Page 122 of Glitched Play

That's inefficient.

It's also becoming increasingly difficult to stop doing.

She finally slides the last page toward me.

"I also think each episode should end with someone telling the story of why gaming mattered to them."

My eyes lift to hers.

"Not the game."

She nods.

"The person."

Something settles quietly in my chest.

That's why yesterday worked.

I showed her old machines.

She saw people.

"I like this," I say.

Her smile widens. "I knew you would."

"I didn't."

"You would've eventually."

"I've been wrong before."

She folds her arms with obvious satisfaction. "I'll remember you admitted that."

Dara clears her throat dramatically.

"I have a confession."

Neither of us looks at her.

"I genuinely thought when Mr. O'Ryan canceled his schedule yesterday that the two of you were... conducting different research."

Maci turns, completely confused.

"What?"

Dara waves a hand. "Never mind."

Maci pops her hip, “No, now I want to know."

"I've decided ignorance is a better option."

Maci’s brow knits together like she doesn’t quite know where Dara’s mind is going. "Witt would never create drama."

"I work with the O’Ryans… all of them," Dara says. "I've learned to expect chaos."

I glance toward Dara. "You've completed your entertainment for the morning."