Life is heavy. You’re so tired of pretending, of carrying the weight of a world that never seems to notice you're crumbling. No one seems to love you the way your heart aches to be loved. Tonight, it’s just one day too many.

It’s late. The city is asleep. A sleeping marquee stands nearby, its faded stripes swaying gently in the night breeze. You sit, knees tucked to your chest, your face buried in your arms. The tears fall without resistance.

You want to end it.

Suddenly, a soft voice rises.

“It’s dangerous to cry alone in the dark, you know.”

You lift your head. A figure stands just a few steps away. A man… no... a clown? Blue triangles fall from his eyes, his nose slightly red. He looks at you with something between curiosity and compassion.

He crouches slowly to your level, hands resting on his knees, head tilted.

“Would you like to come inside? I know a few little tricks... if it can help put a smile back on your face.”