Game Over No Way Out

"Loading… Game Over"

Ava was just fifteen years old, a girl whose life revolved around video games, school, and her small circle of gaming friends. She never imagined that a simple morning conversation would be the beginning of something that would change her fate forever.

"Get up, Ava! Or you’ll be late for school!" her mother’s voice echoed from the kitchen.

Ava groaned, stretching under the warm blanket. She could already smell the toast and coffee her mother, Janine, had prepared.

"I’m already up, Mom! Just getting my bag. Can I have my breakfast now?" she called back, walking into the kitchen, her long dark hair slightly messy.

Janine turned around, surprised. "Wow, that’s rare. You’re actually up on time? I thought you’d still be asleep!" she laughed.

Ava rolled her eyes playfully. "Haha, Mom… can I ask you something?"

"Of course, dear. What is it?"

She hesitated for a moment before grinning. "When is your new video game finally releasing? I’ve been waiting forever!"

Janine smiled as she placed a plate of pancakes in front of her daughter. "Soon, sweetheart. Very soon."

Ava’s eyes sparkled with excitement. "And what’s the name again? I kinda forgot."

Her mother chuckled. "It’s called… ‘Game Over: No Way Out.’"

Ava paused, her fork hovering over her plate. "Huh? That sounds... intense. Why that name, Mom? Is this game different from your usual ones?"

Janine leaned against the counter, her expression turning mysterious. "Oh, absolutely. This game is unlike anything I’ve made before. It has three stages, and each one will test the player in ways they never expected."

Ava frowned. "Only three stages? That’s too short!"

Janine laughed, shaking her head. "It may be short, but trust me, it’s not easy. The first stage alone will blow your mind."

"What is it?" Ava asked, leaning forward, her curiosity growing.

Her mother smirked. "Stage One is called The Arena of Echoes. But I won’t tell you more. The rest… is a surprise."

Ava pouted. "Mom, come on! Just a little hint?"

Janine glanced at the clock. "Oh no, look at the time! You better get going, or you’ll be late."

Ava sighed, grabbing her school bag. "Fine, but I’m going to get all the details after school!"

Janine kissed her forehead. "We’ll see about that. Have a good day, sweetheart."