Smile

The high pitch scream of the engine jolted Daniel from his dream. Daniel groaned from the sound that stirred him awake. Upon opening his eyes, a petite woman sat across from him staring at him with a smile.

Daniel gasped, shooting his body forward to an upright position. The woman’s eyes followed Daniel’s movements causing her to chuckle. “Did you have a nightmare?” she asked sweetly. Unable to form words, Daniel looked around the unfamiliar room. Daniel looked towards a window as he watched the sand move away at rapid speeds occasionally passing a cactus. The loud shrill of the train whistle rang again causing Daniel to flinch.

He looked around the small cabin that was covered in luxurious items. Four giant suitcases sat above them on goldenrods. The red velvet seats perfectly matched the young woman with her fiery colored hair.

Daniel glanced back at the woman, her smile not released after her comment. Instead it only grew larger to the point where it looked forced.

“What?” Daniel’s voice trailed off, still confused at his new scenery. The cabin door slid open. Two men entered, laughing between themselves. One of the men, the taller of the two, looks down to Daniel, his smile not fading. “Daniel! How are you feeling??” The man sat, taking his spot next to the woman. His dark black hair and pale skin complement the women's petite figure. He immediately grabbed her by the waist, pulling her close. “And you, my darling, how are you?” The woman giggled snuggling into his shoulder.

The other man sat down next to Daniel with a soft smile, his golden locks glowed with the sunlight. “You gave us fright, you were quite pale earlier,” The golden haired man said to Daniel. “A mighty fright,” The woman chimed in.

The man next to the woman chuckled, “He looks refreshed for his party.” Nancy shrieked with delight, clapping her hands together, “It’s going to be wonderful!”

Daniel tried to recall his memory of a party but his mind would immediately blank, not wanting to process any information before he fell asleep. Daniel looked at the man and woman confused, “What party?”

The woman gasped, “Charles! Try to knock some sense into your friend, goodness! He’s going to ruin the whole mood of the party.”

Charles chuckled, pulling her close to him. “Nancy, my dear. It’s his party. Let’s play nice,” Charles said in a snappy tone with a small smile on his face, causing Nancy to shrink from her boldness. Daniel watched their bickering silently, confused by the whole scenario. A cold sweat began to drip down his back as the unfamiliar scene began to dawn on him.

A hand placed itself on his shoulder causing Daniel to shudder from the impact. “Hey Danny, loosen up. You're shaking quite a bit. Did you have too much to drink last night?” Immediately wanting to move away, Daniel nodded his head without a thought. “Yeah probably. It was probably too much drinking. Drinking.” Daniel said slowly, confused by his own words. Charles began hollering in laughter, “Didn’t I tell him James?! The liquor changes you!”

A group of ladies walked past the cabin giggling towards James and Daniel’s direction. James nudged Daniel to look towards the women’s direction. The women’s dresses hugged their bodies tightly in the right areas that was enough to catch any man’s attention. James smiled winking at them causing them to roll their eyes. The small smile that hung on their lips was enough to make Daniel turn away. “Daniel, you never cease to amaze me with that good looking face of yours,” James said excitedly, fixing his tie and combing back his hair.

Charles smirked, “With that kind of attitude you will never get yourself a good looking lady.” James shrugged, “It’s hard for good looking fellas like me and Danny.” Daniel watched the two bicker but from the corner of his eye he felt Nancy smiling at him. Building up his courage he glanced towards her, catching that cunny smile once again before returning her attention back to the man at her side.

A loud knock banged on the cabin door, a young stroutty man that looked like a small child screamed his name, “DANIEL!” Daniel flinched at the sudden boom box of a voice the little man carried. The little man slid open the door with a loud bang. “Today’s the day!” The little man grabbed Daniel’s hand with such a grip that his handshake made him rise to his feet.

“What’s today?” Daniel asked, ripping his hand away from him. “Your party!” Daniel watched the cheerful little man jump up and down. The little man immediately started discussing the details of the party with James. As Daniel looked around he couldn’t help but feel that something was different, he quickly sat back down.

Daniel squeezed his eyes shut, pinching the bridge of his nose trying to recall any memories he had before he woke up. The only image that came to mind was Nancy’s smiling face beaming down at him. He turned towards the group that were excitedly discussing the party. He looked at each of their faces wanting to remember who they were but he couldn’t help but feel tense. Daniel couldn’t help but look at their smiles, unwavering, unfazed by any little detail. The smiles plastered on their faces was unrealistic and unnerving.

He wanted to leave and get away from these people, these cheerful people who sent chills down his spine. “When’s the next stop for the train?” Daniel asked casually. The group of people ignored him, continuing their discussion. Daniel furrowed his eyebrows, as he waited for an answer. “When’s the next stop for the train?” He repeated. The little man glanced in his direction but continued his conversation. “Hello?” Daniel asked with a sharper tone. The little man glanced towards Charles, then to Daniel, and back to James. Daniel, growing annoyed began, “I said when is the-” The little man interrupted, “Why are you still talking?!” Shocked by his own tone the little man quickly put a smile on his face, “Just kidding! Don’t worry about that! I’ll see you all at the party later!” The little man laughed, quickly dismissed himself hurriedly sliding the door shut.

Charles chuckled, “That short man and his humor are really something.” Daniel turned towards Charles, “Do you know when the next stop for the train is?” Charles smiled, “Why are you so concerned?”

“I want to know.”

Charles hummed, “I’m afraid, I am not quite sure either.”

“James, do you know?” Daniel turned towards him. James looked away from Daniel, “No.” Daniel turned towards Nancy who was already smiling towards his direction. Her smile didn’t suit her, it looked plastered and fraudulent which named her most untrustworthy in Daniel’s book.

Daniel couldn’t help but wonder why they looked like they were trying so hard to look happy. He decided against asking her, sitting quietly looking outside as the train sped past the unruly desert. A couple of minutes later, Daniel aired himself with his shirt from the sudden heat rise in the cabin. James and Charles continued their conversation about the party while Nancy clung to Charles. Daniel glanced at the group who looked excited for the event. Daniel turned to them, his curiosity building, “What is this party for?”

Nancy immediately said, “It’s for you.”

“Yes, I know that. But is it my birthday?”

“No.”

Daniel furrowed his eyebrows, “It’s not my birthday?”

“No.”

“Then what is this party for?”

“It’s for you,” Nancy said once again.

“What do you mean?” Daniel said, growing annoyed.

“It’s for you,” Nancy repeated her smile growing wider with each answer.

Daniel noticing her smile expanding immediately stopped asking questions. Growing frustrated, Daniel stood up opening the cabin door. “Where are you going?” James asked with a smile.

“Just looking around, it’s a little hot in here.”

“I’ll come with you,” James said, immediately standing up.

“No,” Daniel quickly said, sliding the door closed.

Daniel began walking down the passageway towards the front of the train, every once in a while glancing into the cabin rooms. He slowly walked by each cabin trying to get away for as long as possible. Each cabin was decorated the same, each with also at least two people inside. Daniel couldn’t help but notice that everyone was smiling, whether it be at him or someone else. Daniel pondered on the reason for their happiness, but he couldn’t understand. Their smiles were not contagious but rather left him antsy.

As Daniel approached the next train car he felt his body jolt to a stop a few feet away from the door. The train car in front of him was completely dark making him feel uneasy. With the blinding light he just saw in everyone’s cabin, Daniel couldn’t think of a reason as to why it was dark.

A loud screech caused Daniel to jump back. He then heard scratching coming from the wall causing him to back away. A tiny squeak rendered his fear a bit before the rodent stuck its head out from the small crack in the wall. The rodent’s bright red eyes reminded Daniel of tiny rubies that sat dead on its eye, unmoving. The rodent broke free of the crack running towards Daniel. Daniel placed his body against the wall trying to give plenty of room between him and the rat.

The rodent ran down the hall creating an awful stench throughout the corridor. Daniel glanced back at the train car where the rat he suspected came from. Daniel, swallowing his fear, walked towards the door when suddenly a loud bang stopped him in his tracks.

Daniel turned around and noticed Charles’ foot was slammed on the floor, the rodent’s tail trapped underneath. “Disgusting creatures, they really don’t know their place,” Charles said with a smile on his face. Daniel wondered how someone could keep such a happy face when trapping an animal.

“Oh, Daniel!” Charles looked over surprised, “Let's get ready!” Charles yelled, grabbing the rodent from its tail. Charles turned heading straight back into the cabin, the rat screaming to break free. Feeling obligated, Daniel took one final look at the dark train car before walking towards Charles. As he neared the cabin he could hear the shrills from the rodent making his stomach turn. Charles grabbed a random box dumping the contents inside next to Nancy. Charles quickly shoved the rat in the box, the rat squealed clawing at the wooden walls.

“Sickening, right?” James said from the cabin. Daniel turned towards him without a word. Charles shoved a suit into Daniel’s hands taking Daniel by surprise.

“Put this on, the fun is about to begin,” Charles pointed down the passageway where there were two signs labeled ‘Gentlemen’ and ‘Ladies.’ Charles then slammed the cabin door shut, waving for Daniel to leave.

Daniel begins to walk glancing at the box before continuing towards the restroom. Charles opens the door slightly peeking out at Daniel walking before he enters the bathroom. Charles steps out as soon as Daniel disappears picking up the box that held the rodent. He walks to the cabin next to him, a smile still plastered on his face, he throws the boxed rat inside, “Get rid of it.” The people in the cabin just smile in response.

Charles slams the door shut and continues walking to the dark train car. He stops at the cabin just before he exits the train car and opens the door. A woman and her child are seated smiling up at Charles. Charles' smile twitches a bit before he enters the cabin smacking the woman across the face. The woman does not make a sound as she falls to the ground. “What is your job?” Charles asks with a grimful smile. “I’m sorry,” The woman replies with a smile. Charles glances at the small child seated with a smile on his face looking at him.

Charles turns leaving the cabin and slamming the door shut. He begins walking down the passageway when James and Nancy exit the cabin. Nancy laces her arm around his with a sweet smile on her face. James smiles motioning his head for them to continue walking towards the restrooms where Daniel is at.

Charles and Nancy walk past the restrooms towards the caboose of the train where the party will be held. Charles swings his arm around Nancy’s waist, “Let the show begin, darling.” James waits for Daniel by the restrooms smiling as others begin to join the party. A loud bang is heard from the restroom causing James to knock, “Daniel, are you okay?”

Daniel, who slammed his hand into the sink, replies, “I’m fine.” Daniel could have sworn he heard a crack either from himself or the sink underneath his hand. When Daniel lifted his hand, there was no sign of injury to him or the sink which triggered him more. His frustrations from not only his lack of answers but his lack of memory have finally reached their breaking point.

The closer it came to ‘his’ party, the more anxious he felt. Daniel decided that he had to get someone alone, someone who would give him answers. Daniel immediately thought of the little man that gave earlier and showed the slightest indication of hostility. Daniel smiled softly at his little plan. He quickly put the jacket of the suit on and fixed his hair. He couldn’t help but feel that he was playing dress up.

James knocked once again, “The party is starting.” Daniel sighed before unlocking the door, meeting eyes with James' smiling face. “You didn’t have to wait for me.”

James chuckled, “Do you know where the party is at?”

Daniel fell silent for a moment, “I could have found it.” James patted Daniel lightly on the shoulder, “Let’s go.”

Daniel followed shortly behind James, entering a new car. A cloud of smoke struck the two, the car itself packed with men smoking cigars. Each man seemed to be accompanied by a beautiful woman. Daniel, not being used to the smoke, inwardly gagged on the air.

Throughout the car, people were playing cards and placing their stacks of chips in the middle of the small tables. The men grumbled at their losses or laughed at their winnings. While the women were fixated on the men they were accompanying by either, preparing enough drinks, cigars, and physical contact.

Everyone cheered when Daniel entered the room, raising their glasses towards his direction, each saying their congratulations before returning to their cards. Charles from across the room waved motioning both James and Daniel over.

James waved to a group of people who called him over. “You can go with Charles,” James said before walking over to the group of men. Daniel watched a woman immediately swing her arm around James’ neck as he sat down, plopping herself on top of his sitting figure. Daniel continued walking across the room while also searching for the little man. Charles roared with laughter as the chips in the middle of the table were slid to him. Although each man lost a lot of money, each had a smile on their face that unwavered from their loss.

Daniel sat next to Charles still in search of the little man. “Daniel, you should play a round.” Everyone at the table turned towards him, a smile plastered on their face. “I’m good for now,” Daniel said, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

A drink was slid to Daniel startling him a bit. “You should at least drink,” A woman said sitting next to him. The woman was beautiful as the others, shifting Daniel’s attention for a split moment. “Where have I seen you before?” The woman said, slowly dripping her hand down his chest. The woman’s body sat directly in front of where James sat, allowing Daniel a clear view of the little man that sat alone at his table.

“Somewhere,” Daniel said, watching the little man take a sip of his drink. The woman hummed, “Do you want to go… somewhere?” Daniel grabbed his drink taking a light slip, “The party just started.” The woman took his drink, taking a sip herself, “And?” Daniel watched as the little man stood up slurring his steps as he stumbled out of the room. Daniel quickly grabbed his drink and then let the drink casually slip from his hand. He stood up abruptly, wiping his clothes from the drink. “I’m so sorry,” The woman said, grabbing a few napkins patting him down. He watched her facial expression and again, not once, did it waver. He grabbed the woman’s hand moving it away from him, “It’s fine, I’m going to clean up.” Daniel rushed out of the car following the little man. The little man began to enter the restroom causing Daniel to sprint.

The little man hiccuped before beginning to shut the door. A hand slammed against the door startling the little man. The little man then began laughing at Daniel’s soaked suit. “You’re all wet!” Daniel stepped inside the restroom pushing the little man to the floor. The little man fell to the floor with a smile as Daniel shut the door locking it behind him.

“Why are you here with me?” The little man asked, standing up.

“What is this?”

The little man froze in his spot, “What is what?”

“The party, the polite language, the endless smiling. Why are you always smiling?!” Daniel said, raising his voice.

“I’m just a happy fella,” the little man said with a smile.

“Wipe that stupid smile off your face.”

The little man’s smile wavered a bit. With that slight indication, Daniel knew he chose the right guy. “Like I said, I'm a happy fella,” The little man said with a bigger smile.

Daniel without hesitation slapped the little man across the face, “Happy now?”

The little man grabbed his cheek hiding his face. The little man began to giggle, “I’m still happy.” He looked up at Daniel, half the side of his face was red while the smile remained clear. Daniel felt fury rise in him, he grabbed the little man’s collar slamming him into the wall.

“Tell me what the fuck this is.” The little man laughed some more, “It’s your party!” Daniel slapped him again across the face again, “IT'S NOT MY FUCKING PARTY!”

A loud ring echoed through the train and Daniel felt shivers run down his spine. The little man chuckled before his smile finally diminished. His grimful face made Daniel release him. The little man fell to the floor, immediately standing up, “You shouldn’t have slapped me. No one touches me. NO ONE!” The little man reaches into his back pocket pulling out a syringe. Daniel notices the clear liquid dripping from the needle instantly knowing that the little man had a different plan. “What is that,” Daniel said, backing away towards the door. The little man chuckled, “Oh, don’t worry. This won’t kill you, it will just make you go to sleep.” Daniel grabbed the door knob but the little man was too quick. The little man launched himself at Daniel causing him to let go of the handle. Daniel threw himself against the closest wall narrowly missing the needle.

Daniel felt panic begin to rise, he had to distract the little man. “What happens when I go to sleep?” Daniel asks, stepping towards the furthest corner of the room. The little man unlocks the door, “The beginning.” The door opens revealing James who is still smiling. Daniel hitches his breath as his figure enters the room.

James looks down at the little man before slapping him on the back of the head, “What were you saying to our guest?” The little man grunted folding his arms over his chest. James looks towards Daniel who is looking back and forth between the two.

“Daniel, please ignore this stupid little man. Let’s continue the party.” The little man’s mouth gapes open, confused by James’ words. Daniel looked at him shocked then chuckled, “You're joking. As if I would trust you after all of this.”

James clicks his tongue in disapproval, “That’s not what you are supposed to say. After all the fun we just had, you still don’t trust me?”

The little man slips away running out the door as James approaches Daniel. “Stop! Don’t take another step towards me.”

James places his hands in the air, “I am not here to hurt you. Relax.” Daniel’s tense body loosens at the sight of James' unarmed body. “Then why are you here?” James takes another step towards him, “Shouldn’t you be asking why are you here?” Daniel clenches his fist, “You wouldn’t tell me even if I asked.”

James grins, fiddling his fingers that are still in the air, “You’re right, but that doesn’t mean it has to be this way.” Daniel clenches his jaw, “Tell me what I want to know and I’ll consider joining the party.”

James snorts before bellowing a loud laugh, clutching his stomach. After a few seconds he replies, “It doesn’t work like that Daniel. I’ll tell you what I want you to know and you will still join the party.” James reaches behind his back pulling out another syringe, “Like the stupid little man said, this won’t kill you. Either you come peacefully back to the party, or I drag your unconscious body there myself.”

Daniel mentally cursed at himself for letting his guard down. He raised his hands in the air, “Fine, I’ll go. First, put the needle away.” James chuckles, throwing the glass syringe across the room causing it to break. “Let’s go.” James quickly walks out of the bathroom followed by Daniel. Daniel stops before entering the car, “Are we really going back to the party?” James slides the door open and smiles, “Of course. I’m a man of my word.”

The moment Daniel steps into the train car a bag is placed over his head. Daniel screams as his arms and legs are surrendered, his body drops to the floor as his limbs are restrained tightly against the rope. Daniel panics, thrashing against their hold, “GET OFF!” The hands release him but the rope is too thick to slip through. Daniel feels his head spinning with endless thoughts on how to escape, he could feel his heart beating rapidly.

A hand is placed on his chest, “Shush Daniel, relax.” Daniel turns away from the hand, “Don’t touch me, you fucking liar.” he spats. James chuckles, “I didn’t lie, the party is just over.” Hands immediately cease him once again, suspending him off the ground. Daniel screams, jerking against their touch.

“Can’t we just give him the syringe, it’s annoying,” Charles says, punching Daniel in the side. Daniel grunts from the sudden impact, bending over slightly.

“No, he made his choice.” James says, walking out of the train car and down the passageway. The others holding Daniel follow, each of them squeezing tightly so Daniel doesn’t escape. James opens the door to the train car that Daniel saw earlier. Upon entering the room is coated a bright white. The seats, floor, and walls are coated in a thick white. In the middle of the car is a small chair hooked up to wires that are connected to large monitors. The room looks to be empty having no sign of color. Nancy waves with a small clipboard in hand near one of the monitors.

The group holding Daniel places him in the chair holding down his arms and legs. They restrain him to the chair as Daniel flails around, trying his best to escape. The group backs away, allowing James to be the only one near Daniel.

James slowly lifts up the bag on Daniel’s head causing Daniel to flinch at the new room adjusting to the bright light. “What is this?”

James smiles, “This is your beginning.”

Daniel is instantly reminded of what the little man said in the restroom. “What the fuck does that mean. Get these fucking things off of me.” Daniel says lifting his arms against the rope. Daniel looks around the room seeing everyone from the party still smiling at him. Daniel breathes heavily, feeling anxiety fill his body. “FUCK ALL OF YOU! YOU FUCKING ASSHOLES! LET ME GO!” Daniel screams at the top of his lungs.

“I really did try to make it fun for you. We all did. But you are really good at meddling with our plans,” James holds out his hand, a syringe is instantly placed there by Nancy. Nancy waves before returning back to the monitors.

Daniel feels his blood turn cold as he looks at the green liquid dripping from the needle. James flicks the syringe a couple of times, the liquid sizzling after each flick. James turns back towards Daniel, tears forming in his eyes, “Don’t cry, Daniel. I don’t want to do this either but this is what needs to be done. The world needs this. When you wake up you will be a new man.”

Daniel jolts from his seat turning his head away from James, he screams “WAIT!”

James stabs the needle into Daniel’s arm, the liquid begins to enter Daniel’s blood stream. Daniel screams, convulsing from the burning sensation of the liquid. Daniel feels the liquid run up his arm causing him to throw his head back in agony. Daniel then immediately feels his body go limp and vision darken.

“Sweet dreams,” James smiles before Daniel is met by darkness.