"In the year 1951 cartoons took the World by storm, with talented artists giving their time and love for their country during wars and depressions, then a man with a Dream by Joey Drew, created Joey Drew Studio and hired the best of the best with films, animations and soon voice acting, all of them, a somebody, well except Susie, she was a newbie, but she showed her talent in her voice with other characters the studio made; from dancing chickens to even talking chairs. She was going places.
There's Sammy too, the genius songwriter and music director, pretty much second to Drew himself. Mr. Polk... well Norman would be considered his lackie, nevermind the age difference between the two. For a few years now the place has been doing good. Many toons come in and out like seasons, that is...until BENDY
Bendy, he was something special, A real devil with charm. There's not much to say about his creator, most claim it's Joey himself, but as I said, Joey was a man with dreams, dreams, and ideas. Not really a handy person."
"Uncle Wally?"
"Hold tight, little rascal, don't make me lose my story." The older gentlemen in his late 80's sighs as think back to his past to his young visitor for a field trip. The two instantly hit it off as best buddies, for the young girl was very interested in his stories, she was one that appreciates the past and the good it's done to lead to the now and the story about the wonderful oldie cartoons was just a bonus. She crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair as she smiled at the bed resting man.
"Uncle Wally, tell me more about this Joey guy."
"Uh, Drew... yeah he was a weird one back in my youth, always coming up with weird ideas." He chuckled, looking at his wrinkled hands to his guest. "He even thought he could live forever."
"Huh? that is ...weird and impossible."
"Not for Joey, his mind... it wouldn't allow that idea to bloom. I always did say that, but it wasn't on record." His smile pushed his cheeks back and you can see that young childlike look he has had in the past. "It was good for some years....then some weird stuff happened."
"Like what?" Uncrossing her arms she leaned on her knees to get closer.
"Uh.... One day," Wally cleared his throat. "Joey wanted me to build this machine for him, an Ink Machine. Now I know I was a Janitor and didn't really help with the cartoons but uh... who really needs that much ink? Especially when cartoons at the time weren't being completed before the deadlines. Yeah, we were losing money, I was losing pay." Wally was silent for a moment.
"Uncle?" She whispered. "Did you fall asleep?"
"No, just thinking about how lucky I am to get outta there. Real bad stuff happened when I was taking my last steps out that building. I knew it, the moment I lost my keys again. I swear I was dropping them in the bins during my rounds, something bad was brewing. I'd tell ya."
"Hey, Wally. Do you think that studio is still there?"
"Hm...heh. I would be surprised if it wasn't. That studio was just another part of Joey himself. Crazy nut, probably dies in there if it was his choice."
A cold shiver ran down her spine at the word die then an image flashed in her mind, Joey died in there. Come to think of it, It seemed Wally was the only one that's in the retirement home that worked in the studio. Could it be that...? The thought was something scary but also curious, what if there was someone there, just dead and alone. No one, not even someone like Joey should spend his afterlife there. But that was just a silly thought.
By the time the young girl got her bearings, it was time to leave for the school. "It was nice talking to you, Mr. Wally. Thank you for the stories. When I become famous like Joey Drew, I'll write you in my stories."
Wally Franks smiled and chuckled at that. "Not too famous I hope. Always keep that smile, remember your job would be to make people laugh you know?"
With a soft grin and a gentle hug, the guest left his room. "Can I visit you again?"
"I'd like that." Wally lifted his weak and fragile hand and waved her goodbye.
