Page 153 of Glitched Play

Yesterday, they finally got to see my world.

Fans wearing jerseys.

Commentators.

Players celebrating.

Confetti falling.

A championship.

It looked enough like the sports they'd spent their lives loving that they finally understood why I'd fallen in love with gaming.

Another message appears.

Dad: You looked like a coach after the game.

I laugh.

Tyler: Nah.

Tyler: She looked like the person everyone wanted to celebrate with.

My throat tightens.

For years, I'd wondered if they'd ever truly understand what I did.

Turns out... my family just needed to see it.

A separate notification slides across my screen.

Chase

Chase: Congratulations, Maci. You looked really happy. You deserve it.

I stare at the message for a long second before I type.

Me: Thank you, not for the compliment but for pushing me to go for what I wanted.

He responds almost immediately.

Chase: You did it. Not me. I’m just lucky to be your friend

I pause.

Me: I’m the lucky one.

Chase: Witt O’Ryan is the luckiest man in the world. It looks like he understands that.

My fingers hover over the keyboard, smiling.

Me: There’s a cute marketing associate that loves baseball that I’ve been working with. Double date?

Dots bounce and disappear a few times.

Chase: I applied for a job in Houston. I’ve made it through two interviews. So…

Me: So excited for you. Don’t leave without us getting together.