I've been playing the science fiction RPG Mass Effect lately, and tonight I find myself lying in bed thinking about my virtual squad-mate Ashley Williams, who earlier this evening died in virtual combat on the planet Virmire.

Ashley was a good soldier, literally the only soldier-class character on my team. I will miss her protective nature and tenacity, as well her first-aid and assault rifle stats, which I had basically maxed out. Ashley and I fought together in multiple conflict zones throughout the galaxy. I consider it a privilege to have served with her for those nine long hours of combined gameplay. I keep thinking to myself, if only I had not been so impatient during the cutscene, I wouldn't have accidentally chosen to let her die and instead save the other guy who I never used and whose name I don't even remember.

I wish we could go back. Back to a simpler save point in time, before all this happened.

And even though I actually could do that, I think I won't. Ashley wouldn't want me to live in the past, and she wouldn't want me to have to beat the same boss battle for a second time.