Desert Skies - Chapter 23 - Sometimes You Gotta Die A Little

Episode Date: October 6, 2025

The Season 3 Premiere begins with the return of a friend, and she's keeping secrets. Arriving determined to bring her friends "home", everyone's left wondering what that means. It all comes down to trust. Ready for the ride? Join Club 86⁠ ⁠Visit our Merch Store⁠ ⁠Visit our Website Socials: Instagram, Bluesky, Facebook, and the Discord Desert Skies is made by Jared Carter. He does voices, and writes, and edits the sounds and stuff. The show is Executive Produced by Michael Freiberg. He's the one who makes sure people hear it. Music featured this episode: Gone to the Mall - One Two Feet Simple Lullaby - William Claeson The Unconquered Son - Dian Shuai Blooming Emotions - Megan Wofford Get Up and Get Out - Soleil Getting Lost - Lupus Noctei Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hi friends, it's Jared. Welcome to the third season of Desert Skies. I can't tell you how good it is to be back with you. Can you believe it's been 10 months? Isn't that wild? A few very quick things before we start the episode. First, I want to invite you to join the wonderful Desert Skies community of fans, who I affectionately refer to as Skylarkians,

in the many places we exist online. These days, I'm currently active on Instagram, Blue Sky, Facebook, and you can also join our Discord community. We take turns watering a digital tree there. His name's Piney. Find links to all of our socials in the show notes. Second, if you want to learn more about the show, visit Desert Skiespodcast.com.

And while you're there, sign the guest book. I love it when people sign my guest book. Third, I'd encourage you to join Club 86. It's a great way to support the show, and depending on the tier you join at, You get new episodes early as available. You get access to exclusive episodes and mini-series, including Game Night, and the Grief Train. You can also get ad-free episodes of burrito cookbook, commentaries, and more.

Just visit patreon.com forward slash desert skies, or find the link in the show notes below. And last, this weird little announcement, I get so many wonderful Spotify comments on episodes. And I read them all. I cherish them. Some of them are so heartfelt, but I can't reply to or publish them if they contain spoilers. So just please keep that in mind when you're leaving a comment because I hate to leave anything out. That's it. I'm done talking. Welcome back to the astral plane. Enjoy chapter 23. Sometimes you got to die a little.

Previously on Desert Skies. It won't hurt anything if you humor me by just trying to go to the red, Will it? I'm in the register. This is impossible. You can step out of the frame, any frame. Is it a good ending? A marvelous one.

You said that friendship was one of the three greatest powers in existence. What are the other two? The love of a mother and the bond of siblinghood. I'm coming, Cece. She's banished herself to the physical plane. Here it is. Your favorite place. Is that a house?

Cash. Why is there a house in your memories? house and your memories. It's not from here. It's from the physical plane. Olina said that I'm either dying or I'm waking up, which is it? A little of both. Olinis, I hand over my responsibilities to you. You are the mover of the eight sphere. Seven snake, rain, rabbit. Oh, 1979 M. 1.15. The gate opens. Forge and flora. Forge and flora. You have an invitation that needs delivering. Leave her laying here. We gotta help her.

She's not here, Mack. What do you mean? Boots and thunder is that? I don't know that I did her justice, but yes, it's meant to be her. Travelers don't usually start with the hug. Why are you smiling like that? Cash. For the best listening experience, headphones are recommended.

Hi, Oliver. It's so nice to meet you, sweetie. I know you're scared and angry. And that's okay. I've been scared and angry too. But Oliver, look at me. You don't know me, but I'm going to tell you something. And I want you to believe it with your whole heart.

Do you want to hear what I have to say? Yeah? You're safe now. And you know why? Because I love you with my whole heart. I've been waiting for you my whole life. Isn't that crazy? I didn't even know who you were.

But there was this big old hole in my heart. And guess what, Oliver? It was shaped just like you. My name is Stella, and you can call me Stella or mommy or stinky butt dark face. Oh wow, what a handsome smile you have. I'm going to take care of you now, and I'm going to take care of you forever and ever. Oh, sweetie. It's okay. Come here. Five, four, three, two, one.

There. Come on. There's someone I want you to meet. Come here. Don't be scared. She won't bite. Now, would you believe it? She just came here yesterday. And you know what? I think she came here. because she knew you were coming. Look, Oliver. She likes you. Do you want to hold her hand?

It's okay. There. Would you look at that? She thinks you're going to be a great big brother. Do you think she's going to be a good little sister? You do? Lily and Oliver. You two are going to be good,

friends. Come on, sweetie. Let's go to the kitchen. I made cookies. Oh. You want to stay here? Well, that's A. Okay. I'll bring them to you. Oliver, sweetie. Welcome home. Home. There's a way home. Cash. You know, I'm going to be able to Cash. Let me look at you. You're the same. But you're different somehow.

There's still something under the surface. The storm. But it's muted. Kind of beautiful in a way. What are you talking about? Ow! What did you do that for? Did it hurt?

I'm not sure I can even lift my arm now. Don't be such a baby. Come here Closer Lean in I love you You big dork I

I love you too Where's my hug robo girl It's right here Oh Nani Thank you for being there for us Exactly when we needed you For loving us the way you do There's no one like you

You know I mean I assumed Thank you, Tama And you? Cash. It's me, Mac? But, uh, you don't look, or her sound like cash. I'm no longer an amalgamation of soul and processing you.

Yep, you're cash. And you're the sweetest man who ever lived. And you always have been. Someone tried to beat it out of you, but they lost. They didn't count on how. strong you were. Cash? I know, Mac.

I can see it. The transition from grief is difficult to navigate. Take your time. I know you're happy to see me. Come here. I always knew you'd be cuddly. Like Winnie the Pooh on steroids?

Exactly, Mac. Exactly like that. Right on. Are you bitches ready to play, or who's this? You're... You're... I'm your friend, Corson, in the flesh. The bitch is back.

My dear, may I... May you what? Forgive me. Oh, Corson, my cheek. You're really home. You're home. This isn't. I thought you loved games. Can I give you a hug? I hate hugs, but for this, I'll make an

exception. Thank you. That's long enough. Okay. Would you care to join us for a game of Bald Dash? There's something I have to do first. Something very important. What is it? Follow me. Oh my god, these burritos are amazing! I can't believe this is what I've been missing out on. I can't believe I'm the one that's saying this, but maybe slow down a little. Speaking as someone who choked on one of these things for a very, very long time, it's an unpleasant experience. One of the only times I wish dead people could die.

I'll try to slow down, Mac. They're just so good. And it's so good to see you finally enjoying them. Which one should I try next? I think you're ready for Lawrence and Debbie. Salty and sweet and even better when you toss on. a little thought sauce. You mean hot sauce? I do not. You know about thought sauce, Cash. Helps you remember where you left your keys, but also deliciously caliente.

Ah. Cash, as much as your chewing sounds disgust me, I too am enjoying witnessing your enjoyment. Same, but Cash, as you can imagine, we have a lot of questions. I can imagine. So, do you think maybe you can answer them? I already know what you're going to ask me. And, well, I can't tell you. You just have to trust me. Okay? Wait, so that's it?

You spend all that time on the physical plane, and you come back and we're just supposed to what? Not care what happened? What you learned? I'm not saying you shouldn't care. Then what are you saying? We have to go back. Back where? Home?

What does that even mean? I... The physical plane. We're supposed to go back. The Prime Mover gave me a message. Tindy, you told me where to take it. I did. You did.

Forge and Flora. It helped me find them. The sisters. You found Zochilicune. What's your face? Siwa Kotel. Guys, I know what you're doing. You're just going to keep asking questions, and I'm just going to have to keep telling you no.

You need to stop. Whoa, whoa, gosh. Nobody's trying to make you do anything. We're just... Yes, you are. You're trying to make me tell you something, and I already told you what you need to know. And we're just supposed to what? Eat a couple burritos and then waltz our way down the road and back into life?

You just got here. And I don't know if you noticed, but this place is pretty great. We're all together. Finally. Corson's here, too. Why would you want to leave? Well, aren't you going to say something? I already said what I have to say.

Cash, sweetie. What's going on? What's going on is we need to go home. I ain't going nowhere. Fine. Then just stay here. Just stay here and ruin everything. Cash, it's okay.

If we did go back, how would we even do it? Are you serious, Tandy? This isn't okay. This isn't okay at all. Just trust me. That's not a fair thing to ask. You're acting just like him. Like who?

You know who. The prime mover. Secrets. Well, maybe he knows something you don't. Oh, you think? Do you have any idea how many tears I cried over you? How much time I spent thinking about you worrying you wouldn't come back? How much time I spent sitting next to your grave?

Wishing I could bury myself with your frames. There's a grave? Yeah, Cash, there's a grave. It's just a soldier in humanoid frame. That's not me. Yeah, maybe it's not. Those frames were my friends. Those frames didn't keep secrets from me.

You have no idea how hard this is. You're right. I don't, because I don't keep secrets from you. Mack. No, he's right. I can't tell you what you want to know. I can't tell you who you are. I can't tell you your name or how you died. I can't. There's a reason you're not supposed to know. And that's that.

That's that. Got it. Carson, where are you going? Stop fighting until I get back. I'll talk to him. No, I'll talk to him. I don't want to be in here anymore anyway. ways. Cash. Well, that was interesting. That's not cash. Yeah, it is, and I'm going to talk to her, and when we come back, you're going to apologize. For what? For lashing out at her like that. She's being mean. Yeah, she is, and we don't know why. And you're being an ass, and we do know why.

Because you're mad at her for leaving you here. You blame her for all the grief and heartache. You couldn't be mad at her when she was gone without feeling guilty. Now she's back, and you better find a better way to deal with that feeling, because Robo Girl is hurting. Or did you not see it? God, you work me sometimes. Go talk to her, and I'll reflect. Okay? Good.

Have some candy. I'm not a kid. Yeah, you kind of are. I hate when she acts like that. Acts like what? You? Oh, go to hell, Tandy. Hand me those Skittles.

Ego, man. Don't eat too many. You don't want to ruin your. supper oh you mother fuck whoa whoa there sister what is it Nani I need to find Corson Carson will be fine you want to tell me what's going on nothing's going on I'm just trying to help if Mac doesn't want to listen that's fine what do you want me to say I don't know what do you want to say nothing cash I hate keeping secrets I learned so much on the physical plane, Nani, so much.

And I can't tell you guys any of it. Why? I can't even tell you why. I would settle for even the tiniest little why. Like Y Jr. Like lowercase Y. I can see it. See what?

Your souls. Why, get out of town. How? What's mine look like? I bet it's adorable and a little scary. Like a kitten with a lion's mane and a pack of. of cigarettes rolled up in its sleeves. You have a beautiful soul, Nani.

You all do, but it hit me when I got here. When I saw Mac and Tendi and even you, I understood. Understood little case what? Why he's doing what he's doing. Who? A prime mover. And I hate it. I hate it because it requires that some things stay hidden until the right time.

I hate it because it makes it. where people get hurt, even though I know revealing everything, would only hurt them worse. You hate it because it feels like playing games with people, like we're pawns, and you're the cruel chess master. Yes, you're so cool. What? You're so cool. You're all mysterious and stuff, and you're navigating the murky waters of the human heart, and it's just, well, I'm very impressed. It doesn't feel impressive. Well, that's because you're humble.

I hear that's actually a really nice character trait. I might try it sometime. But now's not the time for humility. It's also not time to be a little snarky punk. I mean, you look like a teenager, but... I'm not trying to be a snarky punk. I'm just trying to protect yourself. I don't want anyone to be mad at me.

But what can I do to stop that? Nothing. That's what I was scared you might say. I can't think of anyone I'd read. rather have playing with my soul, cash. You know why? Because you're a good leader, through and through. You're a leader, Nani. I'm just an assistant. Uh, what? First off, me? A bossy pants? Yes. A leader, a little, but I don't like to be in charge. It's not fun. Too much responsibility, and it takes a far more serious mind than my own. A mind like yours. Why not Mac? Why not Tindy?

You know why. Every one of us has a little growing up to do, but you? I think maybe you were born grown up. I... Maybe you're right. Cash, one thing about being a leader is leaders have to be able to lead with their hearts exposed. You got no more robo-armorobo girl. Just whatever passes for flesh here.

You can't just tell us what's what, and then get mad when we don't like it. And if everyone's mad at me, you'd think that going back... to the physical plane is the right thing to do. In your heart of hearts, is it what's best for us? It is. I know it is. Then let them get mad. Let me get mad.

Let us think you're making a mistake. We'll get over it. And eventually we're going to see that you're right. I wish you could see it now. And I wish I'd worn a more comfortable outfit when I died, but here we are. I love you, Nani. Of course you do. I'm amazing.

You go talk to Corson now. And Cash, maybe you can tell him a little more than you told us. It might be some good. Yeah. Yeah, maybe so. Thanks, Nani. With Amex Platinum, access to exclusive Amex presale tickets can score you a spot trackside. So being a fan for life turns into the trip of a lifetime.

That's the powerful backing of Amex. Presale tickets for future events subject to availability and varied by race. Turns and conditions apply. Learn more at Amex.ca. Thanks for supporting the Fable and Folly Network. Here's another show we know you'll love. Dancers on the Shore is an audio drama, but we're calling it audio theater

because these are a series of short vignettes about life. I don't you ever talk to us about your home? Not much to tell. Left when I was 15. They didn't have a Negro high school at home, so I went up in Knoxville and with my cousin. Don't you know? Tell the truth. It can't hurt me now. If GL and I did something wrong, you'd beat me first and then be too tired to beat him. At dinner, he always gets seconds and I wouldn't. You do things with him like riding that buggy, but if I wanted you to do something with me, you were always too busy. I cried all the way up to Knoxville. That was the last time I ever cried in my life. whispered something in her ear.

Then she kissed her on the mouth. Aggie did not move. We were beyond the lagoon scene and it got very dark. I hope they didn't know I had seen them. I leaned back thinking maybe they would think I dozed off. I didn't want to see them. Makes me too sad. Find dancers on the shore anywhere.

where podcasts are found, a member of the Fable and Folly Network. Hey, Corson, are we going to start this game or not? My tea cooled off ages ago. I'm ready to Balderdash. Jeez, what's with the silent treatment? Hi, guys. Oh, hey there. You're probably looking for the gas station. It's across the highway there. You can't miss it. Big Neon sign. That's not a traveler, Greg. What do you mean, not a traveler? You're not even looking.

at her. Miss, don't pay any attention to him. He's in a mood. I'm in no mood, Betty. That's not a traveler. It's cash. Wait, what? Hi, Greg. Hi, Betty. Oh, my goodness. Jesus Murphy, heaven, Betty. Bless my lucky stars and pour me a bloody Caesar. Don't mind him. He's just having a stroke. Oh, Cash, it's so good to see ya. I looked everywhere on the physical plane for you. You're so young i am and i'm not it's so good to see you betty you too gregg gosh it's good to have you back and look at you little lady ain't she just the cutest betty oh she's a beaut it's been so long cash not for me i it's only been a week time is strange here i can't wait to catch up with you guys but i need to have a word with corson oh okay we'll skedaddle come on betty we can wait at the station love you

It's glad you're home. Thank you. Well, I wish I could hub. Corset, this is unbelievable. Is it? The sign, bolts and thunder, it's beautiful. Why? Why what?

Why bolts and thunder? I'm honored. I'm beyond honored. It's quite possibly the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me. I had hoped. Hoped? Do you know why I play games, Cash? You love them.

more than anything one might assume so I mean I do love them but I don't love them more than anything I don't love them more than my friends games are fun

they are creative challenging but games are also a way to escape escape the feelings of being alone of being unwanted of feeling

Abandoned. Everyone assumes that POTS and Thunder was built as a monument, a monument to your memory, and why wouldn't they? It's the only thing that makes sense to them, I suppose. And I concede they're correct

on some level, but I'd always hoped. No, believed. Believe that you would come back to us and that perhaps Perhaps what? You would want to work here With me

Corson, I would have loved nothing more Really You've been back but for a moment And already You plan to leave again I, we have to Nonsense I don't think you understand

How long were you gone, Cash? How long was it there? Six maybe seven days? Here it was ages. Ages. He wouldn't burden you with this, but it nearly broke, Mac.

And had I not had Olinus to help acclimate to his new role as sphere mover and had not had the construction of this place to keep me busy, I too may have broken. If you leave now to go back to the physical plane, you'll be gone for longer, much longer

I'll be alone until we finish our lives properly finish them no matter what happens we'll be back and we'll find you how do you know I'm sorry Corson if I had a choice you always have a choice

not this time Corson you won't be alone Betty and Greg will be here you'll have Wayway no one has seen that coyote in ages and Betty and Greg are fine people. But may I show you something? Of course.

Again. Open it. It's you. Olenis, when he still called himself grim, destroyed your register frame. It had to be replaced. The attendants and nony. They buried you. Not me.

My frames. They held a service and everything. They thought they'd buried this along with your humanoid frame, but I took it from the box when they weren't looking. I've been slowly reconstructing it. I don't know that it will ever turn on again. Why did you keep this? You were my first real friend.

You didn't treat me like a threat. You made me believe I could be more than a villain. Place it on the table. Why? Do you think you can fix it? Why are you closing your eye? My stars. How did you?

It's a gift. You can move without a body. Carson, I need your help. We need your help. We can't do this without you. Do what? Go home. Gosh, this is your home.

You've been here so much longer than... Lily. I'm sorry. That's my name. It's short for... Lillian. Lily. Your name is Lily.

And you can't tell anyone. Not yet. Then why? Why tell me? To help you realize, Corson, Cash is Lily. Lily is Cash. But I'm not this box. I never was.

It was just my home for a while. And before it was home, I was just a girl on the physical plane. And... Say what you need, my dear. And something happened, Corson. Something terrible. What was it? The less you know the better, just let me say this.

It can be undone. It has to be undone. Or else... Or else what? Just please trust me. Of course I trust you, but... And please help me. Help us.

But how can I help? You're going back to the physical plane. I cannot follow. Come on, Corsin. Let's go back to the station. I'll explain there. Maybe it's just the coincidence that... Cash, you're back.

And you brought a friend. Hi, everyone. Listen, I'm sorry for... Don't you dare apologize. I'm sorry, Cash. I know you got your reasons for not telling us everything. It doesn't mean it feels good. It doesn't.

But you've always been such a good friend to me. You've never given me a reason to not trust you. I think there's just... Man, I know this isn't fair. It's stupid. I think there's just a part of me that's still mad that you were gone so long. And another part of me that's mad that you just got back and you're already telling us we need to leave. The first part wasn't your fault and the second one probably isn't your fault either.

It's just how I feel. I think that's a perfectly normal way to feel, Mac. Thank you for telling me. Listen, when I got here, I gorged myself on so many burritos that I'm still a little sick to my stomach. As am I from witnessing it. Thank you, Corson. What I'm trying to say is this. Imagine what it would be like if you'd started out here with every burrito there was and ever would be. Sounds awesome.

Does it? Because, Mack, I was here to witness the excitement you experienced whenever a new food. flavor arrived. I mean, we were all a little sad when someone tried to go back and ended up microwavable. But that was soon replaced with your delight. Delight at tasting a new flavor. These moments have been interspersed throughout your existence here. They arrived at the right time. And have only increased your joy over time. As hard as it is, I'm not keeping secrets from you, Mack. I'm keeping secrets for you And if it helps Try not to think of them as secrets

Maybe think of them as a microwavable revelation That's meant to serve you at the appropriate time If you feel angry about that That's okay I understand It's a burden I'm willing to accept Just know that I love you guys more than anything And that I would never do

anything to hurt you. I've seen what can happen if we go back to the physical plane. And it's... Listen, if it's too hard knowing that there's things I'm keeping from you, I'll walk over to that new cash unit and write a protocol that makes me forget everything. Everything I learned. I can leave some simple instructions and...

No, cash, I don't want you to do that. Look, I'm not the smartest man. but you are I mean not a man but it's got to be hard to ask us to step out and trust and if I didn't know how much

you care about us I wouldn't even start to consider it but love plus smart that's a combination I'm willing to get behind thank you Mac so what's the answer how do we get back I don't know

but I think the answer is out there really I can get it one second Uh, not outside the station, Mac. Out there, as in, on the astral plane, we have to find it together. Oh, me and Greg can help with that. I'm pretty good at getting around, and we got the plane, too. Should I get her prepped?

Thank you for being willing, but no. We need you here, Greg. Tendi, remember what the prime mover said, the purpose of the spheres. Yeah, refinement. I've seen the spheres, guys. I know them intimately. and it's true the astral plane

isn't just some weird collection of odd spirits and beautiful locations it's a journey that's meant to remove the weight of darkness travelers accumulated throughout their time on the physical plane meant to equip them for the next life I think maybe it might equip us for the first one

so you're saying we got to go forward before we can go back maybe sometimes you've got to die a little before you can truly live So what now? You leave and We never see you again

Of course and come with us We can use your help out there Can you really? I want you with us You'd ask me to be complicit Inactions that lead to your departure Yes How can you ask me to do that?

Because You love me Oh bitch Why do you keep breaking my heart. That's what families do, Corson. Okay, Tendi and I visited the coyotes. They know what to tell Weiwei whenever he comes back here. At least I think they do. I'm sure they do.

I'm all done here, Cass. Your Skylark is ready to depart. Gas tank is full, windshield wiper fluid is also full. Should we put some supplies in the trunk? That is also full. With what? Uh... Pop the trunk, Mac. Um, no.

Mack? Fine. Okay, explain. It's, uh, one of every item we keep in the store. About six gallons of shack juice, four of each burrito packed on ice, a portable microwave. My bulk of childhood memories. My favorite rock. Mack, I'm sorry.

You're going to have to put something back. But why? We're going to get hungry. We're going to crave a particular snack. We're going to need a drink to take the edges off. Mac. What? Mac.

What? I know what you're doing. What am I doing? You packed desert skies to take with us. Like the station. The whole station. Oh, come on, Cash. Then what's that?

That is for... It's, um... It's the hose, Mac, from one of the pumps. We might need it for... Yeah, I guess we don't need it. Okay. I've brought my... What in the devil is all that?

What in the devil is all that? It's some of my favorite board games. Do you really need five of them? Five. You must be joking. I still have 25 more back in the store. You're bringing 30 games. Cash, speak some sense into this human.

I'm sorry, Corson. I think you're going to have to leave some behind. Oh. How many? Twenty. Five. I can only take five games. And what's a lot?

the bag. The bag is non-negotiable. The bag is huge. Corson? It's my wardrobe. I'm sorry, Corson. There's just no way. Just take some of these snacks out. We are not taking some of the snacks out.

Yes, we are. No, we're not. Fine. I'm not going. I'm not going either then. Stop it. Mac, 10 snacks. One styrofoam ice test with your favorite burritos. One gallon of shack juice, gas pump, Pose out. Corson, five games, three of them small, and two outfits, tops.

But if that's it, we have enough room for at least three more styrofoam coolers. Perfect. That's how much space I need. What in the blaze is full? You'll see. Don't worry. It's compactable. Okay. Greg and Betty have the rundown on running the station and using the radio. I cannot believe we're going to get to run a gas station, Betty. I know. It's like the one thing we've never done before. Person, don't worry about your game store. We'll put it to good use.

You're not stepping foot inside while I'm gone. Noted. I guess that's it. Not quite. Do you guys mind waiting here while Mac and I put some stuff back in the station? I told you that was too many snacks, Mac. Tendi. Oh.

Sorry, Mac. It's fine. All right, that's everything back in its place. Yeah, I guess it is. Come on, let's go. No. Not yet. Mac. Why? What's left? You've been here longer than any of us. I think it's perfectly normal to feel

sad about leaving. You're not? I spent most of my time in a cave, looking out through a register. But for you, this place has been like an extension of your body. I'm going to miss it. Maybe not as much as you. And besides, I can't shake this funny feeling. What? Something tells me we're not done with this place. I can feel it in my bones. I have those now. But listen, Mac, it doesn't matter how I feel about it. It's how you feel. I'm going to go outside now and give you some time to yourself.

For what? To say goodbye. Take all the time you need. Huh. Just when you think you're done grieving. All right. Goodbye, Microwave. You remember the time I put a burrito in you.

And I went to put two minutes, but I accidentally added that extra zero. Smoke started pouring out of you, and I could swear. I heard that little piece of a traveler's soul scream out in pain. Tendi said you were broken, but I told him no. Took you outside, gave you a good scrub down. Let the smell of smoke fade a bit. You were good as new. Thanks for all the good times.

Goodbye, hot dog warmer. You always flew above your station. You know that. Hot dog warmer, you were in everything warmer. The way you could soften up an old tootsie roll or make a licorice rope so flexible you could knit with it. Good times, man. Good times.

Goodbye soda dispenser. When I'd heard that fizzy sound boiling up in my cup and put me at ease, I've never heard the sound of the ocean. Not that I can remember. But I bet it doesn't hold a candle to the fizz that only you could make. Goodbye, desert skies. I'm going to miss you. I'm going to miss the smell of your freshly mopped floors. The weird sounds that came from the storage closet.

pitter-patter of Corson's rain on your roof. You've been the backdrop of all my favorite memories. You've been the place where I made all my closest friends. And now I'm going to go with them. And we're going to get a chance to live our lives again. Maybe. We'll see. I don't know what's going to happen to you, but I know one thing.

you made me a better man so long friend it's been a gas a gas and that's good goodbye and you can say that I'm crazy that you think you're not ready

but I'm telling you baby Get up and get out Get up and get out Get up and get out Get up and get out Get up and get out Get up and get out Hey Mac, you all right?

Yeah, I'm okay. We're ready to go? There's one more thing. Follow me. Your grave? Why'd you want to come here? I just wanted to say thank you to everyone.

When I look at this. grave? It tells me how much I'm loved. I'm sorry that I was gone for as long as I was. You had no control over that. Yeah, I guess. For me, it's just been an instant. And now that I'm back, I'm asking you to do something incredibly hard. In a way, I'm even asking myself. But I know it's important. We trust you, Cash. You can trust yourself, too. Thank you not. Why tell us here, cash, this sad, morbid place? Don't get me wrong, I love the vibe. But...

There's one more thing I think we should pack. Uh, her eyes went empty. Cash you in there? What in the blazes is that sound? I thought this might come in handy. Oh, hell yeah! This episode was written, produced by me, Jared Carter, the show's executive producer is the mover and shaker, Michael Freiburg. Thanks for listening. Glad to be back. Safe travels. The Fable and Folling Network, where fiction producers flourish.

After all this time, what time is it again? I feel like the clock stopped. Time was a tennis ball. We could bat round the court. Time for distraction too. Time to just sink to the bottom. Time to get to the meat of this meat. Time for Greater Boston Season 4.

That's right, on September 13th, Greater Boston Returns, with new full-length episodes released every other Tuesday. And we're so excited for you to hear it. But also, it's been three years since our last season wrap, so we're maybe a little worried that people might have forgotten about us. So we're asking for you to help spread the word. Tell your friends, tell your family, tell your coworkers and classmates, tell your cat, tell your local subway busker. But politely, and without interrupting their performance, point is, now is a good time to share. Share your love for Greater Boston on Twitter and Tumblr and Instagram and TikTok and wherever else you post things. Then come back on September 13th when Greater Boston Season 4 officially begins.