As I stumbled through the familiar streets on my way home, the night's chaos faded into the distance, replaced by a deep sense of disorientation. The cool air nipped at my skin, grounding me in reality. I had survived, but what did that mean for my future? My heart raced with each step, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins.
When I finally reached the old man's house, the door creaked open before I even knocked. His worried face peered out, and for a moment, I thought I saw something deeper in his eyes—a hint of concern that sent an unexpected warmth through my chest.
"Where were you? I was about to call the police!" he exclaimed, his voice laced with genuine worry.
"I… I'm sorry," I stammered, still breathless. I hadn't anticipated that he'd care so much. "I lost track of time."
The old man studied me, and I could see the frustration mix with relief. "You need to be careful, especially at your age. It's not safe to wander alone at night."
I nodded, a sense of shame creeping in. "I understand. I'll be more cautious."
He sighed, running a hand through his graying hair. "Come on in. I made some dinner. You must be starving."
As we sat at the small, cluttered table, I couldn't shake the feeling of being touched by his concern. Each bite of food was warm and filling, but it was the atmosphere that enveloped me, creating a sense of belonging I hadn't felt in a long time. The old man talked about mundane things—his garden, the weather—but I found myself listening intently, savoring every moment.
After dinner, as I washed the dishes, I hesitated before turning to him. "Would you… like to eat dinner with me again sometime?" The question came out almost timidly, but it was genuine.
His eyebrows raised in surprise. "Of course! with great pleasure?... You're a good kid; just be more responsible." he smiled.
"Thanks," I said, feeling an unexpected rush of gratitude. I wasn't just a stray child; I had someone looking out for me. It was a thought that settled comfortably in my mind.
Later that night, as I lay in bed, the events of the day replayed in my mind. I thought about how I had finally found a family, even if it was just the two of us. The warmth of our dinner lingered, wrapping around me like a soft blanket.
Then, almost impulsively, I whispered, "Window?" I chuckled to myself, half-expecting nothing to happen. But there it was—a shimmering holographic display sprang to life before me.
Profile:
Name: [Maxwell ]
Level: 1
Stats:
Strength: 2
Agility: 3
Intelligence: 5
My heart raced as I read the numbers. Had I really fallen so low? It was like a bad game, but it felt real. I scanned the profile, wondering if the challenges I faced were meant to increase my level, just like in those video games my cousin loved.
As if responding to my thoughts, another window flickered into existence, labeled Inventory. My excitement peaked, only to drop when I saw it was nearly empty, save for two items:
Power Boost Potion, Knight's Pledge, Sword
Curiosity piqued, I focused on the sword. What was this 'Knight's Pledge'? As I reached out to touch the hologram, I felt a strange pull, and to my shock, the sword materialized in my hands.
It was heavy—far heavier than I had expected. I stumbled, the weight of it pulling me down, and with a startled shriek, I dropped it onto the floor with a loud clatter. Panic surged through me as a dialog box appeared:
Would you like to retrieve the item?
"..... Retrieve," I murmured, and just like that, the sword disappeared back into the holographic realm. I sat there in disbelief, shaking my head at the absurdity of it all. This couldn't be real.
Feeling utterly ridiculous, I dismissed the window and rolled over in bed, hoping that when I awoke, everything would be back to normal.
The next morning, I awoke groggily, sunlight streaming through the window. I rubbed my eyes and blinked, half-expecting the strange events of last night to be a dream. But there it was—the familiar window still glowing before me, my stats unchanged. My heart raced; the game hadn't disappeared.
I continued along my morning routine before finally seating myself on of the dining chairs. I was dazed throughout the entire breakfast thinking about what was real and what was not, the old man's voice broke through my thoughts. "Do you want to go to school"
"School..?" i had never thought of that.