Chris Shapiro DDF Scratch 21

A speed bump jolts you awake. Your partner’s eyes flick towards you for a second, then back to the road. “Sorry about that, I was trying to ease into it so I wouldn’t disturb you but…” An irritated mumble cuts them off. You’re more tired than annoyed. It isn’t your partner’s fault anyway. Maybe you can fall back asleep still. If you can just get comfortable again… “We’re almost there. Do you… Do you remember what I said?” [[Yes]] [[No]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=0&end=28;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Aaaand you’re awake now. You’ve been trying to hide how nervous you are. You think your partner has as well. “Like they are nice people really, but… well they haven’t met many people like you before. Like I do love them to bits and they’re so important to me but...” [[…]] [[If they raised you I’m sure they can’t be that bad]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=28&end=47;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Suddenly you’re very aware how still the air inside the car is. “It’ll be fine. I’m probably being too careful. Anyway, I’ll have a word if they do step too far, so don’t feel like you have to say something, or like you can’t say anything either - I’ll support you if you do as well.” Outside, the grey-tinted landscape continues to roll past, pushing you away with intentional passivity. “Honestly, please don’t worry. They’re more scared of you than you are of them, like snakes.” Your partner places a hand on your shoulder and strokes your arm with their thumb reassuringly. “I probably shouldn’t have just called them snakes, huh?” You take a deep breath. [[Begin ACT I]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=47&end=87;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

ACT I - Meeting “Lovely to meet you at last!” As Their Family turns to see you their arms, open in welcome, tense. Or you imagine they do. They don’t know you yet, they’re meeting a stranger. It’s in your head. It’s fine. You dismiss it. [[Great to meet you too!]] [[Finally! I thought this one was hiding me away!]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=87&end=105;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The following second takes longer than usual. You blink and it ends. “Wow you look so… modern!” [[Thank y-]] [[What d-]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=105&end=114;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

“- and your skin! What a lovely, exotic shade!” A gentle hand slides calmly onto your back, but the arm attached to it is stiff. You feel a silent communication from your partner behind you to Their Family. You feel a retort. “Anyway, it’s pretty chilly out here; come in, come in!” The two of you follow them inside. You feel uneasy but it’s nice. Everyone settles in the sitting room, around a small coffee table. You start to feel warmer. You all start to make small talk together. You learn everything about how a cousin’s baby is doing. Was that the cousin you met? Oh, it wasn’t. Of course not, that was… Your partner needs the toilet. For a moment you tense. But things have been going well, you can relax. “Oh yes, we heard… we were told about where your family’s from. Funny coincidence, our grandfather was actually stationed there during the war. There were some uprisings at the time, he won a medal! Maybe he bumped into one of your ancestors?” (link:"...")[(go-to: "..")] [[Hopefully not.]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=114&end=181;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Warm starts to lean into hot. You shiver. “Yes, anyway Our Child was also telling us about what you’ve been up to recently. It’s very brave of you!” [[Thank you?]] [[Oh… Okay.]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=181&end=192;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

“We just find people like you so inspiring. It must be hard what with your… It’s very brave of you.” The toilet flushes. Silence settles, finds it too awkward and slinks away, just as your partner walks back through the door. Talk returns, small. With the focus less heavily placed on you it becomes easier to relax. Eventually you all move to the dining room for dinner. The food’s okay, nothing extraordinary but also nice enough that it isn’t hard to compliment and ask about. Conversation is easier again, a couple questions about things they think you’re interested in because of your background, some inquiries as to whether you know people you obviously don’t. “Oh, we actually got something because we wanted to make you feel at home. Let me run… go and get it.” You hold your breath. It takes a bit longer so you hold another one. They come back holding a pot of- “So we believe this is called ‘tea’? Are we saying that right? ‘Tea’? It’s a delicacy, right?” It was a joke. They’re self-aware at least. The tension releases. [[Laugh politely]] [[Laugh hard]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=192&end=266;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Nobody else is laughing. Oh no. [[Oh I’m so sorry, I just thought-]] [[Wait that wasn’t a-]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=266&end=272;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

“Oh. Sorry. We didn’t mean to… We just thought…” The evening doesn’t recover. It doesn’t get worse either which is a blessing of sorts, one not to be taken for granted. Unfortunately, you are staying the night. Everyone turns in quite early. As you get ready for bed your partner tells you it’s fine. You don’t believe them. You struggle to sleep… …And wake up early. Your partner is still asleep. You can hear someone else in the house is awake, maybe in the kitchen? You decide to stay in bed, maybe you can sleep some more… You can’t. It’s fine. You can stay in bed until your partner wakes up. Shouldn’t take too long. More people are awake in the house now. Your partner isn’t one of them. It’s fine, as long as you don’t need the- Toilet. You need to go to the toilet. How is your partner still sleeping? Maybe if you nudge them just a bit… They finally wake up. You really need to go to the toilet. You force them to hurry out of bed and send them out to distract Their Family while you go to the toilet. Breakfast happens. You’re on eggshells, and so are Their Family. Conversation is polite, almost warm. Almost. As you’re both about to leave your partner needs to go to the toilet again. You’re left alone with their family again. There’s no way out, unless you’re incredibly rude. Again. You don’t want to risk it. “Well it was lovely meeting you! You must come around another time.” [[Yeah, you too! We’d be glad to.]] [[Yeah, you too.]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=272&end=380;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

“We were actually a bit worried that we wouldn’t be able to understand you, but you’re very eloquent! We were really impressed.” (link:"...")[(go-to: ".")] [[Thank you??]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=380&end=389;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Your partner’s back. You get the feeling that they rushed. As the car pulls out of the drive you start to finally relax. You exhale deeply. [[Begin ACT II]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=389&end=402;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

ACT II - Again It’s going to go better this time. Their Family’s in town, it’s just dinner at Your Partner’s. No overnight stay. There’s less pressure. And yet there’s also more. You’re going to break the news that you’re moving in together next month. You’re excited. For the move, not telling Their Family. You’re dreading that. “You look… great! Very… interesting as always. Modern.” [[Oh… Thank you?]] [[Um, you too.]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=402&end=432;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

As they make themselves comfortable you start to feel shiftless. “Don’t worry we’ll be on our best behaviour tonight! Our Child spoke to us after last time, apparently we stepped over the mark a bit, we’re very sorry if we offended you.” [[Oh… it’s okay I thought maybe I also…]] [[Um, not at all, no I-]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=432&end=446;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

“Anyway, it’s a bit warm, isn’t it? Could we get a cold drink? It was a long walk… journey from the station.” [[Sure, let me-]] [[What would y-]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=446&end=454;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

They cut you off. “Oh no, just point us where to go, we aren’t so old we need... you to get it for us. We don’t want to put you out, just take it easy.” Your Partner comes out the kitchen just then. They go to get the drinks and are gone again. Inwardly you roll your eyes. You were afraid of this happening. “While it’s just us actually I had a little question I wanted to ask, I hope it’s okay? It’s just a little thing.” [[I guess…]] [[What is i-]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=454&end=481;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

“How do you have sex?” … … [[I’m sorry-]] [[What-]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=481&end=485;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

“I hope it’s okay to ask? I know it might feel a bit weird, what with you seeing… dating Our Child and all but we were just curious how it works. No need to be shy, we’re very open minded and with it.” They wait expectantly. You hesitate just long enough for Your Partner to come in with the drinks. Conversation moves on. Your partner remains in the room and Their Family drops the sex thing. They don’t seem to address you much when Your Partner is there. Dinner is eventually ready, and your partner rushes off again. Their Family sidles alongside you. “I guess it’s clear who wears the trousers in your relationship, eh?” Obviously they’re trying to bond with you. But what do you say to that. They move off before you can decide on anything. During the meal your partner breaks the news. Their Family seems startled. Not pleased but not obviously displeased either. “So presumably you won’t work, you’ll stay at home?” Before you can respond Your Partner does. They aren’t happy. You stifle a smile. Now dinner is cleared most of the tension from earlier has dissipated. Conversation moves to normal things. And then Their Family starts asking you about your cultural heritage… But it’s fine? They’re being normal. Maybe they have made an effort? Maybe it’s okay- “Well you’re certainly lucky to be over here though.” You pause. You realise Your Partner isn’t there. They must have gone to the toilet thinking it was safe. “We’re allowed to say that right? I mean it’s true. Someone like you…. Don’t get it wrong, we’re not one of those people who’s all… y’know. It’s just true isn’t it?” [[Why don’t you tell me exactly what you mean?]] [[Not one of those people who’s all what?]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=485&end=595;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Before you get two words in they cut you off. “Oh, Our Child’s coming. They’re a bit sensitive so we don’t want to offend them, let’s change the subject shall we?” And so, while you’re stunned silent, Their Family moves the conversation on. Your Partner has no clue, though they do put a supportive hand on your shoulder. Not long after that Their Family leaves. You’re quiet that night. Your partner asks if you’re okay. They think it’s just the thing at dinner. You won’t tell them more until tomorrow. You’ll play it down. You don’t sleep very well. [[Begin ACT III]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=595&end=637;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

ACT III - And Again You tell Your Partner that you’re not looking forward to this, that Their Family hate you. “No, they’re just like that when they don’t understand… they’re a bit backwards. But they like you, I promise.” Your Partner doesn’t often lie to you. Maybe they believe that. Maybe Their Family does too. “You know how much we like you don’t you?” [[Yeah, I know…]] [[Do you?]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=637&end=664;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Your Partner has just gotten a call. It’s important. It’s That call. They had to take it. You understand. You don’t like it, but you understand. In fact, you really don’t like it. You’ve been left alone with Their Family again. “Honestly, we really like you…. But things seem to be getting serious between you and Our Child, so we were… curious about a couple things. You know, since it’s not just a phase and nobody’s getting any younger.” [[Oh…kay?]] [[A phase?]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=664&end=699;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Their Family shifts slightly. Very slightly. “We don’t mean to be rude, we just want to know what’s going on. We just want to be able to tell the rest of the family and our friends what’s going on, so they don’t get the wrong impression, y’know?” [[Wrong impression?]] [[What do you mean?]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=699&end=714;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

“Sorry, could you let us speak please? You’re coming across quite aggressively and we’re being nothing but polite.” ? ?? ??? “Do you honestly think you’re capable of providing for or keeping a family? With how you are… it just doesn’t seem like you can to us. We know what it takes. It isn’t easy, even if you’re normal.” [[Normal?!]] (link:"...")[(go-to: "……")] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=714&end=745;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

“Excuse me, we haven’t finished. Even if you can, what will your children be like? Will you make your problems theirs? Will you let them have a normal childhood and enjoy being children while they’re children? Worst case scenario we don’t want Our Grandchildren having to deal with all your… complications while they’re still young. You understand, don’t you?” [[Complications?]] [[No, I don’t. Please elaborate.]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=745&end=766;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

“With You as a parent, even if they’re lucky and healthy, they won’t have an easy start. I mean sure, there’s not really any discrimination nowadays, but still. Like what will they think with you confusing them? You don’t exactly act properly for your gender. I know it’s a modern thing, but you’re getting a bit old for it aren’t you?” [[Modern thing?]] [[I think you’re being unfair.]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=766&end=789;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

“Sorry, can you please be less aggressive? You’re making us cry.” [[You haven’t let me say anything, how am I being aggressive?]] [[I don’t think I’m the one being aggressive right now.]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=789&end=795;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

“Look at that, You’ve made us cry. We’re just trying to have a conversation and you can’t control your temper.” You don’t understand what’s happening. And yet you do. “We’re leaving. But this isn’t done. We need answers. This is Our Child’s future, Our Grandchildren. We just don’t want it being messed up.” The door shuts after them, forcing a gust of cold air into the flat. Over the coming days you’ll think to yourself that maybe you were a bit aggressive. Maybe you didn’t contain your anger enough? You thought you were calm. Your Partner was livid when they found out. You hadn’t even talked about having children with each other. They had a long talk with Their Family. For some reason you had asked them not to. You rush through the following weeks, knowing that in time the memory would fade. But for a while it doesn’t. [[Begin Breakup]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=795&end=855;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Breakup “What? Why? This just feels so out of the blue. I thought… I thought things were going well between us?” [[It’s not about that]] [[well actually…]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=855&end=864;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

“Was it something I did? Something I said? Something I didn’t do or didn’t say? I’m so sorry, please, please tell me.” [[It’s not you it’s…]] [[I do love you but…]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=864&end=872;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

“…” (link:"...")[(go-to: "…..")] [[it’s…]]

“Is it my family?” (link:"...")[(go-to: "…...")] [[Yeah.]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=875&end=878;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

“I knew it.” “I knew it.” “Please don’t do this because of them. Please.” “I- I would rather it be because of me. If it is. I know they’ve been bad but we can work something out. We don’t have to see them so often. Or you don’t have to come with me when I do. There are ways… I- I-“ “I love you so much.” [[I know.]] [[I love you too but…]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=878&end=901;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

“I’m sorry. Maybe you’re right. I’m being selfish, I’m sorry. This can’t be easy for you either.” “I remember… I remember you telling me about your ex. This is the same isn’t it? It happened again. It’s the same.” [[yeah…]] (link:"...")[(go-to: "…....")] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=901&end=918;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

“Ha, I guess I’m the ex now, in the same story you tell someone else. Strange. I hope I’m the last.” “…” “I’m sorry, I- I have to be selfish, I love you. I love you too much. Please. Don’t do this. We can figure something out. At least try something out, and then if it still doesn’t work…” “Please.” [[I love you too.]] [[Goodbye.]] <iframe width="1" height="1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CauJVyoCUQ8?start=918&end=943;controls=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The End An interactive story by Chris Shapiro [[Play again?]]

An interactive story by Chris Shapiro (link:"Click here to begin")[(go-to: "Play again?")]