Two Worlds

I began making my way towards the town's Center Square, a common meeting place for team members in the game. I often meet up with Justin down one of its side streets rather than the main crossing. Since we are the only team of two among several teams of three, it is safer for us to lay low, just in case other teams get the idea that we might make an easy attack target. As with all types of "death" in the game, getting killed by other players will only incapacitate us for a day, which I suppose isn't the worst that could happen. However, it would lower our team ranking and hinder our ability to complete missions, which in turn lowers the probability of the golden flag appearing before us.

The freezing winter winds sent chills throughout my body as I trudged along the snow-covered path. There were several NPC's milling about, going about their daily business. Everyone was bundled up with their scarves and hoods, looking straight ahead and thus taking no notice of me. I often mused about what my life would be like if I, too, were an NPC. Would life be any easier? More fulfilling? Or were there, perhaps, difficulties of being an NPC as well?

"Hey, Lexis!"

A familiar voice interrupted my thoughts. A confident voice. A gentle voice. I turned around and smiled. It was Cameron, my best friend. He also happens to be an NPC, so he is unaware of the existence of the game. But although I cannot talk to him about the game, he's still a great source of support.

"Cameron! Hey, how's it going?" I raised an open palm and he clasped my hand in a firm high five/handshake.

"It's going pretty good, yourself?"

"Ah, haha...I've seen better days, but it could be worse, I guess." Images of the struggle from the previous night pervaded my mind as I replied.

"Sounds rough, but I hear you," Cameron looked concerned. "Hey, you've really been hanging in there...it sounds like you still have a long way to go, but keep it up, and I'll sure you'll make it, alright?" He paused and his eyes narrowed, giving him a serious look. "If you need me, you know where to find me."

"Thanks, Cameron." For the first time since last night, I felt a sense of calm. Words...compassion...such things, are they really so powerful, especially in a world such as this?

"Hey, I have to head off now, that okay, Lexis?"

"Uhh...yeah, of course." That guy...his polite words always take me aback. "See you, Cameron."

"Alright, take care!" With that, he turned and headed off toward the university. I had better get going too...Justin is probably wondering what's taking me so long.

"Yo."

"Ah! Justin?"