Game Over Novels & Stories

“What’s new with you?” “Nothing yet. Still trying to figure things out.” “Stop trying and just go with it.” I give him a skeptical look. “Is that what you do?” “It’s worked out for me so far. Overthinking never leads to anything good.” “You’re right on that. Overthinking leads to second-guessing.” “Exactly,” he says with his mouth full. I put my feet up on the coffee table, yawning again. “Thanks, O.” “Of course, Q. I’m full of brotherly advice.”

"Alright, let's do this! Today, I'll show you how it's done." Wendy pulled out her phone as well, and they both started the game. In the game, Benny spun his character in midair, brandishing a large sword. "Wendy, prepare to die!" But in the next second, the sound of "Game Over" echoed through the room. The game had ended. Benny shot up from his seat, disbelief written all over his face. Just as he was showing off with his spin, Wendy had dropped down from above and, with a glowing axe, sliced through him.

At that moment, I truly believed I was the luckiest woman in the world. Isaiah was handsome. He did not smoke or drink, and he loved me wholeheartedly. Aside from being broke, he was the perfect husband. I believed that if we worked hard enough, we could clear his debts in no time. But now, as I bit my lip, tears streamed down my face. Just as I was crying, I received a text from Isaiah. "Honey, business is really good tonight. I'm staying late to earn more so I can pay off the debt. Don't wait up for me, okay?"

"Help! Where am I? I want to go home!" I heard a woman screaming. As I crawled up from the ground, the system announcement sounded from the speakers. "Welcome, honored players. Congratulations on being selected to join the Death Game. This instance, named 'Deserted Island Amusement Park,' is rated nine stars in difficulty. Players, do your best to stay alive." As the sound of the announcement faded, the phones of the more than 20 people present lit up simultaneously, mine included.

Scream the end of the game and the winner of the task. But just then... Click. We heard it. And right before our eyes, the stupidly stubborn matte black metal lockbox opened. It actually opened. It opened!!! "Annnddd stop! Game over!"

30… 25… My fingernails dug into my palms. 15… 10… I already knew their game. 2778 always waited until the last dying seconds before swooping in. It was a deliberate taunt. I snarled at the glowing screen, silently wishing their laptop would crash, their Wi-Fi cut out, or they’d spill a fucking drink all over their keyboard. Anything, just once, to ruin their smug little strategy. As expected, the box flashed red. YOU HAVE BEEN OUTBID.

Because she was no longer playing his game. “I see,” Montez said quietly. He reached for his napkin, dabbing his mouth with measured composure. “If that is your choice, then so be it.” Yanov rose unsteadily, his limp obvious now with every step. He extended his hand, forcing a polite smile. “No hard feelings, De Vitalio. We part ways as gentlemen.” Montez stood as well, tall and imposing. He clasped Yanov’s hand briefly, the shake firm, controlled. Yanov turned toward the door, adjusting his coat with an air of false nonchalance. He made it three steps before Montez spoke again.

The room was empty, except for the note lying quietly beside the pillow. Kane picked it up with shaking hands. The last words escaped him. "The game is over."

“It’s not over…” The void pulsed ominously, and the last words of the system echoed around her: The final choice has been made… but the game is eternal.

His words knock out the air in your lungs. Your legs obey before your brain catches up. You lock your computer, and walk the twenty steps to his door. Fifteen pairs of eyes track you like you’re walking to the gallows or the altar to be sacrificed. You step inside, and the door shuts behind you with a soft, final click. Would you not be the tribute today? Is there a problem? Has the game been put to an end? That can’t be the case. They had a draw just minutes ago. This must be the executive override, but what does that mean?