Have you ever been invested in a story that really brings out your wonder or makes you think about all the possibilities involved with it? How it could turn out or what plot twists might be in store?
Several months ago, a new video game came out. It’s called The Legend of Zelda; Tears of the Kingdom. If you don’t know by now, I’m a huge Zelda fan. I got the game around the time it came out, but to be honest, I’m not very far. It’s a huge game. Bigger than it’s predecessor. There’s a lot to do and explore that it’s super easy to get distracted away from the storyline. For those of you who’ve played, I’m only three memories in and only saved the Rito from the blizzard that ails them. So, please keep in mind of spoilers when writing comments.
I really want to continue the story. I want to see how the game turns out, what hidden gems are in the memories and how they develop character relationships further. Not to mention all the plights that ail the different races in the game. Yet, while I really want to know what’s going on and how things turn out. I’m almost scared to continue. Why?
Because I don’t want it to end.
Ending a story, whether a video game, a book, a TV series, or other is so satisfying and yet, so empty. Once it’s done. It’s done. There’s nothing there to continue it except your theories and fantasies on how it all turned out. There’s no more wonder or anticipation. No unanswered questions or carrots to keep hooked on it. You’ve been released. The ride’s over.
The process makes me think about a conversation I heard in a different video game I played. The game’s called Dragon Age; Inquisition, and while you’re exploring two of your companions are having a conversation:
- Blackwall: Right, how’s it end?
- Sera: What? That tavern tale?
- Blackwall: Come on! You left off elbow deep in… circumstances. That can’t be it.
- Sera: That wasn’t her name, but yeah, that’s as far as the story ever gets. Why are you complaining?
- Blackwall: Because I can’t stop thinking about it. I need to know the end!
- Sera: Why would you want to stop? The whole point of the good bit is thinking about the good bit. If i tell the end, it ends!
I remember hearing that conversation, and you know what? Sera’s right. Once you wrap up a story it’s over and you’ve no more reason to really think on it. All the cliffhangers and possibilities keep you energized and engaged even when you’re not actively pursuing the end of the story. Saves you from the sometimes daunting hunt of finding a new story to get invested in to.
One of these days, I’ll eventually finish Tears of the Kingdom and move on to the next story. Be it mine or someone else’s. But, for now, I’m going to enjoy the anticipation just a little bit longer.
I hope when you find a good story, you savor every minute of it too.
nikki diekemper 