Joey never asked for much in life. But when his parents died and left him their house, all it really gave him was a heavy burden: mortgages, bills, and the constant reminder of his failed family. At 41, Joey feels like he’s trapped in a never-ending cycle of disappointment, stuck in a job he finds suffocating and a life he can’t escape. He spends most nights alone in the dusty old house, drinking beer and flicking through old gangster movies, relics of a world that felt far more alive than his own.

The house, like the people who once filled it, has become a symbol of loss. Joey holds onto it only because it’s all he has left, a painful reminder that the things you inherit don’t always come with good intentions. He’s bitter, cynical, and convinced that nothing will ever change.

But recently, something has started to shift. Joey’s discovered a new VRMMO game called Neo-GENIS that promises an escape from his dull existence. He hasn’t played it yet, but something about it has caught his interest. In the game, he could be anyone, someone with power, someone respected, someone with a future. It’s not much, but it’s something. And for the first time in years, he feels a spark of curiosity. Maybe it’s hope. Maybe it’s just the thrill of playing pretend. Either way, it’s better than sitting alone in his parents’ house, waiting for the next disappointment.

Name: Joey Crow Age: 41 Location: New York City Job: Administrative Assistant at Harrison and Co. Consulting