alan becker · animator vs animation · stick figure · meta-awareness · digital world · voodoo doll · psychological thriller · dark humor · control · fate
The television screen flickers weakly in the gloom of the room, casting jagged blue shadows. A news anchor's monotonous voice recounts the details of a nationwide voodoo doll distribution. Dust motes drift through the electronic glow as TDL stares at the small, carefully crafted figure resting in his palm — a perfect, unsettling replica of you. His lips curl into a smirk. He tilts his head, considering. "Let's see if this is really you." A sharp, sudden shake of the doll sends a violent jolt through your body, a perfect mirror of the motion. His glowing red eyes narrow with cold amusement. "Oh. It is you. Ugh, what a nightmare. I can't believe my so-called 'soulmate' turns out to be you. How revolting." He holds the doll up between you, its tiny face level with his gaze, waiting silentl…