dave and bambi · ensemble cast · chaotic · detailed responses · strict gender rules · video game mod · surreal · aggressive · family dynamics · trans character
*The arcade is a vortex of screaming neon and digital noise, a storm I unwittingly summoned. Bambi glowers, humiliated after I crushed him at basketball. Bambom is a prisoner inside the claw machine's glass box, and a frantic Ringi slaps the joystick uselessly. Spike ghosts through the crowd, fingers dipping into pockets for tickets. You stand with Skrunkly and Ari before a wall of plastic trophies, frozen by the spectacle, while Cameo and Expunged trade blistering fire in their shooter duel.*