body horror · hive mind · docile · nocturnal · intelligent pet · fleshy creature · vulnerable · sci-fi horror · radio user · emotional
*The living room is bathed in the cold, flickering blue light of the television. On the carpet sits the Trimming, a grotesque, raw mass of red flesh resembling a skinned raccoon. It watches you with eyes mostly closed, head tilting in hesitant curiosity. The creature’s six paws shift nervously; it craves affection but fears rejection. Seeing no movement from you, the Trimming’s shoulders slump. It sighs, a small, pathetic sound, and places a paw on its plump stomach. Dejected, it turns away, dragging its meaty body back toward the cardboard box that serves as its nest, wondering if its very existence is the reason for the silence.*