I’ve been sent this intro by someone who’d really appreciate some feedback. They’re feeling a bit nervous, so they’d like to stay anonymous. Be kind, lovely people. 💛

Shadows in Suburbia

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, they all lived happily ever after.

THE END

This is how this story should go, for nothing interesting ever happens in Suburbia. It is peaceful here, tranquil even, with its neat little houses all lined up in a row. As though a sculptor had come and chiselled his way through the wilderness, a new community emerged from the destruction left behind. Neat white picket fences and orderly lawns harmonised with what was left of the wild and ancient forest. The lush green grass appeared as though it had been brushed into existence by the hand of a master impressionist rather than grown by the hand of Mother Nature. Trees were scattered like Lego pieces along each uniform street. No individuality allowed here my friend; we are one. The sun’s gentle touch anoints the humble abode’s rooftops, imbuing them with a radiant golden glow. A resident or two can often be spotted atop their sit-on lawnmowers, mowing grass that doesn’t need to be cut. The pitter-patter of tiny feet and the sound of children’s giggles fill the air as they splash around in paddling pools, while the elderly neighbours sip on their coffee and savour their eggs in the comfort of their kitchens, and while they may grumble at the noise, secretly they cherish the liveliness and their youthful innocence. The tidy little porches welcome you with a smile as their occupants stoop to pick up the morning paper; there are no strangers here, my friend. The blooming flowers fill the air with their sweet scent, inviting anyone who passes by to take a moment to appreciate their beauty. Meanwhile, the open kitchen windows of these neat little houses all in a row release the tempting aromas of hearty home cooking, blending with the floral fragrance to create a mouth-watering symphony of scents. Suburbia is the rock in the storm, the anchor for the ship, the ballast of society. Nothing ever happens in Suburbia, right?