In a small bedroom of a 13 years old boy named Jack, there was silence. All that could be heard was the sound of his video game and his grunts and curses whenever he died in the game. Behind him, sat on the floor, was supposedly another boy whose name was Strider. Supposedly because Strider was just an imaginary friend, only Jack could see him. But in that moment, Jack was completely ignoring the other.
Unfortunately, things weren't going Strider’s way. He could feel his own presence disappearing, becoming weaker. That’s because he was slowly being forgotten. Strider couldn’t help thinking… Why is that? Maybe because Jack was already 13? Or because now he met new real friends? Or was it because he made Jack upset somehow?
― Uhm… Jack? ― Strider broke the deadly silence in the room ― Why aren’t you… you know, talking to me and doing cool stuff with me like we used to?
― First of all, can’t you see I’m busy right now? This game is really hard you know? ― Jack answered irritated ― Second, that’s simply because I don’t need you anymore. I have videogames, I have real friends, I have my family. You’re basically useless right now. Now please stay quiet and let me concentrate.
Jack’s words cut Strider deeper than a knife.
He had never spoken to him like… this. So rudely, so direct, so unsensible! Now he truly regretted asking, but what’s done is done. Even though Jack really wasn’t in the mood for a talk, Strider didn’t want to just keep quiet and “die”. He wanted to keep existing!
So he thought of the most absurd idea, and saw no option other than to put it into action.
― But, you know Jack… I am real!
― I’m sorry, you? Real? What are you going to tell me next? That volcanoes are cold?
― Hey, I’m really serious here! I truly am real! Look, I can talk, walk, feel…
― Even cartoon characters talk, walk and feel. And maybe they’re realer than you. I mean, everybody can see them, after all. Unlike you, who can only be seen by me.
― That doesn’t mean I’m not real! I may not have a true body, nor can I be seen by every single person, but that’s because I’m not human! Pretty simple. Only certain people can see others from the same species as me, so I am very special! Wouldn’t it be a pity to lose someone as amazing as me? And as a bonus, I’m still friendly! Can you imagine if you had found a hostile being of this species? How terrible would that be! You wouldn’t be able to tell anyone about it because everybody would think you’re crazy! Besides…