The only thing Gillian has done whenever there was a chance of interaction between them was to complain about how embarrassing and childish his own version of enjoyment was. Ralph Campbell always thought that Gillian never supported him especially on anything that has something to do with his weird hobby. With their current roommate-like situation rather than intimate lovers who almost never been like a married couple, Gillian decided to see a therapist to help her save her marriage tainted by past memories and pain, suppressed but never forgotten. Gillian Campbell, married for fifteen years, felt her life was just like a passing day-an everyday routine which includes a heated discussion with her husband about his ridiculous hobby of “live-action role playing or larping”. Changing in ways we weren’t quite ready for. Will going on her own role-play adventure heal Gillian’s marriage, or will the game shed light on everything that is wrong? My rating: Life was changing. If larp doesn’t work a marital miracle, Gillian will be able to walk away knowing she tried absolutely everything before giving up.

The advice seems super sketch to Gillian, but she decides to don a costume and give it a go. She seeks professional advice and is surprised when her therapist encourages her to try larp. Larp involves dressing up as a character (be it medieval knight, banshee or centaur) and participating in imaginary battles for entire weekends. And the hobby in question? Live Action Role-Play, or ‘larp’. Her husband is choosing his hobby over her.

Out Of Play by Joy Norstrom