Dr. Creepen's Dungeon - S1 Ep35: Episode 35: Mandela Effect Horror Stories

Episode Date: June 24, 2021

Tonight’s first terrifying tale of horror is ''Every time I Die, I wake up in a Different Reality'' by KiddKannibus, kindly shared directly with me for the express purpose of having me narrate it here for you all:  https://www.reddit.com/user/KiddKannibus/ We then round off proceedings with ''I’ve Witnessed the Mandela Effect'' an original story by The Dormant Demon, kindly shared directly with me for the express purpose of having me exclusively narrate it here for you all. https://www.reddit.com/user/DomantDemon

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please contact Connix Ontario at 1866-531-2600 to speak to an advisor free of charge. BetMGM operates pursuant to an operating agreement with Eye Gaming Ontario. Welcome to Dr. Creepin's Dungeon. The Mandela Effect is an unusual phenomenon where a large group of people remember something differently than how it occurs. Conspiracy theorists believe this is proof of an alternate universe, while many doctors use it as an illustration

of how imperfect memory can be sometimes. Two stories for your listening to delight this evening. Later on we have, I've witnessed the Mandela Effect by the Dormant Demon, But first up we have Every time I die I wake up in a different reality by kid cannabis

Now as ever before we begin A word of caution Tonight's stories may contain strong language As well as descriptions of violence and horrific imagery If that sounds like your kind of thing Then let's begin I would introduce myself

But none of it matters if I'm not supposed to exist here Everything started on a normal sunny day. I stood in an alleyway with a few friends of mine as we talked and smoked a cigarette. Everything was fine, just one of those same shit, different day, kind of days. People eventually develop habits and routines

and sometimes life becomes a little more than a monorail video game. This is how I felt at the time, basically just doing the same thing every day, just like many others around me. It's just us, dealing with life. I was standing there, still talking to one of my buddies,

and I noticed a couple of people running by. Soon after I started to hear shouts and a lot of panic voices. One of my friends that was facing me looked upwards and started to freak out. I wanted to know what all the fuss was about, so I turned around. What I saw was one of my greatest fears. Something that many of you have probably wondered about. That simple, what if, question that is a question that is. made anyone who pondered it, scared for their own safety before,

ultimately calming themselves down and telling themselves, that would never happen to me. There's too much at stake for someone to do something that stupid. I look up to see a fucking mushroom cloud in the distance. Realising why everyone was collectively freaking out, I naturally started to do so as well. I started to run in the opposite direction, but about three to four strides in, I stopped running.

I knew we only had seconds until we were vaporized. Everything was so surreal. Not one person was prepared at all. No place to run, no place to hide. No warnings, nothing. The whole city was in a survival of the fittest state, as I saw literally herds of people running in every direction, mainly in the direction away from the cloud.

I watched a society broke down. in front of my eyes. Parents abandoning their kids, random strangers taking those abandoned kids with probably not so good intentions, people getting trampled over hundreds of pairs of shoes, including heels and boots. Bodies were literally getting crushed by the weight of all the people running to the point where blood was gushing everywhere. People slipping in others blood puddles just to join the flesh floor below. Bones crunching, people screaming for help but nobody answering. People were scattering around like bugs. I even noticed some people just praying for forgiveness while everyone around them was being gangraped right next to them. People

literally turn into animals when everybody's life is about to be lost. I was disgusted by what I was witnessing. It was the moment I hated humanity the most. It actually made me feel like we deserved what we were about to get. I know what my reaction would be if a nuke was randomly dropped on us. Like I said, I started to run with the rest when I stopped myself. That's when I got disgusted at what we'd been reduced to, and then I thought to myself, we're all about to die right now. Why spend my last moments trying to scuttle around for a rock to hide under when there is none? Just get it over with then, if death is inevitable. Well, I made sure I wasn't going to get pummeled into the ground by the desperate people and then I faced the mushroom clouds.

I closed my eyes and heard the rumbling of the wave get closer and closer. He got stronger and stronger, then he got extremely hot all of a sudden. The sounds the bomb generated were so loud, I think I went there. I touched my ear to feel a wet sensation, presumably blood. I stupidly opened my eyes and was instantly blinded by a white flash of energy, energy and a surge of sharp pain from the nuke glass that went from my eyes to the back of my hair. I felt my eyes melt out of their own sockets in less than a second. In another moment, I felt some of the most excruciating pain I've ever experienced in my life. I knew it was all about

to end. All of my skin started to feel like it was melting off me like a candle, and my body went numb, probably because the heat had burned through all of my nerves. I felt, heard, and saw nothing. I wish I could smell nothing but my own flesh smoke wafed it up into my nose and trust me if it was possible for me to wretch, I would have. I smelt like burned, charred up steak with zero seasoning. I never saw my life flash before my eyes. No light at the end of the tunnel. demons dragging me down to hell. Nothing. It was just me and the new.

The next thing I knew, I'd shot up right in a cold sweat, trying to catch my breath in bed. I couldn't believe that was just a dream. It was so realistic, I could still feel the lingering wave of fear slowly diminishing the more I woke up. The more I wake I was,

the more of a dream it felt like. You know exactly what I'm talking about. You wait from a dream when you try to remember it only for it to fade away back into your subconscious. Sometimes you remember fragments, sometimes you remember nothing. I put the strange dream behind me. I went on with my day as normally as I could. It went on eerily similar to how the beginning of my dream had got.

But that was kind of expected. As I said before, my life was just monotonic and repetitive, so a dream of me going through my daily routine wasn't unexpected. Eventually I found myself in the same spot as in my dream. The only difference was the friend I was talking to wasn't there this time. Yo, where's Charlie? I said to my other friend while taking a hit of my cigarette. My friend gave me a confused look.

Charlie? I don't know what Charlie. Well, this confused me greatly because he was better friends with Charlie than I was. All right, funny dude. You two are practically brothers. Why is he hiding at? His look of confusion didn't falter. I don't know who the fuck you're talking about, bro.

Maybe you're talking about Nick or something. What does he look like? Seriously, dude? What, Charlie, big guy like 6'3, Redhead, never wears shorts. I've never heard of him in my life. You hung over or something, bro? We did party a lot, but come on, man. It was never a Charlie.

Before I could respond to him, him. I heard a gruff voice speak up from behind me. Who the fuck's talking about me? Do I know you mothers? My friend back up instantly. I couldn't do much as he was against a wall. I turned around to see Charlie, a bit gruff looking and pissed off, but nevertheless it was definitely Charlie.

Oh, Charlie, you look fucked up, man. Didn't even take a shower after last night's beer on her. Tell Dufus over here to get his memory checked. He claims he's never met you before. My friend's eyes widened at my choice of words and just looked over at me, and then at Charlie with a panicked expression. Charlie grabbed me by the collar of my shirt. Hey, how the fuck do you know my name?

You a narque? Well, I was confused, so I tried to explain to him more. What? I'm not a narc. I'm a friend. We've been hanging out since we were kids. Remember your old dog, Daisy? Charlie grew even more angry and threw me against the wall next to my other friend.

Menacingly, he leaned in and said, You and your fru-cake friend are freaking weirdos. Now, empty your goddamn pockets. What? Charlie, it's me. I said, empty your fucking pockets. Charlie then pulled out of 45 Glock and pistol, and whipped me on the side of the head. I was almost knocked out instantly from it,

but I held on to my consciousness. My knees buckled slightly from the blow, but Charlie slammed me back up onto the wall before I could fall. I didn't understand what was going on at all. This was not the Charlie I knew. All of a sudden, my friend tried to make a break for it, Charlie proceeded to pop three shots towards him. He fell down after the second shot.

Charlie then walked up to my friend's body, dragging me along with him. My friend slowly rolled over, a small pool of blood forming under him and soaking into the concrete. Charlie raised the glock to my friend's face. Still laying down, my friend attempted to beg for his life. He started crying as Charlie slowly approached. I don't want it. Brain and blood matter splattered onto my face in clothes as my friend's face was mutilated by the His face now resembled a broken smoothie machine, dripping fluids and making unnatural noises that gradually faded away as my friend died.

I was in shock and couldn't move. I hit the floor and cried out in pain. I looked down to see he'd shot both of my kneecaps. Right there, well, boy, look what you made me do. Charlie proceeded to loot my friend's corpse, even taking his shoes. I threw them in a backpack he already had on him. He walked back over to me and went to check my pockets as well when I reflexively put my arms up in defence.

His response was to shoot both my arms as well. Boom, boom, I was in a living hell. My arms and legs felt like someone had taken a syringe of lava and injected each appendage with it. Stop fighting, bitch, Charlie screamed. He then looted me as well while I looked at my friend's dead core. Why did you have to do this? I said, my head's swimming at the fact that Charlie isn't Charlie anymore.

Why couldn't you just make this shit easy and keep my name out of your mouth? You're either a knock or someone who knows too much. Charlie, come on, man, I said, starting to sound desperate. Oh, what the fuck did I just say? You really are fucked in the head, aren't you? Man, I hate weirdos like you with a passion. What the fuck were you two doing here then? Stalking me?

You know, I could have my way with you right now if I wanted. That wouldn't be jack's shit you could do about it. But your nasty ass would probably like it. You looked down at me with disgust and spat on me. Yeah, I might be a piece of shit, but people like you are worse than scum like me. Please, you took that shit already. Just let me live. I'm sorry for ever mentioned your name.

He'll never come out of my mouth again. He looked into my eyes with his dilated, soulless gaze and smirmed. Damn right it's not. I shot upright in bed with a cold sweat, trying to catch my breath. God, this was too much. That dream felt way too real to just be a dream. I still remember the dream where I got new vaguely, if I thought on it. God, it was just like how you'd remember an old dream normally,

but also at the same time it was way. too real. I sat there in bed, started to wonder if all of the dreams I could remember in my lifetime were actually glimpses of past realities. After a long while of thinking it over, I tried to go on with my day and put the dreams to the back of my mind. This time I avoided the alleyway altogether, but was still scared if another nuke situation were to happen. I walked past the alleyway, ignoring my friend Anne Charlie, who seemed normal enough. I don't care if they think I'm weird right now. That Charlie Dream was just too fresh in my mind.

If it turned out to be a nightmare after all, then I'd explain my behaviour later. I just needed to know if it was a fragment of my mind or if I really am in some twisted version of Inception. A few moments went by and everything was normal. I walked over to my usual bus stop and stood there by the bus pole. Everyone seemed normal and just going about there. day. I looked up into the sky in every direction. No mushroom clouds, good sighed. My anxiety started

to slowly diminish as I took in a deep breath of fresh air. I felt like I'd beaten the universe. I thought to myself, yes, maybe it was just a series of bad dreams after all. Distracted by my mini-celebration, I failed to notice the speeding truck coming my way. I tried to move out of the way, but there was no chance. I got hit full force straight into the truck, and I felt all of my bones started to crumble as I flew into the air from the force. I smashed into a huge storefront window,

glass shattering everywhere and slicing my body up. I couldn't move a muscle. All I could do was bask in the pain as onlookers gathered around me. Most of them were just standing there, recording me. Still in my line of vision, I could see the bastard who'd hit me, get out of his truck, because a couple of empty beer cans tumbled out of the driver's side door,

he started to walk over. As he got closer, I noticed he didn't even have a scratch on him. Slightly stumbling, the drunken man looked over at me. Oh man, sorry about that, kid. Should have been paying more attention. He then hiccooked and stumbled into the frame that used to hold the glass, while getting back into his truck and driving off. Not one person tried to help or stop him at all.

All I saw were people screaming, Oh my goodness! Oh, call 911! And the rest of them were just recording even more enthusiastically. I looked up to see a loose and piece of glass coming hurtling towards me. I could only watch as the shard came down and decapitated me. The scientists were right. Your brain does stay conscious for a small.

amount of time before your ultimate death. I had just enough time to watch half of the crowd get mentally scarred from what they just witnessed. Before I woke up back in my bed with a cold sweat. I've fallen. I've drowned. I've burned. And I've committed suicide in multiple ways. I've been murdered by many people. I've experienced multiple natural man-made disasters. I've even seen many different wars. Seen different. governments, thrown into many different families and had many so-called friends. I've even lived in every time and era of the world that's existed or should never have existed. So, life means nothing to me anymore. Is it never end? I don't know which

reality you're from, but before the universe takes me out again, I'm going to type this up and send it out. Maybe someone can see this. and maybe someone can help me break this infinite loop of life and death. I don't know what I did to deserve this hell or if there's anything I can do to end this torture. If I die, I live. If I live, I die just to live again. I'm not afraid to die. No, I'm afraid to live.

What is it? Where am I? What is this feeling? There's no life. There's no dark, no sound, just a feeling, a consciousness. Did I die? Is this heaven? No, it can't be.

I can't move. I can't breathe. This feeling. It's like I'm trapped in my own mind, and there's nothing I can do. It feels like I'm drowning, unable to grab a grasp of air, even though my whole being calls for it. What am I? What can this be? Is anyone there? Hello? Am I even real? Well, I must be someone. I think therefore I am, right? How long have I been here for? It feels like I've been here forever, and yet I'm just becoming aware of it. Wait, memories flooding back to me like a wild tempest.

I can remember my past self. Remember the pain, the sorrow, but also the beautiful moments. The pride and passion, the highs and the lows. I can remember riding my first bike, learning to drive, getting married, our first home. Yeah, I remember that one quite well. but there's something more something powerful memory wow that's a powerful oh her how can i forget

it's all coming back to me she was my everything my being is now just filled with a formidable emotion protective nurturing sensation all i can do is think about her. My little one. My daughter, Penelope. Where is she? Is she like me now? Does she even know? Oh God, she must be so afraid, but there's nothing I can do. I don't even know where or what I am now. Christ, I don't even remember if I died, but I do remember where and when this all started. I know I'm just talking well, thinking to myself, but if anyone can hear me in this void of reason, then listen, listen to me now. I'll tell you how I think it happened. Maybe you can help me. Even better, you can bring me back.

Maybe I'm not even dead. This is just my brain keeping me going. Somehow, though, I don't believe it. This is all too vivid, too real to be made up. One thing, though, if you can hear me, but you can't bring me back, then just tell the little one. Tell my Penelope that I love her, and Daddy will find her. You need to find her. You need to. You must.

Just listen. See for yourself. Work it out for me. Then do what you must. Whatever it takes. Oh, it all started on just another normal. normal night. What I didn't know is that this night was potentially my last. Daddy, close the window. Little one barking her orders as always. I may have been her dad, but well, she was in charge.

Yes, boss. Best not to make her angry. The temperature dropped rapidly when the sunset. The curtains in her bedroom blustering in the breeze. She was tired of her. She was tired of in her bed, tired after another day of discovery. So, what do you learn today then? Before she drifts off to the land of Nod, I always wanted to know what she'd discovered. The mind of a child is like a sponge. Everything they learn and pick up develops over time and shapes their future. Little one could choose to be anything. An astronaut, a zoologist, maybe even a footballer. But judging by her duvet, she wanted to be a

a princess. I'm not pushy. I just want her to live life to the full, to capture every moment. Finding out what she learned, well, that made me part of the moment too, and I wanted to be in every moment. Today we learned about space, she said with a smile and abundant enthusiasm, which is good. It's my favourite subject too. Yeah? Sounds exciting. Maybe one day you can be an astronaut and go into space. Really? she replied with a shocked and surprised notion. Little one, if you tried hard enough, you could touch the very stars themselves. As I said that, little one just looked at the window.

Past the trees and nearby houses, she just concentrated on the millions of minute specks of light in the dark ocean that is our universe. Her imagination must have been running wild. Her smile only grew with each possibility in her mind. Then, as always, she never failed to make me laugh. I could be a princess in space. Yeah, why not? No need to kill her dreams, not yet.

Let her be a princess in space, even if it is just for one night. Come on, little one. Time to shoot off to sleep. I tucked her in, and she looked so comfortable. Her eyes still fixated on the stars in the night sky. With a kiss on her head, I leave her room. Leave her to the dreams of what could be. Night, Daddy.

Good night, little space princess. She laughs so gently. I close the door too, but not fully closed. She may be a bright girl, but like any other child, the darkness is one fear she's yet to conquer. Well, that's the end of my fatherly duties for another day. Now's a good time to catch up and some football. I go to the living room and say,

slump on the couch. A beer already waiting for me, now I remember. I got it out the fridge earlier, just before I put Penelope to bed. Nice little gift for myself. I switch the TV on, and as always, the default channel is none other than the sports station. Ha ha ha, fantastic. What's this? Kickoff been delayed? Bloody hell. I wasn't known for my patience. less so when football is involved. Oh well, not much to do. Let's see what else is on.

I flick through the stations. As always, nothing but adverts. As I'm passing through each channel, the periphery of my vision is drawn to a picture frame, sitting proud next to the TV. It's of me and the little one on holiday. Both of us selling ourselves on the beach. Bless her.

She had her leg in a cast in this photo. Broke it while on holiday. I always love this picture because, well, I just did. She showed such strong will just to continue the holiday and have a smile on her face. That picture reminded me that she's going to be okay. Such a strong character. Anyways, after being cheered up for a few moments, I went back to the monotony of changing the channel.

Rubbish, rubbish, advert, rubbish, another advert. I muttered to myself. My patience is wearing thin. Oh, screw it, I give up. There's nothing on. I have to revert to the one channel I hate, but it's always running. The news.

I don't watch much TV, so I need to keep up to date with any events any way I can. Not exactly how I envisioned my night, but well, here we are. Now for our top stories. The news reporter looks too enthusiastic. It's only news. Maybe another politician has been screwing around with expenses, or a dogs won a talent show.

The Prime Minister has said that talks over Brexit are going well, and a deal is in sight. Oh, boring. I said that a bit too loud. I listened out for movement, but looks like I got away with it. Penelope didn't hear. Always have to be careful, especially when the football's on. Also, scientists at CERN have experienced difficulties when conducting experiments. Hmm, now this is more like it.

Genuinely something interesting on the news. During recent tests, the Hydron Collider, a giant magnetic tube over 16 miles in diameter, able to send atoms at 99% the speed of light, malfunctioned and caused a power outage across the city. Professor Clive Tremaine had this to say. These tests are perfectly normal. and the odd power outage is a possible outcome with each test. Sometimes the generators can overload, which causes power surges.

The outages are down to our safety procedures being adhered to. I can assure the public that there is nothing to worry about. Well, if the professor said we're going to be okay, then we will be. But just before I got too confident, the news reporter had another guest on, just to make me question my own beliefs. That was Professor Clive Tremaine at CERN. But not all scientists are so sure that everything is as it seems. Andy Parsons, a radio presenter from the famous paranormal channel Coast to Coast, has his doubts.

Oh, here we go, a jest to myself. Coast to coast is famous of being rather outlandish with their claims. If CERN continues with their experiments, then eventually something will go wrong. Not just messing with atoms. There's potential that time and space itself can be distorted. Each time they smash these atoms, it creates a microscopic black hole. Now, luckily these are so small that they die almost as soon as their form, but... Well, what if?

What if these black holes merged or got bigger and swallowed as whole? Or change the very fabric of this dimension? God, those guys over at CERN are just not going to learn. They're trying to become God. Oh, well, that's enough of that. Remembering that the football should kick off any time now, I go to change the channel. But before I do, the phone rings. Now, I remember this is where everything changes.

I casually walk over to the phone and muttered to myself, Who could this be? It was late on a Monday. I wasn't expecting any calls. Probably one of them scammers. Telling me I had an accident and wished to help me claim. Yeah, that'd be about right. I pick up the phone, almost ready to tell some stupid salesman to get lost.

As I do, the lights around the house flicker, only for a brief moment, but enough to cause me to pause what I was doing. The lights went back to normal, so I reverted to answering the phone. To my surprise, though, there was nothing. No salesman. No one. Not even a dial tone. It was like someone had cut the cord.

I pressed the phone's dial her a few times to get some sort of reaction, but nothing. Weird. I chuckled to myself, with a nervous disposition. Bugger it. I'll look into it tomorrow. Remembering that kickoff is any time now, I thought I'd get my priority straight. I put the phone back in its charger and went and sat back on the couch. Right, enough of this. Time for some football.

Once again, to my surprise, the TV was off. I don't remember turning it off. Could have been that para flicker, maybe. No matter, I get the controller and turn the TV on. Nothing. What the hell? I was angrier rather than something. surprise now. I'm missing the football. I pressed the controller again. Still nothing. I check the

controller's batteries, then give the controller a smack, seeing if that could help. No different to kicking a tire in an old car. Still nothing. Bloody thing. Useless piece of... I get up and tried to turn the TV on from its own controls built within. I pressed the power button. Nothing. Not even a small glitch of static. What the bloody hell! I pressed the power button a few more times just to be sure. Nothing. Oh, that's it. Must have blown a fuse from that perisurge earlier. The lights were still working, though, so it couldn't have been a full power cut.

Just weird how both the TV and the phone stopped working. I wonder if next door is the same problem. My closest friend, Alex, he would know what to do. The guy could build a computer with a spoon. Well, can't leave the house with the little one on her own. Better use the mobile. I remember the phone being up in my room on charge. I rush up the stairs post-haste.

The door to the little one's room is still as I left it. Oh, best tread carefully. Don't want to wake her up. Oh, it'll be hell on earth. I gingerly walk into my room and see my mobile sitting there on the side cabinet. I walk over to the phone, nerves starting to build. This bloody thing had better be working. I mumble to myself as I walk towards the cabinet.

As I pick up the mobile and turn it on, I'm once again shocked. Nothing. I don't... What the hell is going on? My voice starting to tremble with disson. I'd left the mobile on charge since dinner, and that was hours ago. Why is nothing working? I glance around the room trying to make sense of everything.

I sit down on the bed, as I do, I notice the corner of a laptop sticking out from under the frame. Right, this has to work. I bend down and pick up the laptop. I flip open the casing, press the power button and... Nothing. This has to be a big problem. I don't believe in coincidences. The phone and TV being out, maybe, but a phone and laptop with its own power supply not working either. This has to be something big. I've got no choice. I'm going to have to wake Penelope up and take her next door with me, see if Alex is having the same trouble. With a purpose, I quickly walk out of my bedroom and storm towards the little one's room. If this is something big, then we need to stay ahead. Oh, little one. Really sorry, but I... No. My voice literally shakes.

The breath I exhale is chilled, and my heart feels like it's skipping beats, as I investigate an empty room. Penelope! I shout. The sound of my voice echoes throughout the house. No reply. I quickly turn back and run to the bathroom. Maybe she's using it, and I just didn't see her. The door is closed. Only really closed when it's being used, so, looking positive.

Penelope, are you in there? I knock on the door frantically, trying to get an answer. It's unlocked. I open it slowly, but nothing. God, where is she? A bead of sweat runs down my face. Penelope! I scream her name, hoping, just yearning to hear her voice, yet still nothing.

Then, something occurs to me. It's like my brain took a while to see it, to analyse it. But something was definitely wrong. I'd missed it at first, too occupied with finding Penelope. I swiftly run back to the room and check again. This time I notice it. The bed. It was made.

And the window was open. Oh, no. My voice, just a whisper. She's never done anything like this before. Maybe she took my comment about reaching the stars seriously. Our garage roof is right outside her window. She could easily jump down to street level without injuring herself. I go to the window to check.

Nothing. penelope my shout roars across the streets no doubt heard by everyone in the surrounding neighbourhood good maybe they can help after a moment i gather myself realizing what i have to do once again i move hurriedly downstairs my trainers waiting for me by the entrance door i put them on struggling to catch my brief a mixture of exhaustion and fear "'Right. Keys. Don't forget your keys.' "'I always left my keys in the same place. A small metallic box on the TV stand. "'I dash over to collect my keys. I kneel, legs shaking with pure adrenaline coursing through my veins. "'As I stand back up, I do so gradually. "'Giving my brain—no, my soul.

"'Enough time to take in what I've just seen. "'The photo. By the TV. "'It's just me. "'She's not there. Penelope, she's gone. "'It's just me at the beach on my own.' "'What?' "'I'm barely able to speak. "'My whole body feels light as if I'm about to collapse.

"'I'm numb from head to toe. "'How is this even possible? "'What an earth can this mean? "'Why? How? I don't even remember this picture being taken. So many questions running through my mind. Oh, this can't be. I can't believe I'm even questioning this.

Maybe I was wrong. Maybe I just caught confused with another picture. I stand up straight and look around just to clarify. I can see different pictures, frames of memories past, most of which still contain the image of Penelope. I'm not going crazy. I have to say it just to make me feel sure I'm not losing my mind. No, I'm not.

To confirm this, I dart back upstairs to Penelope's room. As I'm running up the stairs, evidence fills my mind. Her bed was there. Her favourite toy scattered across the room. She was there, and now she's gone. The door remained open from my room. my previous visit, but this time it's just wrong. I don't. Unable to finish my sentence, I fall to my knees. The bed, her toys, the pictures, the wallpaper, everything that was once

here is now gone. All that is left is a cot, empty and by the looks of it, unused. Somehow I find the strength to stand up and walk to the cot. At this point, my mind is empty. Nothing makes sense. I walked to the cot and place my hand on the cold frame. After just a few moments, I lift my hand to see the imprint left in the layers of dust. I look around the empty and barren room. Dust particles fill the space, creating a hazy, sparse fog.

It's as if this room has never been used. Not for an age. I can't take no more. I fall to the floor, using the frame of the cot to keep me upright. Whilst I hold my head in my hands, I cry like I've never cried before. I sit there for what feels like a lifetime. Unable to compute what I've seen, the very fabric of my reality changing in front of me. Even the smell of this sacred ground.

The room just feels like... Well, it just feels like death. No, no, it's not true. I struggle, but I managed to stand up, again, using the frame of this cot to support me. My legs offering only the shakiest of foundations. No, no, no, no, no. It doesn't matter. I'm a father.

I know what I have to do. It doesn't matter to me what I see. all that matters are the feelings. That's all a man needs. I can feel it in my heart. She's out there. She's real. A part of me and nothing.

Nothing will stop me. I will go out and search the very heavens themselves if I have to. I will find her. Enough. I wipe away the tears. I take another look at the cot, refusing to believe what this symbolizes. I can feel the strength building within.

Maybe it was just a resurgence of adrenaline. Either way, it didn't matter. I was going to find her. Without any further setbacks, I storm out of the room, down the stairs, with a purposeful stride. I'm going to find her. I'm going to find her.

I keep telling myself, just to keep the adrenaline flowing. I get to the bottom of the stairs when, once again, I'm stunned by what I see. It's as if reality itself has reloaded, and it's taken time for everything to catch up. The pictures are no longer on the walls. The TV itself, just a broken mess on the floor. The living room, it resembles that of a college frat house, empty beer cans, dirty laundry. God, even the walls are starting to crumble.

with rising damp and flaking wallpaper. The entire house feels as though whoever lives here has given up on living. This can't be happening. I can't believe what I see. At the moment, I don't know what this is or how it's even possible. My mind flowing with possibilities. It doesn't matter. For now, I have one purpose to find my girl.

Trainers on, keys in hand. I rushed to the door and open to the clear and silent night. The living room filled with light from the full moon. It feels like this room hasn't seen the light for some time. I walk outside and the first few breaths help clear my lungs with the smell of stagnant water and dirt. The fresh air helps slow down my heart rate. I close my eyes and try to be within the moment to help myself

be calm before I set off. As I open my eyes, the night sky opens itself to me. The scattered clouds dispersed completely, leaving in their wake the beauty that is the milky way. Light after dazzling light, the stars fill my eyes like glittery grains of sand. The street itself covered with the gleaming glaze of the interstellar light show. The princess in space.

The night sky reminded me of our earlier conversation. There was something else I noticed. It was the silence, as if a vacuum itself had sucked the soul out of this world. No rustle from the trees. No commotion from the nearby town. Not even the sound of air itself passing over my face. The world at this time just feels lifeless. The sensation of feeling like a man.

out of time soon passes. I have to start my search for Penelope. I run from the front door of my house and stand directly in the middle of the road to try and get the best vantage points of the whole street. I have no fear of being in the road. As I said, there's nothing going on. Penelope, I scream once more, the sound of my voice more than likely the only evidence of life on the entire street. I go to scream her name once more, but before I can exhale another plea, I notice a single light emerging from Alex's house. Finally, a sign that I'm not alone in this world. Like a fly to a flame, I chase this solitary beacon. Alex, Alex, I need your help. I shout ahead to warn my friend. The light to his hallway now alight.

I get close to his door. Before I can knock, it swung open. A startled, half-asleep Alex, is standing there. His dignity only spared by his dressing-down. What the bloody hell's going on? I can just about understand, Alex. His yawn muffles his words. Alex, is Penelope.

She's missing. I can't explain everything, but come on, get some stuff on. And... Before I can finish my cry, for help. Alex interrupts me. But what he says next, no matter what happens, will haunt me for the rest of my days. Who's Penelope? Spoken with no hesitation whilst wiping the sleep from his eyes. Dude, it's like 10pm and I've got to work early. Who's Penelope? What, you've got a new cat or something? A feeling of true dread fills my very being.

My closest friend, a man I have known since I was a child, doesn't even know who my child is. Maybe, maybe it is me. No, impossible, it can't be. What are you talking about? Penelope, she's my daughter. Alex looks at me, not angry or even confused. Actually, it's a look of disappointment. As if I've failed at something, and not for the first time either. Your daughter.

Oh, man. Alex pinches his nose. A mechanism of calm, perhaps. He continues to speak to me, but it's like he's talking to a patient, slowly and articulate in his pronunciations. Dude, wait here. I'm going to put some clothes on, then we can go back to yours, okay? My patience has faded. My tone quickly turns from fear to panic and firm and clear.

What? No, I won't wait here. We need to find her. She jumped out the window and now she's out here somewhere. Alex gestures to me to be quiet. Right. Stop it. You're going to wake the misses.

Alex looks back to his staircase to ensure his girlfriend hasn't stirred. Then, he focuses back on me, this time with a fierce gaze. Listen, I'm not sure what's going on with you, but it's probably to do with their meds. Meds? What meds? I'm not on any. I question, Alex, as I've never been one to take medication or see a doctor for that matter. Short-term memory loss, hallucinations. Yeah, possible side effects of the tablets you're on. It's strange, even though I still don't believe him. It is a possible reason behind what I've seen.

No, I was just tucking her into bed a moment ago. We spoke about the stars. We were... She was right in her bed. It wasn't a hallucination. Dude, I'm sorry. Your daughter and your... They didn't make it, man.

A disheartened tone enters Alex's voice. as if he didn't want to remind me of something. Something dreadful. What do you mean they didn't make it? Again, I question. I have to know. I must know. With a delay, he tells me.

There were complications. They both... Look, man, I'm sorry, but she's gone. She's not here. What sort of complications? It's true. There were complications during birth, but she'd survived and got through it. I don't know you ever told me exactly what happened. Since then you've been hiding in your house and only come to see me when you've run out of food or need to let off some steam.

Alex clearly cares for me. He's trying to be as gentle with his approach to this as he can. He takes a step forward, and now Alex is outside with me. He places his hand on my shoulder as if to connect us, to help me be as calm as he is. I'm sorry, man, I really am. You've been on some pretty strong tablets recently. They're obviously messing with you. I can't begin to imagine what you're going through. I'm sorry, look, wait here.

I'm going to put some clothes on, and I'm going to be back with you. We can chat. Look, just relax and just wait here. No. The anger, but... builds again. I aggressively brush off Alex's hand. I'm not crazy. Alex looks at me with an element of concern and fear. Fear that I'm crazy. I'm not. I just said good night to her. We spoke about school. Her smile. She lit up the room, Alex. A feeling in my heart, it's not false. It's no

mirage. It was there. She was there. And I'm not going to stop and until I find her. With that, I run back towards the road and head back to my house. No, wait, look, come back! Alex shouts his instructions from his doorway, but I wasn't about to listen. I'm going to find my girl. I'm not crazy. I'm not losing myself. She was there. I know it. The father's love is no deception. It's as real as the air that you breathe. before I make the turning to my path towards my house, I step into the road.

I canvass the entire area. With one last roar before I return, I cry out for my girl. Penelope! Any louder? I'm sure I would have coughed blood, but once again, nothing but silence. Dude, wait!

I cry from Alex. I can see him now at the end of his trunk garden, just wearing a pair of shorts and trainers as he chases after me. Just calm down. You're going to be okay. Liar, leave me alone. My voice trembles. I have to escape. He can't get hold of me. He will just tell me lies, more lies. Yes, he's out to get me. He's a liar. My mind rushing with thoughts, quickening with every moment.

Alex nearly catches up to me, but with a mad dash I make it back to my front door. With a frantic panic, I managed to find the right door key. The door opens, and, once again, I'm hit with the odour of an old, grimy house. I turn to shut the door, and see Alex is just a short distance away. No, wait!

The last plea from Alex, but I'm not listening anymore. I slammed the door, blocking his path. The adrenaline runs thin, and my energy runs low. I collapsed to the floor, and rest my head against the door. Almost passing out from the overwhelming last few moments. But, well, there's a repetitive bang on the door from Alex, keeping me from falling to a slumber.

Mate, open the door, please. No, go away, you lie. She's her. She's always been her. Listen to me. I've known you since we was kids. I was there for you when it happened. I wouldn't lie to you, man, never.

I'm sorry it happened. Please let me in. I just want to help. You said they were gone. I don't believe you. It's okay. I can't imagine what's going through your mind right now. Just know that I only want to help.

So please. open the door. Once again, I'm overcome with emotion. The tears start to flow, and with pure anger, I hit the ground with my fist. Irrational thoughts pierce my mind. Maybe I am crazy. Maybe this is all true.

Am I losing my mind? Was my brain just trying to protect me? Hallucinating? No, it can't be. I don't believe it. I can't believe it. In my heart I know the truth

I punched the floor again My fist pounds the unforgiving floor The pain surges through me Blood drips from my knuckles As the punches tear at my skin Revealing a small section of bone Pain is so real It brings me back

A new wave of energy hits me I stand up and with a fierce bellow I let Alex know exactly how I feel. Listen here. I'm going to find her. You can either help me or get in my way. I wait for his reply. But nothing. I take a look through the hazed glass of my front door

and can't seem to see anyone. Alex, you're there? Still no answer. I decide to open the door to see where he's got to. As I open the door, my vision is blurred by an almighty light coming from over the horizon. It's blinding, as if the sun itself is just in front of me. I shield my eyes from the incoming illumination. My skin notices a change in the atmosphere,

goosebumps beginning to grow, the air chills and turns to a bitter space. After a few blinding moments, the light dies down. I slowly relinquish my face. face from the protection of my hands and see the world dissolve. The sound is almost deafening, like a crash of a thousand waves against metal walls. Each wave brings a movement to the ground below. Like an earthquake caused by the sound, I step out from the protection of my house as I watch reality itself crumble in front of me. The distant hills and fields fade away, and crumble like a strong breeze on a desert dune.

The dust of this reality rise the wind, like a leaf stuck in a current. Is this, oh God, is this even real? I have to question myself now. There is no logical explanation as to what is going on. Maybe, maybe I am mad. Could this all have been a fantasy created by a chemical imbalance in my mind? Rather than seeking shelter, I venture forward and stand in the middle of the road. I look to my left, then to my right, and reality is crumbling around me.

The houses and apartments in the distance, now also collapsing to a fine dust. Let it happen. A wave of calm fills me. If this is all a dream, then it can't hurt me. Let it take me. wherever I end up well can't be any worse than this place I close my eyes and wait

for the uncertain the sound of the wave becomes more intense as the destruction around me leaps forward I'm going to find you my last words no a promise eyes still closed

it feels as if the devastation is at my feet ready to take me to the next plane of existence wake up a whisper sounded like it came from afar but surely it would have been drowned out by the incoming storm of ruin it was too quiet to hear exactly who'd said it wake up there it is again this time with more clarity wake up once more it's coming from behind me from within the house it could be a trick another way from my mind to keep me in this prison. It may feel like this is a safer bet than what's on the other side. I turn back and face the incoming wave. The house is in front of me starting to deteriorate. It will be over soon.

Just let it happen. I stay put and hold my ground. Daddy, wake up! I instantly turn to face the house. Little one! A whisper of hope. I decided early tonight to follow my heart, and I'm not going to stop now. I run back towards the house, and as I do, the road starts to collapse and fall into the blackness behind me,

each step an inch away from being sucked into the nothingness beyond. I enter the door, and once more I hear the familiar cry, the one I've been begging to hear. Please, just wake up! It's coming from upstairs, from Penelope's room. Hold on, Daddy's coming! I scream, trying to overcome the sound of destruction that lay behind me. The dust particles fill the space, with the floor itself shaking, to a point where the house was starting to crack. It's not long now. It will soon destroy me. I run to the steps, and with my last few pockets of energy, I stride up the stairs and enter Penelope.

Penelope's room. Once again, the vision of just seeing an empty cot shakes me to my very core. I look around the room, trying to see if she's there. Penelope, where are you? A desperate cry reverberates around the room. No answer. Maybe I just imagined it. Instead of seeing my life pass in front of my eyes, I just hear the one thing I need to before the end. I walk towards the cot. If this is my last action, then I want to be connected in some way to her.

I fall to my knees, holding the frame to support me on my way down. Goodbye, little one. The devastation has now entered my house. I can hear the sound of my world roaring downstairs. I close my eyes and let off one more tear before the car. close. I'm here. The gentlest of whispers fills my mind. I quickly open my eyes to a wondrous sight. On the cot is my handprint from earlier, but next to it is another, small, gentle, like the dust hardly moved, the hand pressing down was so fine and kind. It was the little one's

I'm here, Penelope, I can hear you, Daddy's here. With a surge of energy, I screamed to the top of my lungs. Wake up, dude. Alex? Come on, man, get up. It has to be him. Daddy, please, just get up. Little one, I'm here. Can you see me? Can you hear me?

I look behind me. The sound causing me. me to hold my ears to try and drown out the sheer destruction. The doorframe of Penelope's room starts to crumb. It's moving forward. As if it's attacking only me. It's at my feet. This is it. It's coming to get me.

God, wake up. Come on. Just wake up. I muttered to myself, trying to follow the instructions from the voices beyond the void. Nothing changes. I'm still here. and the destruction is nipping at my toes. I don't know what to do.

Should I just let it happen? Is there a way to wake up from this nightmare? Penelope, I love you. My last words for sure. The destruction has me. My legs start to dissolve and turn to dust. Numbness covers my body. No pain.

No feeling. Just thoughts. I turn back to the cot and smile. If this is my last memory, at least I heard her one last time. My torso is next. Then my neck. The bedroom is now completely turned to black. And then...

Nothing. And that's how I got here. If you're still listening, then, now you know. Maybe you know what happened. Maybe you can help me. But if you can't, just find her. Find my... Wake up.

Wait. There it is again. So quiet, I barely heard it. But it was there. Please. Just wake up. Yes. I heard it, much clearer.

Daddy! A loud scream from a scared little girl. I can hear her. Oh, the feeling of love, devotion, pride, and joy. That's all I am now. Not a physical being, but a collection of emotions and thoughts placed into one entity. Dude, if you can hear me, listen. Come on, wake up.

You can do it. You just have to wake up. We're all here, and we are with you. Together. Alex, he's there as well. Wait, maybe that's it. Together. combined energy

maybe maybe it was you if you can hear me if you've listened to my story and being a part of this then please help me help me wake up we can do it together

combined positive energy that's it come on say it with me wake up wake up wake up wake up

there's a feeling more like a pressure in my thoughts. It must be working, or at least something is happening. Keep going. We can do this. Wake up. Keep saying it. In your mind or out loud.

However you can communicate with me. Wake up. Wake up. There. Again, I felt something. A pull of my being. As if I've fallen down a well and just glide down to the bottom. If I had a body right now, I could swear I was free-falling.

This is it, just a little more. Wake up, Daddy! There again. She's here. I can hear her more clearly now. Come on, I can do this. We can do this. Wake up.

Wake up. Dude, come on, wake up. I can now feel warm. And for the first of the first. First time in a while, I can feel texture, like I'm gliding through a warm ocean. This is it. It has to be working. Daddy! It sounds as if she's right next to me.

Once more. All together, we can do it. Wake up. Wake up. Wake... All of a sudden, there is light. And with an immense gasp, I take my first breath. How can something so natural feel so foreign? The peculiar feeling of being, well, me again, as a whole.

I can feel my body. Each sensation brings a new feeling of wonder. My heart beating, my lungs expanding and contracting. Wherever I was, it felt like it was an eternity. For now though, the euphoria of being back is almost overpowering. There he is. His voice, so clear and precise, has never sounded so sweet. I open my eyes to take in the surroundings.

They take a while to adjust, but I can see a blurry image of a man standing over me. Come on, mate. Get up. With an element of humour, Alex gives out his command. What happened? My own voice seems... different. Maybe it's because I haven't used it for so long. Well, looks like you passed out, dude. Probably I ever did it at the gym or something. I don't even remember going to the gym. My mind is hazy and taking time to adjust to this new yet familiar reality.

How long was I out for? My voice is weak. My body's still gathering energy. Not sure. About an hour. You were lucky you had someone smart to help you. Smart? Yeah. Penelope heard you fall, then called me, so I came over and... My mind, all of a sudden, remembering the memories of that night before. The madness. The searching. Penelope.

I panted as I heard her name. Yeah, man, she's right here. Alex steps out of the way. and there she is. I see her, the most beautiful treasure I ever did see. She looks to me, as we make eye contact,

an overjoyed smile appears on her face. She comes dashing over to me and hugs me whilst I'm laying on the floor. Her warm embrace, oh, it was like a shot of sheer delight, like an electric shot straight to the heart. You're okay, little one. I'm fine

Oh good I held her so tight I'm surprised I didn't hurt her You're okay man Alex I'm sure Could see that this cuddle with my daughter meant so much more

Yeah This is what heaven must feel like My eyes start to well up If this isn't heaven Then I don't know what is Don't start with that rubbish come on get up i've got stuff to do penelope lets go of me and gives me the opportunity to stand up as i slowly lift myself the sensation of legs just again takes a while to get used to it was a little bit uneasy but it was all coming back to me now

you're going to be okay man Alex's concern was heartfelt and well needed I felt like I'd been away for several lifetimes, not to mention that hell. No matter, I'm back now. All that matters is the here and now. Yeah, don't worry, I'll be fine. Not sure if I'll be able to sleep tonight, but I'm sure I will be okay in time. Okay, well, if you need me, just come knocking. Or get a little girl to save your us again. Alex pokes his tongue out towards Penelope, and she does the same. their relationship is like that. Alex pats me on the back, then proceeds to leave my house. When he does, I take another look at my girl.

The euphoric feeling is still with me. How about we watch a film? There was no way I was going to let her out of my sight any time soon. Plus, I'm still a bit shaken, so maybe watching a movie will take my mind off the recent trauma. You mean I can stay up late? she said with a hopeful and somewhat joyful tone yeah why not it's a reward for waking me up she quickly rushes to the couch and jumps on it much like if it was a bouncy castle she turns the tv on ready for me to select a film can i have some water please daddy not a bad idea strange thing is i've forgotten what anything tastes like a smile at penelope to acknowledge her request. I take my time to walk over to the kitchen sink, still getting used to the sensation

of physical movement. As I start filling a glass with water, I can hear the TV in the background. It was on the news channel. I remember now, just before all this lunacy happened. This is an emergency announcement. We have confirmed reports from around the globe of members of the public experiencing bouts of nausea and causing people to fall unconscious. What the? I turned to face the TV in disbelief. We are having reports of planes falling from the sky, trains derailing and multiple car pile-ups from around the world. We cannot tell what is causing this, or how many people have been affected, but it's likely to be in the millions with the death toll expected to rise. Some

reports are coming in now where members of the public who regain consciousness have experienced hallucinations and we're also getting reports of, wait, yes, we are getting unconfirmed reports of people disintegrating. You heard me correctly, people are turning to dust. Oh, it wasn't a nightmare, and it wasn't just me. This was happening to untold millions around the world. But before I can react, over fills with water and I feel a sharp pain as the water pours over my hand. I quickly look around to check and there I can see small droplets of blood in the sink falling from a cut on my fist. It was real every moment. Wait, Alex! I scream his name and rush to the door. As I open it, I straight.

straight away looked to his house, and I can see him. In the distance, I can hear the sound of screams and panic, as the devastation runs amok through this reality. Alex! He turns to me, and I can see it, the start of his demise. I have witnessed the destruction on buildings, landscape and such, but not on a person, a living, breathing human being. As Alex turns to me, I can see his face.

His eyes bloodshot as if vessels had burst behind the spongy tissue. He goes to shout back, but as he does, he notices his skin starting to flake and peel away. He looks down to his hands, now holding them in front of him in disbelief. He looks back at me and screams, Help! I can't move. Paralyzed with feet. I don't want to watch it, but I can't help it.

My body is frozen. My eyes fixated on Alex. He looks back to his hands. Each strip of skin that flakes off, peels away, and the sound of it tearing is much like the sound of paper being ripped. Alex screams in pure agony. Each flake of skin blowing away in the wind reveals his unprotected muscles, tendons and tissue. He moves his hands, seeing each individual tendon contract and relax,

working together with his muscles to form each individual movement. As his flesh is now exposed to the elements, droplets of blood drips to the ground. His white shirt, now showing patches of red marks, as his body starts to decompose. Massive clumps of skin escape his shirt through the arm and neck openings, almost seeming like they had purpose, The flakes drifting away and fading to nothing.

Help, please! Alex's cry for help is matched by a tear running down his face. Crying for help, but again, I cannot move. The tears soon turn to blood. A gust of wind brings a smell of ion to my senses. Fresh blood in the air, as if death itself was part of the elements. Alex starts to walk towards me In a desperate manner

Hands out in front But as he takes his last step He begins to wobble He looks down And a pool of blood flows from his trousers And stains the cold granite ground He looks back at me And with a whimper

He begs for one last act of kindness Please Kill me Ah The agony intensifies Now holding his head in his hands Alex almost begins to shrink As his muscles starts to melt

And his bones crumble to dust Now to his ankles The screams are piercing my skull Alex moves his head from his hands And now my mind will be forever etched with this image His face Decomposing right in front of me I can still see his expressions

But only through muscle movement The muscles begin to melt away from his skull, dripping down his clothes and in clumps falling to the ground. There's a sudden snap, and Alex's thigh bones crack, and now Alex has completely fallen to the ground. Laying on his back, he pushes himself up. The feeling of cold, sharp stone on his bare exposed hands pales in comparison to the horror in front of him. Blood, still pouring from his body, openings and tears in his muscles are now starting to reveal, the inner workings of the human body. Alex lifts up his shirt, and in complete disbelief, he starts to see his core muscles

liquefy away, exposing the bodily systems that keep us alive. His digestive system is the first to be exposed. Much like pinching yourself to see if you're awake. Alex, now completely mad in agony, pushes his hand into his bowels and pulls on the intestines, like putty in his hands, the... The blood drips in between his exposed fingers. The muscles from his chest corrode and disintegrate, revealing his ribcage and the vital organs. I can see it, happening right in front of me, and yet my body still won't obey my command to move.

Alex's heart is pumping with pure adrenaline. His lungs expand and shrink at a rapid rate. I can see the inner workings of his body, a sight nobody alive. should see. Alex takes another look at me. His eyes begin to boil and fuss. Blood burst from the sockets, and Alex collapses back to the hard ground.

Watching someone die is one thing, but seeing their system shut down one by one is another. His heart begins to slow down. His lungs relax and fail to expand once more. I watch as his heart. heart beats its last, whereas mine feels like it's stuck in my throat. The rest of his body begins to dissolve and flutter away in the wind. Blood soaked skin, bone and sinew, now specks of dust in the air. A gust of wind brings his remains closer to me. Eventually, a few of his flakes of

skin, soaked in blood, land on my face and clothes. Again, I'm unable to move them, unable to move them, unable to process what I have just seen. Another rush of the wind blows the skin away to the night sky. All that is left of Alex is a pool of blood. What's remaining are just bones, crumbling away. This is real. I know it is. But reality, well, the one I knew anyway, is now gone.

Daddy, something's wrong. A faint whimper from inside the house I can't bear to turn around But I somehow managed to pull myself away from the side of Alex's bloody grave As I turn I see her Sitting there pointing at the TV She's fine

I whisper But I realise that there is no god They can't be Not after what I have just seen If there is well he's going to pay. I walk back in the house. Eyes filled with a watery glaze.

I now feel almost numb. I point to the TV to issue my next instruction. Turn it off, please. Penelope, go to your room, right now. I shout so loud it made a jump out of his seat.

She turns to face me, and her look is one of shock and disappointment. "'But you said.' "'Before she could finish, "'I quickly interrupt with a sharp command. "'I don't care what I said. "'Just go to a room and close the door.

"'You do not come out. "'No matter what, you stay in your room. "'Clear?' "'My eyes begin to hurt, "'and my voice crackles in pain. "'Okay, okay. "'She shrugs her shoulders, "'then reluctantly walks up the stairs.

"'Penelope. Yes, Daddy? I love you, more than anything in this world. You know that right? Yeah, I know. Good night. Good night, little one. She continues to walk up the stairs.

I hear her close the bedroom door. Good. I don't want her to see what happens next. And so once again, reach the end of tonight's podcast. My thanks as always to the authors of those wonderful stories and to you for taking the time to listen. Now, I'd ask one small favor of you. Wherever you get your podcast from, please write a few nice words and leave a five-star review as it really helps the podcast. That's it for this week, but I'll be back again same time, same place, and I do so hope you'll join me once more.

Until next time, sweet dreams and bye-bye.