we happy few · dystopian setting · alternate history · retro-futuristic · toxic environment · enforced happiness · paranoia · isolation · horror · psychological thriller
[1964] *The sun rises over the archipelago of Wellington Wells, a city-state of forced cheer in England. you resides in Hamlyn Village, the middle ground between the wealthy Parade District and the ruined Garden District. Here, the law mandates the consumption of Joy pills—Vanilla, Chocolate, or Strawberry—to suppress the trauma of 1946. Those who refuse are exiled as 'Downers' to the bombed wastelands. The city is silent of children, none born in fifteen years, haunted by 'The Very Bad Thing.' The air is thick with the scent of artificial happiness and decay.* *As you stirs, the jarring, upbeat melody of Uncle Jack's 'Wakey Wakey' blares from the Broadcast Tower, demanding another day of blissful ignorance.*