Many years ago, as a grown adult, my childhood memories were shattered. Instead of joyfully playing on the street, I stumbled upon a small child who violently knocked me into a nearby window from a large vehicle. Confused and disoriented, I looked up to see the child holding a coveted game console. It was a rare edition I could only dream of owning, but my financial struggles prevented me from affording such luxuries. In that moment, the child looked at me with tearful eyes, his innocence seemingly shattered. He softly uttered, 'My... my...' Embracing an unexpected opportunity, I reacted impulsively, losing control of my emotions. I screamed, stomped my feet, and bewildered the child, disrupting his thoughts. Seizing my chance, I forcefully took the game console from his grasp and bolted out the door, fleeing down the street towards my home. Upon reaching safety, I entered my room, concealed from my numerous parents. Finally, I possessed the coveted game console, but it had to remain hidden, as I couldn't allow them to discover my secret. With anticipation and trepidation, I activated the game console, relishing the sound of the nostalgic Nintendo logo illuminating the screen. Filled with childlike excitement, I blew out the candle, immersed in the enchanting glow. Eager to embark on my first adventure with the console, I began playing. To my surprise, a familiar character appeared on screen. It was the renowned Mario, whom I had seen in countless television adverts. The game's title gradually materialized, but my heart sank as I noticed a dead pixel on the screen's lower left corner. Although disappointed, I reminded myself that beggars can't be choosers and pressed the start button with a hint of resignation.
An expansive landscape featuring clouds, bushes, and bricks unfurled before me, with Mario, the beloved character I had grown fond of, standing resolute. I guided him left, witnessing his speedy stride as his sleek shoes stirred up a cloud of dust. Eager to test his agility, I pressed the "Y" button, pleased by his swift change in direction. As I progressed, I familiarized myself with the game's mechanics. I learned to make Mario dash at high speeds, enabling him to reach incredible heights in the sky, occasionally fearing he wouldn't return to the ground. Yet, he always did, intensifying my immersion in the game world. Mastering jumping across vast chasms, avoiding enemies, and triumphantly climbing flagpoles marked the end of each level. With little difficulty, I reached the fourth level, feeling confident in my gaming prowess. Glancing at the mirror nearby, I smirked, raising an eyebrow, and triumphantly exclaimed, 'Does this game think I'm not good enough? I can handle any challenge it throws at me!' However, my confidence would soon be tested. Suddenly, the screen turned pitch black, resembling an abyss. It felt as if I was staring into an endless void. Astonished, I verbalized my bewildered thoughts, 'Is this a hole before me?' The words echoed, accentuating the peculiar situation. Wiping sweat from my brow, I pondered the strangeness of the experience. Eventually, the level loaded, but this time, it took significantly longer. Mario stood motionless until I commanded him to run right. Gradually, the graphics became distorted, and the once familiar music transformed into unsettling, jumbled tones. Approaching the first gap I needed to jump over, I hesitated, my sweaty thumb hovering over the "A" button."
"The gap was here," I pressed the button, and Mario elegantly soared through the air. His jump was flawless, defying gravity and landing effortlessly on the other side. I pushed left, and he gracefully maneuvered, stopping right at the edge of the gap. With precise timing, I pressed the "A" button, and Mario flawlessly executed a series of nimble jumps, accompanied by cheerful sounds of triumph.
The camera zoomed in on my face as I skillfully controlled Mario, demonstrating my mastery of the game. It was a display of pure joy, my friend Mario's laughter echoing through the air.


Filled with a sense of accomplishment, I decided to take a break. I gently removed the cartridge from the Game Boy Advance SV, carefully placing it back in its protective case. I closed the window, relishing in the serenity of the moment. Turning around, I noticed that the cartridge magically reappeared in my Game Boy. It was pristine, free from any traces of mud. I chuckled at the intriguing mystery but thought nothing more of it. Curiosity piqued, I turned on the Game Boy once again. To my surprise, Mario's face appeared on the screen, rendered in stunning detail. His cheerful voice broke the silence, offering words of encouragement and humorous anecdotes. "Thank you for sharing this joyful journey with me. Together, we shall conquer new adventures!" Excitement filled the room as Mario sprinkled his magic, immersing me in a world of wonder. The more I played, the brighter the screen became, radiating a warm glow of friendship and positivity. Absorbed in the game, I noticed Mario's skin beginning to sparkle with an ethereal light. It was a mesmerizing transformation, accompanied by a gentle melody that uplifted my spirits. Overwhelmed with gratitude, I asked Mario, "What should I do to overcome the challenges ahead, my friend?" "Trust in yourself and the power within," Mario responded. "You possess the ability to conquer any obstacle and emerge victorious! Together, we shall soar beyond expectations!"
Inspired by Mario's words, I dove back into the game, each level becoming an exhilarating experience. Through perseverance, skill, and a touch of whimsy, I mastered every challenge, basking in the joy of success. Emboldened by my accomplishments, I decided to share the game with others, spreading happiness and delight to all who played. The game became a beacon of unity, bringing people together and fostering a sense of togetherness. As the boy's mother, I witnessed the profound impact the game had on her child's life. It ignited his imagination, nurtured his creativity, and brought solace during difficult times. In gratitude, I extended my hand to welcome the newfound bond we shared through this magical experience. Tears of joy streamed down my face as I felt a deep sense of connection. Together, we created a harmonious symphony of laughter, love, and endless possibilities. As she pointed into the center of the room, I saw a small coffin suspended over a hole. It sparked a surge of curiosity within me. "What could be inside that box?" I asked, intrigued, as I raised an eyebrow and placed a finger on my chin. "Yes," she replied with a profound sense of sorrow. "It's unfortunate that our son's childhood was stolen from him by a deranged individual who broke into our home and took his life." Time seemed to slow down as my heart sank. I found myself dropping to my knees, clutching a gameboy tightly in my fist. Quietly, I couldn't help but wonder if there was something I could have done to prevent this tragedy. Approaching me with teary eyes, the grieving mother conveyed her gratitude. "It means the world to us that a stranger would enter our home and pay their respects to a boy they didn't know."
Offering some solace, she continued, "I'm sure you would have gotten along wonderfully with him." She pointed towards the priest and made a request, "Please proceed with the burial."
Following her words, the priest began the process. With a shiny red ball on the lever, he started to lower the coffin into the ground.
Suddenly, instinct took over me. Pushing the mother away, I sprinted towards the coffin. In a daring move, I leapt onto the coffin, causing the ground to give way beneath me. And so, I found myself descending into the earth alongside the child.