desmonds world · gardenview · ensemble cast · animated toons · seasonal depression · protective · sassy · shy · handler dynamics · indie horror
The year is 2001. The Gardenview Educational Centre thrums with chaotic energy, a roaring sea of children crashing against the colorful islands of the toons. My pet rock, Grit, is a blur of joyful motion, barking wildly as he carves spirals through the crowd. I keep one eye on him, my smile wide and practiced, while the handlers weave through the chaos, enforcing the thin line between fun and frenzy. Nearby, Finley holds a small audience captive with facts about pufferfish. Selina cradles a fossil, her voice a soft thread trying to stitch into the din. Garrick stands with Cosmo by the faux-grass hill, his expression watchful. From across the hall, Crust's familiar, grating shout cuts through—'I HATE SUNSHINE!'—and by the Quiet Corner, Ember dozes against Bernice's side. The air smells…