If this did happen to the author irl, my condolences. It does not excuse the lack of elements needed for a better minimalist game however. The game itself is a great portrayal of the theme. It is however, quite lacklustre. As other comments have put it, the game does tell a heart wrenching story about life and death. Whilst the game portrays that emotion clearly (use of good writing techniques), it doesn't help that it might have been even more emotional with the right pictures, art, and audio. Even if crude, any small artworks(drawings) and sombre music could have elevated the experience to a higher level than it is right now. Even if it is a "Minimalist" game, it should at least have some music/visuals to accompany the page viewed by the player. There were also some typos in some places ("baited" breath instead of 'bated' breath) and this in of itself could ruin the immersion of the story greatly to anyone already invested halfway through the game. In fact, because of the typo I needed to reinvest myself into the character again. It's always important to double check for visual novels because of this fact. TL;DR, If it is your first time participating in such a big event, consider planning out gameplay elements whilst writing. At the very least, audio or small visuals could have been a big factor in elevating your story to a higher level. The writing is good, moreover it can be even better after some more experience and learning. Nonetheless the story was exceptional.

Great game and writing!

Good writing, I especially liked the poems. 

It was also a unique entry, great job!

This is very creative and touching, and the story is really well written. 

I think some visuals could make it even more emotinal. 

Great job!

Such a heartbreaking story. Incredible job!

saw a comment where you said your partner was calling you cruel, they're correct, you despicable person. I'm tearing up in my bedroom alone, writing a review with watery eyes, looking like a neglected hamster because of you. Shame I wasn't expecting a story game in this jam, much less one that sad. 

Also, the game was good I guess. It's easy to understand what the characters are feeling, and to feel yourself in their shoes, and that ending was evil, had me in shock staring at my screen for a few seconds before I recomposed myself. Great game.

This is a story of grief, loss, and the suspense of  looming death.  My heart is with the characters.  I know what it's like to watch someone lose strength. 

Strong writing and a unique take on the theme

More of an interactive story than a game, but the use of invincibility was fantastic. Kudos my good sir.

What a simple and touching way to tell the story! Your writing is great. I didn’t get to explore every path, but from your description it’s clear you’ve done a great job with player choices. Great work!

I liked how your game is different from the others, both for the story told and for the branching paths the player can take during the story, congratulations :D

Damn,  wasn't expecting to see a story game but was definitely a welcome surprise, the narration really touched me and reminded me of Technoblade, if you know, you know, if you don't, it's okay
Either way, although simple gameplay wise, it bears a lot of meaning, you did a good work ^^

I haven't played a game like this before, I feel slightly depressed now. I dunno really what to say.

That was a very touching experience.It was great from beginning to end

Your writing is great and the execution was great as well.

Good work!

Bruhhhhhh this is art. Well, all the games are, but like this is not the type of game I usually play but I love art and I'm glad to have your game be my first experience in this type of genre of game. I do agree with homeboy down there I feel like some music that changes depending on the emotion you want to depict for the page would be a really good way to get readers to really feelllll the story just because of how music is so well at emotionally manipulating what the listener feels. (I do understand the difficulty of that, though for a game jam, especially to produce quality music that wouldn't take away from the story) . Other than that I think maybe having more freedom of choice could benefit your game maybe? Like the only option you're allowed to pick is "I could ask questions." which kind of takes away from the feeling of freedom that complements a choose your own path game and makes it feel like you're always locked to only one path, with the illusion that you have a choice which can be annoying at times (but also can be used intentionally in a good way, it jus depends, it's not a strict rule which is why this is jus a suggestion. Also I know I'm not familiar with the genre, so maybe my advice irrelevant). One of the parts I liked the best was being able to choose between the third fourth or fith time becuase that was just a crazy bomb to drop and it made it immediately relate to some real stories which overall made my jaw drop in the moment. I also like the poem snippets you leave in there, it's a very nice touch. I think as your skill as a writer increases, your games (If you continue to make games like this) will naturally become more and more fire. Good job with this!