You ever had one of those dreams where everyone’s laughing at you—but it’s not funny? Now imagine you can’t wake up. What happens when the world’s laughter turns into something sharper, darker, and far more sinister? This is a story where the joke’s on you—or is it? ||| Story, art, and music produced by J.L. Stroud, Jr. with AI assistance. For more information visit www.jlstroudjr.com