“No, Jesse. I'm not having sex anymore.” Taylor says with a shake of his head. “All this banging’ is effin’ with my mind. Who wants to live their life constantly banging?” Taylor asks, sitting firmly in his position.

Jesse smirks. “Okay, Taylor. Whatever you say.” She says before turning away.

…

…

“No, Maggie. It was wrong when we started and it's wrong now. I'm sorry it even led to there in the first place.” Taylor says with a sigh.

“Well, eff you then, Taylor. When you decide to be a man, call me.” Maggie says before hanging up.

“I’m never going to be a man… I’m going to stay an innocent kid forever…” Taylor mumbles in complaint.

“Hey. Watch Johnny for a moment, will you?” Sylvie asks, peaking her head from the doorway.

“Okay.” Taylor says with a sigh. He gets up and finds Johnny.

“Hey.” Taylor says.

“Hey.” Johnny says.

“Do you want to do anything?” Taylor asks as he sits on the ground.

“Yeah. Can we buy some video games?” Johnny asks, a little hopeful.

“Sure. What video game do you want?” Taylor asks with a raised eyebrow. Do kids his age play video games? I don't remember. He thinks before ignoring it.

“It’s called Valhalla. It’s a fighting game.” Johnny says with a smile.

“Valhalla?” Taylor asks with a raised eyebrow. “Aren’t you a little young for that?” Taylor asks.

“No! In Valhalla you get to continue after death and continue to grow. ‘There’s no malice in the battle, just expression.’ That’s the slogan. Or maybe it was ‘just stop thinking about it, just fight!’ I don’t remember. But there’s room to grow no matter how you start.” Johnny says with some excitement.

“Is it an online pvp sort of game?” Taylor asks.

“Yeah. If you get good enough you can earn real money!” Johnny says.

Taylor chuckles. “Fuck it, let’s buy it.” He says with a smile.

…

…

Taylor watches his son clumsily play the game and cringes. Fuck, this game is so violent. Taylor thinks watching as Johnny tries his best to fight it out.

“Hey, where is this game set?” He asks, curious.

“You start on a random starter planet in space. Eventually, if you have enough money, you can travel to a different planet.” Johnny says as he continues to mash buttons.

“That’s wild.” Taylor says as he watches intently. “Maybe I’ll play too?” He asks himself.

…

…

“Are the two of you still gaming!?” Sylvie asks with a scolding tone. “Taylor, the plants haven’t been watered yet. Get in the backyard. Now, mister!” Sylvie says with her hands on her hips.

“But mooommm!!” Taylor whines. “Just let me play for a few more minutes! I’m about to level up!” Taylor says, hoping to squeeze a little more in.

“I said now, mister!” Sylvie says with a shake of her head. Why can’t this kid grow up? He’s just like every other boy out there! She says with a sigh.

“Okay! I’m going!” Taylor says as he puts down his headset and moves to the door. “Sorry, mom. I’ll behave from now on.” He says with a kiss to Sylvie’s cheek.

“Good boy. And don’t forget to pay the bills!” She says before leaving for the kitchen.