I awoke to find myself lying on a cold, hard floor, disoriented and confused. My head throbbed as I tried to piece together where I was and how I had gotten there. As my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I noticed a computer in the corner of the room, its screen glowing with the familiar title screen of Geometry Dash, specifically the level “Stereo Madness.”

Before I could fully process my surroundings, a synthetic voice boomed from the walls, sending a chill down my spine.

“Welcome,” the voice intoned coldly. “Three of your family members have been captured and are being held in this facility. To save their lives, you must complete the level ‘Stereo Madness’ on your first try. Each coin you collect will save one of them. Fail to complete the level, and they will all die. You have no second chances.”

The back wall, previously white and opaque, suddenly turned transparent. Through the glass, I could see my father, mother, and sister, each restrained under a separate guillotine. The sight was horrifying, and my heart raced as I realised the gravity of the situation.

The computer screen flickered, and the game started automatically. My hands trembled as I positioned myself over the button, my fingers hovering above it. I was tense and sweaty, but I knew I had to remain calm to increase my chances of success. I had played this level countless times, and I needed to rely on that experience now.

The music began, and I focused intently on the screen. I dodged the first few obstacles with ease, my movements becoming more fluid as I fell into a rhythm. The first coin appeared, and I collected it almost automatically, my mind and fingers working in perfect sync. The second coin followed, and I managed to grab it as well, my confidence growing.

The third coin loomed ahead, and I felt a surge of fear. This was the coin I usually failed to get. The risk was too high. I made a split-second decision to avoid it, focusing instead on completing the level. My heart pounded as I navigated the final obstacles, and with a final, precise jump, I crossed the finish line.

The game ended, and the screen displayed “Level Complete.” I turned around, my breath hitching in my throat. I heard a sickening ‘thunk’ as the guillotine over my father’s head activated. His lifeless body fell to the ground, and I felt a wave of grief and guilt wash over me. But then, the guillotines over my mother and sister remained inactive, and they were freed.

A door on the orthogonal wall opened, revealing a busy street. The noise of the city was a stark contrast to the silent, oppressive room. Overwhelmed with emotions, I slumped down to the floor and started sobbing uncontrollably. My mother and sister, in shock, rushed to my side. They helped me to my feet, and together, we walked unsteadily out the open door, stepping into the bright, chaotic world outside.