Rumblings in Babyland

HIDDEN in a rural village was a secret tunnel to Babyland, a world founded by babies and for babies.

There were pacifier cars, frozen milk statues, milk bottle houses and just about anything that catered to babies.

There was also an armed security that stopped any trouble-causing big sisters and brothers from entering Babyland.

A female baby and her two friends lived at 17, Teddy Bear Town. Their names were Jada, Cheryl and Melinda. They worked at Cradle Beds Co, a factory that creates cradles.

Their neighbours were Hosiah and Ray Yang. The duo worked in Pacifier Cars, a company creating stylish cars.

The five usually hung out after work.

One evening, they were heading to Bibs Complex, the most luxurious shopping centre in Babyland. From classy restaurants to spas and nail salons, it was the babies’ favourite place to hang out.

They decided to have dinner in their favourite pizza parlour, The Bibiliotzo.

After 10 minutes, two piping hot pepperoni pizzas and five icy cokes were promptly served. They were sharing stories of their day’s work when Ray Yang gasped as he read a message on his smartphone.

“What’s wrong?” Hosiah asked curiously.

“No way, they must be kidding!” Ray Yang gulped while fidgeting his hands.

“Who?”

“The governor, Miss Daisy McDitz, has declared that she’ll close down Cradle Beds Co and Pacifier Cars. For good!”

The five could not believe what they had just heard.

“And that’s just the beginning. For some unknown reason, we are the only five who can’t be re-employed by other companies!”

A ripple of gasping and whispers rippled through the whole parlour, and soon through the whole complex.

“The action of Miss McDitz is really suspicious,” said Jada.

Angry eyes glared at the five babies, mocking and insulting them as they hurried down the stairs.

They hopped into the car and Jada drove into the night.

“What did we do wrong?” Hosiah asked disdainfully.

“I don’t know,” Cheryl muttered solemnly.

Jada drove her car carefully through the unusual chatter among the babies.

“Miss McDitz isn’t so bad, is she? We never even did any crime! Any of us,” Melinda cried suddenly.

“She was one of the best Babyland Presidents! What happened?” Ray Yang piped up.

“That’s right. What happened. And I’m going to see her for myself,” Jada said with determination.

“Jada, the whole Babyland is against us now!” Cheryl said hopelessly.

“Don’t lose hope, Cheryl! We’re innocent and we’re teaming up! Who’s in?”

The five rose their hands at the same time. They saw the determination in each other’s eyes and took a happy yet scared sigh.

“We’re not going down without a proper reason.” – By Joanna Ong

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