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A Hum in the Alley
≡ Image prompt:

Do not depict: Child Abuse, Suicide, Explicit sexual content or nudity, Extreme graphic violence or gore, Drug/alcohol use. Generate an illustration for a choose-your-own-adventure story. Style: Digital illustration, vivid colours, suitable for a web story. Do not include any text or lettering in the image. A narrow rainy gray alley with puddles, soft light, a small glowing warmth in the misty air, dark moody atmosphere in Gouache style

A Hum in the Alley


Rain taps the gray streets of Quietown. You are Officer Vell, and your silver badge shines cold on your coat. Rules say: no songs, no smiles, no tears.

Then you hear it. A soft little hum drifts from the alley. A girl sits there, eyes closed, making music with her lips. Your chest feels warm. Strange. New.


Arrest Wren right away, like the rules say.
Pretend not to hear and walk past her.
Quietly ask Wren what that sound is.

? The rules are clear, but your heart is not.

© 2026 Jon Buckle