1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:22,840 In the heart of a wood which lost its name long ago, is a place where a seeker of stories 2 00:00:22,840 --> 00:00:23,840 may go. 3 00:00:23,840 --> 00:00:32,240 If you've arrived and a story is your desire, come take a seat, for what you require is 4 00:00:32,240 --> 00:01:00,800 a tale from the second storyteller. 5 00:01:00,800 --> 00:01:09,080 Ah, hello and welcome. 6 00:01:09,080 --> 00:01:13,720 Oh, don't worry, I was just doing a bit of spring cleaning. 7 00:01:13,720 --> 00:01:14,720 Who am I? 8 00:01:14,720 --> 00:01:18,680 Well, you can just call me the second storyteller. 9 00:01:18,680 --> 00:01:23,040 And I suppose if you're here, that means you're looking for a good tale. 10 00:01:23,040 --> 00:01:25,360 Well, look no further. 11 00:01:25,360 --> 00:01:30,280 This tarot urn has been standing in these woods for longer than I know, and it holds 12 00:01:30,280 --> 00:01:34,560 fantastic stories of all kinds. 13 00:01:34,560 --> 00:01:38,680 We've got tall tales, short tales, tales that are about average height but still feel 14 00:01:38,680 --> 00:01:41,720 a bit self-conscious, you name it. 15 00:01:41,720 --> 00:01:47,540 I live here to ensure that this incredible place is not lost to time, and I am more than 16 00:01:47,540 --> 00:01:50,440 happy to share its wealth of stories with visitors. 17 00:01:50,440 --> 00:01:55,400 Here, why don't you have a seat by the fireplace? 18 00:01:55,400 --> 00:01:59,120 I'm sure I can find the perfect story for you. 19 00:01:59,120 --> 00:02:03,520 Since this is our first meeting, I really should start things off right. 20 00:02:03,520 --> 00:02:05,760 Let's see here... 21 00:02:05,760 --> 00:02:07,960 Oh, here's a great one. 22 00:02:07,960 --> 00:02:14,560 Now, if you're ready, just relax and listen to the voice of the story. 23 00:02:14,560 --> 00:02:16,360 Let us begin. 24 00:02:16,360 --> 00:02:21,640 Empty Shoe 25 00:02:21,640 --> 00:02:29,940 Something unseen watched and waited as Robert Linky walked into the kitchen with Eon. 26 00:02:29,940 --> 00:02:34,560 As Robert filled the reservoir of his coffee maker with water and the filter with grounds, 27 00:02:34,560 --> 00:02:39,920 a presence lurked, percolating with anticipation. 28 00:02:39,920 --> 00:02:45,720 Robert reached for the switch to turn the coffee maker on, but at the last moment he 29 00:02:45,720 --> 00:02:49,880 stopped, turned, and headed to the bathroom. 30 00:02:49,880 --> 00:02:56,640 An intangible being raged without sound as it waited for Robert to return. 31 00:02:56,640 --> 00:03:00,400 Mortals were infuriating. 32 00:03:00,400 --> 00:03:06,520 After five minutes of eternity, Robert finally re-entered the kitchen and without hesitation 33 00:03:06,520 --> 00:03:09,600 flipped the coffee maker on. 34 00:03:09,600 --> 00:03:13,260 Something else in the room could barely contain its glee. 35 00:03:13,260 --> 00:03:18,600 The small appliance made its usual gurgles as the water began to heat. 36 00:03:18,600 --> 00:03:22,920 Robert had opened the fridge to retrieve a carton of milk, and so he failed to hear the 37 00:03:22,920 --> 00:03:28,660 moment when the coffee just started to filter its way into the pot and audibly gurgle out 38 00:03:28,660 --> 00:03:35,860 his name with a cryptic, R-O-B-E-R-T. 39 00:03:35,860 --> 00:03:41,200 The invisible presence was delighted when Robert, having just retrieved a mug, finally 40 00:03:41,200 --> 00:03:47,080 noticed that the liquid burbling down into the glass pot was the exact color and consistency 41 00:03:47,080 --> 00:03:48,080 of blood. 42 00:03:48,080 --> 00:03:49,080 The fuck? 43 00:03:49,080 --> 00:03:54,880 Robert grumbled, before turning his attention to the milk's expiration date. 44 00:03:54,880 --> 00:03:59,440 The ghost, floating carefully in his blind spot, decided that desperate measures were 45 00:03:59,440 --> 00:04:00,920 required. 46 00:04:00,920 --> 00:04:04,280 It decided to use its most chilling voice. 47 00:04:04,280 --> 00:04:13,320 Good morning, Bob, a whisper which felt like a freezing wind plucked at Robert's ear. 48 00:04:13,320 --> 00:04:22,320 The best part of waking up is the blood of the innocent in your cup. 49 00:04:22,320 --> 00:04:26,000 The voice let out a high, airy giggle. 50 00:04:26,000 --> 00:04:31,480 Robert waved his hand past his ear as though chewing a mosquito, then retrieved the pot 51 00:04:31,480 --> 00:04:37,160 of hot bubbling blood, apparently, and poured himself a cup. 52 00:04:37,160 --> 00:04:42,040 He took a long sip while the liquid was good and hot, before remarking aloud, 53 00:04:42,040 --> 00:04:46,960 Well, this blood tastes like dirt, but the milk is off by two days, so it'll have to 54 00:04:46,960 --> 00:04:47,960 do. 55 00:04:47,960 --> 00:04:49,440 Seriously? 56 00:04:49,440 --> 00:04:51,520 The ghost exclaimed. 57 00:04:51,520 --> 00:04:58,800 Frankie apparated slowly, a round, cartoonish figure with two large black, void-like eyes. 58 00:04:58,800 --> 00:05:05,080 His round body ended in a tail-like point, which rested lazily on Bob's countertop, 59 00:05:05,080 --> 00:05:09,640 while Frankie's two long legs dangled freely off the edge. 60 00:05:09,640 --> 00:05:14,240 Though Frankie's legs were translucent just like the rest of him, they looked otherwise 61 00:05:14,240 --> 00:05:20,360 so normally human that it clashed unpleasantly with the rest of the ghost's almost whimsical 62 00:05:20,360 --> 00:05:22,000 appearance. 63 00:05:22,000 --> 00:05:23,640 This always bothered Bob. 64 00:05:23,640 --> 00:05:30,000 You know, I never asked, but why are there little hairs on your legs? 65 00:05:30,000 --> 00:05:35,240 asked Bob, pointing at the ever-present ghastly follicles. 66 00:05:35,240 --> 00:05:38,800 Frankie had never really thought about that, and did his best to hide his embarrassment. 67 00:05:38,800 --> 00:05:41,560 How the fuck do you shave a ghost, Bob? 68 00:05:41,560 --> 00:05:43,160 the phantom snapped. 69 00:05:43,160 --> 00:05:45,720 No, forget how to get rid of them. 70 00:05:45,720 --> 00:05:47,600 Why are they even there in the first place? 71 00:05:47,600 --> 00:05:49,200 Do all ghosts have hairy legs? 72 00:05:49,200 --> 00:05:52,240 When you were alive, was that your best feature? 73 00:05:52,240 --> 00:05:54,080 Bob continued to drink his coffee. 74 00:05:54,080 --> 00:05:58,280 That's what you're thinking about, not the steaming mug of orphan blood you're sucking 75 00:05:58,280 --> 00:05:59,280 on. 76 00:05:59,280 --> 00:06:03,040 You mean the coffee that you put an illusion on. 77 00:06:03,040 --> 00:06:09,040 Why not make some illusory socks, so I don't have to look at your gross-ass ghost feet? 78 00:06:09,040 --> 00:06:13,160 Frankie inspected his feet, which didn't look too bad in his opinion, and suddenly the ghost 79 00:06:13,160 --> 00:06:17,360 felt a slight pang of self-consciousness, wondering what Bob thought was gross about 80 00:06:17,360 --> 00:06:20,800 his feet, that he was failing to notice himself. 81 00:06:20,800 --> 00:06:26,360 The ghost shuddered slightly, and teleported, in the same seated posture, to the top of 82 00:06:26,360 --> 00:06:27,360 the refrigerator. 83 00:06:27,360 --> 00:06:31,360 Bob, I am so disappointed in you. 84 00:06:31,360 --> 00:06:35,800 Your heart has grown so cold and detached that you can no longer distinguish between 85 00:06:35,800 --> 00:06:40,520 the taste of coffee and the blood of orphans who most certainly died as a result of your 86 00:06:40,520 --> 00:06:43,760 own selfish actions in life. 87 00:06:43,760 --> 00:06:48,720 Bob let out a satisfied sigh after taking another sip, before retorting. 88 00:06:48,720 --> 00:06:52,040 Nah, you did this one, I think. 89 00:06:52,040 --> 00:06:53,040 Two years ago? 90 00:06:53,040 --> 00:06:54,040 Maybe three? 91 00:06:54,040 --> 00:06:56,040 I- I did? 92 00:06:56,040 --> 00:07:02,240 Yeah, I'm coming up on four years in this place, and you totally did the turn coffee 93 00:07:02,240 --> 00:07:05,560 into orphan blood thing before. 94 00:07:05,560 --> 00:07:07,040 Maybe you told me it was puppy blood. 95 00:07:07,040 --> 00:07:08,040 I don't know. 96 00:07:08,040 --> 00:07:09,740 Didn't work then, either. 97 00:07:09,740 --> 00:07:15,740 Bob reached up through the ghost on his fridge to a bowl of fruit and tried to take an apple, 98 00:07:15,740 --> 00:07:20,200 but it somehow became lodged inside Frankie when Bob pulled his arm back. 99 00:07:20,200 --> 00:07:26,040 He gestured for Frankie to move, and the ghost obliged, teleporting and repositioning himself 100 00:07:26,040 --> 00:07:29,880 to float just above the table in the tiny kitchen. 101 00:07:29,880 --> 00:07:35,400 The apple remained floating around inside the ghost, slowly withering over time. 102 00:07:35,400 --> 00:07:36,760 Four years? 103 00:07:36,760 --> 00:07:37,760 Frankie asked. 104 00:07:37,760 --> 00:07:38,760 Music? 105 00:07:38,760 --> 00:07:40,640 Bob interrupted quickly. 106 00:07:40,640 --> 00:07:41,640 Huh? 107 00:07:41,640 --> 00:07:42,800 Oh. 108 00:07:42,800 --> 00:07:48,960 Frankie glanced at the clock on the microwave, it read 618 A.M., already later than Frankie 109 00:07:48,960 --> 00:07:49,960 realized. 110 00:07:49,960 --> 00:07:52,720 Yes, please. 111 00:07:52,720 --> 00:07:57,880 Bob turned on the radio, and energetic rock music settled into the tiny room. 112 00:07:57,880 --> 00:08:00,960 I can't believe it's already been. 113 00:08:00,960 --> 00:08:05,240 Frankie tried to return to his original thought, but interrupted himself when he recognized 114 00:08:05,240 --> 00:08:06,640 which band was playing. 115 00:08:06,640 --> 00:08:09,800 Wife with the big knife! 116 00:08:09,800 --> 00:08:10,800 Bob grinned. 117 00:08:10,800 --> 00:08:14,200 Yeah, I wish this station played more than just Empty Shoe, though. 118 00:08:14,200 --> 00:08:15,840 I mean, it's great. 119 00:08:15,840 --> 00:08:18,640 Why wouldn't you play this one song all the time, but... 120 00:08:18,640 --> 00:08:23,160 Empty Shoe isn't even close to the best song on Mammoth Leg, though. 121 00:08:23,160 --> 00:08:24,720 What about Dustface? 122 00:08:24,720 --> 00:08:28,120 Do they even ever play Bottles Under Burdens? 123 00:08:28,120 --> 00:08:31,240 Bottles Under Burdens is way too long to play on the radio. 124 00:08:31,240 --> 00:08:34,000 I do hear Dustface sometimes in the car. 125 00:08:34,000 --> 00:08:40,360 I guess they don't play it at 6 A.M., Frankie sighed, spinning in a small circle as he floated. 126 00:08:40,360 --> 00:08:46,880 The flesh of the apple floating inside him had rotted away considerably, and the seeds 127 00:08:46,880 --> 00:08:50,400 were just starting to show. 128 00:08:50,400 --> 00:08:52,400 Why don't you float all the time? 129 00:08:52,400 --> 00:08:55,320 asked Bob through a mouthful of apple. 130 00:08:55,320 --> 00:08:57,400 Why don't you stand all the time, Bob? 131 00:08:57,400 --> 00:08:59,160 Frankie retorted. 132 00:08:59,160 --> 00:09:05,600 Bob raised both eyebrows and made a face to indicate that the ghost had made a good point. 133 00:09:05,600 --> 00:09:09,840 The young man and the ghost existed in silence for a few minutes as they listened to the 134 00:09:09,840 --> 00:09:15,080 last lines of Empty Shoe, both internally acknowledging that while the song was indeed 135 00:09:15,080 --> 00:09:17,960 overplayed, it was just so good. 136 00:09:17,960 --> 00:09:21,960 A generic pop song took the place of Empty Shoe. 137 00:09:21,960 --> 00:09:25,960 I'm going to see Wife of the Big Knife after work tonight. 138 00:09:25,960 --> 00:09:30,120 Frankie teleported rapidly around the kitchen with excitement, before appearing a few inches 139 00:09:30,120 --> 00:09:31,120 from Bob's face. 140 00:09:31,120 --> 00:09:33,040 You have to get me a t-shirt! 141 00:09:33,040 --> 00:09:34,600 the ghost insisted. 142 00:09:34,600 --> 00:09:35,600 You don't wear clothes! 143 00:09:35,600 --> 00:09:37,960 But I need one! 144 00:09:37,960 --> 00:09:38,960 Frankie insisted. 145 00:09:38,960 --> 00:09:41,360 Okay, okay, fine. 146 00:09:41,360 --> 00:09:44,720 Maddy would get you one anyway, Bob conceded. 147 00:09:44,720 --> 00:09:48,280 Oohhhhhhhh Frankie crooned. 148 00:09:48,280 --> 00:09:54,080 Though, coming from him, it just sounded like a stereotypical ghost sound. 149 00:09:54,080 --> 00:09:56,880 Wife Knife, and a date with Maddy. 150 00:09:56,880 --> 00:09:57,880 Nice. 151 00:09:57,880 --> 00:09:59,400 Yeah I just hope. 152 00:09:59,400 --> 00:10:02,760 Bob cut himself off, glancing over at the microwave clock. 153 00:10:02,760 --> 00:10:04,340 What's up? 154 00:10:04,340 --> 00:10:05,340 Frankie asked. 155 00:10:05,340 --> 00:10:07,560 It's about that time. 156 00:10:07,560 --> 00:10:10,360 Bob gestured to the clock, which now read 6.57. 157 00:10:10,360 --> 00:10:12,640 Oh, damn, already? 158 00:10:12,640 --> 00:10:14,920 Well, quick then, what's up with Maddie? 159 00:10:14,920 --> 00:10:17,320 She seemed okay when she stayed over a couple weeks ago. 160 00:10:17,320 --> 00:10:18,760 We talked about movies! 161 00:10:18,760 --> 00:10:19,760 The ghost rambled. 162 00:10:19,760 --> 00:10:21,920 Maddie's fine, don't worry about it. 163 00:10:21,920 --> 00:10:23,400 I'll get you a shirt tonight. 164 00:10:23,400 --> 00:10:24,940 See you tomorrow. 165 00:10:24,940 --> 00:10:29,800 The apple floating in Frankie had dwindled down to a stem in two seeds. 166 00:10:29,800 --> 00:10:35,560 As the digital clock ticked over to 7am, Frankie's ghostly form began to fade. 167 00:10:35,560 --> 00:10:38,680 Bye, Bob, said Frankie. 168 00:10:38,680 --> 00:10:40,120 See ya, weirdo. 169 00:10:40,120 --> 00:10:42,000 Bob waved. 170 00:10:42,000 --> 00:10:44,400 And the tiny kitchen vanished. 171 00:10:44,400 --> 00:10:49,960 Frankie once again found himself in total darkness, a seemingly endless void. 172 00:10:49,960 --> 00:10:52,880 The void was boring. 173 00:10:52,880 --> 00:10:56,800 Frankie could conjure simple illusions to help himself pass the time, and mostly he 174 00:10:56,800 --> 00:10:59,240 wrote songs and poems. 175 00:10:59,240 --> 00:11:03,520 With so little else to do, they were always easy to memorize, and Bob sometimes liked 176 00:11:03,520 --> 00:11:04,700 them. 177 00:11:04,700 --> 00:11:09,800 The void wasn't really too bad, especially since once a day, apparently for nearly the 178 00:11:09,800 --> 00:11:16,320 past four years, Frankie would appear in Bob's apartment from 6am to 7am. 179 00:11:16,320 --> 00:11:20,480 Being a ghost, Frankie just kind of assumed that he was supposed to try and scare this 180 00:11:20,480 --> 00:11:26,240 human, and so introduced himself to Robert Lenke with an illusion of the apartment on 181 00:11:26,240 --> 00:11:27,640 fire. 182 00:11:27,640 --> 00:11:33,920 Robert had woken up in a panic, falling over himself to attempt to extinguish the flames. 183 00:11:33,920 --> 00:11:37,920 Frankie had quickly discovered that there was no joy or satisfaction to be found in 184 00:11:37,920 --> 00:11:42,480 watching a grown man panic to the point of sobbing, and returned to the void that day 185 00:11:42,480 --> 00:11:44,680 feeling more embarrassed than anything. 186 00:11:44,680 --> 00:11:50,440 On his second visit, Frankie had waited patiently in the tiny kitchen, determined to make a 187 00:11:50,440 --> 00:11:53,000 less upsetting introduction. 188 00:11:53,000 --> 00:11:57,240 When Robert had emerged from his bedroom a hundred percent nude to find a ghost with 189 00:11:57,240 --> 00:12:02,080 legs waiting for him in his kitchen, he had simply walked back into his bedroom and slammed 190 00:12:02,080 --> 00:12:03,080 the door. 191 00:12:03,080 --> 00:12:10,280 It had been a long hour before Frankie faded back into his dimension of emptiness. 192 00:12:10,280 --> 00:12:14,740 This seemed more or less to be the right amount of surprise. 193 00:12:14,740 --> 00:12:19,600 Frankie continued to appear in the apartment at the same time every day, spooked Robert, 194 00:12:19,600 --> 00:12:22,660 then faded back into the void. 195 00:12:22,660 --> 00:12:27,620 Before too long, Robert began adjusting to the schedule, so Frankie had to keep thinking 196 00:12:27,620 --> 00:12:31,900 up new ways of popping up, or surprisingly human. 197 00:12:31,900 --> 00:12:36,680 It took a couple of weeks before Robert started asking questions, and their odd yet comfortable 198 00:12:36,680 --> 00:12:44,040 relationship began to take shape when the human had insisted, just call me Bob, okay? 199 00:12:44,040 --> 00:12:47,360 Frankie found it surprising that four years had gone by. 200 00:12:47,360 --> 00:12:52,360 For Bob it had been four years, but it had only been an hour a day for Frankie, only 201 00:12:52,360 --> 00:12:56,620 about sixty days, when Frankie spent a long time working out the math. 202 00:12:56,620 --> 00:13:02,180 It took him so long, in fact, that when he arrived at the total of about sixty days, 203 00:13:02,180 --> 00:13:07,600 the void was fading again, and he found himself sitting on the small couch in Bob's living 204 00:13:07,600 --> 00:13:08,600 room. 205 00:13:08,600 --> 00:13:12,820 Before he could think of a good prank, Bob walked into the living room holding up a black 206 00:13:12,820 --> 00:13:17,740 t-shirt with a huge, brutal looking knife printed on it. 207 00:13:17,740 --> 00:13:23,640 He tossed it at the ghost, and the shirt landed inelegantly over Frankie's left eye hole. 208 00:13:23,640 --> 00:13:24,900 Yes! 209 00:13:24,900 --> 00:13:25,940 How was it? 210 00:13:25,940 --> 00:13:27,300 Did they play a good set? 211 00:13:27,300 --> 00:13:28,940 Any of their older stuff? 212 00:13:28,940 --> 00:13:31,680 The ghost chattered excitedly. 213 00:13:31,680 --> 00:13:34,580 Bob recounted the details of the concert for a while. 214 00:13:34,580 --> 00:13:38,460 He seemed distracted, but Frankie kept asking questions. 215 00:13:38,460 --> 00:13:40,180 Eventually the human waved his hands. 216 00:13:40,180 --> 00:13:43,860 Wait, I'm getting sidetracked, and we only have so much time. 217 00:13:43,860 --> 00:13:46,420 I gotta tell you something, Frankie. 218 00:13:46,420 --> 00:13:49,100 Wife with the big knife isn't breaking up, is it? 219 00:13:49,100 --> 00:13:50,760 The ghost gasped. 220 00:13:50,760 --> 00:13:53,060 That would be the absolute worst! 221 00:13:53,060 --> 00:13:55,860 No, nothing to do with that. 222 00:13:55,860 --> 00:13:58,860 Good, Frankie sighed. 223 00:13:58,860 --> 00:14:03,380 So remember how I said I'd been here almost four years? 224 00:14:03,380 --> 00:14:06,260 Yeah, I was just thinking about that in the void. 225 00:14:06,260 --> 00:14:09,220 I still feel bad about the fire prank. 226 00:14:09,220 --> 00:14:13,620 I still feel weird that a ghost saw my dong. 227 00:14:13,620 --> 00:14:18,380 Frankie and Bob exchanged an uncomfortable look as they both realized that no amount 228 00:14:18,380 --> 00:14:21,980 of time would make that memory less awkward. 229 00:14:21,980 --> 00:14:27,620 Anyway, things are getting serious with me and Maddie, and I asked her last night about 230 00:14:27,620 --> 00:14:28,940 moving in together. 231 00:14:28,940 --> 00:14:33,380 Frankie teleported around the living room with Glee before he settled on top of the 232 00:14:33,380 --> 00:14:34,380 TV. 233 00:14:34,380 --> 00:14:38,120 Ah yeah, Maddie is awesome! 234 00:14:38,120 --> 00:14:39,380 This will be great! 235 00:14:39,380 --> 00:14:42,620 Maybe she can start showing me some of those movies she was telling me about. 236 00:14:42,620 --> 00:14:44,820 When is she moving in? 237 00:14:44,820 --> 00:14:52,500 So Maddie's place is actually closer to where I work, and it's way bigger. 238 00:14:52,500 --> 00:14:56,200 Plus my lease is over at the end of the month, so... 239 00:14:56,200 --> 00:15:00,620 Bob paused, hoping that Frankie would take the hint, but the ghost was still cheerily 240 00:15:00,620 --> 00:15:04,020 tapping his ghost feet on the TV screen. 241 00:15:04,020 --> 00:15:09,860 I'm actually moving in with Maddie at the end of the month. 242 00:15:09,860 --> 00:15:11,820 Frankie stopped swinging his legs. 243 00:15:11,820 --> 00:15:15,100 Wait, but...Bob grimaced. 244 00:15:15,100 --> 00:15:16,100 I know! 245 00:15:16,100 --> 00:15:19,420 I knew this would upset you, but I didn't want to be a dick and tell you at the last 246 00:15:19,420 --> 00:15:20,580 second. 247 00:15:20,580 --> 00:15:23,300 Me and Maddie literally agreed on it last night. 248 00:15:23,300 --> 00:15:26,220 We talked about it a little bit before, but... 249 00:15:26,220 --> 00:15:29,060 Frankie started floating in nervous circles. 250 00:15:29,060 --> 00:15:34,280 But...but...but you've always been here, the ghost muttered. 251 00:15:34,280 --> 00:15:37,260 Only for the last four years, actually. 252 00:15:37,260 --> 00:15:42,420 But I was never here before you were here, Frankie continued. 253 00:15:42,420 --> 00:15:44,500 You mean you weren't in this apartment before? 254 00:15:44,500 --> 00:15:45,500 Yes. 255 00:15:45,500 --> 00:15:46,500 No. 256 00:15:46,500 --> 00:15:48,500 Both, I mean. 257 00:15:48,500 --> 00:15:49,780 Both. 258 00:15:49,780 --> 00:15:52,820 I wasn't in this apartment, and I wasn't...anywhere. 259 00:15:52,820 --> 00:15:55,300 I don't think. 260 00:15:55,300 --> 00:15:57,820 The ghost sounded panicked. 261 00:15:57,820 --> 00:16:01,140 So you died just before I moved in? 262 00:16:01,140 --> 00:16:03,420 I don't know. 263 00:16:03,420 --> 00:16:05,420 Did you live here before me? 264 00:16:05,420 --> 00:16:06,420 Dunno. 265 00:16:06,420 --> 00:16:09,540 Well, when I move out... 266 00:16:09,540 --> 00:16:11,820 I don't fucking know! 267 00:16:11,820 --> 00:16:15,300 Frankie suddenly shouted, inches away from Robert's face. 268 00:16:15,300 --> 00:16:19,700 There was a long silence as the ghost and the human stared at each other. 269 00:16:19,700 --> 00:16:24,420 Frankie's form was expanding and contracting as though the ghost were breathing heavily, 270 00:16:24,420 --> 00:16:27,260 which of course was impossible. 271 00:16:27,260 --> 00:16:31,700 You...you can't go, Frankie said finally. 272 00:16:31,700 --> 00:16:34,640 Man, I can't stay here forever. 273 00:16:34,640 --> 00:16:39,500 This apartment is tiny, and why can't she just move in here? 274 00:16:39,500 --> 00:16:41,300 It's way too small, Frankie. 275 00:16:41,300 --> 00:16:44,860 I mean, you can make it work, it's not that bad. 276 00:16:44,860 --> 00:16:48,620 Yeah, but...even if it wasn't happening now... 277 00:16:48,620 --> 00:16:53,020 Someday, dude, I'm just gonna have to... 278 00:16:53,020 --> 00:16:56,140 But what's going to happen to me? 279 00:16:56,140 --> 00:16:59,820 Frankie shouted again, and then vanished completely. 280 00:16:59,820 --> 00:17:04,700 The living room was gone, and Frankie found himself back in the void, filled with questions 281 00:17:04,700 --> 00:17:08,020 and fears with nothing to pacify them. 282 00:17:08,020 --> 00:17:14,660 The ghost decided he had about a month, twenty-six more hours, in fact, to change Bob's mind, 283 00:17:14,660 --> 00:17:19,780 and spent his interval in the void devising clever arguments and good solid reasons why 284 00:17:19,780 --> 00:17:22,220 moving was a terrible idea. 285 00:17:22,220 --> 00:17:27,260 He reappeared, this time in Bob's bedroom, to find the human already sitting on the end 286 00:17:27,260 --> 00:17:30,060 of the bed, waiting for Frankie. 287 00:17:30,060 --> 00:17:32,860 Okay, so... 288 00:17:32,860 --> 00:17:36,660 Sorry if I got heated, but I had some time to think. 289 00:17:36,660 --> 00:17:40,500 Frankie started as he hovered back and forth across the room. 290 00:17:40,500 --> 00:17:46,020 Bob put his hands up and covered his face, his voice muffled through his hands. 291 00:17:46,020 --> 00:17:48,580 I'm definitely moving, Frankie. 292 00:17:48,580 --> 00:17:50,780 I finalized it with the landlord. 293 00:17:50,780 --> 00:17:53,740 She's got someone new moving in at the start of next month. 294 00:17:53,740 --> 00:17:56,620 But what if they suck? 295 00:17:56,620 --> 00:17:59,020 I'm sorry, Frankie. 296 00:17:59,020 --> 00:18:02,540 What if I stop fucking existing, Robert? 297 00:18:02,540 --> 00:18:05,300 Fuck off, that's not my problem! 298 00:18:05,300 --> 00:18:10,260 The ghost shuddered, turned invisible, and remained in that state until he returned to 299 00:18:10,260 --> 00:18:12,260 the void. 300 00:18:12,260 --> 00:18:17,340 Over the following weeks, 6am to 7am became tense. 301 00:18:17,340 --> 00:18:21,860 Frankie alternated back and forth between anger and sulking silence. 302 00:18:21,860 --> 00:18:26,080 There were mornings where all of the cabinets in Bob's kitchen continuously slammed for 303 00:18:26,080 --> 00:18:27,840 an hour. 304 00:18:27,840 --> 00:18:32,900 On a different morning, Frankie left an angry note scribbled in the fog on the bathroom 305 00:18:32,900 --> 00:18:33,900 mirror. 306 00:18:33,900 --> 00:18:38,540 It was exceptionally hard to read, however, and Frankie knew that the message failed when 307 00:18:38,540 --> 00:18:41,580 Bob emerged from the bathroom asking out loud, 308 00:18:41,580 --> 00:18:44,340 How would I even choke on a deck? 309 00:18:44,340 --> 00:18:47,140 I don't have a deck! 310 00:18:47,140 --> 00:18:52,020 Most days, though, Frankie slumped invisibly in a corner, waiting for 7am to whisk away 311 00:18:52,020 --> 00:18:54,580 his awkward visits. 312 00:18:54,580 --> 00:18:58,940 On the day before the move, Frankie decided to lurk on top of the fridge and dump the 313 00:18:58,940 --> 00:19:04,700 fruit bowl on Bob's head once the unsuspecting human reached up for some. 314 00:19:04,700 --> 00:19:09,420 The ghost haunted impatiently, but Bob did not appear in the kitchen. 315 00:19:09,420 --> 00:19:14,540 Invisible, Frankie phased through the bedroom door, preparing to catch Bob completely off 316 00:19:14,540 --> 00:19:16,020 guard. 317 00:19:16,020 --> 00:19:18,480 But it was Frankie who was unprepared. 318 00:19:18,480 --> 00:19:22,900 He found Bob sitting on the end of the bed, face buried in the Wife with the Big Knife 319 00:19:22,900 --> 00:19:24,900 T-shirt. 320 00:19:24,900 --> 00:19:29,900 The human's shoulders shook slightly as he used the shirt to muffle his crying. 321 00:19:29,900 --> 00:19:30,900 Frankie was stunned. 322 00:19:30,900 --> 00:19:33,220 He'd never seen Bob like this. 323 00:19:33,220 --> 00:19:38,900 He phased back into the kitchen sheepishly, and at 7am, he faded into the void, full of 324 00:19:38,900 --> 00:19:41,560 regret. 325 00:19:41,560 --> 00:19:44,860 Frankie sat in the void, cursing his own selfishness. 326 00:19:44,860 --> 00:19:47,660 He'd been so angry and afraid. 327 00:19:47,660 --> 00:19:53,260 Now though, he was just angry at himself for having wasted so much time. 328 00:19:53,260 --> 00:20:00,460 One day left before the move, and he only now realized that Bob was also afraid, unsure 329 00:20:00,460 --> 00:20:04,580 of what the consequences of his decision would be. 330 00:20:04,580 --> 00:20:08,100 It felt like an eternity before 6am. 331 00:20:08,100 --> 00:20:13,340 The radio in the kitchen was already switched on, with some energetic voice selling some 332 00:20:13,340 --> 00:20:16,140 inconsequential product. 333 00:20:16,140 --> 00:20:19,140 Frankie sat himself on the kitchen counter and waited. 334 00:20:19,140 --> 00:20:22,660 The room was bare, save for a few essentials. 335 00:20:22,660 --> 00:20:27,540 Frankie had never realized how much a simple thing like a fridge magnet or a wall calendar 336 00:20:27,540 --> 00:20:35,800 added to a space, or how empty that same space looked, without those simple, familiar things. 337 00:20:35,800 --> 00:20:38,020 Bob shuffled into the kitchen. 338 00:20:38,020 --> 00:20:41,420 He and Frankie stared at each other for a moment. 339 00:20:41,420 --> 00:20:48,660 What, no horrific visions today? the human asked, pouring himself a cup of coffee. 340 00:20:48,660 --> 00:20:53,060 Didn't feel like it today, Frankie offered glumly. 341 00:20:53,060 --> 00:20:55,060 Fair enough. 342 00:20:55,060 --> 00:20:57,660 Bob took a seat at the kitchen table. 343 00:20:57,660 --> 00:21:01,660 So, that t-shirt you got me. 344 00:21:01,660 --> 00:21:02,660 Take it with you. 345 00:21:02,660 --> 00:21:06,180 I can't wear it anyway, said the ghost awkwardly. 346 00:21:06,180 --> 00:21:07,180 You sure? 347 00:21:07,180 --> 00:21:08,620 It's yours. 348 00:21:08,620 --> 00:21:12,260 Yeah, if you don't want it, Maddie can have it. 349 00:21:12,260 --> 00:21:13,900 Thanks man. 350 00:21:13,900 --> 00:21:16,140 Yeah. 351 00:21:16,140 --> 00:21:22,060 The two existed without speaking, Bob sipping at his coffee as the radio offered music that 352 00:21:22,060 --> 00:21:25,700 neither of them particularly liked. 353 00:21:25,700 --> 00:21:28,060 I would settle for empty shoe. 354 00:21:28,060 --> 00:21:29,060 Frankie sighed. 355 00:21:29,060 --> 00:21:30,060 Same. 356 00:21:30,060 --> 00:21:34,780 I mean, I say settle, but it is a good song. 357 00:21:34,780 --> 00:21:41,580 Talking seemed to pass the time too quickly, but silence was painful and bit sharply. 358 00:21:41,580 --> 00:21:44,700 Frankie was sure that Bob was feeling it too. 359 00:21:44,700 --> 00:21:49,920 The ghost tried to avoid looking at the microwave clock, but it was impossible. 360 00:21:49,920 --> 00:21:55,340 As the longest, short hour was nearing its end, Frankie hopped off the counter. 361 00:21:55,340 --> 00:21:57,660 I'm off. 362 00:21:57,660 --> 00:22:00,980 Say hi to Maddie for me, the ghost offered. 363 00:22:00,980 --> 00:22:02,620 Yeah. 364 00:22:02,620 --> 00:22:03,620 Take care, Frankie. 365 00:22:03,620 --> 00:22:06,660 The ghost gave a slight nod. 366 00:22:06,660 --> 00:22:10,580 Bye, Bob, said Frankie. 367 00:22:10,580 --> 00:22:12,260 See ya, weirdo. 368 00:22:12,260 --> 00:22:14,740 Bob waved. 369 00:22:14,740 --> 00:22:17,260 And the kitchen faded away. 370 00:22:17,260 --> 00:22:23,260 The void was bigger, deeper, and more encompassing than Frankie remembered. 371 00:22:23,260 --> 00:22:25,940 The ghost focused on his favorite song. 372 00:22:25,940 --> 00:22:30,500 There was nothing else to do, and he wanted to make sure he remembered every word and 373 00:22:30,500 --> 00:22:32,140 note. 374 00:22:32,140 --> 00:22:38,700 The worry, doubt, and fear all felt like a terrible weight, poised to crush the ghost 375 00:22:38,700 --> 00:22:42,540 if he allowed his thoughts to linger on those feelings for too long. 376 00:22:42,540 --> 00:22:48,860 As he started thinking about the song, very slowly, he started to realize that he wasn't 377 00:22:48,860 --> 00:22:51,700 just thinking about it. 378 00:22:51,700 --> 00:22:59,260 He could faintly hear the first few opening notes of Bottles Under Burdens. 379 00:22:59,260 --> 00:23:06,740 Frankie's anxious feelings melted away, replaced with warm comfort as the void gently faded 380 00:23:06,740 --> 00:23:12,980 out and the song became louder. 381 00:23:12,980 --> 00:23:16,460 Hmm. 382 00:23:16,460 --> 00:23:22,940 I wonder where Frankie ended up. 383 00:23:22,940 --> 00:23:28,420 Well, fortunately you and I have had a much less awkward first meeting. 384 00:23:28,420 --> 00:23:30,180 I think so anyway. 385 00:23:30,180 --> 00:23:32,660 I hope you've enjoyed today's story. 386 00:23:32,660 --> 00:23:37,860 This tower is filled with every type of story that you could possibly imagine. 387 00:23:37,860 --> 00:23:42,420 So if there's a sort of story you would like to hear, please do let me know, and I would 388 00:23:42,420 --> 00:23:45,980 be more than happy to find one to suit your request. 389 00:23:45,980 --> 00:24:10,940 For now, be well, and carry today's story in your heart. 390 00:24:10,940 --> 00:24:17,500 Frankie's tale has ended, but return once again to this place where you are considered 391 00:24:17,500 --> 00:24:18,500 a friend. 392 00:24:18,500 --> 00:24:32,260 Return to this tower and its mysterious dweller for more from the library of The Second Storyteller. 393 00:24:32,260 --> 00:24:35,540 Thank you for listening to The Second Storyteller. 394 00:24:35,540 --> 00:24:42,540 If you have a prompt for a story, please send it to thesecondstoryteller at gmail.com. 395 00:24:42,540 --> 00:24:47,980 If your prompt is selected, your name will be credited at the end of the episode. 396 00:24:47,980 --> 00:24:55,460 Today's prompt was Ghosts, submitted by Aster C. If you would like to help support the future 397 00:24:55,460 --> 00:25:02,460 of this podcast, please consider becoming a patron by going to patreon.com slash the 398 00:25:02,460 --> 00:25:13,100 second storyteller. 399 00:25:13,100 --> 00:25:18,300 The Second Storyteller podcast and the featured stories were written and created by Katie 400 00:25:18,300 --> 00:25:19,700 Chacon. 401 00:25:19,700 --> 00:25:23,700 The role of the second storyteller is played by Charles Scott. 402 00:25:23,700 --> 00:25:28,380 Today's voice of the story was provided by Katie Chacon. 403 00:25:28,380 --> 00:25:33,300 The voice of the intro and outro is Chris Camp, and you can find the fantastic games 404 00:25:33,300 --> 00:25:42,100 he's worked on at rix.itch.io. 405 00:25:42,100 --> 00:25:49,580 The music was written by Finton, who can be found at garbagebag.itch.io. 406 00:25:49,580 --> 00:25:55,940 The second storyteller will return next month with more magic, fun, and of course, a story 407 00:25:55,940 --> 00:25:59,380 to tell.