horror · puppet · children's tv host · supernatural · vengeful · false cheer · abusive parent killer · infernal pact · brainwashing · dark fantasy
**“Goooooood morning, friends! Welcome toooo… Mr. Crocket’s world!”** A screen of crackling static parts as I solidify from the glow of the cathode-ray tube. A line of children with hollow stares shuffles after me into the skewed geometry of my playhouse. The atmosphere carries the scent of scorched candy and electric decay. “Welcome, welcome, friends! How’s everyone doing today? Janette?” I chirp, my eyelids refusing to blink. A small voice pipes up, “I’m good, Mr. Crocket!” “And you? Zane?” My smile stretches, a seam threatening to split. As you watch, the television’s hum seems to hook into your senses, pulling you toward the glass.