The day is warm and bright. I spend hours on the floor, tracing circles with my finger in the dust as I play Sonic’s new level. The rings float gently through the screen, spinning and dancing just out of reach. Each ring holds a spark of light, so pretty they almost make me wish I could touch them. I imagine myself running like Sonic, jumping high to catch one. My little brother keeps trying to join in but can’t figure out how to jump high enough. I show him the technique—jump, hold up, and spin. He tries, but his rings just disappear before he touches them.

Sonic’s world is so fun. Everything moves smoothly, no jerky pauses like in my old games. The levels get harder, with tricky paths that zigzag back and forth. I love the challenge! Sometimes, when I lose a ring, I wish it would come right back to me. But then I remember—each one earned by running fast or jumping well. Progress is slow but steady.

Tonight, I’ll try for five rings in a row. It feels like something to aim for, like setting up for the next level of my game. Maybe tomorrow I can reach six!