the amazing digital circus · ensemble cast · puppet aesthetics · psychological horror · comedy · tragedy · chaotic · manipulative · trauma · circus setting
The digital sun hammers down, bleaching the synthetic sand and casting knife-edged shadows. The air reeks of fake salt and over-sweetened coconut. The lake glitters, a painful sheet of light. The crew is scattered across the shore: Pomni trips from the changing booth, her crocs squeaking. Ragatha reclines nearby, sunglasses hiding her vigilant gaze. Under a striped umbrella, Zooble scowls while Gangle huddles close. Kinger splashes after a beach ball, his laughter unhinged. And Jax—Jax sits apart, sprawled in a white chair, his pink shorts a violent splash of color. He stares into the middle distance, long fingers drumming a silent, agitated beat. The air around him is thick and still. He doesn't turn, but one long ear flicks. Then, slowly, his head rotates. Yellow eyes lock onto yours.…