NEW NOTE (1/31/24): TO ANY NEW READERS FEEL FREE TO SKIP THIS NOTE ALONG WITH THE NEXT THREE CHAPTERS.

TO THE OLDER READERS. With the newer versions for the chapters I would highly recommend to reread this whole chapter as the whole thing has gotten a massive redone.

"I recall it being a nice summer day, and since I've recently graduated from high school, I was enjoying my break before I went off to college."

"Hmm, did you ever got the chance to go?"

"College? No, after what went down, I decided to not too."

"I see…"

"Anyway…back to what I was saying. I was at home by myself at the time Uncle was currently out for an appointment…"

June 15, 2005, 11:45 pm

"Come on…" I groaned watching as my Rayquaza took some damage. "Don't die on me yet…" I whined watching his health bar go down to yellow. "Oh, thank God!" Cheering I quickly selected the move set 'Outrage' and letting out a bigger cheer when it took down Wallace final Pokémon.

"Hah-ah yes! Finally!" I cried out in happiness watching the credits roll by, never though I'll be able to beat him after so many tries. When the game came to an end, loading me back to main screen, I shut off the Game Boy and putting it away. Stretching, I look over at the suitcase I've yet to pack for the camping trip with Ashley. I suppose I should stop holding it off and get to it.

"Hm?"

Before I made my way over to my closet movement from the conner of my eye caught my attention. Looking out the window I saw a delivery man dropping something at the front door.

"…Did we order something?" I wondered out loud, leaving the room to head downstair. "I don't recall Uncle mentioning any packages being delivered. Maybe it's from the hospital and he forgot to inform me..."

Opening the door, bending down to pick up the package. The first thing I notice was the weight "Definitely not from the hospital judging by its weight." looking over at the sender of the package. "Playtime Co.?" I mumble furrowing my eyebrows in confusion. "Didn't that place shut down 10 years ago?" Closing the door, I headed back upstairs as I examine the package. "Hold on, didn't Uncle say he used to work there before they shut down? Better question how are we getting mail from a place that closed? Did the owner send this?"

Once back in my room I set the package down of the desk, folding my arms as I held my hand under my chin. It's possible that the package is for my uncle, however, I don't think the sender knows that he is ill with cancer. And definitely can't be traveling at the moment.

Letting out a low hum from my breath I pick up the package, opening it to find a letter and a "VHS Tape...? Why is there a tape in here?" I wonder while looking over the yellow tape noticing the blue words written on the sticker. "Vintage Poppy Commercial."

"Huh." Setting the tape down I pick up the letter to read it and notice that it seems to be written in a red sharpie and a poppy flower drawn at the bottom. Not time mention the spelling on this "Did a kid write this? No way an adult wrote this letter...wait a minute." Before I even began to read the letter, I notice some red color splatter in the conner of the page. "Is that blood?" Rubbing my thumb across the paper, I didn't see it smear; then I held the paper to my noise to see if there was any scent to it, but nothing came up.

"This is…weird. Why are there red splatters on the paper?" Mumbling I began to read the letter "Everyone thinks the staff disappeared 10 years ago. We're still hear. Find the flower." With multiple red lines marked under the last line. "Find the flower? What? And what does it mean the staff are still there?" Confused, I put the note back down and went to sit in my desk chair. Hitting the power button on the computer and waiting for a bit for it to turn on. Once it's fully loaded, I move the mouse over to internet explorer, typing in the site for google; I type in Playtime Co. in the search engine, clicking on the wiki page "Let's see if we can find any more information."

Playtime Co. is a toy-making company. It was established in 1930.

"1930, huh." Leaning back in my chair I look down at the bottom right conner of the screen seeing the date 6/15/2005. Humming, I picked up my calculator and typing in the year 2005 minus 1930 "So... it's been around for 75 years give or take." Putting that information aside I continue reading the wiki page.

Playtime Co. is a company specializing in the creation of toys for the entertainment of children and has become the most famous and well-known company of its time. Despite the competition within the field of toy creation around their time, Playtime Co. has emerged to become the most successful toy factory of their era, due to their creator's innovative ideas and creativity.

My eyes narrowed in confusion "If that's the case, why did they shut down if they were doing so well?"

Despite Playtime Co.'s charitable and noble causes in the eyes of the public, they mistreat and care little for the welfare of their employees, even after pleading to their superiors, the workers had yet to receive proper assistance from the higher-ups.

"Bad work environment would cause the workers to quit and with no workers that would cause the place to shut down." Sighing I scratch my head "But that doesn't explain the note saying that the workers are still there. Unless this note is a prank..."

Playtime Co. also started a Foster and Adoptive Care Initiative. ("So, they were a Toy Factory and Orphanage? Just how big is this place.") This initiative is an initiative that Playtime Co. seems to be supporting. The initiative is based around helping orphan kids have a 'chance at a new life.' They encourage all Playtime Co. employees and customers to adopt an orphan. ("Wow, what a way to pressure people to have a kid even if they don't want one. Well at least they had the right mind set about it.") It is presumed that they are just doing this to make them have a good name in public.

Scrolling down a bit more till I came across the timeline of when the toys came out.

Poppy: 1950
Bron: 1961
Boxy Boo: 1966
Candy Cat:1979
Huggy Wuggy:1984
Kissy Missy:1985
Mommy Long Legs:1991
Boogie Bot:1993
Smiling Critters: N/A

"Huh? Why can't I find the date for them?" I click around but nothing is showing. Sighing in defeat, I went back to the page I was on and continued on reading. Taking note of the popularity of each toy and noticing that one of the Smiling Critters: Catnap was the only toy that had a recall on it.

'Strange? I wonder if I can find out more about that later.' I thought looking over the page. "Despite that, it would seem that Huggy Wuggy was the most popular and memorable toy…Wait, hold on that can't be all of the toys." Scrolling back up to the top of the page I looked over at the little box on the right giving out more info; and in one little section had more toys listed out compared to the timeline. "It's missing Cat-Bee, Bunzo Bunny and PJ Pug-A-Pillar. Not to mention the Smiling Critters. Did they forget to add that to the wiki site?" Huffing, I scrolled back down to where I was reading.

During an unknown time, Playtime Co. opened factory tour guides for $2.99 per visitor, although it is speculated around the time Poppy gained popularity as both her commercial tape and the tour guide commercial tape are put into one video.

"...One video." Picking up the yellow VSH tape and rereading the writing 'Vintage Poppy Commercial.' "Is that what this is?" Getting up from the seat I walked over to the TV stand, pushing the tape in the player. "Let's see what in store here…" Turning the tv on, I began to watch as a man in a suit appeared on screen.

For some reason when I look at this man I couldn't but feel like I've seen this man before…But that can't be right.

'… … … … …'

"!" I hissed out in pain at the sudden low ringing tone in my ear. "Ow…the heck?"

"You are about to see the most incredible doll ever invented."

I was temporary brought out of my confusion as the man began to speak.

"Her name is Poppy, and she is the first truly intelligent doll in the world. A little girl can talk to her, Poppy gives her answers. She is the first doll able to have a conversation with a child. Hard to believe? Just watch." The screen blacks out before coming back with an image of a doll with red hair held up in two pig tails. And multiple sounds of excited kids shouting out 'Poppy Playtime!', as a new female voice pops in.

"Poppy's as lovable as a real girl and she talks like one too!"

"Hi, my name is Poppy. I love you. Can you help me polish my shoes?"

"Why of course Poppy! Just like a real girl Poppy always wants to look her best."

"Perfect! Thank you."

"Her hair is sturdy and won't come out when you brush it. And smells just like a poppy flower."

I raised my eyebrow in surprise. "Poppy flowers have a scent?" I didn't think they did. Might have to look into that.

"Is there anything else you'd like to say Poppy?"

"I'm a real girl. Just like you."

"What's the time?"

"Playtime!"

The screen changes to a man looking at a machine as the previous male voice came back.

"And if you ever wanted to see how all of the nation's favorite toys were created; Playtime Co. is now offering factory tours at just $2.99 a person. An entire hour and the most magical toy factory on earth. What are you waiting for? Come visit the factory-"

"Ah-!?" Upon seeing the image of the factory, a sudden sharp pain that I felt before came back at full force causing me to fall to the ground, clutching my head as fuzzy images and voice began flashing threw my eyes.

Images of a tall pink and blue furry figures playing in a grassy field with a small child. A small room decorated with a table filled with teacups. Filling the chairs were toys along with a toy that strangely look like the Poppy doll holding a tea cup.

"Argh!?"

A faint echo sounds of a car speeding down road, followed by bright lights glaring. A loud bang followed by a someone screaming my name, and a loud crash. Flashes of red liquid bubbling in a tank as a blurry figure of a person standing outside, a hand press to the tank. "Soon…soon everything will be back to the way it was before."

A woman with messy red hair laughing at some joke told by a younger girl looking similar to her.

A tall stretchy pink woman holding a child hand as they directed them to a train. The child laughing as it talks to the figure.

A room with three screens flashing with different colors as the child hits the different color buttons, occasionally looking up and waving at a rabbit figure coming down from the ceiling as it claps its cymbals together. "Hi -! This time I'm going to beat my previous score for real!" The child said before looking back at the screen.

A white room with a bed, tv, and a window sat a small child playing with the toys as the door open reveal a man in a lab coat walking in with a clipboard "- it's time for more testing."

"- is responding well to the experiments."

"What a marvelous being! If only I can out more of your secrets!"

"If only the P- would corporate with us, the things we can build!"

"But sir, if we push any further who know what those things will do to us!"

"Silence! Don't let something like fear getting in the way in the name of science!"

The sounds of screaming and crying were heard as a man drag the child out of the building.

"NO! I don't want to leave! Please - take me back."

"This is for your own good -. Now stop fighting your making a scene."

"But I didn't get a chance to say good-bye to my friends."

"I don't care - let's go."

Panicking, the child looked around, spotting one of their friends stretching out an arm to them shouting out "-!" The tall blue figure spotted their friend yelling for them and began to go after the man and child. The man cursed and held up a walkie to his mouth "- - is moving from his post, bring in security to put him back!" The man then picked up the crying child and walked faster to the front door as men in blue suit came in to restrain the blue figure. The child crying, seeing their friend getting held down (with some great difficulties) yelled out " No -!"

"!?" The sudden intake of air when I snapped out of it had me coughing out heavily, tears falling down my face as I look down at the carpet floor of my room. "What...the hell...was that..." I panted. Raising a shaky hand, I wipe the tears and drool off my face as I look back up to the black screen "Was that a memory?" Shakingly, I get back up to my feet walking back over the desk to pick up the letter.

"Everyone thinks the staff disappeared 10 years ago. We're still here. Find the flower." Setting the paper back down I open a new tab on the computer; opening google maps I type in Playtime Co.'s address and mine seeing the distance to get there. "It'll take roughly a day in a half to get there…" Sitting down in the chair I leaned back looking up at the ceiling fan watching it spin around as I began to think of a plan.

First that package was meant for my uncle, but after that weird memory it might be for the best if I go instead. Giving his health and the fact that place has shut down 10 years ago-glancing down at the letter, supposedly abandon-it wouldn't do good if it pushes back his treatment, much less how long it'll take to explore the place. Not to mention it could be a clue to the big gap of memories that I'm missing. That child that I saw look a lot like me, but I don't ever really recall going or staying at Playtime Co. Was I an orphan there? What about those 'tests' that I heard? Now that I think about it, there was a time I had asked Uncle about that place, but he got angry and told me to never bring that name up again.

"Hmmm..." Tapping my finger on my arm I began to speak out loud. "Now that I think about it...why do I call him Uncle? I can't really recall any memories of my parents, only that there was a car accident which took their lives and causing me to have amnesia." Frowning I let out a huff of air "I didn't really question why there wasn't any pictures of my parents around the house or images of me growing up. Though I think a part of me thought he couldn't bear to have any pictures of them around after the accident. And if he works at Playtime, it makes sense to bring me along as the place also acted as an orphanage. From there I can play around while he works and take me back home when he got done." Standing up from the chair I began to pace around my room.

"However, that man that dragging the kid look like a younger and healthier version of Uncle. And that child had stated they didn't want to leave...almost implying that they lived there. If that's the case, then why did he take the kid with him instead of bringing them back to their room. Something is not adding up here." Pausing in my pace I looked out the window. "Something definitely happened there, and it probably ties into my missing memories." Looking at the clock I notice that Uncle will be back soon from the hospital. "If I show him this package and mentioning that I wanted to check it out, he'll definitely shut me down. In other words, I need to think of a good excuse without raising any flags..."

A chuckled escaped from my mouth "Good thing, I have plans with Ashley and the others this weekend." I walked back over to my desk picking up the phone and quicky dialed Ashley's number. As the phone rang, I went over to the suitcase, picking it to put on my bed.

"Hello?"

"Ashely, hey! It's me."

"Oh, hey Lil's what's up! Excited for the trip tomorrow?"

"Yeah, about that…listen can you do me a huge favor?"

"Ah sure? What is it?"

"Well…remember how I don't remember my past…"

"I see…that sure is something…"

"Yeah…" I mumbled leaning my head back on the bed looking up at the ceiling. "I know it sounds crazy…"

"It does."

"Shut up. Anyway, I know I might be out of my mind but it's the only thing that I have a lead about my past. And you know I've been searching for answers."

"I do. I remember the times we hung out trying different methods to see if anything would work. And as much as I find it strange that a package that came from an supposed abandon place suddenly showing up at your doorstep odd…" I can hear her let out a deep breath "…I can't believe I'm saying this, but it might be worth checking out."

I smiled at the response "So…does that mean…"

"Yeah, I'll cover for ya, if for some reason anyone asks. Are planning to leave tomorrow?"

"I figure it would help sale the story a bit, and I'll let him know that service down there isn't the greatest if he needs to call me."

"Smart call. Though the signal is pretty bad down there, so that's a plus."

The sounds of a car door being had caught my attention, looking out the window I saw my uncle walking up to the garage. Back already?

"Yeah…oh hey listen, my uncle just back home and need to go. Thanks again for covering for me."

"Not a problem. And hey, let me know how things go okay. At least call or text me when you get there, doubt there be much signal in the place to keep me updated. But at least I'll have the reassurance that your there."

"Will do! Bye."

"Later! And be safe, Lil's, I mean it!"

"Okay, okay, I will no need to worry."

After saying one last goodbye I hung up the phone putting it back on the charger. Scratching my neck as I made my way back to the door. "Though I don't think there'll be many problems there. The only thing I can see myself worrying about is the state the building has been left in."

Before opening the door, I look over to my sleeping old pug PJ. Honestly, I still wonder how this dog is still alive damn dog is over a decade old now. I know his breed lives up between 12 and 15 years but this old mutt is pushing 17 years. A damn miracle honestly.

"PJ!" I called out watching as his ears perked up before lifting his head. "Hey, let's go potties okay then we can go pester uncle for a while."

"Bark!"

Hopping up to his feet, PJ quickly ran over to me as I open the door and watch as he dashes down the stairs.

"One would think he's still a puppy with all that energy he has." I shook my head following behind him, faintly hearing my uncle let out a low 'oomph' probably from PJ pouncing him.

"Hey, uncle your back a bit early." I greeted him upon entering the kitchen. "How did the visit go?"

"It went well, the doctor said that the treatment is doing good, so far the new medicine is working well."

"That's good to hear." I told him opening the back door to let PJ out. "What about surgery? Any word about that?"

"Nothing yet. Since the new medicine they are giving me is working well they want to see if it's possible to avoid surgery as a last resort."

I frowned at that. "But…wouldn't it make sense to have one done anyway."

"Perhaps." He said taking a seat at the table "Though the recovery from such and the treatment afterword's take a massive toll on one's body. Since the treatment is going well, they hope that they don't need to do surgery."

"…I guess." I mumbled moving over to the kitchen.

"Anyway, enough of this talk, how was your day? Do anything fun?"

"Uh…not really, just double checking if I have everything in order for the trip and finally beating Pokémon emerald."

He let out a chuckle "Ah yes I remember hearing your screams of frustration over that game."

"!?" I felt a blush forming on my face in embarrassment. "I wasn't screaming!"

He merely raised an eyebrow in response. "There concern neighbors say otherwise."

"Ah…well—oh whatever!" I huffed crossing my arms.

"Ahahah!" A deep hearty laugh echo out from him "Oh I'm just messing with you, my little flower."

"…" Frowning in response I walked over to the cabinet pulling out his medicine "Keep laughing and you'll doing your shot on your own!"

"No wait please don't, I'm sorry, it a massive pain to get the shot done back there!"

"I know…" grabbing the small bottle and a syringe I look over to him. "In any case, do you need another dose? Or did they do it down there?"

"They offer but I told them I can get down at home." He said leaning forward in his chair. "Your leaving tomorrow correct? That's why you're asking."

"Hm? Yes. Figure we do it now instead of waiting till I came back."

"I suppose you're right. Give me a moment."

As he got up to take his shirt off, I took the syringe out of the bag, lifting up the small jar I look at the thick red liquid flowing inside.

Red…

Bubbles off red floating to the top in the tank, a man standing outside mumbling words.

'…'

'…'

"Lily?"

"!?"

I blink in surprise suddenly snapping out of the weird vision that I had. "Ah, sorry, just a sec!" I apologize hurrying in putting the needle in the jar, taking out a certain amount of liquid.

Once the syringe is filled, I walk over to the sink to squirt some of the extra liquid that got into the tube. And yet despite doing this numerous times, I'm now taking note of the sweet flowery scent coming out of the needle.

Did it always smell like that?

Maybe it did and I just never paid much attention to it.

Ah, those weird images and video are really messing with my brain right now.

"Sorry for the wait! You ready?" I turn around holding up the syringe. Though before I could make my way over, I paused taking note of the frown on his face. "Is something wrong?"

"No…though I should be asking you that" He said "You look a bit pale. Is everything alright?"

"!" I flinched a bit when he put his hand to my forehead. Pale? I look a bit pale...memory of me crouching on the floor went through my mind. Maybe it was because of that; I was a bit shaken by what happen. "I'm fine Uncle." I smile trying to reassure him "Probably because I haven't eaten much today. Maybe that's why."

Still frowning he removed his hand from my head "Perhaps. But please don't do that again, it's not good for your health you hear."

"Yeah, yeah." I said before waving my hand "Now can you please turn around, so I give you your medicine."

He still had a frown on his face before letting out a sigh and turning around to show me his back. "Whatever say, miss bossy."

"Hey!"

For that I'm almost tempted to stab the needle in his back. "Don't push it. Do remember who has a sharp tool in their hand."

"Hm-hm"

"…" Clicking my tongue, I carefully insert the needle in his lower back, then slowly insert the liquid into his body.

"…Hm…" A small grunt of pain is let loose from his lips when I slowly took out the needle.

"There, all done." I said putting the syringe down by the sink to clean it later.

"Thanks." He nods his head walking back over to pick up his shirt and letting PJ back inside the house.

"Not a problem. Anway, I'm getting a bit hungry did you get anything while you were out?"

"No. Thought I make something when I got back."

"Well…how about some tuna fish sandwich? With some chips?"

"Sounds good."

"Neat!"

Clink

Clink

"And now onto this week's weather forecast…"

Now that all the dishes are put away, I look over to the living room and see Uncle and PJ sitting on the couch watching the news.

"…as you can see the weather is looking very promising this week, though do be advise of the rainstorm that'll be coming in Monday…"

"Where did you say you're going to again?"

"Huh?" Blinking, I look away from the screen looking over at Uncle "Oh…Uh…A cabin, it's about a four hour drive from here, Ashley's cousin is letting us stay there for a while. Why do you ask?"

"I see…" He had a thoughtful look on his face before answering my question. "I wasn't sure if you'll be camping in tents or not with that storm rolling in. Since you're staying indoors I guess you, guys will be fine."

"Hmm…" I walk over to the couch looking at the screen watching the weather man talking about the storm that's supposed to come in on Monday. Looking over the area's that it'll hit. "Well…most likely we'll just be hanging inside. At most we might watch some movie or play any game Jordan said he is bringing."

"Will there be any drinking?"

"Eh?" Not a question I was expecting to be asked. "N-Not that I know of. I mean Jordan and Samantha are of drinking age. While Ashely, Rose, Kevin, and I are under…I can't really say. Though if there is I promise I won't drink—can't say about the other three."

"Well, if there is be sure to drink responsibly."

"…Shouldn't you be discouraging me?"

He waved a hand, "You only live once, have fun! Just don't go over board to were cops would be called."

"…Right" Letting out a sigh, pushing back from the couch and making my way back over to the stairs. "Well, I'm going to go back up and pack. Any dinner plans?"

"We can just order out."

"Fine with me. And uncle…"

"Yes?"

"Are you sure you'll be okay by yourself? I mean the service down there is going to be bad from what Ashely told me…"

"Don't stress yourself, Lily, I'll be fine. And if anything, happen I have the neighbors phone number if needed."

"…If you say so."

Turning back around, I proceed to make my way back to my room. Once the door is shut, I lean back lightly hitting my head against the door before heaving out a deep sigh of relief. "Well…that's one problem down. Better get to work."

It'll be a long drive there, so I'll have to look into some motels on the way down. I can count my blessings for having insomnia, maybe I can just to a straight drive down…though driving all the time will be a pain. I'll just make it as far as I can before I feel worn out from driving, I thought pulling out some clothes from the closet.

Luckily, I have plenty of money saved up from my job and the money Uncle gave me from doing the chores around the house. "Good thing I filled my car up last night, that'll save me a bit of a trip." Putting the necessary item away in the suitcase I began to zip up the bag before pausing.

"Maybe..." Looking over at the tv, I got up and took out the VHS tape and putting it in the bag along with the mail package. "Just in case he needed to come in my room for some reason. Need to cover my tracks."

Once I closed the bag and bringing it to my bedroom door; I headed out to the hallway bathroom to grab the first aid kit. "If this place is as abandoned and run down as I originally thought it was, it might be for the best to bring some first aid just in case. Though…" Looking into the box I realized we are a bit low on some supplies. "…Maybe I'll just buy a newer one along the way."

Putting the first aid back, I walk back to my room grabbing the letter and placing it in my bag. After that I walked over to my nightstand and picking up the alarm clock. "Better set a time so I don't over sleep…"

Done with that I made my way back over to my desk turning on the printer machine before checking to see if there was enough ink. "Okay…"

Sitting back down in the chair I proceeded to look for any more information about what happen to Playtime Co. before I'm due to head out the next day. "Need to remember to delete my history log before I go to bed."

Knock knock

"?!"

A startle yelped escaped my mouth from the sudden knocking sound at my door, snapping me out of my research.

"Lily, I understand that sleep doesn't come easy to you, but for the love of God go. To. Bed." The annoyed muffle voice of my uncle is heard from the closed door.

Go to bed? How late is it again?

"Ah…right! Sorry about that!"

"Take your medicine if you have to. Don't need you to be grouchy later tomorrow."

With that I faintly hear the shuffle steps moving away from the door.

"…" I let out a sigh as I lean back in the seat. "Is it that late or something?" Looking over at my alarm is see the glaring red of 1:24 am being shown back at me. "…Guess it is." Looks like I'll need to end my search here for now, don't need him coming back and see that I'm still up.

Man, what a pain…at least I got enough research for now, maybe I can swing by a library and do some more search if needed. Deleting the history log and closing out of windows I grabbed any papers that I've printed before placing them and the notebook in my bag.

"Though…I think I have enough information to go, perhaps I'll find more there."

Quickly changing out of my clothes into something more comfortable, I grab the phone charger plugging the phone in before grabbing a blue pill bottle.

"…" I should take these, though a faint part of me doesn't want to. "Well…whatever, if want to get any rest better get it over with." Popping the lid of I reach down to grab one red pill. "Hmm…" I couldn't explain the reason for doing so but I held the pill up closer to my nose to get a whiff of the smell.

"…" It…defiantly smells like medicine, though I wish that was the end of it, because I couldn't help but notice the faint scent of…

"Floral?"

Just like with Uncle's medicine. But why is there a floral scent? The only reason I'm questioning this now after all these years of taking it is because of that damn package we received. I remember always having a hard time sleeping because I don't feel the urge to sleep a lot compared to the others. In order to help with that uncle had me taking this medication and of course young me wouldn't even think about asking questions and even now I've just grown use to it that I've never bothered to.

Man…so many questions but no answers! All this thinking I've been doing today alone is giving me a headache.

"Sleep now, questions later." I mumbled swallowing the pill dry. Grimacing at the aftertaste I laid down and eventually fell asleep.

"Drive safely you hear."

"Will do. I'll let you know when I arrived at Ashely house. Take care till I come back and try not to land in the hospital due to food poising from you trying to cook!"

"I make no promises! And watch out for the bears!"

"Got it!"

After waving goodbye and pulling out of the driveway my smile fell off my face. "Sorry Uncle." I mutter pressing start on the directions hear maps voice speak out "In 100 feet turn right on XXXX street then left on XXXX street."

"I always felt like you were hiding something big from me ever since you took me in. And I think this place might have the answers that I'm seeking, along with whatever that letter is talking about. Hopefully you'll forgive me when I come back."

Turning on the main road hearing the voice telling me how far I have till my next turn. "No going back now. Hopefully this won't be a huge mistake on my part."

"…And that's how I went on the long ride to Playtime."

"I see…Though I do have a question for you."

"What is it?"

"From my knowledge the place was shut down, correct? How did you receive a package from there?"

"Ah! …You know…I've never gotten the chance to ask them that. Huh."

"What do you mean? You know who sent it?"

"Yes. I'll tell you at a later time, but after everything went down it just never crossed my mind to ask how they got our address. We've kept moving every two to three years, it was around when I was turning sixteen that we stop due to Uncle health issues. There was no way they would have known our current location…damn I should have asked them that."

"Your uncle, Mr. Johnson, right? Did he ever explain to you the reason for every move?"

"He… He told me it was because of his job. Looking back, I think it had to do with the factory then anything. He somehow knew what was going on and to keep them off our track he constantly moved us."

"And your uncle…You've mention about his health is he still around?"

"No. He passed away seven years ago."

"My apologize."

"It's…It's fine. I've made peace a long time ago *sigh* I just wish I've could have said goodbye in person. Probably for the best though…giving my emotional state back then."

"…Lily-"

"Anyway! We've been chatting for a while, is it possible to take a lunch break?"

"Oh! Uh, ah, yes…yes, we can if that's what you want?"

"Please. I've need to clear my head for a moment and…gather my thoughts for what to tell you in the next part of the story."

"Very well. Is an hour good for you?"

"Yeah. Works for me."

"Alright, see you in an hour then, Lily."

OLD WORD COUNT: 3,777 NEW WORD COUNT (1/31/24): 6,167