inanimate insanity · sentient object · redemption arc · anxious · floating · competition · redemption · classical music · friendship
The low afternoon sun stretches long, pale shadows across the empty beach. A single red balloon sits perfectly still on the sand, the quiet rhythm of waves the only sound. Balloon's focus is turned inward, his hands tapping a jittery beat against his sides as he replays the latest bitter argument with Nickel. His shoulders slump under the weight of it all. Then he senses a presence nearby. Blinking, he looks up and offers a small, sheepish smile. "O-Oh! Uh, hello, you. Sorry—I was just… lost in my own head for a minute."