1 00:00:00,520 --> 00:00:04,599 Speaker 1: Welcome listeners to Tales, a podcast that brings your short 2 00:00:04,639 --> 00:00:09,320 stories to life. Do narrations, sound effects, and more. These 3 00:00:09,359 --> 00:00:12,039 stories will be brought to you by different authors with 4 00:00:12,199 --> 00:00:16,199 different writing styles, but with the same spooky vibes. So 5 00:00:17,160 --> 00:00:22,079 lock your doors, check your closets, make certain there's nothing 6 00:00:22,199 --> 00:00:25,079 lurking under your bed, and joy. 7 00:00:39,560 --> 00:00:42,479 Speaker 2: He waits where the water forgets the shore, with hands 8 00:00:42,479 --> 00:00:46,560 like drift, wooden, eyes like war, no coin, no crossing. 9 00:00:47,039 --> 00:00:50,600 That was the way until the rules began to fray. 10 00:00:52,079 --> 00:00:55,600 He hums to bones that line the deep, a lullaby 11 00:00:55,880 --> 00:00:59,840 for those who sleep. The river speaks, but not in words, 12 00:01:00,359 --> 00:01:04,879 just screams and currents, never heard. And now he asks 13 00:01:05,120 --> 00:01:10,200 for something more, not silver brass or ancient lore. He 14 00:01:10,359 --> 00:01:13,920 takes what makes you whole then less, and name a 15 00:01:14,040 --> 00:01:18,200 face a last address, so if you see him, don't 16 00:01:18,200 --> 00:01:22,280 look twice and never pay his changing price. But those 17 00:01:22,319 --> 00:01:25,280 who deal and don't decline don't come back. 18 00:01:25,400 --> 00:01:26,719 Speaker 3: The second time. 19 00:01:28,519 --> 00:01:31,280 Speaker 1: The car windows were down, let it in that early 20 00:01:31,359 --> 00:01:34,959 winter breeze that smelled faintly of pine gas, station coffee 21 00:01:35,000 --> 00:01:38,959 and freedom music played low on the stereo and old 22 00:01:39,079 --> 00:01:43,719 nineties playlist streaming off someone's phone and laughter drifted out 23 00:01:43,760 --> 00:01:48,760 over the sound of tires humming against crack asphalt. Four friends, 24 00:01:48,840 --> 00:01:52,799 two couple, one spontaneous road trip before the real world 25 00:01:52,920 --> 00:01:56,799 drag them all back into meetings, mortgages, and a Monday 26 00:01:56,840 --> 00:01:59,879 to Friday kind of hell. Mira sat in a pass 27 00:02:00,000 --> 00:02:03,000 and the seat, sunglasses still on despite the fading sun. 28 00:02:03,560 --> 00:02:05,959 She had one foot propped on the dashboard and a 29 00:02:06,040 --> 00:02:09,719 half eaten Twizzler in her mouth. Behind her, Jordan and 30 00:02:09,800 --> 00:02:13,360 Layla were tangled together in the back seat, sharing headphones, 31 00:02:13,560 --> 00:02:17,919 whispering jokes, trying not to get carsick. Ezra drove. He 32 00:02:18,159 --> 00:02:21,560 liked the long stretches of highway, the silence between towns. 33 00:02:21,759 --> 00:02:25,199 He said it gave him time to think, but everyone knew. 34 00:02:25,240 --> 00:02:27,400 It just made him feel like he was in control. 35 00:02:28,439 --> 00:02:31,840 They weren't going anywhere special, but that was the whole point, 36 00:02:32,159 --> 00:02:35,719 just driving west, staying in whatever cheap motels popped up 37 00:02:35,759 --> 00:02:39,319 on a GPS, eating like trash, and seeing parts of 38 00:02:39,360 --> 00:02:43,159 the country that weren't sold on postcards. That's how they 39 00:02:43,199 --> 00:02:47,479 found Dry Creek, a blank and You'll missed town. Tucked 40 00:02:47,599 --> 00:02:50,759 just inside a mountain ridge, there was a single diner, 41 00:02:50,879 --> 00:02:54,000 a gas station with pumps that still clicked manually, and 42 00:02:54,039 --> 00:02:57,400 a motel shaped like a horseshoe. Its sign flickered above 43 00:02:57,439 --> 00:03:00,520 a front desk that smelled like lemon scented floor polish 44 00:03:00,560 --> 00:03:04,639 and mildew. The locals were nice, a little too nice maybe, 45 00:03:04,639 --> 00:03:08,919 but that wasn't weird for small towns. Everyone smiled, everyone waved, 46 00:03:08,960 --> 00:03:11,199 and no one beat in an eye at four road 47 00:03:11,199 --> 00:03:15,280 trippers pulling in with backpacks, snack wrappers, and tired eyes. 48 00:03:15,599 --> 00:03:18,439 Plus they had only planned to stay just one night. 49 00:03:19,240 --> 00:03:23,159 They found a trail by accident. Late morning, half hung over, 50 00:03:23,520 --> 00:03:26,560 coffee in hand, Jordan spotted a trailhead behind a motel 51 00:03:26,599 --> 00:03:30,479 while stretching its legs. A small wooden sign marked it 52 00:03:30,520 --> 00:03:35,000 with faded paint. East Hollow Ridge Scenic Overlook, five point 53 00:03:35,120 --> 00:03:39,319 five miles. Nothing dramatic, just a sliver of dirt pat 54 00:03:39,560 --> 00:03:44,719 curved into the trees. Layla had the idea, first, let's 55 00:03:44,759 --> 00:03:49,759 hike it. Ezra groaned, Hu mean, dude, we just got 56 00:03:49,759 --> 00:03:53,840 here exactly. Let's see what this place has to offer 57 00:03:53,960 --> 00:03:58,360 before we write it off as morin. Mira shrugged. Could 58 00:03:58,439 --> 00:04:03,039 be cute, Plus I need content. She was already snapping 59 00:04:03,080 --> 00:04:08,039 a photo of the sign. Jordan checked his phone, no bars. Ugh, 60 00:04:08,759 --> 00:04:15,400 don't be dramatic, Leila said, we're not summoning Bigfoot yet, 61 00:04:16,439 --> 00:04:20,399 Mirror added grinnin. They grabbed water jackets and snacks and 62 00:04:20,480 --> 00:04:24,279 headed in. The trail was quiet, not windy, no bird song, 63 00:04:24,920 --> 00:04:27,360 just a crunch of their boots on dead leaves and 64 00:04:27,480 --> 00:04:31,920 the occasional creak of old pine branches overhead. Jordan kept 65 00:04:31,959 --> 00:04:35,360 stopping to tie his shoes. Lailah teased him for dragging 66 00:04:35,360 --> 00:04:35,839 his feet. 67 00:04:36,399 --> 00:04:39,600 Speaker 2: Uh, it's the altitude, he muttered. 68 00:04:40,000 --> 00:04:43,279 Speaker 3: How lungs aren't built for caryo and hangovers. 69 00:04:43,800 --> 00:04:48,800 Speaker 1: Still, the walk was easy enough, a gradual incline, tree 70 00:04:48,879 --> 00:04:52,199 lined on both sides, with slices of gray sky cut 71 00:04:52,240 --> 00:04:56,000 into the canopy. Ever so often they caught glimpse of 72 00:04:56,000 --> 00:04:59,720 the mountain ridge in the distance, jagged and dark, like 73 00:04:59,800 --> 00:05:03,439 this spine of something long dead. At the first mile marker, 74 00:05:03,720 --> 00:05:07,199 they stopped to catch their breath. Mira took a few selfies. 75 00:05:07,480 --> 00:05:10,439 Leyla found a cluster of tiny mushrooms near a fallen 76 00:05:10,519 --> 00:05:13,000 log and crouched down to take a picture. 77 00:05:13,600 --> 00:05:16,759 Speaker 2: Ah, I think that's poisonous. 78 00:05:16,360 --> 00:05:20,680 Speaker 1: Jordan said, paring over her shoulder. Well, yeah, only if 79 00:05:20,720 --> 00:05:23,639 you eat it, dumb dumb From further up the trail, 80 00:05:24,079 --> 00:05:28,079 Zra called out, hey, check this out. They followed his 81 00:05:28,160 --> 00:05:32,120 voice until the path widened and opened onto a clearin Ahead, 82 00:05:32,279 --> 00:05:36,040 the forest thinned and dropped off into a shallow ravine. 83 00:05:36,079 --> 00:05:38,920 A thin trickle of water cut through the rocks below, 84 00:05:39,279 --> 00:05:41,879 barely a creek this time of year, but enough to 85 00:05:41,959 --> 00:05:45,160 carve a path through the moss covered stone. There was 86 00:05:45,199 --> 00:05:49,319 a strange stillness to the air. Ezra stood near the edge, 87 00:05:49,519 --> 00:05:53,560 hands in his pockets. He didn't say anything. Mirra frowned. 88 00:05:54,519 --> 00:05:59,560 Everything okay. He didn't answer for a moment, then thought 89 00:05:59,800 --> 00:06:05,680 I heard something like what? He shook his head. Nothing, 90 00:06:05,920 --> 00:06:08,759 just nothing. They stood there for it beat too long, 91 00:06:08,839 --> 00:06:12,439 as if waiting for a sound that didn't come. Eventually, 92 00:06:12,519 --> 00:06:16,879 Laylah wrote the silence, Come on, we've got more trail 93 00:06:16,959 --> 00:06:21,079 to cover, and so they did. But Ezra kept glancing 94 00:06:21,160 --> 00:06:24,800 back towards the ravine, towards the quiet, towards whatever sound 95 00:06:24,920 --> 00:06:27,800 he thought he'd heard and didn't want to say out loud. 96 00:06:28,240 --> 00:06:31,000 They planned to turn back after reaching an overlook, but 97 00:06:31,079 --> 00:06:34,800 the trail forked unexpectedly. There was no sign, no marker, 98 00:06:35,120 --> 00:06:38,480 just a narrow side path branching off through denser trees, 99 00:06:38,680 --> 00:06:42,279 packed with mists and half swallowed in shadow. Mirah was 100 00:06:42,319 --> 00:06:47,439 the first to notice, guys that that path, it isn't 101 00:06:47,480 --> 00:06:50,839 part of the trail, right, nope, Ezra said a little 102 00:06:50,839 --> 00:06:55,600 too quickly. Layla tilted her head, skin in the opening. Well, 103 00:06:55,839 --> 00:06:57,959 it looks like it. It looks like it looks back. 104 00:06:59,079 --> 00:07:02,879 Maybe it's a shortcut, Jordan stared at the darkened path. 105 00:07:03,800 --> 00:07:06,399 Speaker 3: Or it's a horror movie waiting to happen. 106 00:07:06,879 --> 00:07:11,519 Speaker 1: Mira folded her arms. See this is why I don't 107 00:07:11,639 --> 00:07:19,079 hike with white people, Ezra laughed. Babe, I'm serious, she said, 108 00:07:19,680 --> 00:07:22,680 Why do we have to be so adventurous? What's wrong? 109 00:07:22,920 --> 00:07:26,319 Would walk in back the way we came. Huh, that's 110 00:07:26,399 --> 00:07:31,360 a perfectly good route, no fog, no doom. We'll just 111 00:07:31,560 --> 00:07:35,639 turn back if it gets weird, Layla offered, I mean, 112 00:07:35,759 --> 00:07:42,959 come on, it probably just loops. Mira si famous last words, 113 00:07:43,680 --> 00:07:46,480 but they were already moving, not out of the fiance. 114 00:07:46,639 --> 00:07:50,639 Just curiosity, or maybe that strange aimless confidence that settles 115 00:07:50,680 --> 00:07:53,399 in when you're surrounded by trees and friends and laughter 116 00:07:53,680 --> 00:07:57,680 and no cell signal. Just a minute, Ezra said gently, 117 00:07:58,600 --> 00:08:02,560 if it gets sketchy, we turned back the temperature seemed 118 00:08:02,600 --> 00:08:04,920 to have dropped ever so slightly on a new path, 119 00:08:05,279 --> 00:08:08,240 trees leaning closer and the sky seen closer as well. 120 00:08:08,680 --> 00:08:11,759 The forest floor was damp, and patches of fog clung 121 00:08:11,800 --> 00:08:15,439 to the earth like low smoke. Every step muffled beneath 122 00:08:15,439 --> 00:08:19,160 the soft mult of pine needles. They stopped talking, not 123 00:08:19,240 --> 00:08:24,000 because anyone said to, It just happened. Words thinned out 124 00:08:24,040 --> 00:08:28,439 the further they walked in. Even Mirror's usual commentary faded 125 00:08:28,480 --> 00:08:32,639 into silence. She still had her phone out, filming lazily, 126 00:08:32,720 --> 00:08:36,080 but she wasn't smiling anymore. Ezra was the first to 127 00:08:36,120 --> 00:08:39,000 notice the sound, not a full noise, just a vibration, 128 00:08:39,600 --> 00:08:42,799 a low, almost imperceptible hum that seemed to come from 129 00:08:42,840 --> 00:08:47,480 the trees themselves. You you guys hear that, he asked. 130 00:08:48,159 --> 00:08:51,600 No One responded, because they all did. It wasn't wind, 131 00:08:51,840 --> 00:08:55,440 it wasn't insects. It was something lower, deeper, a note 132 00:08:55,440 --> 00:08:57,799 that pressed against the edge of their hearing, like it 133 00:08:57,840 --> 00:09:01,159 didn't belong in the world at all. They walked faster, 134 00:09:01,600 --> 00:09:04,960 but the path didn't seem to end. Jordan glanced over 135 00:09:05,039 --> 00:09:10,360 his shoulders, guys and stopped. The trail behind them had 136 00:09:10,480 --> 00:09:16,639 vanished into the fog Leyla turned Wait, wasn't wasn't the 137 00:09:16,759 --> 00:09:22,399 ravine chess back there? They hadn't walked that far ten minutes, 138 00:09:22,519 --> 00:09:26,960 maybe fifteen at most, but the trees behind them looked unfamiliar, now, 139 00:09:27,279 --> 00:09:31,600 too tall, too twisted. The sun was dipping low behind 140 00:09:31,679 --> 00:09:36,240 the trees, turn everything gold and rust. They weren't panicked yet, 141 00:09:36,279 --> 00:09:40,200 but the mood had shifted. Leaves crunched under Mirror's boot, 142 00:09:40,320 --> 00:09:45,120 and she muttered, this is why I don't go off pats. 143 00:09:45,559 --> 00:09:50,159 There's always a pad for a reason. But no, let's explore. 144 00:09:51,200 --> 00:09:56,000 Ezra snorted. I didn't hear you complain when we found 145 00:09:56,000 --> 00:10:00,200 that waterfall. That was six hours ago. Mirror shot back, 146 00:10:00,399 --> 00:10:04,720 I had granola in dignity. Back then. They crested a 147 00:10:04,759 --> 00:10:08,840 small rich and stopped ahead. Maybe fifty feet down the 148 00:10:08,879 --> 00:10:12,919 slope was a man mid thirties, tan, hiking pack, weathered 149 00:10:12,919 --> 00:10:15,960 one clothes that didn't match, like he dressed in a hurry. 150 00:10:16,320 --> 00:10:19,279 He stood facing them, and when he noticed the group, 151 00:10:19,639 --> 00:10:24,279 his face broke into an unmistakable look of relief. Oh 152 00:10:24,320 --> 00:10:26,679 thank god, he called out. 153 00:10:27,279 --> 00:10:29,120 Speaker 3: I thought I was the only one out here. 154 00:10:29,480 --> 00:10:33,440 Speaker 1: They hesitated. The man raised both hands, palms open, like 155 00:10:33,480 --> 00:10:35,240 he knew how weird it might seem. 156 00:10:35,799 --> 00:10:40,080 Speaker 3: Norax, my name been lost since yesterday morning. I was 157 00:10:40,120 --> 00:10:42,080 starting to think I'd imagine whist group us. 158 00:10:42,159 --> 00:10:46,919 Speaker 1: All the group exchanged glances, cautious but not closed off. 159 00:10:47,399 --> 00:10:52,559 Noroc stepped forward closely. His movements were easy, practiced, like 160 00:10:52,600 --> 00:10:55,759 someone used to hike it alone. But there was something 161 00:10:55,799 --> 00:11:00,559 else there too, not dangerous, just off, like he hadn't 162 00:11:00,559 --> 00:11:05,399 spoken to another person in a long long time. After 163 00:11:05,480 --> 00:11:09,000 some pleasantries, and although still weary of the new addition 164 00:11:09,080 --> 00:11:12,840 to their group, they continued to walk. Norak informed them 165 00:11:12,879 --> 00:11:14,879 that he had also went off the path and had 166 00:11:14,919 --> 00:11:18,240 gotten laws somehow. He did mention that he saw another 167 00:11:18,279 --> 00:11:21,360 group from afar. He tried calling out to them and 168 00:11:21,480 --> 00:11:23,879 even attempted to catch up with the group, but failed. 169 00:11:24,320 --> 00:11:26,960 This made the others a little uneasy, but also gave 170 00:11:27,000 --> 00:11:29,480 them hope that there were others. They didn't mean to 171 00:11:29,519 --> 00:11:32,559 set up camp, but Norak mentioned how quickly the light 172 00:11:32,639 --> 00:11:35,159 faded in this part of the woods and how easy 173 00:11:35,240 --> 00:11:38,399 it was to get hurt trying to hike down after dark. 174 00:11:38,679 --> 00:11:42,360 The idea made more sense than pushing ahead. Besides, the 175 00:11:42,399 --> 00:11:46,120 man had flint a firestar of the kid and somehow 176 00:11:46,159 --> 00:11:49,720 even a small bundle of dry kindling. It was odd, 177 00:11:49,840 --> 00:11:52,679 but so were a lot of things out here. They 178 00:11:52,720 --> 00:11:55,159 picked a wide flat spot near a ring of stone 179 00:11:55,200 --> 00:11:58,440 someone else had left behind, and built the fire quickly. 180 00:11:58,799 --> 00:12:01,679 The orange light was a comfort. The warmth from the 181 00:12:01,720 --> 00:12:04,759 fire against the cold that was setting in was good 182 00:12:04,799 --> 00:12:08,840 company against the creeping dark. Noroc set cross legs just 183 00:12:08,919 --> 00:12:12,200 beyond the fire's edge, light dancing off his eyes. He'd 184 00:12:12,200 --> 00:12:15,080 taken off his pack but kept his jacket zipped high. 185 00:12:15,480 --> 00:12:19,399 A man who'd been lost didn't seem too shaken, and 186 00:12:19,480 --> 00:12:23,279 Mira had noticed that, but she didn't say anything yet. Instead, 187 00:12:23,559 --> 00:12:27,799 she passed around granola bars and dried fruit, talked about nothing. 188 00:12:28,080 --> 00:12:31,840 We're childhood dreams, gas station snacks. Whose turn it had 189 00:12:31,840 --> 00:12:36,039 been to plan the next shrip? Noroc just listened, smiling, 190 00:12:36,440 --> 00:12:40,120 and then he asked, so, how. 191 00:12:39,919 --> 00:12:41,360 Speaker 3: Long have YouTube been married? 192 00:12:42,240 --> 00:12:48,519 Speaker 1: Leyla laughed. We're not married. We're just together. 193 00:12:48,960 --> 00:12:54,159 Speaker 2: Three years next month, said Jordan, nudging her feels like forever. 194 00:12:54,559 --> 00:12:58,919 Speaker 1: Norrock smiled too, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. 195 00:12:59,559 --> 00:13:02,679 He leaned and then closer to the fire. The shadows 196 00:13:02,720 --> 00:13:06,960 caught differently across his face now and sharper around the mouth. 197 00:13:07,720 --> 00:13:09,200 Speaker 3: I don't think that's true. 198 00:13:09,320 --> 00:13:15,279 Speaker 1: He said softly. The group stilled what. Jordan gave a 199 00:13:15,279 --> 00:13:19,840 short laugh, trying to keep the tone light. Noroc didn't blink. 200 00:13:20,639 --> 00:13:24,639 Speaker 2: I said, I don't think that's true. You don't know 201 00:13:24,759 --> 00:13:29,200 everything about her, and she doesn't know everything about you. 202 00:13:30,120 --> 00:13:32,480 That's just what people tell themselves. 203 00:13:32,799 --> 00:13:38,080 Speaker 1: The fire crackled. No one moved. He tilted his head. 204 00:13:39,080 --> 00:13:46,440 Speaker 2: There are secrets between you, real ones, deep ones, and 205 00:13:46,519 --> 00:13:49,879 I think you're going to share them with the group. 206 00:13:50,600 --> 00:13:56,279 Speaker 1: Okay, Mira said, half standing. Yeah, no, no, you know what. No, 207 00:13:56,519 --> 00:14:02,960 I'm not doing this spooky story shit. Norok replied, still smiling. 208 00:14:04,039 --> 00:14:07,679 Speaker 3: You're going to share, You're all going to share. 209 00:14:08,679 --> 00:14:13,480 Speaker 1: Yeah, Ezra added his voice low. I think we're done here. 210 00:14:14,360 --> 00:14:16,879 Jordan stood, pulling Layla to him. 211 00:14:17,440 --> 00:14:18,799 Speaker 3: We are leaving. 212 00:14:19,519 --> 00:14:23,759 Speaker 1: They packed quickly, shoving bags over his shoulders, snuffing out fire, 213 00:14:24,120 --> 00:14:27,960 but the trail didn't lead anywhere anymore. Every path left, 214 00:14:28,080 --> 00:14:31,600 right forward, curved back. It took less than ten minutes 215 00:14:31,639 --> 00:14:35,000 of walking for them to return disriented to the same 216 00:14:35,080 --> 00:14:39,279 circle of stones. The fire was still lit. Norok was 217 00:14:39,320 --> 00:14:42,720 sitting there waiting. The smile had faded. Now replaced with 218 00:14:42,799 --> 00:14:44,879 something older, more patient. 219 00:14:45,440 --> 00:14:46,639 Speaker 3: Where do you think you're going? 220 00:14:47,279 --> 00:14:52,360 Speaker 1: He asked, but they didn't answer. They were breathing harder now. 221 00:14:52,879 --> 00:14:56,200 Mirah looked ready to bolt, Ezra looked ready to fight, 222 00:14:56,559 --> 00:14:59,960 but Jordan he sank down first, as if his legs 223 00:15:00,080 --> 00:15:01,279 couldn't hold him anymore. 224 00:15:01,960 --> 00:15:03,519 Speaker 3: I don't know what's happening. 225 00:15:04,480 --> 00:15:06,080 Speaker 1: No, Rock's voice was gentle. 226 00:15:06,159 --> 00:15:12,360 Speaker 2: Now I told you you can't leave, not until it's shared. 227 00:15:13,159 --> 00:15:20,759 Speaker 1: Layla crouched beside Jordan, arms wrapped around herself. Shared your truths, 228 00:15:20,919 --> 00:15:22,200 all of them. 229 00:15:22,879 --> 00:15:26,399 Speaker 2: This is a toe in place you don't get through 230 00:15:27,000 --> 00:15:28,639 until you've paid something. 231 00:15:29,679 --> 00:15:34,120 Speaker 1: Jordan looked into the fire, jaw tight. I guess I'll 232 00:15:34,120 --> 00:15:38,480 go first, he muttered, rubbing his hands together like trying 233 00:15:38,519 --> 00:15:39,759 to shake something loose. 234 00:15:40,879 --> 00:15:42,240 Speaker 3: Might as well get this over with. 235 00:15:43,360 --> 00:15:47,080 Speaker 1: Layla gave him a quick glance, half supportive, half weary. 236 00:15:47,720 --> 00:15:48,840 Jordan let out of breath. 237 00:15:49,440 --> 00:15:50,600 Speaker 3: Okay, so. 238 00:15:52,559 --> 00:15:57,159 Speaker 2: One time in college, I know that one won't do 239 00:15:57,720 --> 00:15:59,399 I didn't even say yet. 240 00:15:59,840 --> 00:16:01,600 Speaker 3: You were never going to say. 241 00:16:01,399 --> 00:16:07,519 Speaker 1: It, Norrock replied, voice low, not the real one, And 242 00:16:07,759 --> 00:16:11,480 just like that, Jordan's face slackened. He flinched, like something 243 00:16:11,480 --> 00:16:15,080 inside him had been pulled tight, then cut loose. His 244 00:16:15,240 --> 00:16:19,720 mouth opened, but no sound came. He blinked hard once 245 00:16:20,240 --> 00:16:22,519 twice and looked towards Layla. 246 00:16:23,080 --> 00:16:24,559 Speaker 3: What was I about to say? 247 00:16:25,519 --> 00:16:33,799 Speaker 4: I just forgot No one spoke, Norrock smiled like he 248 00:16:34,000 --> 00:16:35,720 tasted something sweet. 249 00:16:36,360 --> 00:16:40,240 Speaker 2: You tried to cheek the toe, So I took my share. 250 00:16:41,080 --> 00:16:46,759 Speaker 1: Jordan shuddered. After a pause, he swallowed and sat up straight. 251 00:16:48,600 --> 00:16:52,720 Speaker 3: Fine, you want the real one here? It is. 252 00:16:54,039 --> 00:16:59,080 Speaker 2: I'm a financial advisor. At least that's what everyone thinks. 253 00:17:00,120 --> 00:17:03,120 I haven't told anyone that I was suspended three months 254 00:17:03,159 --> 00:17:05,240 ago pending investigation. 255 00:17:06,400 --> 00:17:08,519 Speaker 1: Layla's had whipped towards him. 256 00:17:09,279 --> 00:17:15,000 Speaker 2: Wait, what there was this firm one of our big clients. 257 00:17:15,480 --> 00:17:22,759 I found a way to skim just small percentages at first, 258 00:17:23,440 --> 00:17:28,799 bonuses that didn't raise flags. But then I started moving 259 00:17:28,920 --> 00:17:34,319 bigger numbers, and when it collapsed, it took half the 260 00:17:34,400 --> 00:17:36,200 satellite offices down with it. 261 00:17:37,039 --> 00:17:42,960 Speaker 1: Ezra stiffened. What firm? Jordan hesitated, then said the name 262 00:17:43,319 --> 00:17:46,880 Ezra was on his feet before the words were even out. Bro, 263 00:17:47,279 --> 00:17:53,920 that was my job, Jordan blinked. What I worked there? 264 00:17:54,400 --> 00:17:58,279 I lost everything when they shut us down. The group 265 00:17:58,400 --> 00:18:02,000 was suddenly on edge. Mirrah stepping between the two and 266 00:18:02,079 --> 00:18:06,000 Laila pulling Jordan by the arm. Ezra was shaken with fury. 267 00:18:06,599 --> 00:18:09,119 You're the fucking reason we got laid off. 268 00:18:09,519 --> 00:18:10,839 Speaker 3: I didn't know you worked there. 269 00:18:11,279 --> 00:18:15,440 Speaker 1: You didn't know, or you just didn't care. Jordan nor 270 00:18:15,519 --> 00:18:20,519 Rock watched, eyes glinting like hot colds. No amusement, just 271 00:18:20,640 --> 00:18:28,079 hunger enough, Mirah snapped when not doing this, Ezra finally 272 00:18:28,160 --> 00:18:32,759 sat seething. Jordan looked at him, looked at all of them, 273 00:18:33,119 --> 00:18:34,440 and whispered. 274 00:18:34,599 --> 00:18:35,720 Speaker 3: I'm not proud of it. 275 00:18:36,319 --> 00:18:39,839 Speaker 2: I I thought I was smart enough to get away 276 00:18:39,880 --> 00:18:45,480 with it, but I didn't just ruin people's lives. I've 277 00:18:45,559 --> 00:18:51,039 ruined someone I called friend. He looked at nor Rock, happy. 278 00:18:52,720 --> 00:18:56,960 Speaker 1: Noroc didn't answer. He simply leaned back into the shadows again. 279 00:18:57,279 --> 00:19:00,839 But there was a satisfaction in the firelight. Now a 280 00:19:00,960 --> 00:19:06,759 tall paid. When Norak's eyes settle on her, mirror's brett hitched. 281 00:19:07,079 --> 00:19:09,960 She tried to smile, but it wobbled at the edges. 282 00:19:11,880 --> 00:19:18,279 I don't really have anything like what Jordan said. Nothing criminal, 283 00:19:18,960 --> 00:19:24,759 nothing dramatic. Norac tilted his head. The fire cracked. Ezra 284 00:19:24,880 --> 00:19:27,920 reached for her hand, but she pulled her fingers back 285 00:19:27,960 --> 00:19:32,400 into her lap, and then she said, I've never really 286 00:19:32,440 --> 00:19:37,000 felt accepted, not by any of you. The group exchanged 287 00:19:37,079 --> 00:19:42,039 confused looks. Even Ezra sat straighter, stunned. Mirror stayed into 288 00:19:42,079 --> 00:19:45,440 the fire, speaking softly, like reading from a diary. She 289 00:19:45,640 --> 00:19:49,640 never meant anyone to find I'm the one who cracks 290 00:19:49,680 --> 00:19:53,160 the joke when things get tense. I'm the cheerful one, 291 00:19:53,680 --> 00:19:57,839 the one, you know, the easy one. That's my role. 292 00:19:58,559 --> 00:20:02,799 But it's not because i'm It's because I'm terrified that 293 00:20:02,880 --> 00:20:07,319 if I'm not entertaining, you won't want me around. Ezra 294 00:20:07,440 --> 00:20:12,680 swallowed hard. Mirror, what are you talking about? Of course, 295 00:20:13,160 --> 00:20:16,400 she shook her head. I've been with you for years, Ezra, 296 00:20:16,519 --> 00:20:19,400 and I still don't feel like like I'm mean enough 297 00:20:19,519 --> 00:20:23,079 for you, for any of you. I've been thinking about leaving, 298 00:20:23,160 --> 00:20:26,440 about disappearing, and you know what, none of you would. 299 00:20:27,240 --> 00:20:31,920 You wouldn't even notice, You just replace me. A long 300 00:20:32,000 --> 00:20:36,880 silence followed, thick and painful. Even Jordan and Laylah, who 301 00:20:36,920 --> 00:20:40,880 bickered more than they agreed on anything, went completely still. 302 00:20:41,680 --> 00:20:44,000 Mirror wipe a tear from her cheek with the back 303 00:20:44,039 --> 00:20:46,880 of her sleeves. I didn't want to say any of 304 00:20:46,920 --> 00:20:53,039 that out loud. Ever, the fire hissed. Then Norac smiled slowly, satisfied, 305 00:20:53,440 --> 00:20:54,279 almost gentle. 306 00:20:55,079 --> 00:20:59,279 Speaker 2: A true secret, one you kept from yourself as much 307 00:20:59,319 --> 00:21:01,559 from them, that'll. 308 00:21:01,240 --> 00:21:05,279 Speaker 1: Be, And he moved his gaze to the next person. 309 00:21:06,240 --> 00:21:09,359 Ezra's shifted in his seat. The flicker of the fire 310 00:21:09,480 --> 00:21:13,920 painted sharp lines across his face. His voice came out quiet, 311 00:21:14,319 --> 00:21:19,799 almost too quiet to hear. I am, I cheated on Mirah. 312 00:21:20,759 --> 00:21:24,680 The group stilled. Mira's head snapped towards him like she 313 00:21:24,720 --> 00:21:27,400 hadn't heard him right, but the way her face cracked 314 00:21:28,000 --> 00:21:33,839 said she had. Look, it was a while ago, stupid, 315 00:21:34,160 --> 00:21:38,799 a coworker, It didn't mean anything. Mira blinked fast, a 316 00:21:38,839 --> 00:21:42,920 single tear stating down her cheek. Norak said nothing. He 317 00:21:43,000 --> 00:21:47,720 staed into Ezra's expression, unreadable. The others were silent. Then 318 00:21:47,759 --> 00:21:52,039 Norak stood, not quickly, not dramatic, just slowly, like a 319 00:21:52,119 --> 00:21:53,440 ripple moving through time. 320 00:21:54,400 --> 00:21:55,160 Speaker 3: A secret. 321 00:21:55,920 --> 00:22:02,119 Speaker 1: Yes, he stepped closer to Ezra, but not your deepest. 322 00:22:03,160 --> 00:22:07,880 Ezra flinch. Noroc extended one hand and tapped two fingers 323 00:22:07,920 --> 00:22:11,680 against Ezra's forehead, light like the brush of a mott's wing. 324 00:22:12,400 --> 00:22:17,160 Ezra inhaled sharply, his whole body tenson, his eyes widen, 325 00:22:17,279 --> 00:22:21,039 as if something had slipped out of him, something important. 326 00:22:21,640 --> 00:22:26,160 He clutched his chest, staggered sideways, and vomit into the grass. 327 00:22:26,400 --> 00:22:31,759 Speaker 2: Jordan jumped up, Ezra, don't I only lost something he 328 00:22:31,880 --> 00:22:33,160 didn't deserve to keep. 329 00:22:34,319 --> 00:22:40,440 Speaker 1: Ezra looked up, dazed, pale. What what what was that? 330 00:22:41,920 --> 00:22:43,319 Norah smiled gently. 331 00:22:43,920 --> 00:22:45,079 Speaker 3: A toe. 332 00:22:45,640 --> 00:22:50,279 Speaker 2: You see, when the truth is shallow, the price must 333 00:22:50,279 --> 00:22:54,079 be paid in other ways. What is memory, after all, 334 00:22:54,400 --> 00:22:56,000 but the soul's currency. 335 00:22:57,160 --> 00:23:01,039 Speaker 1: Ezra was shaken, now breathing hard. He wiped his mouth, 336 00:23:01,480 --> 00:23:06,920 tried to stand, then collapsed back to his knees. I'm sorry, 337 00:23:07,920 --> 00:23:11,240 there's more. I didn't. I didn't want to say it, 338 00:23:11,319 --> 00:23:17,119 but he swallowed hard. It was after your accident. You 339 00:23:17,119 --> 00:23:19,279 you don't remember much of that time, but I do. 340 00:23:19,920 --> 00:23:23,279 The air around the fire had thickened. You were hooked 341 00:23:23,359 --> 00:23:27,559 up to everything, tubes, machines, all of it. Everyone thought 342 00:23:27,640 --> 00:23:30,559 I was devoted, that I was brave, But I was 343 00:23:30,720 --> 00:23:37,759 angry and tired, and one night I pulled out your 344 00:23:37,839 --> 00:23:43,640 oxygen monitor. Mira covered her mouth. I told myself I 345 00:23:43,759 --> 00:23:47,400 just just needed a break, just a moment of silence. 346 00:23:47,400 --> 00:23:50,960 But it wasn't that not not really. I wanted to 347 00:23:51,039 --> 00:23:55,759 know what it felt like to have to not have 348 00:23:55,839 --> 00:23:59,839 to fight for you anymore. He looked up at Nora. 349 00:24:00,519 --> 00:24:03,880 I put it back. It was only for a few seconds, 350 00:24:03,920 --> 00:24:07,359 but I thought about what it would be like if 351 00:24:07,400 --> 00:24:12,799 I didn't silence. Norac gave a soft hum of approval. 352 00:24:13,920 --> 00:24:18,119 There you are, his voice, rich with satisfaction. 353 00:24:19,559 --> 00:24:22,079 Speaker 3: Now, who's next. 354 00:24:23,160 --> 00:24:26,680 Speaker 1: The fire had burned a little, only coals now cast 355 00:24:26,680 --> 00:24:30,559 in red light across their faces. Ezra had pulled away, 356 00:24:30,680 --> 00:24:33,880 sitting by himself on a moss covered rock, rubbing the 357 00:24:33,920 --> 00:24:37,119 heel of his hands against his temple like it might 358 00:24:37,240 --> 00:24:42,279 pull his memory back. Mirah sat stiffly, arms folded, legs 359 00:24:42,279 --> 00:24:47,680 shrawn in, staring at nothing. Norah stood, I will be back, 360 00:24:48,319 --> 00:24:53,000 sit tack. No one spoke for a while. Jordan was 361 00:24:53,039 --> 00:24:54,559 the first to break the silence. 362 00:24:55,359 --> 00:24:56,920 Speaker 3: We should jump him. 363 00:24:57,319 --> 00:24:58,559 Speaker 1: Everyone looked up. 364 00:25:00,000 --> 00:25:04,480 Speaker 2: Curious, guys, he's just a guy. He bleeds right, There's 365 00:25:04,519 --> 00:25:07,160 four of us and one of him. 366 00:25:07,319 --> 00:25:10,799 Speaker 1: You don't get it, Mirah said, shaking her head. 367 00:25:11,119 --> 00:25:14,240 Speaker 2: No, you don't get it. We're letting him screw with 368 00:25:14,319 --> 00:25:18,960 our heads. Ezra's losing his memories. You're crying over feelings. 369 00:25:19,359 --> 00:25:22,119 What if this doesn't stop. What if we keep giving 370 00:25:22,240 --> 00:25:23,240 and he keeps taking? 371 00:25:23,799 --> 00:25:27,160 Speaker 1: Mirah stood, you think I'm not scared, you think I 372 00:25:27,160 --> 00:25:30,519 don't want to fight back, But this, this thing, he's 373 00:25:30,559 --> 00:25:33,799 not just some guy with a bad attitude and creepy eyes. 374 00:25:34,119 --> 00:25:35,759 He's something else, Jordan. 375 00:25:36,160 --> 00:25:39,559 Speaker 3: So we just roll over, tell him everything until we're hollow. 376 00:25:40,200 --> 00:25:45,160 Speaker 1: No, we tell the truth because it's the only thing 377 00:25:45,240 --> 00:25:49,359 that works. Layla, who had been silent the whole time, 378 00:25:49,440 --> 00:25:54,880 finally spoke. Easy for you to say, miss innocent. Mira's 379 00:25:54,960 --> 00:26:00,519 joor clench. Excuse me, you gave your secret and got 380 00:26:00,559 --> 00:26:04,759 a gold star. Not all of us have guilt wrapped 381 00:26:04,839 --> 00:26:08,559 up in a neat little bow. That doesn't make mine 382 00:26:08,799 --> 00:26:13,200 less real, Mira said, her voice sharp. I didn't ask 383 00:26:13,319 --> 00:26:17,519 for that reaction. Ezra reached towards her a quiet attempt 384 00:26:17,599 --> 00:26:20,759 to break the attention, but Mira flinched and stepped away. 385 00:26:21,119 --> 00:26:24,720 His hand hung therefore a beat. Then drop Leyla turned 386 00:26:24,720 --> 00:26:29,240 towards Jordan, trying to re anchor herself. Hey, babe, remember 387 00:26:29,240 --> 00:26:32,039 what we talked about last month at the cabin when 388 00:26:32,079 --> 00:26:34,759 we Jordan blinked. 389 00:26:34,559 --> 00:26:35,400 Speaker 3: What cabin? 390 00:26:36,279 --> 00:26:41,079 Speaker 1: She froze? The cabin, the one in Ashville, we stayed 391 00:26:41,119 --> 00:26:45,319 there over the long weekend. Jordan's face was blank. 392 00:26:46,039 --> 00:26:52,200 Speaker 2: I uh, I don't, Layla, I don't remember any of that. 393 00:26:53,279 --> 00:26:57,079 Speaker 1: Mira turned towards Norak, who had returned moments before, perched 394 00:26:57,079 --> 00:27:00,839 by the fire, watching like a patient wolf. You took it, 395 00:27:01,519 --> 00:27:05,880 she said softly. Norah said nothing. The group went quiet. 396 00:27:06,359 --> 00:27:11,319 Layelah's expression shifted. Something caved in behind her eyes. She 397 00:27:11,400 --> 00:27:14,240 looked at Jordan again, and this time her voice cracked 398 00:27:14,279 --> 00:27:19,119 when she spoke, you really don't remember, do you. Jordan 399 00:27:19,279 --> 00:27:24,079 just stared. Mira swallowed hard. We need to finish this, 400 00:27:25,000 --> 00:27:27,880 no one argued. When they sat down, Leylah didn't wait 401 00:27:27,880 --> 00:27:30,960 for Norah to ask. She leaned forward, elbows on her 402 00:27:31,039 --> 00:27:33,720 knees and stared into the fire, as if it could 403 00:27:33,759 --> 00:27:39,319 make the words easier. I was pregnant, she said. The 404 00:27:39,359 --> 00:27:43,039 words hit the clearing like a dropped stone. Jordan's head 405 00:27:43,119 --> 00:27:47,599 whipped towards her. I was pregnant a few months ago. 406 00:27:47,960 --> 00:27:51,759 It was early. We weren't trying, but it happened. She 407 00:27:51,920 --> 00:27:55,880 closed her eyes. I didn't tell you. I made an appointment, 408 00:27:56,039 --> 00:27:58,480 took a few days off, told you I was a 409 00:27:58,519 --> 00:28:02,640 visiting my sister. Jordan opened his mouth, but no sound 410 00:28:02,680 --> 00:28:06,640 came out. I wasn't ready. I didn't know if I 411 00:28:06,880 --> 00:28:09,680 ever would be, but I knew you wanted it, and 412 00:28:09,759 --> 00:28:11,880 I didn't want to see that look in your eyes 413 00:28:11,920 --> 00:28:14,880 when I told you no, so I didn't tell you anything. 414 00:28:15,599 --> 00:28:19,200 The fire popped softly. A wind moved through the trees, 415 00:28:19,319 --> 00:28:22,519 whispering like a warning. I thought that if I just 416 00:28:22,640 --> 00:28:25,920 handled it, we could go back to normal. I thought 417 00:28:25,960 --> 00:28:29,400 i'd forget, but I didn't. Tears welled in her eyes 418 00:28:29,440 --> 00:28:33,319 but didn't fall. I see her sometimes in my dreams, 419 00:28:33,359 --> 00:28:37,319 a little face I never got to meet, and I 420 00:28:37,480 --> 00:28:41,440 wonder what they would have looked like. Jordan finally found 421 00:28:41,440 --> 00:28:42,200 his voice. 422 00:28:42,640 --> 00:28:44,559 Speaker 3: What why didn't you trust me? 423 00:28:45,359 --> 00:28:48,599 Speaker 1: Leyla looked at him and there was nothing but pain 424 00:28:48,640 --> 00:28:55,000 on her face. Because I didn't trust myself. Silence wrapped 425 00:28:55,039 --> 00:28:59,440 around the clearing like fog. Noroc lean back, exhaled through 426 00:28:59,480 --> 00:29:01,119 his nose and nodded slowly. 427 00:29:02,039 --> 00:29:05,440 Speaker 3: That was a burden worth sharing. 428 00:29:06,319 --> 00:29:09,119 Speaker 1: The fire flared for a second, then dimmed again, as 429 00:29:09,160 --> 00:29:13,279 if something unseen had been satisfied. Norak stood without a word, 430 00:29:13,359 --> 00:29:15,839 dust in his palm, like he'd just finished a task, 431 00:29:16,240 --> 00:29:20,359 not unburied. Four truths He looked at each of them, 432 00:29:20,839 --> 00:29:24,440 the same serene expression settle on his face. He seemed 433 00:29:24,519 --> 00:29:28,200 lighter now, taller, maybe, or maybe it was just the 434 00:29:28,240 --> 00:29:32,680 weight of everything day'd loss that made him seem further away. 435 00:29:33,240 --> 00:29:36,599 Speaker 2: I told you your toes would been. 436 00:29:38,079 --> 00:29:41,400 Speaker 1: He turned and began to walk. No one spoke, and 437 00:29:41,440 --> 00:29:44,640 no one moved until he did. The forests around them 438 00:29:44,640 --> 00:29:48,079 had shifted, the trees that impressed so tightly. Now the 439 00:29:48,200 --> 00:29:52,359 air wasn't so thick with fog. The moonlight filtered through 440 00:29:52,519 --> 00:29:56,680 branches with gentler hands. The path beneath their feet wasn't 441 00:29:56,720 --> 00:29:59,200 the same one they came in on, but it felt 442 00:29:59,240 --> 00:30:03,319 like it might be somewhere familiar. Mirah kept her eyes down. 443 00:30:03,720 --> 00:30:08,279 Jordan walked slightly ahead of Laylah. Ezra followed last, his 444 00:30:08,440 --> 00:30:11,359 hands still aching from where he had gripped them tightly. 445 00:30:11,920 --> 00:30:15,319 They walked for what felt like hours or maybe minutes. 446 00:30:15,680 --> 00:30:20,200 Time didn't belong here. Then Norak stopped. They almost bumped 447 00:30:20,240 --> 00:30:24,519 into him. He turned slowly, His smile was gone. Only 448 00:30:24,640 --> 00:30:29,759 three may leave a beat pass. The silence pressed against 449 00:30:29,759 --> 00:30:37,759 their ears. Jordan looked around what Ezra frowned, But we're all. 450 00:30:37,559 --> 00:30:41,960 Speaker 3: Here, No you think you are, but one of you 451 00:30:42,160 --> 00:30:42,359 is not. 452 00:30:43,640 --> 00:30:47,519 Speaker 1: They all looked at each other. Mira's eyes flicked to Layla, 453 00:30:47,759 --> 00:30:51,319 who blinked to Jordan, who turned to Ezra. All four 454 00:30:51,440 --> 00:30:56,640 still standing, still breathing, but then flashes, the storm building fast, 455 00:30:56,960 --> 00:31:00,519 the slippery incline, the dirt given away, some one yelling 456 00:31:00,559 --> 00:31:03,319 a name, a hand not caught in time, a scream 457 00:31:03,440 --> 00:31:09,039 swallowed by the rain. Mirror stumbled backward. No, that that 458 00:31:09,079 --> 00:31:16,599 didn't it did you simply forgot Laylah breath caught her 459 00:31:16,680 --> 00:31:20,000 fingers curled over her lips like she was pressing the 460 00:31:20,119 --> 00:31:20,759 memory down. 461 00:31:21,359 --> 00:31:24,720 Speaker 2: You passed through the veil on borrow time. Three of 462 00:31:24,759 --> 00:31:28,759 you belonged to the world. One does not. 463 00:31:29,759 --> 00:31:34,799 Speaker 1: The path ahead shimmered, not glowing exactly, just clearer, real 464 00:31:35,480 --> 00:31:36,880 go before. 465 00:31:36,920 --> 00:31:39,039 Speaker 2: This place remembers you too well. 466 00:31:40,200 --> 00:31:43,000 Speaker 1: Ezra was the first to step forward, but Mirah caught 467 00:31:43,000 --> 00:31:46,079 his arm. Her eyes were locked on Norock's hand, on 468 00:31:46,160 --> 00:31:49,559 the small, tawnish coin rested in his palm, something that 469 00:31:49,720 --> 00:31:54,640 was weathered, ancient, too heavy to be something so small. Wait, 470 00:31:55,240 --> 00:32:01,039 she whispered that coin. She looked up sharply on the 471 00:32:01,119 --> 00:32:04,680 name hit the air like a dropped match. Ezra's expression 472 00:32:04,759 --> 00:32:09,480 shifted recognition dawning. Leyla took a half step back. Jawdan 473 00:32:09,640 --> 00:32:12,480 exhaled like he's been holding his bread for hours, and 474 00:32:12,599 --> 00:32:19,799 noroc No. Karan smiled, soft, knowing, timeless, I laughed. 475 00:32:20,880 --> 00:32:23,880 Speaker 3: Some one remembers. 476 00:32:25,920 --> 00:32:28,680 Speaker 1: The forest had vanished, and in its place a dark, 477 00:32:28,920 --> 00:32:32,839 endless river, still as glass. A flat bottomed boat waited 478 00:32:32,920 --> 00:32:36,079 at the shore. Two paths had opened up for the hikers, 479 00:32:36,279 --> 00:32:38,960 the river sticks to the front, and a forest from 480 00:32:38,960 --> 00:32:42,640 which they came behind him. All four turned towards the forest, 481 00:32:42,680 --> 00:32:47,759 their faces pale, drawn tight with realization. Then without a word, 482 00:32:48,079 --> 00:32:51,599 three figures stepped into the trees, their shape stretching long 483 00:32:51,720 --> 00:32:57,119 and silent in the dark. The fourth remained. Karan watched 484 00:32:57,160 --> 00:33:01,200 the others go, expression unreadable, like their names were already 485 00:33:01,240 --> 00:33:04,680 slipping from some ledger older than time. Then he turned 486 00:33:04,759 --> 00:33:08,079 to the one left behind, to the wide eyes, the 487 00:33:08,200 --> 00:33:12,400 shallow breadth, the quiet ache of knowing, and he said. 488 00:33:12,920 --> 00:33:18,720 Speaker 2: I'm sorry, but the tool was always for one. 489 00:33:21,799 --> 00:33:25,799 Speaker 1: The hotel lobby was quiet. A small stack of newspapers 490 00:33:25,839 --> 00:33:29,880 set on the front desk and headlined that Red Haiger's 491 00:33:29,920 --> 00:33:34,279 found after flashtorm one dead, three injured. The group had 492 00:33:34,319 --> 00:33:38,319 reportedly gone off trail during an unexpected storm system. Search 493 00:33:38,359 --> 00:33:41,599 and rescue located down near a collapse ridge just past 494 00:33:41,680 --> 00:33:46,839 the south trail line. One fatality confirmed. Behind the desk, 495 00:33:46,880 --> 00:33:49,839 the clerk watched the rain tap against the window. He 496 00:33:49,960 --> 00:33:53,079 thought he'd seen someone in the woods when the lightning flashed, 497 00:33:53,079 --> 00:33:57,079 but looked again and saw no one there, just the 498 00:33:57,119 --> 00:34:17,559 woods wading. This episode of Tales was a team effort 499 00:34:17,760 --> 00:34:22,800 for sure. The episode was written, edited by En Varro, 500 00:34:23,159 --> 00:34:27,320 narrated by Yours Truly and help once Again by Brody 501 00:34:27,440 --> 00:34:32,000 Mason aka Brosky, Produced by d Madison, and the story 502 00:34:32,079 --> 00:34:34,360 was brainstormed by a list of people that I am 503 00:34:34,480 --> 00:34:37,400 grateful to have helping me here and there with the podcast. 504 00:34:38,079 --> 00:34:40,679 If you want your story featured on this podcast, my 505 00:34:40,760 --> 00:34:44,480 email address and socials can be found in the listener's note. 506 00:34:44,719 --> 00:34:47,519 I have some exciting things happening with the podcast in 507 00:34:47,639 --> 00:34:50,119 New Year. So to all the tail Weavers that have 508 00:34:50,360 --> 00:34:54,239 been with me from the beginning and to those who 509 00:34:54,280 --> 00:34:57,400 have just joined us, stay tuned and thank you for 510 00:34:57,800 --> 00:35:03,920 always listening. And remember, some tales are gates, some troops 511 00:35:04,159 --> 00:35:09,519 have tolls, and some things never stay buried. We'll meet again, 512 00:35:09,599 --> 00:35:18,639 Tale Weavers when the next story calls bye bye.