How to Use This Roadmap

The Story Roadmap does not retell the full plot. It provides a chapter-level reading framework so you know what kind of scene is coming, what optional content to look for, and when major emotional turns happen.

Chapter Route Template

FieldDescription
Chapter TitleScene or chapter name.
Emotional BeatPrimary emotion — farewell, excitement, shame, argument, repair.
Primary GoalMain player action for this segment.
Optional ChecksOptional interactions, props, polaroids, dialogue.
Spoiler Levelnone, light, or major.
Verification Statusneeds_playtest or verified.

Key Emotional Nodes

Research identifies the following narrative waypoints (all pending playtest verification):

  1. Skateboard opening — energy, freedom, establishing tone.
  2. Bedroom hangout — stillness, party atmosphere, character introductions.
  3. Awkward first kiss — vulnerability, physical comedy, surreal jazz.
  4. Shopping cart escape — rebellion, speed, breaking free.
  5. Cassandra's house — family authority, identity conflict.
  6. Softball fantasy — sports wish-fulfillment, absurdist energy.
  7. The Ritz — secret hideout, friendship repair, cleaning up.
  8. Post-argument low point — sadness, isolation, conflict aftermath.
  9. The party — celebration, chaos, fireworks and fire.
  10. Final farewell — departure, memory, letting go.

Only high-spoiler mode should reveal full details for each node. In low-spoiler mode, use only the emotional beat and primary goal.