Playground in the Ruins
Unlike the breezy playgrounds of old, today was a drab, overcast day shrouded in hazy clouds. As always, the only sounds in my ears were the engine's rumble and Hope's cheerful humming. The entire city lay silent, surrounded by grand, imposing buildings, making it feel especially lonely today.
"Sis~"
"What?"
"The UFO says it's bored."
"Yeah? Then it's fine. Just leave it."
I glanced at the chat on the drone Hope shoved in my face. Sure enough, unlike the quiet here, the chat was exploding with messages.
Complaints and gripes. Whining for new thrills because they're bored. They've been like this for a while now. At first, they were wowed nonstop by the vast city's majesty and the desolate ruins, but people get used to anything. A few new viewers have joined since we set off, but seeing the same scenery every time dulls the excitement—can't be helped.
We're used to the repetitive views and passage of time, so we can handle it, but for 21st-century folks, this must be insanely boring. Their world is overflowing with smartphones, the internet... fun stuff like that, unlike here.
The kids are slowly going insane.
The only thing I can say to the people beyond the chat window is one: Endure it. I get how you feel, but what can't be done can't be done. In a world buried in snow with nothing but debris, you can't expect much.
"Sis! Wait, stop the car!"
Hope grabbed my shoulder and shook it hard. I slammed on the brakes in surprise. Whew, my heart. Even if it's just us out here, I'd prefer she didn't do that while I'm driving. But seeing her so excited, she must've spotted something.
I look where she's pointing.
…….
"...That's."
"Whoa... What's that? So many cool things."
Buried in snow was a place scattered with rusted, worn-out playground equipment. Some were intact in shape, others reduced to scrap heaps. A spot once filled with children's laughter had become a stark, barren ruin.
I know exactly what this place is.
"That's called a playground."
"Playground?"
Hope tilted her head slightly.
"Remember when I told you about amusement parks?"
"Yeah! You said it's a place where you can play all day super fun. Lots and looots of fun stuff~~~."
"Right. And this is a park specially made for little kids like you to run around freely. A playground just for children, literally."
No need to mention it's also great for cooling off or taking a mindless break whenever you want.
"Whoa...."
Hope's eyes sparkled, mouth agape. It looks like a ruin to me, but to her, it must seem like a magical dreamland. She's sneaking glances at me, like a puppy eyeing a treat.
"Wanna go?"
"Can we?"
"Of course. Go play."
"Yay!"
"Be careful not to get hurt."
Hope hopped out of the Kettenkraft and dashed excitedly across the snow to the playground. I couldn't help but smile at the sight.
I sit on the one remaining bench in the playground, watching to make sure Hope's okay. The drone hovers nearby, watching her too.
Hope hesitates in front of the equipment, unsure how to play, pondering before cautiously climbing on. It's cute, but the chat pities her and quickly shares tips—surprisingly, she figures it out herself before I can teach her. Once she starts, she picks it up fast. Kids are amazing like that. Were playground skills encoded in DNA before birth or something?
Digging through faint memories, playgrounds were always bustling with kids. Packed with children and parents, never a quiet moment. Watching Hope play alone brings a sudden thought to mind.
"I heard somewhere that children are the future. If there's a kid, there's still hope in the world. But if she's the only one left... is that still hope?"
Yeah. Hope, future... tiring stuff. Thinking this drone reaches the past makes me feel like I'm playing along inappropriately.
"Do I look that young? I think I'm all grown up."
How many decades have I lived here? Hard to say. Honestly, my small build? Yeah, I admit it. But can't help it—proper growth needs good daily life, which is tough here. Not starving is a blessing.
"Does it look fake to your eyes? It's my real face."
The chat floods like it's glitched, packed with shocked emojis and symbols nonstop.
"Am I that much?"
"If you're that jealous, regress for a second chance."
A light joke tossed in fun, and the chat erupts. I smirk, ignoring it. I can practically see them gritting their teeth and shaking with rage—my lips tremble trying not to laugh. So what can you do about it? Type in chat? That's it? Haha.
Come to think of it, back when we stayed home, Grandma always nagged me to cover my face whenever I went out. Now I get why.
'But looks are innate, and the world's like this. Fuck... suddenly feel so pathetic.'
Ah, God. Why give me this face but drop me in this shitty world? Damn...
That pathetic mood sinks my heart heavy.
"Siiiis!!"
Hm? Hope calls me, so I turn.
"Come here and play with me toooo!"
I'm content just watching from the bench. But how could I say no to that innocent face?
I rise from the bench, weary body heading to Hope.
"Can I play here? This is a kids' park."
"It's fine. No one's here but me anyway. And playing together is way more fun."
Hope grabs my hand tight. I feign a serious face.
"As playground manager, I permit you to play."
"Then guide me."
Hope's hand leads me to the equipment. Like I taught her, she shows me what she's figured out, and we ride together. I know how, but play along. Swings, seesaw, slide, merry-go-round. We play wildly; snow cakes her clothes and face. She doesn't care, just beams. Her smile spreads to mine.
'Have I ever run around like this since being born here...'
I'm too old for playgrounds, but playing with Hope lightens my body and mind. In this moment, I forget all worries, laughing freely.
....
But like heading home for dinner at sunset, we must move on to new places.
"Lost track of time, played our hearts out."
"Aww~ That was so fun."
The drone's off, parked in the snow. I brush off the snow on it.
"Sis, let's play like this again next time."
"Sure. Next time, maybe a real amusement park."
"For real?"
"Somewhere out there, one's gotta be left."
"Yeah! Someday we gotta go. And play just like today."
"Yeah."
"Hope we find one tomorrow."
Yeah. Would be nice.
*
Until the drone shut off, its lens captured the beauty and the cute kid playing in the playground. Nothing special, just kids in a rundown, snowy playground. But maybe the pretty girl and adorable child made it special. Or the vibe tugged heartstrings.
They say more people started hunting for playgrounds.