When old civilizations became ruins, new ones appeared out of old foundations. In the changed, weirder, planet called Earth, there is a city named “Cascade.” It was said to be named after the ripples of the constant puddles that exist on its roads and gray rain clouds that always hovered over this region. It was dark and gloomy all year round, with constant rainfall. Yet this did not stop the citizens who lived within it to be happy. I can tell you, these people are probably the happiest out of all the regions I have travelled to. The city surrounded itself in vibrant colors of all kinds, largely in contrast from the weather itself. 

Buildings, structures, and the people were adorned in every shade of color you could ever think of; hues magenta, holographic purple, vibrant blues, pastel pinks, lush greens, etc… and ones you’ve never even imagined to exist. They welcomed travelers at the entrance with open arms, which were tall, golden glittering gates. I was given a vibrant metallic silver umbrella upon my arrival as a gift; no one in this city went around without one. It was a very important item to each citizen of Cascade, the weather here made it self-explanatory. I was immediately invited to a party though I had barely just stepped into the city; the citizen was a bright individual and spoke cheerfully, as if happy to meet another new friend. Once I checked myself into a hotel, specifically tailored for adventurers, I made my way to the party I had been invited to. 

Just like the citizen who had greeted me at the doors, I had no trouble asking for directions from another. These people were happy to guide me to my destination written on the shimmering teal invitation card. On the way, I was able to see more of how the city looked. Taking advantage of the overgrowing nature on this planet, it was very incorporated within the architecture. Archways of flowers covered many streets, added with bright decorative lights to constantly keep the roads bright, trees that curved and twisted, holding naturally glowing crystals within their hearts, and even the animals that wandered about gave off their own color of radiance. The party, located at the center of the city in a grand ballroom, was just as wild as I expected it to be. People were dressed in all colors of the rainbow, outfits that expressed each individual’s soul, dancing the night away under the strobing lights. 

During my stay here, I learned that a party happened every other day or night. Other than that, they also had festivals to honor the rain within this region, embracing it instead of submitting to the emotion of pessimism that the constant year round gray skies gave off. The citizens of Cascade never seemed to be sad; the city was overall perfect….too perfect to be real. Where were the problems of this city hidden? Did anyone feel miserable about the lifestyle here, or without the sun, a source of vitamin D that humans need, or were ever curious about how blue skies looked? I lightly poked at some citizens with these questions. They each had the same reaction when I asked; with nervousness, changing the subject, and avoidance. There was never a direct answer. Being that it was possibly something to do with internal affairs, I decided not to prod into things especially as an outsider. 

Shortly after, I made my leave. No one stopped or convinced me to stay longer; as if the city couldn’t wait for the strange traveler to leave. The puddles that reflected the cloudy skies rippled under my shoes as I walked towards the gates, looking back at the skyscrapers that glowed in the gloom. Maybe one day this city will see sunlight, but that day was not today. It would be for another adventurer perhaps or a citizen within, to solve the mystery I have given now to the city named Cascade.