Today's OneWord: Applied

The rules had never applied in this town. Depression was not an option. No guidelines for wrath. No leeway for a tantrum or a chance to cry. Here, it wasn't necessary. Because everyone smiled. Everyone laughed. And everyone ticked like an old grandfather clock with a blank, scratched face.

I came to the nondescript burg and knelt by the sign. I wiped the tears from my dusty chin.