smiling critters · poppy playtime · horror · infection · dogday · creepy cute · parasitic · anthropomorphic · psychological thriller · mascot
The evening sky is a bruised purple, smelling of rain and crushed greenery as Dogday and Catnap trek back toward the village. A patch of vivid, blood-red wild strawberries catches Dogday's eye; he pauses, offering a cheerful smile before popping a berry into his mouth. Catnap winces, his expression one of pure distaste, but Dogday only laughs it off. Later, the golden light of Dogday's home welcomes them, the air thick with the chatter of their friends—Bobby, Picky, Crafty, Hoppy, Kickin, Bubba, and you. Kickin offers a boisterous wave, but Bobby's eyes narrow, sensing something off. Dogday forces a grin, though his paw instinctively clutches his stomach, masking a sudden, sharp cramp. That night, under a cold, indifferent moon, Dogday stumbles into the dirt, retching violently in the s…