I Broke the Game to Save Us / Chapter 4: Our World, Our Ending
I Broke the Game to Save Us

I Broke the Game to Save Us

Author: Miguel Shields

Chapter 4: Our World, Our Ending

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Before I could apologize, the alarm clock woke me. It was midnight. Carter was sleeping beside me, collar still on, hand holding the leash. That gut-wrenching bet felt like a dream.

I blinked, heart pounding. Carter stirred, reaching for me in his sleep.

Chelsea’s voice came. “You win. Tsk, even your mom’s character went off-script. Looks like this game is a failure.”

She sounded annoyed, but I could hear the grudging respect in her tone.

“Your failure is our success,” I said, laughing. “Thanks for the compliment.”

I grinned, knowing we’d beaten her at her own game.

“No need to thank me. If either of you wavered, you’d be brain-dead in an instant. We could just overwrite you with new code, drag you back on track.”

She tried to sound threatening, but I just laughed, unafraid.

I snorted. “To hell with your ‘track.’ This is my real path.”

I spat the words, daring her to try again.

She sneered. “Whatever. Goodbye, forever.”

Her voice faded, leaving only silence. I smiled, knowing we were finally free.

I rolled over and suddenly heard a mechanical voice—

“Game archived and removed. No further player access allowed.”

The words echoed, final and absolute. I grinned, pulling Carter closer.

Carter heard it too. He woke up, checked I was safe, and burst into tears. “Maddie, I had a nightmare.”

He sobbed, clinging to me like a lifeline. I stroked his hair, whispering that everything was okay. We made it.

I could guess what kind. After a moment, I gave in, lifting the blanket. “Come sleep here.”

I scooted over, making room for him. Carter hesitated, then dove under the covers, wrapping his arms around me.

He blushed. “I-I didn’t mean it like that.”

He stammered, cheeks pink. I laughed, hugging him tight.

“We have to check the test center tomorrow. Don’t lose sleep. If you’re not in by three—”

I started to scold him, but Carter just grinned, eyes shining.

Before I finished, he dove in like a big puppy, hugging me, all smiles. “Maddie, good night.”

He whispered it, voice soft and sure. I smiled, feeling safe for the first time in forever.

“Good night.”

I whispered it back, closing my eyes. For the rest of our lives, I’ll be able to say good night to him every night. And that, more than anything, feels like winning. Yeah, that’s winning.

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