It was a dark and stormy night. Or a bright scorching morning. I wasn't too sure after that third bottle of vodka that kept me from freezing to death or falling asleep. My pale bloodshot eyes were focused on the pale glow in front of me as my fingers flew across the keyboard, pressing buttons at intervals, the CPU protesting the countless hours and power used with a low roar. It was almost done.
It finally would be complete and in turn, completing my life. Too long I had left this undone. Too long I had let this go on. I stretched and swore, feeling weaker. As I took another swig from the emptying bottle of vodka, my eyes flicked to the photograph that stood beside it. It's frame had a giant crack running across it, the photograph faded with years of age, giving no sign of it's past as a once frequently polished picture. Melissa, Ron and me. All gone.
Gone.
I put down the bottle, and with renewed vigour and determination, i resumed typing furiously, hoping to at least, redeem myself. Another hour passed. I needed the toilet. But i was too close. I would make them proud. Just a little more.
Then the glow of the computer brightened and faded as i ended my final few keystrokes. The CPU hummed, as if equilibrium had been reached. At last. I had finally done it.
I had finally reached level 200.
Weeks of non-stop training, living on remaining funds, cup noodles, pure caffeine and alcohol. Once i printed the screenshot, i would rush to Melissa and Ron. They could not possibly deny I had done them proud when they saw it. Maybe Melissa will throw the divorce papers away! Maybe she won't go with Joey! Maybe Ron will talk to me again! Maybe he'll stop talking about how good "Uncle Joey" is! They will be so proud of me, and we'll be together, a happy family again!
Desperate Addict, by Nicholas Yu. Another short and dark story.
Reply With QuoteVery interesting, but sadly i don't like stories without dialogue..
Three Short Stories.
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