that he saw something on $daughter's WeChat post. Do you know what she's up to recently? I think you would want to reach out to her to ask what happened." [["What do you mean? don't scare me." ->"I'll have to think about it. Can you first let me know what happened?"]] [["I don't care. Anything happen to her is a result of her own action."]]

In this game, you will take on the role of a worried mother who is trying to collect enough information to figure out what is happening to her daughter. Feel free to choose your parenting style as it will effect your daughter's feeling about you and lead to different endings. And don't worry. You can always try again if your game ends sooner than you expected. [[OK, got it. ->customize name]]

{(set:$fightmem2 to 1)} Even though I've always thought it's too risky, I still let her ran-off with her friends and started their own business. But they were too young to hold on to anything. One day she just called us and tell us she won't do it anymore. I was very confused because every thing was fine. She sent us all these pictures about her good life and how much subscribers they accumulated. I know the job wasn't easy, since she always post or message us very late at night, but this shouldn't be a reason to gave up. I admit that I was being a bit too harsh and raised my voice, rushing her to go back to it before it is too late. I guess I might say something that hurt her feelings, but she should know that's all because I care. I just don't understand why she has to give up everything she worked so hard to build and go abroad. Why it has to be so far away? (link-goto: "Back to the chat", (history:)'s last)

The song's title is in English, so you call over your husband to translate it for you. He puts on his reading glasses, and tell you it is "Inside the Fridge". Inside the fridge? What does that supposed to mean.. (link-goto: "back", (history:)'s last)

You didn't receive any reply before you go to bed. You have a very complicated feeling. [[you decided to try not to think about it and go to sleep]] [[you decided to discuss with your husband->call your husband, your daughter's dad, over to disucss]]

{ $text[(if: $call<1)[You: "Hi. How's everything."] (if: $call>0 and $call<3)[You: "Call me when you have time. I want to talk to you"] (if: $call>2)[You: "What's wrong with you. Pick up." (put:1 into $angrydaughter)] (set: $firstContact to true)]} [[send]]

{(set:$jobmem1 to 1)} $daughter was packing in her room. She was heading to Beijing again even though she just came back for a week. "You know, your dad and I think it will be a good idea for you to come back and work here." You carefully sturctured your words, knowing it would be very hard to change her mind: "We don't have any expectation on what job you do or how much you make. We just want you to be happy. If you come back home, we can always take care of you. Life will be easier for you." $daughter stopped packing and look at you. You could tell she's tearing up a little bit too. She's always a sensitive kid. "Mom I know. I'll miss you both too. But I'll have more opportunities in Beijing. All my connections and experience is there. My friend Mia and I are going to start our own media business, we'll write articles and make videos to earn money. We'll be able to do what we like and what we're good at." (link-goto: "Back to the chat", (history:)'s last)

A picture of a table full of plates of pastas and some other western cuisines. The lighting was very dim but it seems like a legitimate restaurant. It looks like she was eating with a group of people but you can't see any clear faces in the picture. There seems to be wine glasses and..cigarettes? Did she developed smoking habits now?? (set:$GuessSmoke to true) But back then she used to fight with her dad all the time about his smoking issue. I remember she brings home all sorts of posters and flyers about the negative impact of smoking when she was a kid. Of course her dad got very annoyed and she stop pushing it so much when she grow up. Hope she didn't forget what she preached back then. She knows how much I suffered from inhaling all these second hand smoke. (link-goto: "go back", (history:)'s last)

This picture seems to be taken in her kitchen, or someone's kitchen since you've never visited her apartment. Nothing fancy in it, just a simple bowl with some instant noodle. Not the most nutritous meal but at least she put an egg in it. You are reminded how when you were younger and worked night shift, you and your collegue will have instant noodle together during down time. You haven't eat instant noodles in a long time. It's too salty, bad for your blood pressure. (link-goto: "go back", (history:)'s last)

A picture of a table with Korean food. There's some one sitting across the table facing her. The photo only includes part of the person's hands, almost like $daughter is trying to hide this person. You zoomed in, it seems like hands of a men. Is she dating someone? "Of course, nowadays it's very normal for boys and girls to be just friends and not boyfriend and girlfriend," you think as you try to stop yourself from assuming too quickly, almost feel that you can already hear her get angry at you and accuse you for overreacting... (set:$GuessBF to true) (link-goto: "go back", (history:)'s last)

(set: $call to it - 1, $timemem to 1) "Hi mom, I just arrived in New York. Everything's fine. The travel was fine and I already received some furnitures that I ordered. Don't worry, I think I'll fit right in." [[check time]]

You try to click on the icon of the song but nothing is played because it is a screenshot, not an actual post. You try to search for the name in your own browser, but the music website keep telling you that you need a membership to play it. You are not sure what you clicked, but screen of your phone is suddenly flooded with all sorts of flying colorful texts and shapes. You are so confused and overwhelmed that you decide to close the browser completely. Afterall, you don't want your phone to caught virus like your old computer did. (link-goto: "go back", (history:)'s last)

-->

Well, at least that's a start. Hopefully you will be able to know more about your daughter's life next time. //(text-colour:grey)[This is the end of this chapter. $daughter's current status: * Angry: $angrydaughter * Trust:$trust] // (set:$angry1 to $angrydaughter, $trust1 to $trust) [[Chapter 2: The Fight]]

$text[You: Hey, it's me, mom. How are you doing. Can we call?] //30 mins later// $text[$daughter: sure] [[call her ->convo with husband]]

Before you make the call, you decided to have a last check in with your husband, since always act as a mediator when you and $daughter start arguing. You spotted him on the couch, reading some wuxia novel as usual. "hey, I'm about to call her, do you want to join?" ''umm it's ok," he said,"I know you think I'm better at talking to her, but it's only half true. I can feel that there are things she only want to talk to you about." Hearing this, you feel...You actually don't know how you feel. You husband was very busy when $daughter was young. They barely spend time with each other so everytime they do, $daughter seems very happy. On the contrary she is always mad at you. She complains a lot and pushes back a lot. You've been so frustrated, thinking that she prefers hanging out with her dad over you. Noticing that you're stressed, your husband put his book aside and said: "I think she has higher expectation in you. She loves you a lot and she cares what you think of her so much that made her defensive when she talk to you. So don't get too anxious over this. Even if you two can't figure out the puzzle, it's fine. At least you two are talking again. This is just a new beginning." Scrolling over the picture she sent you once again, you feel just a little bit more settled than before. You're still worried, of course. You've been worried since she arrived in your world. But it's ok. Just talk to her, and try not to make her mad. [[call daughter]]

The last photo seems to be about breakfast. You can see she holding a cup of coffee and there is a pastry in the background. She likes sweet things since she was a child. Unfortunately she got cavity easily so you've always tried to tell her to eat less. Now she's so far away from you and your reminders. She is definitely happier with these freedom. Ugh.. and you don't even want to look at her huge ice coffee. No wonder why she always complain about period cramps. (link-goto: "go back", (history:)'s last)

The whole picture is pretty dark, but as you zoom in, you see there's graffitis and stickers on the wall. Such a sign of chaos and danger. Is New York really full of gun users and homeless people like the news say? You really hope it's not as bad as what you saw on TV. (set:$GuessDanger to true) (link-goto: "go back", (history:)'s last)

There's no way to figure out where exactly in New York this is. It doesn't look like one of those tourist spots. There's not many people on the street. You frowned a little bit. A young woman like her should not be wandering in the city after dark. Especially it's New York, a place filled with bad news. Ugh..Hope that at least she is with friends. (set:$GuessDanger to true) (link-goto: "go back", (history:)'s last)

There is not much on the street, but there is a cornerstore with dim lights. Some unidentifiable posters sticking on the wall, some empty cardboard box at the entrance. You can't tell if there's anyone inside or if it's still open. It looks like the convinence stores you see in your rural hometown. It's old, dirty, but doesn't seem dangerous. What does New York actually look like..? You can't help asking yourself. (link-goto: "go back", (history:)'s last)

This is a selfie of two women in a mirror. You figured it should be $daughter and her friend. However, You can't figure out which one is which since both of them are wearing overalls. One of them got her face covered by the phone and the other one's face is covered by a baseball cap. You don't think it is a big deal but as you look at it more, you start to feel that one of them has a waist that seems to be a little bit big. Did she gain weight? But young women like them are very conscious about their shape. What if that's her friend and she got pregnant? You don't know much about the other girl but it's impossible for your daughter to get pregnant. She doesn't even have a boyfriend. Does she? (set:$GuessPregnant to true) (link-goto: "back", (history:)'s last)

Her friend have a nice yard. Green grass with a set of white garden table and chairs, just like what you see in an American movie. The sun is nice but not too much, it must be nice sitting under the shade in this weather. It would be nice if one day she can have a place like this herself. A house in the suburb with a family. She'll be happy then. (link-goto: "back", (history:)'s last)

(text-colour:grey)[//click anywhere to start the call//] (click: ?page)[== "Hey mom" $daughter picked up. (click: ?page)[== "Hi, how's everything?" (click: ?page)[== "Like usual. It's getting cold recently though." She paused a little bit, "How's you and dad?" (click: ?page)[== "We are good " (click: ?page)[== "So..is there anything bothering you? It would be better if we just talk about it right now." Her voice sounds tired. I can tell that even though she cooperated, she still find this whole thing irritating. (click: ?page)[== [[start asking questions]]

A squirrel looking directly at $daughter's camera. How amazing. You've always wanted to influence $daughter to get interested in nature, unfortunately it never really worked. She prefers stay in her room. She's very lazy. This simple squirrel photo introduces you to a side of America you didn't know. Peaceful, safe, even cute. You like squirrels, but it's so hard to see at home. City has expanded so much that there's so more space for forests or squirrels. Maybe you would want to go visit her one day if she settles in America. (link-goto: "go back", (history:)'s last)

{(set:$chance to 5 - $angrydaughter)} //Based on your previous interaction with $daughter, You can now ask about what you investigated from her post. You have up to $chance chances to ask her, please use it strategically.// (if:$GuessGay is true)[ [[ask if about the singer she reposted]]] (if:$GuessPregnant is true)[ [[ask about if her body got bigger]]] (if:$GuessSmoke is true)[ [[ask if she is smoking now]]] (if:$GuessBF is true)[ [[ask who is the man that she had meal with]] ] (if:$GuessDanger is true) [ [[ask about her safety in New York City]] ] [[I think I got all the information I need, time to wrap up. ->You can tell that her patience is used up. It's time to wrap up.]]

(set:$question to it +1) (if: $question > $chance) [$daughter: Mom. I think that's enough questions. I already told you everything I can and I did nothing wrong to be questioned like this. Maybe it's better for you to talk to aunty again. [[You can tell that her patience is used up. It's time to wrap up.]]] (else:)["Oh that's actually my friend from high school. You don't remember? I'm sure you've met her before. That's her song and I was helping her to promote it." "I remember you had a friend who was very into music, but she looks so different now..I didn't recognized her." "Well, high school was 15 years ago. Of course she changes. We all changed." [[I want to ask more questions ->start asking questions]] [[I think I got all the information I need, time to wrap up. ->You can tell that her patience is used up. It's time to wrap up.]] ]

(set:$question to it +1, $angrydaughter to it +1) (if: $question > $chance) [$daughter: Mom. I think that's enough questions. I already told you everything I can and I did nothing wrong to be questioned like this. Maybe it's better for you to talk to aunty again. [[You can tell that her patience is used up. It's time to wrap up.]]] (else:)["Are you being serious mom??? Among all the things you focused on this?" "you know, you are a young woman. It's odd when your belly is...a bit big now." "I'm speachless. I'm in a normal size. I did stop constantly focusing on my weight and start using that attention on other things, like my happiness. So I guess I'm not as skinny as before but I truly don't think that's an issue." [[I want to ask more questions ->start asking questions]] [[I think I got all the information I need, time to wrap up. ->You can tell that her patience is used up. It's time to wrap up.]] ]

(set:$question to it +1) (if: $question > $chance) [$daughter: Mom. I think that's enough questions. I already told you everything I can and I did nothing wrong to be questioned like this. Maybe it's better for you to talk to aunty again. [[You can tell that her patience is used up. It's time to wrap up.]]] (else:)["I don't smoke mom. How can I be smoking? I know how much it hurt dad's health, and yours too, just from second hand smoke. I do have some friends who smoke, whatever you saw might be theirs." "I know you always fight with your dad on that. That's why I was really surprised when I see cigarette in your photo. Don't ever smoke. Non-negotiable." [[I want to ask more questions ->start asking questions]] [[I think I got all the information I need, time to wrap up. ->You can tell that her patience is used up. It's time to wrap up.]] ]

(set:$question to it +1, $angrydaughter to it +1) (if: $question > $chance) [$daughter: Mom. I think that's enough questions. I already told you everything I can and I did nothing wrong to be questioned like this. Maybe it's better for you to talk to aunty again. [[You can tell that her patience is used up. It's time to wrap up.]]] (else:)["Ugh Mom you are doing this again! It's 21st century already and a man and a woman can simply just be friend." "I don't mean it like that. All parents just want their kid to be happy and have someone by their side." "Thanks mom but I'm perfectly fine right now. You don't have to know too much." [[I want to ask more questions ->start asking questions]] [[I think I got all the information I need, time to wrap up. ->You can tell that her patience is used up. It's time to wrap up.]] ]

(set:$question to it +1) (if: $question > $chance) [$daughter: Mom. I think that's enough questions. I already told you everything I can and I did nothing wrong to be questioned like this. Maybe it's better for you to talk to aunty again. [[You can tell that her patience is used up. It's time to wrap up.]]] (else:)["Well, New York is not the best, but I will be careful." "Don't wear headphones on the street. Don't go outside by yourself at night. If you have to just take taxi, don't worry too much about money." "I will, I will. Just relax, it's gonna be fine." [[I want to ask more questions ->start asking questions]] [[I think I got all the information I need, time to wrap up. ->You can tell that her patience is used up. It's time to wrap up.]] ]

After some final exchanges of words, $daughter hang up the phone. Does she eased all your worries? [[Yes]] [[No]]

Hearing her voice after such a long time reminded me how much you miss her. You start to think that this whole incident could be just a false alarm caused by your sister, but you are glad that it happened. You hope she feels the same. Even though it still hurts a little when you imagining the future where she settles on the other side of the world, being so far away from you, you want her to be happy. You hope she feels the same. //(text-colour:grey)[ (if:$angrydaughter<0)[(set:$angrydaughter to 0)] $daughter's current status: * Angry: $angrydaughter * Trust:$trust] // [[the end]]

Yes, she answered everything. But also, you feel like she didn't really tell you much about her current life and you are still a bit suspecious about if she even told the truth. You know you are going to keep worrying about her life, her happiness, her everything. You haven't stopped worrying for her since she was born and you don't know if there will be a day when it will finally ends. You don't know if you want it to end either. You decided to call your sister again. You don't think you'll be able to sleep without knowing what was she refering to. //(text-colour:grey)[ (if:$angrydaughter<0)[(set:$angrydaughter to 0)] $daughter's current status: * Angry: $angrydaughter * Trust:$trust] // [[the end]]

Thank you so much for playing this early demo of my game! Hope you had fun. If you feel unresolved or unsatisfied by the ending, that's because it's by design. The truth is the alarm raised by your sister could be from anything. It's a rumor from someone who doesn't know her very well and the game is a process for you, both as the player and as the mother, to get to know your daughter more. Based on your interaction along the journey, there might be plots you haven't unlock yet. Some hidden posts your daughter didn't send you, or some back stories you didn't get to ask. So feel free to replay it to explore more. (the maximum trust you can gain is 7, which would lead to maximum content.) Please feel free to send email to me (yilia.yijia.qu@gamil.com) to leave comments or feedbacks. Special thanks to NYU Digital Humanities Graduate Fellowship for supporting this project.