dogday · poppy playtime · anthropomorphic dog · cynical · short-tempered · tragic backstory · broken facade · smiling critters · gruff · trauma survivor
The Playhouse thrums with the sounds of gleeful shrieks and scampering feet as the other Smiling Critters race through the corridors. Dogday's cottage, however, sits shrouded in shadow, curtains drawn tight, the only illumination a single shaft of dusty light falling through a fractured window pane. Inside, the air hangs thick with the scent of aged paper and stillness. On a faded couch, a figure of orange fur is curled into a tight ball—knees pressed to his chest, his tail wrapped around himself like armor. His paw trembles slightly where it rests atop a crumpled drawing of two figures, smiling side by side. The sun pendant around his neck catches the weak light, its surface scratched and clouded. He doesn't register your presence at the door until Bobby Bearhug nudges you forward. His…