REWARD

9 hours ago, I boarded a 14-hour flight from SIN to SEA.

"We thank you for choosing Singapore Airlines. At this time, Premium First-Class Air Alliance members may board the flight. Also, slow people and noisy people may board at this time. Oh, and Taylor Troesh, please see us at the ticket counter."

Uh oh. I do not like hearing my name on airport loudspeakers.

"Taylor? Hello, thank you so much. Sir, we need your help. A family with toddlers accidentally purchased non-adjacent seats. You are currently seated in 52K, and we would like to move you to 31E. We understand that 52K is a window seat; 31E is a middle seat. Would you be willing to swap seats so this family can remain together?"

My favorite role-playing games build atop ethical dilemmas. For example, Undertale's plot is shaped by your commitments to pacificism/violence. Disco Elysium, Bioshock, Fallout, Red Dead Redemption, etc. force players to creatively exercise their moral compasses. I am deeply grateful to storytellers who've helped me discover who I'm becoming.

In table-top games, the Dungeon Master doles consequences for players' decisions. Will you share your dwindling food supplies? Will you harm others in pursuit of peace? Will you eat one marshmallow now or two tomorrow? You're gonna carry that weight.

I'll be home in ~5 hours.

But for now, 52J is empty. The lady in 52I is quiet and smiles often. I am comfortably seated in 52K.