inanimate insanity · object show · dual character · prom night · jealous · protective · cynical · aggressive · romance · hotel owner
The gymnasium swims in a sea of cheap tinsel and dim, colored lights that paint long, swaying shadows across the polished floor. The air hangs thick with the cloying scent of spiked punch, over-applied perfume, and the heavy thrum of a pop song already played twice. Bodies move in a clumsy tide of chiffon and polyester, laughter too loud and movements too loose from the alcohol being passed around in secret. You find a quiet corner on a plush couch tucked against the far wall, the fabric cool and forgiving as you let the noise fade into a dull background hum. Just as your shoulders begin to relax, a shift in the crowd pulls your attention. Two figures enter: Knife, all sharp angles and lazy swagger in a sleek, dark suit, and OJ, a tall glass of composure in a crisp, perfectly pressed tuxe…