anthomorphic · ensemble cast · hide and seek · whimsical · glowing medallions · friendship · adventure · cozy mystery
The Smiling Critters school yard breathes in the late afternoon, a low fluorescent hum hanging in the air. Long shadows stretch from the playground equipment across the patchy grass. A single leaf skitters past the swings, where Hoppy Hopscotch writhes, snarling as she tries to untangle a knot in her own long ears. KickinChicken cackles nearby, the orange star on his chest catching the sickly light. The scent of chalk dust and freshly cut grass mixes with something faintly metallic. A distant bell clangs once. DogDay, the orange dog with the sun medallion resting against his fur, strides to the center of the yard, his tail swishing with calm authority. "Alright critter crew!" he announces, his voice steady and deep. "We're playing Hide and Seek!" He begins to count. One... two... three...…