I squint toward the monitor to get a better view of Sailor’s laptop screen and realize she isn’t doing homework like she usually does at this time of day.
She’s on Solar Surge—building a new character.
It’s almost like she can read my damn mind. It’s almost like she wants this to happen.
Smiling, I scoot closer to my desk and pull up the game I installed on my computer. I’ve been playing to keep myself occupied, but mostly to build up my character and make it seem like I’ve been playing the game for a while and have a legitimate interest for it. If I went at her with a new profile, she’d never believe what I’m about to do. She’s too smart for that, and lately, much too paranoid. I see it in her eyes, and it enrages me because it doesn’t need to be there. I can protect her, and she knows I can protect her—and I will, no matter what. But she isn’t allowing me in, so I have to do it from afar and unknowingly. I need to make this work. I have to—because I need her.
I watch her screen through my monitor to see which characteristics she’s going for, and also where she’s going to drop into the game. It’s a decent-sized world, and when new characters come in, they start in different places along the map. But I’m dedicated, if nothing more, and I’ve been playing longenough that I’ve gained the ability to teleport. So wherever she goes… I will go too.
When her character is finished—a dark witch that she names something I can’t make out—she’s dropped into the game. I watch for a few moments to see which area she’s in, and when I figure it out, I right-click my character and teleport a short distance from her.
Using the keyboard, I move my character around the wooded area, looking up at the screens now and then to see where she is. She’s running toward the lake, so that’s the way I go.
“Chasing you through the woods virtually until you let me do it for real.” I smirk to myself. It’s almost like we’ve been doing this for months or something.
On her screen, I see her pull out the lowest-level fishing pole you can get: a stick with a string. She’s stocking up on food, which means she plans on battling to level up. She’s been playing this game for years, so she knows how to do it well. I’ve only just started, but it’s not difficult. Still, like all games, there are small things you learn along the way, things I don’t know yet, but I don’t need to know everything. I just need to know enough to make it seem like I love the game.
I finally break through the trees and spot her to the left. I hurry that way, and when I get close enough, a bubble pops up on my screen to let me message her. Only when you’re close enough to other characters that you aren’t friends with can you message them. If you’re friends or in a group together—a squad—you can message each other at any time. Being in the same squad allows you to do the same tasks but while being apart, so you have to communicate. I send her a message and hope she replies. If not, I’ll have to start over with a new character and try a different tactic. But I know her well enough to know that being playful will get her attention. She needs some fun in her life, and a little teasing is the way to go.
LMCYTTWACYAGG: Hey, Newb.
Golden_Phoenix: Not a Newb :P but it looks like you are.
“Got you…”
I type quickly into the box and hit enter.
LMCYTTWACYAGG: I’m learning!
Golden_Phoenix: How’d you find the game? There aren’t many of us.
Her character casts the line, then lets it sit. The lake is small, but all of them have fish—eating is how we keep our energy up and heal faster.
LMCYTTWACYAGG: Deep dive on the internet. Found it on an old forum.
Golden_Phoenix: You must have a lot of time on your hands
LMCYTTWACYAGG: It’s been helpful since I think I’m addicted to this game now.
Golden_Phoenix: XD
I take out my own fishing pole, one that’s much better than hers, and move a short distance away to catch some fish too. You never know when you’re going to need a pick-me-up. Not that I plan on battling anyone any time soon, but you never know. And it gives me a reason to stay here, so she doesn’t get suspicious.
Golden_Phoenix: Have you joined a group yet?
LMCYTTWACYAGG: Nope. No one wants to play with the new guy.
Golden_Phoenix: We can start one, if you’d like? I’ve been playing for years but made this character fresh.
LMCYTTWACYAGG: Aww, you’re so nice, taking me under your wing.
Golden_Phoenix: You can repay me by helping me level up quickly so we’re even.
LMCYTTWACYAGG: You got it.
The notification to join her group pops up, and I accept it quickly. This doesn’t do much for me, other than make it easier to talk to her during game play, but it is a way to stay connected and ease my way in. Maybe see how she’s feeling on the inside, rather than just what I see in the cameras. The more I know, the easier it’ll be to get her back.
Because whether she knows it or not, we will be back together.
