Gemotions

The neon glow of the arcade cast a garish light on Zara’s face. She stared at the posters plastered all over the walls, her vibrant, animated characters, now being used to advertise a new video game. There was no consultation. The posters seemed to mock her, her creations distorted and cheapened by the corporate machine. She knew she should be excited, but only felt a dull ache.

She’d poured her heart and soul into each character, but it felt hollow now. She had wanted to bring joy, not to be a marketing tool. The cacophony of sounds, the flashing lights, created a chaotic buzz in her head.

Zara pressed her forehead against the cool glass of the arcade's doors, watching the players and the world go by. She felt detached, a ghost drifting through a noisy world.