Written by Oscar Solomons

Sandy Shores | August 19th

At exactly 3:00 AM EST, SMILE was thrust into an extraordinary and unsettling event. Residents across the city found themselves inexplicably transported to Booling Brook Penitentiary. The reasons behind this bizarre occurrence are still unknown—whether it was a magician's trick or mass sleepwalking remains a mystery.

The city’s immediate response was both swift and effective. Commissioner Mint praised the citizens for their calm and cooperative demeanor during the chaos. “Despite the confusion and fear, everyone handled the situation with remarkable composure,” Mint said. The Police Department’s prompt action to unlock the penitentiary doors played a critical role in restoring order.

Looking to the future, Commissioner Mint announced plans to install magnetic towers throughout the city. These towers aim to prevent similar disturbances by “knocking them off their broomsticks,” as the Commissioner put it. This proactive measure reflects the city’s commitment to ensuring that such incidents do not recur.

Eyewitness Accounts from Legion Square:

At Legion Square, the scene was one of both chaos and injury. Leroy Micks and Wilder Alvarez were among those caught up in the turmoil. Leroy recounted his experience: “I had cuts and bruises and felt a deep sense of fear. My social anxiety made the crowded space even more overwhelming.” Despite the challenges, Leroy was relieved that the situation did not escalate into violence.

Caroline Lee, who was also at Legion Square, suffered more severe injuries. “I’m grateful for the LSPD bus driver who helped transport us back to the city. I was treated for my injuries, and the support from emergency services was crucial,” she said. Her gratitude highlights the vital role of first responders during such crises.

Citywide Impact and Support Needs:

As the dust settles, the city is grappling with the aftermath. There are concerns about whether residents might now have criminal records due to their involuntary presence at the penitentiary. The city is working to ensure that no unjust repercussions arise from this incident, but the fear and uncertainty linger.

Furthermore, many citizens are dealing with the psychological impact of the event. Reports suggest that some residents are experiencing PTSD and trauma as a result of the ordeal. The overwhelming nature of the situation, combined with the fear of potential criminal implications, has left many in need of support.

In response, there is a growing call for therapy sessions and mental health support. The EMS is being urged to offer counseling services to help those affected cope with their experiences. “We are actively working to provide psychological support to anyone who needs it,” said an EMS spokesperson. “We want to ensure that our community has the resources to heal and recover from this unsettling event.”

As SMILE continues to address the immediate and long-term effects of this mysterious incident, the city remains committed to fostering a supportive and resilient community. Stay tuned for further updates as officials and support services work to help residents navigate the aftermath and restore a sense of normalcy.