Chapter 8: Game Over

Wednesday – School Gate

There are moments in life when you realize you've made a series of terrible decisions that have led you straight to disaster.

This was one of those moments.

My mom stood at the school gate, holding my PSP like it was a piece of evidence in a crime investigation. Her expression? The perfect mix of disappointment and I told you so.

Azri and Rina, being the amazing friends they were, slowly backed away like I had been marked for execution.

"Mana," my mom said again. "Come here."

I considered running. I really did. But where would I go? Hide in the toilet for the rest of my life? Escape to another country? None of that was possible without Wi-Fi or money.

So, with the heaviest steps of my existence, I walked toward her.

She held up the PSP. "Explain."

I forced a smile. "Uh… surprise? I was just… testing if it still worked?"

"By playing games at midnight?"

Busted.

I scratched my head. "Heh. You heard that, huh?"

She sighed. "Mana, I grounded you for a reason. And you went behind my back again?"

I had no defense. The jury had already made its decision.

"I was going to give your phone back this weekend," she continued. "But now? No phone and no PSP. For two weeks."

TWO. WEEKS.

I felt my soul leave my body.

"But—"

She gave me the look. The one that meant no negotiations, no arguments, just accept your suffering.

"Yes, Ma," I mumbled, staring at the ground.

She handed me my PSP. "Give it to me when you get home."

I nodded weakly.

Then, as if the universe wasn't already laughing at me, I heard a small click.

I turned to see Rina, holding up her phone.

"…Did you just take a picture?" I asked.

She grinned. "Yep. Your 'Game Over' face is too good."

Azri patted my shoulder. "This is going in the group chat."

I groaned. "I hate both of you."

Mom shook her head and walked away.

I turned back to my so-called friends. "You could have helped me, you know."

Rina smirked. "Nah. This was more fun."

Azri nodded. "Way more fun."

And that was the day I lost all my gaming privileges. Again.

Now, my only hope was The Maze Runner.

I sighed. Looks like I really was stuck in the Stone Age.

—Mana, Jan 2017