Most of my self-care this term turned out to be play. Nothing planned. Time at the pool table until a shot finally dropped, afternoons at the arcade with my dad, and slow late games with friends once exams were behind us.
getting the hang of pool
My first time on a real professional table. After years of wobbly bar tables, the cloth felt fast and the pockets looked impossibly small.The same evening, seen from across the room. I had told myself I would play one quick game, and I was still there a long time later.
The trick shot, first go. It did not drop, but you can watch me trying to work out where the cue ball has to end up.The same shot a few days later, finally falling in. I had been chasing it all week.
My first proper tournament. A real bracket, players I had never met, and far more nerves than I expected to feel over a game of pool.
arcade afternoons with my dad
Darts with my dad to start. He still beats me more often than not, and I am fine with that.Then the racing games. Side by side, in the seats right next to each other.The full racing rig was next. I was hopeless on it and could not stop laughing.We finished with traditional Hong Kong food, the kind my dad grew up eating.
winding down with friends
First time at laser tag with friends. I spent a good part of it crouched behind a wall, just catching my breath.Poker the night the midterms ended. We had earned the break, and we took our time with it.Another hand, much later. The kind of slow, quiet game you play right before bed.Food out afterwards. No plan, no rush. That was most of the point.
