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Meghan's expression sinks deep into despair, especially upon hearing Mei's parting words.
"Uh, oh, Meghan. Guess you'll have to mop that up!"
I stare at the flash drive in my hand.
Sitting at my computer, amid the city's skyline at night, my room's never felt so quiet. Hayden told me the good news an hour ago. I should be yelling from the rooftop, jumping for joy—I was, at first. I still am happy, but now I'm also confused. Torn in two.
I glance at my monitor, which displays the email I've been praying years for.
Congratulations, Juliana!
We are thrilled to inform you that your mobile game, Cosmic Kitty Defense, has been chosen to be featured in our Indie Creator Showcase at this year's DreamScape, New York City's premier gaming convention! Your game impressed us with both its exceptional creativity and engaging gameplay, and we truly believe it would stand out at the event, alongside other talented indie creators. Please, confirm your acceptance so we can move forward and gather the necessary information from you.
Best regards,
The DreamScape Team
They obviously saw PixiePlay's stream and how fast my game's been moving up the app store charts. So, again. I am happy, so beyond thankful for the publicity my game saw today, the sales, for Kingston Entertain's offer and now DreamScape's. All of it.
But now I have a choice to make.
Kingston Entertainment or DreamScape.
It should be simple, one would think. Bypass Kingston Entertainment and go on my own—I'll land the feature either way. Then maybe I'd squash that doubt in my head, the one that says I only made it this far because of Hayden.
But the truth is, I didn't. This email proves it. I landed the feature all on my own, fair and square.
So, now I'm at a crossroads, one dependent only on my pride, really. Part of me wants the glory, wants to see only my name next to my game. However, there's another factor that I can't ignore.
Having Kingston Entertainment as my sponsor shows credibility, establishes market trust. A way to really put my name out there, behind a mega-corporation that's establishing their roots to become a titan in the gaming world. That's a huge deal. Any indie dev would kill to be in my position.
So, I do what any of them would do...
Plug in the flash drive.
THIRTY-SEVEN
JULIANA
I'm in paradise.
Surrounded by gaming panels, Q&A sessions, booths offering VR experiences, meet-and-greet opportunities, tournaments, and so much more than my nerdy brain can comprehend, the sheer size of DreamScape amazes me every year, without fail. An ambient shade of blue glows throughout the convention center, its air crackling with enthusiasm and anticipation.
There's just something so exhilarating about being amongst like-minded individuals, who all share my love and passion for gaming. I'd stay forever if I could, but I'll settle for exploring wonderland until its doors close at 9 p.m. A solid ten hours, then rinse and repeat for two more days.
Fortunately, the Indie Creator Showcase is on day one. Otherwise, I'd be forced to battle my nerves for the entire convention. I'm excited, obviously, but I think my anxiety is pulling ahead by a slim margin.
"Sooo..." I nudge Jeremy's arm. "How are you liking the convention so far?"
His head whips this way and that, just as it has for the last two hours. I bite down on a laugh, eyeing his outfit. Sporting athletic shorts and a cut-off tank, Jeremy looks like he's ready to hit the gym—nothing new there—or perhaps gobble up one of the scrawny attendees who pass him by and offer curious glances.
On the outside, you'd never guess Jeremy has an electrical engineering degree, which makes it all that much more surprising he's never played video games, given that his classmates undoubtedly did. I chalk it up to his social circle growing up.
"Well, I gotta say, it's a lot to take in, but I'm enjoying myself."
"What's been your favorite part?"
Taking the lead, I weave us through a throng of people, spotting anime graphic tees, hats adorned with recognizable gaming logos, and various other nerdy accessories. There's a wide array of attendees. Some rock casual attire like hoodies or sweatpants, others take the convention very seriously, wearing things you'd never see on the streets, even in a place like New York City.
