You blew me away tonight.
For some inexplicable reason, those words linger in my mind. It’s just a simple, everyday compliment, something I’ve heard countless times before. But when it comes from someone of Ruin’s caliber – a man of few words, a master in the gaming world – it carries a different weight I can’t quite explain.
Before I can respond with a thank you, he sends another message that quickly wipes the smile from my face.
Ruin: Nah, just kidding.
I get up from my bed, my emotions mixed, and head downstairs for a glass of water. My phone remains in my hand, holding my attention to the screen. I almost stumble on the last step of the staircase because I’m so engrossed in the messages. He hasn’t begun typing yet, so I decide to send a quick retort.
Alice: After all the effort I
