Spring Break

(set: $room to "none") (set: $alc to 0) (set: $garageAttempt to false) (set: $groceriesDone to false) (set: $hotTub to false) (set: $smores to false) (set: $achievements to (a:)) The tires crunch over the gravel driveway as you and three of your friends — including your partner — arrive at the secluded cabin you all rented for spring break. The other four friends are still about an hour away. The driveway curves up toward a separate building from the main house: a closed garage with a solid metal door. Both the garage and the front door are fitted with keypads, blinking faintly in the soft twilight. The surrounding woods are eerily silent. A cool breeze rustles the pines, and the air carries a faint scent of damp earth and pine needles. It’s quiet out here — almost **too** quiet, like the forest is holding its breath. [[Try to open the garage->Garage]] [[Use the front door code and bring in luggage->FrontDoor]]

You punch in the garage code you have. Nothing. You try again… still nothing. It hits you — the garage code must be different from the front door. And the friends who have it are still an hour away. [[Call your friend for the code->CallFriend]] [[Bring luggage inside and deal with parking later->FrontDoor]]

You press the code carefully into the keypad. A soft beep, then a click—the lock opens. Relief washes over you as you tug open the door, revealing the cabin’s interior. The space is bigger than you imagined: sunlight streams through huge windows, casting patterns on the polished wooden floors. The kitchen is open, with a large island, shiny countertops, and groceries already piled neatly in corners, almost like someone had anticipated your arrival. Multiple bedrooms branch off the hallway, each promising comfort and privacy. Your friends start moving about, exploring, tossing bags down, peeking into rooms, and commenting on the view. [[Pick a room first->PickRoom]] [[Help unpack groceries->Groceries]]

You try calling, but there’s no answer. Your phone shows zero bars. No service. You sigh, looking back at the cabin. Maybe there’s Wi-Fi info inside. [[Go back and bring luggage inside->FrontDoor]]

You glance down the hallway. The master bedroom catches your eye immediately. It has a large window overlooking the mountain peaks, a cozy private bathroom, and the perfect amount of sunlight for late morning wake-ups. You and your partner move quickly, claiming it before anyone else can. It just makes sense—you’re the only couple here, and this room feels like it was waiting for you. (set: $room to "master") Achievement Unlocked: The Early Bird Gets the Worm Achievement Unlocked: Lovebirds You hear laughter and chatter drifting from the kitchen as your friends begin unpacking, the scent of fresh groceries mingling with the crisp mountain air. [[Unpack your luggage->KitchenMerge]] [[Join everyone in the kitchen->KitchenMerge]]

You start helping unpack groceries. You set aside chicken and spices while two of your friends begin prepping vegetables and cutting meat. Your partner finishes putting drinks in the fridge, opens one, and turns to you. “Want one?” [[Take the drink->DrinkYes]] [[Wait until dinner->DrinkNo]]

By the time you join the kitchen, most of the groceries have been stowed. Sunlight filters through the window, glinting off knives and glass jars. Two friends are meticulously washing vegetables and cutting chicken for dinner. The counters are lively with chatter, crumbs, and the occasional clatter of a dropped utensil. Your partner opens the fridge, grabs a drink, and offers it again. “Want one?” [[Take the drink->DrinkYes]] [[Wait until dinner->DrinkNo]]

(set: $alc += 2) Achievement Unlocked: Cheers! You take the drink, the cool liquid sliding down your throat. Your partner and a couple of others join in, laughter bubbling around you. Conversation flows easily, jokes come faster, and the cabin feels alive. The crisp mountain air drifts in through the open windows, carrying the faint scent of pine and freshly cut herbs. You glance outside and remember the hot tub tucked behind the cabin. (if: $room is "none")[ You realize you still haven’t claimed a room — your bags are still sitting by the door, half-unpacked. If you’re going to settle in here, you should probably take care of that first. [[Go find a room before changing->FindRoom]] ] (else:)[ You glance down the hallway toward your room, knowing your things are already set. Changing will be quick. [[Go change into your swimsuit->ChangeSuit]] ]

You shake your head and wait. Instead, you help with cooking — cutting, prepping, staying involved. Achievement Unlocked: Being Helpful Pays Off The rhythm of chopping and conversation fills the kitchen, grounding you in the moment. Eventually, things settle down, and you find yourself with a second to breathe. (if: $room is "none")[ You realize you still haven’t picked a room. Most are probably getting claimed soon. [[Go find a room before anything else->FindRoom]] ] (else:)[ You’ve already got your room set up — your bags are still waiting for you. [[Go change into your swimsuit->ChangeSuit]] ]

You walk through the hallway, checking doors as you go. Some are already claimed — bags tossed onto beds, jackets draped over chairs. At the end of the hall, the master bedroom is still open. Larger than the others, with a connected bathroom and a view out toward the trees. It just makes sense. You move your things in, claiming it as your own. (set: $room to "master") Achievement Unlocked: Best Room Secured Now that you're settled, you can finally relax. [[Change into your swimsuit->ChangeSuit]]

You head back to your room, the hallway quieter now as everyone settles into their own spaces. Inside, your bags sit where you left them. You unzip them, pulling out your swimsuit and changing quickly. The air is slightly cooler in here, a contrast to the warm kitchen and the promise of the hot tub outside. You catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror — a little tired from the drive, but relaxed. Settled. Like the trip is finally starting. From somewhere outside, you hear laughter and the faint bubbling of water. [[Head out to the hot tub->HotTub]]

(set: $hotTub to true) You step out into the cool night air, steam already rising in soft clouds from the hot tub tucked behind the cabin. The wooden deck creaks lightly under your feet as you walk over, the distant tree line barely visible in the fading light. You ease into the water, warmth instantly wrapping around you. The tension from the drive melts away as jets hum beneath the surface. (if: $alc > 0)[ Your drink rests nearby, and the relaxed buzz settles in deeper as laughter drifts between you and your friends. (set: $alc += 1) ] (else:)[ The quiet is grounding — the mix of warm water and cool air making everything feel calm and steady. ] Time slips by faster than expected. From inside the cabin, you hear car doors in the distance — the rest of your friends are arriving sooner than you thought. Probably about ten minutes out now. You all exchange looks — it’s time to get out and get ready. [[Head inside to get ready for dinner->PrepChoice]]

You head back to your room, towel in hand, and pull on fresh clothes. The soft scent of clean linens greets you, and you take a moment to glance out the window at the darkening mountains. Once ready, you join everyone in the kitchen. The table is already set with dinner: grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and warm bread. Plates clink, voices laugh, and the cabin feels full and lively. [[Eat with everyone->Dinner]]

You throw on something comfortable, running a hand through your still-damp hair before heading back out to meet the arriving group. The front door opens to noise and energy — voices overlapping, bags dropping, everyone talking at once. You take the lead, guiding a few of them through the cabin — pointing out rooms, the balcony, the kitchen setup, the hot tub outside. They seem relieved to have someone show them around. Achievement Unlocked: Tour Guide Eventually, everyone gathers in the kitchen. [[Join dinner->Dinner]]

The cabin is warm and inviting. The kitchen table is spread with freshly cooked food: grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, buttery bread, and bowls of fresh salad. The scent of herbs, smoke from the grill, and a hint of pine from the open windows mingle in the air. Everyone gathers, voices overlapping with laughter, stories of the drive, and casual teasing. The soft light from overhead lamps casts a golden glow on their faces. (if: $alc > 0)[ You sip another drink casually, feeling the warmth spread as your muscles unwind further. Conversation flows freely, and jokes land more easily. ] (else:)[ You stay clear-headed, enjoying the aromas and sounds, listening to stories with a small smile, savoring the moment without alcohol. ] [[Drink with dinner->DrinkDinner]] [[Stay clear-minded->ClearDinner]]

(set: $alc += 2) You lift your glass, laughing along with the group. The cabin hums with warmth, conversation, and clinking plates. The night feels alive and cozy. Someone mentions a riverwalk, a 5 minute drive just down the mountain. Everyone chats for a minute before heading out. [[Head to river walk->RiverWalk]]

Achievement Unlocked: Designated Driver You pass on the drinks, savoring the food and the energy in the cabin. Laughter, chatter, and the smell of warm bread fill the air. You feel present, alert, and fully part of the group. [[Head to river walk->RiverWalk]]

(if: $alc >= 2)[ You follow carefully behind the main group’s car, the glow of their taillights guiding your path. Each turn requires focus; the slight sway from earlier drinks makes you double-check every curve. You feel the weight of responsibility as you ensure the smaller group behind you stays safe. ] (else:)[ You take the lead, confidently guiding the group toward the river trails. Your steady hands and clear mind let you point out landmarks and keep everyone together, the forest shadows stretching across the path without causing worry. ] Once the driving portion is done, the group transitions to the forest trail. Lanterns cast soft light along the path, the sound of rushing water nearby mixing with distant crickets and rustling pine needles. The air is crisp, carrying the faint smell of damp earth and pine. Eventually, all friends converge near the waterfall, water glimmering under the moonlight. [[Head back->ReturnTrip]]

The group starts heading back, energy slightly calmer now. Conversations come in waves, quieter than before. As you walk, you spot a small store still open off the roadside — just enough light spilling out to catch your attention. You could grab s’mores supplies… [[Stop for s’mores supplies->SmoresSupply]] [[Head straight back to the cabin->NoSmoresReturn]]

(set: $smores to true) You grab chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows, arms filling quickly as everyone adds something. The warm light of the store fades behind you as you head back down the path. After a few minutes… something feels off. The other group isn’t behind you anymore. You stop walking. They’re gone. The quiet hits again — not as peaceful this time. [[Call them->CallLost]] [[Go try to find them->FindLost]]

Achievement Unlocked: Budget Conscious You head straight back without stopping. The path feels easier this time, familiar. [[Wind down for the night->NightChoice]]

You pull out your phone and manage to get a call through. They answer — slightly stressed — they took a wrong turn. You guide them back step by step, staying on the line until headlights finally appear in the distance. Relief settles over the group as everyone reconnects. [[Head back to the cabin together->Campfire]]

You head back down the trail, retracing steps and scanning the dark for any sign of them. Voices echo faintly through the trees before you finally spot them — a little turned around, but okay. You guide them back, sticking together this time. [[Head back to the cabin together->Campfire]]

The cabin quiets down. Lights dim. Conversations fade. (if: $alc >= 3)[ Time feels like it slipped past you faster than expected. ] [[Go to sleep early->Ending1]] [[Stay up a bit longer->Ending2]]

Back at the cabin, you set up a fire outside. Flames crackle softly as everyone gathers around, the earlier stress fading into laughter as marshmallows toast and chocolate melts. The night feels warmer now — fuller. Achievement Unlocked: Fireside Sugar Rush [[Wind down for the night->NightChoice]]

You decide to go to sleep early. You wake up to the sound of movement in the kitchen — soft voices, the smell of food. No real headache, just a slight grogginess. You help clean, pack up, and end up leaving early with the group. The drive down the mountain feels smooth — light rain, minimal traffic. You stop at shops, grab food, and visit your partner’s relatives. Everything just… works. **ENDING: The Perfect Send-Off** Achievements Earned: (if: $achievements is not empty)[ (for: each _a in $achievements)[ - _a ] ]

You stay up a little longer. Conversations get quieter, more personal. You end up talking with a couple of friends you hadn’t spent much time with earlier. At some point, you check the time — 3:00 a.m. You finally sleep. Morning comes fast. Slight headache. Quick breakfast. You leave on time, but the tiredness lingers. At the gas stop, caffeine helps — but not completely. You pass the shops. No stopping this time. You make it where you need to go — just a little more worn out. **ENDING: Running on Empty** Achievements Earned: (if: $achievements is not empty)[ (for: each _a in $achievements)[ - _a ] ]

Water drips from your hair as you head back inside, the warmth of the cabin wrapping around you again. Towels are tossed around, people moving quickly now that the rest of the group is almost here. You’ve got just enough time to get situated before everything picks up again. [[Change and eat dinner->ChangeAndEat]] [[Change and give a quick tour when they arrive->ChangeAndTour]]