Plodding Recovery

■ Story

Koishi had long looked away from the emotional weight quietly building inside him. The game begins two weeks after he finally breaks down — mentally and physically.Over the course of 60 days, he writes in his diary, rests, meets people, and chooses what he can manage that day. Through the small rhythms of daily life, he slowly begins to understand the part of himself he had been neglecting.

■ Actions

Each day, the player chooses how Koishi spends him time:

• Write in a diary no one else will read
• Try to sleep
• Do something easy on herself (a walk, watching videos, reading manga, etc.)
• Go out (a bookstore, a bathhouse, a laundromat, etc.)
• Spend time with someone

As these small actions accumulate, Koishi deepens his understanding of his own heart — and collects Words Worth Keeping.

■ A Diary Nobody Sees

In a quiet inner space deep within Koishi's heart — like the bottom of the ocean — you put your feelings into words. Through text and choices, the player reflects, and together you write the pages of Koishi's diary.

■ Dialogue

A minigame that unfolds when you meet a character, advancing the conversation through choices. You spend Heart (HP) with each response, and clear the minigame by raising the other person's satisfaction.

■ Parameters

Four personal outlooks Koishi nurtures through daily life. They rise gradually through your actions and choices.

• Oh Well
  Being able to think "this is fine" even when things aren't perfect.
• Know Yourself
  Slowly becoming aware of your own feelings and patterns of mind.
• Don't Overdo It
  Not pushing past your limits, and resting when things get hard.
• Frivolous
  Bending the rules a little on purpose, to protect yourself.

■ Heart and Words

• Heart (HP) — Reflects how much Koishi has left in him. When it runs low, he may not be able to go out.
• Today's Feeling — Reflects Koishi's condition on a given day. Affects how quickly his Heart changes and how well he sleeps.
• Words Worth Keeping — Collected through restful activities, conversations, and quiet moments. Through his diary, Koishi can explore what each word truly means to him.

■ Content Warning

This game deals with themes of emotional struggles and the process of recovery. Please review the following before purchasing or playing.This game contains:

• Depictions of mental and emotional exhaustion
• Depictions of difficulty with everyday life
• Self-critical thoughts and introspective inner monologue

This game does not contain:

• Graphic or distressing content (self-harm, suicide, violence, sexual content, etc.)

This game is not intended to provide medical or professional advice or diagnosis. If you have personal experience with mental health challenges, please consider your own wellbeing when deciding whether to play.

■ Streaming & Video Content

Streaming and video uploads of this game are very welcome. If you're able to, please include a link to the Steam store page in your video description. Thank you so much — it means a lot. 🙏