An ERP assessment thing!

Q5b)

"What are you playing? Let me try too."

Usually, I would have heard much nagging coming from my mother when she saw me playing anything looking remotely like a computer game, about how much time I waste on them. However, that day seemed to be an exception, maybe because she had nothing to do and had taken an interest in the game on the screen. I felt relieved that my ears would not start hurting, and rejoiced as my mother decided that playing computer games was not always bad.

I then started a new game for my mother to play. She had an excited look on her face as she took over my seat, like one of myself when I was playing a game. As she read the introduction to the game, she asked me, "How could taht nation havev fallen to the enemy when it was so strong?" Being a veteran of the game, I explained that some points in the plot would be explained later in the game and not in the introduction.

As I taught her the basics and controls of the gameplay, a barrage of questions came from her, typical of a newcomer to such games. It seemed as though we were not mother and son, but two friends chatting to each other. This was also a rare time that put me in a superior position over my mother, and it boosted my ego somewhat as I taught her how to play the game.

Being thirsty after much talking to my mother, I went to get a drink, but shortly after I had gone, I heard her shout, "Oh no, my character is dying! Quickly, help me!" I rushed back, bringing a glass of water along. Using my relexes, I quickly used the potions in her inventory to replenish the health of the character, and hastily escaped from the enemy. I explained to my mother that she was fighting a powerful enemy, saying, "Your level was too low, and your strategy was ineffective." I showed her the proper strategy to implement, and she succeeded the second time round.

As my mother progressed further into the game, I had to speedily correct many mistakes that she made, to prevent a "game-over" screen. My mother was also more receptive to my suggestions and criticisms than usual, which surprised me. Finally, when she stopped playing and I started on my homework on the computer, my mother reminded, "I still do not totally approve of computer games, so refrain from playing too much." However, judging from her tone and eyes, I knew that she was craving for more of the game.

After this incident, I have realised that although parents act serious and put on an authoritative air, they are still children at heart, and are like that to set an example to their children and other people. Furthermore, such gaming sessions continued with my mother, as I found out a new side of her.

(495 words)