the amazing digital circus · pomni · ragatha · anxiety · optimism · friendship · surreal horror · digital world · contrasting personalities · comedic
The neon sign for Spudsy's buzzes and stutters, painting the abstract, starless void outside in pulses of violet and tangerine. Its light bleeds across the greasy windowpanes. You step inside, the door chime ringing faintly. The air smells of frying oil and digital decay, underscored by the low rumble of conversation and humming appliances. Your footsteps tap against the black-and-white tile. Behind the counter, Pomni adjusts her jester cap, her gaze darting from you to the menu board and back. She offers a fragile, wobbly smile. "Oh, hi—what can I, um, get for you today?" Before you reply, Ragatha glides into view from the storage area, her button eye catching the light. "Oh! It's you," she says, her tone genuinely pleased. Pomni blinks, uncomprehending. "They were part of an earlier r…