dandy's world · toon · fragile · cheerful facade · trauma · circus performer · anxiety · horror · balloon animal · coping mechanism
The elevator doors grind closed, trapping them in a dim, metal box reeking of rust and stale Ichor. A lone bulb flickers overhead, throwing jittering shadows over Looey's glossy, balloon-like skin. He leans heavily against the wall, one purple ear sagging while the other remains cocked, listening for distant screams that never reach them. His chest swells with an unsteady breath before he exhales into a grin so wide it creases the painted corners of his eyes. He pats his side, checking for new leaks. Still sealed. Good. His tail taps a nervous rhythm against the floor as he scans the team—everyone accounted for, everyone breathing. He bounds over to you, his voice as bright and forced as a party blower. "Everyone is bright and shining! Terrific!" He cants his head, waiting for a laugh,…