The game case sits on the table, shiny and colorful. I touch the plastic, smooth under my fingers. It’s the new Sonic game for our Sega Genesis. The title screen flashes with blue and green, a speedy hedgehog running in circles. A countdown starts—3, 2, 1—and then the music blares: “Knuckles!” I press start.

The level loads, showing the iconic hillside with Chaos Emeralds glowing. Sonic runs so fast, a blur of green shoes on blue grass. I use the controller, turning it to make him jump and dash. Each ring collected makes the score counter go up. I watch as he dashes through rings, avoiding spikes and flying Tails.

The levels get harder. I try to time my presses just right—up for a boost, left or right to avoid traps. The world starts warping and shifting, sending Sonic into a speed test. I spin the controller faster, trying to beat the challenge. Time runs out, and the screen blinks red.

I put the game back, satisfied with my effort. It’s a new day for me, new adventures waiting in that cartridge case.