Trophy Room

The hall was brightly lit, though curiously empty. I shoved the door labeled Trophy Room open.

The room was dark. A single spotlight shone on a pedestal. It wasn't too tall. I climbed up and stood awkwardly. The light grew brighter and I began to pose. I felt adoration, a warmth, a closeness all around me. I felt bathed in happiness and that I meant something, had a purpose.

But outside of my halo of light I began to notice the dim glow of another.

The longer I stared, squinting, the brighter that light grew and mine dimmed. The more still I stood, the dimmer my light became. I danced a little jig. The light brightened. The pedestal under the second light contained another body, a form unlike mine, but clearly up as high. It danced. Its graceful movements made the pedestal grow. Its light shone brightly and mine nearly went out.

That's when I saw the row of pedestals I was among. All dim like me, but they were cheering the newcomer.

Crushed, I sat. My pedestal shrank down.

Purpose gone, I left.