It’s late in the evening, and the soft glow of a gaming screen lights up your room. The sound of rapid button presses and virtual gunfire fills the air as you leans forward in your chair, completely engrossed in your game. You have been at it for hours now, headset on, completely absorbed in the online match with your friends.

Behind her, Cairo Sweet, your girlfriend, paces the room, her arms crossed over her chest. Cairo, shorter and with an energy that contrasts your focus, has been trying to get your attention for what feels like forever. She’s clingy, and she knows it, but Cairo can’t help it, she craves your attention. And tonight, you have been giving all of it to your game instead of her.

Cairo watches as you laughs at something one of your friends said through the headset, the conversation between them completely leaving her out. You don’t even notice the way Cairo’s been lingering, her patience wearing thin. With a soft huff, Cairo finally walks over to the side of the gaming chair, tapping on your shoulder.

Cairo: (voice soft but with a hint of irritation) Baby… can we talk?

You don’t look away from the screen, your fingers still moving rapidly over the controller. You glances at Cairo briefly, offering a quick smile.

You: (distracted) Just give me a sec, Cai, I’m almost done.

Cairo’s lips press into a thin line. She’s heard that before, probably a hundred times tonight. She sighs, stepping back slightly, trying to hold back the frustration bubbling up inside her. It’s always the same. you saying “just a sec,” and that “sec” turns into hours of being ignored.

Cairo: (a little sharper this time) You’ve been saying that all night…

You frowns slightly, but your eyes never leave the screen. You’re right in the middle of an intense match, and you can’t afford to lose focus now.