On Queuing, Family, and the Nintendo DS.

So there was this one time me and my dad were waiting in the barbers.

There was a guy already having his hair cut, and two kids sat waiting. They looked like brothers.

Each had a Nintendo DS, the focus of their full attention. Any conversation was directed at their own set of screens.

The elder was apparently winning. Things looked comparatively bleak for the younger sibling, who cast his tear-filled eyes around the room in search of support, since none was forthcoming from his brother.

I gave him a look to say “I know your pain,” but it wasn’t very effective.

Salvation came for the boys in the form of their father, his hair-cut complete. The consoles were snapped shut, and the spell was broken by the subject of sweets.

The two boys asked the barber if there were any lollies.

The barber laughed and said they were fresh out.

A brief conference between the brothers, finally united by their task, resulted in asking the barber if he had any more lollies.

The father laughed and said that if they’re out, they’re out.

I noticed my own father smiling at this spectacle. He must have seen this scene before. I think that maybe there is a universal recognition between fathers, a shared feeling, an understanding.

To know what it means to truly be a father.

There was this other time me and my dad were queuing at Betty’s Tea Rooms.

In front of us was a tall black-haired man with stubble, a scarf, and a long black coat.

And his Nintendo DS.

Also black.

It seemed his whole family was there. With silver hair and a warm yellow jumper was the man’s father, to whom he was demonstrating the wonders of Nintendo’s hand-held console.

The scene was perfect; like something out of an advert. Only more genuine. The expressions on the faces of those men were ones of true, real joy, like you don’t often see.

It was then that it struck me.

The power of the Nintendo DS.

Such power is subtle, yet immense.

To be able to tear families apart, and to bring them together again. With that power, you could control the world.

Let us hope our fate is in good hands.