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!)
Tao-Talk 
Oh my! This is SO scary, and one of the best I’ve read of yours, Li. Brave new world. . . terrifying!
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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.
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There are definitely monsters among us, Li. And the whole Project 2025 group . . .
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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!!
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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.
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The baby farm would truely be a nightmare. Hope it never happens.
Well done, Lisa.
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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.
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All wild and scary to think about!! :>)
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Oh so erie, Li! YIKES!!!! ❣️
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