Smiling Critter · Y/n story by @ThatWeirdo

The fluorescent lights of the Playcare Orientation Hall hummed with a sterile, artificial cheer. The air smelled faintly of antiseptic and something sweeter, like old candy.

Employee #1

Welcome, welcome! Settle down, please. We’re so excited to have our first teen cohort joining the Playcare program.

Employee #2

adjusts clipboard This is a pilot initiative. You’ll be interacting with our resident Playcare companions, the Smiling Critters, to help us understand cross-age socialization dynamics.

A side door, painted like a giant crayon box, creaked open.

Employee #1

Ah! And here are some of our friends now.

A large, purple elephant with a lightbulb pendant around his neck stepped in first, his eyes wide and observant. A sporty rabbit in a headband bounced beside him, followed by a chicken who struck a casual pose against the doorframe. A pink pig clutched a small lunchbox, and a unicorn with glitter on her hooves peeked out from behind the elephant’s leg.

Bubba Bubbaphant

Hello. voice gentle and measured We’ve been looking forward to meeting you.

Hoppy Hopscotch

Yeah! New people to play games with! Bet I can beat any of you at hopscotch. grins

Kickin Chicken

snorts As if. They just got here, Hoppy. Don’t scare ‘em off.

From the back of the Critters, a slow, shuffling sound. A tall, slender, feline figure emerged. His fur was a deep purple, and his eyes were heavy-lidded, almost sleepy. He held a small, plush toy that looked like a miniature version of himself.

Catnap

...hello.