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Running your hand over the numerous dusty books that seated themselves far back on the discounted shelf, you couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. What a beautiful day it is today. And what better way to start a good weekend than to go thrifting! The thrill of finding hidden treasures always brought a smile to your face. And so, here you are now inside your favorite thrift store, on a mission to uncover vintage video games that hold a special place in your heart.
Being in college is undoubtedly challenging, and video games have become your solace amidst the chaos of assignments and exams. They transport you to different worlds, allowing you to momentarily escape the pressures of reality. As you flip over countless discs, your eyes catch a glimpse of something intriguing. Pulling it out, you find an old video game CD covered in a layer of dust. Gently blowing the dust away, you read the title of the game, "Survival." The cover promises an adventure filled with mystery and the challenge to collect ten mystical items. Sounds promising, you thought. Maybe this game could be a hidden gem, waiting to be discovered.
Carelessly placing the CD on your cart, you continue your hunt for more goodies on sale. The thrill of the treasure hunt fuels your excitement as you explore each aisle. Soon enough, your cart is filled with an assortment of treasures, both old and new. With a satisfied smile, you head to the checkout counter, eager to embark on your gaming journey.
The cashier swiftly totals and wraps your items, but as you prepare to pay, a nagging feeling tugs at the back of your mind. Something feels amiss. Looking back towards your cart, your eyes land on the forgotten CD. "That's right," you curse mentally. "That's what I forgot." Grabbing it from the cart, you hand it towards the cashier, who visibly reacts with surprise. Her widened eyes and audible gasp pique your curiosity.
"Ma'am, are you sure you want to purchase that old CD?" she asks in a hushed voice, her concern evident.
Confusion mixes with intrigue as you respond, "Yes, I am. May I know what the problem is?"
The cashier takes a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking cautiously, "Well, many people have bought that CD before, and most of them would return it... for free, even. They claim that it's cursed and playing it could result in some unfortunate events in your life."
A skeptical smile graces your lips as you confidently state, "I don't believe in those things. Superstitions and curses are just figments of imagination. Besides, any strange occurrences experienced by previous buyers were most likely mere coincidences."
The cashier sighs, her expression a mix of resignation and concern, before complying with your request and packing the rest of your purchases. Before you leave the store, she offers one last warning, bidding you good luck. You can't help but find her cautionary words intriguing, though you dismiss them as mere tales spun out of fear and superstition. "What a peculiar encounter," you note mentally, the thought lingering as you make your way home, eager to immerse yourself in the world of your new video game.
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As you were about to delve into the world of your new video game, the shrill ring of your phone interrupted your excitement. With a sigh, you picked up, already anticipating the familiar nagging tone of your mother.
"(Y/N), you're a week late. Where's my money?" she demanded, her voice laced with frustration.
This had become a monthly routine, a constant reminder of the burden you carried on your shoulders. Two years ago, after you had left for college, the tragic accident that claimed your younger brother Wayne's life had sent your mother into a deep depression. She had turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism, and the once-vibrant woman you knew had become a shell of her former self, unable to hold down a job.
The responsibility of supporting both yourself and your mother had fallen squarely on your young, weary shoulders. You had taken on part-time jobs alongside your studies, determined to provide for your family despite the immense strain it placed on you.
"I got fired two days ago, mom. I don't have any money to send you right now. But I promise you, I'll go look for a job and give you some money as soon as I can," you replied, your voice trembling with a mix of guilt and frustration.
"What a useless daughter!" she yelled through the phone, her words cutting deep. "Don't talk to me unless you have the money I ask for!" With that, she hung up, leaving you in a state of anguish.
Tears started to fall down your cheeks as you questioned your own worth. Your mother's harsh words had a way of chipping away at your self-esteem, despite your best efforts to understand her pain and struggles.
Glancing at the video game controller beside you, you knew that this was your sanctuary, a way to escape the burdens of reality, if only for a little while. Wiping away your tears, you decided to immerse yourself in the game, hoping to find solace in the virtual world and momentarily forget the weight of your responsibilities.
You played with a fervor, your fingers dancing across the controller as you navigated the intricate challenges of the game. The hours ticked by, and as exhaustion began to set in, you found yourself drifting off to sleep, the controller still clutched in your hands.
