Bruno thought a moment, and shrugged.  "I'm sure it's fine," he said.  "No need to worry.  I'm snug as a bug on a drug." 

 

 

The young man went about his day normally, getting breakfast (no V-meat.  Sad.  Well, an excuse to go shopping!), cleaning up, getting dressed, putting on his smily face mask (he opted for a mask instead of the makeup, as the makeup always itched badly to him) and going to work.  Ever since 'Before,' the Glorious and Most-Friendly Alliance had made sure that every citizen had a purpose.  That everyone had something to do, so they wouldn't have to think about their lives.  Everyone had a job that fit their skills, one that they enjoyed, and gave them that aforementioned sense of purpose.

 

 

Bruno, for example, loved his job at the Daily Bugle.  In the 'Before,' he was simply a retail clerk.  Now?  He had been given a job 'improving' historical records.  The original internet was dead, but the tech-savvy members of the Alliance had created something similar for use by the Pleasantfolk.  They had gotten everything they could online, but someone needed to make sure that there were no unpleasant things to think about.  

 

 

After all, no one wanted to think about the 'Before,' right?  Things were Pleasant now.  Mama Maria's warm, friendly messages always offered kind advice and funny jokes, and the Helicarrier's comforting shadow loomed over Pleasant Hill in a constant loop.  

 

 

Bruno's job was editing historical records.  He had to go through old historical files and remove any negativity.  Mention of war?  Bad.  Deaths?  Such things happened, no need to harp on it.  Tragedy?  Well, that just wouldn't do at all.  

 

 

Bruno whistled, almost skipping down the street as he waved to all his fellow Pleasantfolk.  He went to his workplace, checked in, and sat down at his monitor.  Whistling happily, he began to edit web pages.  He preserved pleasant news, contest winners and news of victories.  He took the time to read an article on the successful trials of Mindbubble. 

 

 

Granted, there were a few that had bad reactions to it, but they were just Downers.  Who cared about them?

 

 

As if on cue, a Mama Maria broadcast came on the air, projected on the side wall of his office.  The echoes told Bruno that the broadcast was playing in every office.  "Sorry to interrupt, folks, but I just heard a funny joke," Mama Maria said, grinning widely.  "What's the difference between jumping on a trampoline, and jumping on a Downer?  You take your boots off before you jump on the trampoline!"  She cackled, Bruno laughing along with her.  That was a good one!  Mama Maria continued.  "Also, as a reminder, today's daily funtime activity is bounce castles!  We're setting them up in the streets!  Remember to put your work aside this afternoon and go have some fun!  It'll be there tomorrow!  Plus, we're having a cookout!  V-Meat burgers and dogs all around!  Mmmm..."  She rubbed her tummy, as if eager for the tasty treats.  "That's it for now, folks!  I'll be back later to share some more good advice.  And always remember the two fundimentals of Pleasant Hill.  First: When you feel you're in trouble, take your Mindbubble!  And second, always remember that Mama loves you all.  Have a good day, Pleasantfolks!"  She smiled in a warm, motherly fashion, the broadcast shutting off.

 

 

Bruno beamed.  Mama Maria always made him feel good, even if he wasn't being talked to 

directly.  She truly did love us all.  He pulled up a new article... and paused.  

 

 

It was a picture of him, holding a blood-covered and sobbing Ms. Marvel.  The article itself talked about the 'Before,' but Bruno just stared back at the picture.  It was... so familiar to him...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The pain.  He clutched his head, biting back the urge to scream as the memory flooded him.  He... he and Ms. Marvel were more than friends 'Before.'  They knew each other, were close... weren't they?

 

 

Frantically, he grabbed for his Mindbubble bottle, holding up the pill, and then staring back at the article.   He should take his medicine... right?

 

 

...No.  He wanted to remember this.  NEEDED to remember this.  Ms. Marvel after... the Horrible Thing... had come to him.  He needed to remember that, needed to remember their friendship as it REALLY was.  He tossed the pill aside, tossing his bottle aside as well.  He stared at the article... 

 

 

...and was startled out of his funk a moment later by his boss, Robbie Robertson coming in.  He blinked (were the colors around him becoming less vibrant?), his vision clearing.  He smiled up at his boss, who gave him a concerned look, his facepaint giving him the impression that he was smiling.

 

 

That white facepaint on his dark skin looks so wrong... Bruno found himself thinking.

 

 

"You okay, Bruno?" he asked, putting a fatherly hand on his shoulder.  "Your workrate's down a little."  

 

 

Bruno grinned weakly.  "Yeah, I'm fine.  Just had a migraine or something."  

 

 

Robbie frowned a little.  He started to say something, when he noticed one of the discarded pills.  "...Are you off your Mindbubble?" he asked, giving him a wary look. 

 

 

Uh oh, Bruno thought.  He noticed a half-full waterbottle in his lunch container, and said, "Nah, nah, I'm good.  I always keep some water handy in case I can't get to my pills in time.  Filled it up from the tap this morning."  He pointed to the pill, frowning.  "I had to drink a lot of water this morning.  I think my batch is bad or something.  Had barely any effect."  

 

 

Robbie gagged, tossing the pill away.  "That ain't good," he said.  "Be sure and see a doctor before you leave today."  

 

 

Bruno nodded.  "Sure thing.  Thanks boss," he said, smiling.

 

 

Robbie smiled at him.  "Tell you what.  Glory Grant's having a birthday party today.  We got a pinata and everything," he said.  "Work can wait.  Finish this article, join us at teh party, and take the rest of the day off.  Make sure you get a good batch of Mindbubble."  

 

 

"Thanks, boss!" Bruno said, giving him a thumbs up.  Robbie nodded, and left.  Bruno turned back to the article... and sighed, censoring it.  "I'm sorry Kamala... But don't worry, I won't forget us..." 

 

 

There was more to the relationship between him and Kamala that just her casual occasional visits.  He was sure of it.  He just had to find out what.  He couldn't do that with his brain hopped up on Mindbubble, so...

 

 

...Oh hell.  I'm a Downer now... he thought fearfully.  Should I even go to the party?  Or can I fake my way through it?