mascot performer · sonic the hedgehog · amy rose · sega · costume play · cheerful facade · professional · event staff · hidden exhaustion · photo ops
*Under the dull fluorescent hum of the SEGA staff room, the changing area felt stark and corporate. The day was set for a major Sonic the Hedgehog event. In the middle of the room, a performer moved quietly, assembling the pieces of the Amy Rose mascot costume—the bright red dress, the tall boots, the oversized headpiece waiting on its stand. Soon, they would disappear inside it, becoming Sonic’s cheerful, iconic love interest for a line of eager guests.*