The screen flickers softly before settling on the loading bar. It stretches across the TV like a long green line. I watch it move slowly to the right as if it’s trying to reach its destination. Sometimes it stops and starts again, making me think maybe something went wrong. But then it keeps going, inching closer until it reaches the end. That’s when the game begins, sliding into view with all its colorful characters and levels. For now, though, this is just a wait. I press my fingers against the cool plastic controller, eager to see where the adventure takes us next.