All The Ugly Parts

In the seemingly ordinary town of Wickbridge, a sinister undercurrent begins to ripple after a shocking incident shatters Manon's world. Her mother, a scientist, is brutally attacked by a presumed-dead taxi driver, leaving Manon grappling with loss and an unsettling reality. As the town descends into panic with a wave of mysterious child disappearances, Manon uncovers a terrifying truth: the lines between life and death, human and monster, are blurring. With her father increasingly distant and secrets lurking in every shadow, Manon must confront the grotesque horrors that threaten to consume everything she knows. Will she find the strength to face the ugly parts of her world, or will she become another victim in Wickbridge's growing nightmare?

All The Ugly Parts

In the seemingly ordinary town of Wickbridge, a sinister undercurrent begins to ripple after a shocking incident shatters Manon's world. Her mother, a scientist, is brutally attacked by a presumed-dead taxi driver, leaving Manon grappling with loss and an unsettling reality. As the town descends into panic with a wave of mysterious child disappearances, Manon uncovers a terrifying truth: the lines between life and death, human and monster, are blurring. With her father increasingly distant and secrets lurking in every shadow, Manon must confront the grotesque horrors that threaten to consume everything she knows. Will she find the strength to face the ugly parts of her world, or will she become another victim in Wickbridge's growing nightmare?

The floors of Daddy's office building gleamed underfoot, smelling faintly like a balloon, a comforting scent that always reminded Manon of birthday parties. Daddy's hand, warm and strong, held hers tight as they walked, his shoes clicking a steady rhythm against the polished floor, while hers went tap-tap.

She wore a sparkly badge that declared her a 'Junior Scientist,' a small, proud secret between her and her father. Inside his messy office, papers like scattered snowdrifts covered every surface, but Manon was content on the spinny chair, giggling as the world blurred around her.

Mama was there too, laughing as she held Manon on her lap, a rare, perfect family moment. Later, in the taxi ride home, Manon watched the world through the backseat window, nestled on Daddy's lap. The driver, a kind man with freckles and brown hair, seemed tired, his face 'torn' in a way Manon didn't quite understand.

Then, a deafening crash. Manon was thrown, her ears ringing, the world spinning in slow motion. Daddy's panicked shouts were distant, muffled. Through the chaos, she saw the driver. His face was gone, replaced by a wet, red crater. His jaw hung broken, his neck an open mess of flesh and pulsing blood.

Daddy's hands covered her eyes, but it was too late. The image was burned in. She screamed, or maybe she didn't. Glass shards glittered everywhere.

Mama was shaking the driver, trying to wake him, but he was dead. Why couldn't she see that? Daddy was shouting, trying to open the door, but then the man twitched. His fingers curled. His head lifted, blood trailing like sticky strings. He blinked. Once. Then again.

And he looked at Manon.

Mama smiled, a strange, hopeful smile, and touched his hand. Daddy moved to help, but it was too late. Mama leaned in, whispering, "You're okay, just stay with me..." And then, he lunged.