After Leaving Home

Hi all! After learning Ibsen's A Doll's House in you Chinese class, Nora's running away from home must have left a deep impression on you. Have you thought about what might happen on Nora after she leaves her home? If you have ever thought about that (even for just a second), you might want to have a go with this interactive fiction. Before you embark on the journey, there are few things about the color code that you'll find useful to know. * (text-colour:yellow)[words in yellow] signal excrepts from the original text. * words in white denote my own creation/adaptation. * (text-colour:blue)[words in blue] represent interactive trigger. (Try clicking on them!) * //words in italic// are further instructions. That's all the instructions for now. Now, buckle up. [[Let's go->waking up]]!

''(Christmas Eve, On the street)'' You remember leaving your husband in your dream on a whim, driven by fury and a strong desire to break free. However, that impulse only got you as far as the front door. Once outside, surrounded by the chilly December air, uncertainty swallowed you whole. "Have I rushed to sentence my marriage to death? Isn't there anything I can do to save my marriage? Shouldn't I at least try to talk to him?" Almost involuntarily, a bitter smile flickers across your face. "Haven't we ever had a real heart-to-heart before?" While you're lost in thought, you return home from shopping presents for Christmas. [[You hear that familiar voice again—->situation 1-endearment]]

''(Christmas Eve, Living room)'' (text-colour:yellow)[''HELMER''. Is that my (text-colour:blue)[[[little lark->response 1]]] twitering out there? ''YOU''. Yes. It is!] That same "yes" slipped from your lips effortlessly, just as you've always responded to your husband's endearment, and like you did in your dream. But this time, you feel something's off. What's that something that makes you uncomfortable? (text-colour:yellow)[''HELMER''. Is it my] [[little squirrel->response 1]] (text-colour:yellow)[bustling about?] //Select one of the blue words that trigger your unsettlement. Choose wisely as your choices might influence the direction of the story.//

(text-colour:yellow)[''HELMER''. Is it my little squirrel bustling about?] ''YOU''. What are the lark and squirrel you're talking about? I don't want to disappoint you, but I am not an elf. I can't transform into different animals. ''HELMER''. Oh my dear, you know I didn't mean it literally. It's just our way of expressing love, isn't it? ''YOU''. I understand, but it feels a bit strange to be called that, unless you're ready to be my lark husband, and we can be a pair of lovebirds! So, could you please stop calling me your little animals? ''HELMER''. Hmm, you're acting differently today, but alright, since you've gone to so much trouble to pick out gifts for all of us. I'll do as you wish. [[You feel something is different.->feeling 1]]

''(Christmas Eve, Your bedroom)'' "Was it a dream?" After "going through" that night when the bubble of hapiness exploded, you feel exhausted. The overwhelming uncertainty after you "stormed out" your house is still lingering. You watch the same porter showing up at the doorstep with THE Christmas tree and THE basket on his hands. You have seen the exact same scene in your dream. "If I'm given a chance to relive the day, I should make better choices this time!" You talk to yourself. Will you— [[Save your marriage.]] [[Find out if the dream will come true.]] //You are Nora, but you are not THE Nora now.//

''(Christmas Eve, On the street)'' "It was a nightmare. I can't let it become my future!" While you're lost in thought, you return home from shopping presents for Christmas. [[You hear that familiar voice again—->situation 1-endearment]]

You feel a bit different than you were. (b4r:"solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[Your PEACEFULNESS is now normal. Your SELF ESTEEM is now normal. Your CONFIDENCE is now normal. Your PERCEPTION is now high ⬆️ .] //How you feel will influence your encounter later.// As you two are talking, the maid calls in the doorway. (text-colour:yellow)[''MAID''. A lady to see you, ma’am,][[—a stranger.->Situation 2-sexist language]]

It is Mrs. Linde. She pays you a visit for her job. You two haven't seen each other for ages, but the moment you see her, the intimacy comes back. You're disappointed that she sees you as a child like others do, so you tell her your secret—You saved Torvald's life using the money you borrowed without his consent, and you have been saving money and working hard to pay the debt on your own. (text-colour:yellow)[''YOU''. Well, then I have found other ways of earning money. Last winter I was lucky enough to get a lot of ][[copying->response 2a]] (text-colour:yellow)[to do; so I locked myself up and sat writing every evening until quite late at night. Many a time I was desperately tired; but all the same it was a tremendous pleasure to sit there working and earning money. It was like being a ][[man->response 2b]]. You feel the alarm inside you ringing agian. Did you say anything you're not sure? //Select the word that trigger your unsettlement. Choose wisely as your choices might influence the direction of the story.//

As you enthusiastically go on about your "job", you suddenly realise you've been speaking so much that you've gotten carried away. ''YOU''. Though—I don't mean I can do anything as impressive as Torvald. When I look at his serious face under the dim light at night, I know he must be working on something so sophisticated that I can't possibly understand. ''MRS. LINDE.'' You are being too humble! It's already quite impressive for us women to balance household chores while also securing a copywriting job like that. [[You feel something is different.->feeling 2a]]

You feel a shiver. Suddenly, you realise that you've been automatically associating the image of a hard-working person with a man. ''YOU.'' Forget what I said about being a man. I got carried away! What I meant was how proud I am of myself for supporting our little family with my husband, sharing our responsibility, and how rewarding it is to earn money with my own hands!" ''MRS. LINDE. '' Tell me about it! I felt the same when I found my first job in the shop! [[You feel something is different.->feeling 2b]]

You feel a bit different than you were. (b4r:"solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[Your PEACEFULNESS is now normal. Your SELF ESTEEM is now low ⬇️. Your CONFIDENCE is now normal. Your PERCEPTION is now normal ⬇️. ] //How you feel will influence your encounter later.// After Mrs. Linde and your husband leave the house, Krogstad returns and threatens you, demanding that you secure his job or he will reveal your secret to your husband. Soon, (text-colour:yellow)[Helmer comes in with some papers under his arm.] [[HELMER. Has anyone been here?->situation 3a]]

You feel a bit different than you were. (b4r:"solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[Your CALM is now normal. Your SELF ESTEEM is now high ⬆️. Your CONFIDENCE is now high ⬆️. Your PERCEPTION is now high ⬆️.] //How you feel will influence your encounter later.// After Mrs. Linde and your husband leave the house, Krogstad returns and threatens you, demanding that you secure his job or he will reveal your secret to your husband. Soon, (text-colour:yellow)[Helmer comes in with some papers under his arm.] [[HELMER. Has anyone been here?->Situation 3b]]

(text-colour:yellow)[''HELMER''. Has anyone been here? ''YOU''. Here? No. ''HELMER''. That is strange. I saw Krogstad going out of the gate. ''YOU''. Did you? Oh yes, I forgot, Krogstad was here for a moment. ''HELMER''. Nora, I can see from your manner that he has been here begging you to say a good word for him. ''YOU''. Yes. ''HELMER''. And you were to appear to do it of your own accord; you were to conceal from me the fact of his having been here; didn’t he beg that of you too? ''YOU''. Yes, Torvald, but— ''HELMER''. Nora, Nora, and you would be a party to that sort of thing? To have any talk with a man like that, and give him any sort of promise? And to tell me a lie into the bargain? ''YOU''. A lie—? ] ''HELMER''. Didn’t you tell me no one had been here? You must never do that again. We will say no more about it. How warm and snug it is here! You sharply notice that he didn't call you "little songbird" and command you to "sing no false notes" this time. "Maybe the negotiation you had with him earlier is really making a difference?" (text-colour:yellow)[After a short pause, during which you busies yourself with the Christmas Tree. ''YOU''. Torvald! ''HELMER''. Yes. ''YOU''. I am looking forward tremendously to the fancy-dress ball at the Stenborgs’ the day after tomorrow. ''HELMER''. And I am tremendously curious to see what you are going to surprise me with. ''YOU''. It was very silly of me to want to do that. ''HELMER''. What do you mean, (text-colour:blue)[[silly?]]]

(text-colour:yellow)[''HELMER''. Has anyone been here?] ''YOU''. Yes. It was Mr. Krogstad. ''HELMER ''. What was he here for when I was away? You know that there is no use beating around the bush, because his pride wouldn't allow him to surrender to anyone's threat. Plus, he is always so confident that others couldn't find a flaw of him. So you decide to: [[directly tell him that you lend money without his permission for saving his life.->response 3b1]] [[tell a little lie.->response 3b2]]

(text-colour:yellow)[''YOU''. I can’t hit upon anything that will do; everything I think of seems so silly and insignificant. ''HELMER''. Does my little Nora acknowledge that at last?] ''YOU''. I guess so, Helmer. It's just frustrating. I want to contribute something meaningful, but it feels like everything I do is so thoughtless. ''HELMER''. Ah, my dear Nora, admitting that is a step towards wisdom, you know. [[You feel something is different.->feeling 3a1]]

''YOU''. I want to apologise. I shouldn't lie to you. I kept it from you because—because I was too frightened. I lost myself. ''HELMER''. Calm. What did he say to you? ''YOU''. This man, he threatened to ruin you if you insist on dismissing him. Torvald, for your own sake, and for mine, is it really absoultely impossible to dismiss some other clerks instead of Krogstad? ''HELMER''. Fear no more, my little timid woman. You must understand, I am a man of integrity. Others cannot find a flaw in my character. Plus, It's precisely because of his threat that I would not possibly hire him. I assure you, you will be safe in my broad arms. You couldn't stop him. He sends Krogstad's dismissal letter anyhow. [[You feel something is different.->feeling 3a2]]

You feel a bit different than you were. (b4r:"solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[Your PEACEFULNESS is now low ⬇️. Your SELF ESTEEM is now low. Your CONFIDENCE is now very low ⬇️. Your PERCEPTION is now low ⬇️. ] //How you feel will influence your encounter later.// You decide to give it one last try, but you're wary of irritating Helmer. Perhaps it's best to [[delicately approach the topic->situation 4-modality]]?

While you're decorating the Christmas tree, you rehearse how to initiate the conversation in your mind. What about this way? [[''YOU''. If you hadn’t been so busy I should have asked you a tremendously big favour, Torvald.->response 4a]] Or this way? [[''YOU''. Torvald, can you help me to choose a dress for the ball?->response 4b]]

(text-colour:yellow)[''YOU''. If you hadn’t been so busy I should have asked you a tremendously big favour, Torvald. ''HELMER''. What is that? Tell me. ''YOU''. There is no one has such good taste as you. And I do so want to look nice at the fancy-dress ball. Torvald, couldn’t you take me in hand and decide what I shall go as, and what sort of a dress I shall wear? ''HELMER''. Aha! so my obstinate little woman is obliged to get someone to come to her rescue? ''YOU''. Yes, Torvald, I can’t get along a bit without your help. ''HELMER''. Very well, I will think it over, we shall manage to hit upon something. ''YOU''. That is nice of you.] You try to bring up Krogstad from every angle you can think of, but once you mention that name or anything related to him Helmer will just shut you up. None of your efforts sway his's opinion in the slightest, and he is getting angry at you. Your conversation ends bitterly. He goes into his study and shut the door after him. [[You feel something is different.->feeling 4a]]

''YOU''. Torvald, can you help me to choose a dress for the ball? (text-colour:yellow)[''HELMER''. Aha! so my obstinate little woman is obliged to get someone to come to her rescue?] ''YOU'' . (mildly) Well, it's just a dress, Torvald. I thought we could pick one together, that's all. ''HELMER'': (with mild surprise) Oh, really? Of course, my dearest beautifull woman. Don't get upset so easily. Let's find something suitable together. [[You feel something is different.->feeling 4b]]

You feel a bit different than you were. (b4r:"solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[Your PEACEFULNESS is low. Your SELF ESTEEM is now very low ⬇️. Your CONFIDENCE is now very low. Your PERCEPTION is now very low ⬇️. ] //How you feel will influence your encounter later.// [["Is it true that I can't do anything to change my designated future?"->Your chance to write 1]]

You feel a bit different than you were. (b4r:"solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[Your PEACEFULNESS is now low. Your SELF ESTEEM is now normal ⬆️. Your CONFIDENCE is now Low ⬆️. Your PERCEPTION is now normal ⬆️. ] //How you feel will influence your encounter later.// As Helmer is busy with his fashion consultant's job, you know it's the [[high time->response 3a2]] to stop him from dismissing Krogstad.

You feel a bit different than you were. (b4r:"solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[Your PEACEFULNESS is now Low ⬇️. Your SELF ESTEEM is now Normal. Your CONFIDENCE is now Normal ⬇️. Your PERCEPTION is now High. ] //How you feel will influence your encounter later.// You are pacing uneasily by the door, preparing to stop any message from Krogstad. "But what's the use of this? Even if I can stop him for once, do I have to live in fear like this for the rest of my life?" A thought crosses your mind—[[run away->situation 5a-modality]]?

How would you respond to Helmer? [[You notice his anger has been lowered as you acknowledge your silliness, so you'll continue to say something sweet.->response 3a1]] [[You notice that he is in a calmer condition to have a talk, so you decide to bring Krogstad's thing up again.->response 3a2]] //Select your response carefully, as it will influence the direction of the story.//

''Your chance to write 1:'' //Hi students! Now it's your turn to use your creativity and imagination to write a conversation between Nora and any other character, which will further guide Nora to [[ending 1]]. Please read the following instruction carefully.// //1. In your groups, have a discussion about how you want your scene to be. Remember the drama elements we talked about? * When * Where * Who * What happens 2. Oh! Don't forget to include the linguistic features we've encountered so far. Please ensure you have used at least one of them in the dialogue. * Endearment (the "love" language?) * Sexist language (not sexy language!) * negation (what is assumed to be "right", and what is not?) * modality (respectful? too humble?) * adjective (are you who you're said to be?) 3. Check you stats from [[last scene->feeling 4a]] and have a look at [[ending 1]]. Try to make your characters talk and act resonably and fit your scene into the larger picture.// //4. You can add some narratives to help describe the scene.//

''(After Christmas, living room)'' Krogstad's letter arrived, and you couldn't keep the secret anymore. Helmer chided you with the most filthy and vicious words that were even worse than those you heard in your dream. Then the second letter arrived. Helmer took the letter. (text-colour:yellow)[''HELMER''. (standing by the lamp). I scarcely have the courage to do it. It may mean ruin for both of us. No, I must know. (Tears open the letter, runs his eye over a few lines, looks at a paper enclosed, and gives a shout of joy.) Nora! (She looks at him questioningly.) Nora!—No, I must read it once again—. Yes, it is true! I am saved! Nora, I am saved!] ''YOU''. (eyes wide with anticipation) Torvald, what is it? What does the letter say? ''HELMER''. It says the whole thing is over now. He would never bother us anymore! The bond! (text-colour:yellow) [(Tears up the bond and both letters, throws them all into the stove, and watch them burn.)] (text-colour:yellow)[There—now it doesn’t exist any longer.] ''YOU''. (Rush to Helmer and hug him hard.) Oh Torvald! This is such a relief! The best Christmas gift ever! ''HELMER''. (Holds you in arms.) My little songbird should never, ever sing a false note again. I know my little skylark will listen to me. You feel your body shrinking smaller and smaller until you're curled up in his palm. The End. [[Replay->the instruction]]

''(Christmas, Living room)'' At this moment, nurse Anne comes back with a big cardboard box in her hand. She has always been taking care of you. You know she is a trustworthy person to talk to. (text-colour:yellow)[''YOU''. Nurse, I want you to tell me something I have often wondered about—][[how could you have the heart to put your own child out among strangers?->situation 5b]] (text-colour:yellow)[''NURSE''. I was obliged to, if I wanted to be little Nora’s nurse.] (text-colour:yellow)[''YOU''. ][[Yes, but how could you be willing to do it?->situation 5b]] (text-colour:yellow)[''NURSE''. What, when I was going to get such a good place by it? A poor girl who has got into trouble should be glad to. Besides, that wicked man didn’t do a single thing for me.] (text-colour:yellow)[''YOU''. ][[But I suppose your daughter has quite forgotten you.->situation 5b]] (text-colour:yellow)[''NURSE''. Yes, she does. She wrote to me when she was confirmed, and when she was married. ''YOU''. (putting her arms round her neck). Dear old Anne, you were a good mother to me when I was little. ''NURSE''. Little Nora, poor dear, had no other mother but me. ''YOU''. And if my little ones had no other mother, I am sure you would—What nonsense I am talking! (Opens the box.) Go in to them. Now I must—. You will see tomorrow how charming I shall look.] You retreates. You wouldn't dare to think about leaving your three lovely children. A woman should never leave her children! [[You feel something is different.->feeling 5a]]

''(Christmas, Living room)'' ''YOU''. Nurse, I want you to tell me something I have often wondered about—What made you decide to put your own child out among stangers? ''NURSE''. I was obliged to, if I wanted to be little Nora’s nurse. ''YOU''. Can you tell me why you agreed to it? ''NURSE''. A poor girl who has got into trouble should be glad to get such a good place by it. Besides, that wicked man didn’t do a single thing for me. ''YOU''. Does your daughter still remember you? ''NURSE''. Yes, she does. She wrote to me when she was confirmed, and when she was married. ''YOU''. (putting your arms round her neck). Dear old Anne, you were a good mother to me when I was little. ''NURSE'' Little Nora, poor dear, had no other mother but me. ''YOU''. My dearest Anne, You are such a strong woman. Do you think I can also feed myself one day? ''NURSE''. You don't have to, since Mr. Helmer is getting his promotion in no time—but I believe you can if you'd like. You have strength within you, my dear. [[You feel something is different.->feeling 5b]]

You feel a bit different than you were. (b4r:"solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[Your PEACEFULNESS is now low. Your SELF ESTEEM is now low ⬇️. Your CONFIDENCE is now low. Your PERCEPTION is now low ⬇️. ] //How you feel will influence your encounter later.// You give up the idea of running away and are too hesitant to confess your secret to Torvald before he hears it from Krogstad. The rest is history—except for a [[little twist->ending 2]].

You feel a bit different than you were. (b4r:"solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[Your PEACEFULNESS is now normal ⬆️. Your SELF ESTEEM is now high ⬆️. Your CONFIDENCE is now high ⬆️. Your PERCEPTION is now very high ⬆️. ] //How you feel will influence your encounter later.// "Both Mrs. Linde and Nurse Anne can make their lives with their own hands. There must be a way for me as well! There must be [[something else->your chance to write 2]] I can do besides being scolded and throwing myself out of the house!"

''Your chance to write 2:'' //Hi students! Now it's your turn to use your creativity and imagination to write a conversation between Nora and any other character to craft an ''ending'' for Nora's story. Please read the following instructions carefully. //1. In your groups, have a discussion about how you want your scene to be. Remember the drama elements we talked about? * When * Where * Who * What happens 2. Oh! Don't forget to include the linguistic features we've encountered so far. Please ensure you have used at least one of them in the dialogue. * Endearment (the "love" language?) * Sexist language (not sexy language!) * negation (what is assumed to be "right", and what is not?) * modality (respectful? too humble?) * adjective (are you who you're said to be?) 3. Check you stats from [[last scene->feeling 5b]]. Try to make your characters talk and act resonably and fit your scene into the larger picture.// //4. You can add some narratives to help describe the scene.//

(text-colour:yellow)[''YOU''. That our life together could become a real marriage. Good-bye. (starts to go) ''HELMER''. Go then! (seizes your arm) But first you shall see your children for the last time. ''YOU''. Let me go! I will not see them. I cannot! ''HELMER''. (drags you to the door) You shall see them! (opens the door and says softly) Look - there they are sleeping peacefully and without a care. Tomorrow, when they wake and call for their mother, they will be ... motherless! ''YOU''. (tremble) Motherless! ''HELMER''. As you once were. ''YOU''. Motherless! (let your bag fall, and say) Ah, though it is a sin against myself, I cannot leave them! (sink almost to the ground by the door). ] The End [[Replay->the instruction]]

''HELMER ''. What was he here for when I was away? ''YOU''. (become very serious) You still remember your serious illness years ago? ''HELMER''. Yes, but what is it have to do with Krogstad? ''YOU''. It was he who lent me that money. ''HELMER''. From that malicious creature! Why didn't you tell me earlier. ''YOU''. You were seriously ill—and so was my father—so I faked the signature. ''HELMER''. (Shocked) Faked the signature? Nora, do you realise the gravity of what you've done?" ''YOU''. (Nod) Yes, Torvald. I was desperate. I didn't know where else to turn. ''HELMER''. (Pacing) But Nora, this is a serious matter. If Krogstad decides to expose this deception, it could ruin us. How could you be so reckless? ''YOU''. I know, Torvald. I've been living in constant fear, afraid of the consequences of my actions. ''HELMER''. (Takes a deep breath, trying to compose himself) We must address this immediately. We cannot allow Krogstad to hold this over us any longer. We need to find a way to handle this situation." ''YOU''. (Grateful) "Thank you, Torvald. You have no idea how relieving it is for me to tell you this!" As you face the daunting situation together, you and Torvald find youselves bound by a shared determination to confront the challenges ahead. [[You feel Torvald is different.->ending 4]]

''NORA''. Torvald, my dear, tell me why you are so wingling to listen to me today? You don't talk like this before—I mean it in a good way. ''HELMER''. Oh darling, hearing you saying this has filled my heart with joy again! You‘re not gonna believe this, but I had a terrible dream. In my dream you—you— ''NORA''. I—what? ''HELMER''. You left me—becasue of some stupid mistakes I've made. And—and you said only when the most wonderful thing of all happened can our relationship recover. Ah, you must be thinking I'm talking nonsense! ''NORA''. Not at all. I'm glad that we communicate this time. ''HELMER''. Yes, we made it—Wait, what do you mean this time? The End [[Replay->the instruction]] [[This is too absurd. let me write another one!->your chance to write 3]]

''YOU''. He wanted to make an apology. ''HELMER''. An apology for what? ''YOU''. For behaving recklessly when other people were present. ''HELMER''. (chuckles) Then why didn't he come to me in person? ''YOU''. Maybe he was too ashamed to admit it. He's been in a tough spot lately. Poor guy. He can't even provide for his children without his position! ''HELMER''. (releases his brows) The old fellow—I see what you mean, but he shouldn't have approached you. I'm not a petty person. [[You feel something is different.->feeling 3b2]]

''Your chance to write 3:'' //Hi students! Now it's your turn to use your creativity and imagination to write the conversation between Nora and Helmer about the bond you signed. Please read the following instruction carefully.// //1. In your groups, have a discussion about how you want your scene to be. Remember the drama elements we talked about? * When * Where * Who * What happens 2. Oh! Don't forget to include the linguistic features we've encountered so far. Please ensure you have used at least one of them in the dialogue. * Endearment (the "love" language?) * Sexist language (not sexy language!) * negation (what is assumed to be "right", and what is not?) * modality (respectful? too humble?) * adjective (are you who you're said to be?) 3. Check you stats from [[last scene->feeling 2b]]. Try to make your characters talk and act resonably and fit your scene into the larger picture.// //4. You can add some narratives to help describe the scene.//

You feel a bit different than you were. (b4r:"solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[Your CALM is now high ⬆️. Your SELF ESTEEM is now high. Your CONFIDENCE is now very high ⬆️. Your PERCEPTION is now high.] //How you feel will influence your encounter later.// Torvald assures you that he will find Krogstad a new position. The destructive crisis in your dream is resolved in an easier way then you thought, but you will need to let Torvald know about the bond someday. [[Someday when—->your chance to write 4]]

''Your chance to write 4:'' //Hi students! It's your turn to use your creativity and imagination to write a conversation between Nora and Torvald to describe the situation for Nora to confess her secret to Torvald. Please read the following instruction carefully. 1. This time, you can fast foward the time as you like. Try to think about what gives Nora full confidence to tell Torvald frankly about the truth of the money. 2. In your groups, have a discussion about how you want your scene to be. Remember the drama elements we talked about? * When * Where * Who * What happens 3. Oh! Don't forget to include the linguistic features we've encountered so far. Please ensure you have used at least one of them in the dialogue. * Endearment (the "love" language?) * Sexist language (not sexy language!) * negation (what is assumed to be "right", and what is not?) * modality (respectful? too humble?) * adjective (are you who you're said to be?) 4. Check you stats from [[last scene->feeling 3b2]]. Try to make your characters talk and act resonably and fit your scene into the larger picture. 5. You can add some narratives to help describe the scene.//

(text-colour:yellow)[''HELMER''. Nora—can I never be anything more than a stranger to you? ''YOU''. Ah, Torvald, the most wonderful thing of all would have to happen. ''HELMER''. Tell me what that would be! ''YOU''. Both you and I would have to be so changed that—. Oh, Torvald, I don’t believe any longer in wonderful things happening. (text-colour:(hsl:60,0.8039,0.5,0.7))[''HELMER''. But I will believe in it. Tell me! So changed that—?] (text-colour:(hsl:60,0.8039,0.5,0.6))[''NORA''. That our life together would be a real wedlock. Goodbye.] (text-colour:(hsl:60,0.8039,0.5,0.45))[''HELMER''. Nora! Nora! Empty. She is gone. The most wonderful thing of all—?]] Suddenly, you open your eyes. There you lie half-awake on a bed. You remember you left your house decisively—the house that carries 8 years' of your sweet memories, which turned out to be nothing but a mirage of love. Yet, something seems wrong. This bed... too familiar. You look around, surprisingly finding that you are still inside the house! (Festive songs gradually dance through the air.) You stumble upon the calendar. Your eyes fall upon it—the date reads: [[TODAY, Christmas Eve!->a dream?]]