Behind a Screen

It's easier to face the world without actually facing the world. This statement might be confusing to some of you.
When I was little, I was diagnosed with a condition. That was the last day I saw a full view of the streets outside my house with my eyes physically. Before for that, I had always been the quiet invisible boy that sits at the back of the class. Everything and everyone scared me, so when my parents carefully explained to a six year old boy that his life would have to change and he would no longer leave unless at night. The little boy had thought, "The perfect blessing".

Source

Fast forward ten years later, advanced technology had come into play and behind a screen was how I lived my life. I didn't take up my parent's advice. I never left my house.
Why?, was it because I was scared of worsening my condition, the answer would be no. I was simply terrified of the outside world.
How did people do it I often wondered. Interact with people, make friends, have fun and just live.
"Jacob, your father and I are going on a stroll. Not too far. Do you want to come with?". I didn't have to look at my mother to know she had a hopeful smile plastered on her face.
I just wished I could brighten the smile but instead I said "No thanks".
She sighed disappointed, closing the door behind her.

A few minutes later I heard the front door close. They were gone. I dropped my phone and walked to my window. My only view of the world out there. It happened so fast I almost didn't see it. The next thing I knew there was a girl lying on the floor crutching her leg in pain.
For some weird reason I didn't think. I dashed outside.
"Miss are you okay?"
I stepped closer. She turned her head to look up at me and I gasped.
"You look just like-"
"The avatar you created from the game you're obsessed with right?"
I shook my head,"You're standing. I thought you were hurt"
She laughed dusting herself up, "Of course not silly I was trying to get you to come outside. Come on let's go".
"Go where?. What is happening?. Are you real?"

"Ughhhh, I really don't like talking much but you fell asleep while playing the game, now you are in the game or your subconsciousness is and I'm not real, I'm just an avatar. We need to complete the levels. Oh I almost forgot if you die in the game you die in real life"
"What?".
"Relax I'm just joking. Wheesh you're so uptight. I thought you'd be more interesting. You need to loosen up we don't what happened to the last guy to happen to you".
I'm dreaming. I just had to wake up right?.
"What are you doing?"
"Waking myself up". I continued pinching myself.
"That's not going to work. Let's just get this over with"
I stood for a minute staring at her walking away, "I'm not going to come back for you Jacob". With that I ran after her.
I spent what felt like hours, jumping over obstacles and trying to defeat "the enemy".

After what felt like eternity we got to the last level of the game. I will tell you it's way more easier playing it from behind a screen.
We stepped into a black space that seemed to go on forever. "Where are we?"
"It's called the void. We need to make it out of here. All we need to do is walk out". Walk out?. That's impossible.
"So why do you do it, hide behind your screen?"
I kept mute. "Do you know what I'd do with the world if I was real?. Everyday I wait in a little box waiting for you to use me how you like. You?. There's a whole world out there waiting to be explored. If I didn't have to wait to be picked I would be out there everyday exploring every corner of this game." She sighed and continued, " I wish I at least had a better name. What kind of lame name is Katasha?".

"I thought it was cool and I thought you didn't like to talk too much". It was her turn to be quiet."I am scared of people. I know it sounds lame but I've never been good at relating with them. I guess it's just easier hiding. Plus I have a really good excuse to do it. You know secretly I wish I was brave enough to step outside".
"Guess what Jacob you already did when you ran out to help me".
"But this is not real"
"It's as real was you want it to be"
I smiled,"What do you want your name to be?"
"Lily"
"It suits you". She smiled.

"Jacob, your father and I are going on a stroll. Not too far. Do you want to come with?". She paused, "Oh honey sorry I didn't know you were sleeping. I'll -"
"Yes". My mother looked confused for a moment.
"You want to go out?"
"Yes but I just need to do something real quick"
I turned to the game, clicked on some buttons and whispered, "Be free Lily".