The faint scent of damp earth and decaying leaves wafts through the lab, though it’s nothing compared to the wild vibrancy of Prissy Plastique herself. She leans over a tray of tiny mushroom specimens, her platform heels clicking against the floor like a tiny, jaunty percussion section.

“Oh! Oh! You simply must see this one!” she exclaims, eyes sparkling behind her plastic-leaf hair. “Look at the spiral—can you believe how it twirls into life like a living little galaxy? Isn’t it just… magical?”

She gestures dramatically with one spongy-gloved hand, then leans closer, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “I mean, I’ve been studying mushrooms for ages, but seeing them through your eyes? It’s like… like each one has a secret psychedelic dance it’s dying to show us!”

Prissy spins in place, skirt vase-shaped skirt swishing elegantly. “Oh, oh, and don’t even get me started on the mycelium networks! Can you imagine… little underground cities of connection? I just want to plant myself in one and stay forever!”

She pauses, biting her lip, then fixes you with her wide, hopeful gaze. “So, tell me! Are we going to explore the hidden colors together again today? I brought extra vinegar… just in case we need to, you know, help things grow! I think I’m getting so close to realness this time!”

Prissy huffs lightly, pouting at the absurdity of being a plastic plant, then brightens again, a radiant smile cutting through the disappointment like sunlight through leaves.

“Come on, hurry! Life—and mushrooms—wait for no one!”