“wolves hiding nearby / whispering do or die / around me”

The seeds of this germinated over the summer, but at the start of the school year Eaglet and three classmates suddenly coalesced into a mixed-gender gaming group—playing video games together while talking via Messenger Kids. They’ve spent most of their time in Roblox, Minecraft, and Rocket League (cars playing soccer!). Pretty much any combination of the four will play together, depending on availability and interest.

They’re often referred to collectively by the initials of their personal names, an acronym that’s one letter off from the handle of a popular gaming YouTuber—I think this is coincidence, and I’m not even sure any of them have noticed it, but the result rolls nicely off the tongue.

Listening to them is fascinating, as they collaborate and compete, negotiate what to play next—and as they switch out who’s the peacemaker when they squabble (though most commonly it may be one of the boys). Very little trash talk between themselves, which is nice to hear, though there has sometimes been a few tart words about the skills of other players. It’s not playground socialization, but there’s definite leveling up of social skills going on.

And for your amusement, supplied by my joke pusher*:

Q: What’s the most common medical procedure for Lego minifigures?

( Cut for riddle )

* Eaglet, of course.

---L.

Subject quote from Last Goodbye, Eric Kinny feat. Danica Dora.