One photo. One memory. One thing to pass on to a kid. Then we’re gone till Thursday.
We’re dedicating the next few issues to the 8-bit joy of neon lights in darkened rooms, the mechanical “clink” of quarters hitting the dish, the ritual of placing those quarters on the marquee, and the ability to lose hours standing up.
My quarter hits the slot. I’m jockeying the joystick with earned confidence, my initials are at the top of the Hi Score list on the original. But this isn't the original. Ms. Pac-Man showed up at the arcade in Apache Mall and I step up like I belong here.
I don't belong here.
The same rules don't apply. They share a name, a bright yellow coloring, a penchant for floating fruit. That's it. My muscle memory is useless.
I move on to Q*Bert.
Homework Assignment
Tell a kid about timing your bathroom breaks at 7 and 16 minute intervals every 30 minutes while watching TV at night.
See ya next Thursday.
-SMCoaT crew
