Player 2

I’ve seized power and control for the small price of my humanity. I’ve seen my dreams realized beyond my wildest imaginations. I am unstoppable, able to do anything, be anything I can think of on a whim. The feeling is incredible; I am flushed with dopamine at every fix of my addiction. These worlds I visit are unrelenting and vicious, but I never arrive unprepared. Here, this is my story and I will tell it how I like. I am in love, whisked away with my feet dangling in the wind, more, I need more. I’ve an insatiable appetite and a bottomless pit for a stomach when it comes to mashing buttons. There are no rules, no restrictions because there will always be another game to play. Here, there is no problem that cannot be solved, no injustice too great to triumph. I am loved and celebrated through every action and mission completed. I am a hero adored through my journey; I impact these realities infinitely more than I ever could my own. Why would I ever want to go back? Here, I can create the perfect memory from the comfort of my couch. As long as I am connected, I am God toying with my latest obsession. So what if my second controller has a layer of dust thicker than the plastic it rests on? Who cares if the only spoken words I’ve heard in days have been scripted dialogue? The time I invest into these games will not be wasted because there is no bond to be broken, these characters will not vanish like an old friend. I am a champion here, a conqueror of universes, what use do I have of camaraderie? I don’t need anyone but a console to console me. Here, I am the best version of myself, shaped by trial and error and more experience than a thousand lifetimes could grant me. Every respawn encourages the facilitation of growth. Every reset is a fresh new approach to perseverance. Every game over screen is a lesson that I am not good enough, but here, I can change.