Struggles in Shanghai

//''1939'' Dear diary, There had been a lot of talk about Shanghai opening their borders. Rumor has it, you don't need a visa to get in, whereas the rest of China, you do. I'm currently on a boat on my way there. It's both nervewracking and a little exciting to think I'm on my way to an entirely different place. Germany seemed to become more and more dangerous for people like me. I can only hope that things will be better for me here. Wish me luck, Yanina // [[Next->arrival]]

// ''1939'' <center><img src="https://github.com/wllpwr/wllpwr.github.io/blob/master/images/yanina/filmlist.ShanghaiGhetto.jpg?raw=true" width=100% height=100%></center> Dear diary, Well, I'm finally here. It's been a long journey, but it's finally over. The city of Shanghai is nothing like I thought it would be. It's been extremely hard to communicate with other people since I obviously don't speak the language. To be honest, it's a little frightning to be in such a brand new place with no connections or means of conversing with others. See you next time, Yanina // [[Next->First choice]]

I've been walking around for what feels like hours now. It feels aimless to me -- I'm not really sure where I should be going or doing first. The path I'm hobbling down now splits off into two directions. [[Turn left]] [[Turn right]]

(if:$wentOtherWayFirst is true)[After returning from the passageway, I decided to go the other way instead. This street is //much// more crowded than the last. It's loud, and there's people and shops everywhere.](else:)[I turn left down the passageway. It really just looks like any other street I've been down before. It's a crowded street, with many chattering people walking in and out of shops at every turn.] I'm feeling a little bit of uneasiness. It almost feels like I'm being watched. I see someone out of the corner of my eye. A man, dressed in a long coat and a hat. Turns out I //was// being watched -- the man begins to approach me. (if:$wentOtherWayFirst is true)[ [[Allow him to approach]] ] (else:)[ [[Turn around|Left before approach]] [[Allow him to approach]] ]

(if:$avoidedCommunity is true) [ I go back the way I came, and take other passageway. This street is less crowded than the one I was just on. ](else:)[I turn right. This street seems to be very empty; there's almost no one here. ] A feeling of uneasiness sweeps over me. Further down the street, I see a woman, sitting on a bench, wrapped in a blanket. She seems to have similar features to my own(if:$avoidedCommunity is true)[, and it gives me courage to walk up to her. [[Approach her]]](else:)[. Should I approach her? [[Approach her]] [[Do not approach her]] ]

I slow down my pace, eventually coming to a halt -- the man is now standing beside me. He's speaking to me in English, a Russian accent thick on his tongue. Thankfully, I can understand a bit of what he's trying to say. It's not my native language, but this commonality between us lets us exchange some information. From what information I can retain, it sounds like he's asking me where I'm from. After a few back and forths, we've established that we're both Jews that have fled Germany seeking a better life. He tells me that he's been in Shanghai for a while now, and that he lives in a small community that would welcome me. (if:$wentOtherWayFirst is true)[I already turned down my last offer. I think I should take this one. [[Accept the kind gesture]]] (else:)[ [[Reject the offer->Go back]] [[Accept the kind gesture]] ]

Oh wow! A whole community here, just like me! It really does sound too good to be true. But I won't know until I get there. I tell the man that I'd be happy to accept his offer. It's hard to contain my excitement as I tell him. He tells me to follow him closely, and that he'd lead me back. [[Follow]]

I quickly shuffle away from the area before man gets the chance to approach me. Probably not the safest idea to stick around. (set: $avoidedCommunity to true) [[Go back the other way|Turn right]]

It was nice of him to offer, but it all seems a little too convienent. Probably best to avoid whatever I was about to get into. (set: $avoidedCommunity to true) [[Go back the other way|Turn right]]

The woman looks up at me, and gives me a quick smile. Noticing that I'm not from here, she asks me if I wanted to take a seat next to her. I sit and talk with her for a while. She tells me that the Americans are funding a camp for Jewish refugees not far from here. She says that if I'm interested, she wouldn't mind taking me over to have a look. (if:$avoidedCommunity is true)[She seems reliable and trustworthy. It's work a look, if nothing more. [[Follow her]]](else:)[ [[Reject the offer]] [[Follow her]] ]

My shyness gets the best of me, and I decide not to approach her. I suppose I'll just go back the way I came. (set: $wentOtherWayFirst to true) [[Go back|Turn left]]

We walk for what feels like forever. Eventually, we come to a quiet, isolated neighborhood. He tells me that we're finally here. I take it all in. It honestly looks just like any normal neighboorhood. Either way, it's better than living in Germany right now. I can really see myself being able to get comfortable here. [[Write in journal]]

// ''1940'' Dear diary, It's been some time since I was introduced to this new community. Nearly everyone here is Jewish, so there's a lot of culture overlap. I was rather skeptical about this at first. A man had approached me on the street, and invited me to join this neighborhood. Who wouldn't be nervous about following some random person on the street? Despite my nerves, I went with confidence that this is where I'd be able to establish myself. <center><img src="https://github.com/wllpwr/wllpwr.github.io/blob/master/images/yanina/2e2e93dd95786581afb7e308e3d2bd49.jpg?raw=true" width=100% height=100%></center> Within the community, people have been starting to create little stores and other places where they can show off their craft. Why can't I do the same? Growing up, I used to help my mom bake and tend to the garden. I should be able to use my abilities for the greater good. My plan is to either open a bakery or a flower shop. [[Flower shop]] [[Bakery]] //

// I think I'm more drawn towards the idea of the flower shop. Maybe I could grow some vegetables too. My mom did always enjoy freshly grown cucumbers and mushrooms, and always gave out the extras to neighbors or local businesses. It's decided then. Flower shop or a greenhouse is what I'll be doing. I'll write to you again once things start coming together. Wish me luck (again), Yanina // (set: $job to "florist") [[Continue]]

// I did always love to bake. It was fun and exciting to watch meals come together. My mother would always bake meals for our neighbors to enjoy. I could turn a profit baking my mom's famous pierogis. It's decided then. Bakery it is! I'll fill you in as things unfold. Wish me luck (again), Yanina // (set: $job to "baker") [[Continue]]

// ''1941'' Dear diary, You won't believe this. The business is going great! I never would've thought I'd be able to make it as a $job. (if:$job is "florist")[ I managed to start a garden in the backyard of the place I'm staying in. I've started growing many different kinds of flowers and veggies alike. People are loving them, and I'm making a good amount of money every day. With some more time, I feel like this could actually go somewhere.] (else:)[Baking things has proven to be extremely rewarding. There's a person in the neighborhood who's been supplying me with ingredients. My peirogis are big hit. Just like mom used to make.] See you next time, Yanina // [[Next]]

// ''1941'' <center><img src="https://github.com/wllpwr/wllpwr.github.io/blob/master/images/yanina/Busy_street_with_market_stalls_Shanghai_1890s-845x530.jpg?raw=true" width=100% height=100%></center> Dear diary, Everyone seems a little restless lately. There's been lots of rumors going around that the Americans are going to involve themselves in this war. People seem to think that things are going to start to change around here. Let's hope for the best, Yanina // [[Next->Next entry]]

// ''1942'' Dear diary, (if:$barracks is false)[Business isn't doing too great lately. Many of the shops and stores around me are struggling. A few of them have even closed down. While I think my business will be fine for now, I am definitely concerned about the longevity of it.](else:)[The Americans have entered the war. The word going around is that they're pulling funding for the camps to fund their military efforts instead. There isn't enough medicine to go around anymore, and more and more people are getting sick. The supply of clothes is getting tight. The future of these camps are not looking good.] I can't reach out to any of my family or friends back home to know what's going in. I don't know if they're okay, or even if they're alive. I hope I can pull through. See you, Yanina // [[Next->Nexter entry]]

// ''1942'' Dear diary, (if:$barracks is false)[Well, it's over. I can't keep my business open anymore. My job as a $job is over. People aren't able to afford anything anymore, and (if:$job is "baker")[it's becoming harder and harder for me to buy ingredients off my neighbor.](else:)[with the cold winter, I don't have much to sell right now.]](else:)[Things just keep getting worse without any outside help, and there's no end in sight. The building is continuing to fall apart, and supplies are few and far between.] My future here is looking a little shaky. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep going like this. Yanina // [[Next->Ghetto]]

It seems like any other day right now. Things have been rather quiet, and you can tell people are suffering. Myself included, (if:$barracks is false)[ever since I had to shut my business down.](else:)[especially with no supplies coming in.] I'm not really sure what my dinner is going to entail tonight. (if:$barracks is false)[I've had to get creative about how I'm getting my food. Right now, I'm going around asking if anyone has anything to spare. I hate to beg, but I don't have many choices.](else:)[Portions have become so astronomically small, I don't know how I'm holding on.] In the distance, I'm hearing what at first sounds like fireworks. I look around for any clues as to what it might be, when out of the corner of my eye I spot smoke in the direction of the water. This can't be good. [[Next->Nextester entry]]

// ''1942'' Dear diary, I've figured out what's been happen at the water. Needless to say, it's definitely not good. It turns out Japan has decided to invade the city. They've bombed some ships down by water, and the Japanese are flooding in. People in the (if:$barracks is false)[neighborhood](else:)[camps] seem to be panicking, and no one really knows what's going to hap // [[Next->Nextestester entry]]

I hear shouting. A language I've never heard before. There's men armed with guns, marching down the street, with large trucks bearing a flag following close behind. That flag is undeniabily Japanese. I stay for only a moment, not wanting to know what is going to happen next. [[Next|Nextestesterer entry]]

It was nice of her to offer, but I want to try and look around some more for myself. I give her my farewells and head on my way. I decide to head back the way I came, and try the other way instead. (set: $wentOtherWayFirst to true) [[Go back|Turn left]]

Why not? She seems kind enough, and I don't really have any other options right now. I tell her that I'd love to see this camp. She gets off the ground, and tells me to follow closely. [[Next|Followed her]]

// ''1939'' Dear diary, It's been a few days since I decided to follow the woman to the camp. The living situation isn't ideal, but at least I have a roof over my head for now. It's pretty crowded, and it's difficult to get any privacy. This is definitely going to take some getting used to. All the best, Yanina // [[Continue|Followered her]]

// ''1940'' Dear diary, The housing is much worse than I originally thought. It's dirty, falling apart, and when it rains, it's almost like there's no roof at all. The food portions are smaller than any of us would've preferred. I should count my blessings. At least I have something. Here's to hoping that the American funding will improve. It's becoming really unbearable living here. Here's to a better future ahead, Yanina //(set: $barracks to true) [[Next]]

// ''1945'' Dear diary, All the Japanese are gone. It feels like a ghost town. There was initially much confusion about the circumstances -- it seemed as if the Japanese had disappeared into thin air without any warning. No soldiers, no guards, no Japanese police. It turns out the Japanese had actually surrendered. The war is over. I can taste the freedom in the air. I can finally leave. I can finally feel like a real person again, taking control of my own life. It doesn't feel real. [[Next|Last liberation]] //

// ''1945'' Dear diary, After years of being in the dark, I've finally found out about what tragedies have struck my family and friends back at home. From what I've heard, the things that I've been through don't even compare to the things that are happening there. I can only hope and pray that everyone's all right. Now that the ghetto in Shanghai is no more, I've decided to once again try to start a new life for myself. Things would look pretty good for me if I moved to America. The word is, under their president, you could apply for a cooperative statement of support, under which Jewish organizations would put in a guarantee for any of us who wish to go to America. Maybe I'll have better luck being a $job in America instead. I believe that this will be the end of my story here in Shanghai. As a way of leaving part of myself behind, I'm going to leave my journal here, with the hopes that someone will read my story. Goodbye, Yanina // [[Kai's story|Beginning of Kai's story]]

// ''1943'' Dear diary, The Japanese have declared a desginated area for stateless refugees. I'm there now. I can't walk ten feet without seeing a guard -- they patrol all day long. We have a curfew here. Food is rationed, and in order to leave and enter, you need a pass. Anything that any of us knew on the outside is no more. Everything seems chaotic right now. I'm a little lost for words about the whole situation. [[Next|start of ghetto]] //

<center><img src="https://github.com/wllpwr/wllpwr.github.io/blob/master/images/yanina/DSC_3902.jpeg?raw=true" width=100% height=100%></center> It's been a few days since I was relocated. More and more people are coming in every day. (if:$barracks is true)[I thought the barracks were bad, but it doesn't even hold a candle to how crowded this place is.] This place is too small to hold all of us. I'm minding my own business, when I'm approached by a woman. She's going to everyone, begging for food. Now it's my turn. She's claiming she needs more food for her young child. [[Share some food]] [[Ignore]]

It hurts my stomach to do this, but it's hard enough here. We should really help each other out when we can. I give her a bit of the food I'm carrying on me. The woman thanks me profusely, and heads on her way. There's something about giving to others that just makes you feel better, even when you're struggling yourself. (set: $charity to true) [[Next|diseases]]

There's hardly enough food to go around. I'm not going to give up what little food I have for myself, for someone I don't even know. I try to brush her off, and she walks away disappointed. (set: $charity to false) [[Next|diseases]]

// ''1943'' Dear diary, With so many people coming in, in addition to the abhorant cleanliness, disease runs rampant. People are getting sick left and right around me. I'm trying my hardest to stay away from it all, but it's difficult when there's nowhere else to go. When you get sick under these conditions, there's really nothing you can do but hope that you pull through. All the best, Yanina (if:$charity is true)[[[Next|Healthy]]](else:)[[[Next|Sickly]]] //

Even though everyone around me is dropping like flies, I'm managing to not get sick. It's really a wonder how long my health will stand. [[Next|Entry after health]]

It really didn't take long for me to get sick as well. I've been coughing, sneezing, and throwing up what little food I'm eating. Trying to stay hydrated under these conditions feels impossible. [[Next|Entry after sickly]]

// ''1944'' Dear diary, I've been avoiding everyone around me as much as possible. This seems to have been keeping me healthy so far. Rations are getting scarce, and I don't always get food. I can feel myself getting weaker with each passing day. Yanina [[Next|starving]] //

// ''1944'' Dear diary, My sickness just seems to keep getting worse. No matter what I do, I can't get myself feeling remotely better. I'm feeling really weak, and having trouble keeping my strength up. My neighbors are showing concern for me, and they've been trying to get me extra rations. Hopefully with this extra care, I'll be able to feel better soon. Yanina [[Next|Feeling better]] //

// ''1943'' Dear diary, Lately, I've been feeling a little bit better. I'm able to hold down the food I'm getting, and I can move around a bit more now. Hopefully I'll be more resiliant to any sicknesses that I might get in the future. I know I'll definitely need it. While it was nice of my neighbors to help give me some extra food while I was sick, now that I'm better, I can't rely on them anymore. Yanina [[Next|starving]] //

// ''1944'' <center><img src="https://github.com/wllpwr/wllpwr.github.io/blob/master/images/yanina/image2.png?raw=true" width=100% height=100%></center> I am so tired of not being able to know if I'm going to eat or not. Every day, someone is starving, sick, or on the brink of death. Diseases spread like wildfire here, and it doesn't help that things don't get cleaned. How can I have any kind of hope while I'm surrounded by all of this chaos? This hell has really sparked my imagination in regards to what I want in life. I often find myself daydreaming about what could've been. (if:$barracks is true)[All I can think about is having a nice, big house, filled to the brim with fancy things, and lavish furnature. With a large backyard, covered in the greenest grass you've ever seen.](else:)[(if:$job is "florist")[The garden. It could've been so much more. I could've had my own shop that expanded all over the town, where everyone would want to go for fresh fruits and veggies. I could cater my flowers for parties and weddings. Everyone would yearn for my plants.](else:)[My bakery would've been world famous. Everyone would know my name, my trade, and the things I have to offer. My piergois would be to die for and lines for them would form down the street.]] My wild imagination seems to be the only thing keeping me sane. Yanina // [[Next|next starving]]

// ''1945'' Dear diary, Many rumors have been going around that the Jewish population in Shanghai are going to be shipped away. People claim that there are boats waiting for us, and some say that if we board them, we're sure to be faced with imminent death. I hear planes going overhead all the time. I can tell they're American -- sounding like a speeding bullet. Me and a bunch of others make shelters out of our mattresses and desks -- these planes do more than just fly. For a while they did just that, until one day, they did much more. Eventually, the planes were consistently accompanied by bombs that shook the ground. I'm certain that they're bombing a lot more than just us. The best way that I could describe it was hell on earth. Just utter chaos. I have no idea what's going to happen next. I'm just grateful that I'm still alive. Yanina [[Next|Start of liberation]] //

This city is everything I thought it would be. I've just moved into a small apartment after having lived in Haikou for most of my life. It's a huge change for me. Shanghai is bustling, full of life. I haven't had much time to look around my apartment yet since today is my first day. I'll take a look at where I'll be resting my head. [[Look in the bedroom]]

Well, here it is. It's nothing special, but I wasn't expecting much in the first place. Maybe I'll get some rest before I fully unpack. I start walking over to the bed, until suddenly, I find my foot jammed inbetween the floorboards, with one of the planks broken clean off. That's definitely going to put a dent in my paycheck. There's something inside the floor, and it looks like I could reach out and grab it. [[Grab it]]

It's a notebook. It doesn't look that old, but it's certainly dusty. I wonder how long it's been here. As far as the landlord knows, no one has lived here for years. I suppose I should take a look at it. No harm done, right? I open up the journal, and begin reading. [[Read]]

This journal contains a story from a girl named Yanina. From the looks of it, it seems like she also came to Shanghai to start a new life, only she was escaping Germany for freedom. (if:$barracks is true)[It seems like she was living in the American funded barracks, and had a really difficult time. Crowdedness, horrible conditions, and many sleepless nights.](else:)[It seems like she got herself involved in a friendly little community! She managed to make a life for herself, being a $job, even. (if:$job is "florist")[She apparently had a little garden going on, complete with flowers and vegetables, which she sold to her neighbors for a profit.](else:)[She apparently did lots of baking, and her pierogies were popular with her neighbors.]] Everything seemed to be going fine, until the Japanese took over the city. She was thrown into ghettos, where she pulled through terrible conditions. (if:$charity is true)[Despite the disease that was running rampant, she somehow managed to keep herself healthy. I had heard rumors of the conditions in these places, and I'm completely shocked by this.](else:)[She apparently got deathly sick, which is unsurprising, considering the conditions there. I wonder if it was some sort of karma... Thankfully, her bunkmates helped nurse her back to "full" health.] She also dealt with constant starvation, which she managed to pull through, until our military came and liberated them. Wow. What a crazy ride this was to read. I know that these kind of events did actually happen, but it's a little chilling to be reading a journal from someone who actually went through it. I should keep this journal for now. It shouldn't fall into neglectful hands. Maybe I could expand it with my own entries, if something eventful enough happens to me. Some kind of journal chain. [[Next|Easing into life]]

// 1948 Dear journal, This marks my first entry. I'm continuing just a page after where Yanina left off. It feels a little surreal to be writing in a journal that someone had a few years ago. Life in Shanghai has been... difficult, to say the least. The ongoing fights between the CCP and the Guomindang have been taking a toll on the city, both economically, and in terms of citizen moral. People are definitely getting nervous. Hope things get better, Kai // [[Next|Inflation]]

Money is getting tight. The inflation rates here just continue to skyrocket, and I can barely afford my apartment anymore. I really want to take a walk around the area and see how others are fairing. [[Go left out of the apartment]] [[Go right out of the apartment]]

<center><img src="https://github.com/wllpwr/wllpwr.github.io/blob/master/images/kai/rice.jpg?raw=true" width=100% height=100%></center> The street this way looks like it normally does nowadays -- depressing. It's clear people are struggling. ''BUMP'' I should've been looking where I was going. I've bumped into someone carrying a bucket of rice, and I made him spill it all over the ground. He cries in frustration and begins scraping up the rice back into his bucket. [[Help him]] [[Go my own way]]

<center><img src="https://github.com/wllpwr/wllpwr.github.io/blob/master/images/kai/families.jpg?raw=true" width=100% height=100%></center> Things have really gone downhill since the economy began collapsing. This street is filled to the brim with families in living spaces that are far too small. I can only imagine the kinds of problems they're running into behind the scenes. How do you feed a family of 6 under these conditions? There's an older women who looks like she's jumping from person to person. She soon approaches me, asking me if I could spare even the slightest amount of money to help feed her family. I'm getting some deja vu... [[Help her out a bit]] [[Tell her you can't]]

(if:$charity is true)[You know, this reminds me of when Yanina helped out that old woman back in the ghettos.](else:)[I know times are tough right now, but I don't think I'd stoop to Yanina's level when it came to helping others. Maybe that's a bit harsh, but it's the truth.] There's no harm in being helpful, especially when I've caused the problem. I get down and help the man pick his rice back up. It's no time to be picky about where your food has touched... I know the feeling. The man, while still clearly frustrated, begins to thank me for my kindness. I think he knew it was an accident. (set: $kaiCharity to true) [[Next|Corruption]]

(if:$charity is false)[I feel a lot like Yanina right now.] I don't have the energy to help the man pick up his rice. Besides, it spilled on the floor, is he really still going to eat that? (set: $kaiCharity to false) [[Next|Corruption]]

(if:$charity is true)[If Yanina did it, so can I.](else:)[I'm going to try to be a better person than Yanina was.] I hand her the most amount of money I can afford to give right now. Her eyes sparkle a bit, and she reaches for me to give me the biggest hug I've ever gotten. I get a profuse thank you, and she heads on her way. (set: $kaiCharity to true) [[Next|Corruption]]

It physically pains me to do this. I tell her that I can't afford to give her any money right now, and that things are really difficult for me. She goes on her way, looking disappointed. (set: $kaiCharity to false) [[Next|Corruption]]

// 1948 <center><img src="https://github.com/wllpwr/wllpwr.github.io/blob/master/images/kai/streets.jpg?raw=true" width=100% height=100%></center> Dear journal, I don't know what our leaders are doing. Things just keep getting worse, with no end in sight. You can see it on people's faces -- everyone's feeling it. The Communists are making a compelling case for themselves. They promised that their new land reform plan would help to reform all the economic problems we're facing and that even poor people would be given their own land that they could thrive on. It's hard not to like a plan with that, especially when you consider what the Nationalists have been doing. Things between these two sides continue to escalate. I can only hope that they won't bring a full out battle here to the city. Guess we'll see what happens, Kai // [[Next|northern control]]

// 1948 Dear journal, The Communists are getting more and more control. Word is going around that they have almost total control of northern China now. They'll probably end up reaching Shanghai after all at this rate. Also, rumor has it that the Soviets are helping the Communists upgrade their weaponry. This might end up being a bloodbath. There's also this guy -- Mao, that's his name -- who's leading the Communist effort. He seems really big into the idea of unity and having a common effort. Hopefully all stays well, Kai // [[Next|Walk around the street]]

<center><img src="https://github.com/wllpwr/wllpwr.github.io/blob/master/images/kai/boats.jpg?raw=true" width=100% height=100%></center> They say they're coming. There's going to be an invasion on Shanghai itself soon, just like I feared. They've taken over our neighboring town, Suzhou, so it's clear that this city is next. This all came so suddenly, thanks to the fact that the higher ups refused to tell us anything. People are pouring out of the city in droves in fear of invasion. I don't know exactly what I should do. [[Leave]] [[Stay]]

I don't want to stay here where I might get caught in the crossfire. I need to go now. I start packing up some of my most important things -- my money, some clothes, a few of my keepsakes, and of course, Yanina's journal. I start heading my way towards the train station, so I can leave here as fast as I can. (set: $leftShanghai to true) [[Next|Journal entry]]

No, I'm sure things will be fine. There's no reason to panic -- right? I'm sure if I just stay indoors, no harm will come to me. I take a look outside from my apartment. The streets are congested to no end. Just have to stay out of the way. Stay out of the way. (set: $leftShanghai to false) [[Next|Martial law]]

// 1949 <center><img src="https://github.com/wllpwr/wllpwr.github.io/blob/master/images/kai/execute.jpg?raw=true" width=100% height=100%></center> Dear journal, I should've left. Things are going to absolute hell here. The Nationalists are attempting to "weed out" any Communists within the city. How do they know if someone's a Communist or not?? These supposed traitors are getting executed in the streets. It's so inhumane. I don't know what to do. I can only hope that I'll be able to pull through. // [[Next|Come to house]]

There's knocking on my door. It has to be the soldiers. What should I do? [[Open the door]] [[Do nothing]]

I open the door. There they are. Three soldiers flood into my house, and begin looking around. (set: $increaseChances to false) [[Next|Questioning]]

The knocking gets louder. And louder. Until I hear the sound of wood cracking and breaking. They've just broken down the door anyways. (set: $increaseChances to true) [[Next|Questioning]]

I'm immediately bombarded with questions. How long have I lived here? What do I do for work? Where was I originally from? There's no end to them, but I still answer as best as I can. I can only hope that they won't chalk me up to be an enemy. They walk away and reconvene. It sounds like they're talking about my fate. (if:$increaseChances is false and $kaiCharity is true)[(if: ((random: 1, 10) = 10)) [(set:$communist to true)]](if:$increaseChances is true and $kaiCharity is true)[(if: (random: 1, 10) >= 7) [(set:$communist to true)]](if:$increaseChances is false and $kaiCharity is false)[(if: (random: 1, 10) >= 8) [(set:$communist to true)]](if:$increaseChances is true and $kaiCharity is false)[(if: (random: 1, 10) >= 5) [(set:$communist to true)]] [[Next|Fate]]

(if:$communist is true)[The men walk back over to me, with an angry look in their eyes. They tell me to come with them. This is it. They think I'm a communist. I try to run away, but they grab and restrain me. There's nothing I can do. I'm dragged into a car, where other people are sitting as well. I can only imagine that they're also suspected communists. We're all set for execution, without any chance to redeem ourselves. My life is over as I know it. <center><img src="https://github.com/wllpwr/wllpwr.github.io/blob/master/images/kai/itsover.jpg?raw=true" width=100% height=100%></center>] (else:)[The men give me one last look up and down, before walking back over to me. They tell me that I'm clean, and I'm free to go. They leave, (if:$increaseChances is true)[walking over the pieces of what remains of my door as they go.](else:)[looking disappointed as they went.] It looks like I'm in the clear for now. I just have to get through the inevitable communist takeover. [[Next|Invasion]] ]

// 1949 Dear journal, You would not believe the bullet I just dodged. My home was raided by soldiers who were trying to sniff out communists. Thankfully, they didn't peg me as one. I can't imagine what would've happened if they did. I probably wouldn't have even been able to say my goodbyes in the journal. They say the communists are coming in soon. Maybe it'll be good to get these other soldiers out of this city. From what I've been going through, I think anything might be better than them. All the best, Kai // [[Next|True invasion]]

<center><img src="https://github.com/wllpwr/wllpwr.github.io/blob/master/images/kai/tanks.jpg?raw=true" width=100% height=100%></center> It's time. There's soldiers marching down the street outside of my house. There's tanks and other vehicles going down the street as well. Gunshots are going off left and right. I feel so incredibly unsafe right now. I'm just going to stay holed up in my home. I don't want to go outside. [[Next|fighting journal]]

// 1949 Dear journal, I've left Shanghai behind for now. I'm too worried about what might happen with the invasion to stick around. I've taken a train to another town, where I hope will just be a temporary measure. Maybe I'll go back if things aren't too bad. Be safe, Kai // [[Next|Last entry]]

// 1949 Dear journal, It's been around a week since the fighting started. Most of the action has moved away from where I am, but it's definitely still happening. I can still hear gunshots from here. Since it's been quiet in terms of soldiers lately, I've been able to talk to the few people who still stayed behind. Apparently, the old leaders are trying to destroy the city as they retreat from the communists. Thankfully, we're not affected. It sounds like things will be over soon. Hopefully back to normal soon, Kai // [[Next|Last entry]]

// 1949 <center><img src="https://github.com/wllpwr/wllpwr.github.io/blob/master/images/kai/liberation.jpg?raw=true" width=100% height=100%></center> Dear journal, (if:$leftShanghai is true)[I've moved back into Shanghai now. I really have to admit, I missed my home. It's surprisingly untouched, I would've thought that it would've been looted or raided by soldiers.](else:)[I pulled through. I didn't think I would with how hell was initially breaking loose.] The fighting is over. The old leaders have been driven out, and the new ones have been surprisingly careful with their new ways. They seem extremely prepared to have taken over. They all seem so professional and well-kept. (if:$leftShanghai is false)[No one has come into my house either.] I'm really hoping that this marks a new age for the city, and that things continue to get better here. If I ever move, or travel somewhere far away, perhaps I'll leave the journal behind again, so its history can continue to expand. See you when I see you, Kai //

<center> <h1>Struggles in Shanghai</h1> <h3>A Twine story written by Will Gesler and Theresa Gruskos</h3> [[Click here to start|Intro]] </center>