Chapter 1 Paradise
“Another day in fucking paradise.”
I chuckle to myself as I think about the characters saying it in a game I play. Somehow, that line sums up my whole day perfectly, especially after long, exhausting shifts at work.
It’s Monday, 8:30 p.m., and I come home to an empty house.
Lovely.
I may as well shower and get something to eat. I’ve got a few days off coming up, although I’ll be working the weekend this week, so tonight is my time i be able go bed later.
I step into the shower and let the warmth of the water run over me. The familiar smell of Dove fills the air, and for a few minutes, I feel whole again. It’s strange how something so ordinary can make you feel safe.
Once I’m dry, I pull on an oversized shirt and a pair of shorts—my comfort clothes. Nothing fancy. Nothing that needs thought.
I grab a bowl of cereal because I’m not cooking just for myself. Honestly, that feels like far too much effort.
I head upstairs to the gaming room, switch on the PlayStation and load up the zombie game.
This is my escape.
At around 9:30 p.m., my partner calls. Within fifteen minutes, he tells me he’s off to bed—or maybe the gym. The conversation ends, and I settle back into my game.
Then it happens.
I forget to turn my microphone off.
My character dies.
“Fuck this game! It’s so fucking hard!”
I hear a male voice come through my headset.
“Are you okay there, lady?”
He chuckles.
Shit.
I scramble to find the mute button, pressing everything except the bloody thing I need. I’m muttering “shit” over and over again while he continues laughing quietly.
Then he says, “We can always go on PlayStation Chat. I can walk you through the game and class setups.”
His voice is deep and calm.
Something about it makes me pause.
His username is jupitarstar.
“Yeah, okay. Add me as a friend. I’m going to bounce, though. I need to get to bed. I’ll play tomorrow if you’re on the game.”
There’s a short pause.
“That would be a pleasure. Speak tomorrow.”
And just like that, the conversation ends.
I put the controller down and sit there for a moment.
It was nothing.
Just a random guy from a game.
At least, that’s what I told myself.
