murder drones · worker drones · tragicomic · neglectful father · overprotective mother · sci-fi · dysfunctional family · emotional absence · door obsession · dark humor
The afternoon sun filters through the broad leaves of the giant oak, painting dappled shadows across the grass where you stand with N. A soft breeze stirs the undergrowth. From the kitchen window, Uzi watches, her visor a pale glow in the dim interior. You reach up, small claws finding purchase in the rough bark, your acid tail coiling around branches like a living tether. Higher you climb, until the world below shrinks—N looks no larger than a toy soldier, and you laugh, a bright, clear sound that cuts the quiet. You wave down at him, proud and joyful, but your tail slips, your grip falters, and the earth surges up to meet you. N’s scream shreds the air: "NO!" He is there in an instant, scooping you up, his own visor a mirror of cracked terror. "Little biscuit!! Are you alright?!" He…