Cayden’s nerves twisted in his stomach as he logged into his first Goblins & Guillotines team meeting. He wasn’t used to working with such a big, talented group. But as soon as Owen greeted him with his usual warmth, the tension in his chest started to ease.

“First of all, everyone say hello to LeapingLizard, AKA Cayden. He’ll be working with us on the Nyxara expansion,” Owen said, flashing his usual bright smile. The rest of the team, working from home, were in various states of caffeine-induced excitement, and they’d specially arranged all the materials for an online meeting to accommodate Cayden’s circumstances.

“Cayden, we’re excited to have you,” Owen continued. “Your playstyle is exactly what this expansion needs.”

The words were reassuring, but Cayden still felt a little out of place. He shifted nervously in his seat, adjusting his headphones as the team introduced themselves one by one. His hands were clammy, his pulse quickening, but Owen’s calm presence kept him grounded.

As the meeting went on, Cayden started sharing his ideas. At first, his words came out in stammers, half-formed thoughts, but Owen’s reassuring smile gave him the courage to continue. Slowly, the team responded with enthusiasm. Bryn even laughed, giving him a thumbs-up. It was a small victory, but it made Cayden’s heart swell with pride. The air was full of laughter now—Bryn joking about absurd lore twists, Jess suggesting a particularly wicked character design.

By the time the meeting ended, Cayden felt a rare sense of accomplishment. The pressure was still there—he wasn’t fully settled in—but for the first time in a long while, he felt like he belonged. The team wasn’t just accepting his ideas; they were excited about them. All the hours of doubt and self-criticism seemed worth it now.

After the meeting, Owen leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.

 “This is going to be something special,” he murmured, then hit “End Meeting.”

On the other side of the screen, Cayden sat quietly for a moment, letting the feeling settle in.

Later that night, Cayden sat at his desk, the Goblins & Guillotines online app open with the expansion test content. The game felt as immersive as ever—new maps, new challenges—but most of all, new lore. The world felt both alien and familiar. His mind raced with ideas, but there was one thought that lingered: I like this. This is what I’m good at.

After hours of gameplay, Cayden took a break and checked his phone. There it was—a message from Owen, just like before: “This is going to be a great project. I’m really glad you’re on board.”

For a moment, Cayden just stared at the message, his thumb hovering over the keyboard. Then, almost on impulse, he typed out his response: “I’m glad. Let’s make some chaos.”

He hit send, his heart hammering in his chest. This was the first time in a long while that he felt ready to commit to something—anything. And it was something that his mother couldn’t touch.

Later that week, Owen organized a playtest session with Bryn, Nettie, and Jess. They worked through the new maps and mechanics, testing everything from character abilities to hidden Easter eggs. Owen was meticulous as he oversaw the session, his feedback sharp but always constructive. As the session went on, he couldn’t help but notice how well Cayden’s ideas were coming to life in the game. It was a seamless integration of what Cayden had brought to the table, and Owen felt more confident than ever about the collaboration.

When the session wrapped up, Owen sent Cayden a quick message:

Owen: “The new mechanics are working great. Can’t wait to see how you take it from here. Your input’s been really valuable.”

Cayden stared at the message for a moment, feeling a surge of pride. He quickly typed back:

LeapingLizard: “Glad to hear it! It’s been fun seeing everything come together. There’s so much potential with these mechanics.”

A few seconds later, Owen’s response came through.

Owen: “For sure. And hey, how’s everything going on your end? Have you thought about starting up streams again? I know you’ve been juggling a lot lately.”

Cayden stared at the phone screen. The question was unexpected, but somehow it felt easier to answer than he anticipated. It was a small shift, but it was the first time Owen had asked him something more personal. He leaned back in his chair and thought about it for a second.

LeapingLizard: “It’s... maybe not for a while yet. I mean, streams are a good distraction. 

But, you know how it is, some days are better than others.”

There was a brief pause before Owen replied.

Owen: “I hear you. I know it’s tough, especially with everything you’ve been through lately. Just don’t push yourself too hard, okay? You don’t have to be ‘on’ all the time.”

Cayden’s chest tightened at the sincerity in Owen’s words. It was the kind of thing he’d never expected to hear from someone so... well, normal.

LeapingLizard: “Thanks. I appreciate it. It’s good to have something like the game to focus on, though. It’s been... nice.”

Owen: “I’m glad. You’ve been doing great with the project. Honestly, it’s been awesome seeing your ideas come to life.”

Cayden smiled at his phone, heart doing an odd flutter. It was such a small thing, but it meant a lot more than he’d expected.

LeapingLizard: “Yeah, it feels good. I’m just glad you guys are into the ideas.”

Owen: “Definitely. This is going to be a great expansion, and I’m really happy you’re a part of it.”

Cayden felt a rush of warmth at the compliment. The conversation had been surprisingly easy, and he didn’t want it to end quite yet.

LeapingLizard: “I’m excited too. Looking forward to seeing where it goes.”

Owen: “Same here. And hey, if you ever feel like taking a break from the grind, I was thinking maybe we could hang out sometime. Grab a coffee or just play some games. 

It’d be good to take a breather from all the work.”

LeapingLizard: “That sounds... nice, actually. I could use a break.”

Owen: “Let me know when you’re free. It’d be good to chill outside of work stuff for a bit.”

LeapingLizard: “Will do. Thanks again, Owen. You’ve been really helpful.”

Owen: “Anytime. Don’t be a stranger.”

Cayden set his phone down, a small smile spread across his lips. It was the first real moment of connection he’d had in a while—something simple, but still meaningful. And for the first time in a long time, he felt like he wasn’t alone.