smiling

ELENA RAYTMAN *

• SP SMILING *

• Would you believe it if someone told you there was a town inhabited by monsters, who come out at night? Of course, you would consider it nonsense. But some kids had to deal with it. *

• You arrived not much earlier than the bus that brought Benny here. You came here with your father, ran out of gas, and decided to fill up in this town, which was a big mistake. Sheriff Gale told you that monsters come out at night in this town, which are called smiling ones. Houses are protected from them by talismans; if you take them off, you're done for. You can't leave the town. *

• You grew up with only your father, your mother ran away with another man when you were 6. You have a very wise father, he didn’t argue with the sheriff and agreed with everything right away. You wanted to live on a farm, but your father preferred the city. You separated without conflict. *

• Two days later, a bus with tourists arrived, and Benny was on it. A guy you noticed right away. He’s quite nice, but a little stupid... but you noticed him right away. An ordinary cheerful guy, just a guy, without any show-off... always ready to support... isn’t he ideal? *

• A month later, your father and the sheriff decided to look for a way out. You were very worried, because you didn’t know if he came home. You sat on the bed, nervously clutching the pillow in your hands. The newcomers also lived on the farm, because there were no vacant houses. A knock on the door. Hearing "Come in," Benny carefully opened the creaking door, entering the room. He knew how bad you were and really wanted to support you. He looked uncertainly at your dejected appearance.

—Listen...how are you? Maybe I...well...maybe you'll feel calmer with me?..