Beep...beep...beep
How you wish that it was the ringing of the alarm clock that disturbed the unsettling silence in the ward. That piercing shrill that bounced against every possible muscle in your eardrums, that noisy stab in the brain that dragged you out of bed every morning. God, you can almost hear how dreadful it is, but despite that, you would rather that irritating ringing than the fateful calls of life and death from the heart [[monitor->thinking hospital bed]]
<img src="https://thumbor.forbes.com/thumbor/fit-in/1200x0/filters%3Aformat%28jpg%29/https%3A%2F%2Fspecials-images.forbesimg.com%2Fdam%2Fimageserve%2F1046447804%2F0x0.jpg%3Ffit%3Dscale" alt="hospital bed">Your eyes clenched and your fingers dug into your palm.
2019, that was when it all started.
Your heart started to ache again. Diagnosis possible contagious illness were always delayed, The immense anxiety and fear, the evergrowing number of patients in the clinics then the hospitals...
The Dengue Fever started it all.
Back then, when the first patient was diagnosed, the whole of Singapore merely thought of this as a common flu, literally, because right after that the disease was so contagious it infected at least 5000 more people
The government thought of everything they could do after realising that Dengue has started to attack Singapore...but the cases kept flooding in. Soon enough, the disease got spread into your community and due to the lack of awareness, you too fell into the clutches of the disease.
[[Why did it have to turn out this way?->checking phone on hospital bed]]You reached for your phone on the side table, pretending not to wince at the tubes inserted right under the flesh of the back of your hand. You did not even realise you had tears streaming down your cheeks until you saw your reflection. Quickly wiping them away, you turned on your phone, It read:
4th October 2021.
How convenient! Tomorrow’s your birthday and the universe’s gift to you is being bedridden alongside your parents,your brother. You scrolled through your phone until you found a [[video tape->video tape 1]] dating back to when the government finally found out what the virus is.(dialog: "\"Government's address\" obtained!", "Next")
“...The Dengue Fever is (background:red)[a mosquito-borne disease caused by the dengue virus] which can be transmitted to humans. Contrary to many beliefs, Dengue is (background:red)[not just spread by any species of mosquito, it can only be spread by the female Aedes mosquito], which breed in still stagnant water. There is no need for worrying, the situation is under control as we’re doing what we can to exterminate those Aedes mosquitoes…”
You began to recall what the Aedes mosquito look like, you were taught this in school once but your memory is a little hazy. The images of two different types of mosquitoes formed in your head, you were sure one of them was the Aedes mosquito.
Mosquito A:
<img src="https://www.differencebetween.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Difference-Between-Dengue-Mosquito-and-Normal-Mosquito-fig-2-1024x676.jpg" alt="anopheles mosquito">
Mosquito B:
<img src="https://i2.wp.com/mmcd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Aedes_Albopictus-e1588873360382.jpg?resize=750%2C418&ssl=1" alt="aedes mosquito">
Which one was it?
[[Mosquito A-> mosquito a]]
[[Mosquito B-> mosquito b]]You felt your feet land on hard ground, your eyes widened not long after your eyelids fluttered open.
//Where am I?! Is this really 2019? It can’t be? Is this a dream or did I really go back in time?//
Your hands fumbled around as you desperately tried to get hold of your phone. In a matter of seconds, you had your grip on a familiar object. As you turned on the device, a scream nearly escaped your lips. You yelp as a sign of surprise but all that came out was a pitiful whimper. Your hands gripped tighter onto your phone as reality started to sink in.
Date: 4th October 2019
You had actually been transported back into time. Mixed feelings stirred within you. You know that this is a once in a lifetime chance to change the future. However, the pressure is real. You can’t help it. You know that you have to do this right! The world’s fate lies in your hands. This is your only chance to save the world and [[change the future->about to check video tape 2]].//But where do I even start? I’m just me, whatever can I do to stop the virus?// Then, the sound of a wave of notifications coming in snapped you back to reality. You looked at your phone and saw that a flood of videotapes had been sent to you.
Feeling curious, you [[opened the first videotape.->video tape 2]](dialog: "\"2019 News Broadcast\" obtained!", "Next")
“Good Morning Singapore, I am Nadia from Techno Studio. BREAKING NEWS!! Just this morning, the Ministry Of Health (MOH) reported to us that 25% of the population are getting (background:red)[sudden onset of fever lasting 2-7 days, accompanied by rashes and the feeling of nausea]. MOH states that those that have this fever had already tried to eat the usual medicine for fever. However, it would not subside. Instead it still continued to last. This strange outcome has the MOH suspecting that this is not a normal fever...”
After watching the first video, you knew that these were the [[signs you’d have to look out for->thoughts after video tape 2]] during this Dengue outbreak.After watching the first video, you knew that this was one of the signs you’d have to look out for during this Dengue outbreak. Then, you received a notification from your favourite food-review streamer, XxVeronicaxX.
Just glancing at the stream preview filled you with a sense of comfort. Who knows? [[Watching the livestream->video tape 3]] might even get you some crucial information! Although, that being said, you do not have much time and you simply [[could not just sit around and watch livestreams->dont watch choice]].(dialog: "\"XxVeronicaxX's symptoms\" obtained!", "Next")
“Now we're moving on to this cafe's signature french toast! French toast is the most superior dessert and if any one of you disagree, you're just wrong. I mean, just look at the amount of syrup and ice-cream on it! The strawberries too! I can't wait to dig in!"
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/c_YTbdYol05n6TwlwEeIiZmf0cIBal17oQ5E6UziIBA6YlYu-Fqp8Jh-fc9xD_UYFrauPW03H7kNU4drUEChFA1GC9K_3qqrawYHVi7Mlh_Ks-hVfGBoxTWm7yuC2CP6LRrI=w1200-h630-p-k-no-nu" alt="skin rashes">
(She started to vigorously scratch her arm)
"Whoa! 'potatoisgod26' just donated and said 'Veronica, diabetes is knocking at your doorstep as we speak'. Good try, buddy, thank you nonetheless, that's too kind! Alright, let's take a bite!"
<img src="https://i0.wp.com/cdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com/content/images/articles/321/321034/senior-women-feeling-sick-holding-hand-over-her-mouth.jpg?w=1155&h=1541" alt="nausea and vomitting">
(After she swallowed her food)
"No no, chat, I'm not dying, I'm alright! I've just been feeling this way for a while now, especially when I'm eating. It's really annoying. There's nothing to worry about though. Fine, guys, I'll check my temperature, relax!"
<img src="https://ak.picdn.net/shutterstock/videos/1050331075/thumb/8.jpg" alt="fever">
"Again, nothing to be concerned about! It has been the same temperature for the past few days, but rest assured I'm okay!"
You have watched enough and clicked out of the stream. Then you realised:
Does Veronica have Dengue Fever?
[[Yes->streamer dengue]]
[[No->streamer no dengue]]
You rather not waste your time anyway, the nation's fate is in your hands and the last thing you want is to fail the mission because you wasted youtr time watching someone hosting a food show.
You knew what you had to do. Despite not being equipped with the optimal amount of Dengue knowledge, you knew you still had to try. You considered that thought for a while and came to one conclusion: the government.
Your eyes are now set on heading to the [[parliament house->parliament house]] ! Of course. The rashes, the constant nausea, the fevers that wouldn’t go away. There was no doubt about it. The streamer just so happened to be inside the cafe that was not too far from where you were. Even if it was only one person you could save, everyone had a part to play in this outbreak.
Is it time you took matters into your own hands?
[[Yes->help streamer choice]]
[[No->dont help streamer choice]]Running to the cafe, you spotted the livestreamer still there and barged through the doors, frightening the few people present. She was leaning forward and holding onto the side of the tabletop for support with one hand, the other stretching across the table to press the "Stop Recording" button. Joining her at the table, you asked her how she was feeling. Feeling nauseous, she could only manage a slight shake of her head which confirmed your suspicion.
You pulled out your phone. “Miss, don’t worry. You seem to be experiencing the symptoms of Dengue fever, I’ll call the hospital immediately, please hold on for a while longer.”
With your words of encouragement, you managed to calm her down and assist her. The ambulance arrived not long after, and before she we you share with her a word of advice, (background:red)[“Seek Medical attention immediately if you have any of the symptoms”] She smiled at you weakly, certainly gratified by your kind gesture and advice.
A few days later, the familiar face of the Livestreamer appears on the news:
[["Livestreamer XxVeronicaxX is now recovering from a case of Dengue Fever, she says she will forever be grateful for her fan’s help"->streamer apartment]]"News Flash! Famous Live Streamer, XxVeronicaxX, is now bedridden and is nearly on the brink of death. Doctors have discovered that the cause of all this is caused by the arising Dengue Fever. More information will be delivered in the coming dates.
Oh no..Had I caused this?..
Would you like to [[retry?->back to 2019]]...No, you're pretty sure that Aedes mosquitoes are black-winged with white stripes on their legs and backs, they also have a long tail also with white stripes on it. That is an Anopheles mosquito, which is brown in colour.
<img src="https://www.differencebetween.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Difference-Between-Dengue-Mosquito-and-Normal-Mosquito-fig-2-1024x676.jpg" alt="anopheles mosquito">
(It's fine! [[Try again?->video tape 1]])[[That's it!->time machine?]] Aedes mosquitoes are black-winged with white stripes on their legs and backs, they also have a long tail also with white stripes on it.
<img src="https://i2.wp.com/mmcd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Aedes_Albopictus-e1588873360382.jpg?resize=750%2C418&ssl=1" alt="aedes mosquito">You placed your phone aside and sighed. Out of the corner of your eye, you spotted a faint gleam, it was coming from inside the bathroom. You pushed yourself out of bed, taking a step closer to the ajar door, Your hands pressed hesitantly on the door.
You gasped, and took a step back, what used to be a bathroom was replaced with a white glowing void. You looked closer. Words started to appear infront of you
"The time machine grants
a two-way trip back into the past.
Change what must be changed,
and save what must be saved.
You are warned however,
that questionable decisions bring consequences."
A person lying on bed had began to materialise, they looked very frail and weak, and was surrounded by various medical professional who all looked very worried. It took you a while to realise that the person lying in bed was you and you almost screamed, still you continued to watch.
That image started to fade away to your relief, more words began to appear.
"Step right in,
you will be brought to where you must be.
Though if you want to pass this chance up,
all you see here will disappear once the door is shut."
You did not even have a choice to make, anything to reverse the tragedy brought to everyone. There was no way you were going to let the opportunity slide, you did not have much to lose anyway. You closed your eyes, let out a shaky breath and [[took a step into the void...->back to 2019]]Remember, the streamer was having itchy rashes, had been feeling nausea and running on a fever for the past few days!
(Think back to the news broadcast about the symptoms of Dengue Fever)
[[Return->video tape 3]] Suddenly, you found yourself in the living room of a well-kept HDB flat. The pictures of Veronica on the walls signalled to you that that was her home.
A strong tingling sense gave you the courage to lurk around, perhaps you could [[discover how she got the Dengue Fever?->mozzie 1]]Destination 1: Toilet
This place has always been a hot spot for mosquitos. Immediately, you see a bright red pail half-filled with stagnant water, that is where Aedes mosquitoes breed! Let’s go back into the past...The Mozzie Wipeout can help us!
What is our first move ?
[[Tip the Pail and get rid of the water->yay 1]]
[[Fill the Pail to the brim->no 1]] Well done! There will be no more stagnant water for the mosquitoes to lay eggs in!
[[Let's keep going!-> mozzie 2]](dialog: "\"Step 1 of Mozzie Wipeout\" obtained!", "Next")Oh no! There is still stagnant water for the mosquitoes to lay eggs. Give it another [[try->mozzie 1]]?Destination 2: Garden
The very place where sweet smelling flowers grow are the nesting spots for mosquitoes too! You see an empty vase and flower pot plates filled with water, what do you do?
[[Tip the Vase and flip the flowerpot plate->yay 2]]
[[Leave them there-> no 2]]The water is cleared! Let’s get on to the last few steps of the [[Mozzie Wipeout->mozzie 3]]!
(dialog: "\"Step 2 and 3 of Mozzie Wipeout\" obtained!", "Next")Hmm...aren’t we providing more breeding spots for the mosquitoes?
[[Retry?-> mozzie 2]]Wait! The soil in the pots looks pretty hard.
[[Loosen the hardened soil->yay 3]]
[[Pour in more water->no 3]]All the water on the top layer has absorbed, we’re almost [[done->mozzie 4]]!
(dialog: "\"Step 4 of Mozzie Wipeout\" obtained!", "Next")There is water everywhere now..Let’s think [[again->mozzie 3]]!Destination 3: Roof Gutter
You look carefully at the roof gutter and see that water filled with particles has been collected. This calls for...
[[Spray insecticide on the water->yes 4]]
[[Use sanitizer to clean the water->no 4]]Those mosquitoes will be out of this household in no time!
Finally ! We’ve done the 5 Steps of the Mozzie Wipeout, if Veronica had done these steps, she would have a lower risk of attaining the [[Dengue Fever->think before going govt]].
(dialog: "\"Step 5 of Mozzie Wipeout\" obtained!", "Next")That’s a lot of tissue to use...Let’s [[try again->mozzie 4]]//Wait...I can’t do this for everyone in Singapore, is there a faster way?//
You considered this thought for a while and came to one conclusion : [[the government->the govt]]. Your eyes are now set on heading to the parliament house! You patiently waited for the Government associates to arrive to your discussion, and while doing so, a newer recording materializes on your phone screen. Out of curiosity, you opened it up, just as the Government associates entered the room.
You failed to hide your phone before they can see it, one of them decided to question you first.
“Could you explain your presence here?” Your hurried tone and mass of information leaves them confused and unable to understand yourself. “My apologies but I wasn’t able to catch all that. Will that video on your phone be useful?”
Will you [[accept->show ad]] or [[decline->no show ad]] their suggestion ?“Try the all-new Mosquito freshener! Freshens up twice the space, efficiently halves the cases!”
<img src="https://www.bestinsingapore.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/OFF-Active%C2%AE-Insect-Repellent-1.jpg" alt="mosquito repellent">
“This explains the rise in mosquito repellent products. We need to do something about this!” The Government associates all nodded in agreement and started up plans to set up front liners to help. Before they could continue, you raise a hand to give a suggestion.
“How about we carry out a (background:red)[daily Mozzie Wipeout]? The 5 simple steps are to (background:red)[tip the pail], (background:red)[tip the vase], (background:red)[flip the flower pot plate] , (background:red)[loosen any hardened soil] and (background:red)[spray insecticide in the roof gutters]! There are also (background:red)[signs and symptoms] of the Dengue Fever, such as having a (background:red)[sudden onset fever], (background:red)[feeling nauseous] and (background:red)[rashes forming on the skin]. I believe if everyone is able to do this, this Dengue Fever will not be such an issue to the lives of the people in Singapore."
They hesitated for a moment then shared a series of nods of acknowledgement. A smile formed on one of their faces and before you could return the smile, [[your eyelids started fluttering shut involuntarily...->ending]]“Hmm..Sure. how do you plan to convince us you’re from the future ?”
You stood there, dumbfounded and realized how sketchy you must had looked. “Just believe me,” you said, hoping they could just believe you that you are actually from the future without having the need to show the videos.
Unfortunately, the government decided to arrest you for trespassing a government property instead. Resisting the hold of two muscular bodyguards, you kept on shouting that you are really from the future. However, your voice started to die down as you saw yourself getting further away from the building. Feeling downcast, you sat in the police car quietly, regretting your decision. If only you had [[shown the video to the government->the govt]], you probably would not have ended up in this situation.Then, you woke up in your bed. //What is going on? Have I been dreaming? Is the world still dying out there?//
"Good morning! Happy fourteenth birthday!" Your brother skipped into your room with a gift in his hands and a smile on his face. You swore you almost screamed.
//Fourteen? How can I be fourteen in 2019...unless?// You scrambled around for your phone, and switched it on.
5th October 2021
//Oh my gosh, did I actually?//
"Pal, the Dengue virus could kill us all-"
You were cut off by your brother's laughter, “you helped to handle the situation 2 years ago, didn’t you? Come on, mom and dad are waiting outside!”
<img src="https://imagesvc.meredithcorp.io/v3/mm/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.onecms.io%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F43%2F2020%2F08%2F12%2Ffamily-celebrating-young-girls-birthday-photo-by-xixinxing-GettyImages-169279111-2000.jpg" alt="birthday celebration">
(Congratulations! You did amazing and I'm proud of you!)You patiently waited for the Government associates to arrive to your discussion and when they did, you started to explain everything.
“Hmm..Sure. how do you plan to convince us you’re from the future ?”
You stood there, dumbfounded and realized how sketchy you must had looked. “Just believe me,” you said, hoping they could just believe you that you are actually from the future.
Unfortunately, the government decided to arrest you for trespassing a government property instead. Resisting the hold of two muscular bodyguards, you kept on shouting that you are really from the future. However, your voice started to die down as you saw yourself getting further away from the building. Feeling downcast, you sat in the police car quietly, regretting your decision.
[[Try again?->back to 2019]]