Game ON

Reboot

Three Years Ago

"Vincent!"His mom called from downstairs, and he inwardly groaned as he paused the game he was playing. Grudgingly, Vincent muttered, "Yes, mother," and grumbled about how she always calls him at the worst possible moment. Vincent was about to take out the top player in the online game his was playing (which, by the way, was Call of Duty... his long time favourite).

He printed downstairs and headed for the living room. The atmosphere Vincent met there was rather uncomfortable. His mom and dad were seated on two opposite armchairs, wearing strange looks on their faces. His gut instantly told him something was terribly wrong. He looked at his mom's face with a puzzled expression, but she only motioned for him to sit down without any explanation... yet.

He slowly sat down on the centre couch and waited for one of his parents to speak, hoping they would tell me what the problem was or if he was in some sort of trouble (although he sincerely did not think it's the latter). He had been on his best behaviour lately because the last time he messed up in school and got in trouble with his teacher, he received a rather harsh warning from his mom.

"Andrew, your dad and I have some bad news, and I don't know how you'll take it, but we believe since you've turned eighteen you're old enough to understand what it means. Honey, your father and I are getting a divorce," she said, rather slowly and dramatically. 

The full impact of this news still hadn't hit him... because there was a stunned silence that hung in the air. His mind struggled to process the weight of those words—his parents getting a divorce. It felt as if the ground beneath him had shifted, leaving me unsteady and unsure of what lay ahead.

Questions flooded his mind, and his heart raced with a mix of confusion, sadness, and anger. How did it come to this? Was there something he could have done to prevent it? Would things ever be the same again?

He looked from his mom to his dad, searching their faces for any signs that this might be a joke or a terrible misunderstanding. But their expressions told a different story. There was a sadness in their eyes, a weariness that seemed to have settled in their souls.

"I... I don't understand," He finally managed to stammer, his voice barely above a whisper. "Why? What happened?"

His mom reached out and took his hand in hers, her touch offering a small measure of comfort amidst the turmoil. "Sweetheart, sometimes people change and people are not perfect- they make regrettable mistakes, and they realize that they are no longer able to be together. Your father and I have tried our best to stay together for your sake, but we've come to a point where it's better for both of us to go our separate ways."

Her words echoed in his ears, and he felt a lump forming in his throat. It was hard to reconcile the image of his parents, who had always seemed so solid and united, with this new reality. He had taken their love and stability for granted, never imagining that it could fracture like this.

"But... what about us?" He asked, the fear and uncertainty in his voice betraying his vulnerability. "What will happen to our family?"

His dad spoke up, his voice filled with a mixture of sorrow and reassurance. "Son, we want you to know that no matter what happens between us, you will always be our top priority. We both love you more than anything, and we will do everything we can to make this transition as smooth as possible for you."

Tears welled up in his eyes as he listened to their words. It was a bittersweet reassurance, knowing their love for him remained unwavering, even if their love for each other had faltered. The prospect of navigating a divided family was daunting.

In the days and weeks that followed, Vincent and his parents  had many conversations about the changes that lay ahead. They assured him that he would still have a relationship with both of them, that we would find new routines and ways to spend time together. They encouraged him to express his feelings about this sudden change and promised to support me through this emotional journey.

As the initial shock subsided, he began to come to terms with the reality of his parents' divorce. It was not an easy process, and there were moments of sadness, anger, and confusion. But amidst the challenges, there were also moments of growth and resilience.

Life can be unpredictable, that relationships can change, and that sometimes the most difficult moments can lead to personal growth and understanding.

While his parents' divorce marked the end of an era, it also became the catalyst for a new chapter in his life—one where he would discover his own strength, forge new connections, and navigate the complexities of a different family dynamic.

It was like starting a new game for the first time and playing its first level, he just had to make the first move.

......

The court case for the divorce was filed, dinners became more awkward and then the fights and arguments begun.

Vincent sat alone in his room, his mind swirling with emotions. The fights and arguments between his parents had become a constant backdrop to his daily life. The once familiar and comfortable atmosphere of family dinners had transformed into tense and awkward gatherings. The weight of his parents' impending divorce hung heavily over him, and he felt the need to share his pain, distress, and discomfort with someone who could understand.

Elizabeth Walker, his childhood friend, was someone he had always turned to during tough times. They had known each other since they were young, and Elizabeth had always been there for him. Vincent found solace in her presence, even though he liked to tease her and make playful comments about her appearance.

Vincent picked up his phone and sent a message to Elizabeth, asking if they could meet up. Within moments, a reply came back, and they arranged to meet at their favorite spot in the park near the arcade which was equally a place he frequented. As Vincent walked towards the meeting spot, he couldn't help but notice how Elizabeth's pigtails bounced as she greeted him with her usual bubbly energy.

"Hey, stranger! You look a bit down, I think like you could use some company," Elizabeth said, her eyes filled with concern.

Vincent smiled faintly, appreciating her perceptiveness. "Yeah, things have been tough lately for me - I guess. It's like the whole world has turned upside down since my parents filed for divorce. I was definitely not expecting that as a birthday surprise- then again I am apparently a legal adult now."

Elizabeth nodded, her expression turned sympathetic. "I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you. Divorce can bring so much pain and confusion, my aunt Caroline was never the same after she left her husband."

Vincent sighed, finding comfort in Elizabeth's understanding. "You're right. It's like everything I knew is slipping away. The arguments, the tension... It's become unbearable. I miss the way things used to be."

Elizabeth reached out and gently placed a hand on Vincent's arm. "Change can be incredibly challenging, Vincent, but it can also be an opportunity for growth. Sometimes, the hardest moments in life can lead to discovering our own strength and resilience."

Vincent looked at her, his eyes reflecting a mix of sadness and hope. "I guess you're right. It's just hard to see the silver lining right now."

Elizabeth smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling. "Well, that's why friends are here, to help each other see through the dark clouds. And hey, I know you find my pigtails odd, but at least they brought a smile to your face."

Vincent chuckled, grateful for Elizabeth's light-heartedness. "You know, as odd as they are, they suit you. In fact, they make you look pretty."

Elizabeth blushed, playfully rolling her eyes. "Oh, please! You're just saying that to make me feel better. But on a more serious note, Vincent. I'm here for you, no matter what."

As they sat there in the park, Vincent and Elizabeth talked, laughed, and shared their fears and hopes. Vincent began to realize that even in the midst of his parents' divorce, he had a support system, someone who cared about him deeply. With Elizabeth by his side, he felt a glimmer of optimism that he could navigate the complexities of his changing family dynamic and find strength within himself.

In that moment, as the sun began to set, Vincent took a deep breath and felt a newfound determination to face the challenges ahead. The game of life had thrown him a curveball, but with the support of a true friend, he was ready to make his first move and embark on this new chapter with resilience and hope.