pmmartiste's 100-word story for April 24, 2025

pmmartiste wrote the following micro-story on Hectalex on April 24, 2025. Each story on Hectalex is inspired by a daily visual prompt and must be exactly 100 words.

A wispy haze couldn't soften the insidious undercurrent running through this Stepford-wifish neighborhood. At first glance gingerbread cottages dot the landscape, conjuring an aura of whimsy. The potential for gaiety and frolicking seem about to commence. Nothing could be further from the harsh and alarming truth. Though each identical abode seems innocent as it surrounds a heart-shaped grove, instead it hides a plot twisted like kudzu ‘round a gnarled tree limb. Unwilling cloning behind these doors, with children borne under duress and confiscated at first breath for none other than the current powers. Storybook horror stories unfortunately imitate real life.

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