The Pool in Twine

Hello!! My name is Mia. This text-based narrative game explores the daily life of a young competitive swimmer in China's rigorous training system, based on stories collected from my childhood journals and letters from fellow swimming team members. This is a story about childhood resilience, where the pool becomes both a place of discipline and escape. The pool was also where I made my closest friends - thirteen of us sharing the same journey, supporting each other through every lap and challenge. I wanted to explore not just my story, but a universal narrative of childhood powerlessness, achievement, friendship and the search for escape in this cultural background. (All the photos, video and scans in this experience are real, taken from my own childhood. ) 

Enjoy playing! Thanks for your support. 

Reach me at xz3325@nyu.edu | https://xiaoranzhu.cargo.site/