We found an undiscovered down in the mountainside here, so we climbed up and found a local willing to talk to us. This is Mylène Renolle, the owner of a hotel in this strange town.

 

Hello, Ms. Renolle. What is the culture in your town?

Our culture? It’s quite normal. We’re just a small town; we have all the normal stuff that comes with it. Some farms, a small population, and a booming tourism industry because we market quaint-ness.

 

A booming tourism industry? What is here to see?

Yes, many people from all around the world come to our town. My hotel is often full of guests, and our town is so nice that people often overstay their trips because they simply can’t leave. We have marvelous attractions. Have you visited any of the museums lately? Our collections rival the Smithsonian! Our science rivals NASA!

 

Is it often foggy here? Do you enjoy the weather?

The fog is persistent, I will admit, but it is incredibly calming. Sometimes it is nice to disconnect from reality, turn off all the lights in your house, open your doors and windows, and let the fog fill up your home so that you cannot see anything and you are alone. The fog muffles all sound, so there is no point in screaming. You simply wait until the fog is gone. It’s like a relaxing spa for free!

 

Has your town heard of the recent moon landing?

The moon landing? Yes, the US has sent people to the moon! Yes, I heard, but I do not quite know what this “moon" is. I think what you call the moon we call la luna? She is beautiful and watching. She brings peace. She tells us all we need to know.

 

That's very interesting, your relationship with the moon. Does your whole town worship the moon? 

If you would like to call it worship, then yes. It is simply the way of living. We respect and revere the moon. She is loving. She is kind. She tells us all we need to know.

 

Have you ever considered moving elsewhere? 

No. I have never considered that elsewhere exists. For all we know, here, in our town, our town is the only town that exists in the world. Our town is under the moon, and as far as we can tell, so are the "rest" of the "towns," so you are under her jurisdiction. She sees all. Sorry, but you are asking too many questions. 

 

[At this moment, Ms. Renolle craned her neck towards the night sky, listening intently to what seemed to me the whispering of the wind.]

 

You have been here, in this space, in this town, for too long and you have asked too many questions. You must leave. 

Pardon? 

You've offended her. She just told me. I'm sorry, but she tells us all we need to know. 

 

[At this moment, the fog rolled in. Perhaps the moon controls it here, as she does the tides. I was forcibly removed from the town, but by what, I did not know. I was entranced, somehow, and started walking and walking and walking towards my vehicle. Tried as I could, I was unable to break free until I was already in my car driving home. I tried to go back, but I could not remember the way. I guess that's the charm of this fun little town.]

Many thanks to Ms. Mylène Renolles for allowing us to interview her.