Portance of Fear is a horror fiction podcast
which is intended for mature audiences. Discretion
is advised. Welcome, fearlings, to another weird
and horrifying tale made just for you. I am your
host, Mashulu, and I'll be your guide into the
macabre and mysterious. Tonight's story recounts
what really happened to Stalin after he died
in the 1956 classic horror movie, Stalin's Brain.
Before we get started, take a moment to like,
subscribe, and ring that notification bell so
you don't miss a single terrifying story. Deep
below Moscow, two scientists stood in front of
a brass cylinder filled with a greenish ichor.
On its top, tubing and wires connected to a terminal
a few feet away, powering the life within. At
its bottom, a speaker and microphone to facilitate
communication with its occupant. On the sides,
acid nozzles to punish those who fail it. And
in the center, a glass window framed by steel
and bolts, revealing the cylinder's diabolical
contents. Inside this monstrous contraption lives
Stalin's brain, plotting the downfall of the
American empire. One of the two lab -coated men
stepped forward, peering through the glass. Sir,
we have good news. A suitable vessel for your
communist intellect has been found. Dr. Petrov
was the lead necromantic scientist for the Red
Army. Finally, after all these years floating
in this wretched tube, I'll be human again. Where
does this person live? The second scientist approached.
He had been tasked to give the bad news. This
is where it gets a bit tricky, sir. He's an American
teenager, Dr. Ivanov said. Stalin, even in this
state, could have a person beaten to death. Dr.
Ivanov had seen it done. It was unpleasant. He
held his breath. A capitalist? No, it can't be.
I spent a lifetime hating those guys. Stalin's
green goo bubbled with indignation. Well, sir,
he won't be a capitalist after we replace his
brain with yours. He'll be dead, Dr. Petrov added
quickly. Dead capitalists were always a good
way to win Stalin over. True, true, okay. When
can we get this American to Moscow? I really
want legs to dance with again. That's the next
issue, sir. The U .S. is winning the Cold War
largely due to the lack of your amazing leadership.
Kidnapping an American teen isn't as easy as
it was ten years ago. We believe it would be
better if we took you to the U .S., Dr. Ivanov
stated nervously. The sound of a servo activated
as Stalin aimed his acid nozzle at the scientist.
How dare this worm suggest that he sneak into
America? He would ride into New York on a tank.
That had been offloaded from a boat, of course.
Dr. Petrov threw up his hands. No, please, don't
spray acid on another one of my assistants. I
just got this one trained. Fine. Begrudgingly,
Stalin lowered his acid nozzle. He really liked
spraying people with acid. It brought him great
joy. The screaming reminded him of happier times.
If it means having a body, I will suffer the
indignity of sneaking into America. Where does
this teenager live? Anywhere USA, sir, Dr. Ivanov
stated. Fine. We leave Monday. Let him enjoy
a final weekend of capitalism, for soon his skull
will be the seat of its demise. Susie, Chip,
Buzz, and Ethel sat in Gus's diner waiting for
their favorite song to play, You're Gonna Be
Poor and Alone Someday by The Morbids. The place
was hopping, packed with students from Taylor
High. After school milkshakes, rock and roll,
and gossiping were a daily tradition. Chip stared
at Susie. Ethel stared at Buzz. Susie kept glancing
between Chip and Ethel. Buzz looked off into
the distance with ennui. Buzz, Ethel blurted
out. Oh, sorry, babe. What do you need? Buzz
replied. We've been going steady for three months.
Would you let me wear your Letterman jacket next
week? It's the week before prom, after all, Ethel
reminded him. I mean, you haven't asked me to
prom yet, but I would like to still wear the
jacket if that's okay. Wait, Buzz, haven't you
asked your girl to prom? It's all they live for
senior year, Chip confidently stated. I wouldn't
go that far. We have bigger dreams than prom,
Susie protested. Are you alluding to marriage,
Susie? That's the only thing more important to
a young woman than prom. I've been dreaming of
prom since seventh grade. What dress I'd wear,
the music they'd play, the food. It's going to
be dreamy, Ethel gushed. Her mind drifted to
a fantasy of a perfect night. As if on cue, their
favorite song, You're Gonna Be Poor and Alone
Someday, started to play. Half the diner broke
into dance, while the other half looked solemnly
into their milkshakes, lamenting a loss never
spoken. It was a big hit. Finally, our song,
Ethel squealed. Buzz didn't respond. His milkshake
held his attention as the raw rockabilly beat
of the Morbids filled his soul with dread. He
never understood how one band could just get
him. Buzz, what's going on with you? It's Friday
afternoon. We have the big game next week, then
prom. Your girl is into you. Why so glum, chum?
Chip inquired. I talked with Sanders about Vietnam.
They just gained independence from France. It's
good the killing has stopped, but for how long?
I'm concerned about the instability of the region
and what it means for everyone's future. The
US and Russia are locked in a cold war, each
funneling cash into smaller nations in an attempt
to shape its ideological narrative. I believe
Vietnam could be a flashpoint soon between the
US and them. I think it's a bleak future awaiting
us. Right. You need to stop reading the paper.
Now, are you taking Ethel to the prom or what?
Chip asked. Chip didn't get Buzz. Sure, he was
a great athlete, but that brain of his thought
too much. Always talking about political stuff
that made Chip's head hurt. Buzz looked at Ethel
sitting next to him. Yeah, yes, of course. Babe,
can you wear my Letterman jacket next week, as
long as you promise to go to prom with me? Buzz
forced a smile. Ethel lit up. Finally, he asked,
and it only took some gentle nudging, she thought.
Oh, Buzz, thank you. I'm the happiest girl in
anywhere USA. Ethel proceeded to side hug him,
planting a kiss on his cheek. Susie rolled her
eyes. Chip sat back with undeserved pride. Buzz
kept smiling to hide his fears of oncoming wars.
Susie lived in the largest house in town. Her
father was the mayor, her mother a housewife.
Saturday night, Ethel was sleeping over. She
often did. Ethel's parents both worked. Her dad
was a lineman for the electric company, and her
mom was a waitress at Lenny's. Ethel spent most
nights alone, dreaming of being swept away by
Buzz and living happily ever after. The night
was young. Susie's room had powder blue walls
adorned with pictures of the Morbids. The two
girls sat on Susie's bed, wrapped in robes, hair
in curlers, nails freshly painted, gossiping.
How was your date with Chip last night? Ethel
asked. It was okay. He really wants to run the
bases, but I told him no. I want my first time
to be magical, not in the back of his truck,
Susie answered. The nerve. Buzz never tries to
go past first base with me. He's a gentleman.
S -E -X is for married women. My dad always says
that good girls wait for husbands, easy girls
get hurt, Ethel stated proudly. She knew the
rules. Follow them and the world is your oyster.
Though she did wonder why S -E -X was so bad.
I don't buy that for a second. Adults are always
telling teens not to do what they do. It's my
belief women should be free to have S -E -X with
whomever they want, whenever they want. S -E
-X before marriage isn't a bad thing, Ethel.
I just don't think Chip is the one. Though I
do let him get to third base. Ethel wondered
what was at third base. First was kissing. Second
was a hand under the bra. But third? No clue.
I don't know. Life as an adult seems so complicated.
Susie, can I ask you something? Of course. What's
third base? Lean back, I'll show you, Susie said
with a smile. The team and the cheerleaders sat
around a bonfire drinking cold beers they had
stolen from their parents. A car radio blared
music several feet away. The lake shimmered with
moonlight. The night was perfect. Ironically,
Buzz was the only one not drinking. Chip made
sure to drink Buzz's share. My girl's great,
I'm telling ya. Susie loves third base. I just
wish she'd let me go all the way, Chip bragged.
Buzz sat on a rock near the shore, looking at
the moon hanging in the star -packed sky. Without
looking at his friend, he responded. If she's
so great, why did you make out with Tammy when
we got here? Buzz asked. Because what Susie doesn't
know can't hurt her. Besides, Tammy says I don't
have to wait to hit a home run. Susie keeps saying
no. She's just a good girl. Great to marry, but
no fun, Chip replied. He wasn't going to feel
guilty about being a red -blooded American. Susie
isn't a good or bad girl. She's your girlfriend.
What you're doing is wrong. Either be with Susie
or be with Tammy. Why pick when I can have both?
Tammy's fine with not telling people about us,
so Susie will never know, Chip insisted. Gossip
will get back to Susie. It's the law of high
school. As long as she doesn't find out before
prom, it doesn't matter. What's with you lately?
You've always been a bit of a buzzkill, but not
this bad. Chip had inadvertently coined a phrase
decades before its time, but that night it would
die on the vine. Buzz ignored the pun. I've just
been thinking about the future. My dad died during
the war. I was two. I never met him. I wish I
had. Oh, okay. The best thing to do when you're
upset is to push it deep down inside you. That
way you don't have to deal with it. Plus, other
people don't have to hear about it. Everyone
wins, Chip said. Buzz sighed. The week had been
hard for Stalin's brain. Traveling across the
ocean disguised as an espresso machine was humiliating.
Then he was sent to the wrong anywhere. The baggage
people in New York misread his tag. It took three
days for his scientists to track him down. He
later learned there was a city called Anywhere
in every state. He asked them how they could
be sure that this was the right city. How did
they even find this teenager in the first place?
Their answers were vague. He felt they were just
hand -waving his questions away. He promised
himself that if they failed him, he'd kill them
all. After he was returned home, that is. He
wasn't going to be trapped in America pretending
to be a coffee maker. They set up operations
in an old German spy center surrounded by a pine
forest outside the town. They had learned about
it after the fall of Berlin. I do not understand
this show. How could Brenda love Frank yesterday
and then today forget who she is after a car
crash on the way to Mary's wedding, but still
show up at Mary's wedding? He did not approve
of American television, but found daytime dramas
very compelling. I don't know, sir. I thought
she was going to tell Mark that he was the father
of Trisha's child to get back at her for trying
to sleep with Frank. But the car accident came
out of nowhere, Dr. Petroff replied. He sat next
to Stalin's tube with a box of candies, eyes
glued to the screen. Enough. Turn it off. This
is just another propaganda tool used by Americans
to confuse our minds. How long till we have this
capitalist teen in our custody? Saturday night.
It is prom, so the teenagers will be drunk and
lustful, making them even more stupid. It's perfect,
announced Dr. Ivanov. That's three days from
now, Stalin's brain boomed. His goo started to
bubble. Steam escaped his top vents. Stalin grew
weary of all these delays. All he'd heard so
far were excuses. Sir, please, I know it's hard
to wait, but prom was picked for a reason. It's
at night. The kids will be distracted, reassured
Dr. Petrov. Fine, but you know what will happen
if you fail. Hours later, Dr. Petrov paced outside
the base, cigarette in hand. Sweat beaded on
his forehead, even in the cool April air. His
life was riding on this mission. Sure, Stalin
was just a brain in a jar, but his cylinder gave
him great powers. It was actually safer when
he was just a normal human. Ivanov joined him
on the porch. He's finally asleep. He seems to
love Lucy as much as the Americans. He wouldn't
go down till it was over. You look more stressed
than I feel. Should we just tell him? No. If
we told him the truth, he'd kill us both. We
have three days to find this perfect donor. At
least we know they live in this town. Dr. Petrov
looked up at the sky. It was clear. The stars
danced. He smiled for a moment. Dr. Ivanov looked
up as well, but only saw Stalin's brain spraying
them with acid. He felt ill. He often envied
his friends who died in the war. Right. A student
at Taylor High is the perfect donor. We'd just
have to find him. I wish Dr. Alexeva hadn't destroyed
the files. I get that she was depressed, but
that's what vodka's for, Dr. Ivanov said. She
was fine when she came back from America, happy
even. We should have asked for the teen's name
before telling Stalin. Who knew she'd set fire
to the building, Dr. Petrov questioned. Dr. Ivanov
put his hand on his friend's shoulder. It's not
on us. She should have pushed her emotions deep
down inside, never speaking of them, and got
on with her life. Instead, she let us down. She
let Stalin down, and worst of all, she let communism
down. For that, I cannot forgive her, Dr. Ivanov
sneered. You're right, comrade. Petrov smiled
nervously. He knew better than to disagree with
a pro -communist rant. That was a good way to
end up in a gulag. The hallways of Taylor High
buzzed with talk of the big game on Friday night
and prom on Saturday. School pride posters about
the upcoming events decorated the walls. It was
an exciting time. Buzz, Chip, Ethel, and Susie
arrived to English class. Chip was thinking about
his prom date choices. He'd decided that Tammy
would be a lot more fun to go with, even if Susie
was better looking. Buzz told him he was an idiot,
but what does Buzz know? He told Tammy he'd break
up with Susie during the week. It was Wednesday,
and he still hadn't done it. Today was the day,
he thought. He'd tell her at Gus's after school.
She'd cry, and with no date, she'd just stay
home. In time, Susie would get over it. Susie
and Ethel had been giving each other looks all
week, whispering away from the boys and acting
goofy. Ethel blushed a lot. Buzz, being melancholy,
didn't notice, but Chip did. It annoyed him.
What could Ethel be saying that was so interesting
to Susie that she'd ignore him? Until he dumped
her, she was his girl, after all. She should
focus on him. The bell rang, and a man in a white
lab coat walked in. He looked generically sinister.
The teenagers sat up and faced forward. They
knew that substitutes helped out when teachers
were sick, so they deserved respect like all
other adults. The man took to the podium and
cleared his throat. Everyone felt his gaze wash
over them. Students, my name is Dr. Petrov. I'm
an exchange teacher from West Germany. I will
be with you the rest of the week. Mrs. Baker
is teaching my class. A hand went up. Dr. Petroff
wasn't prepared for questions. He nodded at the
girl. I saw her this morning when mom was driving
me to school. How could she be in West Germany
already? The teenage girl asked. That must have
been someone else. Otherwise, my class wouldn't
have a teacher right now. Another hand went up.
This wasn't good. This time the kid didn't wait.
Isn't West Germany in a different time zone?
Your class wouldn't be in session right now.
You're right. That's right. I'm sorry. I meant
to say that Mrs. Baker will be teaching my class
tomorrow, which is tonight here, I think. He
could hear every second tick by on the clock
over the blackboard. Susie's hand went up. She
didn't wait for the nod. Shouldn't you be teaching
German, not English? Susie asked. Buzz had a
follow -up. And if you're from West Germany,
why do you have a Russian name? None of this
new adult's information held water. A murmur
ensued. Dr. Petroff had to regain control. Silence!
You will find all your classes are being taught
by exchange teachers. I hope you show them more
respect than you show me. Now, I am going to
take a roll and then you will be given a test.
You will be quiet. Do I make myself clear? Yes,
Dr. Petrov. Good. He took a deep breath and started
calling out names. He had forgotten how much
he hated kids. Lunch finally arrived, but the
normal cafeteria hullabaloo had been tempered
by speculation. Ethel, Chip, Susie, and Buzz
sat looking concerned at one another. Finally,
Buzz spoke up. Something's wrong. I don't think
these teachers are from West Germany. I don't
either. During gym, they took blood samples before
we had our dodgeball final. Why would they need
our blood, Ethel wondered. They took a vial of
my blood in science class. Then we had to do
a balance test. They even measured our heads,
Susie added. It's weird. A teacher questioned
me in the hall about prom and the big game. She
wrote in a notebook. She even asked about S -E
-X, but she didn't spell it out. The table looked
at Chip in horror. That's terrible, Chip. I think
Buzz is right. The exchange teachers are up to
something. I say we watch what they're doing
and compare notes after school. They all nodded
in agreement. The teens met at Gus's diner to
compare notes. They counted 12 exchange teachers
in total, but two, Dr. Petrov and Dr. Ivanov,
seemed to be in charge. They also noticed other
staff was missing. Principal Mackey was out sick,
according to Patricia, the office lady. Vice
Principal Shale had left after receiving a strange
call. All the janitors were replaced with fill
-ins. Patricia and the lunch ladies were the
only American staff in the whole school, but
they didn't seem worried. All the paperwork was
in order. I think the adults were drugged or
something. It's almost like that new movie, Invasion
of the Body Snatchers. You're right, Susie. It's
like the adults have been replaced. I think we
need to go to the police, Ethel said. The police
will want more proof. What about your dad, Susie?
He's the mayor, Chip asked. Yeah, I hate to say
it, but he might be the perfect person to talk
to, she admitted. The teenagers arrived at Susie's
to find a large white box truck in the circular
driveway. The group entered the house to find
Susie's mom talking with Dr. Petroff. Both were
drinking champagne. They laughed loudly before
noticing the teens standing there. Oh, kids,
it's good to see you. I think you all know Dr.
Petroff, the exchange teacher. He's having dinner
with us tonight. You all should join us, Susie's
mom offered. It is the invasion of the body snatchers.
Run, Ethel screamed. All four teenagers ran right
out the front door and sped off. I'm sorry, Dr.
Petroff. Promise soon, you understand? Of course.
Teenagers have active imaginations, the doctor
replied. They know. The police station of Anywhere
was an office with one jail cell that was always
empty. Captain Rick often said that the town
was just too good to need someone like him. That's
why he stayed. So when four local teens came
barging in with stories of Russian body snatchers,
the captain became concerned. Kids, I met the
exchange teachers. They're West German, not Russian.
Trust me, I know the difference. I fought in
the Pacific, Captain Rick assured them. Buzz
almost said something but thought better of it.
Sir, they took our blood, and now they're eating
with the mayor. It's clear that the West Germans
with Russian accents have aligned with plant
-based alien invaders. We're all in danger, Ethel
blurted out. I think you need to stop watching
those horror movies, young lady. Trust me, the
teachers are not evil, just foreign. We can't
hold that against them. This is America, after
all. I think you all need to go home, have some
warm milk, and get to bed. The group looked at
each other deflated, then nodded to Captain Rick
before walking out. Well, nuts. The adults won't
listen. What are we going to do, Buzz worried?
I know. We stake out Susie's place. When the
doctor leaves, we follow him and see what he's
really up to. It's up to us to save the town.
And prom, Ethel stated with a smile. Ethel wasn't
usually the one with the plan. It felt good.
I think that's a great idea. Chip and I will
go in his truck. Ethel, you ride with Buzz. This
ends tonight, Susie affirmed. They all agreed
and split up to save the town. And prom. Chip
and Susie jumped into his truck. Buzz and Ethel
followed behind. She had wanted a few moments
alone with him. We need to talk about Tammy,
she said coldly. Chip's chest tightened. How?
Did Tammy say something? Do girls not know how
to keep secrets? Oh, geez, he thought. What are
you talking about? There's nothing going on with
Tammy and I. Just ask Buzz, Chip stammered. Buzz
would lie for you. He wouldn't like it, but he
would. Tammy, on the other hand, she wanted me
to know all about the makeout session at the
lake Saturday. Oh no, girls do talk, Chip thought.
Look, I'm sorry. It didn't mean anything. I drank
too much. It won't happen again, Chip said. No,
it won't. You've been hounding me for months
for S -E -X. But I've always said no. It's not
that I'm some good girl like Ethel. It was you.
Chip, you never think past a certain depth. You
only think about sports or going all the way.
You're not as ready for it as you think. I'm
not ready either. Tammy says you were going to
break up with me. I'm guessing before prom, she
inquired. Yeah, but I wasn't sure I wanted to.
I'm sorry, Susie. You're swell, and I should
have told you. I'm a meathead sometimes. I accept
your apology. I think you should take Tammy to
the prom, but don't go all the way with her.
You should be head over heels in love the first
time, Susie said. No, I'd still like to go with
you. Let's finish out the year as a couple, even
if we're just friends. I'd like that tip. Ethel
stared at the box truck sitting outside Susie's
house. None of this made sense to her. Why would
exchange teachers drive around in a truck like
that? Everything was wrong and prom was only
days away. She wanted to be home combing her
hair. What are you thinking about, asked Buzz.
How weird all this is. Buzz, we are two days
from prom, and I need to know, do you love me?
I don't know. I know I care for you deeply. I've
never been in a relationship that's lasted this
long, he admitted. I just think that I love you,
but I had to drop hints just to get you to ask
me to prom. I'm sorry, I should have asked you.
You're a swell girlfriend, and I can't wait to
go to prom. Ethel grinned from ear to ear as
she turned to him for a kiss. Thank you, Buzz.
Right then, Chip and Susie got into the back
seat. We figured we should take one car to follow
him, Chip stated. That makes sense. And as if
on cue, Dr. Petroff is leaving Susie's place
right now, Buzz replied. The engine rumbled to
life. Buzz had seen spy movies and knew not to
follow too close. This would be fun, he thought.
The full moon lit the night. The box truck ahead
of them trundled down a curvy road banked on
both sides by pine trees. Buzz had stayed far
back and noted that the truck finally turned
off the main road. He pulled over to the side.
Okay, gang, I'm betting there's a driveway up
ahead. We should leave the car here and walk
up, said Buzz. Everyone nodded. Buzz took the
lead with a flashlight in hand. Susie had never
liked nature. She was a city girl. She hung close
to Chip, holding his hand. Goosebumps raised
up all over her body. Her coat was failing at
its one job. Chip couldn't help liking holding
hands with Susie. You don't know what you have
until it's gone, he thought. It was his deepest
thought ever. Ethel went on hunting trips with
her dad. She felt at home and took up the rear.
They found the gravel access road. It wound up
a hill to a large log building. All the lights
through the windows burned brightly. The box
truck sat up front. Two of the lab -coated exchange
teachers stood on the porch talking. The teens
couldn't make out what they were saying. Buzz
turned off the flashlight. I think we should
go around back and try to get in through the
basement, Ethel whispered. That's a good idea,
Susie replied. They snuck to the back of the
building, finding a basement window and door.
All four peered in. What the heck is that? Chip
asked. In the center of the room sat a large
cylinder with tubes attached to it, a sickle
crossing a hammer painted on the side. Five feet
from it was a television playing a western. Behind
it, an operating table. Several large machines
lined the walls, humming. Well, we now know for
a fact they're Russians. But what are they up
to? Ethel asked. We need a closer look, Buzz
admitted. He checked the door. It wasn't locked.
They crept in, not noticing the silent alarm
wire attached to the door. They kept close to
one another as they went deeper into the room.
What could be watching the TV from the cylinder,
they all thought. With a look, they all decided
they needed to know. They came around to the
glass window and there, floating in green bubbling
liquid, was Stalin's brain. They screamed in
terror as Stalin's laugh echoed through his speaker.
Chip passed out. The others bolted for the exit.
Two exchange teachers holding rifles intercepted
them at the door. Halt! Hands up, American swine!
They raised their hands. Through the other door
across the room came Dr. Petrov and Dr. Ivanov,
also armed. They went to Chip, who had begun
to wake. Amazing. Sir, this is the teenager,
Chip Cantrell, athletic star and perfect donor
for your brain. He's landed right in our laps,
Dr. Petrov exclaimed. Perfect. Quickly, chain
his friends to the wall. I want them to see the
operation for themselves. Stalin's brain cackled.
Chip tried to fight, but before he knew it, more
exchange teachers appeared, overwhelming him.
They strapped him to the operating table. Leave
Chip alone, you communist thugs! What has he
ever done to you? Susie yelled. Dr. Petrov turned
to her and smiled. Such arrogance. Such misunderstanding.
Capitalism is what you have all done to us. You
think you're so great, but your lives are built
on the backs of the working class. True freedom
is in Russia, where the workers own the means
of production, Dr. Petrov said with a smile.
You won't get away with this. You really think
you can invade our country and we won't retaliate,
Buzz asked. Stalin's brain's voice cracked like
thunder in the room. Hear me, American teenagers.
I, Stalin, will be returned to the living through
your friendship's body. Over the next several
decades, the Russian state will expand. Europe
will be mine, then the world. No more capitalism.
You all will grovel at my feet. Right then, the
sound of a saw started. Chip screamed as he was
pumped full of state -funded drugs. Within a
moment, he passed out. A shadow of a circular
blade slowly lowered, screaming as it cut into
Chip's skull. Chip's brain was extracted and
replaced by Stalin's. Susie wept, Ethel fumed,
and Buzz lost a part of his sanity that he'd
never recover. They tossed Chip's brain into
the furnace, laughing maniacally. Now that the
surgery is complete, we must get back to Mother
Russia. Pack the trucks and prepare this place
for burning. It's too bad these reckless teens
caused such a devastating fire just days before
prom, announced Dr. Ivanov. They placed young
Stalin on a gurney and left. They could hear
the exchange teachers packing above them. Soon
the building would be on fire and they would
be framed for it all. And no one would be the
wiser. What are we going to do? I don't want
to die. Not like this, Ethelwein. She really
didn't want to miss prom. Or let Stalin get back
in power, of course. I think we're cooked, gang.
I didn't want to die like this either, babe,
Buzz replied. The smell of smoke made its way
into the basement. Susie let out a scream and
with great force pulled her hand out of the manacle.
Skin ripped from her wrist, bones popped. Smoke
started to cascade down the stairs. We're not
dead yet, you two. I'll let you out, Susie announced.
Grabbing the keys from the table, she quickly
freed her friends. The ceiling creaked as the
building started to buckle. Quick, out the way
we came, Buzz directed. He pushed the girls in
front of him right as the building fell in on
itself. Both girls passed out. The next morning
at the hospital, Wake up, sweetheart. You're
okay now, Susie's mom said. It took Susie a moment
to come to. Buzz, she yelled. Her mom put her
hand on Susie's shoulder. It's okay. Buzz is
all right. He's in surgery right now. You and
Ethel passed out near the fire. Did they catch
the Russians? asked Susie. Yes, dear. Captain
Rick saw the fire and stopped the truck as it
was entering anywhere. They arrested all the
exchange teachers and took Chip to the hospital.
The captain felt terrible that he didn't believe
you, her mom explained. No, that wasn't Chip.
Where is he now? Susie asked, fear overtaking
her. Of course it was, honey. His parents picked
him up last night. He seemed a bit off, but the
doctor said he should be fine. He just needed
to take it easy for a few more days at home.
I bet he can't wait to see you again. You have
to love old films like that. Retro tech, red
scare themes, classic. What about you? What's
your favorite old horror movie? Be sure to tell
us in the comments. If you liked this Portents
of Fear tale, consider joining our Patreon. There's
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stories? Click on one of our other episodes on
your screen now. Good night, fearlings. Sleep
well, if you can.