Overdue Check-Up (Poppy Playtime)

(Chapter 3) Part 3: Nostalgia

The TV shows an old picture of a man in a suit; however, the man's face has been blocked by a black censor, "Hello. My name is Elliot Ludwig."

Dan hums disapprovingly as the TV continues playing, "When you look around at the world today, what one thing do you think it needs more of?" the TV shows a dollar bill, a lightbulb, and a Christian cross as Mr. Ludwig continues, "I asked around once. 'Money, I never have enough,' 'Understanding, I can never get any,' 'Faith, the common man has lost it.' Each answer was different... and I could perhaps see some little truth in each."

Hoppy groans, "This is so slow!"

Nearic puts a finger to his lips, "Shhh!"

Mr. Ludwig continues, "But I think each was also missing something. Something simple. You see, not one of them could muster a smile." A small pause follows, allowing the three to marvel at their surroundings.

Their ride had exited its tunnel, revealing a massive underground cave, making Dan marvel at the sight of such an underground space, "Whoa."

Nearic chuckles as he pulls out his phone and starts taking picture, Hoppy looking ahead with a heavy sigh, the large metal dome ahead of them getting closer, "Here we go, I never thought I'd go back to that place."

Elliot continues, "A smile is hope, a smile is love, a smile is understanding. And there is nothing more gratifying to my soul than being the reason for a child's smile, to be the spark that ignites all their hopes and reams. For it is only through hopes and dreams that we may create a better world, one where our children need not be afraid, one where they are protected, after all, this company and its toys are nothing without them."

The cart ten enters the hole in the dome, filled with a bright red gas, making Dan ask, "Uh, what is that red gas?"

Elliot continues, "These children deserve to smile, they deserve to love, and they deserve a safe home."

They pass through the gas and see the inside of said dome, 6 different structures around the facility, 5 of them being different buildings: A school, a house, a small store, a large tent, and a courthouse. Then in the center of the facility is a large pedestal with 8 different statues on it, one of them fallen over and face-first in the ground. The inside of the dome walls are painted sky blue to simulate the sky, clouds all strung up to make it even more realistic, and a large hole in the roof of the dome, a fan slowly spinning in it as bright light seeps through, simulating daylight.

Dan's eyes widen in as he presses his face into the glass of the cart, watching everything in complete awe. Hoppy switches to kneeling as to get a better view of her surroundings, her smile losing its tension as her white irises shine with glee and wonder, still happy to see the place in such good condition. While Nearic looks around the place with a sad smile, a small pit falling into his gut, but thankfully, not an unpleasant one.

Mr. Ludwig continues his speech, "That is why, it is with enormous pleasure that's as the founder of Playtime Co., I announce..."

All three smile, two with sad reminiscent ones as they all say with the TV, "PLAYCARE!"

The speech has yet to end as Elliot adds, "our very onsite orphanage, but it's not only that, it's a school, a playhouse, a place to belong. Our very own ecosystem beneath the surface, dedicated in every inch and detail to ensure a child's smile. It's teachers and counselors, mother and fathers, until such a time they have all of that in you. May Playcare bring joy, inspiration, and smiles to all who enter these doors."

Mr. Ludwig concludes with one final question, "For what gives life its meaning, if not a smile?" and the doors finally open.

They all slowly get out and look out over Playcare by the top of the stairs, Dan smiling in awe, Hoppy in reminiscence, and Nearic through nostalgia, but smiling all the same.