Ned Vizzini does some role playing game fun

From The Other Normals* by Ned Vizzini (author of It's Kind of a Funny Story). This is an exchange between protagonist Perry and his new friend Sam who are bonding over an RPG called Creatures & Caverns. It's a perfect example of keeping perspective when life gets you down.

"I believe in something. Whatever else I do during the day, I always make sure to remember, 'Nobody knows how the pyramids were built.' You know? You go through life worrying about your little assignments from school, trying to be smart, playing the game, and meanwhile nobody can explain how the pyramids exist. Two-point-five to fifteen tons, each block. Five thousand years ago."

"Who do you think built them? Aliens?"

"It doesn't matter. Aliens, magic....Until someone explains the pyramids to me, how'm I gonna take life serious? You want to start a new game?"

*My original plan was to include it in my November column but I think because of it's paranormal turn it will fit better in December. I'll keep you posted.

**September's column should be up shortly - all NF titles focused on science and scientists. Great stuff!