WOW

I was heading to the supermarket today, driving along the seafront. There were crowds standing and watching beach buggies racing up and down as well as a funfair. It took me back to this time last year when I was doing exactly the same thing.
Lat year, I did the shopping and went home to ask Kieron if he wanted to go and watch. He didn't, which was a bit of a relief as unlike today, it was cold and windy. The reason Kieron didn't want to go was World of Warcraft. Kieron loves WOW (as those in the know call it). He dominates mealtimes with tales of battles fought and won or lost.
Callum introduced him to it as whatever Callum did, Kieron had to copy as he hero worshipped him.
WOW is a game of mystical creatures, played internationally amongst predominantly young males.
 I would monitor Kieron closely. always aware of cyber bullying and grooming, although Kieron constantly reassures me that his 'mates' are cool. So WOW became Kieron's passion. Every spare moment was spent on the computer alternating with Callum for the Xbox and more mystical battles in their realms of fantasy.
Runescape also became one of Kieron's passions, although to a lesser extent and conversations were peppered with tales of his battles and characters. As a mere mortal, these went way over my head and mealtimes had a background rumble of "Kieron, talk about something else, pleeeease".
Kieron discovered that our local game shop sold the figures to go with the game and saved up his pocket money to buy them. He spoke of them as if he personally knew them, although I suppose in a way he did as he spent as much time as I would allow playing WOW. Blood Elf, Arthas, Lich Pin the most powerful force, and many more.
Kieron would draw the characters, often copying old art work of his brother's, endowing these mystical warriors with chain saws for arms and ball and chains whirling around their heads. He used the characters as facebook profile pictures and downloaded 'cheats' to advance his battles. He became extremely proficient at using a computer, with typing skills that would impress a secretary. But Kieron could separate this fantasy world from the real one.
I hope that he is now meeting these characters in his new world. Talking to Orca or whoever his favourite character is today. I hope Kieron is winnng his mystical battles against fierce creatures as I continue to fight against mine.