The screen hums softly in the dark room. A blue hedgehog zips past green pipes and floating platforms, his feet leaving no trace on the air. His shoes flash red and blue, quick bursts of light as he speeds through the levels. I watch intently, every move precise and deliberate.

In one level, a green chaos emerald glimmers, then disappears into a spinning hedgehog. He throws a homing missile that zips across the screen to land in a box, opening it. The box pops open with a satisfying click—another ring for Sonic’s tally.

The game is hard, but I keep trying each level over and over. I learn to time my jumps better, to dash just as an enemy appears. Sonic moves so fast; sometimes he’s off the screen before I can react.

As I play, the room gets cooler, my fingers grow numb from pressing buttons. Outside, I hear cars drive by softly on the street. The game never stops running, but eventually, my eyes start to close. I click off the console and set it down gently.

Sonic sleeps now in his box, waiting for the next player to awaken him.