Hello

Morning routine:

Eric usually starts his day early. He lives in Estella, the capital of Divida, and works as the manager of the painting district at a lantern factory. His mornings are centered around routine and purpose, especially when his children are staying with him. He might wake up around 6 a.m., make breakfast, and spend time with them before dropping them off at school. As a dedicated father, he ensures that the mornings with his children are calm, loving, and structured. If it's a day without his children, his morning is quieter and more solitary. He might sleep a little longer or wake up groggy, still feeling the effects of a late night from the previous evening's.

 

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At work:

By 8 a.m., Eric is at the factory. His job as the painting district manager is demanding but fulfilling. He finds meaning in his work, knowing that the lanterns produced are important to the culture of Estella and the lanterns festival, which he loves. Managing the painting district involves overseeing workers, ensuring that tasks are done efficiently, and maintaining quality standards. He is a reliable leader who keeps things organized despite the pressures. Throughout the day, Eric handles both managerial tasks and hands-on work. He delegates assignments, monitors output, and addresses any challenges that arise in the production process. His rapport with the workers is strong due to his hands-on nature and ability to connect with people, though he is aware that his personal struggles could eventually affect his professional life.

 

Around noon, Eric usually takes a quick lunch, often joining some of his co-workers for a meal. He enjoys socializing but keeps a careful balance when the conversation turns casual, knowing that his personal life sometimes leaks into his work relationships. He might also spend some of this time thinking about his children or reflecting on his desire for sobriety. Lunchtime often brings a moment of internal conflict—he wants to improve his life, but the pressures he faces leave him tempted by his vices. The afternoon is filled with ensuring production goals are met and resolving any lingering problems. Eric might have to stay late some days, as managing the painting district often requires longer hours to keep everything running smoothly. Despite the stress, he takes pride in his role and the contributions he makes to the factory and the community.

 

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After work:

Once his shift ends, usually around 5 or 6 p.m., Eric’s day takes two possible directions depending on whether or not his children are with him.

 

When his children are present, he transforms into the attentive father he strives to be. He picks them up from school or their caretaker, spends time cooking dinner, and engages in family activities. He enjoys playing with them, helping with homework, and maintaining a stable home environment. He makes sure to avoid opium during these times, reserving it for late at night, if at all. He feels a deep sense of pride when he’s able to hold this version of himself together.

 

When his children are not with him, Eric’s more self-destructive habits emerge. Without the grounding presence of his children, he leaves the factory and heads straight to the local pub. There, he spends time drinking and sometimes using opium to unwind. The pub is a place of social interaction, where he engages with friends and strangers alike. His charisma comes through in these settings, but beneath it, Eric wrestles with guilt and self-loathing. He might stay out late, engaging in spontaneous outings and one-night stands, only returning home in the early hours of the morning.

 

Late night:

On nights when his children are with him, Eric winds down after they've gone to sleep, perhaps using a small amount of opium to cope with stress before turning in himself, but he tries to limit it as much as possible. On the nights when he’s alone, however, his habits escalate. Eric barely sleeps, often getting only two to three hours of rest as he stays out late partying or using substances. This version of himself is one he dislikes deeply, but he feels trapped in the cycle of using these activities as a means of escape from the emotional and mental strain he endures daily