Nigel’s little brother, Ralphie, sat in his room staring at the load screen for Kenny Kart Racing, his favorite game of all time. He wanted to play with his big brother, but Nigel was always preoccupied with his own games. Most of Nigel’s games required reading hundreds of lines of dialogue just to complete a single quest. Ralphie had no interest in that. The difficulty level in these games was off the charts. Ralphie enjoyed simple gaming pleasures, and his favorite was Kenny Kart Racing. Nigel used to play the multiplayer version with him, but not since he got sucked into The Machine.

“Ralphie, get ready for school. We are already late!” Ellen said.

Ralphie just continued to play his game.

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“Turn it off now!” Ellen screamed.

Ralphie immediately turned his system off. He had never seen his mother this upset.

“I have enough trouble with your brother. If these games are too much of a distraction, I will take them away.”

“Sorry, Momma,” Ralphie said in a weak voice. Ralphie was already dressed and ready to go, so Ellen didn't have to wait long.

The arguments between Nigel and his mother were almost a daily occurrence, so Ralphie used the yelling time to get ready. He usually had some time to play a round or two of Kenny Kart before school. This morning, he had played at least a half dozen by the time Ralphie grabbed his lunch box.

“Get in the car now. We’re late,” Ellen demanded.

Both boys jumped in without saying a word. Ralphie didn't like it when his mother was upset, especially if it was directed at him. Her high-pitched voice seemed to go up a notch or two if she didn't get immediate results, so Ralphie usually listened the first time.