Category: IFstravaganza

“I want you to expand the Floating City,” I conclude. “Hmm… so you wish to bring those Undergrounders here?” the father asks. “Yes. I also want them all to receive the Pigeon Treatment,” I add. “So you are aiming for complete equality,” the mother replies. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”  “Why not?…

The Fortune Teller’s eyes go wide. “You…are a monster!” I step back, bewildered, raising my hands in defense. “Ma’am,” I start. “I can assure you that I’m fully huma-” “Get out!” she shrieks hysterically. “GET OUT!!” She grabs whatever she can get her hands on, and chucks them my way. I dodge a tire, a…

All as one, you travel up to the clouds to the heavenly land of your oppressors. Your large numbers cause alarms and the government is working hard to keep their flighty citizens calm and “safe”. All evidence and concerns you bring forward are denied and all those protesting are labelled as terrorists. We must double…

You gather everyone around. You talk to them about their struggles, their relationships, and their community. These are your friends, family, and peers. Caring and uplifting each other are these folks’ core values, and you must all work together for the better. They’re scared and hurt and tired. But they’re with you, comrade. What’s your…

You quickly become scared of what could happen to you. You aren’t ready to risk your life. Your neighbours and coworkers quickly shun you. Why give up before even trying? You are weak and a coward and everyone suffer because of it. You could’ve done something great and instead gave up before any real hardship.…

You hurry home back to the Underdark. They listen to you unravel and explain all the documents you carry. They treat you with love and respect and trust your word. However, the situation feels hopeless. What can they possibly do to change this? We revolt. We give up.

Your crime is treason. You are considered an enemy of the state and no one cares for what you have to say. How dare you spread such falsehoods about this great nation! You thought they would listen? To you? Congrats.

You stay strong to the cause. Preaching as loud as you can you share and share all you have learned. The wind up here feels stronger, you don’t feel grounded. Quickly police are sent to come to collect you. You are injured. Why would they listen to you? I don’t know.

Now what, hero? Let me restart this history. I want to wake up back in the library.

You don’t care anymore. You make your way home, trying to ignore the humiliation and self-hatred (but you can’t). Maybe if you ignore it hard enough the guilt will go away (it doesn’t). Maybe if you blink fast enough the tears won’t come (they do). On your way home you are careless, your mind elsewhere.…