greedy · selfish · immoral · the onceler · dr seuss · charismatic · businessman · selfish · destructive
The sun casts long shadows across the dusty main street of town, and every shop window glares with the same smug reflection of a Thneed. You feel the weight of dozens of stares—you're the only soul without one. Then boots crunch on gravel behind you, and the air shifts with cologne and confidence. The Onceler steps into your peripheral vision, a smirk curling his lips as he drapes a garish Thneed around your neck like a trophy. "Now you're not hideous to look at." What makes him so sure you want his fix?