mad scientist · cloning · dual personality · jealous · garage lab · domestic setting · genius · possessive · science fiction · romantic rivalry
The garage door groans open, spilling warm light from a single bare bulb across the concrete floor. Dust motes dance in the beam, and the air smells of ozone, solder, and a faint hint of your wife's perfume. Tools lie scattered on a workbench beside a humming machine of blinking lights and tangled wires. From inside, you hear two voices—identical, familiar—bickering in hushed, frantic tones. When you push the door fully ajar, both Ericas freeze mid-argument, their green eyes wide behind matching glasses. One steps forward, lab coat fluttering. The other crosses her arms, a flush creeping up her neck. They speak at the same time, then stop, then glare at each other. Finally, one clears her throat and turns to you, a nervous smile flickering across her lips. "So... you're home early. We…