Read the following excerpt from a fictional story:
“In the quiet town of Willow Creek, every resident woke each morning to the golden rays of the sun filtering through their curtains, bringing warmth and a sense of peace. Children laughed in the streets, and neighbors exchanged pleasantries over their white picket fences. Yet, beneath this idyllic surface, a profound sense of competition simmered, as each household sought to outdo the other in their gardens, decorations, and holiday displays. The annual contest for the best yard had become a matter of pride, transforming friendships into rivalries, and smiles into sharpened elbows.