Page 53 - OSG Presents Classic Gamer Magazine #6

the game he held in his hands, I was lobbed the video game over his desk to my son’s ately to allay his frustration. “Let’s go to Party
already facing him. My flea market sea- outstretched hands. Now, I must have seen World! I’ll buy you a dozen balloons. Helium!
soned poker face was firmly set. that boy drop 500 fly balls for every one Any color you want. And you can pick out an-
“I had an Atari video game system,” that he caught out on the little league other dozen for your sister, too. How does that
the doctor said wistfully. “Years ago, field. I winced, preparing myself for the sound?”
back in med school.” With a bare hand he tragedy that was certain to follow. A Holy “Great, Dad!” And in the heartbeat that fol-
combed his shock of dark hair in one slow Grail was about to shatter into a thou- lowed, Charles’ thoughts of crying were as for-
motion sweep as he turned the video sand shards of plastic on the marble tile gotten as my disappointment over missing Sat-
game over in his hand with the other. He floor. It was a miracle that did not hap- urday’s thrift run.
reflected in silence for so long I could hear pen. Restraining myself from making a “Here. You can have this old video game,”
myself age. leaping, diving catch was, perhaps, an Charles said to me when we climbed into the
“Do you actually HAVE an Atari?” his voice even greater miracle. car. He proudly tapped a finger on his big poly-
finally croaked in amazement. “Do you still play it?” “Nice catch, Charles!” I beamed, ruffling mer plastic sealed grin. “I already have my
“Not me,” I lied, “my son does. Atari is my fingers through his bristle short hair. tooth protectors!” I smiled down at him so hard
the only game system we can afford. Charles looked up at me and gave me the my face nearly split in two.
The games are dirt cheap when you biggest, brightest smile I had ever seen. It’s been almost 6 months now, and I haven’t
find them at Goodwill stores, but they “Yesss!” he said. found squat since. Every weekend I come
are getting kinda hard to find. They “That’s for being a brave little man today,” the home from my bone-dry routes with nothing
haven’t made new games for it in years, dentist said to Charles. new to add to my collection. Charles is always
you know.” “Two fillings today, and you didn’t cry. Not even there to greet me at the front door. Sometimes
Dr. Snare listened intently. I had my once!” he sees disappointment washing over my face,
rhythm going, and I ran with it. “I usually We were out of his office and skipping down the hall and sometimes it must look to him as if I am
pick up old Atari games at yard sales and when Dr. Snare poked his head out. “Now that’s it for about to cry. That’s when he warms me up
flea markets for a dollar or two a pop. you, Charles.” His words bounded down the hall with a great big Charles smile. My disappoint-
Yeah, they’re hopelessly obsolete, but not loudly enough for the front desk secretary to hear. ment vanishes in a flash.
to a seven-year old. Charles enjoys playing them “Don’t go asking for a free balloon, too.” And in that
just as much as I did back when they were new!” instant, the most brilliant smile I had ever seen was And then he taps on his teeth.
The dentist paused again, churning my words gone. Disappointment, frustration and anger washed
over in his head, riding them down a second journey over Charles’ face. In a second, I knew, he would be
through the decades. At last, he looked up and crying.
smiled. “Well, if that’s the case... Here ya go!” He “Forget about it, Charles!” I laughed, trying desper-

Contest Time!

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And

Classic Gamer Magazine

Have gotten together to bring you another contest. The prize? None other than the Good Deal Games’ newest re-
lease for the Sega CD, Bug Blasters. So, how do you win? Simple! Visit the Good Deal Games website at http://
www.gooddealgames.com and click on the WGDG link. Write down the titles of the next three songs you hear and
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Classic Gamer Magazine Spring 2001 53