text: [Themes: small town, anthropomorphised animals, kid-friendly, gender-neutral protagonist]
  
  > look at your surroundings
  This pleasant park on the bank of Little Oak Stream is named after the eight-foot tree that stands at its center. A sign describes the tree as the "smallest oak in the four-county area."
  
  Violet Bat is hanging from a light pole.
  
  Violet moans pitifully.
  
  > go east
  This large chamber is filled with worktables and various pieces of apparatus. In the center stands a massive machine. Several long metal rods stick up from the machine through a hole in the ceiling. They are vibrating violently.
  
  Professor Ram is examining his machine.
  
  The professor opens a panel and fiddles with something inside.
  
  > give stub
  Professor Ram puts the ticket stub in the machine. He pushes a large black button. Sparks fly between the metal rods. A few seconds later, he reaches in and pulls out a ticket. "Here you go," he says.
  
  > check your inventory
  You are carrying a ticket, a luggage coupon, Zoltan Reindeer's business card, a shiny hand mirror, a sharpened pencil, and a pair of earplugs.
  
  > go west
  You are in the front yard of a small brick house that stands to the north. Maple Street continues east and west. An overgrown hedge separates this yard from the one to the west.
  
  Henrietta stands next to the hedge, clipping away.
  
  Henrietta adjusts her sun hat.
  
  > give the card
  "No thanks," says Henrietta.
  
  > Go west
  Maple Street ends here in another front yard, which contains an assortment of plastic flamingos, gnomes, birdbaths, and the like. An overgrown hedge separates this yard from the one to the east. There is a small green house to the north.
  
  Jack Cat sits here in his lawn chair, reading the newspaper. An umbrella is lying across his lap.
  
  > give the card
  "No thanks," says Jack.
  
  > go to the west
  The gate is locked tight. You won't be getting in there.
  
  > Go east
  On a sunny day like this, Timmit Pool is a favorite destination for the youth of Fairview. Several small snakes and frogs are playing in a large round pool.
  
  Simon Asp is sleeping in a chair by the pool.
  
  > give the card
  Simon Asp is sleeping.
  
  > Go east
  Small round tables with white tablecloths fill the large dining room. Zoltan's is known for fine food, but it is strangely empty right now. The exit is west.
  
  > give the card
  Cornelia looks at Zoltan Reindeer's business card. "Is that what I need? I think it might be. Although...no, probably not. I can't remember."
  
  > give the coupon
  Cornelia looks at the luggage coupon. "Is that what I need? I think it might be. Although...no, probably not. I can't remember."
  
  > give the mirror
  Cornelia looks at the shiny hand mirror. "Is that what I need? I think it might be. Although...no, probably not. I can't remember."
  
  > check your inventory
  You are carrying a ticket, a luggage coupon, Zoltan Reindeer's business card, a shiny hand mirror, a sharpened pencil, and a pair of earplugs.
  
  > give the earplugs
  Cornelia looks at the pair of earplugs. "Is that what I need? I think it might be. Although...no, probably not. I can't remember."
  
  > give the pencil
  Cornelia looks at the sharpened pencil. "Is that what I need? I think it might be. Although...no, probably not. I can't remember."
  
  > go east
  This little drugstore seems to be abandoned. The shelves are empty, and there is no one here.
  
  > go to the north
  This is a well-furnished living room. The walls are hung with various portraits. The exit is south.
  
  Herman Yak sits in an armchair, holding a cup of tea.
  
  Herman coughs.
  
  > give coupon
  Herman looks surprised, but he takes the coupon and shuffles into another room. He returns with a suitcase, which he gives to you.
  
  > give the suitcase
  Professor Ram puts the suitcase in the machine. He pushes a large black button. Sparks fly between the metal rods. A few seconds later, he reaches in and pulls out a duffel bag. "Here you go," he says.
  
  Just then you hear a buzzer, and the metal rods stop vibrating. "Out of juice again," says the professor. "Don't worry, it should recharge soon."
  
  > give the bag
  "Oh!" says Meg. "That's not a regulation mail bag, so I might still get in trouble, but I think it's big enough for all the mail, and it looks easy to carry, and I bet it will work! So thank you!" She grabs the duffel bag and shakes your hand gratefully. "I really want you to have something in return! Uh, here!" She gives you a roll of packing tape.
  
  (You have helped twelve animals!)
  
  > Go west
  You are in the front yard of a small brick house that stands to the north. Maple Street continues east and west. An overgrown hedge separates this yard from the one to the west.
  
  Henrietta stands next to the hedge, clipping away.
  
  Henrietta brushes some leaves off her shoulder.
  
  > go to the west
  Maple Street ends here in another front yard, which contains an assortment of plastic flamingos, gnomes, birdbaths, and the like. An overgrown hedge separates this yard from the one to the east. There is a small green house to the north.
  
  Jack Cat sits here in his lawn chair, reading the newspaper. An umbrella is lying across his lap.
  
  Jack yawns.
  
  > give the tape
  "Perfect!" says Jack, taking the roll of tape. He stands up, tapes the umbrella to the back of his lawn chair, and opens it. Then he drops back into the chair with a sigh of content. "You're the best," he says.
  
  (You have helped thirteen animals!)
  
  > check what you're carrying
  You are carrying a ticket, Zoltan Reindeer's business card, a shiny hand mirror, a sharpened pencil, and a pair of earplugs.
  
  > give the ticket
  Cornelia takes the ticket and tears it, and gives the stub back to you. "Didn't you already give me a ticket?"
  
  > Talk
  "Hmm," says the hen, "maybe...was it...yes? No. No? No. Yes. No."
  
  > check your inventory
  You are carrying a ticket stub, Zoltan Reindeer's business card, a shiny hand mirror, a sharpened pencil, and a pair of earplugs.
  
  > Go east
  Corncob Lane continues east and west.
  
  Emily Pig is sitting by the side of the road, reading a small book entitled McTransom: Master Detective.
  
  Emily taps her chin thoughtfully.
  
  > Talk
  "Thanks for the help!" says Emily. "When I'm done with this, I'm going to go home and unpack!"
  
  > give the pencil
  Emily looks up. "Oh, thanks, but I don't want that."
  
  > go to the north
  This small house is painted blue and features a bookshelf filled with detective novels. Two large suitcases stand next to the bed.
  
  > go to the west
  Corncob Lane continues east and west.
  
  Emily Pig is sitting by the side of the road, reading a small book entitled McTransom: Master Detective.
  
  > Talk
  "When you have helped the rest of the animals, I'll give you a fine reward!"
  
  > give the pencil
  The owl shakes his head. "I'm afraid I have no use for that."
  
  > give the card
  Professor Ram puts Zoltan Reindeer's business card in the machine. He pushes a large black button. Sparks fly between the metal rods. A few seconds later, he reaches in and pulls out Herman Yak's business card. "Here you go," he says.
  
  > Go north
  You can't go that way.
  
  The professor adjusts a knob on the machine.
  
  > go to the west
  You are in the front yard of a small brick house that stands to the north. Maple Street continues east and west. An overgrown hedge separates this yard from the one to the west.
  
  Henrietta stands next to the hedge, clipping away.
  
  Henrietta hums along with her clipping.
  
  > give the card
  "I never want to see that two-bit charlatan again!" cries Henrietta, waving her shears.
  
  > Go west
  Maple Street ends here in another front yard, which contains an assortment of plastic flamingos, gnomes, birdbaths, and the like. An overgrown hedge separates this yard from the one to the east. There is a small green house to the north.
  
  Jack Cat sits here in his umbrella-shaded lawn chair, reading the newspaper.
  
  > give the card
  "No thanks," laughs Jack. "In case you don't know, Herman Yak isn't the most popular animal in town. He has lost more cases than I can count. He should go back to his old job."
  
  > Talk
  "Thanks for the umbrella," says Jack. "Now I can sit here all day."
  
  > give the card
  Mrs. Emu huffs. "I'd give you my opinion, but I need to watch my language here."
  
  > check your inventory
  You are carrying Herman Yak's business card, a ticket stub, a shiny hand mirror, a sharpened pencil, and a pair of earplugs.
  
  > go east
  This small post office features a counter and a wall of locked mailboxes. A sign advertises same-day delivery to addresses in Fairview.
  
  Meg Bee is sorting letters behind the counter.
  
  "That mail is gonna get delivered..." sings Meg.
  
  > give the card
  "Oh wow, I have heard a lot of things about Herman Yak, and basically it's all bad, because he keeps losing everyone's cases, which is kind of a problem when you're a lawyer."
  
  > give the card
  "Yeah, Herman Yak's car is here in the shop. He's not a very good lawyer. He should probably go back to selling luggage."
  
  > give the pencil
  "No thanks," says Willard.
  
  > go east
  This small post office features a counter and a wall of locked mailboxes. A sign advertises same-day delivery to addresses in Fairview.
  
  Meg Bee is sorting letters behind the counter.
  
  > give the mirror
  "If you want to mail that, you'll have to pack it up and put stamps on it and everything!"
  
  > go south
  The walls of this small shop are lined with tools. A sign hanging in front of the counter says, "Today's Sale: Hammers only five bucks!"
  
  Janice Doe sits behind the counter, applying some red hoof polish.
  
  Janice hums softly.
  
  > give the card
  "He's a shyster, if you ask me."
  
  > give the mirror
  Janice glances in the mirror. "As good-looking as ever," she says.
  
  > give pencil
  "No thanks, hon," says Janice.
  
  > go south
  You are at the main entrance to the town of Fairview. A large gate leads out of town to the south, and a short path runs north to Primrose Street.
  
  Alfred P. Owl paces back and forth, murmuring worriedly.
  
  "Dear, dear," says the mayor.
  
  > give the card
  "Ah yes," says the mayor, "one of our most, er, active attorneys."
  
  > give the mirror
  The owl shakes his head. "I'm afraid I have no use for that."
  
  > give the mirror
  "No thanks," says Werner. "I've got my hammer, and I'm content."
  
  > Talk
  "Another job well done," says Werner. "Thanks for getting that hammer."
  
  > give the card
  Werner shakes his head. "I know all about him."
  
  > go to the west
  This is a very odd one-room museum. Shelves hold an assortment of worthless-looking items. In the middle of the room is a large table covered in black velvet, on which you see an old hubcap, a quarter, a dinner plate, an orange frisbee, and a plastic hula hoop.
  
  Tobias Rat stands next to the table, admiring his collection.
  
  > give the card
  "No thanks," says Tobias. "My uncle hired him once, and things didn't turn out too well."
  
  > give the pencil
  "No, I couldn't take anything else from you!" says Tobias.
  
  > go to the west
  Maple Street continues in both directions, but to the west it is blocked by a huge pile of rubble.
  
  Barbara Cow is banging on the rubble with a pickaxe.
  
  Barbara shakes her head at the rubble. "Amateurs."
  
  > Talk
  "Thanks for the helmet!" says Barbara.
  
  > give the pencil
  "No thanks," says Barbara Cow.
  
  > give the card
  Barbara laughs. "No thank you!"
  
  > give the stub
  Cornelia glances at the stub. "Head in anytime," she says.
  
  > Go north
  This is a well-furnished living room. The walls are hung with various portraits. The exit is south.
  
  Herman Yak sits in an armchair, holding a cup of tea.
  
  > give the card
  Herman points at himself.
  
  > wait
  Time passes.
  
  "Now what the heck was it?" mutters Cornelia.
  
  > give the stub
  "No thank you," says Mrs. Emu, glancing at the ticket stub.
  
  > Status
  (You have been playing for 614 turns. So far you have helped Emily Pig, Werner Ant, Herman Yak, Henrietta Dog, Simon Asp, Barbara Cow, Rosina Emu, Tobias Rat, Hubert Ram, Janice Doe, Willard Fox, Meg Bee, and Jack Cat.)
  
  * Alfred P. Owl wants you to return after you have helped the remaining animals.
  * Cornelia Hen can't seem to remember what she wants.
  * Violet Bat wants relief from the noise she is hearing.
  
  > give the pencil
  "No thank you," says Mrs. Emu, glancing at the sharpened pencil.
  
  > give mirror
  Mrs. Emu checks the mirror to make sure she hasn't missed anything else.
  
  > Talk
  "Those rods vibrate at a very high frequency. They would be extremely loud, but fortunately you and I can't hear them."
  
  > give the card
  Professor Ram puts Herman Yak's business card in the machine. He pushes a large black button. Sparks fly between the metal rods. A few seconds later, he reaches in and pulls out Zoltan Reindeer's business card. "Here you go," he says.
  
  > give the card
  Professor Ram puts Zoltan Reindeer's business card in the machine. He pushes a large black button. Sparks fly between the metal rods. A few seconds later, he reaches in and pulls out Herman Yak's business card. "Here you go," he says.
  
  Just then you hear a buzzer, and the metal rods stop vibrating. "Out of juice again," says the professor. "Don't worry, it should recharge soon."
  
  > Go south
  This pleasant park on the bank of Little Oak Stream is named after the eight-foot tree that stands at its center. A sign describes the tree as the "smallest oak in the four-county area."
  
  Violet Bat stands near a light pole, looking miserable.
  
  > give the plugs
  "You're a lifesaver!" cries Violet. She takes the plugs and jams them in her ears. "I can't hear a thing now. What a relief." She sighs and sits down on a park bench.
  
  (You have helped fourteen animals!)
  
  > Talk
  "I can't hear you, sorry!" says Violet.
  
  > give the card
  "No thanks!" says Violet.
  
  > check what you're carrying
  You are carrying Herman Yak's business card, a ticket stub, a shiny hand mirror, and a sharpened pencil.
  
  > Status
  (You have been playing for 647 turns. So far you have helped Emily Pig, Werner Ant, Herman Yak, Henrietta Dog, Simon Asp, Barbara Cow, Rosina Emu, Tobias Rat, Hubert Ram, Janice Doe, Willard Fox, Meg Bee, Jack Cat, and Violet Bat.)
  
  * Alfred P. Owl wants you to return after you have helped the remaining animals.
  * Cornelia Hen can't seem to remember what she wants.
  
  > give yourself
  You can only give something you're carrying. (Not yourself!)
  
  The professor opens a panel and fiddles with something inside.
  
  > give the ticket
  Cornelia cries, "Enough! Stop giving me tickets! What's the matter with you?" She yanks the ticket from your hand.
  
  > Inventory
  You are carrying Herman Yak's business card, a shiny hand mirror, and a sharpened pencil.
  
  > give the card
  Cornelia looks at Herman Yak's business card. "Is that what I need? I think it might be. Although...no, probably not. I can't remember."
  
  > give the mirror
  Professor Ram puts the shiny hand mirror in the machine. He pushes a large black button. Sparks fly between the metal rods. A few seconds later, he reaches in and pulls out a tarnished hand mirror. "Here you go," he says.
  
  > give pencil
  Professor Ram puts the sharpened pencil in the machine. He pushes a large black button. Sparks fly between the metal rods. A few seconds later, he reaches in and pulls out an unsharpened pencil. "Here you go," he says.
  
  Just then you hear a buzzer, and the metal rods stop vibrating. "Out of juice again," says the professor. "Don't worry, it should recharge soon."
  
  > give the pencil
  Cornelia looks at the unsharpened pencil. "Is that what I need? I think it might be. Although...no, probably not. I can't remember."
  
  > give the mirror
  Cornelia looks at the tarnished hand mirror. "Is that what I need? I think it might be. Although...no, probably not. I can't remember."
  
  > go south
  This pleasant park on the bank of Little Oak Stream is named after the eight-foot tree that stands at its center. A sign describes the tree as the "smallest oak in the four-county area."
  
  Violet Bat is sitting on a bench, looking out at the stream.
  
  > go to the north
  This quaint little house is decorated with carnation wallpaper, tulip curtains, and a large vase of possibly fake irises. The exit is south.
  
  > Go west
  Maple Street ends here in another front yard, which contains an assortment of plastic flamingos, gnomes, birdbaths, and the like. An overgrown hedge separates this yard from the one to the east. There is a small green house to the north.
  
  Jack Cat sits here in his umbrella-shaded lawn chair, reading the newspaper.
  
  Jack moves his lawn chair slightly.
  
  > go north
  It's not easy to maneuver inside this dwelling, because there are piles of stuff everywhere: mostly books, but also half-assembled furniture, electronic components, and cardboard boxes. On one wall hangs a photo of two aged cats. The exit is south.
  
  > Talk
  "Give me an object, and I'll stick it in the Alteratomatic. We'll see what happens."
  
  > Talk
  "This is my best invention so far." The professor pats his machine.
  
  > give the mirror
  Professor Ram puts the tarnished hand mirror in the machine. He pushes a large black button. Sparks fly between the metal rods. A few seconds later, he reaches in and pulls out a shiny hand mirror. "Here you go," he says.
  
  > give the pencil
  Professor Ram puts the unsharpened pencil in the machine. He pushes a large black button. Sparks fly between the metal rods. A few seconds later, he reaches in and pulls out a sharpened pencil. "Here you go," he says.
  
  Just then you hear a buzzer, and the metal rods stop vibrating. "Out of juice again," says the professor. "Don't worry, it should recharge soon."
  
  > Go north
  You stand in the carved-wood foyer of the Fairview courthouse. There is only one courtroom, and it seems to be empty.
  
  > go to the west
  This is one of several classrooms at Fairview Elementary. It contains about fifteen young animals, pretty well-behaved as it appears. You can leave the school to the east or south.
  
  Mrs. Rosina Emu stands in front of the class.
  
  Mrs. Emu adjusts her glasses.
  
  > give the pencil
  "No thank you," says Mrs. Emu, glancing at the sharpened pencil.
  
  > go to the south
  The Fairview Elementary playground is full of swings, seesaws, and other familiar equipment. There is no one here right now.
  
  > Go east
  This small post office features a counter and a wall of locked mailboxes. A sign advertises same-day delivery to addresses in Fairview.
  
  Meg Bee is sorting letters behind the counter.
  
  Meg shuffles some bins around.
  
  > Talk
  "I really appreciate you going and doing whatever it was you had to do to get me this bag!"
  
  > Talk
  Willard taps the work order he's holding and shakes his head. "That Cornelia Hen. Every time she brings her scooter in here, she's forgotten what the problem is! But I find, if I just keep talking to her long enough, she eventually remembers."
  
  > Talk
  "Oh!" cries Cornelia. "Of course, I need a?wait, no, I already have a bunch of those."
  
  > Talk
  Cornelia closes her eyes. "It couldn't have been that, or that...or those. No, it definitely wasn't any of those things."
  
  > Talk
  "Well, maybe I don't need anything after all. Except...no, I'm sure I needed something."
  
  > Talk
  "Oh!" shouts Cornelia. "A pencil! That's it! I need a pencil! I think you already showed me one, didn't you?"
  
  > give the pencil
  "Yes!" shouts Cornelia. "Just what I need!" She pulls out a small notebook. "This is my reminder book. I write important things it, which is why I never forget them." She jots down a short note.
  
  (You have helped fifteen animals! Go talk to the mayor!)
  
  > go south
  To the north, Little Oak Stream runs west to east, dividing Fairview in half. A wide wooden bridge crosses the stream.
  
  Werner Ant leans against a bridge post, looking calmly at the stream.
  
  "Pleasant day," says Werner.
  
  > go south
  You are at the main entrance to the town of Fairview. A large gate leads out of town to the south, and a short path runs north to Primrose Street.
  
  "You've done it!" cries the mayor as you approach. "You have saved the town! You have ended the misery! My gratitude is boundless! I will never forget your helping us at such a critical time. If you had not appeared when you did, I don't know what we would have done! What can I possibly do to repay you? No reward can be enough. But here, take this!"
  
  He gives you a signed autobiography.
  
  (You have helped all sixteen animals!)
  
  > Inventory
  You are carrying a signed autobiography, a shiny hand mirror, and Zoltan Reindeer's business card.
  
  > Go north
  It's time for you to leave Fairview.
  
  > go to the south
  You leave Fairview, pleased to have been helpful. Of course, you only went there to take a walk, since your doctor has told you to walk more. Hopefully 556 blocks is enough!