An Altar for Grandpa

I didn't expect Grandma to take it so hard. Yes, Grandpa's death made us all sad, but its been almost 11 months and she still won't speak. She just stays in bed all day and doesn't even care for her self. Mom and I literally have to make her eat and occasionally convince her to bathe. In my fourteen years of life, I've never seen or even heard of someone being this depressed. It's very close to "Dia de Los Muertos" and I really want to make an altar of Grandpa to try to cheer up Grandma. Since Grandma won't speak, it's going to be pretty difficult finding the information I need about Grandpa to make the altar. I will get started [[tomorrow]].

Today is Friday, October 31. It is 9:48. There is no school during the Days of The Dead Holidays, so I can start working. What should I do first? [[Eat breakfast]] [[Check on Grandma]]

I make myself cereal. I'm now energized for the day I need to find out information about Grandpa now. [[Talk to Mom]]

She is still fast asleep. I think I should go eat, I'm starving [[Eat breakfast]] [[Wake up Grandma]]

Mom is sitting in the living room knitting like she always does. We usually can't afford nice clothes, so she always makes clothes for the family. I sit next to her and get ready to ask her questions about Grandpa. [[ask questions about grandpa]]

I softly shake her until she wakes up. She turns over and looks at me with a blank expression. Uh, Now what? [[Eat breakfast]] [[Try to talk to her]]

"Hey Mom, can I ask you a couple of questions about Grandpa?" Mom looks at me with a puzzled look and says, "Why are you asking me about grandpa?" She was getting angry for some reason, and I had no idea why. I was going to ask what was wrong, but she cut me off before I could say anything and said, "If you want to know more about grandpa you'll have to ask one of his closest friends, because I'm not talking." "Who is this friend?" I ask impatiently. "His name is Enrique, he's always in the casino at Central, where all the rich people live." "But how am I going to get in Central? And even if I do make it, there is no way I'm getting in a casino." "Figure it out." she looked absolutely furious that I started talking about him. I was very frustrated and couldn't control my anger, so blurted out, "Why are you being so difficult? Why is it so hard to answer a couple of questions?" I immediately regretted my decision. "Get out of my house!" she yelled with the loudest tone I've ever heard her use. I didn't argue and I got out wondering what had just happened. [[Head towards Central town]]

It's hard living in Chihuahua. Basically there are two parts of this city. Central and everything surrounding it. The outer part of the city around Central is in very heavy poverty. Almost everyone is poor in that area. But Central is where all the rich people live and pretty much do all there buisness. The gate surrounding central, which is heavily guarded, has no tolerance for trespassers. The only legal way to get in is to have a Central Pass, which costs way too much to afford. The only way I'm getting in is by doing it the hard way. How am I going to approach this? [[Try to get a fake pass]] [[Try to find an alternate way inside]] [[Try to convince the scary guards to let you in]]

I've heard of this place; people always talk about it at school, and they make Counterfeit Passes. Everyone that I've seen with one usually gets granted access in, so I'm almost positive this will work. This place is actually a barber shop, but all you have to do is tell the guy who runs the business "The Secret Pass-Code". When I enter the building, it was completely pitch black. The only light source was from the glass door entrance behind me (which wasn't much). I could barely make out a figure in the darkness; it sent a shiver down my spine. "Hello?" I called out with total uncertainty. "We're closed" said an extremely raspy voice that sounded ancient. I quickly responded with the Pass-Code, "I need the Pass to surpass." There was an awkward silence that probably lasted about 20 seconds. I thought I said something wrong, but he responded. "That'll be 200 pesos". Thankfully I had been saving up for a while, and barely had enough to get one. "Okay," I said with relief, glad I was able to get one. He went to the back room and returned with a pretty legit looking Pass. It had to work. I thanked him and [[embarked further on my journey]].

You scale the gate to find any other possible way in, but no luck, it's too secure. [[Try to get a fake pass]] [[Try to convince the scary guards to let you in]]

I did my best, but they just laughed and said, "Do you really think that you'll be able to convince us?" [[Try to get a fake pass]] [[Try to find an alternate way inside]]

I'm full of anxiety when go to one of the gate entrances. Sweat is pouring down my face as I hand my pass to a guard, so they could scan it. "You okay kid?" one of the guards asked. I just nod nervously trying to act as natural as possible. When I heard the queue that my access was granted, I let out a huge sigh of relief and head in. Alright, now I just need a way In the casino. [[head towards casino]].

There were tons of people in Central. They all had very expensive outfits on that I haven't even seen before. It seemed like the casino was the top attraction here; I just needed a way in. Just as I start to contemplate my decisions, I see another teen about my age trying to get my attention. What should I do? [[Ignore the strange person and try to find a way in the casino]] [[Take a chance and go see what he wants]].

I scale the building, trying to find any other possible ways that could get me in undetected. And sure enough, I do. [[Climb up the brick wall that leads to a window]] [[Change your mind and see what the kid wants->Take a chance and go see what he wants]].

Right when I enter the alley he approaches me and immediately asks, "Hey are you trying to get in the casino?" "Um yeah, what about you?" I say surprised of the sudden situation. "Okay good, I have a plan that can get us both in". "What is it?" "Alright, the only way were getting in there is if we use this." He pulls out a smoke bomb in perfect condition. "So wait, why do you need my help?" I question. "I need someone to be distracting those guards, so I can throw this smoke bomb as a diversion, how does that sound?" "Um, I don't know man, what if-" He cuts me off and says, "okay I'll let you throw the smoke bomb then". "Deal," I agree with a huge grin. [[Onwards with the plan]]!

I climb to the top, carefully doing my best to not fall. When I get all the way up I dive through the window and immediately regret my decision. I fall about 10 feet from the window into an empty room with no one inside. I stay curled in a ball moaning in pain for about five minutes; then I finally have the strength to get up. I seemed to be back behind a stage with various props and furniture scattered across the place. I peeked from behind the curtains to see if there was anyone out there. Thankfully there wasn't, and I head out the door into the main lobby. Where should I look for Enrique? [[Go to men's bathroom]] [[Go to slot machines]]

The kid makes his way towards the guards, as I get the bomb ready. He pushes one of the guards setting off a chain reaction of absolute fury. All of the guards were chasing him now. Where should I throw the bomb? [[Towards him]] [[by the entrance]]

I throw the smoke grenade towards him, exploding around his vicinity allowing him to escape the guards. We both make it in, but a bunch of people saw what just went down. [[plan successful]]

I throw it towards the entrance, allowing me to have an easy access in with no one detecting me. The kid wasn't so lucky... He got caught by the guards and is probably going to jail. [[I guess the plan worked out]]

Actually, the plan might have not been as successful as I thought, there are a bunch of guards chasing us down with fire in there eyes. Well now what? [[run towards the slots]] [[go into theater]]

Alright, I just need to look out for him, for Enrique. It's going to be pretty hard trying to figure out who this man is (which is very frustrating), but honestly I'm just glad I made it this far. Now, where should I start looking? [[Go to men's bathroom]] [[Head towards the theatre]] [[Go to slot machines]]

When I enter the bathroom I tune into a conversation going on with three guys. "Hey Who's preforming in the theater today?" the first one asks "Oh, it's Enrique Elberta!" The second one exclaims. "Nice! The show start In about an hour do you guys wanna go?" the third one questions. I intervene and ask, "do you know where Enrique is now?" eager to get answers. "Oh yeah, I think he's at the slots right now," one of them said. "Yep," the other two say almost in sync. "thanks," I say in reply as [[I make my way to the slots->Go to slot machines]].

The double doors to the theater were closed, but it had a sign that said, *Enrique Elberta preforms tonight at 7:00* Perfect I know where to find him (if that's him), I just have to wait. [[Go to men's bathroom]] [[Go to slot machines]]

ALRIGHT! Time to find Enrique. I've been extremely lucky today because when I turn to start looking, I start hearing people chant, "Woo! Lets go Enrique!" Excitement fills me as I walk towards the paparazzi that keeps cheering. When I make it to the crowd of about 30 people I see a man in the middle of it playing on one of the slot machines. He was scoring big, seemed rigged in a way. It had to be Enrique. I guess I have to wait until he's done... [[Wait it out]]

I wait about thirty minutes, impatiently waiting for him to quit or do something else besides play stupid slots. Finally he stops and says, "alright people, I'm going to take a bathroom break, I'll be playing roulette with fans when I'm done, so stay tuned!" The crowd cheers once more then separates as he walks to the men's bathroom. Here's my chance! [[Follow him]]

I stop him before he enters the bathroom, "Hey we really need to talk". He rolls his eyes at me and says "kid, I don't have time for this non-sense, I have a bunch to do". "It's about Jamie, Jamie Esparza, my grandfather" I tell him as I raise my voice with frustration. He widens his eyes full of surprise. "W-what? He was your grandfather?" "Yes, I went through a lot of trouble getting here and I really need to ask you questions about him," I say like I'm the one in charge. "Okay, okay, fine... Just come with me, we really should talk about this in private," "Why?" I ask He gives me a very serious look and says "Trust me, no one can listen to us talk about this". He walks towards the theater and I have no choice but to [[follow]].

The theater was completely empty, besides the stage and a bar off to the side of the enormous room. He goes behind the curtains of the stage and I follow. He pulls out two chairs and a table, "sit" he commands. I don't argue and take a seat. "Why on earth are we so hidden from everyone else? I don't get what's the problem with my grandfather; every time I mention anything about him, everyone freaks out," I say breaking the silence. "Oh my goodness, how many people have you mentioned this too?" he asks with a worried look. "Well, just my mom actually," I admit "Okay good" he says with a sigh of relief. "What's wrong with this guy?" I question frustrated, I wanted answers. "He was a dangerous man," he says cautiously while checking around for anyone one more time. "Wait, really?" I say surprised. "Yes, I remember when we first started the gang. It was just me, him, and a couple of other kids from our school. It wasn't anything special, but it exploded with popularity and everyone wanted to be accepted into it. Once we became super strong and powerful, something changed in him. He became a madman. He killed thousands of people in Chihuahua and was doing things only for his own good. He would even let his own people die. It was too much for me, so I quit. I wasn't going to live that life." "No way," I say with absolute awe. "Yes way," He hasn't gotten rid of his serious look "Is the gang still around?" "Thankfully, no" "So wait, why can't I talk about this publicly?" I ask still kind of puzzled. He stands up and slams his hands on the table "I don't think you know how bad it was!" he yells, his face is red now and looks like he wants to punch the table into pieces. "I-I'm sorry! I'm just still a little confused about it still" I say afraid that he might punch my face in. "No," he says as he sits back down. "I'm sorry too, it just brings back bad memories". he says with a face of absolute sadness. "Ask as many questions as you want, I'll be honest" [[ask about his hobbies]] [[Ask about his favorite food]] [[ask about his taste in music]]

"He really liked to skateboard, yes, we all would in our free time," He says with a big smile on his face. [[Ask about his favorite food]] [[ask about his taste in music]] [[stop asking]]

"Oh man, he absolutely loved tamales," he said as he licked his lips. [[ask about his hobbies]] [[ask about his taste in music]] [[stop asking]]

"Oh, we were really into Latino music, it was our jam," he said with a nostalgic look on his face. [[ask about his hobbies]] [[Ask about his favorite food]] [[stop asking]]

"Okay thanks, I'm done asking questions," I say happy with the results. I'll be able to make an awesome altar with this information. "No problem kid, and go out through this back door, you're probably way too young to be in here". he says while pointing to the exit behind the stage. "Thank you so much". I thank him one more time as I walk out the door. [[go back home]]

I get home around 7:30 and as soon as I walk in my house Mom gives me a big hug. "I'm so sorry honey," she says on the verge of crying. "Tt's okay mom, I know why you snapped, I'm sorry too". "Wait how did you know?" she asks confused while pulling away from the hug. "I found Enrique". "What?" she said shocked. "I got to Central, in the casino, and found Enrique". "W-What?" she said almost screaming it. "I needed to know," I said ashamed, "I know what I did was illegal." I told her the whole story and she freaked out. "I can't believe you did all that!" she yelled. "I'm sorry mom," "No no, it's fine, I'm just glad you're okay," she said and pulled me into another hug. I was super tired and hungry. I ate rice and chicken that my mom made, took a shower, then went to bed. [[Tomorrow is a new day]]

Today is Saturday, November 1, It is 10:22am. Alright, all I need to do today is gather all the things that Grandpa liked. But first, [[I need food]]

After I eat leftovers from yesterday, I go down to the basement and see if I can find anything for the altar. When I get down there I see a variety of boxes. [[Look inside the first box->the box that says "toys"]]

There are three items in here. Which one do I take? [[The Bicycle]] [[The Skateboard]] [[The Roller-skates]]

This box has 4 Records. Each Record is each a different type of genre. Which one do I take? [[Genre R&B]] [[Genre Rock and Roll]] [[Genre Latino]] [[Genre Country]]

You get the small bike and move to the next box. What do you choose next for music? [[County music]] [[R&B music]] [[Rock and Roll musci]] [[Latino Music]]

You take the skate board with you and move on to the next box [[Look in the second box->the box that says "music"]]

You get the pair of roller-skates and move to the next box. What do you choose next for music? [[County music]] [[R&B music]] [[Rock and Roll musci]] [[Latino Music]]

I get the items and go back upstairs Now let me make his favorite food. [[tamales]] [[quesadillas]] [[barbacoa]]

I go back upstairs with the items and put them on the dinning room table. Okay I just need to make his favorite food. [[make tamales]] [[make quesadillas]] [[make barbacoa]]

I get the items and go back upstairs Now let me make his favorite food. [[tamales]] [[quesadillas]] [[barbacoa]]

Okay I got everything done. Lets make this altar! [[get to work]]

I finish the altar fairly early and get done around 4:00. I'm still kind of tired from yesterday, so I just go to bed. I hope Grandma likes it. [[sleep]]

Today is Sunday, November 2, It is 6:42am. Today is officially Dia de Los Muertos. Today is time to show Grandma the altar. Today Grandma will finally feel better. [[Show grandma the altar]]

When you enter her room she is still asleep in her huge bed. I wake her up nervously hoping she will like it. If I mess this up, she'll probably never be happy again. I shake her softly until she wakes up. She sits up slowly on the edge of the bed. I show her my creation and say, "look grandma I made an altar for Grandpa". She sheds a tear and tells me, "thank you Mijo, this is very good". My eyes widen with surprise, I haven't heard her talk in almost a year and this actually worked? Her voice was raspy from not talking for so long, but a rush of relief also washed over me. I give her a hug and ask her, "will you be better now?" "Yes, this is what I needed," she replies with a smile. [[I did it, I made Grandma happy]]

*And so, your character and his family went on with their lives. The grandma started caring for herself and actually starting working too. They finally made enough money to live in central from all the hard the work, They deserved it.* *Thanks for playing!* [[replay?->Start]]

You go towards the slots and see a bunch of people, Like ALOT of people. There is probably three-thousand people in this place. What do I do? [[hide in the crowds]] [[hide behind some slots]]

*Well I hate to break it to you but... You were caught... the door was locked and they got you. Have fun in jail!* **GAME OVER** [[Retry?->Start]]

The plan works and I lose the guards, but the kid wasn't so lucky. Well, I guess he deserves it if he thought he could get away from them if he hid behind the slot machines, out in the open, with no people around. I go back to the main lobby to make my next move. [[go to the main lobby->I guess the plan worked out]]

*Bad decision...* *They obviously caught you because that was a terrible hiding spot. You were thrown in jail too... So that's cool, I guess.* **GAME OVER!!!** [[retry?->Start]]

I get the items and go back upstairs Now let me make is favorite food. [[tamales]] [[quesadillas]] [[barbacoa]]

After I get all the items ready for making the altar, I get started. I finish fairly quick and get done at 4:30 But I was really tired, so [[I'm just going to bed]].

Today Is Sunday, November 2, 6:58am Today is "Dia de Los Muertos". Today I show Grandma the altar. I hope she likes it. [[go show grandma]]

When I walk into the room I see grandma still sleeping in her bed. I walk over to the side of the bed and softly say "grandma, wake up". It only takes me a few tries before she finally wakes up and looks at me with a confused look. "Look grandma," I say as I lift up the altar in front of her face nervously. Her surprised look quickly turned back into sadness and she just turned back over and went to sleep. I was confused. Did i do something wrong? Did she not like it? I had no idea, but I just walked away in complete disappointment and just went back to bed. [[I messed up]].

*You made the altar wrong and your grandma kept on being depressed until she took her life 3 days later. You could have saved her, but you made the altar completely wrong and it did no good.* *You let her down.* *Thanks for playing anyways!* [[replay?->Start]]

"Hey Grandma, can I ask you some questions about grandpa?" I say hoping she would cooperate. A tear goes down her cheek and turns over to face away from me. Great, I'm a terrible person. [[Eat breakfast]]

[[<img src="boxart.png" alt="image not loaded!" width=900 title="Click to play!!">->Start]]