GreyDay

Chapter 1: Darkening light

It was another day in the Playtime Co. orphanage. Kids were playing, staff members supervising, and Dogday tidying up after a recent art activity. The children were dismissed and ran off chatting and laughing. Bobby bearhug enters the room, moving out of the way for a few still leaving. They start to approach DogDay, looking around the area, taking in the aftermath of fun that just took place.

Bobby: "Looks like the kids had a blast, eh Dogday?"

DogDay chuckled, shaking his head gently. The room was a vibrant display of color and chaos; paint smeared across tables and chairs, brushes left abandoned on the floor, and sheets of paper scattered around like fallen leaves. Looking down at himself, DogDay realized that he too had become a canvas, covered in a kaleidoscope of colors.

DogDay: "I think there's more paint on me than on the actual paper. These kids certainly know how to make a mess."

Bobby Bearhug chuckled sympathetically, her eyes scanning the room, taking in the rainbow chaos left behind by the children. The air was still thick with the scent of paint, and the floor was a chaotic mix of colors.

Bobby: "You're covered in more colors than a rainbow, DogDay. I don't know how you do it, but you always keep up with them so well."

DogDay: "I guess I just have a lot of practice. But it's worth it, seeing them having so much fun. Though I do hope they remember to tidy up the rest of this mess before it dries."

Bobby: "I think they're already too busy finding their next activity to worry about cleaning up. Those kids are little whirlwinds, aren't they?"

DogDay chuckled, but with a hint of exhaustion.

DogDay: "You can say that again. They definitely keep me on my toes. But I wouldn't trade them for anything. They make this place feel like home."

Bobby: "They really do. They bring a lot of joy to this place. But I can tell you're pretty exhausted, old buddy. Maybe you need a break?"

DogDay: "I'd love a break, but there's still so much to do. I can't leave this mess for someone else to clean up."

Bobby put a comforting hand on DogDay's shoulder.

Bobby: "Well, I could always offer to finish up here. You could take a few moments to rest, at least. You've earned it."

DogDays expression brightened slightly.

DogDay: "Are you sure, Bobby? You don't mind handling the cleanup?"

Bobby shook her head, a determined expression on her face.

Bobby: "Not at all. You go ahead and take a breather, DogDay. I've got this. You have been working hard all day."

DogDays face softened, feeling both grateful and slightly guilty. He knew Bobby was right, yet he couldn't shake off the feeling that he should be the one to take care of everything.

DogDay: "Thank you, Bobby. I really appreciate it. I suppose a short break wouldn't hurt."

Bobby: "You know, DogDay, you're still pretty covered in paint. You might want to clean that up before someone mistakes you for another one of the kids' artworks!"

DogDay chuckled, looking down at himself once again, seeing the vibrantly colored paint splattered across his bright orange fur.

DogDay: "I suppose I do look like I've been added to the gallery. I'll get cleaned up eventually. Just need a moment to rest first."

Bobby: "Alright, DogDay. You go ahead and take that break. I'll take care of the rest. You've certainly earned it, covered in paint and all."

DogDay nodded in appreciation, starting to walk out of the room. He made his way out into the main courtyard of the orphanage. The sprawling complex of buildings surrounded him like a mini-city, each one playing a part in the lives of the children. The main building was the heart of the orphanage, housing the cafeteria and the shared living quarters.