3.1 Late nights

As Raymond entered the kitchen he saw his mother staring at him deeply. Her eyes looking like they had seen death himself, her slim facial features taken back. He had seen this look many times before and could already tell what was coming. "Ray, you look like you haven't slept in days. You need to stop staying up so late on that computer" his mother said with great concern. "Lisa, I understand your concern but let the boy have his fun. He'll be off to college soon and late nights are about to be regular" his father interjected before Raymond had a chance to speak. Raymond had been staying up far too late recently but he has something that was peaking his interest. Although, he understood it had become a problem, late nite gaming was his escape from his dull and bleak life and this new game was something out of this world. He had created a character and with this character, he became a god on the internet. People know and fear his username but it's starting to take a large chunk of his time, far too much time. Although gaming was something he thoroughly enjoyed, it had become more of a time killer than anything. He's starting to grow bored of gaming but it's his only escape for the time being.

"You know dad, she's not wrong. Maybe it's time I took a break from the online world and focused on my studies. As you said, I'll be in college soon and with my grades starting to slip, I should really get back on my horse. I've got to catch the bus, see you guys when I'm home from school" Raymond said in a low but confident tone while shoving the last of his mostly burnt waffles and overly crunchy bacon into his mouth. His mother was never a great cook but always made sure he had something to eat. He stood up slowly, grabbed his book bag from the floor beside the door, stuffed his headphones in and walked out the door. He could hear his mother yell something in the background but the sound of her voice was overpowered by the whaling guitar of Eric Clapton.