Level 1 - The Last Save Point
ancestor of the sims? or aliens?
That summer felt like it was slipping away faster than I wanted. The days blurred together, working at the small gas station, coming home exhausted, and dreaming of doing something epic before the chaos of school reared its head again. My friend, the only person who truly understood me, kept saying how summer should count for something, not just hours wasted behind a register.
She was the first person I’d ever really trusted, the one who never looked at me weird for my weirdness, being a lesbian or my dark makeup, or my love for bands like Type O Negative, and other strange habits. She was bright, cheerful, and full of life. A stark contrast to my moody, dark aesthetic. But that’s what made her special. She always said I was cool in my own way, and I for whatever Reason believed her. When she suggested a road trip, I felt an electric thrill. It was like we were about to break free from all the boring routines and just go somewhere wild.
Level 2 - Loading Screen
Why the hell does a cartridge have a loading screen?
That night, I couldn’t sleep. My mind raced with excitement and a little nervousness about the adventure ahead. I carefully laid out everything I’d need... my favorite band T-shirts, A journal I had scribbled the typical goth teen stuff on... skulls, anarchy signs... My Little Pony as a Terminator, and my headphones, my escape from the world. I also packed my old Walkman, the one I’d had since I was a kid. Its worn-out cassette tapes held all my favorite goth melodies and some mix tapes I’d made myself. I knew I’d need those tunes to keep me sane during long stretches of driving.
My older brother, who had taken on a parental role, was wary about me going. He’s super protective, often worried that I’d get into trouble or do something reckless. But he’s also fair and knew I was responsible, most of the time. I could tell he was worried when he looked at me packing my bag, but he said, “Just be careful. Don’t do anything stupid.” I nodded, trying to hide my grin. I appreciated his concern, but I also knew I was ready for a new “save point.”
Level 3 - The Open World
It really is a pretty game
Morning arrived with the sun blazing and the smell of fresh coffee from her kitchen. We loaded up her car, a battered but reliable 4-door POS Toyota, and hit the road. The feeling of the car rolling over the pavement, music blasting from the speakers, was like a shot of adrenaline. I kept my headphones on for a while, listening to the deep, brooding melodies of Type O Negative, feeling the weight of the world melt away.
She sang along with her favorite pop hits, laughing at the silly lyrics. We stopped at quirky roadside diners, places with neon signs and questionable food... where I ordered strange local dishes that tasted like childhood nostalgia. We took goofy pictures of roadside attractions. Giant fiberglass dinosaurs, faded billboards advertising bizarre products, and colorful murals on abandoned buildings. We joked and teased each other, feeling like explorers on a wild quest. I felt a strange sense of freedom, like I was finally doing what I’d always wanted. Just me, her, and a sprawling open-world road ahead.
Level 4 - The Side Quest
No, old man, I will not kill 1,000 gnats for you. >:(
Day two took us into tiny towns with sleepy streets and old buildings. We wandered through quiet main streets, discovering hidden gems. One of the coolest spots was an abandoned amusement park with faded rides, peeling paint, and an eerie silence that somehow felt magical. We climbed onto rusty roller coasters, pretending we were brave explorers uncovering a forgotten world. We took silly selfies on the broken Ferris wheel, grinning like fools, feeling like we owned the place.
That night, we parked in a quiet spot under a blanket of stars. We talked about everything. Our dreams of the future, our fears about growing up, and how crazy it felt to finally feel so alive. I remember the warmth of her voice and how the music from my Walkman played softly in the background, blending with the sounds of crickets and distant traffic. I’d never felt so free, so unburdened. It was like completing a side quest that unlocked a new level of confidence. The third and fourth days were fairly uneventful. More goofing around and sightseeing.
Level 5 - The Boss Fight
Really, Robotnik needs a new gimmick... and some deodorant.
By the fifth day, we were on our way home. Stopping in at random thrift shops along the way, we kept our eyes peeled for anything cool or nostalgic maybe even weird. That’s when I saw it, the thing I’d been hoping to find on the cheap all trip, a Sega Genesis. It was sitting on a dusty shelf, surrounded by old battered game's and cases, its tangled hookup and controller, looking a little battered but still full of promise.
I haggled with the store owner a bit, getting a fairly good deal on it, a couple of games, and the extra controller he had sitting in a box behind the counter I happen to eye. Feeling like I’d just uncovered a hidden treasure, I knew I had to have it. The shopkeeper smiled at me, he even threw in a copy of Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master. As I cradled the battered but beloved console, already imagining all the adventures I’d have with it, I felt on top of the world. It wasn’t perfect, by any means... scuffed, dusty, a slight crack along the top. But it was mine now. I couldn’t wait to get home and plug it in.
Final Level - The Return
Wow, Shredder looks kinda funny in this TMNT game... hmm
The drive back home was peaceful, quiet even. We didn’t need to fill the silence with endless chatter... just sitting there, knowing we’d done something daring, felt enough. The road unwound before us, stretching into the horizon, and I felt a strange, newfound confidence blooming inside me.
When we finally pulled into my driveway, my brother was outside, tinkering as he did on some car part, I don’t remember now, looking a little worried we were a little late but relieved. I could see the relief in his eyes when he saw me smiling, carrying my new to me Sega.
The Endgame
One of the best chili dogs I ever had to this day, was on this trip. Sonic would be proud
That summer trip changed everything. It gave me a taste of independence, a reminder that I could explore not just the world but myself. The miles of weird sights, the music that kept me going, and the Sega I finally called my own, all of it became a part of who I am and who i was to become. Most of all, I’ll always remember having someone who never judged me, who was with me every step of the way. It was a trip of miles, music, and memories... something I’d carry forever.
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