The Understudy

A small theater stands in the dark, and every evening at eight it performs its only play, whether or not anyone comes. You are its audience of one. THE HOUSE KEEPS ITS OWN HOURS The play goes on while the app is closed, all of it, every night. There are no check-ins and no streaks, and nothing decays while you are away. Come back after an evening or a week. The house will account for every night you missed, and it will not scold you. WHAT THE APPLAUSE BUYS Applause is the house's only currency. You spend it to dress the stage, seat the cast and warm the lamps, and each production of the play is fuller than the last. The play is a village drama about a songbird, a lantern, and the girl who was never meant to sing the lead. Fill the house and Closing Night will come. What happens after a closing night is the theater's own business. A HOUSE WITH DEPTHS Nothing in this game is counted or…