September 30, 2005
Week 22 - The Quest 2
Episode 5
Hal bicycles to the T. S. Eliot Mall. He steps into a small store called "The Game Cottage". The shelves are packed with colorful boxes. Several mounted TV's display various electronic games. A little grey haired lady sits knitting behind the counter.
"Excuse me," Hal asks her, "do you have a copy of Death Zone 3?"
The old woman smiles. "Of course, dear, it just came in yesterday. I hear it's quite something too. My customers just can't stop talking about that Perimeter Gun." She points with her knitting needle. "You can find it in the PC section, sweetheart, against the far wall."
Hal nods and walks to the rear of the store. He picks up a black box decorated only with a white skull and the roman numeral III. "Sweet," he whispers. He brings it to the woman. "I'd like to buy this, please."
"Certainly, honey. Have your mom or dad come to the counter, I'll ring you right up."
"No, I'm here alone. But I've got the money..." He pulls a roll of bills from his pocket.
"Oh dear. I'm afraid I can't sell it to you yourself. You see, look at the back of the box." She takes it, turns it over and points to a small logo in the lower left hand corner. "See that, dear? It's the rating. It says 'M' for 'mature'. That means I'm not allowed to sell it to anyone younger than seventeen."
"What! But I've been playing Death Zone 2 since I was eleven!"
"Oh, I know, it's ridiculous, isn't it? But if I break the rules, I could lose my license. None of the manufacturers would supply me. And then where would we be?"
"But I've been waiting for this to come out for, like, two years! And I've been working all week to get the money! I have to buy this game!"
"There, there, honey, no need to get so upset. I'll tell you what... I'll take this copy and hold it under the counter here. That way you don't have to worry about it selling out. Then you just come back with your parents and have them pick it up for you."
"But they'd never do it! My mom hates Death Zone! She says it's too violent!"
The woman frowns. "Oh my. I run into that attitude, every now and then. Parents today... So unreasonable. They have no respect for their children's maturity and independence." She shakes her head. "I'm sorry dear, but I can't help you." Her face brightens. "But I know what would make you feel better! How about a nice cup of tea?"
"What?"
She points outside the store with
her needle. "There's a Starbucks
just on the other side of The Limited.
They make a wonderful Chai!"