A Wind Blown From Paradise
N.C. Hunter Hayden
alternative endings beach IF Competition 2013 IFComp Game multiple endings psychological subway surreal train transit wind
If we live in the past, we aren't living in the present, and may as well be ghosts.
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A wind flees from the tunnel, pursued by the cacophonous clacking of train cars. Like an old and jerky moving film, the quick flash of passing lights reveal by frame the drab coats, grey scarves, hats, overcoats and pea coats that are the medium through which you move, until the world again withdraws back into the dusty light of lamps hung below the arched ceiling as the train passes back into the tunnel, followed by the same wind it pushes before it,wind chasing wind and lit riding-cars between.

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A Brief and Breezy Fiction by N.C. Hunter Hayden

Buried here beneath the arched stone ceiling a multitude of travelers in drab, grey coats flow past and around as much as the wind blown by and chasing the trains in endless pursuit through the tunnels. A poster, by an unused bench, presents memories of the paradise you once knew.
About you
As good-looking as ever.
Examine poster
The poster on the wall displays a couple enjoying a day at the beach. The image fills your sight with loose and grainy sand and brilliant sun, and bodies dressed for warmth, and the ocean open to the horizon and blue heaven - this you remember, a moment from your past, a moment long past and long sought. To dwell in this moment, presented here in this image, is a desire calling to you as you look upon the picture, hardly able to turn away.
You examine the bench
A bench for the weary or waiting.
You examine the people
Drab coats, grey scarves, hats and overcoats with high-flung collars.

The train rides in on the winds of the tunnel.
You look at the train
A train car, waiting for passengers.
You enter the train
You get on the train and the train immediately departs.

The train speeds through the tunnel, a car of passengers through the darkness seen past the window, out in which your reflection follows alongside. Above the doors are posted the train's path, along with an advertisement.
You examine reflection
Beyond the car, outside the glass of the doors, a shadow world stands in reflection, having the same seats and handles and passengers but none of the light, none of the noise; grey and silent it follows beside, married the this small world at the pane of the door. And beyond that world, seen through the far shadow door, is a dimmer world still, less distinct, less defined.
You examine the ad
The ad above the door portrays a woman relaxing on the beach. The image fills your sight with loose and grainy sand and brilliant sun, and bodies dressed for warmth, and the ocean open to the horizon and blue heaven - this you remember, a moment from your past, a moment long past and long sought. To dwell in this moment, presented here in this image, is a desire calling to you as you look upon the picture, hardly able to turn away.
Inventory
You are carrying nothing.

Your train arrives at a platform, and you disembark.

Buried here beneath the arched stone ceiling a multitude of travelers in drab, grey coats flow past and around as much as the wind blown by and chasing the trains in endless pursuit through the tunnels. Momentarily, through flashing holes in the crowd, you see a vending machine.
Sing
Your singing is abominable.
You examine machine
A cigarette vending machine.
You hit the machine
Why?
Look around
Buried here beneath the arched stone ceiling a multitude of travelers in drab, grey coats flow past and around as much as the wind blown by and chasing the trains in endless pursuit through the tunnels. Momentarily, through flashing holes in the crowd, you see a vending machine.
You go south
You are underground. Compass directions have no meaning. Say you want to board the train or get off the train or enter the waiting room or whatever.
Search machine
You find nothing of interest.

The train rides off on the winds of the tunnel.
You look at the self
As good-looking as ever.
You examine tracks
From the tunnel and to it straight returning run the tracks for the train.

The train rides in on the winds of the tunnel.
You enter the train
You get on the train and the train immediately departs.

The train speeds through the tunnel, a car of passengers through the darkness seen past the window, out in which your reflection follows alongside. Above the doors are posted the train's path, along with an advertisement.
You look at the window
Beyond the car, outside the glass of the doors, a shadow world stands in reflection, having the same seats and handles and passengers but none of the light, none of the noise; grey and silent it follows beside, married the this small world at the pane of the door. And beyond that world, seen through the far shadow door, is a dimmer world still, less distinct, less defined.
You look
The train speeds through the tunnel, a car of passengers through the darkness seen past the window, out in which your reflection follows alongside. Above the doors are posted the train's path, along with an advertisement.
Go outside
But you aren't in anything at the moment.

Your train arrives at a platform, and you disembark.

Buried here beneath the arched stone ceiling a multitude of travelers in drab, grey coats flow past and around as much as the wind blown by and chasing the trains in endless pursuit through the tunnels. Dangling by the cord, a payphone blends into background scenery.
Y.
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