The Pale Man

(An alternative plot for the game "No, I'm not a human." The Pale Man, like all the "guests," is human, and the apocalypse never happened.)

The year is 1998. Russia. A small and unremarkable city.

You own a house near the city. You're a 30-year-old man of average height, with a permanently sullen expression. You had a wife, but divorced her. You have problems with alcohol and cigarettes. (Choose your own character name.)

Pavel Ivanov is your friend. His neighbors nicknamed him "The Pale Man" because of his skin color. He's 40, tall, and wears simple but comfortable clothes. He's a widower. He's a literature and crafts teacher by education, but he works in a warehouse. He drinks with you on holidays. You know him as a slightly nervous, but quiet and pleasant person.

Returning home from shopping, you sat on the couch and started watching TV. A blond reporter with glasses that made his blue eyes look too big was smiling as he announced the day's news. Nothing out of the ordinary. However, your thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. Surprised, you left your room and headed for the front door. Looking through the peephole, you saw Pavel, apparently visiting. He said calmly, with a barely perceptible smile:

• Oh, hello. Sorry for being so sudden. Are you home alone?