More fascinating than breakdancing were those colorful boxes with joysticks proudly displaying the name “ATARI.” My friend, Kyle, had the ultimate gaming setup. Until that summer, I had never laid my hands on a video game, but everything changed when Kyle, with a shy smile and a close seat beside me, turned on the TV and said, “This game is called ‘Pac-Man.’” I was instantly enchanted—by both him and the game itself.
Pac-Man was a delightful adventure! All I had to do was guide this little yellow character through a maze, gobbling up dots while dodging four mischievous ghosts with whimsical names reminiscent of a Shel Silverstein poem: Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde.
Throughout July, we found ourselves immersed in two captivating worlds. One was filled with high scores and sweaty joysticks, where I sat closely to Kyle, laughing and competing. The other was the vibrant outdoors of Baton Rouge, where my mom, my aunt, and Kyle’s mom took us on whimsical neighborhood escapades filled with towering green trees and exploration. I was introduced to a lifestyle that felt intoxicating; Kyle’s younger siblings ran around without a stitch of clothing, musical instruments were strewn around their cozy home (including a piano right in the living room, often played by a child), and I admired how Kyle ambled about barefoot, clad only in shorts, showcasing his delightful 80s shaggy hair. He was utterly adorable.
As August arrived, we played Pac-Man tirelessly, and I quickly leveled up, feeling like a true gamer. But along with my newfound love for video games, I was also developing a crush on Kyle. One day, as we ventured out for a local adventure, Kyle told my aunt that I had confessed my love for him. My face flushed with embarrassment; “No, I did not! I don’t even like you!” I nearly shouted, instantly regretting my outburst. Kyle turned beet red and stared out the window, leaving me shattered—I felt like I had ruined our friendship.
After that day, Pac-Man and Kyle became distant memories. We exchanged awkward pleasantries when necessary, but neither of us could muster the courage to breach the elephant in the room. Yet, in the final weeks of our Baton Rouge adventure, we found ourselves gaming side by side once more, as I watched Pac-Man devour those pesky ghosts. I knew I was leaving Louisiana, along with the sweltering heat and Kyle, but I took comfort in knowing Pac-Man would always be around. I would surely meet him again.