the lorax [various x reader]

i.i

It was a beautifully sunny day in Greenville Circle, which meant the small town was bustling with more excitement than normal. Most people resided under and around the hulking white gazebo in the center of the village, though others could be seen buying fresh produce from outdoor vendors or treats from Hurtz' Donuts, the only sweet shop in town. A few children were even scattered here and there playing tag since school had just gotten out an hour or so ago. It was certainly quaint, with hardly 500 residents to its name, but it promoted a sense of strong community and love, and you'd never want to live anywhere else.

So instead of socializing with your neighbors or grabbing your favorite type of dessert, you've decided to leave town to go to the Truffula valley.

It's not that you don't want to stay in town and chat. In fact, there's plenty of reasons to stay. Most importantly, a new room opening in Gaia Apartments has caught your attention. Not only is it double the size of your current cramped little space, it's got a gorgeous view of the Truffula valley far out in the distance. Even just thinking of the kitchenette it comes with as opposed to your dingy microwave has you scrambling to find the money for the security deposit. Sadly, the fact is you can hardly afford even something as small as that. You'd never be able to pay the monthly rent that came after, not to mention food, furnishings, and other necessities that came with it.

"Oh, please, Mr. Madden, can't you just give me a few more weeks?" You remembered pleading with the manager all too recently. "I'll watch Hazel extra for you, or maybe I can pick up another job somewhere, or..."

"I'm sorry, (Y/N)." Mr. Madden sighed deeply, the kind that people do when they have bad news to share. "My hands are tied. I can't leave the space vacant, I'm losing money as is."

"But Mr. Madden, you're the wealthiest man living here! You own every apartment complex around the whole circle. Please, I just need a few more days-"

"I said I'm sorry, (Y/N), but I simply can't do that for you," the man said more firmly this time. You realized too late your words had angered him. "I would appreciate your help with Hazel this week and I'll even give you a pay raise, but that is my final stance on the matter. Have a good day." Mr. Madden had dusted off his suit and left his office after that. At least he had offered a pay raise, you supposed, though that still hadn't quelled the tears pooling in your eyes.

Back to the present. Mr. Madden had done as he'd said and given you a few extra dollars an hour for watching his daughter Hazel every day or two, meaning you had been saving more and more money each week. It was well-deserved, anyway- Hazel was known for her fiery temper and love for causing trouble, all too ironic with her ginger hair. You were pretty sure the 'gingers have no souls' thing was a ruse, but Hazel sure made you think otherwise.

Speaking of Hazel, you could see her eyeing the tomato cart from her perch under the gazebo. Since her dad was the richest in town, no one bothered her or even bat an eye when her little hands grabbed as many mushy fruits as she could get her hands on. You had no idea what she planned on doing with them, but you really didn't want to stay and find out, not today. Today, you were going to the Truffula valley and nothing was going to stop you.

~

It was a long walk to the valley, especially since you had no bike or car. Having gone so many times over the years, you'd deduced it took around 27 minutes there and 34 minutes back (thanks to the tall hills you had to trek over on your return), making the round trip a little over an hours' time. That's why you didn't go often, though you wished you could. Being surrounded by the Swomee swans, Hummingfish, and Bar-ba-loots for hours was peaceful and a nice break from reality. Not to mention, you were almost positive no one ever went there. People knew it existed, of course, but you supposed they'd rather leave nature be and coexist elsewhere. Having a place to be alone with your thoughts was a nice bonus.