Compromising

Every time I’m in the area, I stop by the video game store. Even if my back catalogue is still large, even if I don’t have a lot of cash to spare, even if I don’t even want to buy anything. Mostly it’s just to quickly scan the shelves and see if there is anything interesting – manoeuvre through the people doing the same thing in-between the narrow shelves and rows upon rows of titles trying to tempt your wallet.

Share your child's hobby!

On this occasion, I went into the store with someone else who wanted to buy something, which involved waiting around a little, casually glancing at the Xbox section. I stood back every now and then to let someone else pass, and there was a small boy who was half my height and couldn’t have been more than 10 years old. He was wearing a hoodie that was too big for him, had freckles, spiky hair and eyes that keenly looked along the shelves. His fingers wiggled in anticipation. His scuffed trainers squeaked along the floor.

As he wandered up and down the rather sizeable Xbox section, a sharp, older female voice cut through. “What are you looking at them games for?”

He wheeled around. “I’ve got an Xbox, too!”

“You’ve just looked through all the Playstation—”

At this point, I was interrupted by my companion, who couldn’t find what he was looking for. Everything was probably in alphabetical order in this store before the general public came browsing. As we scanned the games, I could hear snatches of a child’s whine and an adult’s angry scolding.

“Don’t be stupid! Just hurry up!”

Game found, and then it was back to looking at the Xbox section, just killing time, not actually interested in buying any of them. The boy was still looking as well. I stepped round him as he tentatively reached a hand for Black Ops.

“You can’t get that! That’s an 18!”

“Why noooottt?”

“It’s an 18! Put it back!”

He reached for World at War instead, an apparent compromise.

“No! You’re not having it!”

I found myself staring at a copy of Mini Ninjas. Why doesn’t he just pick up a copy of Mini Ninjas? Mini Ninjas is a good game. Child-friendly and fun. Or maybe it’s not violent enough for this kid, the karate in the game is of the cuddly and cute variety after all.

Cute little ninjas.

He picks up a copy of Marvel vs Capcom 3 instead and meets with another objection.

“No! You can’t have that one!”

“Why not?!”

“It’s too expensive!”

The boy continued to browse among the games, eyes looking longingly at Grand Theft Auto IV, Dead Space and Call of Duty again. I walk off to look at something else.

It’s surprising that Pokémon games, even the older ones, can still cost so much. Also, what foolish fool traded in Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney?

“No! I’m not spending £20 on a game!”

I thought guiltily to myself that if that was the case, the woman would probably have a heart attack if she knew how much I had paid for Portal 2.

“No! I spent £20 on you yesterday! I haven’t got £20 to spend on you today!”

“But I want this one!”

“I don’t care! I haven’t got £20!”

Moving on to the Wii section. New Super Mario Bros is still quite expensive, even pre-owned. On the other hand, nobody seems to want No More Heroes judging by the price it is now.

“You’ve got so many games already, just hurry up and pick one or I’m walking out of here without you!”

Where’s my companion? Oh, he’s on the other side of the store, maybe I should go over there too. But even after going to the other side of the store, I could hear snatches of the debate raging.

“Hurry up! I’m going to count to ten!”

“I’m looking!”

“Seen anything interesting?” I asked.

“Not really,” was the reply. “I’m just going to get this.” My companion walks off to the tills while I look at the endless row of shelves again. As I peruse, compare and contrast, the store’s terrible music comes back into focus. There’s no shouting to interrupt the poptastic beat and droning vocals. The debate seems to have cooled. The kid must have picked a game.

A short while later, I go to meet my companion as he leaves the store, game purchased and in a neat carrier bag. As I do so, I walk past the tills where the boy’s relative/guardian/whatever is standing in line waiting to be served.

In her hand is a £6 Playstation 2 copy of Grand Theft Auto III. Standing to one side is the boy, looking mildly pleased with the imminent purchase.

Wait 'til you see the hookers!

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