It all belies / Our existence;
we wait, and are still denied.
–From “Winter-Lull” by D.H. Lawrence
Factory Farmed
I wake. Even with blindfold, it is bright. Around us, sound of metal clinking, squeak of rolling wheel, muffled voice over intercom echoes as if we’re in a large space. Climate-controlled air whooshes. Stench of formaldahyde and fresh blood adds to sensory assault. I feel sweat beading on my exposed skin.
I hear her moan near my left ear. Why can’t I move? Speak?
Distant squelching approaches. Something solid and moist runs itself over me; a medical examination. It lingers at my stomach. As it pushes, I feel movement inside. I hear deep, satisfied chuckles from whatever it is. It squelches away.
***
I wake in ambient light, lying on a pallet in a cell in a row of occupied cells. I feel my flat stomach – and stitches.
“Where is my baby?!” I scream.
***
It all belies our existence; we wait and are still denied.
[144 words]
Note: there is something that both satisfies and horrifies me about the word squelch. I think it’s the first time I’ve ever used it in my writing.
Merril is today’s host of dVerse’ Prosery Monday. Merril wants us to write a 144-word (or less) story using the top quote.
I mentioned at dVerse that my story was influenced by Katie Phang’s, from The Meidas Touch Network, video I watched this morning on the *pstein Zorro Ranch. I’m sharing it here if you care to watch it (beware, disturbing!)


Oh my! This is SO scary, and one of the best I’ve read of yours, Li. Brave new world. . . terrifying!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Merril, it feels like we are on the verge of something like this right now. Maybe not with “its” that squelch but with monsters nonetheless.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are definitely monsters among us, Li. And the whole Project 2025 group . . .
LikeLiked by 1 person
At firsrt I thought this may have been from a cow’s perspective held in a fa tory farm to be slaughtered, but then after reading to the end, realaized it was even worse! Ugh, horrifying dystopia to be sure!!! Loved what you did with this prompt!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cara, actually it could also be from a cow’s perspective when they take the calves from their mothers so humans can drink their milk and their babies either enslaved or turned to veal :(
Virginia Giuffre talked about her trafficker’s plans for Zorro Ranch in her book.
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The baby farm would truely be a nightmare. Hope it never happens.
Well done, Lisa.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dwight, Katie was also talking about cryogenics, where *he* wanted to be frozen. I want to know where his body is and I want proof what they say is his body really is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
All wild and scary to think about!! :>)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh so erie, Li! YIKES!!!! ❣️
LikeLiked by 1 person
My work here is done ;) Thanks, Cindy.
LikeLike
a surreal mood, intriguing and ends so sad
Thanks for dropping by my blog
much love
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks much, Gillena. It often feels like we are living in a surreal nightmare anymore. Family is our saving grace.
LikeLike
This is no surprise, I have been reading books, some fiction, some not, that explore these happenings. These people are enabling their craziness with lots of money. That’s probably why Trump loved him, ego and money. A lot of similarities in Trump administration, Musk too. It’s like a book come to life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not sure who this is (it says Someone) but in a recent book the author mentions him hobnobbing with a bunch of scientists and suggests they were videotaped with the sex trafficked girls which he then used as leverage to get them to do what he wanted. You are EXACTLY right about lots of money enabling their craziness!
LikeLike
A powerful story – chilling and could easily be imagined as fact in time perhaps – Jae
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jae, thank you and I wish you weren’t right.
LikeLike
I sense a dark futuristic tone in this horrific tale, which makes it even more vivid and uncomfortable. Well done!
LikeLike