Chapter 3: A surprise

"Hey Bevin, you're home is here."

I was so lost in thought I didn't realize I was home already. It was Tristan, one of my classmates, who got me out of my thoughts and back into the shady bus I was sitting in. After murmuring a word of thanks and goodbye to Amy, I hopped off the bus. I had time to turn around and see the bus speeding across the corner.

I stood outside the front door of my house and rang the bell. My mom, a short dark-haired woman, opened the door. I hustled inside. After a very quick lunch, I went upstairs to my room. Well, I wasn't going to study anyway so, here's to a long afternoon. Ugh. I changed my clothes. I was sitting on my beanbag when my eyes fell on my gaming system. It was little knowledge at school that I was a gamer. It was perhaps the cause of my falling grades but I don't care. At least not anymore. Since I had nothing better to do, I decided to have a go on it. I found my stack of games in a box. Bruh. I had played most of them millions of times to feel intrigued by them. I was turning them around hopelessly when I noticed there was one game I hadn't played. In fact, I didn't remember buying it even. And then comprehension dawned on me.

Two months back, during summer break I was at Hazel's house. She is a pro gamer. Let's say she spoiled me. She has a whole room dedicated to gaming. She's got that comfy gaming chair along with a massive gaming system. She said she wanted to buy this game called 'Die trying'. Apparently, it was an online game which had to be purchased. So there we were, at the biggest gaming store in town. Back in that time, it was gaining massive popularity. Personally, I never thought someone like Hazel, all cutesy would prefer these. Anyways so, she got it. I was looking when I found this game lying next to the huge stack of other games similar to 'Die trying' It didn't have an attractive cover. It didn't at all. All there was, was the barcode at the back and some sort of tracking number I think. I asked one of the employees what it was.

"A boy came in to sell it. Said he didn't want it anymore. Done with five levels. It is somewhat related to that 'Die trying' game. No one wants it. You can have it if you want to"

It was free. So I got it. Hazel was least keen to have a look. You could obviously tell what would happen next. After a week-long of crying, begging, swearing, and shutting myself in the room, my parents finally got me a gaming laptop. I was moved deeply by this whole new world of gaming. It wasn't a hobby anymore. In a fortnight, it became my obsession. I forgot about the first game I bought. Instead, I got new ones. I used to shut myself out. Showing up only for breakfast, dinner, and lunch. My mom was concerned but my easy-going dad convinced her nothing is wrong with a little bit of fun. Then school started. I was distracted by gaming and so lost my status as a top student. After that, sadly lost my interest in gaming too.

Having nothing better to do I googled the tracking number. Apparently, it wasn't any help. I turned on my gaming system and put on my headphones. All it showed was a black screen. Obviously thinking it was broken, I began to sulk and was about to get it out when suddenly I was blinded by constant flashes of life.