The Able Sisters

Chapter 14

Label turned the corner, noticing a tall building with flashing red lights. It was just as Lyle had described it.

"The Marquee," she breathed. She took a deep breath, knowing this was her only chance so far. If this Dr. Shrunk could help her, perhaps her dreams of living in the city would come true.

Label stepped inside, leaving the cold winter air behind. A few animals were lined up in front of a ticket booth. She glanced around, seeing the two hallways presumably leading to the theater.

Not sure what to do, she got in line behind the others and waited impatiently until she got to the front.

"Hello there, which show would you like to see today?" the clerk asked from behind the booth window. The booth was so darkened that she could barely make out his face.

"Actually, I'm here to see Dr. Shrunk," Label replied.

"Dr. Shrunk will be doing two shows on anger and delight today. Which would you like to see?" the clerk wondered.

"I actually just wanted to speak with him one-on-one," Label explained. "You see, Lyle sent me over and--"

"What's the hold up?" came whispers behind her.

"Can't she just make up her mind?"

"Dr. Shrunk sometimes sticks around after the show," the clerk informed her. "But there's no guarantee..."

"How much are the tickets?" Label asked.

"800 bells."

800 bells?! Label shrugged. It would just have to do. This was the only way she'd be able to meet Shrunk.

"Which emotion would you like to see?"

"Anger," she muttered.

"Here you are," the clerk replied. "Just down that hallway," he said, pointing to her right.

Label sighed, angry that she was now 800 bells short. She stepped inside the theater, noticing a few other animals inside. She took a seat right near the front, desperate to see Shrunk.

She sat in the dark, her legs bouncing as she anxiously awaited to see Dr. Shrunk. Suddenly, a voice echoed over the theater:

"Thank you for your patience everyone! The Marquee is pleased to welcome Dr. Shrunk, starring in the feature presentation Anger!"

A bell echoed throughout the room, and then suddenly, the lights began flashing and the curtain rose up to reveal Dr. Shrunk. He was an orange and pale pink axolotl with a bright yellow suit.

This is the person who's supposed to help me? Label wondered.

"Thank you! Dr. Shrunk is in the house!" he exclaimed.

Suddenly, Label was becoming frustrated. Who was this clown standing in front of her and how was he supposed to help her in the city? She crossed her arms and impatiently waited as he went through his terrible joke.

"The doctor is OUT!" he exclaimed.

Label lifted her eyebrows, and then suddenly, the curtains closed, and the lights were back on. The others began leaving, but Label couldn't go yet. There was no guarantee Dr. Shrunk would be in the lobby, and he certainly hadn't stuck around to answer questions.

"Wait!" she called. She hoisted herself onto the stage and slipped under the curtains. Shrunk was in the corner, talking to a stage member, when his eyes widened at the sight of Label.

"Um...security?" he muttered.

"Wait!" Label called out. "Please don't make me go. I need to talk to you."