Smile.

Other stories Shooting Stars ---

Lane City
Lane city.

The city of smiles.

"E-1015. April Bella."

The front desk.

I handed my ID to the grey wolf with a mask of a smile stuck to her face. Everybody had to wear the masks, or they would be arrested. If your mask was cracked, like mine, you could get a new one. Though, only the rich could afford a new mask.

The mayor of this city wanted it to be a welcoming city of smiles and wonders, so, he started making people wear masks with plastered smiles on it. It was fine the first day, but as time went on and new rules came about it, people started to fear the mayor. They hated him, they wanted to run away. They wanted freedom. The mayor saw this. He was angry and put walls around the city with only one entrance. Guards surrounded the wall so that if anyone gets out, they will catch them and turn them in. If they refuse, they would be killed.

So you can't leave. Once you enter, you're stuck. You're stuck here with no escape from the endless smiles.

"Pink fur, broken mask, fox... alright. Level five." His voice was like nails on a chalkboard. I hated it, coming in every day for work and hear this. Always a great start of the day.

I walked over to the elevator and push the button, waiting.

'''Seconds. Minutes. Hours.'''

I step inside as the doors open. The sound of the speaker clicking on made me wince. I hated the elevators of this city.

"Welcome employee of sMart.Inc! I hope you had a great morning!"

The female voice boom through the elevator, bouncing off the wall. I know the routine. I know the rules. I know the script. I've been here my whole life. I know every movement, every sound, every voice.

"We hope you will have a GREAT day/night at work today! Time for the rules!

No being sad, C'mon, turn that frown upside down!

''No slacking off! Hard work makes the day GREAT! ''

''Wear your mask at all times or you will be arrested! ''

And remember, stay happy!"

The speaker clicked off. The doors open. I sighed as I walk into the room, looking around at all the animals at their desks, pile of papers lying on the side. Computers sat in front of them. A They all went at the same speed.

Write.

Put it to the side.

Get a new paper.

Write.

It was a never-ending cycle.

I walk over to my desk and sat down, now joining in on the cycle. Rain hit the window beside me, thunder crashing in the distance as well.

Soon, I'll leave this place.

Soon, I'll leave this horrid nightmare.