Press Start

Addiction: the condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity.

Adrian was a bright 20-something year old young man, with his whole life ahead of him, but found that he was losing it all; his career that he worked so hard on through college, and then his relationship that quickly ended. The future he had planned for himself, was thrown away into the trash with the rest of his dreams, and to cope, he found himself becoming addicted to gaming; something that was also a reason for his unemployment, playing the games on his office computer during business hours. Not only that, but he lost his apartment that he was excited to have called his own, resulting in moving in with his older brother Joe, and his girlfriend Susan.

Feeling he wasn’t worth anything, professionally or even romantically, gaming became his life; he hardly ever left the basement of his brother’s condo, he barely slept or ate.

“Adrian, come on…breakfast is ready!” Joe stood atop of the stairs, glancing down the steps leading downstairs. He could see the flicking glow from the TV screen and the fierce clicking sound from Adrian’s aggressive grip on the gaming controller, “Adrian, get up here now!” he shouted.

“Yeah, I hear you…” Adrian barked over his shoulder, “I hear you, I’m coming!” he moved the gears then grunted, hitting the start button on the controller, pausing a game in progress. As he stood, he shook out his hands then he bent backwards, feeling a cramp stomping along his lower back. Reaching for the remote, turning off the TV, he let out a deep sigh, rubbing his tired green eyes. Running his hands through his red hair, he shuffled toward the steps. Standing at the bottom, veering upward toward the door, there stood his brother, “I’m coming…I’m coming.”

Joe nodded, backing away out of view. Walking into the kitchen, sharing a quick kiss with Susan, he then turned, leaning against the counter, sipping his coffee.

“Morning.” Adrian greeted, closing the basement door.

“Morning.” Susan muttered over her shoulder.

“Jesus, Addy…” Joe frowned, laying his cup next to him on the counter, “look at you, haven’t you showered?”

Susan turned, grimacing with surprise because Adrian was always a fine dresser, never a wrinkle in place. Placing the frying pan back on the stove, she let the eggs and bacon cook.

“Adrian…” she folded her arms, “are you all right?”

“Yes, why?” he reached for a slice of toast laying nearby.

“Look at yourself!” Joe argued, gesturing at him, “You’re a mess!”

“Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. Stop being the overly protective big brother, I got this!” Adrian mocked.

“Got what?!” Susan wondered, “Yo haven’t left the house in weeks, not since you moved in and you barely leave the basement…what’s so important down there that you, ugh, I don’t know, can’t step away from to interact and act like a normal person. Socialize for god sake!”

“Gee, if I wanted to be scolded by a woman, I would’ve called mom.” Adrian mocked arrogantly, leering at Joe.

“Susan is right, and you will talk to her with respect. This was her home long before it was mine, so get your a** up those stairs, take a shower and go out.” Joe affirmed as he stepped toward his brother, placing a firm hand upon his shoulder, “And don’t even think…about sneaking back down those stairs because it will be locked.” he nodded.

“Yeah, all right…got it, got it.” Adrian nodded, “Susan, I am sorry for what I said. I didn’t mean it, and I really do appreciate you taking me in for a while.”

“No worries.” she grinned, then turned back to the stove, “Sh*t…” she cursed, trying to salvage the breakfast, “Um, I hope you guys like burnt bacon and eggs?” she smiled as she turned.

Joe shook his head, then laughed.

Adrian reached forward, swiping a piece of bacon.

“Mm…love it!” he crunched it quickly, tasting its flavor. As he turned, rushing upstairs, he ran his fingers through his hair then took a long shower.

“Adrian?!” Susan’s voice called out from the door.

“Y-yeah?” Adrian answered, peeking his head through the curtain.

“I left some clothes for you on the bed.” her voice replied, “They’re fresh out of the laundry!”

“Oh, um…thanks!” he nodded, then finished the shower. Standing in the mirror, he studied his face, seeing a set of dark shadows encircling his green eyes, “Pfft…” he shook his head, “a young man with a bright future, yeah right.” he taunted himself. Emerging from the bathroom, quickly dressing, he came down stairs then paused, hearing an argument taking place between Joe and Susan.

“He can’t stay here much longer, I’m trying Joe, I am but he hasn’t paid his share of the rent in months!” Susan’s voice complained, “He looks terribly, it’s so unlike him!”

“I know, and I’m not justifying his slacking off, but give him a chance. Please…” Joe whispered, “give him a week, I’ll make sure he gets his life straight and if he doesn’t...” he sighed heavily, “brother or not, I’ll toss him out on the street myself.”

Adrian frowned, glancing at his feet. Letting out a long, deep sigh, he emerged from the staircase.

“I’ll be out for a while, I’m going into town!” he waved, then swept through the backdoor.

Both Joe and Susan stood in the kitchen, wondering if he had heard their conversation, regretting it ever happened.

“Give him time, babe…please.” Joe pleaded softly.

“All right, fine.” Susan agreed, “One…week.” she raised an affirmative finger, then leaned in, sharing a quick kiss.

Riding a bike into town, he was just on the cusp of trying to get his life together, applying at the local coffee shop. He felt confident filling out the application then handing it in, he shook the Manager’s hand, thanking her for the chance to be interviewed on the spot.

“I’ll look it over and get back to you.” she nodded, then scanned the application, “Although, with a background and education like this, why aren’t you elsewhere with the other top notch figure heads out there?”

“I, uh…” Adrian ran his fingers through his hair, “it just didn’t feel right once I got there, seeing all of it up close, you know?” he shrugged.

“Mm, well…we take work here seriously.” she looked at the interior of her small cafe, “It’s not much, but it’s…”

“It’s perfect, really.” Adrian smiled, “It’s quiet, just what I need.”

“Well, like I said, I’ll look it over and get back to you.”

“Great, thank you.” Adrian nodded. Reaching for his cup that was offered as a freebie because of the interview, he exited the cafe with a sense of accomplishment. Fiddling with the bike lock, he tossed the coffee cup into a nearby trash then heard his phone beep. Removing his phone, he received a text from Joe, “Yeah, all right, got it.” he sent a reply, agreeing to purchase ingredients for dinner. As he shook his head, he glanced into the reflection of the window that stood in front of him. It wasn’t himself he stared at, but the local game store, GAMEHUB that tauntingly stood across the street with its red neon letters flashing, as if it deliberately beckoned him through their doors, “Don’t…do it.” he bit his lip, looking down the street for a different direction, “Don’t…” he fought the urge, but gave in, “damn.” he grabbed his bike, carefully and cautiously walking across the street. Laying the bike on the sidewalk, he entered the store.

“Hey, man…” the clerk greeted, “welcome back.” he held out a hand, sharing a brief knuckle bump with Adrian.

“Hey, man…” Adrian grinned, scanning the shelves, “got anything new?’

“Yeah, loads.” the clerk veered around the counter, taking the young man toward the newer section of games that had been stacked and put on display early that morning, or tossed into a large bin because there were so many, “There you go, man.” he gestured at the shelf, “Tell me you didn’t go through those games you bought last week?”

“Nah, still grinding on them but I’m just looking around, that’s it.” Adrian shared a brief grin.

“Ah, well…if you any questions, give a shout. Excuse me.” the clerk patted Adrian on the back then turned, greeting another customer that came in, “Hi, how can I help you?”

“My son is looking for…” a woman’s voice spoke.

Skimming through the games on the shelves and the bin, he picked out a few newer ones he waited to be released, and quite a few older, outdated titles.

“Damn…” he grinned, holding onto the tall stack, then his green eyes spotted one in particular that he couldn’t ignore, “hello.” he reached for it, studying its black case that had no name, label or game description, nothing but a strange symbol of what looked like a skull engulfed in flames faded in the background. Holding it up against the light, he could barely make it out but thought maybe it was a spin-off from the Elder Scrolls, or maybe it had belonged to someone who made their own jacket for the case, “Cool.” he grinned, placing it atop the others. Once approaching the counter, he questioned the clerk about the game, “Hey, have you seen this one?” he handed it to the man.

Examining the case, the clerk frowned.

“I saw it this morning but I thought it was Elder Scrolls.” the clerk looked at the young man, “You’re buying it?”

“Yeah.” Adrian nodded, removing his wallet. Watching as the price went higher and higher, he frowned for there was no way he could afford anything more than $200 at least, “Ouch…” he winced at the price that had gone just a bit over.

“Hold on…” the clerk typed a few times on the keypad.

Adrian watched as the price began decreasing.

“Um, not that I’m complaining but…” he muttered with a faint grin, removing his credit card.

“It’s your lucky day.” the clerk announced, “The games on the shelves were half-price anyway, and since this one doesn’t have a name, label or hell…even a barcode, you get it for free as a bonus for being our best customer.”

“Seriously?” Adrian wondered, “What’s the catch?”

“No catch, man…” the clerk argued, turning the screen around, “look for yourself, plus there’s the member half price.” he pointed, listing the games that were discounted.

“Cool, thanks.” Adrian scanned his credit card. Accepting the bag, placing his wallet back in his pocket, he waved then left the store, peeking into the bag once more. As he reached for his bike, placing the bag into the small basket that was attached on the handle bars, he rode home like an athlete on a bike, training for a marathon. Standing it outside, he quietly peeked his head through the back door, making sure Susan and Joe weren’t home but as he closed the door, hiding the bag behind his back, he jumped from a moment of reflex, hearing the front door slam loudly, “Sh*t…” he tiptoed across the kitchen then as he turned, the bag knocked over a glass onto the floor.

“Hello?!” Joe called out, seeing a shadow moving around. Placing his jacket and suitcase by the door, he reached for a baseball bat by the table, “Who’s there?!”

“It’s me, Joe…” Adrian’s voice answered loudly.

“Adrian?!” Joe sighed in relief, lowering the baseball bat, “Are you crazy, you could have let me know you were home.”

“I just got in…” he answered, making his way toward the basement that was locked, “damn it.” he reached into his pocket, removing his set of keys.

“Did you get everything for dinner?” Joe called out, “Did you hear me?!” he received no reply, “Adrian?!” he veered around the corner, watching as his brother fiddled with his keys, unlocking the basement, “What are you doing?”

“I, uh…left my wallet downstairs.” Adrian rasped in guilt.

“Left your wallet?” Joe wondered, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah, I…” Adrian backed away, making sure he kept the bag hidden behind his back, “was at the coffee shop putting in an application but then I realized…sh*t, I left it at home, so I came back.” he grinned.

“Mm-hmm.” Joe nodded, sensing something wasn’t right, “And what’s behind your back?” he grew suspicious.

“Noth-nothing.” Adrian backed away nervously.

“Adrian?!” Joe urged, “What’s behind your back?!”

“Nothing!” Adrian continued backing away then froze as Susan came in through the back door, bumping into him. The bag tore, scattering the game cases at their feet.

“Forgot your wallet, seriously?!” Joe argued, “Then what the hell are those?!” he pointed, “Because they better not be what I think they are!” he pushed his brother back.

Susan placed her purse on the kitchen table, then quickly knelt down, gathering the games, placing them next to her purse.

“Adrian?!” she placed her hands atop the cases, “What is this, where’s dinner?!” she then scanned the receipt, “And if you can spend this much on games, surely you can pay something toward your share of the rent!” she tossed the receipt at him.

“I was on my way to get the stuff but I…” Adrian rasped, “nevermind!” he pushed past them, grabbing the games off the table. Holding them against his chest, he stood in a moment of shame, “It’s my money, and it’s my life!” he shouted, turning toward the basement, managing to open it.

“Adrian?!” Joe shouted, chasing after him, but reaching for the knob, it was swiftly locked from inside, “Adrian?!” he pounded on the door, “Open the door…” he banged.

“Joe…” Susan sighed, shaking her head, “that’s it, I can’t do this.” she pushed past him, stomping up the stairs.

Feeling torn between his brother and his girlfriend, Joe made his way upstairs after Susan, sitting next to her on the bed as she removed her shoes. Gently nudging her, he leaned in, placing a soft kiss on her cheek then wrapped his arms around her.

“I can’t do this anymore either…” he whispered, staring at the carpet, “I can’t even talk to him anymore, I don’t think he even listens.” he closed his eyes, wondering what it was that had changed his brother so much, “I just don’t get it, he was such a goal seeker, but ever since he lost his job, apartment and girlfriend, he’s been like this.”

“Not that it’s any of my business, but since he is staying here, I contacted the Manager where he worked, and he told me that he was fired because he slacked off on his work and was caught gaming during business hours.” Susan gently pulled away, looking into his green eyes, “It seems ever since he moved in here, your relationship is…” she paused, feeling guilty, “distant, and for that I’m sorry.”

“Hey, baby look at me…” he turned her face toward him, “you have nothing to apologize for, absolutely nothing.” he stroked her cheek, “And since he didn’t pick up the stuff for dinner, why don’t you and I go out, hmm? Just you and me, how does that sound?” he smiled.

“Sounds great, let me just take a quick shower?”

“Sure, but want some company?” he teased.

“I won’t object.” Susan stood, unbuttoning her blouse.

Adrian sat on the bottom step of the stairs, holding onto the games, staring at the TV screen across the room that was still left on pause; the game menu faded in and out.

“Adrian, you f*cked up…” he taunted himself, grabbing onto the railing, pulling himself to his feet, “now play the games you spent money for.” he sniffled, tossing the cases onto the couch.

Two weeks passed; Adrian had finished every new game he purchased with only a few hours sleep in between with the controller still in hand. Losing weight, he hardly ate for he was afraid of facing Joe and Susan, not wanting to get into an argument he knew he would lose. He changed his clothes only once during the 2 week game binge, and was unfortunately suffering from the faint scent of body odor for he didn’t bother taking a shower. Reaching the climax of the current game, he cheered and clapped with a wide grin, smacking on half empty bags of chips that were stale, and drinking small sips of soda that had gone flat. Grimacing with distaste, he tossed the bags and cans into the trash then sat back on the couch.

“Ah, finally…” he held the black game case, running the tips of his fingers across the strange symbol, “let us see what you’re made of, hmm?” he studied the case, then opened it, finding a single black disk with no name, logo, or anything that identified it, “Interesting.” he wondered, for there weren’t even any advertisements or inner table of contents and jackets for the games’ content. Removing the disk from the case, the ledge sliced his thumb with a thin cut, “Ah…” he sucked the blood from the wound, “sh*t.” he tossed the disk and case on the table, then he stood, quickly retreating into the small bathroom, rinsing his hands under the water. Dabbing his thumb, wrapping a bandaid around it, he emerged, staring at the game that sat there, taunting him in a menacing sort of way. As he glanced up the stairs, he listened as Joe and Susan spoke, sharing a moment of laughter before the back door closed. Sighing softly, he returned to the couch, then reached out, placing the disk into the Xbox console, “Let’s do this…” he watched as the disk slide disappeared, accepting the game. Pressing start on his controller, he waited for any kind of main menu to appear on screen but once more, no logo or name, except for that same skull flame symbol flashing faintly in the background. At first he thought it was the light settings, making sure the screen was bright enough to seem but not too bright to damage his eyes, but then the words PRESS START appeared beneath the mark,, “Okay, press start…got it.” Adrian glanced at his controller, pressing the middle button with his thumb. Watching as the image hovered, then the letters disappearing, they were replaced with writings or etchings that the player couldn’t understand, it was some type of calligraphy being typed across the screen, “Whoa…” he grinned, “that’s interesting.” he raised his red eyebrows and widened his green eyes with curiosity.

The letters continued typing themselves out but coming to the end of the paragraphs, the words flashed, allowing him to read them:

“ARE YOU READY, ADRIAN? ARE YOU READY TO ENTER OUR WORLD, BECAUSE ONCE YOU HAVE GIVEN YOUR BLOOD AND ENTER THE GAME, THERE IS NO TURNING BACK. NOD IF YOU ACCEPT.”

“What the f*ck?” Adrian muttered, giving the basement a quick scan, wondering if this was a joke, “Okay, this isn’t funny!” he called out, then glanced toward the screen that spoke to him, “This is not a joke.” he read the words aloud, then wondered how the game knew his name for he didn’t enter the user’s gametag.

“EXCELLENT, THEN LET US BEGIN.” the words flashed menacingly once more, then faded, disappearing into the symbol as if they were sucked into a void.

Sitting closer to the ledge of the couch, waiting for the game to officially begin, Adrian gently ran his thumbs on the controller knobs, wondering if he should continue. As he rubbed his tired eyes, he arched his back once more.

“This is getting ridiculous, it’s like he’s a stranger living down there, some random roommate.” Joe complained, staring at the basement door, hearing the sound from the TV and strange noises echoing through the gap under the door.

“Maybe if you called your parents, get them over here.” Susan suggested, “He needs an intervention because there is nothing else you and I can do alone.” she reached for the phone, handing it to him.

“Mm.” Joe nodded, accepting the phone. Making the call, he paced, speaking softly so he wouldn’t cause much of a disturbance to the addict downstairs, “Mom, no…it’s not like that.” he argued, hearing their mother rant, “No, it’s not drugs or alcohol.” he reassured, “But it’s this gaming that’s getting out of hand.”

“Gaming?” a woman’s voice spoke, “Well, he is a young man Joesph…isn’t that what they do?”

“Yes, but this is different! You’re not here, Susan and I have tried everything we can to snap him out of it but he won’t listen. He’s not eating, he hasn’t slept, he looks like sh*t.”

“Language.”

“Mother, seriously?!” Joe snapped, “You think god will strike me down for saying sh*t?!” he paused, hearing faint giggles from the kitchen table where Susan sat quietly, “I think you and dad should come here, maybe if both of you talk to him?”

“I’ll talk to your father.” the woman answered, “But I do think you’re over reacting.”

“Over reacting.” Joe mocked, “He hasn’t called you lately, has he? You haven’t heard his voice, because if you had, I think you’d be on a bus tomorrow morning.” he ended the call, slamming the phone on the counter, “Damn it!” he huffed, leaning forward.

“What did she say?” Susan stood, approaching him.

“She thinks I’m over reacting.” he turned to her, placing an arm around her waist, “Which means she thinks you are too. We’ve never been the same, not since Adrian and I moved out here, but this? Her attitude? I can’t believe it, especially since it was Adrian and I that got her through our dad’s own addiction then their divorce. I thought she would understand.”

“Well, maybe she’ll reconsider.” Susan sounded hopeful, “She never seemed to like me, and for what reason is still a mystery to me, but give her time…you and Adrian are all she has left, she’ll come around.” she kissed his cheek, “You’ll see.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

“Listen, I have to get to work, how does pizza for dinner sound? I can pick it up from that little bistro around the corner, you know the one?” Susan teased softly.

“How can I forget?” Joe turned to her, “It’s where you and I first met, and I thought you were the most beautiful waitress I had ever seen.” he tickled her.

“Y-you did not…” she laughed.

“It’s true.” Adrian’s voice interrupted.

Joe and Susan ceased their tender moment, turning to the sound of the young man’s voice. They observed his tired, sloppy presence standing by the door.

“You’re all he talked about after that.” Adrian finished.

“Yes, well…I’m sure it wasn’t all he talked about.” Susan nudged Joe, “Surely there were other things?” she waited for him to answer but he didn’t, “Joe?”

“I, uh…have to go…do that, do that thing I’m late for.” Joe kissed her, then swept across the room, ignoring his brother completely, for he didn’t want to look at him.

“Joe!” Adrian called out after him, but he didn’t reply.

“Give him time.” Susan fretted, “There are some leftovers in the fridge if you’re hungry, and dinner will be home at seven.” she grinned, “Adrian, listen to me…” she stepped closer to him, “I say this because I love Joe, take care of yourself because he’s this close…” her left hand raised, measuring half an inch between her fingers, “to tossing all ties out the window, and to be honest, I’m getting tired of watching you putting him through all of this, and not to mention the excuses! This is my home, I didn’t have to let you stay here but I did it for Joe and I won’t tolerate anymore slacking off. Get yourself together, or so help me god, Adrian…” she stepped closer, “I will pack your sh*t and throw it out on the street myself.” she sneered, staring into his tired green eyes, “Got it?”

“Loud and clear.” he slurred.

“Good, now take a shower. You stink…” she frowned.

Nodding slowly, Adrian watched as she reached for her purse.

“Remember, dinner’s at…”

“Seven, I heard you.” he tapped his ear.

“Hmm.” Susan moaned, then slammed the back door.

Shuffling toward the fridge, he managed to chow down a sandwich, salad and two small cartons of orange juice. He placed the dishes in the sink then standing at the bottom of the stairs, gazing upward, he wanted to get away from his life, go to a place where there nothing but a void engulfed him with no responsibilities. Suddenly, he felt a sharp sting from his bandaged thumb that quickly made him remember he left the game paused downstairs.

“Adrian…” voices escaped through the basement door.

“Mm?” he looked around, but there was no one present.

“Adrian, come join us…” the voices whispered again.

Opening the basement door, staring down at the steps, he heard the voices grow louder, followed by the flashing of a screen that was changing scenes.

“We’re waiting for you, Adrian…come back to us!”

“What the f*ck is going on?” Adrian scoffed, shuffling his way down the steps. Standing at the bottom, he stared at the screen, watching as the menu faded in and out, “Okay, just one more level…” he took his place on the ledge of the couch, reaching for the controller.

“Susan?!” Joe called out, coming home early.

“In the kitchen!” she answered.

Peeking his head around the corner, he watched her for a moment, scampering around the counter, getting plates and glasses ready for dinner; a pizza sat on the table with its lid half closed, letting the aroma of the toppings fill the space.

“Mm, smells good.” Joe smiled, greeting her with a kiss.

“Hope so, I made this one myself.” Susan laughed, then glanced toward the basement door, letting out a deep sigh.

“What’s the matter?” Joe wondered, not wanting to look.

“Nothing, I just…thought I might have knocked some sense into him earlier, but I guess I was wrong.” she laid a towel on the counter, then reached for the plates, “How many slices would you like?” she turned to the table, then took a seat, opening the box.

“Whoa…” Joe examined the fresh, oozing with toppings pizza, “baby, you surprise me every day.”

“Come on, it’s just a pizza.” Susan reached for slices that strung with cheese, “Adrian…” she called out, “dinner!”

“Don’t bother.” Joe complained, wiping his hands.

“Adrian!” Susan’s voice hollered from upstairs.

“Not now, not now!” Adrian grunted, really getting into the scene of the game, hacking at the creatures that were bombarding his role-playing gameplay, “Ah-ha, yes…” he shouted in cheer, “gotcha mother f*ckers!” he laughed, “Yes…” he moved around as if he were really there, and just then, after he killed the army of monsters, the screen turned black, lasting for moments, “Um…” he quickly pressed the menu button on the controller but nothing happened, “what the hell?” he stood, rushing toward the console, but everything was still plugged in and he was still online according the controller.

“Adrian…” voices spoke, startling the gamer.

“Whoa…” he jumped back, standing to his feet, “what?”

“Adrian, you’re ready…” the voices continued.

“R-ready?” he wondered.

“Yes…”

“For what?” Adrian muttered, then glanced at all of the bulbs, watching as they flickered violently off and on as if someone toyed with the switch. Turning around, no one else was present in the basement to play such tricks, much less offer the eerie voices whispering his name, “All right, this isn’t funny!” he backed away, holding the controller, then shrieked as the lights turned off completely leaving no power, except for the TV screen that began flashing with strange symbols, “What the hell is going on?!”

“What the hell happened?!” Susan pondered, reaching for a flashlight from the kitchen drawer after the lights had shut off.

“I don’t know.” Joe approached the window, seeing all of their neighbors still had power, “It’s just us, everyone else still have lights.” he turned to her.

“Maybe it’s the fuse box?” Susan rasped curiously, “All of Adrian’s gaming might have overloaded it somehow?”

“Maybe, doesn’t matter…” Joe huffed, “but I’ve had it!” he gently pushed past her, “It’s going to stop right now!”

“Joe!” Susan chased after him.

“Adrian!” Joe banged loudly, “Open the door!” he firmly gripped the door knob, attempting to open it but it was locked tight, “Damn it, Addy…open the god damn door!” then he turned to Susan, “Where’s the key, where’s the key to the basement?” he held out his hand.

Reaching into her pocket, she handed it to him, placing it in his hand quickly. Stepping back, aiming the flashlight over his shoulder, she watched as he fiddled with the key into the lock.

Listening to Susan and Joe calling out his name and the loud sound of bangs and keys inserting in the lock, Adrian dropped the controller as he stared at the screen, seeming to be hypnotized by the next level.

“Finish it…” voices whispered, “finish it.”

Rubbing his eyes, the controller was then returned to his hand as if it never left. Each time he threw away the controller, it found its place back in hand.

“What is this, what’s going on?!” Adrian feared, for this wasn’t funny anymore, he wasn’t enjoying the experience the game had to offer anymore.

“FINISH IT!” a deeper voice growled in demand as the screen changed, taking the game to another level that he had yet to explore.

Adrian, looking around, wondering what he could do, he had no choice but to finish the game, see where it led. As he sat back on the couch, paying close attention with fear, he needed to collect talismans in order to open the last portal of the game.

“This is insane!” he mumbled, killing every enemy of the most grotesque design that he had never seen before, much less created for a game, seeming too life-like, “This can’t be real…” he was glued to all of the action that was taking place, for this wasn’t like most gaming experiences that saw the character of the game you’re portraying, this game didn’t involve a story-telling of any main characters or multi-player options; he WAS the game and it was the control settings and actions of the controller that decided his fate.

Suddenly, the screen turned black once more; nothing but the sound of Joe and Susan calling his name were heard, before that skull appeared in the center, flashing slowly with 8 eight keyholes placed in a triangular pattern with a single slot in the center. Moving the control stick across each hole, a talisman was put in place but the center was absent a key. Staring at the screen, moving the cursor around, nothing took place, not until words began typing themselves across the screen once more.

“THANK YOU, ADRIAN…YOU HAVE FOUND ALL OF THE KEYS, EXCEPT ONE. YOU HAVE WON THE GAME, AND REACHED THE LAST LEVEL, ARE YOU READY ADRIAN, TO ENTER AND GIVEN THE CHANCE TO EXPLORE OUR WORLD FULLY, WITH NO LIMITATIONS OR DISTRACTIONS OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS? IF YOU WISH TO CONTINUE, PRESS START TO ENTER THE LAST KEY.”

Growing a crazy smile, as if in a trance, Adrian ran his thumb across the start button, then jumped, hearing Joe’s voice screaming his name, followed by pounding on the door. Frowning, he glanced at his feet, then bit his lip, staring at the screen.

“Just one more level, Joe…one more.” he pressed start, and immediately after that button was pushed, he began to feel a rush of energy race up his arms and through his entire body as if he were being electrocuted. Closing his eyes, dropping the controller, he screamed loudly before the lights in the rooms exploded, shattering their bulbs.

Hearing Adrian’s screams worried Joe and Susan but as the bulbs throughout the house shattered, it startled them.

“Oh my god, what the hell is going on?!” Susan shouted.

“I don’t know…” Joe grunted, trying to bang down the door but it seemed harder than it should have been, as if it were reinforced from the other side, not even the wood splintering on the surface from his persistent bombarding would give way, “Adrian!” he shouted then after his last pound, the door swung open and he almost fell down the stairs, but he braced his stance in the doorway, while he felt Susan’s hands gripping the back of his shirt, “Thanks, babe…” he huffed, glancing over his shoulder, offering a brief nod.

“Yeah, sure…no problem.” she mocked, quickly aiming the flashlight at the door, “Why didn’t it open?” she ran her free hand over the surface.

Joe didn’t reply, rushing down the stairs. Looking around, his brother was nowhere to be seen, he didn’t climb his way out through the window for it was locked and too small.

“Adrian…Adrian, where are you?!” he worried, then ran into the small bathroom, but he wasn’t present, “Come on, this isn’t funny! ADRIAN…”

“Joe…where could he have gone?” Susan whimpered as she stood on the last step, shining the flashlight around the basement, “There’s only one way in or out, none of this make sense.” she glanced toward the TV that was the only source of power throughout the house, “Joe…how is that still on?”

Approaching the TV, kicking aside bags of chips and old pizza boxes, sandwich wrappers or juice and soda cans, he looked around. Glancing down, seeing the controller on the floor, he reached down, picking it up then focused on the TV, hearing something pound against the glass but he thought maybe it was just the sound effects from the games that ran its credits.

“Joe…” a voice screamed his name, “Joe, hello!”

Thinking maybe it was just his imagination, Joe turned, tossing the controller on the table, then approached his girlfriend.

“I don’t…I don’t know what to do.” he pondered, holding her close, looking down at her.

“Maybe we should call the police?” she suggested.

“And tell them what?” Joe argued, looking around, “My brother was playing games and just…disappeared?!”

“Joe…” Adrian shouted, “Susan, I’m here!” he pounded his hands on what looked like a mirror in front of him, “I’m here…wherever here is.” he lowered his hands as he turned, staring at the blackness surrounding him, “Hello?”

“Hello, Adrian…” a deep voice spoke from the darkness, “I see that you have made it into our world, and reached the end of the game. The very end….”

Squinting, Adrian scanned the void around him, knowing he wished to be surrounded by such darkness that felt as if there were no hope.

“Wh-where am I?!” he shouted, then turned, watching as the one-way view overlooking the basement seemed to shrink in size, “Joe…Susan!” he continued pounding on the glass but they didn’t hear him, “God damn it, okay…” he huffed, taking in deep breaths, “this is all a dream. Just wake up, Adrian…just wake up.” he attempted pinching himself, only to find that it hurt a lot more than it should have, “Ouch…” he rubbed the sore spot, “now way.” he turned, continuing to gaze into the void around him.

The voice laughed, seeming to grow closer to the gamer.

“No, Adrian…this is not a dream, and you are not asleep. When you followed the instructions to PRESS START, it was the last key to open the portal into our world and now…your soul belongs to us.”

“Wh-what?” Adrian feared, feeling tears stinging his eyes.

“You read the contract, that is what flashed across your screen and when you cut your thumb, you offered blood as a sacrifice. Pressing start was the final step in collecting what is now ours.” the voice taunted.

“Sacrifice?” Adrian stuttered.

“Yes.” the voice laughed once more.

Widening his green eyes, he turned once more, facing the window that had grown smaller since his last glance; Joe and Susan ascended the stairs, leaving the dark basement. It swiftly closed, leaving nothing but the void around him, but moments before the only single ray of light vanished, Adrian’s green eyes watched as large clawed hands came from the darkness, grabbing at his arms and legs.

“Welcome to Hell, Adrian…” voices hissed.

“No…no!” Adrian screamed, trying to break free of the clawing hands, “Nooooo…” he felt as if he were being dragged somewhere unknown, unseen. Suddenly, the void around him began to change, becoming the setting of the strange game that he had played. Being tossed roughly to the ground, he rolled across the stone floor toward what looked to be a throne but he paid no attention to any of his surroundings, only the stabbing pains from the deep claw marks slashed across his body, tearing his clothes.

“Hello, Adrian…” a man spoke.

Raising his gaze toward the throne above, Adrian blinked, trying to focus his blurry vision. Feeling hands pulling him up, pushing him onto his knees, he grunted.

“Wh-where am I?” he stuttered.

The man, or Demon, leaned forward, studying the man, then stood tall at least 10 feet tall with elegant horns and bat-like wings.

“Did the voices not tell you, Adrian… you were a soul that wanted to be anywhere but in your own world, in a place of darkness with nothing around you to weigh on your shoulders.” the Demon knelt in front of the man, raising his gaze with the tip of a long claw that pierced the skin beneath his chin, “And you got what you wished for.”

“N-no, I didn’t wish for this…” Adrian argued loudly in protest, pulling away from the Demons’ closeness, feeling his claw slice his chin, “I want to go home, let me go…”

“I cannot do that, not unless you’re willing to offer another in your place.” the Demon stood, slowly walking around him, “But you do not seem like the type that is willing to do such a thing.”

Staring at the throne in front of him, he knew the Demon was right, he couldn’t do this, whatever this was, to anyone else.

“What are you going to do with me?” Adrian wondered.

The Demon laughed deeply.

“Everything.” he announced, then waved his hand; other Demons that sought to the void around the light reached out, grabbing the young man, pulling him away from his presence, “Welcome to the family, Adrian…” he sat in his throne, watching as the man disappeared into the void.

“Noooooo!” Adrian screamed repeatedly until his voice faded.

Weeks later, flyers were posted across town, displaying a missing face of Adrian Jones but he was never to be seen again.

Joe and Susan moved, wanting a fresh start but always held out hope that Adrian would return. After selling all of his clothes and trading in the games, they left what had happened behind them and locked away.

Unfortunately, the nameless game fell into the hands of another player and just as she was sucked into the void, she was greeted by the previous player.

“Who are you?” she jumped to her feet, then glanced at the window behind her, seeing her bedroom on the other side.

“My name is Adrian…” he answered, “I was like you.”

“Like me? What do you mean, what is this place?”

“Hell.” he laughed, then morphed, blending into the void around her, clawing at her with the other creatures of the game.

Its origins were unknown.

Its manufacturer was unknown.

Everything about it was unknown.

So gamers, next time you think about binge gaming, you might want to adhere to this warning: BE CAUTIOUS, BE WEARY, AND NEVER, EVER FORGET TO READ THE FINE PRINT ON THE SCREEN, you never know what you’re signing up for, or playing.

So go on, let’s play…press start!